Guyana Times -- Tuesday, February 4, 2020

Banks DIH Berbice branch records $46.5M profit

P13 Nationwide coverage from the best news team in Guyana guyanatimesgy.com

Issue No. 4186

THE BEACON OF TRUTH TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2020

PRICE

2016 oil contract

$80 VAT INCLUDED

WHAT'S INSIDE:

Trotman should be investigated for not representing Guyana’s interest Page 3

Guyana’s 2020 elections

Peaceful elections are in everyone’s interest – Mia Mottley

Tullow, partners to assess future of Guyana's oil block

P10

Man jailed for 30 years for killing businessman P11

Page 7

…says Caricom will keep watchful eye

GRA accelerating paperless P11 system – Deputy Commissioner

2012 Linden protests

$450M lawsuit filed against State by relatives of trio killed P10 See story on page

Teen dies after being struck by car P12

People’s Progressive Party/Civic Presidential Candidate, Dr Irfaan Ali; Prime Ministerial Candidate, Retired Brigadier Mark Phillips and the Party’s General Secretary, Bharrat Jagdeo share a photo moment with these youngsters of Mabaruma, Region One (Barima-Waini) over the weekend

RUSAL suspends operations in Guyana Page 9

…over 300 employees terminated

Tuschen-Uitvlugt forgotten by Central Govt – NDC Chair P12

2 NEWS

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Eastern Airlines promises cheaper flights, better services

Senior Sales Director Josh Bustos

E

astern Airlines will have its inaugural flight from Guyana to New York, USA early next month, and has already assured potential customers of better service.

With the official launch at the Marriott Hotel on Monday, company officials assured that their service would be up to par, with many benefits for their customers.

The airline company was created by rebranding Dynamic Airlines, bringing its services to Guyana in an effort to open underserved markets.

Senior Sales Director Josh Bustos shared that their intention to offer flights from Georgetown was based on the large Diaspora population in the United States of America, particularly New York. Persons can expect direct flights from the Cheddi

Jagan International Airport (CJIA) to John F Kennedy International Airport.

According to him, many changes were made to increase efficiency and facilities.

“The point I want to make is that we’re a scheduled service airline, so we’ve had to go through a lot more government regulations and a lot more money in order to stand up the airline and get it to where it is today. We’re not going anywhere. We will be here to stay,” Bustos said.

One of the partners, Grace Bennett of Playbook Studios detailed some of the advantages of flying with Eastern Airlines. Persons flying with the airline would be entitled to a carry-on bag and 32-kilogram suitcase at no cost. They have also committed to a low baggage policy and lower prices.

Meanwhile, Guyana’s Director General of the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority, Egbert Field confirmed that after Dynamic Airlines went through the bankruptcy court, it made its return under the official name of Eastern Airlines.

Dynamic quit the Guyana market in October 2017, following some three years of service characterised by frequent delays and cancellations. As such, when Eastern Airlines applied to fly the New York-Guyana route, it was asked to post a US$450,000 bond before commencing operations.

“We carried out our standard process in evaluating the documents presented to us for

safety, security, and economics and we gave our analysis, confirming that the documentation presented to us was authentic and followed the

standards set out by the home state, the United States. It is more or less a verification of those documents that the GCAA does,” Field has said.

Customers were reassured of better service under this new brand. This move is also expected to raise the competition stakes, given other carri-

ers offer similar flights. Last December, American Airlines also started offering direct flights between the two destinations.

Barbados PM conferred with Order of Roraima

B

arbados’ first female Prime Minister (PM), Mia Amor Mottley, was on Monday awarded with Guyana’s second-highest national award, the Order of Roraima, in recognition of her outstanding and valuable service to Guyana and the Caribbean Community (Caricom).

Guyana’s Chief Justice, Yonette Cummings Edwards, who chairs the Advisory Council of the Orders of Guyana, in brief remarks at the ceremony to confer the national award said that Prime Minister Mottley was singled out for the Order of Roraima award since her credentials show an impressive list of achievements and a number of “firsts.”

“As an attorney-at-law, Queens Counsel, and the youngest Queens Council in Barbados, Member of Parliament, having the distinction of being one of the youngest Barbadians to be assigned a ministerial portfolio as the Minister of Education. PM Mottley has been hailed as a visionary in the education sector and in youth development, having served as Attorney General and as Deputy Prime Minister and first female to hold that position. PM Mottley was also the first female Opposition Leader and Party Leader of Barbados and now PM Mottley is the Chairman of the Conference of Heads of Government of Caricom,” Justice Cummings Edwards stated.

She pointed out that PM Mottley has been passionate about regional integration and has strongly presented the economic interest of the Caribbean. “…This distinguished daughter of the Caribbean soil has exemplified dedication to duty and service in the region.”

Meanwhile, President David Granger, who is the Chancellor of the Orders of Guyana, reiterated that the conferral of

Barbados over the course of centuries that have worked with the people of Guyana… it was Guyanese who in the 1950s and 1960s led the industrialisation of Barbados with banks and the garment industry and across a wide range of industries.”

She also recommitted Barbados’ position to continue fruitful relations with Guyana as the two countries embark on policies and programmes that should also assist other Caricom countries. Mottley is the second Barbadian PM to receive the Order of Roraima after Freundel Stuart in 2016.

Guyanese treatment

Barbados Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley smiles after receiving Guyana’s Order of Roraima (Ministry of the Presidency photo)

Guyana’s Order of Roraima on Barbados’ PM exemplifies the essential elements of the historical, fraternal relations between the two Caribbean States. In her response, PM Mottley expressed gratitude at being bestowed such an honour by Guyana, and pointed out that it was cooperation and collaboration between her country and Guyana many years ago that helped Barbados thrive.

“I accept this honour not on my own behalf but on behalf of the people of Barbados.

I am conscious that it is the people in

While Mottley has been awarded Guyana’s second highest national award, her country, more so its immigration service at the Grantley Adams International Airport has been called out for its treatment of Guyanese visiting the island.

Over the years, Guyanese have complained about the hostility and cruelty they are faced with when visiting the sister Caricom member state. In some instances, Guyanese, who have been denied entry into the island, have been left sitting on a bench for hours as they await a return flight to Guyana.

Jamaican, Shanique Myrie had sued the Barbadian Government after she was subjected to a dehumanising cavity search at Grantley Adams International Airport in 2011.

Myrie in her lawsuit stated that she was locked in a filthy room where she had to spend the night and was deported to Jamaica 24 hours later. She was eventually awarded damages in the sum of US$38,000 by the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ).

NEWS

3

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

BRIDGE OPENINGS

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

Tuesday, February 4 – 12:30h – 14:00h and Wednesday, February 5 – 02:30h – 04:00h and 13:30h – 15:00h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

2016 oil contract

Trotman should be investigated for not representing Guyana’s interest

Tuesday, February 4 – 11:45h – 13:15h and Wednesday, February 5 – 12:55h – 14:25h.

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

WEATHER TODAY Sunshine is expected throughout the day.

There will be clear skies at night. Temperatures should range between 21 degrees Celsius and 30 degrees Celsius.

Winds: North-Easterly to East-North Easterly to North-Easterly between 1.78 metres and 4.47 metres.

High Tide: 12:23h reaching a maximum height of 2.24 metres.

Low Tide: 18:34h reaching a minimum height of 0.94 metre.

Natural Resources Minister Raphael Trotman

A

n award-winning international transparency watchdog has called for investigations into the role of a Government Minister during negotiations with oil giant ExxonMobil, as part of an explosive new report into Guyana’s controversial 2016 oil deal.

The report, titled “Signed away” was written by Global Witness, a US-based NonGovernmental Organisation with a long track record of exposing corruption and human rights abuses. Among its recommendations was for Guyana’s Government to investigate the role played by Natural Resources Minister Raphael Trotman in brokering the deal.

The report expressed concern over the lacklustre negotiations on Guyana’s behalf and blames the Minister for not representing Guyana’s interests.

Negotiated badly

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2020

LOTTERY NUMBERS D

01 04 06

20 22 27

FREE TICKET

16 Bonus Ball

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2020 DAILY MILLIONS

08 13 15 17 19 LUCKY 3

0

4

0

1

Afternoon Draw

9

1

Evening Draw

DRAW DE LINE

01

04

10

14

PAY DAY

18

20

21 SUPER PAY DAY

FRIDAY, JANUARY 31, 2020

02 05 08 12 17

01 06 07 20 21

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

The report states that Trotman arrived at Exxon’s headquarters in Texas in April 2016, whereupon he was put up first class in a nearby hotel and dined at an exclusive restaurant - all on ExxonMobil’s tab.

The company, according to Global Witness, had given Guyana 10 weeks to sign a new draft licence. The watchdog stated that there is evidence that Guyana’s team negotiated badly on the country’s behalf. When it comes to Trotman himself, the report noted that he did not spend much time negotiating at all.

The entire process, from when negotiations began in early April, concluded with a signed deal on June 27.

According to Global Witness, they were able to confirm that at least three Guyanese officials; Trotman, GGMC Commissioner Newell Dennison and another GGMC staffer, Christopher Lynch, were part of the negotiations, although it admitted more could have been involved.

“For its part, Exxon had a large team involved in the negotiations, which included Oswald and then-Country Manager Jeff Simons,” the report states. “Despite Exxon’s demands earlier in the month, Trotman – responsible for signing

Guyana’s oil licences – did not appear to spend his time in Texas negotiating.

“According to a memo summarising his trip, the Minister instead toured Exxon’s new glass and steel offices. He and his colleagues were most impressed by the company’s facilities for keeping Guyana’s oil find samples: What was most striking was the very strong smell of oil that filled the room,” the report states.

This is despite coming up against a rigorous ExxonMobil team of negotiators. Global Witness noted that while Guyanese officials did seek an improved royalty, the oil giant was not very receptive to any substantial changes to the fiscal terms it got in the 1999 licence.

Missed opportunity

In addition, the report states Trotman was supposed to have had new information on the Stabroek Block that ought to have strengthened his hand during negotiations. Instead, this card was not played.

“Trotman failed to capitalise on Guyana’s strong bargaining position. During negotiations, he knew that the company was analysing a new possible oil find.

Global Witness is an award-winning international watchdog agency

Trotman even thought the company would announce its results on a specific day: June 28 2016,” the report stated.

“But the Minister did not wait for these results, which would have allowed Guyana to assess Stabroek’s true value and which turned out to be one of the world’s largest recent finds. Instead,

on June 27, Trotman signed Exxon’s licence.”

Referencing a report allegedly prepared by the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) after the negotiations, Global Witness claimed that GGMC officials had at the time thought it unrealistic to press Exxon for a better deal.

TURN TO PAGE 7

4

guyanatimesgy.com

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 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

Trampling on the rule of law

I

t was recently revealed that some Ministers of the APNU/AFC Government have not submitted their financial declarations to the Integrity Commission. Among the reported delinquents is the Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs. His failure, up to this point, to comply with a simple but mandatory requirement of all public officials epitomises the Government’s reluctance to abide by the rule of law, a seeming characteristic since May 2015.

Simply put, how can the person entrusted to advise and represent the Government on legal matters not abide by the said law he is expected to uphold? His actions, and those of the APNU/AFC coalition Government, further demonstrate a disinterest in complying with the rule of law. The numerous transgressions of the Constitution and its mandated processes during this Government’s tenure thus far reflect that inclination to so defy.

Just recently, the United States of America expressed concerns to the United Nations Human Rights Council over the APNU/ AFC’s actions that may undermine democratic principles, including apparent misapplication of the Constitution and certain court rulings.

That latest cause for concern by one of Guyana’s major donors may have summed up the APNU/AFC’s glaring trend of refusal to adhere to the Constitution and court rulings.

The wanton rejection of the final ruling and consequential orders of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) seems to be the pinnacle of that pattern. Such refusal has led to constitutionally due elections being held a year after their mandated time. Given APNU/AFC’s related actions, the said elections would probably have been held after a much longer period, had it not been for local and international pressure.

Despite being repeatedly called out, the Government, through President David Granger, manufactured reasons to defend its actions.

While on the campaign trail, he even boasted of his desire to remove the constitutional provision for a no-confidence motion (NCM) if the coalition were to win the upcoming March 02 elections.

In a subsequent meeting, he touted that his APNU/AFC coalition must also be able to control the Regional Democratic Councils (RDC) and the Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDC) for effective governance. That clearly suggests a lack of involvement of persons or groups aside from APNU or AFC. In ways, it mirrors the infamous comment of the Chairperson of the People’s National Congress (PNC), who boldly proclaimed that jobs would only be given to persons of that Party and, reportedly, those who look like her.

These are very serious and dangerous developments that reek of a bourgeoning dictatorship. That historic characteristic of the PNC was unmistakably in action when Mr. Granger unilaterally and unconstitutionally appointed the immediate past Chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), and through his preposterous claim that 33 is not a majority of 65 with regard to the NCM. The intent to strip the Constitution of its provision for an NCM, thereby removing a major mechanism for accountability, speaks unambiguously to a desire to once again enshrine its dictatorial tendency. That may explain its actions in disregarding the Constitution since taking office in May 2015. In the said context, it could explain why the Attorney General and some other Ministers would see no need to make financial declarations to the Integrity Commission.

How else could it be explained? One can make a strong argument that if the APNU/AFC values the need to respect the law, then the declarations would have been filed. Similarly, elections would not have been held a year after they were constitutionally due.

What is even more worrying is the President’s lack of condemnation of the ongoing transgressions. That may be so because he himself may have led the way for the disregard of the country’s rule of law.

Just recently, in Essequibo, APNU/AFC’s activists covered the Opposition People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPPC) symbol with green and yellow cloth; the coalition’s colours. Those cups, in the form of drums, were mounted on electric poles and in other parts of the country.

From all understanding, desecration of a Party symbol could constitute an offence. Yet, a senior official, who heads the official government information arm, was reportedly boasting on social media of his comrades’ achievement in defiling the PPPC’s symbol.

Instead of condemning, he encouraged.

That is yet another blatant example of ignoring the transgression of the rule of law. That would more than likely explain other actions of PPPC’s elections symbol and paraphernalia being removed and trampled upon, and some of its public meetings being disrupted without condemnation even from the President. The intimidation in Wismar, Mocha and Bagotstown, just to name a few, further epitomises the APNU/AFC’s continual disregard for the rule of law.

That may have given the free rein to some of its supporters and possibly to the Attorney General, who desperately tried to convince that 33 is not the majority of 65. Such, coming from that level, may have provided all the answers.

