Guyana Times Tuesday February 18, 2020

Political P attacks take new twist

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…impugn integrity of Times Media Group Nationwide coverage from the best news team in Guyana guyanatimesgy.com

Issue No. 4200

THE BEACON OF TRUTH TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2020

Massive reduction of polling places by …sure to induce chaos, voter GECOM suppression – PPP/C Chief Scrutineer T

he People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C), in working out the logistics of ensuring that voters are facilitated to exercise their constitutionally guaranteed sovereign franchise, from the list of Polling Stations submitted by GECOM, discerned very disturbing trends countrywide.

Giving examples, the Party on Monday evening stated that in one district on the East Coast of Demerara – from Mon Repos and Foulis – Polling Stations have been reduced and this could hinder persons’ constitutional right on March 2, 2020.

Speaking with Guyana Times, PPP/C Chief Scrutineer Zulfikar Mustapha said that the decision by GECOM to reduce the polling places will now displace persons and cause chaos. In Mon Repos, there are approximately 10,000 voters registered, yet

only two Places of Poll – Mon Repos Nursery School and Mon Repos Primary School – have now been designated to facilitate them.

Mon Repos comprises several sections – Mon Repos North, Mon Repos Housing Scheme, Mon Repos Market Square, Mon Repos Squatting Area, Mon Repos Richardsville, Marthasville Block CC and Block 8 – which are widely dispersed.

From the data provided, approximately 7000 voters will now be funnelled into Mon Repos Primary School to cast their ballots.

This is a recipe for chaos since, based on our history of past elections, most of these voters will be arriving at the Place of Poll in the early hours of the morning or in the evening. In the last elections, Mon Repos had 19 polling places, which allowed a very orderly flow of voters and the voting was in-

cident-free.

This, he said, is an alarming pattern and has been repeated in Good Hope where the polling places have been reduced from 10 to 3; and in Lusignan, from 20 to 3. A large number of persons from Foulis have now been transferred to vote at Paradise Primary School, which is two miles west of Foulis.

The experience at Paradise Primary School in the 2015 elections suggests what may occur when so many persons have to traverse long distances to reach their Place of Poll and be herded to stand in long lines for hours before they can cast their ballot. The Commissioner of Police had to dispatch Riot Police to break up crowds at this Place of Poll and to permit the PPP’s Polling Agents and Statements of Poll to exit. CONTINUED ON PAGE 3

APNU/AFC’s cash grant for students not guaranteed

… “feasibility” study to be conducted - coalition manifesto Page 3 … single parents', elderly assistance uncertain See story on page 12

Fire guts Sachi Store on Regent Street

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$80 VAT INCLUDED

WHAT'S INSIDE:

AK-47 gang P5 busted at Police roadblock Warden jailed for smuggling ganja into Camp Street Prison P7

5 suspected bandits nabbed in Berbice P12 Motorcyclist dies after P5 losing control of bike …crashes into car, pillion rider hospitalised

Kitty man charged for P8 robbing teen on seawall

“Pretty Boy” on bail for P15 resisting arrest, assaulting cop Teen killed in hit and run P10

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TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

NEWS

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TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

BRIDGE OPENINGS

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

Tuesday, February 18 – 13:30h – 15:00h and Wednesday, February 19 – 02:30h – 04:00h and 14:30h – 16:00h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Tuesday, February 18 – 12:50h – 14:20h and Wednesday, February 19 – 13:45h - 15:15h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY There will be sunny intervals during the day.

There will be clear skies at night. Temperatures should range between 20 degrees Celsius and 30 degrees Celsius.

APNU/AFC’s cash grant for students not guaranteed …“feasibility” study to be conducted – coalition manifesto …single parents’, elderly assistance uncertain

T

hough it is campaigning on a promise to provide cash grants for schoolchildren, the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) coalition’s manifesto reveals that the

initiative may not be possible after all, as a feasibility study would first have to be conducted.

An initiative first introduced by the previous People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C)

Massive reduction of polling...

Winds: East North-Easterly to North-Easterly between 1.34 metres and 5.36 metres.

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Low Tide: 18:46h reaching a minimum height of 1.00 metre.

GECOM Chair, Retired Justice Claudette Singh

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Administration, the cash grant for schoolchildren was immediately cancelled by the incumbent coalition upon its assumption to office in 2015.

Now that the country is heading to the polls in

“We are seeing this pattern repeating across the country, particularly in the rural and hinterland areas where the distances to be traversed are even more daunting and consequently more likely to precipitate logistical disenfranchisement.”

Unfortunately, he added, the party can only conclude that this massive reduction in polling places by GECOM, through design or inadvertence, is sure to cause at a minimum, a discouragement to voters to cast their franchise or at maximum, create a situation on March 2 that will descend into chaos and destroy any hope of peaceful and orderly elections.

“We call upon GECOM to immediately rectify this explosive situation which can derail our incipient democratic order. We call upon the Guyanese people, the international community and the international observer groups [to] raise their voices against this unreasonable fettering of the right to vote so as to ensure that the General and Regional Elections are free and fair.

He noted that instead of making the process as simple as possible, GECOM is now moving the Polling Stations away from persons which will not only inconvenience voters but frustrate them.

Mustapha added that he wrote Chief Elections Officer Keith Lowenfield, on this matter, objecting to the decision and also made viable recommendations. He added that his letter has not even been acknowledged

by Lowenfield. The party’s Chief Scrutineer added that he hopes that the international observers in Guyana are taking note of the length at which the legitimate machinery is being used to frustrate voters.

GECOM Chief Elections Officer Keith Lowenfield

Discriminatory

Meanwhile, Former Attorney General, Anil Nandlall in a social media post on Monday evening said that GECOM has made a decision to use only public buildings as Polling Stations.

This decision, he said, must be reviewed.

“It will cause confusion, chaos, tremendous hardship and inconvenience on polling day, because some communities which have thousands of voters, only have one or two public buildings, whilst others, have many public buildings.”

According to Nandlall,

FROM PAGE 1

this inequitable distribution of polling places is discriminatory in so far as it gives electorates in certain communities easier access to voting places than others.

“In my view, this amounts to suppression if not a denial of persons’ constitutional right to vote. This strikes at the heart of the democratic process…No elector should be subjected to such unnecessary hardships to exercise his or her franchise. The community of Mon Repos, for example, had 19 polling places in the 2015, for 2020, that have been reduced to two. I wish to draw this issue to the attention of the observer teams and the international community and request their urgent intervention,” Nandlall added.

APNU/AFC Presidential Candidate David Granger

March, the coalition has floated the promise to reintroduce the project.

However, a close examination of its manifesto reveals that the reinstatement of the initiative is conditional.

The manifesto, released just last week, states that a feasibility study will first have to be conducted, before it is decided whether the cash grant initiative can be restored. In fact, this applies to all of the promises of conditional cash transfers, including grants for single parents and the elderly.

TURN TO PAGE 8

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guyanatimesgy.com

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2020

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

Using technology to curb traffic violations

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ver the past weeks, several persons have died on Guyana’s roadways. This is reminiscent of the unprecedented number of fatal road accidents that had occurred within a fairly short period of time late last year.

The sudden and shocking death of someone close, especially due to an accident, can never be easily accepted. The ensuing excruciating pain and mental trauma that are inflicted on surviving relatives can be unbearable.

In a fleeting moment, families were plunged into sadness and despair, having received the dreadful news that an accident had taken the life of someone dear to them. That’s the painful result, and often, its real and lingering impact may be hidden from the spotlight of the media.

The reality is that people, including those who survive an accident, suffer in unimaginable ways. The recent spate of accidents even prompted some to ask the question: How many more? One interpretation from that simple question speaks to whether lessons are being learnt from accidents over time. In other words, how many more have to die before better care is being taken while using the roadways?

Given what has taken place on our roadways, one could not be faulted for concluding that the ramifications of the accidents may not have inspired more responsible behaviours. However, judging from sentiments expressed on social media, it appears that more cognisance has seemingly being brought to the mindsets of many.

Judging from what continues to take place on the roadways, it seems clear that many drivers have not learnt anything, or are clearly refusing to even be bothered by the harrowing fatal accidents.

On a daily basis, many drivers use the roadways in a very reckless manner, thereby endangering occupants, other road users, and even themselves. It becomes painful to see how they manoeuvre, seemingly without an iota of care for others. Again, it brings into question the role of law enforcement to try and curb such irresponsible behaviours, especially since some traffic violations do occur in the presence of Police.

Many of those violations involve a minibus. It begs another question: If members of the public can take the time and effort to highlight daily traffic violations on which the Police sometimes intervene, why can’t the Police themselves use the CCTV cameras in a sustained effort to make defaulters face the law? Millions of taxpayers’ dollars were used to procure and mount those cameras; therefore, their value must be to benefit the public.

The recently-launched Police WhatsApp account, intended to receive pictures and videos of traffic violations captured by members of the public, is most welcome.

In recent times, persons have shared videos and photos on social media, highlighting various traffic offences that they would have witnessed. In many cases, these videos went viral.

However, importantly, the Police must holistically demonstrate that sense of commitment to genuinely collaborate with members of the public to collectively tackle the situation.

This becomes even more necessary given that, generally, the Police’s image in clamping down on errant drivers is not very flattering, especially since many policemen are believed to own minibuses and taxis. The pain people feel is real and crushing. The question of “how many more” is therefore relevant, and the cries for mitigating actions must no longer seemingly fall on deaf ears.

ARE WE GOING TO BE ON TV? Students of Belle West Primary School, Canal Number Two, West Bank Demerara paying keen attention to TVG Channel 28’s Delroy Dash as he explains the workings of the television studio. The students were touring the Times Media Group operations

Your and your children’s future depend on your vote Dear Editor, The Joint Services are about to cast their ballots later this week in what is called the “mother of all elections.” It is called the mother of all elections for the simple fact that much is at stake here; you are talking about a country that is now an oil-producing state and everyone wants to be a part of that oil wealth. It is also important to note that we have a Government that, from all indicators, is on it’s way out but sadly refuses to respect all the legal channels that are showing them

the exit sign, out.

And here is where the problem lies, a party in Government that refuses to respect laws and standards or anything for that matter that spells for the smooth running of the democratic process where an election is concerned, this is criminal behaviour that must be tackled head-on before the casting of our ballots. Although they see the telltale signs before them, they are stoutly refusing to adhere to norms and standards. This is outrageous, to say the least!

Right now, they are making

grandiose promises to the electorate to try and bamboozle them into voting for them. but this ruse will not work and I shall highlight a few of these.