A resident wears a plastic water bottle with a cutout to cover the face, on a footbridge in Hong Kong, as a preventative measure following a virus outbreak which began in the Chinese city of Wuhan (AFP photo)

More false promises for sugar workers Dear Editor, Sugar workers have been treated as second-class citizens by the Granger-led APNU/AFC. They have been lied to and cheated on the last five years. During that time, David Granger never once acknowledged their plight. Suddenly, it is election time and Granger and APNU/AFC are twisting themselves like a good American pretzel, making more false promises to the sugar workers, not only reaffirming their second-class citizen treatment, but now treating them like they are stupid. For five years they did nothing to give the sugar workers land, which they promised them in 2016.

Boom, it’s election time and David Granger is promising them land again. It is utterly insulting, indecent, dishonest and totally lacking of integrity. We must call a spade a spade. Even as that fake promise is made once again, none of them in APNU/AFC has addressed my prediction - Uitvlugt and Blairmont are not guaranteed survival under any future APNU/AFC Government. None of them so far has dared to guarantee that these states are safe.

At its most recent rally, held at Leonora, David Granger promised if his Government was to return to power after March 2, 2020, APNU/AFC would ensure sugar workers who lost their jobs because of the heartless closure of sugar estates will be given land for agriculture purposes. When the Wales Estate was closed in 2016, four years ago, the more than 2500 sugar workers who had to fight for their

severance payments were told the sugar cane cultivation land would be distributed to them, so they could start over. Four years have gone, some of the land has been given to friends of the Government, but not an acre has been given to any of the sugar workers who lost their jobs and their livelihood.

In 2016, APNU/AFC spent more than $150 million preparing 1000 acres, they said, for rice cultivation, which will hire some of the laid-off sugar workers.

They also said they spent $60 million to start aquaculture. It has been four years, the land has been taken over by weeds, not a grain of rice, nor a single fish has been produced. Just last year, it was revealed that a newly established firm, with an expatriate Guyanese and a Caricom national was given almost 700 acres for a coconut plantation, as if none of the laid-off sugar workers or no Guyanese farmer knows how to cultivate coconut. There are other reports of land being distributed to people who have no experience in agriculture. But for four years, no one talked to or made any plans to distribute land to the laid-off sugar workers, many of whom made applications and are being royally jerked around. For four years, Granger never mentioned anything about these poor workers and their families.

Suddenly, faced with a massive defeat on March 2, he again makes the same old, empty promise - “vote for me and I will give you land”.

These sugar workers have lived in poverty for

the last four years. Granger never made a single step towards them, never mentioned their plight, never sent his Ministers to talk with the sugar workers. For four years, reports after reports documented the poverty, the hungry children not being able to go to school, yet no one from the insensitive Government ever showed up. Granger and APNU/AFC bragged about buses, bicycles, boats and free breakfast, but these are alien things to the workers and their families - they have never seen any of these things. They were treated as second-class citizens. After breaking their promise to give the land to the sugar workers, betraying them and their families, for four long years, it is election time and, boom, Granger now promises them they will get the land if they vote for him and APNU/AFC. Is there anything less indecent, dishonest than this? What integrity are they really talking about?

At the Leonora rally, Mr Granger pointedly told people, to use his own word, he “preserved” sugar in Guyana. He did not say sorry to the almost 9000 sugar workers who lost their jobs and the almost 40,000 family members who suddenly found themselves in abject poverty. For four years, Granger ignored sugar workers, placed them in poverty and now demands praise because in his own warped mind, he “preserved” the industry. He closed four estates, fired 9000 workers, sugar production fell to a low not seen for a hundred years. Yet Granger

had the audacity to boast he “preserved” sugar. It is shameful and shameless at the same time. It is indecent and dishonest claiming credit for a disaster that impoverished 40,000 people and that imperilled the livelihood of thousands of others. Small shopkeepers are struggling because their little shops are barely active, since customers can no longer support the business.

Market vendors have seen their livelihood shocked because their customers can no longer afford to buy products. The seamstress and the tailors, the taxi drivers in these communities have seen their businesses collapse like falling dominoes.

Not a word of apology, not a word of distress from the man who lorded over his citizens like he was their king.

While making his empty promise of land for the laidoff sugar workers, he never uttered a word of what support he will give to these unemployed workers. He never asked how they survived the last four years. He did not care all this time, but he makes another empty promise and fully expects these workers to believe him. But these workers are not fools, they will reject him, like they did in November 2018 at the Local Government Elections.

After all, Guyanese do value honesty, decency and integrity and they do not need to be told by anyone that the Granger-led APNU/AFC is the very ugly picture and definition of indecency, dishonesty and absolute lack of integrity.

Sincerely, Dr Leslie Ramsammy

guyanatimesgy.com

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2020

5

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

Lesson may have come too late for David Granger

Dear Editor, In a display of willful ignorance, David Granger and his Cabinet sat on January 23, 2020, and decided upon appointments for various State Boards. While the ignorance of laws is the new normal for Granger as noted by the US State Department “The United States is concerned about recent actions

by Guyana that may undermine democratic principles, including apparent misapplication of the Guyanese Constitution and certain

court rulings,” it is the damage being done to the institutions and character of persons who accept these appointments that is the greatest cause for national concern.

Upon the passage of the No-Confidence Motion on December 21, 2018, Cabinet stood resigned; upon the CCJ ruling of June 18, 2019, Cabinet stood resigned; upon the expiry of the constitutionally stipulated period of 90 days for an election, September 19, 2019,

the Granger Administration became illegal and Cabinet stood resigned; upon the proclamation of the March 2, 2020, election date, Cabinet stood resigned; upon the proclamation of the dissolution of Parliament on January 10, 2020, Cabinet stood resigned, and yet Granger’s Cabinet meets and approves Board appointments as if oblivious to their lack of legal status to so do.

This ‘Cabinet’ decision follows closely on the highly-questionable decision to

approve and award eighty contracts at the end of 2019, and use monies budgeted in 2019 to make payments in 2020 in clear contravention of the laws of Guyana.

There is no doubt that the actions of Granger’s Cabinet since December 21, 2018, will all be reversed soon enough, I am sure the CCJ will be eager to affirm their rulings if/when legal challenges are mounted. However, the damage to the reputation of individuals who are participants

will be lasting. The offers of appointment were gazetted on February 1, ironically the same edition that lists APNU/AFC Members of Parliament who have failed to submit their declarations to the Integrity Commission.

It may be prudent for persons who may not know of their appointment to check this edition expeditiously.

In closing, I would advise appointees to weigh the arguments carefully before arriving at any decision; for a person can only lose their in-

tegrity once; after that, it is a lifelong struggle to regain credibility and trustworthiness. Granger has lost his integrity and is trying to restore it by printing ‘Honesty’ and ‘Decency’ on banners, flags, and pamphlets; it is not working. The lesson may have come too late for David Granger, but for those who have been offered appointments, a short, polite refusal would speak volumes.

Respectfully, Robin Singh

That US$55B “signed away” by Trotman/APNU/AFC

Dear Editor, According to Global Witness, the atrocious deal which Trotman signed with ExxonMobil saw Guyana losing some US$55 billion (fifty-five billion American dollars). At $220 to US$1 this is equivalent to $12,100,000,000,000 (Twelve trillion, one hundred billion Guyana dollars) - my calculator ran out of display space. I will now try to put into context how much money this is and what the same could have paid for in our dear old Guyana. While some of the following might appear on the surface to be funny, I can assure you that, as a Guyanese, there is nothing here to laugh about considering that this is what we have collectively lost as a nation due to Granger, Trotman and the APNU/ AFC. If we were to convert twelve trillion dollars into

our highest currency denomination, the “Granger” $5000 bill, it would weigh over 6 million pounds or 2721 metric tons of cold hard cash. If bandits tried to steal such a sum they would need to come prepared with 137 twenty-foot containers.

Guyana’s annual budgetary expenditure estimate is $295.3 billion. With this amount, we could all have afforded sit down and do absolutely nothing and still operate the economy for 41 years. The public sector wage bill is $22.4 billion annually. With twelve trillion dollars, we had enough money to pay public servants for 540 years and grant them a decent bonus too. GRA boasted that it collected $226 billion in taxes in 2019.

Our Government could have waived all taxes on all citizens and companies for 53 consecutive years.

Given that APNU/AFC is

assiduously working to shut down GuySuCo on the false claim that it is highly indebted, this sum was sufficient to repay the debt, which was $29.9 billion in 2015, 404 times. In other words, GuySuCo could have been bailed out over 400 times. In terms of our national debt, listed at US$1657.8 million as of June 2019, we could have repaid it 33 times.

Twelve trillion would have bought 65 new hydro facilities similar in size and design to Amaila, 220 new Demerara Harbour Bridges, as is being proposed, and 1375 Berbice Bridges. 65 Amaila power plants would have powered the entire South America.

In the context of the $10,000 cash grant, which APNU/AFC took away from our children, we could have given the 167,000 students their $10,000 for 7245 years.

Similarly, for our 54,000 pensioners, we could have used this money and paid them that $19,000 monthly,

which is what they are presently receiving, for almost 1000 years.

A decent one family house costs around $10 million and a “brand new second-hand” car is around $2.5 million.

This money could have built over one million two hundred thousand homes ie more than one home with garage and guard hut for every living Guyanese. By this, I mean each individual, man or woman, boy or girl, could have been given his or her own house. Similarly, it would have bought 5 million cars, which are more than 6 cars for each individual on the voters’ list being prepared by GECOM in addition to everyone under 18 including babies. This is coincidentally the very definition of the vaunted good life promised by Granger and APNU/AFC, which they have surreptitiously “signed away”. If we were to allocate 12.1 trillion to our 750,000 citizens each Guyanese would be a millionaire 16

times over.

It is difficult to visualise the quantity of money which the APNU/AFC cabal has thrown away. In any other country, the entire Administration and their advisors would have been thrown in jail and therefore never see the light of day to trick the people again. This

transaction constitutes the largest scam I have ever heard about and I wonder what is going through the minds of those individuals who fell for the promised change in 2015.

Dear Editor, We, the citizens, have always been told from time immemorial that emergency vehicles with blaring sirens must be given the right of way and easy passage on the roadways.

It is presumed this edict is applicable to all citizens of the country irrespective of their station in life.

Yet, in the media on February 2, 2020, a columnist recounted what was told

to him of an ambulance en route to Georgetown not being given the right of passage and the refusal of the Police outriders to allow the ambulance to pass the entourage. Surely an ambulance had to be given some consideration. Where was the compassion?

So, did the outriders break the law in this regard?

Sincerely, Ravi Ram

Where was the compassion?

Sincerely, Shamshun Mohamed

6

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2020

Page

“I

didn’t do anything!” “It’s not my fault!” “Say you’re sorry!”

Sound familiar? If so, you’re like lots of kids who sometimes argue with their friends and family members. Let’s face it – it’s not always easy to get along with sisters and brothers, parents, and friends.

Kids aren’t perfect and they sometimes do things that get them into trouble. Saying “I’m sorry” can help.

Saying you’re sorry is called apologising.

When you apologise, you’re telling someone that you’re sorry for the hurt you caused, even if you didn’t do it on purpose.

People who are apologising might also say that they will try to do better. They might promise to fix or replace what was broken or take back a mean thing they said.

How does it make you feel?

When you apologise to someone – and really mean it – it’s because you have stopped to think about how the person may have felt because of what you did or said. When you stop to think about the other person’s feelings, you begin to feel sorry for your behaviour. You might even feel embarrassed or ashamed if you did something that you knew was wrong.

Even if what happened was an accident or you did something you didn’t mean to do, you would probably still feel sorry if you knew the other person’s feelings were hurt.

After apologising, you might feel a little better (the other person probably will, too).

When you apologise in a caring way, you can feel good because you are trying to make things right again.

What does an apology sound like?

There are many ways to apologise.

Here are s o m e examples: “ I ’ m sorry about the mean thing I said to you.”

“I’m sorry I

Foundation lost your book.”

“I was mad, but I shouldn’t have called you a name. I’m sorry.”

“I’m sorry I hurt your feelings.”

“I’m sorry I yelled at you.”

“I’m really sorry I hit you when I was mad. That was wrong. I won’t do it anymore.”

When you apologise to someone, he or she might apologise back to you: “That’s OK, I’m sorry, too. I shouldn’t have teased you.” And then maybe you can both feel friendly again.

When should you apologise?

Kids might need to apologise if they hurt or teased someone or lost something that belonged to someone else. They might need to apologise if they broke something (even by accident — oops!), or if they did something they knew was wrong — like telling a lie or breaking a rule on purpose.

Maybe they did something their parent told them not to do, or maybe they didn’t do something they were supposed to do.

Kids might need to apologise to each other or to a grown-up. Grown-ups can apologise, too — to other grown-ups or even to kids. After all, even grown-ups make mistakes sometimes. By apologising when they’re wrong, grown-ups can set a good example and show kids how to do the right thing and apologise when they need to.

What if you were angry?

Everyone feels angry with someone else now and then.

Being angry is OK — and nothing to apologise for — but knowing how to tell someone what made you angry is important.

When little kids are angry, they might hit or kick or scream. They don’t have much self-control and they might not have learned yet that it’s wrong to hit someone because they’re upset.

But as kids get bigger and can use words, they know better than to hit or kick or scream when they’re angry. They learn to express their feelings with words. Of course, the words they say when they’re angry might be stronger or louder than usual — but the words don’t have

to be mean. You can tell someone you’re upset and why without putting that person down. You can be honest about how you feel without being unkind.

But sometimes anger takes over and kids might lose self-control. They might say mean things, lose their cool, and hit or push someone. Afterward, most kids realize that even if they were right to be angry, it is not OK to behave that way. That’s when an apology is definitely needed.

Does apologising fix everything?

Saying I’m sorry when you need to is the right thing to do. It does a lot of good. But by itself, it might not be enough to make everything all better again. Sometimes along with an apology, a person needs to fix the mistake or promise to do better. Sometimes doing a nice thing for the person after you apologise helps show that you really are sorry and want to be friendly again.

Sometimes a heartfelt “I’m sorry” fixes everything right away. Other times, it might take a while for someone to feel friendly after you apologise. You might need to give the other person some time. Even after you say you’re sorry, you might still feel bad about what you said or did — but you can feel good about apologising and about making up your mind to do better.