The Joint Services who go before the general populace must face the facts that this Government never cared nor have they any regard for their welfare or well-being. It is the very same Government that took away their Christmas bonuses and replaced it with the foolish “kith and kin argument” that the PPP/C Government who institut-

ed it was bribing them to do its bidding and nothing else.

Well, that couldn’t be further from the truth because if the PNC so considers the Joint Services as their “own buddies” then they should have been the ones at the forefront to take care of our Joint Services in a substantial way. Buying a few rejected helicopters to fly party officials around in grand style while I the simple joint serviceman grovel in poverty is actually telling me that the “good life” only belongs to them and not me.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 5

Guyana can ill-afford another ‘small party’ experiment in 2020 Dear Editor, M Maxwell has engaged in unpalatable ethnic-based campaigning as he seeks to champion the cause of a segment of the population he described as ‘mixed-race’, in so doing Maxwell characterises the majority of Guyanese society as racial. Maxwell said “The unequivocal trend in the last two censuses show the mixed-race ethnic group is the fastest-growing in Guyana”, Maxwell may want to consider from whence the ‘mixed-race’ population sprung before he labels their parents in such an irresponsible manner.

All of the political parties contesting the upcoming elections have signed the Ethnic Relations Commission’s Code of Conduct but they are not the only persons expected to abide by those rules.

I expect the media monitoring arm of the ERC will have something to say on this missive soon enough.

Maxwell’s characterisa-

tion of the PPP and APNU/ AFC as “race giants” and his statement that “…the raw ethnic tribalism on display from the PPP and the PNC arm of APNU in this election season…” shows that he (Maxwell) is out of touch and has probably not gone to a single meeting or rally held by the PPP/C during this campaign and is using creative license to perpetuate a stereotypical narrative. It is untrue and should M Maxwell have any evidence to the contrary, it should be provided to the ERC forthwith.

A case for any political party or group can/should be made based on the vision; views; expertise; a record of performance; abilities and the character of their candidates and/ or leaders. Does the party have a plan for Guyana’s future and can it, for example, translate those words on paper into bridges over rivers? Or will they become bogged down with endless prevarication and feasibil-

ity studies? All ethnicities have suffered equally under the present Government, and all Guyanese are looking for the best possible representation in the future.

Who better to represent the people than the largest multi-ethnic party in the country? The PPP/C remains the best hope for all Guyanese; it has a national platform where all races and creeds are represented. The PPP/C has an enviable track record of performance and delivery of promises; having moved the country from the poorest in the hemisphere in 1992 (HIPC) to freedom from IMF control in 2006 to a point where the airport was being enlarged and modernised for positioning as a hub, an international hotel was constructed (Marriott) and tourism was on the way to becoming another pillar of the economy, the bridge over the Berbice River was built and one over the Corentyne linking Suriname was envisioned.

All parties can make their pitch to the public in hopes of support; to do so based on ethnicity is intellectually lazy, inherently racist and morally wrong.

The often expressed view that better governance would be achieved if smaller parties held seats in ‘a balance of power’ is a fallacy as proven when the AFC held the balance and used it to stymie progress, cut budgets and end important infrastructure projects such as the Specialty Hospital and the 160 MW Amaila Falls Hydropower Project. The irony of David Patterson hustling a deal for a 47MW power generator with Wartsila on the eve of elections is not lost on many; the chickens of his ‘small party’ actions have come home to roost. Guyana can ill-afford another ‘small party’ experiment in 2020.

Respectfully, Robin Singh

NEWS

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TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Motorcyclist dies after losing control of bike …crashes into car, pillion rider hospitalised

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26-year-old motorcyclist is the country’s latest road fatality after losing control of his bike, CH 3342, while reportedly speeding along the East Bank Demerara (EBD) Public Road on Sunday afternoon.

Dead is Calwin Nichols of Lot 407 Fourth Street, Kaneville, Grove, EBD. Nichols along with his 28-year-old female pillion rider were both without helmets when the accident occurred at Diamond Access Road, EBD. The woman is currently hospitalised.

According to Police, at about 16:45h on Sunday.

The driver of motor car PNN 3622, which was driven by a 44-year-old resident of Block X Diamond Housing Scheme, EBD, was proceeding east along the northern carriageway while Nichols was proceeding west along the southern carriageway.

According to the driver, the biker was speeding and while in the vicinity of a popular snackette in the area, he lost control of the motorcycle.

As a result, the motorcycle skidded and then crashed into the right front wheel

of the vehicle which at that time had been stationary.

The driver told the cops that after observing from a short distance that the motorcyclist was speeding and riding dangerously, he stopped.

As a result of the impact, both Nichols and the female pillion rider received injuries.

They were both rushed to the EBD Regional Hospital, commonly referred to as the Diamond Diagnostic Centre, where the motorcyclist succumbed to his injuries while receiving medical attention.

A post-mortem examination (PME) conducted on Monday morning revealed that Nichols died from multiple injuries.

Meanwhile, the driver of

the car, who passed a breathalyser test, is presently in Police custody assisting with the investigation.

Just nine days ago, a 57-year-old pedal cyclist was struck down by a minibus bearing the registration BXX 3501 at Planters Hall Public Road, Mahaicony, East Coast Demerara (ECD).

The now dead man was identified as Terrence D’Aguiar of Lot 2 Cottage, Mahaicony, ECD. According to information, the minibus, BXX 3501, was driven by a 49-year-old resident of BB Eccles, EBD, at the time of the accident.

Reports are that at about 18:00h, the minibus was proceeding west along the southern side of the public road while D’Aguiar was in front

of the vehicle, peddling his bicycle in the same direction.

The minibus driver told the cops that D’Aguiar made a sudden “right turn” (south to north) and this caused the front left side of his vehicle to collide with the man.

He alleged that as a result of the collision, the pedal cyclist fell onto the road where he received visible injuries to his head and to the neck. Upon arrival at the

hospital, D’Aguiar was pronounced dead on arrival.

A breathalyser test was conducted on the driver but no trace of alcohol was detected.

Three days prior, former national cyclist, Jude Bentley was killed in an early morning accident on the Rupert Craig Highway in the vicinity of the Russian Embassy turn.

The accident occurred at

about 05:30h when 41-yearold Bentley, who owns Jude’s Bike Shop on Robb Street, was riding a bicycle, heading up the East Coast of Demerara.

The vehicle which struck him was driven by Retired Rear Admiral Gary Best.

Best was subjected to two breathalyser tests. He failed both tests but was nevertheless released on $100,000 station bail.

AK-47 gang busted at Police roadblock

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embers of the Major Crime Unit of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) have arrested four members of a notorious AK-47 gang.

The men were intercepted at a road block at the Number 51 Police Station.

During a search of the car, pieces of dark clothing, along with face masks and other items, were discovered.

According to reports, the men provided investigators with information which suggest that they were part of a notorious AK-47 gang which robbed several busi-

nesses and citizens on the Corentyne and in East Canje in the past.

They also took investigators to a location where they had buried a 9mm pistol.

In addition, the Police were told about an AK-47 assault rifle they used to commit several robberies.

Among the robberies which the gang members reportedly confessed to were that of Chennick and Sons Supermarket and the Western Union outlet in Betsy Ground and another at John’s Settlement.

On December 14, 2019, a businessman was shot and

beaten when eight men entered a supermarket at East Canje.

The bandits escaped with a vault and the owner’s car, which was later found abandoned some distance away.

On February 9, bandits relieved a family of a quantity of jewellery and a bag containing $200,000. They were also given an undisclosed sum of cash by the victims during the ordeal.

Police are in the process of preparing their file to be sent to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) for advice on the way forward.

PPP/C always has vision to develop this country, APNU/AFC “gaffing” Dear Editor, We as Guyanese are more equipped with a vast wealth of knowledge and should not fall prey to APNU/AFC ‘s storytelling. The statistical data at hand and development that has occurred under the PPP/C speaks purely to vision and leadership for this nation.

Let us consider some aspects which are key drivers

for the economic development and growth of Guyana, and these were on paper or implemented by visionaries, PPP/C team. · The construction of a recognised branded hotel in Guyana, The Marriott. This would cater to oil and gas development along with an increase in tourism activities. · The expansion of the International Airport

(CJIA). This would cater for the increase in visitors, both leisure and business. Think about Guyana being the air hub for South America. · The expansion of the East Bank and East Coast corridors. · The construction of a specialty hospital. This would have enhanced the delivery of specialised health care and visitors’ confidence

Your and your children’s...

Here is where reality steps glaringly in, the Joint Services have families too and mouths to feed, just like any one of us, they have mortgages with which to service as well as other finances to support their own homes.

I feel the shame, I feel the hurt when those very Joint Service persons have to humiliatingly face banking institutions to refinance their loans all because of the manmade disaster caused by a visionless Government. I feel their shame and to think of it, the PNC-led coalition did nothing to alleviate their sufferings. The truth is the Joint Services have every right to a comfortable life just like anyone else and for this reason, I urge them to take a cold hard look at the situation and make that all-important decision come voting day.

Vote for the party that lifted you up and made your circumstances worth living.

I must also say vote for a

caring and respectful party; one who respects the rights, safety and welfare of its servicemen. You should settle for nothing less, you deserve of the best from any Government for that matter. To our servicemen, you are not lackeys or appendages for and to any party, you are professional people who in return ought to be treated with dignity and respect.

Further, we will not forget the horrible and atrocious way our Joint Services was treated when certain individuals were out on a rampage. Who were the intellectual authors behind the freedom fighter movement?

Then I must ask the question who supported the criminals who massacred innocent lives in their sleep and dared the police to go into certain troubled communities? Who were the people who were heard shouting “kill the police,” when they tried to quell the marauding mob, tell me who?

I can go on to ask question after question to which only the PNC has the answers. But I must hasten to a close hereby issuing the clarion call to our brothers and sisters in the Joint

in such a facility. · Construction of recreational centres such as the National Stadium, facilities at Lenora, Turkeyen, etc. · Construction of a Conference Centre.

Additionally, if we consider the plans for Hydroelectricity, the country would have benefited by now from cheaper, cleaner and reliable source of elec-

FROM PAGE 4

Services to think wisely when you vote! Your future, as well as your children’s future, depend on it.

Respectfully, Neil Adams

tricity. The “spin-off” would have been an emerging manufacturing sector for Guyana including the creation of employment for all Guyanese.

To the “gaff” from APNU/ AFC, they are boasting of job creation and establishment of factories as it relates to the agriculture sector. Can we have some quantitative data to support how many jobs were created? How

many factories were built?

Also, budgetary allocation to a sector doesn’t represent development. Vision and plans are executed by leaders who have the competencies to manage these budgetary allocations prudently. These leaders are only found within the PPP/C team.

Yours sincerely, Praim Persaud

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TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2020

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A

s the Mash season draws to a climax and close and tests loom, it is even more critical that we get organised for school.

Learning how to get organised, stay focused, and get things done are must-have skills when it comes to managing your schoolwork. Beyond helping you get good grades, these skills help you in just about everything in life. The more you practise, the better you’ll get.

Get organised Organise your stuff. Being organised makes everything else easier. It helps you get to work faster without wasting time looking for stuff.

Keep your assignments and class information organised by subject. Put them in binders, notebooks, or folders. If you find yourself stuffing loose papers in your bag or grabbing different notebooks for the same class, it’s time to stop and reorganise!

Clean out your backpack regularly. Decide where to keep returned assignments and things you want to hold on to. Offload things you no longer need to carry around.

Organise your space. You need a good workspace – someplace quiet enough to focus. It’s best to work at a desk or table where you can spread out your work. Have a place set aside for homework.

Foundation

That way, when you sit down, your mind knows you’re there to work and can help you focus more quickly.

Organise your time. Use a planner or organization app to

keep track of your schoolwork: Write down all your assignments and when they’re due.

Break big projects into parts. Note the dates when each part needs to be completed. Mark in your planner when you’ll work on each part.

Mark the dates you’ll have tests, then make a note of when you’ll study for them.

Don’t leave things until the last minute – you’ll only end up working twice as hard to

do half as well. One sure way to reduce test anxiety is to prepare by studying (really!).

Enter other activities on your calendar – such as team practices, drama rehearsals, plans with friends, etc. This helps you see ahead of time when things might get too busy to get all your work done.

Use your planner to schedule what time you’ll do your schoolwork on days you have other activities.

Get focused Avoid distractions.

When you multi-task you’re less focused.

That means you’re less likely to do well on that test. Park your devices and only check them after your work is done.

Some people concentrate best when it’s quiet. Others say they study best if they listen to background music. If you study with music on, make sure it isn’t going to sidetrack you into singing the lyrics and dancing all over your room. If you find yourself reading the same page over and over, it’s a clue that the music is a distraction, not a help.

Take breaks. Taking a short break between assignments can help your mind stay fresh and focused.

Get up from your desk, move, stretch, or walk around to clear your head. Allow your mind to absorb what you’ve just studied. Break time is when you can put on a song that makes you dance and sing! Just make sure you get back to your studies in a few

minutes.

Refocus yourself. If you find yourself getting distracted and thinking about other things, pull your attention back into study mode as soon as possible. Remind yourself that now it’s time to stay on task.

Get it done!

Stay focused as you do the final steps and details.

Encourage yourself – you’re almost at the finish line! Check your completed work. Put your work into the right folder or binder. Pack up your backpack for tomorrow. Now you’ve got it DONE. In summary, here’s a quick checklist of things that can help you organize, focus, and get it done: DO know your deadlines.

DO make a calendar of stages and final due dates.

DO include social events on this calendar for time management.

DO understand the assignment and expectations.

DO give yourself a quiet place to study with all the materials you need.

DO give yourself brief breaks.

DON’T put work off until the last minute; you’ll be too frantic to focus.

DON’T do your homework late at night or in bed.

DON’T let yourself be bored. Find the aspect of the project or paper that interests you. If you’re dying of boredom, something’s not right.

If you need more tips on staying focused, ask a teacher, school counsellor, or a parent for help. It’s their job to assist in your learning. (kidshealth. org)

Take A Letter:

Citizen writer writing challenge

Sir Walter Raleigh, Pirate?!

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TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

GuySuCo’s proposed salary increase insignificant – GAWU …accuses GuySuCo of being mischievous

T

he Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) is accusing the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) of being mischievous and misleading the sugar workers, and by extension the nation, when it announced a 5 per cent increase in salaries.

The Union, in a press statement, said it noted reports of the announcement which was premised on misinformation. GuySuCo, in a statement, said it is debunking claims by GAWU that it had offered sugar workers a 1 per cent increase.

“The GAWU, being respectful to the discussions, had not divulged any detail regarding the Corporation’s proposal save and except to say that a proposal had been put forward and there were certain aspects which the Union found agreement with and others which we disagreed with. We, therefore, are at a loss how is it that GuySuCo would seek to communicate that our Union informed the public about a 1 per cent increase,” GAWU said in a statement.

In an effort to clarify the misconceptions, GAWU explained that GuySuCo has only offered a 5 per cent pay rise for workers engaged in piece-rated activities. For those engaged in time-rated work, it has proposed a

Flashback: Sugar workers picketing the Ministry of the Presidency

$20 increase for those at the Band One level and $18 for those who are in Bands Two to Five.

The Union noted that those increases range between 4.1 to 7.84 per cent.

Apart from that, GuySuCo has proposed a $4000 per month increase for monthly-paid employees, which is equivalent to a 3.9 per cent increase at the minimum level for foremen and 4.62 per cent for charge hands.

GAWU explained that the Corporation wishes to implement the new increases from January 1, 2020.

“The GAWU, after consulting workers, has put to the Corporation that no worker receives less than a 5 per cent pay increase.

Importantly, the Union and the workers have stressed that the increases be retroactive to January 01, 2019. Such stance is tak-

en against the background that the Union and the Corporation discussions regarded the GAWU’s claims for 2019 and thus any increase ought to be implemented from the beginning of that year. It was at this point that the parties ended their discussions last Wednesday (February 12, 2019),” the statement related.

Additionally, GAWU said that GuySuCo’s finger-pointing is pointless and unhelpful, noting that it would have to reconsider its statements when it comes to engagements with the sugar corporation.

On February 7 this year, the incumbent Administration surprisingly offered an increase in wages to workers on the sugar belt – something which they have been calling for over the years.

It came just days after workers staged a picketing exercise outside the Ministry of the Presidency on Tuesday last, calling for pay hikes.

In an earlier statement, GAWU said the day after picketing, an invitation was extended for the Union to meet with GuySuCo officials and during the engagement, the proposal was made. “…the sugar corporation informed that it approved certain pay increases to the sugar workers.”

This move comes on the heels of sugar workers being

snubbed by the Government when it announced salary increases for the public sector in November last year.

On Tuesday last, sugar workers from Uitvlugt, Blairmont and Albion Estates gathered in front of the Ministry of the Presidency to continue their pleas for wage increases, which they are yet to benefit from since 2015 when the APNU/AFC coalition took office.

According to the Union, the workers were staunch in their demand for a deserving pay increase as they maintained that they

were discriminated against.

During the campaign trail leading up to the 2015 elections, the APNU/AFC coalition promised sugar workers 20 per cent wage hikes together with a “good life”. But after securing the votes from the sugar belt to get into office, the coalition instead downsized the industry to just three sugar estates, shutting down the Wales, East Demerara (Enmore), Rose Hall and Skeldon factories which resulted in some 7000 sugar workers being placed on the breadline.

Warden jailed for smuggling ganja into Camp Street Prison

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prison warden, who was caught with cannabis in a bag at the Camp Street Prison, Georgetown in June 2019 was on Monday jailed for three years after sufficient evidence was found against him when the trial concluded at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

The ruling was handed down by Magistrate Rondel Weever against Cleon Webster.

Webster, 22, of Golden Grove, West Coast Berbice, initially denied the charge when it was read to him during his first court appearance.

Jailed: Cleon Webster

The charge stated that on June 14, 2019, at Camp Street Prison, Georgetown, he had 120 grams of cannabis in his possession for the purpose of trafficking.

The prosecution had contended that on the day in question, Webster was entering the Prison to report for duty when he was stopped and searched. It was during that search that the cannabis was discovered in the bag that he was carrying. The court also heard that he told the officers who carried out the search that the bag belonged to his sister.

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Kitty man charged for robbing teen on seawall

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wenty-six-year-old Rawledon Marshall of Pike Street, Kitty, Georgetown, was on Monday charged and remanded to prison on a robbery charge.

Marshall, a vendor, appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts and denied that on February 10 at Kitty, Georgetown, he robbed Masecion Hartman of a quantity of items including a phone, hat, charger and cash all amounting to $180,040.

The charge was read by Magistrate Sherdel IsaacsMarcus.

Prosecutor Quinn Harris in presenting facts of the case told the court that on February 10, the Virtual Complainant (VC) was at

Rawledon Marshall being escorted out of court

the seawall when Marshall suddenly approached and pushed him to the ground.

Harris stated that whilst on the ground, Marshall began kicking the VC to the head as he relieved him of his belongings, before escaping. The VC then reported the matter to the police and Marshall was taken into custody.

Objections to bail were made by the prosecutor, citing the penalty and nature of the charge as well as its prevalence.

As such, Magistrate Isaacs-Marcus upheld the prosecution’s submission and remanded Marshall to prison. The case was adjourned to March 4, 2020.

Chief Magistrate releases 2018 rape accused on bail

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ne year after being wanted for rape, 26-year-old Esmund Adams appeared before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan on Monday, where he was released on bail.

Adams was not required to plea to the charge, which

detailed that between December 1 and 31, 2018, at Princes and Adelaide Streets, Wortmanville, Georgetown, he engaged in sexual penetration with a girl under the age of 16.

The matter was held in camera inside the Chief Magistrate’s courtroom.

This newspaper was told that the rape reportedly occurred at Princes and Adelaide Streets, Wortmanville, but the accused allegedly took the underage girl and went into hiding at a house in another location.

A family member man-

aged to locate the child afterwards and return her home, while Adams evaded Police apprehension until he was arrested in December 2019. He was released on $150,000 bail.

The case will continue on February 25, 2020.

Mason jailed in absentia for narcotrafficking to start serving sentence …after being charged for similar offence

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fter being sentenced in absentia to four years in prison for narcotics trafficking, 30-year-old Terry Gittens will now begin serving that jail time. He appeared before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan on Monday charged for a similar offence.

Gittens, of South

Ruimveldt, Georgetown, pleaded not guilty to the charge, which stated that on February 15 at Fourth Avenue, Bartica, Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni), he had in his possession 1314 grams of marijuana for the purpose of trafficking.

According to facts presented to the court, Police ranks acting on information

APNU/AFC’s cash...

Duplicitous

In a radio interview on Monday, Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo called out the Government for being duplicitous on the matter, after pondering on the fact that the same government which once took away this grant from students has suddenly decided to restore it.

“There is a big talk about cash grants. APNU was opposed to it, then they were for it, then they opposed it and so two weeks ago, I saw that after we promised that we’d return the school cash grant which was $10,000 and then increase it to $50,000 over the next term, then suddenly he promise cash grants again,” Jagdeo explained.