When someone apologises to you, you might not feel like being friendly again right away. Once in a while, if a person doesn’t change, you might not want to be friends anymore.

You might feel relieved and glad that the other person apologised and admitted being wrong.

But if someone keeps behaving in mean ways or does something that keeps hurting, you might not feel the same way anymore. Just because someone apologises to you doesn’t mean you have to be friendly again. That part is up to you. (kidshealth.org)

CONTINUED FROM MONDAY

Breathing Breathing is one of the most important parts of yoga. Breathing steadily while you’re in a yoga pose can help you get the most from the pose.

But practicing breathing exercises when you’re not doing yoga poses can be good for you, too.

It may seem strange to practise breathing, since we do it naturally every moment of our lives. But when people get stressed, their breathing often becomes shallower and more rapid.

Paying attention to how you are breathing can help you notice how you’re feeling — it can give you a clue that you’re stressed even when you don’t realise it. So, start by noticing how you’re breathing, then focus on slowing down and breathing more deeply.

Try practising these breathing exercises: Belly Breathing Belly breathing allows you to focus on filling your lungs fully. It’s a great way to counteract shallow, stressed-out breathing: Sit in a comfortable position with one hand on your belly.

With your mouth closed and your jaw relaxed, inhale through your nose. As you inhale, allow your belly to expand.

Imagine the lower part of your lungs filling up first, then the rest of your lungs inflating.

As you slowly exhale, imagine the air emptying from your lungs, and allow the belly to flatten.

Do this three to five times.

This kind of breathing can help settle your nerves before a big test, sports game, or even before bed.

Alternate Nostril Breathing This breath technique can help you feel more balanced and calmer: Sit in a comfortable position.

Place the thumb of your right hand on your right nostril. Tuck your first and middle fingers down and out of the way.

As your right thumb gently closes your right nostril, slowly exhale through your left nostril, as you count to five.

Now, keeping your right thumb on the right nostril, slowly inhale through the left nostril, as you count to five.

Lift your thumb, use your ring finger to close your left nostril, and exhale through your right nostril for 5 counts. Then inhale through your right nostril as you slowly count to five.

Change back to putting your thumb over your right nostril. Lift your ring finger from your left nostril, and repeat the whole process — exhaling through your left nostril for 5 counts, then inhaling through the left nostril for five counts.

Continue this pattern (exhale, inhale, change sides) for three more cycles.

These breathing and meditation techniques can have subtle but powerful effects. If you keep practicing them, the benefits will build up into real results. This might happen so gradually that you don’t notice it. But you’ll know that a positive change is at work when you don’t lose your cool d u r i n g a fight with your parents or go into a stress meltdown before a big exam!

(Excerpt from kidshealth. org)

NEWS

7

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Guyana’s 2020 elections

Peaceful elections are in everyone’s interest – Mia Mottley …says Caricom will keep watchful eye

T

he importance of Guyana conducting free and fair elections was emphasised by Caribbean Community (Caricom) Chairperson and Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley, who visited Guyana on Monday.

During a press conference at the Caricom Secretariat on Monday evening, Mottley revealed that she met with various officials including Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo and President David Granger. She also met with the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI).

The Bajan Prime Minister was asked on Monday about concerns related to elections in Guyana and whether she was satisfied with the preparations being made by the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM).

“Caricom will have a team, as will many other observers, present on the ground. I think both sides are comfortable. There are some concerns, but they are going to work themselves out. We will keep a watchful eye.”

“And we have every confidence in the Guyanese

people that they will resolve their determinations and decisions in a way that will inure to the benefit of the people of this country. I think everyone knows that a peaceful election is in the interest of everyone,” Mottley also explained.

With elections due March 2, 2020, political parties have been hitting the campaign trail in full stride.

Some comments made by various politicians during rallies and meetings, however, have been a cause for worry due to its inflammatory potential.

People’s National

Trotman should be...

According to Global Witness, part of the report stated: “I have the view that there may be a fair chance to model some notional improved royalty to kick in, but I also speculate that in the environment of deep water, deep target development, the price of oil would have to go up significantly [to achieve that].”

In fact, Global Witness claims that Guyana presented feeble terms to Exxon and that expert advice that more financial information was needed was ignored

by Guyana’s team. The report notes that Exxon’s decision to start negotiations on home ground may have also been a tactical decision, to give it an edge.

Moreover, the report says that the Guyanese delegation was told Exxon would cease development of the oil field unless its terms were met. According to the report,

not only were the negotiations rushed, but the representatives from the GGMC were out of their depth, experience-wise.

“The GGMC’s expertise is artisanal and medium-scale mining, not negotiations worth billions with one of the world’s largest oil companies. According to a 2016 report commissioned by UNDP, the GGMC “has only a very few technical personnel trained in oil and gas, with limited experience,” Global Witness also said.

Efforts to contact Minister Trotman for a response to the report’s findings were unsuccessful.

Government, particularly Foreign Secretary Carl Greenidge, has already denied the claims made in the report.

Since the signing of the new deal, Trotman and the Government at large has

FROM PAGE 3

been under criticism from experts and civil society alike over the deal, which guarantees Guyana a 50 per cent stake in production and a two per cent royalty.

Even the Government’s own advisor on petroleum at the time, Dr Jan Mangal, had criticised Guyana’s two per cent royalty on earnings from oil sales, which he said is low compared to global standards. Mangal’s contract was subsequently not renewed by the Government.

In 2018, President David Granger eventually transferred responsibility for oil from Trotman to the Ministry of the Presidency.

A Department of Energy was created, with Dr Mark Bynoe as its Head. Oil production started officially last year December, with Guyana expected to have its first share of the oil in the coming weeks.

Congress (PNC) Chair Volda Lawrence recently made certain controversial comments during a meeting in the Kitty market square.

In her comments, she had urged supporters to remain at polling stations until ballots are counted and statements of polls posted, after which the party will secure the ballot boxes.

“When six o’clock hit, you supposed to have already had your bath and put on your nightshift clothing.

You understand what I’m saying comrades? This is not the time to be sleeping. They must not catch us sleeping on the job! At six o’clock you're required to work at the places of polling and you will remain out there and let our staff inside that you are out there.”

“Let them know everything is covered, APNU/ AFC! You have to give that support. You have to remain there until they get it right… and then our nice, strong men will be mobilised to follow that ballot box, until it goes into that container and the APNU/AFC padlock and chain is placed on that container… we aren’t making no joke with them votes.”

These comments resulted in a number of stakeholders expressing concern, such as the main opposition People’s Progressive Party (PPP) and sections of civil society. In the case of the Opposition, former Attorney

GECOM Chair, Retired Justice Claudette Singh

General and current party candidate, Anil Nandlall had written to GECOM urging that they address the issue.

In the letter, which was addressed to GECOM Chair, retired Justice Claudette Singh, he reminded her of the violence that accompanied the 2015 elections when a car was torched and activists assaulted following a misunderstanding over ballot boxes.

The attorney-at-law had also pointed out in his letter that Section 78 of the Representation of the People Act prohibits persons from interfering with the transport of ballot boxes. In her response, Justice Singh revealed that the matter would be placed on the Commission’s agenda for today’s statutory meeting.

Meanwhile, it is understood that Prime Minister Mottley will return to

Caricom Chair Mia Mottley during the press briefing on Monday evening at the Caricom Secretariat

Barbados by today. Mottley, as Caricom Chair, recently accused United States Secretary of State Michael Pompeo of trying to divide the region. Her comments came as a selected group of Caricom countries were invited to a meeting with Pompeo, who was visiting the region.

“I don’t look to pick fights, but I am conscious that if this country does not stand for something, then it will fall for anything. As Chairman of Caricom, it is impossible for me to agree that my Foreign Minister should attend a meeting with anyone to which members of Caricom are not invited. If some are invited and not all, then it is an attempt to divide this region,” she said.

8 NEWS

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Farmer charged for No 63 Beach double murder

Alvin Druean

T

he Number 65 Village, Corentyne, Berbice farmer who allegedly confessed that he, along with a named accomplice, tortured and killed the owner of Sunsplash Beach Resort and his handyman was on Monday slapped

with a murder charge and appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

Forty-six-year-old Alvin Druean appeared before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan. It is alleged that between December 19, 2019 and December 27, 2019 at Sunsplash Hotel, Upper Corentyne, he murdered Vivekanand Brijbassi, called “Veka”, and his workman, Harry Prashad.

Reports revealed that the badly decomposed bodies of 59-year-old Prashad, also of Number 65 Village, and 68-year-old Brijbassi were discovered in the balcony of Sunsplash Beach Resort located on the Number 63 Beach.

Brijbassi was found lying on his back with two toes severed while Prashad was found with both hands tied to a post on the balcony; one

Justice…

O

Dead: Vivekanand Brijbassi, called “Veka”

foot was also tied to the post and was severed at the ankle.

In his alleged confession, Druean reportedly told the cops that he and his accomplice attacked and beat Brijbassi in the lower flat of the resort. He detailed that the injured man was taken to the balcony where Prasad was sitting.

Once there, both men were tortured and left to die.

A source also stated that the Police were following all ma-

Harry Prashad

jor leads with respect to the double murder and more so, they were on the hunt for the accomplice, who is also from No 65 Village.

The autopsy reports revealed that the bodies were in an advanced state of decomposition, and the men died from shock and haemorrhage caused by multiple injuries.

Druean was remanded to prison, and the case was scheduled to continue at the Number 51 Magistrate’s Court on February 12, 2019.

Fight lands man on remand

A

23-year-old man, who is no stranger to the court, was on Monday remanded to prison for unlawfully wounding another during a fight.

Shadrack King, a plumber, of Kaneville, Grove, East Bank Demerara, appeared before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan at the Georgetown

Magistrates’ Courts and denied the charge which stated that on December 7, 2019, at Mowasie Landing, Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni), he unlawfully and maliciously wounded Steve Morrison with intent to maim, disfigure, disable, and cause actual bodily harm.

According to the Prosecutor, the two men are known to each and on December 27, 2019 about 22:00h, the Virtual Complainant was on the landing when the defendant, who was imbibing alcohol, approached with two broken bottles and attempted to stab him.

The court heard that the VC being fearful armed himself with a cutlass and warned off the defendant, who then ran away.

Shortly after, the defendant returned with an ice-picker and dealt Morrison several stabs about the body and made his good escape.

The injured man reported the matter to the Mahdia Police Station and was taken to the hospital for medical attention.

The prosecution further informed the court that Morrison was hospitalised for two days. The court also heard that King was previously sentenced in absentia on a robbery charge. Now that he is in custody, he will start serving his time. The wounding case will continue on February 7, 2018.

…for Guyana n the cusp of an election that from all the signs –barring the PNC getting away with their rigging by the “nightshift” – the PPP/C will win, Opposition Leader Jagdeo sought to reassure the nation that their government won’t go down any road of “witch hunting and triumphalism”. What he was saying, of course, is that the PPP/C won’t repeat the actions of the PNC-led coalition Government – which made the witch-hunting of Salem look like playing a game of tag in the schoolyard!!

Now your Eyewitness supports this call 120 per cent!!

In a nation that’s ethnically fragmented like ours, any witch hunting will just increase that fragmentation – since it’s always the “other” who’s the target. But what about other crimes that have been committed against the State by the big ones in this government and their friends and cronies??

To go after them certainly wouldn’t be “witch hunting”, but actually delivering justice for the Guyanese people.

Over the last five years, this PNC Government has raped the Guyanese treasury on a scale that’s unprecedented since their first incarnation – even surpassing what the colonial planters did during the years of slavery and indentureship! Take, for example the negotiation and signing of our first oil contract by Raphael Trotman!! Why are folks only wringing their hands about the “terrible” deal we got?? Did this “deal” drop from the skies?? Were the oil companies holding any gun to Trotman’s head??

Certainly not!!

So, let’s call a spade a spade and tell it like it is: Trotman’s “negotiation” passes the smell test for corruption from any direction you approach it: and corruption is a crime!!

Does anyone really believe that the US$18 million is ALL we got as a signing bonus?? Today we hear of astounding amounts of money lost to us: US$55 BILLION! Just because of Trotman playing footsies when he was negotiating.

No…the Opposition Leader cannot give amnesty to such lowlifes like Trotman – they must be brought to justice. Back in 1992, Jagan had said, “no discrimination, no victimisation and no recrimination” against the PNC criminals – and look where it got not just him, but the country!! Immediate accusations of “ethnic cleansing” which segued into violent protests, “slow fyaah; mo fyaah” and then “Freedom Fighters”!!

Immediately after the March elections, simultaneously with launching their development plan that’ll include all Guyanese – especially erstwhile PNC supporters, the PPP Government must launch an Inquiry into the circumstances under which Trotman negotiated the oil contract and bonus. While it may be the prudent thing to have the contract stand – we aren’t international welshers, after all.

But we must deal condignly with the likes of Trotman, to ensure that we follow the virtuous path of States like Singapore!! …and Greenidge As a fella who spent most of his working life in diplomatic-type foreign postings – after his first inglorious stint as Finance Minister of a bankrupt Guyana under the PNC – Carl Greenidge was made Foreign Minister by David Granger. So, Carl’s uncharacteristic undiplomatic language of recent can’t just be because he’s become testy on account of being demoted to “Foreign Affairs Director”.

Gotta be more in the mortar than the pestle!!

So, what’s in the mortar?? There’s the accusation by Granger’s former Energy Advisor that Carl was the one who most vociferously took positions favourable to the foreign oil companies rather than Guyana. Why?? Then, out of the blue, he attacked the NGO Global Witness most undiplomatically!! How’d he know about the Global Witness Report before it was released?? Was he the one conniving with Trotman to sell out Guyana’s interests??

As Brother Bob said, “who the cap fit/Let them wear it”.

Your Eyewitness just “throw me corn/ Me no call no fowl”!!

Put them all on trial!! …how sweet it is!!

Karma, and justice, can be a bitch!! Your Eyewitness had remarked on Granger’s desperation in New Amsterdam at the PPP’s tsunami!

But going into the graveyard isn’t going to save them.

Or will the dead be voting?!!

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

NEWS

9

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

RUSAL suspends operations in Guyana …over 300 employees terminated

T

he controversy surrounding the Russianowned Bauxite Company of Guyana Incorporated has reached a deadlock and the firm has suspended its entire operations here and dismissed over 300 workers.