He specifically touched on the clause which speaks to the feasibility study, by asserting, “To my surprise in the document they launched, they said for anybody to get any help from oil and gas money, there has to be a feasibility study whether they would reintroduce the cash grant. Now, they did not do

a feasibility study when they increased the salaries of ministers and their perks of medical care abroad and all of those things. But for our children, they now have to do a feasibility study to decide.”

Excerpts from the PPP’s manifesto launched since November last year speak to the increased grant from $10,000 to $50,000 per child every year. While the initiative had cost the PPP Administration some $1.6 billion, he said that the Party was willing to invest some $8 billion per year in youths.

Unlike the coalition’s promises, Jagdeo pointed out that under a new PPP/C Administration, the cash grant initiative is guaranteed. He shared that the Party had piloted this initiative even before Guyana had known about its fateful oil boon.

On that note, he condemned the coalition’s claims that it could not afford the grants by pointing to the increase in ministerial perks by billions of dollars.

“It used to cost us $1.6

received went to a popular nightclub at Fourth Avenue Bartica, where they made contact with the defendant, who was then informed that an arrest warrant was issued for him.

However, Gittens in response allegedly attempted to bribe ranks with marijuana to let him go free. This prompted Police to search

the premises and unearth a black bulky bag containing the illegal drug.

The Chief Magistrate ordered that Gittens begin serving the sentence, while she remanded him to prison on the current charge. The case will continue on March 12, 2020, at the Bartica Magistrate’s Courts.

FROM PAGE 3

billion when the PPP was there. We introduced it without oil and gas…APNU claimed they couldn’t afford it, but they increased in Government, food and government services by $1.6 billion per year in the local budget. Ministerial local travel has increased by $1.1 billion alone. They’ve increased rental of building for government by another billion.”

The ministerial perks were accompanied by an increase in salary as soon as the coalition was appointed to govern the country.

Months after assuming office, Cabinet Ministers were allocated salary increases amounting to 50 per cent, which saw their monthly earnings rising to $870,000 from the $579,000 which was handed out monthly under the previous Administration.

Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo was allocated a $2 million increase to $20,580,000 per annum, while Vice Presidents are paid just over $11.1 million per year. Members of

Parliament with no specific portfolio were awarded a 20 per cent increase in salaries which reflected an uptick to $2,402,532 which moved from the previous $2,002,116.

Nevertheless, the cash grant, Jagdeo noted, can be expected with countless other plans that were drafted by the PPP/C, not only for the youths but also the elderly and wider population.

Projects which will return include free water supply and subsidised electricity costs for pensioners, which were snatched away shortly after the coalition won the elections five years ago.

“We’ve said clearly we want to double old age pension. The resources must be utilised for elders. We believe this would put more disposable income into the pockets of people. It would help with the sloth in the economy…

We intend to return free water. We intend to return subsidised electricity to the pensioners that they took away,” he assured.

A strategy…

S

…against crime omehow, crime-fighting Ramjattan’s innovations haven’t gotten enough attention on the campaign trail – even though crime reduction remains right up there on every single citizen-as-voter’s bucket list.

Ramjattan’s baby was the “2am bar curfew”. It’s said this came out of his personal experience as a bar hopper – along with Moses Nagamootoo – with decades of practice under his (slackened) belt!! Was regularly mugged as he crawled his way home in the wee hours of the morning?!!

Then there were his suggestions to supplement the reach of the police force (and its visibility) by introducing (at one end of the scale) more horses and dogs and (on the other) drones. The horses didn’t make much of an impact in GTown and the last we heard of them was they were deployed (banished?) in Black Bush Polder! Silence reigned on the canine front! On the drones (actually “drone”, singular at this point) since that pic with Ramjattan and Basil Williams looking intently at the sample of one of the $36 million babies, we haven’t heard anything. They were supposed to expand the surveillance of guns and drugs crossing our southern and western borders.

But in the APNU/AFC’s manifesto-that-is-not-amanifesto, your eagle-eyed Eyewitness did espy this titbit that promised: “Drones in crops and interior medicine: - Increase the use of drones in health-care delivery for access and rapid responses in remote areas.” Increase??

Is the PNC telling us that they’ve already been using the drones to deliver drugs, etc, to remote interior villages??

Wow!! This is in the experimental stage in the US and they still haven’t worked out the kinks in an urban environment.

And here we are sending sensitive medical stuff over jungles, rivers and mountains!! We better start exporting this breakthrough to the First World!!

But your Eyewitness was impressed when the PPP/ C’s Prime Minister Candidate, Brig (rtd) Mark Phillips mentioned his party’s take on our security conundrum.

First of all, without any flourish, he demolished Granger’s pretentions of being a “security expert”! Phillips simply reminded his audience at Bath of a fact that most have overlooked: Granger’s been out of active duty for over THIRTY YEARS!! And as a historian, has been consumed with looking BACKWARDS! He hasn’t a clue about modern security matters!!

Phillips, on the other hand – never the “book” officer Granger was – has just come off active duty. He was one of the security officials insisting that our borders needed to be monitored to staunch the flow of guns and drugs into our country.

On the local crime front, his insistence on “intelligenceled policing” suggests from the word “go”, the PPP’s gonna be more effective than the PNC!!

“Intelligence” was always foreign to them!! …being rewarded?

It’s clear that the “Nassau Accord” is much stronger than the “Cummingsburg Accord”. Here it is, Ramjattan’s done everything asked of him – being the PNC’s doormat – yet the Cummingsburg Accord has delivered no security to either his position or his tenure!! Yet the Nassau Accord, hammered out between Granger and Trotman, has withstood “oilgate”!!

Trotman was invited to the head-table when the “new” Cummingsburg set-up launched the PNC’s manifesto-thatis-not-a-manifesto. Why?? Hadn’t he brought a tsunami of domestic and international humiliation on the coalition in its bid to secure a second term by arranging for Guyana to lose US$55 billion in oil revenues??!! What was Trotman’s official locus standi?? He’s Chairman of the AFC? But PNC’s Chairman Volda Lawrence wasn’t at the head table!!

The answer, Dear Reader, is that it’s payback time for Trotman who played Ramjattan like a fiddle to form the AFC back in 2006 (when the Nassau Accord was reached) and wean away enough votes from the PPP. To slide the PNC into office! …for Minister wuk Even though your Eyewitness scoured the PNC’s manifesto-that-is-not-a-manifesto with the proverbial “fine teeth comb”, he was unable to find any mention that Granger will legalise his expansion of his Cabinet to include the Ministries of Bicycles and Boats he spoke about on the hustings!!

More unilateralism??

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

NEWS

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Political attacks take new twist ...impugn integrity of Times Media Group

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he concept of “fake news” has been advanced to another level in Guyana whereby phoney websites and social media pages of legitimate media entities are being created to spew untruths on matters that are designed to influence the Guyanese electorate.

In one instance, a screenshot of a “news item” purported to be posted by INews Guyana is making its rounds on the social media platform, Facebook, where many unsuspecting users believe it to be genuine content.

The image is being widely shared by persons who are a part of an Alliance For Change (AFC) group on Facebook.

The fake article states that Presidential Candidate of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Irfaan Ali attended an A Partnership for National Unity/AFC rally in New Amsterdam - which is untrue. They even went so far as to photoshop the Candidate in an APNU

T-shirt.

In another instance, a Facebook page branded “Guyana Times” was recently created, and purported to carry a poll which showed that the PPP/C was garnering fewer votes than the APNU/AFC coalition.

However, the real Guyana Times Facebook

page has thousands of followers whereby the fake page has just seven followers.

Additionally, the fake Guyana Times page is sharing articles from other media entities, including both foreign and local news outfits.

Other media entities in Guyana have had similar experiences, with one online media entity putting out a statement distancing itself from an imitation page which was also peddling untruths.

While the legitimate owners of the media entities can inform Facebook of the infractions, the authorities, including the Ethnic Relations

Commission, which recently issued a Code of Conduct for the political parties to adhere to during the present campaign, should take action. The authorities can track down the purveyors

of these despicable actions.

We note that in the case of the fake news peddled on the fake sites, it was only the PPP/C that was sought to be presented in a negative light.

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Teen killed in hit and run

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Farm Village, East Bank Essequibo family may never have happy thoughts on any Valentine’s Day again after losing their teen son in a hit-and-run accident on the day of love.

Dead is 17-year-old Kwon Trotz, a labourer of Lot 12 Farm Village, East Bank Essequibo (EBE).

On Friday evening at about 23:00h, Trotz was walking in the eastern direction along the north-

ern side of the EBE Public Road and was a short distance away from his residence when he was struck down.

Reports are the speeding motor car slammed into the teenager and quickly

sped away from the scene as the lad’s body lay bleeding on the roadway.

According to Police, persons in the vicinity rushed to the teen’s aid and rushed the 17-year-old to the Leonora Cottage Hospital, West Coast Demerara (WCD), where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

A post-mortem examination (PME) is expected to be conducted during this week.

Meanwhile, investigators are on the hunt for the vehicle that was involved in the accident. Police have since indicated that they

will be examining ClosedCircuit Television (CCTV) footage along the EBE and

WCD routes to determine the route that the vehicle took after fleeing the scene.

223-7230-1 (Ext 55)

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Fire guts Sachi Store on Regent Street

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illions of dollars worth of items went up in flames after a fire of unknown origin destroyed the Sachi Store on Regent Street, Georgetown, in the wee hours of Monday morning.

Based on information received, the fire started at about 02:00h and no one was present in the building at that time.

The fire is suspected to have started inside the store. It spread quickly to the other two stories and engulfed the entire structure.

During that time, persons within the vicinity reportedly heard a loud explosion which triggered a response.

The Guyana Fire Service (GFS) was immediately called to the scene and tackled the blaze. While adjacent buildings in close proximity were spared, they suffered significant water damages, as well as those from the heat and smoke.

At 10:00h on Monday

“Next month would’ve been a year since we move over…It was right next door we move over from.

Basically was a general store so we has jewellery, cosmetics, hardware, household and so,” she indicated.

Just last week, they would have experienced an attempted break and enter but the matter was not reported. It was indicated that the perpetrators failed to gain entry into the building.

The property is owned by another individual and was rented to the operators of Sachi for business purposes.

Meanwhile, investiga-

Sachi General Store on fire

morning, firefighters were still at the scene evaluating and dousing small patches of flames.

The section of Regent Street, between Wellington and Camp Streets, was cordoned off to vehicular traffic as employees and passersby stood in disbelief.

The operators of the

buildings were still trying to peg their losses, estimated in the millions. When asked if there were any electrical issues in the building, the response was in the negative.

One employee, Teasha Johnson told Guyana Times that 16 persons were employed at the store. It had

been just under one year since the operators would have shifted to this store from a location just next door on Regent Street.

Sachi General Store primarily operated from the ground floor while the two other flats were used for storage. After rummaging through the rubble, noth-

The aftermath of the fire

ing was saved from the tragic incident. In fact, the only thing standing was the steel structure covered in broken glass and charred articles.

tions are continuing into the origin of the fire and other surrounding details. (Rupa Seenaraine)

5 suspected bandits nabbed in Berbice

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ive men are now in custody after they were caught by the police with an illegal firearm and matching rounds of ammunition.

The discovery and the arrests of the suspected bandits were made at a residence in Number 51 Village, Berbice, over the weekend.

According to a police source, the quartet is believed to have been in the process of finalising plans to execute a robbery when they were nabbed.

Meanwhile, a businessman of Rose Hall, Berbice, has also been arrested by the cops for being an accessory.

According to a source, the businessman reportedly purchases stolen items that the suspects would have in their possession after conducting robberies and then re-sell the items in his store.

Reports are that ranks

swooped down on a house in Number 51 Village after receiving information that the men were orchestrating a robbery, and upon entering the premises, they conducted a search.

The men reportedly tried to conceal the weapon but ranks found it after an extensive search of the building.

Another source told Guyana Times that the men are known to the police. According to the source, the men are all known for several simple larcenies and robbery matters along Corentyne, Berbice.

The source stated that information ranks received was from a “friend” of one of the suspects, who overheard plans being developed to execute a robbery over the weekend.

Investigations into the matter are currently ongoing.

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Venomous creatures coming ashore at Georgetown seawall

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venomous marine creature called the “Portuguese Manof-War” has been coming ashore in large numbers at the Georgetown Seawall.

length below the surface, although 30 feet is more the average. They are covered in venom-filled nematocysts used to paralyse and kill fish and other small creatures.

A close-up photo of the Portuguese Man-of-War

Often mistaken as a jellyfish, the Man-of-War is actually a colony of individual organisms called polyps.

The Man-of-War comprises four separate polyps.

It gets its name from the uppermost polyp, a gas-filled bladder (or pneumatophore), which sits above the water and somewhat resembles an old warship at full sail.

The tentacles are the Man-of-War's second organism. These long, thin tendrils can extend 165 feet in

Muscles in the tentacles draw prey up to a polyp containing the gastrozooids or digestive organisms.

A fourth polyp contains the reproductive organisms.

Extreme caution

The University of Guyana’s Centre for the Study of Biological Diversity is warning persons to exercise extreme caution if they come in contact with the jellyfish-like organism.

In a social media post,

the Centre explained that recent changes in the wind direction and increased wave action may have caused the species to be washed ashore in large quantities.

Though beached, the creatures can deliver a sting so powerful that it causes excruciating pain. This species is responsible for up to 10,000 human stings in Australia each summer.

Stings usually cause severe pain to humans, leaving whip-like, red welts on the skin that normally last two or three days. The venom can travel to the lymph nodes and may cause symptoms that mimic an allergic reaction including swelling of the larynx, airway blockage, cardiac distress, and an inability to breathe. Other symptoms can include fever and shock, and in some extreme cases, even death, although, fatalities rarely occur.

The Centre is advising persons who may have gotten stung to remove the tentacles with an object, and not touch or rub the infect-

A group of the jellyfish-like organisms washed up along the shores of the Atlantic Ocean in Guyana

ed area; rinse the sting with vinegar then immerse the area in hot water to deactivate the remaining sting cells, and take 3-5 grams of Vitamin C as it is excellent at neutralising toxins.

According to the Centre, if conditions do not improve, persons should visit a medical practitioner for help.

Flung from ATV

Cop undergoes surgery to alleviate swelling of brain …unable to speak

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he policeman who suffered severe head injuries after being flung off a vehicle while executing his duties has been transferred to the High Dependency Unit (HDU) at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC).

Constable 23688 Harris, who is attached to the Bartica Police Station, Region Seven (CuyuniMazaruni), underwent a much-needed surgery at 02:00h on Monday and is in a semi-conscious state, this newspaper was told.

When contacted, Commander of Region Seven, Senior Superintendent Linden

Lord said that surgery was done to aid in reducing the swelling of the Constable’s brain.

He noted that Constable Harris is unable to speak although he has attempted to move his lips. However, the injured cop can move his hands and other limbs.

Commander Lord noted that the Guyana Police Force (GPF) has the young man in prayers and wish him a speedy recovery.

Based on reports received, the policemen had been travelling through the Takatu Trail, Mazaruni River, Region Seven, towards a location where they had received reports of a shooting incident.

Reports are that the vehicle was proceeding north along the Takatu Trail, allegedly at a fast rate of speed, when the driver swerved to avoid a ‘pothole’.

The unexpected move resulted in Constable Harris being flung off of the ATV and landing on the roadway.

According to the police, Constable Harris received injuries about his body. He was picked up by his colleagues and rushed to the Bartica Regional Hospital.

Upon examination of the injured cop, the doctor immediately admitted the man at the hospital, but hours later he had to be transferred to the GPHC for advanced medical care.

NEWS

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“Pretty Boy” on bail Parika man succumbs to injuries for resisting arrest, T assaulting cop 1 day after accident

he 37-year-old motorcyclist, who was involved in an accident after allegedly losing control of his bike, CJ 4677, succumbed to his injuries at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) in the wee hours of Sunday.

Dead is Veyjai Indrogo of Lot 4 Parika, EBE. The accident occurred on Saturday at De Kinderen Public Road, East Bank

Essequibo (EBE), at about 03:00h.

Reports are that motor car PWW 8179, which was being driven by a 39-yearold resident of Leonora, West Coast Demerara (WCD), was proceeding west along the southern carriageway of the public road and was in the process of negotiating a turn when Indrogo, who was proceeding east along the northern carriage-

way, allegedly lost control of his motorcycle.

He then reportedly collided with the front right side of the motor car.

Indrogo was picked up in a semi-conscious state and rushed to the Leonora Cottage Hospital, WCD. Upon arriving at that health facility, Indrogo was treated and then transferred to the West Demerara Regional Hospital. Hours

later, the motorcyclist was then transferred to the GPHC for further specialised care and treatment.

However, he succumbed to his injuries two hours after being admitted at the GPHC. Meanwhile, the 39-yearold driver, who passed a breathalyser test was released on station bail.

Investigations are continuing.

Jumo Primo takes home 592 Soca Monarch crown

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oca fans flocked D’Urban Park on Saturday evening where they were captivated by the thrilling performances from 15 artistes, who were vying for the coveted 592 Soca Monarch crown, which was previously won by local artiste Brandon Harding for two consecutive

his song “Trample Them”, which sends the message that being differently able does not stop one from overcoming challenges.

The new Soca King dedicated his win to all Guyanese especially the special needs community when he spoke to this publication after the very competitive event.

From left: Steven Ramphal, Melissa “Vanilla” Roberts, and Relon Sumner share a moment on the stage after receiving prizes

Newly-crowned Soca Monarch Jumo Primo during his winning performance

years.

Melissa “Vanilla” Roberts, Steven Ramphal, Jumo Primo, Relon Sumner, and Brandon Harding were among the finalists who lit up the Park with their various songs and energetic performances.

But despite the equal vibe each artiste brought to the stage, Jumo Primo outdid his rivalries with

“Even [when] you’re down don’t ever give up, you gotta keep trying. Pick yourself up and come back again…this is for everybody.

Guyana is for everybody, doesn’t matter how you are and I work hard all the time as everybody knows so I’m proud,” Jumo exclaimed.

Reigning Chutney King Steven Ramphal, who wanted to break records by gain-

ing both monarch titles, fell short and retained second place with his song “Be the Same”, which encourages Guyanese to unite. While Melissa Roberts popularly known as “Vanilla” came in third with her locally produced song “I am 592”.

Both artistes expressed satisfaction with their performances and places after the competition.

Ramphal expressed, “I’m extremely happy. This year I didn’t think I put forward that A-game because of my vocals. Definitely next year imma try again to get that crown…because of my experience in the competition for two years straight I think definitely I will come back again.”

“I feel good, I was hap-

Chinese doctors using plasma therapy on coronavirus, WHO says 'very valid' approach

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octors in Shanghai are using infusions of blood plasma from people who have recovered from the coronavirus to treat those still battling the infection, reporting some encouraging preliminary results, a Chinese professor said on Monday.

A top emergency expert at the World Health Organisation (WHO) said later that using convalescent plasma was a “very valid” approach to test, but that it was important to get the timing right to maximise the boost to a patient’s immunity.

The coronavirus epidemic is believed to have originated in a seafood market in the central city of Wuhan, capital of Hubei province, and has so far killed 1770 people and infected more than 70,000 in mainland China.

China’s financial hub of Shanghai on Monday had 332 infected cases, one of whom died in recent weeks.

Doctor Hangzhou Lu, co-director of Shanghai Public Clinical Centre Shanghai, shows a quarantine room for coronavirus patients at finished but still unused building A2, in Shanghai, China February 17, 2020

Lu Hongzhou, professor and co-director of the Shanghai Public Health Clinical Centre, said that 184 cases were still hospitalised, including 166 mild cases, while 18 were in serious and critical conditions.

He said the hospital had set up a special clinic to administer plasma therapy and was selecting patients who were willing to donate.

The blood would be screened

to check if he or she had other diseases like hepatitis B or C, he added.

“We are positive that this method can be very effective in our patients,” he said.

There are no fully licensed treatments or vaccines against the new coronavirus, and the process of developing and testing drugs can take many months and even years. (Excerpt from Reuters)

py with my presentation and what I did. I did not get the top spot which I really wanted however the idea is to just keep going until you get what you want,” Vanilla said.

The two-year Soca King, Harding took home the 98.1 People’s Choice Award but not the crown. While he expressed disappointment at the loss, he encouraged fans to look forward to new music for the carnival season.

“You win some, you lose some. I’ll do like a true champion I’ll get up and I’ll come again and next year I’m gonna take it away from him…. Carnival is around the corner and I have a lot of music coming out for carnival so it doesn’t stop here for Brandon.”

P

rinciple Magistrate Sherdel IsaacsMarcus on Monday granted a former murder accused bail after he denied a charge of resisting arrest and assaulting a police officer.

Thirty-two-year-old Edward Skeete called “Pretty Boy”, of Independence Boulevard, Georgetown, denied that on February 10 at Cornhill Street, Georgetown, he unlawfully assaulted a Police Constable, who was at the time acting in the execution of his duties.

He further denied that on the said date and location, he prevented lawful apprehension by the peace officer, who was at the time acting in the execution of his duties.

Defence Attorney George Thomas in a bail application told the court that his client is the sole breadwinner for his family. Police Prosecutor Quinn Harris did not object to bail and Magistrate Isaacs-Marcus released

Charged: Edward Skeete

Skeete on $20,000 bail. The case will continue on March 4, 2020.