On Monday, Government Minister Amna Ally joined Chief Labour Officer Charles Ogle, to engage officials of RUSAL – a company which holds some 90 per cent stakes in the Bauxite Company of Guyana Incorporated (BCGI).

In recent times, the company has been facing some difficulties, which the meeting was called to iron out these issues. However, dur-

the move to make this decision, Minister Ally contended that workers should not be treated this way.

However, when the company had initially announced its decision to terminate 142 workers, it stated that it was experiencing difficulties after Government ended its duty-free arrangement for its fuel. Following the decision to lay-off employees, workers and residents blocked the section of the Berbice River utilised by the Aroaima-based company. This further compounded the company’s problems.

A letter from the company dated January 29, 2020, which was seen by Guyana Times, indicated that the

to explain the rationale behind these recent events, claiming that aluminium prices have dropped on the world market. Added to that, there were claims that the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) refused to grant duty-free concessions for fuel, which added to their setbacks.

However, Ally insisted that the company should have taken steps to engage the Maritime Administration (MARAD) to resolve the issue. Amid the heated exchanges with the company’s representatives, she said that Guyana’s laws call for a notification to the Labour Department should any company proceed to ter-

A blocked section of the Berbice River

ing these discussions, it was learnt that the company had already taken the decision to terminate some 326 workers and close its operations before entering talks with the Ministry.

While the company contended that low production and fuel issues triggered

company was forced to further reduce operations and to lay-off employees owing to adverse operating circumstances including shipment interruption because of the blockage of the Berbice River.

RUSAL Representative Vladimir Permyakov sought

minate the services of its workers.

Another meeting is expected to convene soon to further discuss the issue and decide the way forward.

Last Wednesday, the Guyana Bauxite and General Workers Union, in a statement to the me-

Representatives of RUSAL (left) during the meeting with Social Protection Minister Amna Ally and Junior Minister Keith Scott

dia, stated that the decision to lay off the workers is in contravention of the Termination of Employment and Severance Pay Act. The dispute started on January 23, when the company announced its decision to lay off workers after Government ended its duty-free importation of fuel arrangement.

BCGI had dismissed 61 workers in February 2019 after they protested for better working conditions and wages. After weeks of deliberations, they were reinstated.

In January, the GB&GWU declared that it had lost all confidence in Junior Social Protection Minister Keith Scott, who has responsibility for labour.

10 NEWS

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

2012 Linden protests

$450M lawsuit filed against State by relatives of trio killed

T

he relatives of Ron Somerset, Shemroy Bouyea and Allan Lewis, who were killed on July 18, 2012, by ranks of the Guyana Police Force during a protest in Linden have filed $450 million lawsuit against the State, with Attorney General Basil Williams listed as the respondent.

In the lawsuit’s application filed by Attorney-atLaw Darren Wade - a candidate on the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance for Change (APNU/AFC) candidates’ list for the upcoming elections - each of the families is making an application for a declaration that the deceased right to life and fundamental right to liberty was breached, encroached and infringed together with a declaration that the police were reckless and used unnecessary force to kill the men.

The men were among a large group of protesters, who were protesting against the minimal increase in electricity rates in Linden. Seven years after the trio’s deaths, the three families are each claiming in excess of $100 million for the breach and contravention of the deceased fundamental right to life, and another $50 million for the inhumane and degrading treatment the men suffered. In addition, the cost for exemplary

Attorney General Basil Williams

damages and aggravated damages are being claimed.

This lawsuit is set for hearing before Justice Franklyn Holder on February 25, 2020, at the Demerara High Court.

During the protest in 2012, which turned violent, several buildings and bridges were set on fire allegedly by residents of the mining town. Roads were blocked and persons living in Regions Eight (Potaro-Siparuni) and Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) were left stranded for almost a month.

CoI

After the deaths, a Commission of Inquiry (CoI) found that while there is no direct evidence against individual ranks, the Guyana Police Force is culpable for the three deaths.

The Commission had recommended financial compen-

Attorney-at-Law Darren Wade – a candidate on the A Partnership for National Unity/ Alliance For Change (APNU/ AFC) candidates’ list for the upcoming elections

sation to the families of the three slain men, and similar compensation to the wounded, and for those whose properties were destroyed or damaged in the aftermath of the shooting.

Meanwhile, the CoI strongly castigated the individuals who organised the march that led to protesters blocking the MackenzieWismar Bridge and failing to ensure that the protesters did not obstruct the flow of traffic.

One such person included A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) Member of Parliament Desmond Trotman, who supported the blocking of the MackenzieWismar Bridge in his testimony during the CoI.

Tullow, partners to assess future of Guyana's oil block

T

ullow Oil plans to assess the future potential of heavy oil finds off Guyana in the coming days, block partner Eco Atlantic said Monday, three months after details of the viscous crude discoveries cast doubt over the commerciality of the asset.

Announcing a 29 per cent increase in the prospective resources of the offshore Orinduik block, Eco said a scheduled meeting with Tullow and France's Total will evaluate recent drilling results, define new drilling targets, and consider budgets and dates for future drilling.

Tullow's shares took a tumble in November after the company said its promising Joe and Jethro oil finds off Guyana were not as valuable as first expected due to

the oil being tough-to-produce heavy crude.

The oil at the finds in the Orinduik block has a specific gravity of 10-15 API and a

very high sulfur content.

Heavy crude is typically classified as 10-22 API, making the Guyana finds only slightly better quality than the extra-heavy crude from Venezuela's Orinoco belt and the tar sands from Canada's Alberta province.

"Heavy oil is more challenging to produce than conventional lighter oils, but remains a marketable hydrocarbon with increasing demand worldwide, as other heavy oil resources have dropped offline," Eco's chief operating officer Colin Kinley said in a statement.

"The company is conducting in-depth evaluation of the economics of this play, with independent third-party economic advisory support."

Eco said a new independent reserves assessment has pegged Orinduik's gross prospective resources at 5.14 billion barrels of oil equivalent, up 29% from previous estimates of 3.98 billion boe. "[This is] a nice uplift on prospective resources, although investors will no doubt remain wary given the nature of the fluids at Jethro and Joe," brokers Cantor said in a note.

Tullow operates the Orinduik block with a 60% stake, while Total and Eco Atlantic each hold 15% and Qatar Petroleum has the remaining 10%. It also has a minority stake in the adjacent Repsol-operated Kanuku block where the Carapa prospect is currently being drilled. (spglobal.com)

NEWS

11

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

GRA accelerating paperless system – Deputy Commissioner

GRA Deputy Commissioner Hema Khan

T

he Guyana Revenue Authority is accelerating its move towards a paperless environment and will soon begin to scan documents, among other things, to reduce its paper load.

This was revealed by Deputy Commissioner of GRA, Hema Khan, during a press conference at the tax agency’s Camp Street, Georgetown, head office on Friday.

According to Khan, soon, persons will no longer have to bring copies of documents such as proof of identification (ID) and addresses when transacting business at GRA. “We will just collect them, scan them and give them back to you immediately. So that’s gonna be done… and we’re gonna be doing some changes with the configuration (in the system) so that we can stop (collect-

ing document papers),” she explained.

The GRA Deputy further noted that the agency will be using documentation programmes that will facilitate not only storage of the digital data but quick retrieval as well.

The tax body had initiated this paperless trail since 2018 when it introduced the Automated System for Customs Data (ASYCUDA) pilot programme, which aims to facilitate paperless and improved customs transactions. The programme was implemented in 2019 and the GRA officials said it is making significant progress.

In fact, Khan revealed that GRA was able to process some 55,985 declarations through the ASYCUDA programme.

“It is significant to note because those declarations would have not only come into us but we would have had to key that in manually as well as all the paperwork associated with that. So that’s been eliminated. So now we can concentrate on more meaningful activities rather than just doing data processing,” she stressed.

Adding to this, Head of GRA’s Information Technology (IT) Department, Sese Jones noted that they are working to build on that by offering the single window for customs and trade activities via a web portal and integrating all relevant

Head of GRA IT Department, Sese Jones

agencies.

“That project is kicking off with the IDB (InterAmerican Development Bank) and significant internal work has already been done. Provided that there are no further delays again, we should be able to start seeing significant progress a little early next year,” Jones posited.

Furthermore, the IT Head outlined at the press conference that his Department has been feverishly working to get the agency to be more efficient and remove all barriers to daily procedures. This includes pushing its paperless system by moving to online services in relation to tax returns.

He pointed out that GRA will be engaging a number of partner agencies, starting with the large taxpayers, on the changes in submitting

tax returns, PA form 2 and other documents electronically.

“We’d prefer them moving directly from their systems to our systems as opposed to them signing in and manually uploading documentations. We’re working closely with those agencies to work out all of the technical details to facilitate a more efficient interaction between them and the GRA,” the IT Head noted.

Jones added that for regular taxpayers, they want to roll back on the PDF documents, which were just interim solutions to help to facilitate an improved con-

venience for the employee.

“But in early next year, that will be done directly online and in subsequent years, we hope that can be done directly from their employer. Where when you get online, all you simply do is validate the content with your individual income tax already prepared for you. So there is a number of activities that we have going on,” he noted.

But before this, the GRA IT Head explained that they are working on improving the agency’s internal software. In the vein of improving internal operational efficiency, he said that they

have engaged a company to assist them in building out a new tax administration software. “[This] would put in the hands of our tax officers, a much better tools to be able to administer taxation accounts according to the rules in this country. As of around October of this year, we expect to begin actual rollout. As it is right now, we are working through all the rules in ensuring that the product reflects all of our operational procedures and also is in consistence with the laws of Guyana,” the GRA IT Head stated.

Man jailed for 30 years for killing businessman

J

ustice Sandil Kissoon on Monday sentenced Floyd Rammit to 30 years behind bars after he pleaded guilty to killing the owner of Hamson’s General Store, Abdul Farouk Ghanie in April 2015.

Rammit admitted that between April 15 and April 16, 2015 at Lot 97 Collingswood Avenue, Nandy Park, he murdered Ghanie, also called “Hamson”, in the course or furtherance of a robbery. He was represented by Attorney-at-Law Maxwell McKay while the State was represented by its

Murdered: Abdul Farouk Ghanie

Prosecutors, Tiffini Lyken, Nafeeza Baig, and Tuanna Hardy.

Reports in 2015 were that the man was ambushed while tending to his dogs.

His body was found by his wife, who had gone to the property after several calls to his phones went unanswered. An autopsy showed that he died as a result of a single stab wound to the chest.

Meanwhile, another accused in the man’s murder, Kemo Tyron Evans is on remand awaiting trial.

12 NEWS

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

dies after Tuschen-Uitvlugt forgotten Teen being struck by car

by Central Govt – NDC Chair A

A section along the deplorable road at Tuschen New Housing Scheme

C

hairman of the Tuschen-Uitvlugt Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) Vishal Ambekar is accusing the Regional Democratic Council of Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara) and by extension Central Government of neglect, as residents remain stagnated while battling with the deplorable roads in Block Eight Tuschen and Zeelugt New Housing Scheme, East Bank Essequibo.

Speaking with Guyana Times on Sunday, the

Chairman of the TuschenUitvlugt Neighbourhood Democratic Council stated that the entire road network along Tuschen New Scheme has not been rehabilitated in years.

“We are concerned that over the last three years Tuschen-Uitvlugt has been forgotten by central Government or worst, ignored,” Ambekar told this newspaper.

Moreover, he added that the state of the roads worsens during the rainy season and is even impassable at times.

“It is impassable in some

of the streets. We have had situation where canters are stuck and it is not stuck because of the wheel, but because of the holes and the soft texture of the soil. It stuck because what happened is when one wheel goes in the hole the canter ends up resting on the road itself,” the NDC Chairman said.

He further stated that the NDC has tried on numerous occasions to contact both Local and Central Government entities to have the roads fixed, but no tangible support has been forthcoming.

“In some of these areas, residents are forced to pay an increased transportation cost because of the state of the road, namely Tuschen and Zeelugt Housing Schemes. The NDC continues to make representation for roads within our district to be upgraded but our voices are ignored. We have written numerous letters to the Public [Infrastructure Ministry] since 2016 on a yearly basis we have written four or more letters.”

In January of 2018, the then Regional Executive Officer (REO) of Region Three, Denis Jaikaran stated that these schemes would have been handed over to the NDC. “In terms of handing over the schemes to the NDC, we are not going [to] take over the scheme in the present condition that it is in. They need to fix the current infrastructure that it has there in Tuschen and Zeelugt before it is handed over because this is going [to] place an additional burden on residents because the only way the NDC can address some of these concerns is through collections of rates and taxes and we would have to charge very high taxes to fix those roads.”

Ambekar added that the NDC is currently working with limited resources.

“From time to time we would try to do some clearing and cleaning, we can’t do it because of lack of resources. We are serving from Tuschen to Uitvlugt, this is one of the largest NDC we got in Region Three. Within Tuschen to Uitvlugt there is three new housing scheme which has not been handed over,” he added.

16-year-old student of Ann’s Grove Secondary School, East Coast Demerara (ECD), is the country’s latest road fatality after he was struck by a motor car while heading home.

Dead is Shamar James of Lot 67 Casareep Man Street, South Haslington, ECD. Reports are at about 20:20h on Sunday, the youth was walking with his cousins on his way home when he was struck.

According to the police, James was on the southern side of the road heading in the western direction with his cousins while the motor car involved in the accident was also heading along the same path. The police stated that as the vehicle approached the group, the car slammed into the youth and reportedly dragged him a short distance away, before the driver sped off.

A public-spirited person rushed to the injured boy’s

Dead: Shamar James

aid and took him to the hospital. However, he was pronounced dead on arrival at the medical facility.

When contacted, Police Commander of Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica) Subdivision C (East Coast Demerara), Assistant Police Commissioner Royston Andries-Junor said that the driver of the motor car is presently in Police custody.

Attempted murder-suicide

Bank teller continues battle for life

F

ive days after being stabbed to her neck by her reputed husband, Republic Bank teller, Sheria Khalil is still fighting for her life at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC).

The 22-year-old is said to be in a critical but stable condition. Her reputed husband, Clifton Richmond also called “Steve”, has since died after he drunk a poisonous substance following the stabbing.

Reports are that on January 30, the 24-yearold man stabbed Khalil in a church compound close to their Timehri, East Bank Demerara (EBD) home. Following the attack, Richmond consumed a poisonous substance and jumped into the Demerara River but was pulled out in an unconscious state.