Back in 2018, Skeete along with his former co-accused, Nabadingi Gobin, were both acquitted of the July 2015 murder of Ryan Clementson, who died between July 24 and 25, 2015, two weeks after being shot to his thigh.

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Annual Forbes Burnham Memorial Table Tennis Tournament…

Action begins on Friday T

he annual Forbes Burnham Memorial Table Tennis Tournament, organized and coordinated by the Guyana Table Tennis Association (GTTA) under the rules, regulations and authority of the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF), is scheduled to start on Friday.

The Cliff Anderson Sports Hall is the venue for this event, which wraps up on Saturday.

Being staged so soon after the National and Juniors Table Tennis Championships, this tournament will be one to watch; because top

players will be seeking to maintain their winning streak, while others will be seeking to carve a name for themselves as some of Guyana’s top athletes come out to battle.

In an interview with this publication, National Coach Linden Johnson said, “What we are expecting is a higher competition, as we know the seniors are preparing for the Olympic Qualifiers and the Caribbean Championships.

The Juniors will also be preparing for the Caribbean Championships, which will be in the

first and last week in April.

“The reason why we have the ‘C’ and ‘B’ Class Open and the Open Singles (tournaments) is that we want more females to be engaged (in the sport) and more competition (in those

from 11:00 hrs on Saturday, and the day’s programme will culminate with the Seniors’ Open Singles tournament, which commences from 15:00 hrs.

The first stage will be played on a round-

classes). The participants so far are close to 100 persons. Bartica, Essequibo and Berbice are all expected to participate.”

The championships will see 4 categories being contested: The C Class Open, 21 yearsand-under Open, B Class Open, and Seniors’ Open.

The “C” Class Open singles and 21 Yearsand-under Open singles will commence on Friday from 16:00 hrs, and continue on Saturday from 09:00 hrs.

The “B” Class Open Singles will take place

robin basis in groups of even-numbered players, but there shall not be less than 3 and not more than 5 players in a group, and priority will be given to groups of 4 players.

If there are 5 or less players, the event will be played as a round-robin without knock-out.

Two players from each group advance to the second stage, which will be played in a knockout format. The draws will be done for the event at the venue on Thursday February 20 from 18:00hrs. The deadline for entry to events is 5pm on Thursday.

Joe Jagmohan Golf Tournament…

George, Prashad excel

Belle Vue pre-season cricket match-ups…

Peyton George (fourth from left in back row) and Patrick Prashad (second from left) pose with the tournament’s other winners, club officials and sponsors

P

eyton George and Patrick Prashad finished with a combined five trophies at conclusion of the Joe Jagmohan Golf Tournament played on Saturday last at the Lusignan Golf Club.

George, who played with a handicap of 18, was crowned the overall winner in the net competition after registering a gross score of 82 (net score of 64). He also won the longest drive trophy.

And Prashad recorded the best gross score of the day while also winning the net battle in his 0-9 flight and copping the closest to the pin award.

This former club captain bested current

club president Aleem Hussain in the topflight battle as, with a handicap of eight, he finished with a net score of 68 while Hussain ended with a net score of 72.

In the second flight, the 10-18 handicappers, former Guyana Open champion Dr Joaan Deo was able to beat Danny Mangra on a countback. Both players had finished with a net score of 66 after registering gross scores of 82 and 84 respectively.

In the highest handicap group (19-36), Carlos Adams, with a handicap of 26, finished with a net score of 67, to better Eureka Giddings who finished with a net 68, after registering a gross score of 96.

Boucher’s 57 steers Team A to victory

WDCA T20 Competition…

Cornelia Ida win one-sided affair

ꟷ as Persaud, Bissondyal wreak havoc on All Youths side

C

ornelia Ida (CI) defeated All Youths Sports Club by 99 runs in a one-sided match of the West Demerara Cricket Association’s T20 competition, played over the weekend at the Menten-Meer-Zorg Ground.

With the game reduced to 18 overs per side, All Youths won the toss and decided to field first in order to lengthen the match.

The CI side were in trouble from the first ball bowled. They struggled to read the line and length of their opponents, and at one stage of the innings were struggling to attain triple figures.

That was before Ajita

Persaud registered his 28 from some late hitting. He recorded five boundaries and a maximum that propelled CI to 139-7 when their 18 overs had expired.

Avishkar Ramgobin supported the CI revival effort with an unbeaten 27 that included three classy boundaries and one maximum; and Arshad Ali, with 24, struck four boundaries.

Putting in a decent effort, the All Youths bowlers managed to get rid of two top CI batsmen, Richie Looknauth and Akshaya Persaud, through an attack led

by Abid Haniff, who bagged

2–17, and Zahir Azeez, who bagged 2-23.

Needing an apparently easily-achievable 140 off 18 overs in order to win the match, the All Youths side allowed themselves to be befuddled by CI bowlers Akshaya Persaud and Harrinarine Bissondyal, who eventually wreaked havoc in the All Youths batting line-up.

The All Youths innings eventually folded for 40 in 14.2 overs, with Akshaya Persaud bagging 4-9; Bissondyal picking up 3-5; Arshad Ali claiming two wickets, and Richie Looknauth supporting with one.

The victorious Bell Vue Team A side

T

he Belle Vue cricket team of West Bank Demerara had an amazing and fun-filled day of cricket on Saturday last as their preseason cricket matchups were staged.

Dwayne Daymon, club treasurer and very active member, was responsible for staging this day of matchups, and it was done in a bid to better future performances in matches to be played in 2020.

The Bell Vue team was split into teams ‘A’ and ‘B’, and those teams battled it out in front of their home crowd.

‘Team A’ having won the toss, batted first and posted a mammoth total of 204-9 in 20 overs.

Colin Boucher was the chief architect of their happy circumstance, as he constructed a classy

half century to give his side a defendable total.

Boucher top-scored with 57, which included 3 fours and 5 sixes; while Kerwin Bennett supported with 34, Paul Ashby chipped in with 27, and Ravi Prasad contributed 20.

The ‘Team B’ bowling recorded such sterling efforts as Vishan Gannie’s 2-20, Richie Looknauth’s 2-32, and Ryan Seecharran’s 2-18.

Responding to the 204, ‘Team B’ pressed on to record 178-9, losing the match by 26 runs.

Valiant efforts were recorded by Ryan Seecharran (46), Ajula Bowman (29), Nicholas Rajpat (14) and Teejay Ragnauth (13). Bowlers for the victorious side were: Ashby, with 2-12, and Rajendra Persaud, with 2-30; while Safraz Baksh, Boucher and Ravi Persaud each contributed a wicket.

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TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2020

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CONCACAF Women’s U-20 Championships…

20 handpicked to represent Guyana next week T

he final roster for the Women’s National U20 Team has been selected by Coach Ivan Joseph and his staff, and Guyana is looking to field their strongest ever team at that age group for the playoff matches that would be held.

This final squad includes several debutants, including Goalkeeper Raven Edwards-Dowdall, Midfielder Shanice Alfred, Forward Makayla Rudder and Defender Anaya Johnson. These four players join a contingent of players who have helped Guyana qualify, for the first time in its history, to participate in the U20 CONCACAF Championships.

The progress made by the women’s programme has been notable, with the U20 and U17 teams both advancing to the CONCACAF Championships.

Guyana’s U20s begin their group matches against Nicaragua on February 23rd, and are looking to have a strong enough showing to advance out of the group stages.

“The coaching staff and players have been hard at work preparing for the upcoming CONCACAF Women's Under-20 Championships,” Coach Ivan Joseph responded when asked to comment on the team’s preparations so far.

“It is our hope that we will make our country and all our fans proud of our effort and commitment on the field.

“Mexico, Nicaragua, and Puerto

Rico are all formidable opponents in our opening Group D round-robin pool. All three teams are ranked ahead of us in our pool, with Mexico leading the way as the number tworanked team in the tournament. We will need to play at our very best and hope to get a bounce or two in our direction to advance to the next round,” Joseph explained.

In an invited comment, Paul Beresford, International Director of Women’s Programs, said much has been achieved since the relaunch of the women’s programme in 2017.

“With the support of the GFF, we have seen significant progress in women’s football since the programme’s relaunch in 2017. From the senior team to the U15s, the women’s teams continue to make history,” he declared.

“Additionally, we have seen excellent progress as we develop our young Guyana-based players who face very real obstacles to their development. The Federation, along with the GFF International Support Group (ISG), continue to implement programmes designed to provide further opportunities to the Guyana-based players to progress, and we are looking to the Guyana footballing community to continue to support women’s football players, both in Guyana and internationally-based, as they continue to represent Guyana in competitions.”

Guyana has been placed in Group ‘D’, with Mexico, Nicaragua

The 20-strong team selected to represent Guyana next week

and Puerto Rico; and group matches are scheduled for the Olimpico Felix Sánchez Stadium in the Dominican Republic as follows: Sunday, 23rd February: Guyana vs Nicaragua @ 19:00hrs Tuesday, 25th February: Puerto Rico vs Guyana @ 16:00hrs Thursday, 27th February: Mexico vs Guyana @ 19:00hrs According to CONCACAF, the 2020 CONCACAF Women’s Under-20 Championships will kick off with an initial group stage

among 16 teams.

“After round-robin play, the top three teams in each of the groups will advance to the knockout stage, joining the four qualifiers winners - Guyana, Saint Lucia, Saint Kitts and Nevis, and Grenada.

“All knockout round matches (round of 16, quarterfinal, semifinal and final) will be played in a single match elimination format, with the finalist and the third-place match winner qualifying to the FIFA Women’s U-20 World Cup 2020.”

2020 GUMDAC Badminton Championships… Milo Schools U-18 Football Tournament 2020…

Carpenay & Chung, CWSS, Lodge, Cummings Watson & Perreira are Lodge bag wins doubles champs

D

arrell Carpenay & Marlon Chung, and Ayanna Watson & Christina Kumar outplayed a field of paired teams to emerge champions of the annual GUMDAC Open Doubles Badminton Championships, which were played last Saturday at the National Gymnasium on Mandela Avenue.

More than 10 pairs competed in the two categories. In the men’s doubles quarterfinals, Akili Haynes and Tyrese Jeffrey overcame Shekhar Mallampati and Vincent Raja in two straight sets: 21-2, 21-10. Easa Sanichara and Avian Rodrigues defeated William Holder & Haymant Ramdhani 21-6, 21-9; and Jonathan Mangra and Avinash Odit bested Anthony Stephens and Johann Waldron 21-13, 21-10.