Reports are Richmond had made arrangements to pick up his reputed wife at her workplace. However, when he went there, she had already left. He then went to their Lot 25 Timehri Public Road, East Bank Demerara (EBD) home and she arrived at about 21:15h.

According to reports, Khalil disembarked a Route 42 minibus and Richmond, who was in the yard, walked

Injured: Sheria Khalil, who is currently battling for her life at the GPHC

towards her on the public road where an argument ensued.

This newspaper was told that during the argument, Richmond lifted his wife off the ground and took her into a nearby churchyard.

Khalil’s family reported that they heard her screams and rushed to that location where they noticed the 22-year-old bleeding profusely from a stab wound at the left side of her neck.

Both Khalil and Richmond were rushed to the Diamond Diagnostic Centre. They were later transferred to GPHC. Richmond subsequently succumbed.

NEWS

13

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Banks DIH Berbice branch records $46.5M profit

B

anks DIH’s Berbice branch has recorded a $46.5 million profit.

This was revealed to shareholders when the company held its 64th Annual General Meeting (AGM) in New Amsterdam on Sunday.

Branch Manager Reginald Matthews said 2019 said was the most challenging year for the branch in four decades, citing the impact of the closure of two sugar estates in Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne).

Despite the achievements, Matthews said there must be no room for complacency.

It was the second consecutive year that the branch did not receive the coveted Chairman's trophy, which is awarded to the top branch.

The Berbice branch’s sales last year was $3 billion, which is an increase of $29 million. Some 1,699,000 units of product passed through the doors of the branch, an increase of 9800

Banks DIH Ltd New Amsterdam branch

units.

The New Amsterdam Qik-Serv, Matthews said, is now facing much competition, but was able to generate $120 million in revenue, an increase of $5 million over the previous years.

“The revenue growth was achieved in the face of intense competition from long-existing and countless recently emerging restau-

rants.”

Matthews disclosed that the Qik-Serv was surrounded by five new restaurants; two on each side and one opposite.

However, Banks DIH Ltd Chairman Clifford Reis noted that the improved results were achieved despite rises in fuel prices to the end of the year.

“This challenge required

prudent management of our financial and human resources,” he explained.

Reis said that Citizens Bank New Amsterdam, which is in its fifth year of operation and of which Banks DIH owns 51 per cent, increased gross revenue by $5 million reaching $32 million.

“As of September 30, 2019, the total deposits were $669.5 million, an increase of $153 million or roughly 30 per cent. The loans and advances given by this Bank were $192 million, which is an increase on $83 million or 26 per cent.”

Following a visit to the county last November and seeing first-hand the impact the closure of the two sugar estates is having on the Region, the company took a decision not to increase prices in Berbice when those increases were affected in other parts of the country. Reis said he was looking forward to a time when the people would get back their jobs.

Energy Dept engages Education Ministry on oil and gas programmes

W

ith Guyana set to sell its first million barrels of oil in just a few days and countless extractions yet to take place, the Energy Department has engaged the Education Ministry on tweaking the current curriculum to add facets of oil and gas.

During a recent radio interview, Director of the Department, Dr Mark Bynoe indicated that the aim is to slowly incorporate broad-based knowledge about the sector. Thereafter, students can opt to choose specialised courses or an expansive field such as civil engineering.

“We have been engag-

ing with the Ministry of Education. In fact, we have started programmes in terms of looking at ways and elements by which the curriculum may be able to be tweaked. What we don’t want is necessarily to just pile on, to say that you have to have four, five [or] six different courses just in oil and gas,” Dr Bynoe insisted.

He later added, “What people need to be able to understand are the rudiments of oil and gas. Then you can determine if this is a sector that you want to get into or do you want to get into something that’s much broader.”

The Energy Director

predicted that Guyana’s economic trajectory will require significant infrastructural development – in which young professionals will be able to benefit.

This, he explained, is one of the ways in which broader fields will come into play.

Looking into the future, he foresees that Guyanese will be able to seek employment in their country without looking elsewhere for opportunities.

Since 2018, the Education Ministry has signalled the introduction of oil education in the school system. The syllabus was proposed for nursery, primary and secondary schools, up

to the Grade Nine level.

Fast-forward to present day, ExxonMobil has announced its 16th discovery of recoverable resource.

Northeast of the producing Liza field lies the Uaru exploration well, the company’s latest discovery on the Stabroek Block offshore Guyana.

It was revealed that the well encountered approximately 94 feet of high-quality, oil-bearing sandstone reservoir. Uaru, drilled in 6342 feet (1933 metres) of water, is located approximately 10 miles (16 kilometres) Northeast of the Liza field, which began producing in December 2019.

Guyana Gold Board opens new office at Port Kaituma

G

uyana Gold Board (GGB) on Monday opened its newest office at Port Kaituma, Region One (Barima-Waini).

This is the third office opened by GGB. At the simple commissioning ceremony, Natural Resources Minister Raphael

Officials cut the ribbon to mark the official opening of the Guyana Gold Board’s new office

Trotman underscored the value of the new location while noting that businesses at the new location will increase revenues to the economy through increased gold declarations.

The Gold Board’s newest office is expected to offer similar services to those offered in the city including testing and buying gold.

In addition, the office will serve as a central access point of services to persons in the mining community and from surrounding areas.

The office is located in the building that houses Port Kaituma’s Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry (GBTI) branch at Turn Basin, Port Kaituma.

3-year-old leukaemia patient gets help for overseas treatment

From left: Parents of the child, Verney Charles and Lakeram Parboo; Corporate Sales Manager of Giftland Mall, Gaitri Ramjohn and SHEA’s lead volunteer, Sita Sugrim

A

fter being diagnosed with Acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL), with no available treatment locally, threeyear-old Chayanne Parboo has been accepted to receive medical treatment overseas and departed Guyana’s shores on Monday evening to begin her treatment journey.

The young girl’s parents, Verney Charles and Lakeram Parboo, are accompanying her at a hospital in the United States (US).

To cover flight and other expenses, local charitable organisation Saving Hands Emergency Aid (SHEA) has been raising funds by ask-

that prayers and every bit of assistance have contributed to a chance of saving his daughter’s life, and, for this, he expressed his gratitude.

“It’s prayers and the assistance and so from the public, I know there’s other people in the same situation like us and if you don’t ask for help or somebody to reach out to you, you would be stuck…I wanna say thanks to Mr Beepat and his daughters, and the general public who have donated whether blood, cash or advice.”

Parboo added that a way forward for the child’s treatment will be determined after an evaluation upon arrival in the US.

Three-year-old Chayanne Parboo

ing the public to donate.

However, SHEA and the parents of Little Chayanne got closer to their financial target as they were presented with a cheque for $537,500 on behalf of Giftland Mall’s proprietor, Roy Beepat, on Monday before departure.

At the brief handing over ceremony, Gaitri Ramjohn, the Mall’s Corporate Sales Manager shared what motivated the businessman and his family to give generously to little Chayanne.

“Mr Beepat was inspired and he was moved when he saw the publication of Chayanne asking for help, so he wanted to do this on behalf of himself and daughters. So, I would like to encourage the general public to do the same and help save this little girl’s life,” Ramjohn said.

The child’s father, Lakeram Parboo, expressed

Meanwhile, lead volunteer of SHEA, Sita Sugrim shared that the three-yearold is guaranteed to have ideal medical care due to the fact that the partnering health facility has many successes in treatment including young Guyanese children.

“It’s a top-rated hospital that has treated patients where other doctors had said there is no chance for them…this particular hospital that Chayanne is going to, doctors were able to treat him [another patient] he’s back in Guyana living a normal life so that is assurance that she will be going to a top-rated hospital in the US,” she noted.

SHEA is asking persons to donate towards the young girl’s treatment. To do so, interested donors can call 677-5280 or 679-1784 or visit the organisation’s Facebook page.

14 NEWS

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2020| GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Domestic violence seminar 3rd suspect charged for Tuschen restaurant robbery hosted in Berbice …Police still to locate female suspect

Some of the attendees at the domestic violence seminar

M

embers of faithbased organisations and NGOs were exposed to a one-day seminar that was spearheaded by the Judiciary of Guyana in collaboration with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) on Friday at Dave’s Conference Hall, East Berbice, Corentyne.

The main aim of the event was to reinforce the messages of domestic violence and the measures that are in place to curb the issue.

Acting Chief Justice Roxane George called for the collaborative effort between the Guyana Police Force and other agencies to help deal with domestic violence cas-

es. She added that there are challenges in dealing with domestic violence matters.

“Outside of this, whatever is brought to the court we have to deal with it judicially. In the sense of we have to look for the evidence, we have to look for the proof, but we also very importantly have to be empathic and sympathetic with the situation, understand what the domestic violence is about.

We do appreciate that they are cases …challenges where persons may come before us on several occasions and they withdraw. We have to appreciate what domestic violence is about, what it does psychologically to a victim”, she said.

Deputy representative of UNICEF, Irfan Akhtar said that the seminar came in such a time to remind stakeholders of their duty in tackling this social issue.

He said, “I believe the participation of all the stakeholders… in ending violence is very important and I believe that everybody has to play a role … it can happen to anybody”.

However, during the seminar, the attendees were given a clear description of domestic violence, the nature, and functions of a domestic violence unit, how to lend support, and how to look out for signs for when someone is suffering from domestic violence.

National Park reopens after bee invasion

T

he National Park has been reopened to the public after a sudden closure following a bee invasion.

On Saturday it was announced that the National Park, Thomas Lands, Georgetown, had to be temporarily closed. However, one day later, the facility was reopened after the bee nest had been located and eliminated by bee experts who were summoned to handle the infestation.

This was revealed by the Protected Areas Commission (PAC) on Sunday, however, they advised that as a further precautionary measure,

persons are being advised to be vigilant.

On Saturday a notice was sent out by PAC stating that the park was temporarily closed to the public after a suspected bee invasion was reported in the park.

The National Park’s main entrance was closed.

However, the Commission further announced that the park would remain closed as the experts will continue working on locating the beehive, after failed attempts on Saturday.

“The National Park is temporarily closed until further notice as there seem to have been an invasion of

bees. We are working feverishly to investigate and have this matter sorted as soon as possible,” the PAC said in a statement. It added that the decision to close the facility is to ensure that all persons are safe and unharmed.

“Operations personnel and the bee expert will resume their work at 6:00 am (06:00h) on Sunday 2nd February 2020,” the statement read.

When Guyana Times visited the area on Saturday afternoon, the gates to the park were closed and persons were seen waiting outside of the facility.

Police Constable Jonathan Harry

O

ne month after two of his accomplices were charged and remanded for robbing Five Star Chinese restaurant in Tuschen, East Bank Essequibo (EBE), on January 3, 2020, Shaquille Wilbury made his appearance on Monday at the Leonora Magistrate’s Court, charged for the same offence.

Wilbury, of Buxton, East Coast Demerara, appeared before Magistrate Zameena Ali-Seepaul. He is the third person to be charged for this robbery.

However, according to the Regional Commander of Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demarara), Simon McBean, a fourth suspect is being sought by the police.

Earlier in January, Police

Constable attached to the Special Branch at Eve Leary, Georgetown, Jonathan Harry and 20-year-old Akande Ross of Herstelling, East Bank Demerara, were both charged and remanded until March 10.

According to reports, the owner of the business, 43-year-old Guang Hong Wang, her husband and a customer, 37-year-old Navindra Lakahalall, were in the restaurant at the time when one of the men entered with a woman and purchased two beers.

Soon after the couple consumed the beverage, they ordered a case of beer and in the process of Wang delivering it, the male suspect whipped out a handgun and relieved her of two cell phones and an undisclosed sum of cash.

He then turned his attention to Lakahalall and relieved him of one silver chain and an undisclosed sum of cash. In the height of the robbery, the three other suspects entered.

However, a licensed holder of a handgun, who lives nearby, heard the commotion and immediately went to investigate and was attacked by the armed suspect and another with a cutlass.

As such, he discharged several rounds in their direction after which the suspects fled the premises into a waiting motor car, PTT 8606, that was parked near-

Akande Ross

by, leaving their accomplice Prince, who was badly wounded, at the scene.

The police were contacted and the vehicle was intercepted at a roadblock on the public road in front of the Den Amstel Police Station.

At the time, the car had three occupants - one was in the back seat with what appeared to be a gunshot wound. He was questioned, arrested and taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital where he was admitted.

An unlicensed pistol with an empty magazine was found in the vehicle along with an undisclosed sum of cash and cellular phones.

Prince, on the other hand, was escorted to the Leonora Cottage Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival. A search on his person revealed $130,000.

ICE sues NYC for information about undocumented Guyanese accused of killing 92-year-old woman

Reeaz Khan (Gardiner Anderson/ for New York Daily News)

T

he federal Government is suing New York City for information about an undocumented Guyanese accused of sexually abusing and murdering a 92-year-old woman in Queens last month.

The feds on Monday asked a judge to force the city to provide documents related to 21-year-old Reeaz Khan of Guyana, who is accused of killing Maria Fuertes on Jan. 10, including his criminal history. ICE had been trying to deport Khan for months before the crime — with the city providing no help.

“This information is needed to assist in determining whether Khan is removable ... and whether he is subject to detention,” the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of New York wrote in court papers.

The city does not categorically deny ICE’s requests for information, but reviews them on a case by case basis, according to a City Hall spokeswoman.

ICE issued a detainer for Khan to the NYPD in November 2019 after he was arrested for assaulting his father and criminal possession of a weapon, asking that the city notify the agency if and when he was released. Khan had already overstayed his visitor’s visa, which expired in March 2017, according to federal prosecutors. ”Despite ICE’s request for a detainer, Khan was released on his own recognizance without notification to ICE,” the petition reads.

Six weeks later, Khan allegedly strangled Fuertes to death in South Richmond Hill. He was caught on surveillance video at the scene of the crime and identified by his own brother.

Maria Fuertes, who was strangled outside her Queens home (Obtained by Daily News)

ICE officials blamed New York’s sanctuary city policy for Fuertes’ death. Days after the murder, Thomas Decker, field office director for ICE removal operations, said “Clearly the politicians care more about criminal illegal aliens than the citizens they are elected to serve and protect. “It was a deadly choice to release a man on an active ICE detainer back on the streets, and now he faces new charges, including murder.” The NYPD denied it received an ICE detainer after Khan’s first assault.

(NY Daily News)

NEWS

15

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

China virus death toll passes 400

C

hina said it would welcome assistance from the United States to fight a coronavirus outbreak, a day after it accused Washington of scaremongering, and as the death toll rose on Tuesday by a new daily record to more than 420.

The toll in China rose to 425 as of the end of Monday, up by a record 64 from the previous day, the National Health Commission said on Tuesday. All of the new deaths were in central Hubei province, the epicenter of the virus outbreak.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the flu-like virus a global emergency, although experts say much is still unknown about the pathogen including its lethality.

“We expect to see more cases of person-to-person spread,” said Dr. Nancy Messonnier, director of the National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The total number of infections in China rose by 3,235 on Tuesday to 20,438, and there are at least 151 cases in 23 other countries and regions, including the United States, Japan, Thailand, Hong Kong and Britain.

The CDC confirmed a handful of new cases in the United States, bringing the

Community workers wearing makeshift protective suits

U.S. total to 11, including a patient in California who was infected through close contact with someone in the same household who had been infected in China.

It marked the second instance of person-to-person spread of the virus in the United States after such a case was announced last week in Illinois.

China accused the United States of whipping up panic over the coronavirus outbreak Chinese stock market plunged about 8% on Monday on the first day back from an extended Lunar New Year holiday.

Beijing made the accusation after the Trump administration on Friday said it was barring nearly all foreign visitors who have been to China within the past 14 days to address the threat of the virus.

A Chinese foreign ministry spokeswoman on Tuesday said the United

States “should adopt an objective, fair, calm and rational attitude” and “refrain from overreacting”.

“China has noted that the United States has repeatedly expressed its willingness to provide assistance to China, and hopes that the relevant assistance will be provided soon,” spokeswoman Hua Chunying said in a statement on the ministry’s website.

With Wuhan and some other cities in virtual lockdown, travel severely restricted and China facing increasing international isolation, fears of wider economic disruption are growing; sources at the OPEC oil cartel said producers were considering cutting output by almost a third to support prices.

Airlines around the world have stopped flights to parts of China. A suspension by the United Arab Emirates on Monday will af-

fect the Gulf airlines Etihad and Emirates.

The outbreak is reminiscent of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS), a virus from the same family that emerged in China in 2002 and killed almost 800 people around the world out of the 8,000 or so who were infected.

Chinese data suggest that the new virus, while much more contagious than SARS, is significantly less lethal, although such numbers can evolve rapidly.

Some economists predict world economic output will be cut by 0.2 to 0.3 percentage points due to China’s lockdown.

Countries continued to fly evacuation flights for citizens out of Wuhan. A plane load of Australians left the city on Monday and arrived in the Indian Ocean territory of Christmas Island, where they will be quarantined, media reported on Tuesday.

The United States, which flew people out last week, is planning “a handful more flights” while Russia was due to start evacuating its citizens from Wuhan on Monday. The White House said China had accepted its offer to have US experts as part of a WHO mission to study and help combat the virus, which emerged from a market in Hubei’s provincial capital of Wuhan late last year. (Reuters)

Brooklyn man busted for thefts after release from Rikers under new bail law

A

Brooklyn man with a lengthy rap sheet who was released from Rikers Island under the new bail reform law was behind bars again on various burglary and robbery charges.

Arjun Tyler, 20, was ordered held on $75,000 bail late Sunday after cops busted him for two alleged thefts committed since he was sprung Dec. 19 after spending nearly a year at Rikers under $20,000 bail he couldn’t pay. Brooklyn prosecutors also slapped him

with charges stemming from a 2018 crime spree.

Police had initially reported that Tyler was also arrested for allegedly sexually assaulting a woman at the 95th St. subway station in Bay Ridge on Jan. 27.

Cops said he was wearing a ski mask when he followed the 31-year-old victim into a station bathroom, punched her in the face and tried to pull down her leggings.

Tyler fled when a passerby heard the woman screaming, but was caught on security video after he removed

Arjun Tyler

the mask, according to police.

An NYPD source said Tyler wasn’t charged with sexual assault at Sunday’s arraignment because prosecutors wanted to interview the victim, who couldn’t be located. Police remain convinced Tyler is responsible for the attack, the source said. An officer who had previously arrested him saw the wanted poster and identified him.

“The attempted rape is still under investigation,” a spokesman for the district attorney said. He was arrested Friday for allegedly stealing $120 from a Bensonhurst laundromat earlier that night, and also charged with grand larceny

and criminal trespassing after entering a store Jan. 13 and stealing money from the register.

Brooklyn prosecutor Tziyonah Langsam said bail could not be requested for the two January crimes Tyler is charged with because they are not bail offenses. But one of the three open cases from 2018 does qualify for bail.

Tyler was accused of punching a victim in the face and trying to take his laptop and phone on Dec. 21, 2018, before making off with his expensive headphones.

Six days later he allegedly stole a cell phone and iPad from an elderly couple’s apartment after they left their door unlocked. And on Dec. 30, 2018, Tyler allegedly climbed through a 72-year-old woman’s bedroom window and stole her iPad. In each of the cases, Tyler was spotted on security video wearing a reversible purple and blue jacket and camouflage sweatshirt with white lettering, prosecutors said. Prosecutors had requested $250,000 bail Sunday. But Tyler’s lawyer Jacob Rolls, arguing against bail, said his client had gotten his high school diploma while at Rikers and was a top student who even gave a speech at graduation. (NY Daily News)

Democrats condemn Trump at trial as threat to American democracy

E

ven with acquittal seemingly assured, Democrats prosecuting President Donald Trump in his impeachment trial made a forceful appeal for conviction on Monday, calling him a man with no moral compass who must be removed to protect American democracy.

US Representative Adam Schiff wrapped up closing arguments for the seven House of Representatives impeachment managers after Trump’s lawyers called the case against the Republican president politically motivated, reckless and baseless.

“We have proven Donald Trump guilty. Now do impartial justice and convict him,” Schiff told the 100-member Senate. “He has betrayed our national security and he will do so again. He has compromised our elections and he will do so again. You will not change him. You cannot constrain him,” Schiff said.

“If you find the courage to stand up to him, to speak the awful truth to his rank falsehood, your place will be among the Davids who took on Goliath - if only you will say, ‘Enough.’”

The impeachment drama neared its conclusion a day before Trump is due to give his annual State of the Union speech to Congress. In Iowa on Monday, voters participated in the first contest in the state-by-state process of choosing the Democratic nominee to challenge Trump in the Nov. 3 election.

On Wednesday, the Republican-controlled Senate is set to vote on whether to remove Trump from office. It looked more

US President Donald Trump

certain to acquit him after Senator Lisa Murkowski, a Republican moderate, said in a speech Monday evening that she would not vote to convict despite calling Trump’s actions “shameful and wrong.”

Senator Joe Manchin, a Democratic moderate, said he had not decided on whether to vote to acquit Trump and saw “no path” to the two-thirds majority needed to remove a president.

But Manchin predicted that a bipartisan majority in the Senate would vote to censure Trump for his actions, a lesser rebuke. None of the 53 Senate Republicans has called for conviction.

The Democratic-led House impeached Trump on Dec. 18 on charges of abuse of power for asking Ukraine to investigate political rival Joe Biden and obstruction of Congress for blocking testimony and documents sought in the investigation. Trump has called the impeachment effort an attempted coup by Democrats.

Trump personal lawyer Jay Sekulow urged senators to “stand firm.” (Reuters)

Israel and Sudan will push to normalise relations: Israeli officials

I

srael and Sudan have agreed to move toward forging normal relations for the first time, Israeli officials said on Monday after the leaders of the two former foes met in Uganda.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had two hours of talks with Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, head of Sudan’s sovereign council, in the city of Entebbe in central Uganda.

Normalising relations with Sudan, where Arab states gathered in 1967 to issue what became known as the “Three No’s” - no recognition of Israel, no peace with Israel and no negotiations with Israel - would allow Netanyahu to burnish his diplomatic credentials a month before Israel’s March

2 election.

It could pave the way for the right-wing Israeli leader to pledge the deportation of Sudanese who make up around one-fifth of illegal workers in Israel, a move backed by many of his supporters.

These migrants had previously argued that they could not be repatriated as they faced retribution for travelling to Israel, an enemy of Sudan.

Burhan’s visit and any normalisation of ties with Israel would likely be controversial with many in Sudan and elsewhere in the Arab world, especially at a time when Netanyahu has been promoting a new US peace plan that Palestinians have flatly rejected. (Excerpt from Reuters)

16

guyanatimesgy.com

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2020

Regional

Brazil to declare emergency, FARC killings a challenge to peace, but some quarantine people returning criticism political – Colombian official from coronavirus-hit Wuhan T

Employees wear masks as a precautionary measure to avoid contracting coronavirus as they work at Guarulhos International Airport in Guarulhos, Sao Paulo state, Brazil, January 31, 2020 (Reuters/Amanda Perobelli/file photo)

A

larmed by the growing risks of a new coronavirus, Brazil has decided to repatriate Brazilians from Wuhan, China, and will declare a national health emergency, Health Minister Luiz Henrique Mandetta said on Monday.

A chartered plane would be sent to pick up 40 of the 55 Brazilians in Wuhan who have asked to be evacuated

from the city at the centre of a coronavirus outbreak, Mandetta said. They would be quarantined for 18 days at a military base, he said.

President Jair Bolsonaro said last week that repatriating Brazilians from Wuhan would not be “opportune” as it could put the population back home at risk. But he changed his mind over the weekend when Brazilians in Wuhan posted a video ap-

pealing to Bolsonaro to get them out.

In their six-minute video posted on Youtube, the Brazilians noted that other nations where preparing to evacuate their citizens with the help of Chinese authorities, and they pleaded with Bolsonaro and Foreign Minister Ernesto Araujo to rescue them.

On Sunday, Bolsonaro said his government would evacuate every Brazilian from Wuhan who wanted to return home. He is expected to issue a decree by today to authorise the quarantine steps and speed up the repatriation of Brazilians.

A ministry spokesman said Brazil was in talks with the Chinese Government to obtain authorization for a plane to land in Wuhan, which has been under lockdown since January 23. Airlines around the world have stopped flights to parts of China.

The death toll in China from the newly identified virus, which emerged in Wuhan, rose to 361 as of Sunday, up by 57 from a day earlier, the National Health Commission said. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Trini Government allows for sex registry to be made public

T

he Trinidad and Tobago Government Monday said that perpetrators of sexual crimes will face the “full brunt of novel laws” aimed at deterring, punishing and shaming rapists, paedophiles and those others with a propensity to commit sexual crimes.

In a statement, the Office of the Attorney General said that the laws went into effect as of January 31 this year.

“For too long the society has seen the rampant commission of sex crimes, including the most savage and brutal attacks against women, children and even the elderly. Statistics demonstrate

that sexual crimes are the second highest, after murder, before the High Courts of Trinidad and Tobago,” the statement said.

It said that the Government stood committed to strike against all forms of criminality and that the Administration would continue to “to strategically pilot and operationalise laws in an approach that has never been seen before”.

It said that under the Sexual Offences (Amendment) Act, 2019, for the first time in the history of Trinidad and Tobago, information on sexual offenders can be shown on an on-

line website for the public to access their names, addresses, photographs and offences committed.

“The Commissioner of Police can also publicise this information for the public to be aware and better protect themselves.

“For the first time in Trinidad and Tobago, law enforcement will now be empowered to better monitor and track offenders who must frequently report to the police station and provide every essential detail about themselves, including their fingerprints and DNA. (CMC)

he murders of nearly 200 former fighters from the FARC rebels pose a difficulty in implementing Colombia’s peace deal, an official said on Monday, but he insisted the Government is committed to providing security and criticised complaints levelled by the FARC party leader.

The Andean country inked a peace deal with the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) rebels in late 2016, ending the group’s role in more than five decades of conflict which killed 260,000 people.

Implementation of the accord, which saw some 13,000 FARC members demobilise,

has faced some significant hurdles, including the announcement last year by several former commanders that they were rearming.

Leadership of the FARC, now a political party, has repeatedly decried what it says are mediocre government efforts to protect members targeted for assassination by dissident fighters and drug traffickers.

Former rebels who lose confidence in the process could join dissidents or gangs, risking the peace deal.

“The security of ex-combatants is a priority for the Government,” Emilio Archila, the presidential adviser charged with overseeing im-

2nd Mexico monarch butterfly activist found dead

A

second activist campaigning for the conservation of monarch butterflies and the woods in which they hibernate has been found dead in Mexico.

Raúl Hernández worked as a tour guide at a butterfly sanctuary in Michoacán state.

His body, which bore signs of beatings and a head injury, was found two days after the funeral of Homero Gómez.

Gómez managed a monarch butterfly sanctuary in the same state and had received threats, his family said.

Hernández, 44, disappeared on Monday, January 27. He had left work as usual and was last seen at midday in a village called El Oyamel.

His body was found six days later at the top of a hill in the El Campanario monarch butterfly sanctuary. Forensic experts said his body was covered in bruises and he had a

Hundreds of people have been mourning the butterfly activists

deep wound to his head. An investigation into his death is under way.

Conservationists fear his death may be linked to that of Homero Gómez, who disappeared in the same area on January 13.

Gómez’s body was found in a well on January 29. His family said that prior to his disappearance, the activist had received threats warning him to

D

though “improving productivity in this nation” may seem like a fancy economic term for most people, through improving who we were as a people, we would make the island, and the world by extension, a better place for the young people who depend on us.

She believed that one way to do this was to treat people first with respect and understand that respect was a twoway street, adding that it was important that persons learnt to talk with each other and not at each other.

She believed that it was paramount for persons to learn the importance of mov-

ing in the same direction, adding that the sooner persons learnt that every single person mattered, rather than taking the “hierarchal approach that has been the legacy of the plantation system”, then anything was possible.

“My friends, we can truly become that country, that small nation in the world that is not just world class but is the envy of many,” she said.

“If we consider that we have the capacity to ask ourselves ‘are we doing our best or can we do better?’ More often than not, we can do better.” (Barbados Advocate)

stop his campaign against illegal logging.

He was a tireless campaigner for the conservation of the monarch butterfly and the pine and fir forests where it hibernates. The sanctuary he managed opened in November as part of a strategy to stop illegal logging in the area, which is a key habitat for the species. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Trinidad: Magistrate scolds ‘inhumane’ fishermen found with illegal birds, monkeys

Barbadians urged to up their game espite its small size, Barbados Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley believes that the island had an important role to play in the global market.