Semifinal action saw Darrell Carpenay and Marlon Chung cruising into the final by defeating Akili Haynes and Tyrese Jeffrey in a thrilling three-set game: 21-20, 1421, 24-22.

And after a shaky first set, Jonathan Mangra and Avinash Odit defeated Easa Sanichara and Avian Rodrigues 14-21, 21-15, 2116 to take the last spot in the final showdown.

In that electrifying final clash, Jonathan Mangra & Avinash Odit took the first set 19-21 from Darrell Carpenay and Marlon Chung,

who had come close to winning it. However, Carpenay and Chung persevered to win the other two games, and the championship, 219, 21-19.

In play in the female division, Ayanna Watson and Christina Kumar easily won their semifinal encounter with Alea Ruplal and Priyanka Shivnauth in two straight sets: 21-10, 21-3.

It was the same for Emelia Ramdhani and Anna Perreira, whose match with Jayde DaSilva and Mishka Beharry could be described as a proverbial walk in the park, which they won 21-11, 21-9 to earn themselves a spot in the final.

The ladies’ final was as entertaining as the men’s, with Ayanna Watson and Christina Kumar being made to work for their gold medal. Coming up against Emelia Ramdhani and Anna Perreira, Watson and Kumar lost the first set, but bounced back in the next two to take the championship 14-21, 21-11, 21-11.

At conclusion of the tournament, the Guyana Badminton Association (GBA) has expressed gratitude to sponsors GUMDAC for sticking with the association for a seventh year; and to Banks DIH and SOL Petroleum for their very valued contributions.

D

efending champions of the 2019 Milo Schools Under-18 Football Tournament, Christianburg-Wismar Secondary, together with 2019 runnersup Lodge Secondary and Cummings Lodge Secondary, were in the winners’ circle when play in the eighth edition of this Milo Schools Football Tournament continued on Sunday at the Ministry of Education (MoE) Ground on Carifesta Avenue.

In the day’s scheduled first game, the Bishops’ High School fought valiantly but went down to Cummings Lodge.

A hat-trick from Ronnel George, who pierced the net in the 5th, 20th and 25th minutes, facilitated Cummings Lodge executing a shock attack on the BHS defense and goalkeeper, thereby ensuring they were in control at all intervals of the game.

Lindley Bacchus added another goal in the 34th minute to see Cummings Lodge register four goals in the first half.

The second segment of play belonged to the Bishops’ boys, whose Linford Isles scored in the 54th minute and Antoine Herod scored in the 60th minute. However, with two goals to their credit whilst Cummings Lodge had four to theirs, the Bishops’ efforts were too little too late, and they lost the game 4-2.

In the game following, defending champions Christianburg-Wismar Secondary edged past Golden Grove 2-1.

Under new management, this Linden XI barely held on in a game that could have gone either way, and somehow managed to produce the winning goal in the final

minutes of the encounter.

Jermain Maison scored first for the Linden team in the 16th minute, but Calvin Richmond responded for Golden Grove in the 46th minute to tie up the game at 1-1.

But with just five minutes of play remaining, Randy Pickering was able to produce the deciding goal for CWSS. Even without their captain and forward star Dorwin George, who is on international duties in the Men’s U20 National Team, Lodge Secondary were able to walk away with a victory, albeit slim, over Ann’s Grove in the final game.

Shemroy Mayers was the lone marksman for Lodge, with goals in the 4th and 53rd minutes; while the lone goal for Ann’s Grove came from Mark Roberts in the 37th minute.

The Milo tournament will continue this weekend with another six games being played. On Saturday, February 22, Charlestown Secondary will come up against New Central High School at 12:00hrs; St. John’s College will lock horns with Uitvlugt Secondary at 13:45hrs, and Annandale Secondary will battle their Christ Church counterparts at 15:30hrs.

There will be no games in this competition on Sunday because of the Republic Day festivities, but action will resume on Monday, February 24th, when Friendship Secondary will take on Carmel Secondary at 12:00hrs while Canje Secondary will go toeto-toe with South Ruimveldt at 13:45hrs. In the final game of the day, Vergenoegen will be seeking the advantage when they meet Tucville Secondary at 15:30hrs.

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TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2020

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

West Indies Tour to Sri Lanka…

Windies lose warmup match! ꟷ Tharanga’s triple upstages Bravo’s century

T

he West Indies got things off to an unfortunate start against the Sri Lanka Cricket XI, suffering a defeat to the home side by two wickets.

Upul Tharanga’s brilliant 120 defied the West Indies’ bowling attack and upstaged Darren Bravo’s even century as the Sri Lanka Cricket XI reached 283–8 in 47.3 overs.

Batting first, the men in maroon lost openers Brandon King and Shai Hope without contribution to the score, and were pegged back at 2-3. However, with a brilliant century from 88 balls, a returning Bravo made his claim to selection in the final 11 when the official series commences.

Bravo’s century, which included 14 boundaries and 1 maximum, was supported by 41 runs each from Sunil Ambris and Nicholas Pooran. Thereafter, the Windies momentum faltered, and a struggle began against the left and right medium fast bowling of Asitha Fernando and Dilshan Madushanka, who shared five wickets between them.

Eventually, the West Indies were bowled out for 282 in 49.4 overs, with Madushanka being the leading wicket-taker with 3-47. Fernando claimed 2-17, while Thikshila de Silva, Kavindu Nadeeshan and Pulina Tharanga each picked up a wicket.

Paying no attention to their much senior opponents,

the Sri Lanka side went about their chase in a professional manner, riding off the back of Upul Tharanga’s 120, which included 16 boundaries and one maximum.

Tharanga’s effort was supplemented by Asela Gunaratne’s 64, and despite many wickets falling after that, a victory for the Sri Lankan side was already set in stone, as they triumphed with 2.3 overs to spare.

West Indies’ attack saw Sheldon Cottrell claiming 2-22; Hayden Walsh Jnr bagging

2-52; Fabien Allen snagging 2-62, and Keemo Paul securing 1-56.

The next warmup match is scheduled for February 20 at Katunayake.

Darren Bravo

Guyana’s 50th Republic Anniversary Relay Festival…

GDF men, Running Brave women dominate activities

T

he Guyana Defence Force (GDF) male seniors and the youths of the Police Progressive Youth Club (PPYC) swept the podium positions on Sunday when Guyana’s 50th Republic Anniversary Relay Festival was held at the National Track and Field Centre at Leonora, West Coast Demerara.

With the powerhouse youth club Running Brave having no representation in the under-16 and under-20 categories, athletes of the Police Progressive Youth Club were virtually unbeatable in events run therein. However, Running Brave was well represented in the Open division.

West Indians Innings (50 overs maximum) SD Hope † lbw b Fernando 0 BA King lbw b Madushanka 0 DM Bravo retired out 100 SW Ambris lbw b Nadeeshan 41 N Pooran retired hurt 41 RL Chase b DHAP Tharanga 11 R Powell c Gunaratne b de Silva 19 JO Holder c de Silva b Madushanka 22 FA Allen b Fernando 28 KA Pollard (c) c Nadeeshan b Madushanka 2 KMA Paul not out 3 Extras (lb 7, w 8) 15 TOTAL (49.4 Overs, RR: 5.67) 282 all out Did not bat: SS Cottrell, AS Joseph, R Shepherd, HR Walsh Fall of wickets: 1-1 (Brandon King, 1.4 ov), 2-3 (Shai Hope, 2.6 ov), 3-116 (Sunil Ambris, 22.1 ov), 4-195 (Darren Bravo, 33.6 ov), 4-195* (Nicholas Pooran, retired not out ), 5-224 (Roston Chase, 40.2 ov), 6-232 (Rovman Powell, 41.5 ov), 7-260 (Jason Holder, 46.1 ov), 8-274 (Kieron Pollard, 48.1 ov), 9-282 (Fabian Allen, 49.4 ov)

Sri Lanka Cricket XI Innings (target: 283 runs from 50 overs) DS Weerakkody lbw b Cottrell 0 WU Tharanga (c) b Allen 120 P Nissanka c †Hope b Cottrell 0 DAS Gunaratne run out (Shepherd) 64 AK Perera c & b Allen 12 S Samarawickrama † c †Hope b Paul 0 LU Igalagamage c Cottrell b Wal sh 22 KNA Bandara b Walsh 4 ST de Silva not out 25 DHAP Tharanga not out 11 Extras (b 4, lb 5, nb 3, w 13) 25 TOTAL (47.3 Overs, RR: 5.95) 283-8 Yet to bat: D Madushanka, PHT Kaushal, S Colombage, C Gunasekara, AM Fernando, K Nadeeshan Fall of wickets: 1-0 (Sandun Weerakkody, 0.3 ov), 2-1 (Pathum Nissanka, 0.5 ov), 3-199 (Upul Tharanga, 32.3 ov), 4-211 (Asela Gunaratne, 34.5 ov), 5-218 (Sadeera Samarawickrama, 35.3 ov), 6-222 (Angelo Perera, 36.5 ov), 7-236 (Ashen Bandara, 39.4 ov), 8-253 (Lahiru Udara, 43.1 ov)

BOWLING AM Fernando D Madushanka ST de Silva S Colombage DAS Gunaratne K Nadeeshan DHAP Tharanga PHT Kaushal

BOWLING SS Cottrell (4-0-22-2) JO Holder (4-0-11-0) KMA Paul (7-0-56-1) R Shepherd (3-0-21-0) AS Joseph (4-0-13-0) RL Chase (7.3-0-37-0) HR Walsh (8-0-52-2) FA Allen (10-0-62-2)

(6.4-2-17-2) (7-1-47-3) (5-0-30-1) (7-0-46-0) (5-0-18-0) (6-1-48-1) (8-0-42-1) (5-0-27-0)

WICB PCL Regional 4-Day Championships…

Pride dominate with 4th win

The Running Brave women’s team

Leslain Baird celebrates as he crosses the line for another GDF victory

The PPYC walked away with gold medals in the male and female under-19 and under-15 4x100M, distance medleys, and 4x200M races. The highlight of this domination came when the Police female U15 team comprising of Donna Lowe, Makeela Trim, Odessa France and Roseamon Solomon finished the 4X200M race in one minute, 52 seconds – two whole seconds ahead of their opponents, De Challengers.

SCOREBOARD

A collective effort from Qweiasha Sealey, Marissa Thomas, Tamara Harvey and Charissa December ensured that De Challengers finish second; while New Amsterdam United, comprising of Amrist Hector, Jennifer Byass, Niaomi Paddy and Shelena Semple, finished third in 2 minutes, 8 seconds.

The Open division had all the fireworks, with the ladies of Running Brave and the men of

the GDF dominating the field of competitors.