Mottley stated this while delivering remarks during the recent reopening of The Palm Terrace Restaurant at Fairmont Royal Pavilion.

She stated that Barbados may be small, but “we are necessary” and likened the island’s smallness to that of the smallest bone in the human body, which was located in the ear.

The Prime Minister went on to state that she was of the firm view that even

plementation, told Reuters.

“It is a labour to which we give all importance and we are taking on the maximum responsibility that a government can have.”

The United Nations says 173 ex-combatants have been killed since peace was signed and many former rebels say killings are a source of deep fear.

Archila criticised an open letter written by FARC party leader Rodrigo Londono alleging the Government is falling short.

Londono warned in the letter, which was published on Sunday, that the process is approaching a “precipice”.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

Vishnu Sookram (second from left) and Donald Ramdhanie taken to the Point Fortin Magistrate Court

T

wo Cedros fishermen who were illegally keeping 17 birds and 13 baby monkeys at their home were slapped on Sunday with $174,200 in fines.

Ordering that the fines be paid in two months, Point Fortin Senior Magistrate Alicia Chankar chastised Donald Ramdhanie, 46, and Vishnu Sookram, 35, for the

inhumane and cruel conditions in which the animals were being kept.

“I believe animals should be given the respect that they deserve. What you all did was totally wrong, inhumane and selfish,” the magistrate said.

The White-Fronted monkeys were found in three wicker baskets while the Bullfinch birds were kept in

a small cage. One of the birds did not survive the ordeal.

Ramdhanie and Sookram who live at the same residence at Icacos Village, pleaded guilty to 47 charges, including 17 counts of keeping a Bullfinch in captivity without a permit, 17 counts of keeping birds in an undersized cage and 13 counts of possession of a protected animal (the monkeys), without a permit.

They were charged by game warden Bisham Madhu.

Relating the facts to the court, Prosecutor Sergeant Kenny Manolal said around 12:30h on Saturday officers of the Cedros Police Station were on patrol when they received information which led them to the fishermen’s home.

Upon being invited into the premises, the officers searched the house and found the animals.(Excerpt from Trinidad Guardian)

guyanatimesgy.com

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2020

OILNEWS Trinidad cancels gas deal over US sanctions on Venezuela

T

rinidad and Tobago has cancelled an agreement with Venezuela for the joint development of a natural gas field straddling their maritime border because of United States sanctions on Venezuela’s state energy giant Petroleos de Venezuela SA (PDVSA).

The Caribbean island nation is a major exporter of liquefied natural gas (LNG), but its own offshore natural gas output has been declining in recent years.

That has raised the possibility of using gas from neighbouring Venezuela, which has large untapped offshore gas reserves, to feed LNG plants in Trinidad.

Trinidad and Tobago’s Prime Minister Keith Rowley said on Monday during an energy conference in Port of Spain that the two countries will now independently develop the 283-billion-cubic-metre (10.04-trillion-cubic-foot) Loran-Manatee shallow-water natural gas field.

“Progress in the development of the unitised LoranManatee field has been impeded by the sanctions imposed by the US Government, which inhibits US companies from doing business with Venezuelan oil company PDVSA,” Rowley said.

Under the agreement signed in 2013 between the two countries, 73.75 per cent of the joint field belongs to Venezuela and the rest to Trinidad and

Tobago.

US oil major Chevron Corp holds a 60 per cent interest in the Loran field, with the remainder held by PDVSA, while Shell Trinidad and Tobago Ltd holds a 100 per cent interest in the Manatee field.

PDVSA, the Venezuelan Oil Ministry, Chevron and Shell did not immediately respond to a Reuters News Agency request for comment.

The US Department of the Treasury slapped sanctions on PDVSA last year in a bid to oust Venezuela’s socialist President Nicolas Maduro. He has overseen an economic collapse and is accused by the US and others of corruption and human rights violations.

PDVSA’s output has declined, but exports have increased in recent months and Maduro remains in power.

Rowley said gas production from the Manatee field could start by 2024 or 2025 at rates ranging from 7 to 11 million cubic metres (270 to 400 million standard cubic feet) per day.

He said the decision to independently develop the fields also has implications for the development of other cross-border fields that straddle the two countries: the Mankin-Cocuina and the Kapok-Doradoh.

These are estimated to hold 24 billion cubic metres (850 billion cubic feet) of gas within the Trinidad and Tobago maritime area. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Saudis mull deep oil output cuts over coronavirus – reports

S

audi Arabia, the kingpin of Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), is reportedly pushing for a deep, shortterm oil production cut in response to waning demand triggered by the coronavirus outbreak.

Representatives of OPEC and its allies, known as OPEC+, are scheduled to meet today and Wednesday to discuss possible scenarios for how to respond to ebbing demand from China, the world’s largest oil consumer and the epicentre of the coronavirus outbreak.

Fears over how coronavirus could ripple through China and the broader fabric of the global economy hammered oil futures in January which witnessed the biggest monthly crude price drop in 30 years.

One option being discussed

by OPEC+ could see Saudi Arabia spearhead a collective output cut of 500,000 barrels a day until the crisis has passed, the Wall Street Journal, reported citing OPEC officials, and Reuters News Agency reported, citing two OPEC sources and a third industry source.

Another scenario under con-

sideration could see the kingdom implement a temporary cut of 1 million barrels a day to jar oil prices, cartel sources tell the Wall Street Journal.

The cartel and 10 allied nations led by Russia have yet to agree on how to respond to falling crude demand in China in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak.

Saudi Arabia wanted OPEC+ to schedule an emergency meeting of its full delegation, but the meeting this week will only be a technical one to discuss the impact of the outbreak on oil markets and produce recommendations to members, according to the Wall Street Journal.

Cartel officials have told the Wall Street Journal that after this week’s meeting, producers will decide whether to hold a Joint Ministerial Monitoring Committee led by Saudi Arabia and Russia, or a later summit of all 23 producers in Vienna.

OPEC sources have also told Reuters the group and its allies are also considering holding a ministerial meeting over February 14-15, ahead of a previously scheduled March meeting. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

17

Around the World

US health officials announce 2nd case of person-to-person coronavirus transmission

T

he US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on Monday announced a second case of transmission of the new coronavirus within the United States and provided more detailed plans on how it will handle travellers returning from China as the country works to limit the outbreak.

“We expect to see more cases of person-to-person spread,” Dr Nancy Messonnier, Director of the CDC’s National Center for Immunisation and Respiratory Diseases, said during a conference call that included confirmation of a handful of new cases, bringing the US total to 11.

Passengers will be directed to one of 11 US airports for additional health assess-

A man with a face mask rides the subway in the Queens borough of New York City, US, February 2, 2020

ments. If they show virus symptoms such as fever, US citizens and those who are exempt will be transferred for medical evaluation, and will not be allowed to com-

plete their travel plans.

Flights with US Government employees being evacuated by the State Department will go to military bases. They will be un-

der federal quarantine for 14 days from when they left Wuhan.

Of the five new cases announced on Monday, one is in Massachusetts and four more are in California. Four of the five had recently travelled to Wuhan, where the outbreak originated.

One of the patients in California was infected through close contact with someone in the same household who had been infected in China. It marked the second instance of person-to-person spread of the virus in the United States after such a case was announced last week in Illinois.

The agency said it is currently monitoring 82 people for potential infection with the virus. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Malawi election: Court Johnson says he will orders new vote after toughen rules on terrorism May 2019 result annulled cases after London attack

B

The Opposition alleges that there were irregularities at the polling centres where the votes were counted

M

alawi’s constitutional court has annulled last year’s controversial election, which saw President Peter Mutharika narrowly re-elected.

The Judge found there had been widespread irregularities in the May 21 vote.

This is the first election to be legally challenged since Malawi’s independence in 1964. A new vote will take place within 151 days.

There have been regular anti-Government protests since the election.

The court ruled that Mutharika will stay in power until a new election takes place.

President Peter Mutharika won a second term in May with 38.6 per cent of the vote.

But Opposition candidates Lazarus Chakwera, who came second, and Saulos Chilima, who finished third, went to court to argue that the election was not fair.

The Judges, who arrived in court in the capital, Lilongwe, under military escort, upheld the complaint on Monday.

In court, lawyers for the losing candidates said that correction fluid - known by

the brand name Tipp-Ex had been used on some of the tallying forms sent in by polling stations.

The changes were made after they had been signed by party agents, they said.

The lawyers also said that in some cases polling officials sent in the wrong copy of the results sheet to the main tallying centre.

They also found some mathematical errors in a small number of cases.

Though in each case there were not a huge number of errors, the lawyers said that the evidence pointed to a flawed process. (Excerpt from BBC News)

ritish Prime Minister Boris Johnson said he would act to stop the early release from prison of convicted terrorists following a street attack by an Islamist militant days after he was set free halfway through his jail term.

Sudesh Amman, jailed in 2018 for possession of terrorist documents and disseminating terrorist publications, was shot dead by Police on Sunday after he stabbed two people with a 10-inch (25-cm) knife in a rampage on a busy London street.

Amman, 20, had previously praised the Islamic State group, shared an online al Qaeda magazine and encouraged his girlfriend to behead her parents.

Johnson said he had come “to the end of my patience” with the freeing of offenders before they had completed their sentences and without any scrutiny.

The Government had already promised tougher rules on terrorism since another former convict killed two people and wounded three more before Police shot him dead near London Bridge in November.

Justice Minister Robert Buckland said that follow-

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson

ing Sunday’s attack, emergency legislation would be introduced to make immediate changes in dealing with people convicted of terrorism offences.

“Offenders will no longer be released early automatically and any release before the end of their sentence will be dependent on the risk assessment of the parole board,” he told Parliament, adding the change would apply to serving prisoners.

Johnson said efforts to deradicalise and rehabilitate militants have had little success. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Rushing downstairs at end of school, 14 Kenyan children killed in stampede

F

ourteen children were killed in a stampede as they rushed down a staircase at the end of classes at a primary school in western Kenya on Monday, officials said.

At least 39 more pupils were badly hurt in the incident at the Kakamega Primary School, the Daily Nation newspaper said, cit-

ing Western Region Police Commander Peris Kimani.

“We lost 14 of them,” Education Minister George Magoha told Citizen TV. “One life (lost) is a life too many.”

The Daily Nation said that some of the children fell from the third floor as they ran.

“As kids were going home from school there was

a stampede as they were going down the stairs,” said Peter Abwao, a spokesman for Red Cross Kenya. “It’s a three-storey building, it’s a classroom block.”

Anxious parents waited outside the Kakamega hospital for news of their children, Daily Nation pictures showed. (Excerpt from Reuters)

18

guyanatimesgy.com

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2020

ARCHIE

ARIES (March 21April 19)

TAURUS (April 20May 20)

DILBERT

GEMINI (May 21June 20)

CANCER (June 21July 22)

PEANUTS

LEO (July 23Aug. 22)

VIRGO

CALVIN AND HOBBES

(Aug. 23Sept. 22)

LIBRA (Sept. 23Oct. 23)

SCORPIO

SUDOKU

YESTERDAY’S

SOLUTION FOR LAST PUBLISHED PUZZLE

(Oct. 24Nov. 22)

Spend time doing something you enjoy with a person who brings out the best in you. Distance yourself from people who bring you down. Choose love over discord.

Your strong sense of value and need to get your money’s worth will surface if someone you share expenses with has been excessive. If someone sugarcoats a situation, look for flaws or a mistake.

Don’t let criticism get to you. Focus on being and doing your best instead of trying to keep up with others.

Your only competition is you.

Don’t reveal secret information or overreact. Once you gather all the information, you’ll realize that you are in a good position with plenty of opportunities heading your way.

If you are too busy paying attention to others, you will upset someone you should be appreciating more. Be selective when it comes to romantic partners, friends and colleagues.

A career change may not end up being what you expect. Do not make decisions regarding your position until you have had a chance to look over a contract.

Traveling and getting together with peers or relatives will confirm that you should not take on responsibilities that don’t belong to you. Prepare to say no to demanding people.

Take on only what’s important to you, and spend time with people who are beneficial to you. Plan your actions carefully and make the most of your time.

Romance is on the rise.

Channel your energy into SAGITTARIUS something that counts. You (Nov. 23will attract the attention of Dec. 21) someone who is deceptive.

Be careful not to rely on anyone but yourself when it comes to achieving your goals.

If you take stock of the CAPRICORN past and the present, you (Dec. 22will know what you have to Jan. 19) do to reach your goal. Don’t be afraid to try something different.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20Feb. 19)

PISCES (Feb. 20March 20)

A change at home will encourage you to start a creative project. If you turn something you enjoy doing into a lucrative pastime, it will boost your confidence.

Emotional issues will surface if you live in the past.

Anger is a waste of time. Let go of what you have no control over and put your energy into something positive.

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2020

19

NBA round-up: Pistons top Nuggets in OT A

ndre Drummond had 21 points, 17 rebounds and four assists, Reggie Jackson supplied 20 points and six assists off the bench, and the host Detroit Pistons snapped a five-game losing streak by surprising the Denver Nuggets with a 128-123 win in overtime.

Bruce Brown contributed 19 points, 10 rebounds and eight assists, and Svi Mykhailiuk and Tony Snell scored 13 points apiece for Detroit. Drummond recorded the 400th double-double of his career.

Nikola Jokic carried Denver with 39 points, 10 rebounds and 11 assists. Will Barton had 20 points, nine rebounds and five assists, and Monte Morris scored 19.

Detroit’s Derrick Rose left in the first half with a groin injury and did not return to the game. He finished with two points, ending his streak of 20-point games at 14.

Thaddeus Young had 21 points and seven rebounds for Chicago before fouling out in the fourth quarter. Zach LaVine added 18 points, seven rebounds and seven assists for the Bulls, who have lost three in a row.

Houston Rockets 117-New Orleans Pelicans 109

Milwaukee Bucks 129-Phoenix Suns 108

Giannis Antetokounmpo missed a triple-double by one assist for the fifth time this season, contributing 30 points, 19 rebounds and nine assists to Milwaukee’s victory over visiting Phoenix.

Brook Lopez blocked a career-high nine shots to complement 17 points, and Khris Middleton went for 25 points, helping the

I

Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo drives past Phoenix Suns centre Deandre Ayton (USA TODAY Sports)

Bucks — beaten at home by Denver on Friday — win for the 10th time in their last 11 games.

Devin Booker scored more than 30 points for the seventh time in his last 10 games, pouring in a game-high 32 to pace the Suns,

who lost their second straight.