With their powerhouse female team comprising of Shaquane Daniels, Shequita Marcus, Ruth Sanmoogan and Alisha Fortune, Running Brave took home gold in the 4X100M and 4x200M events, crossing the line in 48.80s and in 1 minute, 44s in the 4x100M and 4x200M races respectively.

In the 4x100M race, with efforts from Cassie Small, Cassie Tixie, Alita Moore and Kenesha Halley, the PPYC came second in 49.64s. The GDF women were third, with Eureka Williams, Nikita Joseph, Aniquah Powley and Tonya Rawlins crossing the line in 49.67s.

In the 4x200M race, GDF bettered their position, clocking 1.45.66 with Maria Urquhart hitting the track instead of Aniquah Powley.

Tandika Haynes, Alita Moore, Cassie Tixie and Cassie Small made up the Police team that took third.

Running Brave also took gold in the 800M medley relay, clocking a time of 1.48.77, while

PPYC was second with 1.49.68.

In the men’s 4x100M and 4x200M races, the GDF team comprising of Yannick Williams, Brian Roman, Leslain Baird and Akeem Stewart bagged the double gold. GDF clocked 41.46s in the 4x100M event, finishing ahead of PPYC who crossed the line in 41.57s through combined efforts from Stephon Boodie, Titus Webster, Linyon Mentis and Davin Fraser.

Hopetown Flames completed the podium in this event, their team of Troydon Moore, Dishon Daniels, Jonathan Fraser and Paul Mc Donald clocking 44.38s.

Michael James replaced Yannick Williams in the winning GDF 4X200M team, and they clocked 1.27.86 for the gold, while PPYC’s team clocked 1.28.37 for second place, and the University of Guyana team comprising of Noelex Holder, Javon Johnson, Christopher Darry and Shimar Velloza clocked 1.33.21 for third position.

T

he Barbados Pride have lengthened their lead on the points’ table in the WICB PCL Regional 4-Day Championships, and are now at least 20 points clear of the G u y a n a Jaguars, who sit in second place at conclusion of the fifth round of this tournament.

Pride are at the apex with 84.2 points, while Guyana Jaguars are in second with 60.8 points. Pride thus far boast the most successful record of the season, with 4 consecutive wins following their opening round defeat.

Trailing by 23.4 points, the Jaguars have played to their first draw of the season -- against the Windward Islands Volcanoes. They add that draw to two wins and as many losses.

The Jamaica Scorpions are seemingly gaining ground after their win over the Jaguars. They are in third, with 57.4 points accumulated from two wins, a loss and two draws.

Windward Islands Volcanoes sit in fourth on an even 50 points, accumulated from a win, a loss and 3 draws.

Trinidad and Tobago Red Force occupy the penultimate position on 46.6 points. The team from the twin-island republic have only one win, with two losses and two draws.

Leeward Islands Hurricanes, the other team in the tournament, are in the cellar with 32.6 points.

The competition continues on Thursday, February 27, when Scorpions host the Jaguars, Pride tackle the Volcanoes, and Red Force battle the Hurricanes.

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2020

23

Hero Caribbean Premier League…

St Lucia Zouks Franchise… Sold!

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he St Lucia Zouks have been sold to a group of investors with extensive experience in high-profile cricket. KPH Dream Cricket Private Limited are based in India and are knowledgeable owners who have a track record of success on and off the field in major events. They will bring a huge amount of experience to the tournament and to the St Lucian team.

The Zouks have been part of the Caribbean Premier League since the league’s inception making the playoffs during the 2016 season.

They play their home games at the Daren Sammy International Cricket Ground, a stadium named after the man who has captained them for six of their seven seasons. Last year the Zouks team featured Sammy, Fawad Ahmed, Rahkeem Cornwall, Andre Fletcher, Colin de Grandhomme and Thisara Perera.

Speaking about the purchase of the St Lucia Zouks, Mohit Burman of KPH Dream Cricket Private Limited said: “We are excited at the opportunity to invest in one of the most exciting sporting tournaments in the world, and we have been impressed by the vibrancy of CPL over the last seven years. We visualise taking the franchise to the next level and showcasing St Lucia in the best possible light over the coming years.”

Pete Russell, Chief Operating Officer of the Hero

CPL, said: “We are hugely excited to welcome this ownership team to the CPL family and we are looking forward to seeing where they take the Zouks during the upcoming season and

the 2019 tournament the CPL made a positive economic impact of US$13,670,260 in St Lucia and this new ownership group will be working hard to see this figure increase.”

“I welcome the new owners

of the Saint Lucia Zouks and hope that their new energy and drive will inspire the team to excel,” said Prime Minister Hon. Allen Chastanet. “Saint Lucians continue to root for the Zouks and we are encouraged

Rahkeem Cornwall celebrates a wicket with his Zouks teammates

beyond. They bring with them a wealth of experience which is fantastic news for both the CPL and St Lucia as a whole. During

Mohit Burman of KPH Dream Cricket Private Limited

Williams highlights event in Para category

The successful participants of the ASK-G 2020 National Karate Championships

fter a 6-hour period of intense karate on Sunday at the YMCA on Thomas Lands, the ASK-G 2020 Nationals came to an end with 83 competitors sharing the bounty of 132 medals.

The events just kept rolling from the start without any break. It was very taxing on the judges and table officials, who ensured a smooth flow of competition.

The parents and spectators had lots to see, as two rings were used for Kata

and Kumite (fighting). Adults and Seniors’ events were run early in the programme to utilize the seniors for judging.

The females stood their ground and performed excellently, while the children were very entertaining in their performances. The adults and seniors, also, had high-level performances that held all in rapt attention.

However, the greatest applause went to the para category, for the performance of Jamal Williams who

showed that differently-abled people can achieve success in any activity they choose. The people present showed their maturity by their support in loud applause.

The organizers of the tournament would like to extend hearty appreciation to the parents and spectators, hard-working officials, maintenance crews, bar personnel, the referees, judges, the competitors and the YMCA, for assisting in making the event a success.

of Saint Lucia looks forward to working closely with the new owners to create a team we can all be proud of.” (CPL)

Regal Masters retain Republic Cup

A

ASK-G 2020 National Karate Championships…

A

by the confidence that Mr. Mohit Burman and his team have placed in the players and Saint Lucia. The Government

mesmerizing spell of leg spin bowling from Tyrone Sanasie, backed up by an attractive half-century from Uniss Yusuf, handed Regal Masters another Republic Cup on Sunday at the Demerara Cricket Club (DCC) in Georgetown.

After disposing of Mike’s Wellman Masters by 43 runs in their semifinal match in the morning, Regal Masters turned their attention to Fisherman Masters in the final, and won by four wickets with 21 balls to spare in fading light.

In that final, which started in gloomy conditions, Fisherman Masters won the toss and opted to bat. It was a decision that backfired when they could muster only 139-6 from their 20 overs.

The ‘Fisherman’ openers started confidently, with Robert Mohan getting off the mark with a four from the very first ball of the match, sent down by David Harper; while his partner, Veeraren Moonsammy, swept left-arm spinner Laurie Singh for two consecutive boundaries in the next over.

Harper, however, pulled things back when he sent down a maiden to Mohan to put pressure on the free-scoring batsmen.

In the next over, Moonsammy, on 14 and looking to release the pressure, was drawn out of his crease by Singh, and wicketkeeper Yusuf completed a regulation stumping to break the opening partnership and release the floodgates.

Harper then clean bowled Mohan for six in the next over, when the score was at 23 for 2, thereby exposing the Fisherman’s middle order.

However, that middle order showed some fight, with Ramesh Rambarose and John Sumair taking 19 runs from Singh’s next over to add another twist to the final, which was being watched by some vocal spectators.

After Harper’s opening burst of three overs, Sanasie received the ball and immediately struck a double blow, removing Rambarose -- caught at long-on by Rudolph Baker for 14 -- then scattering the stumps of Troy Ramsaywack for a duck four balls later, to leave Fisherman’s Masters reeling at 55 for 4 after seven overs, and returning control of the match to the champions.

Despite being roughed up in his previous over, Singh continued to bowl, and had the final laugh when Sumair holed out to deep midwicket for 14.

At 57 for 5 after eight overs, the challengers were desperate for a partnership, but Sanasie, later named Man of the Match, had other ideas. Bowling with his proverbial tail up, Sanasie produced the perfect ripper to comprehensively remove Zaheer Zikeer for 3 in the ninth over, leaving the Fisherman in rough waters at 61-6.

However, the tide changed when Dennis Mangru and Stanley Mohabir joined forces to launch Operation Rebuild.

At start of the partnership, Mangru and Mohabir were wary of the steady bowling and were contented with singles while trying to avoid being bowled. As their confidence grew, they began taking chances, and their 78-run partnership in 11.4 overs got the Fisherman back in the game.

Mangru finished on 31 not out (1x4; 1x6) and Mohabir was unbeaten on 33 (1x4; 2x6), while Sanasie finished with 3/22, Singh with 2/37 and Harper with 1/19.

Chasing the small target on the small ground was not anticipated to give the defending champions much headache, but the Fisherman were up for the challenge.

Regal Masters were off to a terrible start when the in-form batsmen Mahendra Hardyal (01) and Ramesh Narine (00) were bowled by Davenand Khanan off successive deliveries in the second over, with just six runs on the board. However Yusuf, who opened the batting with Hardyal, then put on 59 runs for the third wicket with Harper, to put the run chase back on track. Yusuf hit 8 fours and 2 sixes from the 25 balls he faced before he was bowled by Robert Mohan for a shot-filled 52 in the sixth over, when the score was at 65 for 3.

Khemchand Dindyal (23) then joined Harper to put on a further 37 runs, as they manipulated the bowling by working the ball in the gaps and running a number of twos. But when the match seemed over, the Fisherman retaliated with three quick wickets.

At 102 for 3 in the 12th over, Regal Masters were cruising home, before Mohan, in his final over, removed Harper for 23 to break the partnership. In the next over, Mohabir then sent back Dindyal for 23 and Eion Abel for 01 off the final two deliveries of his spell, readjusting the score to 106 for 6.

With Mohan and Mohabir, who finished with identical figures of 2/22, out of the attack, Mohendra Arjune (17 not out) and Rudolph Baker (15 not out) saw Regal Masters home without any further loss, at 140-6 from 17.3 overs.

Khanan, with 2/29, was the other wicket-taker for Fisherman Masters, but it was Mohan who collected the prize for the bowler with the most wickets in the tournament: five scalps. Yusuf collected the prize for the most runs in the tournament, having scored 88 runs in the two matches.

This annual tournament is organized by the Georgetown Softball Cricket League Inc. (GSCL) to observe the nation’s Republic anniversary. This year’s tournament was sponsored by Trophy Stall.

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2020

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