Toronto Raptors 129-Chicago Bulls 102

Rookie Terence Davis scored a career-best 31 points on 12-for-15 shooting, and Toronto defeated the

visiting Chicago to equal the franchise record with 11 straight wins.

Pascal Siakam added 17 points and nine rebounds despite not playing in the fourth quarter for the Raptors, who also won 11 straight in 2016 and 2018.

James Harden finished an assist shy of a 40-point triple-double, and Houston held on in a back-andforth contest with visiting New Orleans.

Harden finished with 40 points, 10 rebounds and nine assists, drilling 7 of 15 3-point attempts to keep the Rockets afloat while Russell Westbrook, Eric Gordon and Austin Rivers shot a combined 2 of 15 from deep. Harden sandwiched a pair of driving layups around two free throws in the fourth quarter to extend the Houston lead to 110-103 and keep the Pelicans at bay.

New Orleans finished with a 63-43 advantage on the glass but was undone by 23 turnovers that Houston converted into 29 points.

Five Pelicans posted double-digit rebounds: Brandon Ingram (12), Derrick Favors and Lonzo Ball (11 each), and Zion Williamson and Josh Hart (10 apiece). There were 14 ties and 10 lead changes.

Neither team held a double-digit advantage. (Reuters)

Chiefs QB Mahomes named Super Bowl MVP after win over 49ers

f Kansas City quarterback Patrick Mahomes still had any doubters going into the Super Bowl, he silenced them on Sunday.

Mahomes was named the Most Valuable Player of the Super Bowl after leading Kansas City to a 3120 win over the San Francisco 49ers, running in one touchdown and passing for two more to rally the Chiefs from a 10-point fourth-quarter deficit.

His performance saw him become the youngest player to have won both the NFL and Super Bowl MVP awards.

“You have to leave it all on the line when you’re in the Super Bowl,” Mahomes said at a postgame media conference. “Just to be here it’s surreal, finding a way to win in the end.”

Mahomes scored the first touchdown of the game with a one-yard rush and threw for 104 yards by the end of the first half.

The game was not always smooth sailing, however.

Mahomes threw interceptions in back-to-back possessions in the third quarter, the first of which led to a rushing touchdown by the Niners to extend their lead going

Kansas City Chiefs' Patrick Mahomes celebrates with the Vince Lombardi trophy after winning Super Bowl LIV

into the fourth.

“They have an amazing defense.

One of the best defenses I’ve went up against in my career so far,” said Mahomes. “We weren’t executing at a high level.”

Mahomes said even when things were going wrong his team mates were backing him.

“Obviously the third quarter didn’t go the way I wanted it to,” Mahomes told reporters. “But the

guys believed in me (and) gave me confidence and kept fighting.”

Wide receiver Tyreek Hill said the 24-year-old quarterback deserved credit for boosting morale

even as they trailed by 10.

“We were down 20-10 and he was telling us to believe in the fourth quarter,” said Hill. “He brought the guys together and you saw what happened, man. We pulled it off.”

The win caps a stellar year by Mahomes, who rolled into Miami with a more-than 65% completion percentage for the regular season, along the way dazzling fans and even his own team mates.

“It’s magic Mahomes, it’s Showtime Mahomes,” tight end Travis Kelce told reporters.

“He’s going to be himself no matter what the scenario is, and you know what? I love him.

“He willed this team back into the game.”

But despite all the praise and accolades, Mahomes remained modest.

“There are several guys that could be the face of the NFL,” he added. “With the NFL and how good play is, the quarterback play, guys can come in year-in and year-out and go out there and play great football.

“I just try to be the best Patrick Mahomes I can be.” (Reuters)

20

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2020

Djokovic determined to end up on top D

riven by having started out in life with “literally nothing”, Novak Djokovic is determined to end up as the man with the most Grand Slam singles titles when he finally hangs up his racket.

The Serbian claimed his 17th when he beat Austrian Dominic Thiem to win an eighth Australian Open title at Melbourne Park on Sunday. That put him third on the list behind Swiss great Roger Federer, who has won 20, and Spaniard Rafa Nadal, who has 19.

Djokovic said he was mindful that he, 38-yearold Federer and 33-yearold Nadal were being hunted down by a younger generation of players led Thiem, Alex Zverev, Stephanos Tsitsipas and Daniil Medvedev.

The 32-year-old says, however, that careful career management will mean he can keep challenging for the game’s major prizes and said finishing with more of them than Federer and Nadal was his goal.

together with my family and with my people.

“Going back to that, reminding myself where I came from always inspires me, motivates me to push even harder.

“That’s probably one of the reasons why I managed to find that extra gear or necessary mental strength to overcome challenges when they present themselves.” erer Fed er Djokovic Rog and al Nad el Rafa includes ngest of tennis’ top trio, which added anothNovak Djokovic (left) is the you er A$4.12 miltime lion ($2.84 million) to his con“ I ’ m “I’m of conflict and privation. siderable fortune on Sunday thrilled to be in a position to not going to lie to you and say “My upbringing was in but said it would not be until be in the mix for most Grand it’s not, of course it is,” the Serbia during several wars he retired that he would have Slam titles at this stage of world number one told reportduring ‘90s,” he said. time to appreciate what he had my career and professionally ers in Melbourne’s Botanic “(It was a) difficult time, managed to do on the tennis that’s what matters the most.”

Gardens on Monday. (there was an) embargo in our court.

Forced to come from 2-1 “I understand that I’m not country where we had to wait “I will probably understand down for the first time in an in my twenties so obviously in line for bread, milk, water, more fully all these achieveAustralian Open final to beat things are a bit different and I some basic things in life. ments when I retire and have Thiem on Sunday, Djokovic have to be just more precise and “That probably has been my a little more time and space,” told the post-match news conmore organized in my preparafoundation, the very fact that he said. (Reuters) ference that his hunger for suctions for the Grand Slam and I came from literally nothing cess came from growing up in a prioritize these tournaments. and difficult life circumstances

China’s anti-doping agency halts testing due to coronavirus

T

he Chinese authorities reported 57 new deaths from the virus on Monday, taking the tally to 360 since the virus was detected late last year in the central city of Wuhan, where it is believed to have jumped from animals.

Medical workers in protective suits move a coronavirus patient into an isolation ward at the Second People's Hospital in Fuyang in central China's Anhui Province, Saturday, Feb. 1, 2020.

(AP) China’s state anti-doping agency (CHINADA) “temporarily” suspended testing on Monday less than six months before the Tokyo Olympics in response to the coronavirus outbreak, the International Testing Agency (ITA) told AFP. “The situation is one of caution so as not to endanger athletes or test officials and while recognising the importance of anti-doping activities, the priorities are to main-

tain public health for all,” said the ITA. The Olympics start on July 24.

CHINADA “will gradually resume testing as soon as the situation improves,” the ITA said, adding that it was examining whether “private providers” could conduct tests.

The virus has spread to more than 24 countries A string of sports events in China have been cancelled.

All domestic football has been suspended and among the events either cancelled or postponed are the World Indoor athletics championships, Tokyo Olympics boxing and women’s basketball qualifiers and cycling’s Tour of Hainan.

Also cancelled are snooker’s China Open, badminton’s China Masters and golf’s LPGA Blue Bay tournament. The Chinese Formula E Grand Prix on March 21 was called off on Sunday. (AFP)

Sharma out of remainder of New Zealand tour I ndia have suffered a big setback ahead of the ODI and Test series against New Zealand, with Rohit Sharma ruled out of the remainder of the tour because of a calf injury.

ESPNcricinfo understands Sharma has a tear in his left calf muscle. The severity of the tear is not yet known, but it is likely that he will need a few weeks to recover.* The injury took place when Sharma, leading India with Virat Kohli rested, was batting in the fifth and final T20I in Mount Maunganui on Sunday. He was on 54 at the time, and was treated on the field by the team's physio, but opted to continue batting. He hit a six, off Ish Sodhi, but was forced to retire hurt soon after, having reached 60.

Sharma is one of the primary openers across formats for India, and the selectors are likely to look for his replacement(s) in the India

Rohit Sharma had to retire hurt after picking up an injury (Getty Images)

A contingent, which is currently playing a four-day series against New Zealand A with the likes of Prithvi Shaw and Shubman Gill in their ranks.

India's Test squad hasn't been announced yet, but they have already lost two players to injury, with Sharma's pulling out coming on the heels of Hardik Pandya being ruled out.

The three-match ODI series against New Zealand starts on Wednesday in Hamilton, followed by matches in Auckland and Mount Maunganui. The final leg of the Indian tour, comprising two Tests, will commence on February 21 in Wellington and move to Christchurch, where the second Tests starts on February 29. (ESPNcricinfo)

Bronze again for Narayan...

In the men’s doubles, Narayan paired with Alex Stewart and gained a bye in the first round. In the quarterfinal round, the pair dispatched Rylan Head & Beau Stevenson of Olds 21-9, 21-15.

However, in the semifinal, the pair went down to John Li and Smit Patel of Nait College 21-14, 21-12.

The pair had their redemption in the third-place playoff where they bested Olds’ Noah Jeffrey & Troy Morgan 21-18, 21-17 for the

bronze.

In women’s doubles action, Priyanna and her partner Laynce Donaldson overcame Samantha Hsu & Ivy Ung of Nait College 21-17, 21-18 to take the bronze medal in the third-place playoff. The pair had, in the earlier rounds, defeated Kings’ Krisha Mejica & Cecilla Wolski in three scintillating sets 18-21, 23-21, 2118, before losing to Concordia’s Johanna Rymes & Takeisha Wang 21-7, 21-10 in the semifi-

FROM PAGE 21

nal.

Eighteen-year-old Priyanna fared well in the women’s singles, gaining a bye in the first round and vanquishing Nait’s Kaitlyn Gee 21-8, 21-4 in the quarterfinal.

She was bested by Nait’s Eyota Kwan 21-14, 21-7 in the semifinal, but was focused on redemption in the third-place playoff, and did well to defeat Cecilia Wolski of Kings College 21-17, 21-9 for the bronze.

CLASSIFIED ADS

Bartica township benefits from GFF-donated floodlights

ACCOMMODATION Aracari Resort. Accommodation Rates from USD $25. Amenities: Accommodation, Mini Casino, Pool, Bar, Restaurant, Free Parking, Free WiFi. Tel: 264-2946. 160 Plantation Versailles, West Bank Demerara.

ASTROLOGY & SPIRITUALITY Work done by : Djuka. For all Purposes: Healing, Upliftment for Business, Court Matters, Visa, Evil Sickness, Togetherness for lovers, Pregnancy, Jobs, Money Readings, Husband/Wife Seperation. 6334487

for rent Disco/Night Club W.B.D Turnkey Operation for rent. Contact: Gafoor : 628-8619

FOR SALE Lot 14 – 10,204 SQ FT. Price = $17M. PH: 264-2948/615-2270 One (1) Greenheart Wooden Building to remove. $220,000- Price Negotiable Contact 501-3706 Transported Land- 11.6 Acres, Lot 15 Public Road, #2 Village, West Coast Berbice. 5 mins away from Berbice River Bridge. Contact # 648-7109 Toyota Corolla, left hand drive Good condition- $360,000 neg Call or Whatsapp 680-3863 New Model Toyota Picnic. Very good condition, Leather Interior. Price Negotiable. 627-6828

VACANCIES Office Assistant - Maths and English required, knowledge of Excel and Quickbooks would be an asset.

Apply to Mima Décor, Lot 8 Sheriff St, GTown or mimadecor12@gmail. com (227-0186) Pump attendant-680-3863, Store helper-624-003, Driver for water canter-680-3863, Porter for water canter-680-3863, House keeper-624-0033 Call or Whatsapp

VEHICLES FOR SALE Honda HRV 2000 Model. Excellent Working Condition, Factory Tinted Windows, Dolby Surround Sound, A.C, Vehicle Press Start, etc. This vehicle is Stick Shift and is sometimes rarely driven. Price: $2,200,000 (neg.) Tel: 683-3863.

NOT RECEIVING YOUR DAILY & SUNDAY COPIES OF THE

GUYANA TIMES

Bartica Deputy Mayor Arita Embleton shovelling dirt at the base of the newly installed lights in the presence of Director of Sports, Christopher Jones, and BFA and other municipality officials

P

resident of the Bartica Marslowe, for his part, nity, the Mayor, and the Football Association said this donation speaks to Regional Chairman for their (BFA), Alden the strength of the partner- support in making the GFF Marslowe, on behalf of Super 16 Cup GFF President Wayne fixture, which Forde, has handed over was played on eight 1500-watt floodDecember 21, lights to His Worship 2019, successful.

Gifford Marshall, Mayor “Our inof the township of tention is to Bartica. lift the proThe presentafile of the BFA tion was made at the in this year’s Bartica Community Super 16 Cup, Centre Ground yesterlaunch the 2020 day, and present at the Super 16 Cup handing-over ceremony Bartica Football Association President Alden at Bartica, and were Director of Sports, Marslowe handing over the 1500-watt lights to play the openChristopher Jones, and Bartica Mayor Gifford Marshall ing fixture at other BFA and municithe Community pality officials. ship’s dedication to advance Ground,” Marslowe detailed.

Mayor Gifford Marshall football development.

These lights will be add“This is yet another ex- ed to those recently inhas expressed deep appreciation for the timely donation, ample of the tremendous stalled by the Bartica Town and reassured the BFA pres- impact meaningful collab- Council to improve the qualident of his council’s com- oration could have on foot- ity of visibility at the Bartica mitment to, and support for, ball development. I wish Community Centre Ground, the development of football to use this opportunity to the premier recreational fathank the Bartica commu- cility in Region 7. throughout Region Seven.

Circulation Department on

Phone: 223-7230 EXT: 55

3rd ACIC badminton tournament 2019/2020…

Bronze again for Narayan and Priyanna Ramdhani

R

acquet-wielding sib- women’s doubles. lings Narayan and The pair had Priyanna Ramdhani bagged the same remained consisamount of bronze tent in their permedals in the secformances in ond edition of this the Alberta tournament, Colleges Athletic played earConference lier this (ACAC) year; and tournait signals ments, t h e i r a g a i n consisbagging tency as bronze they conmedals tinue to over the study, train weekend. and comI n pete. the third Based on 2019/2020 their seedbadminton ing, they tournament are each hosted by maintaining the ACAC -their posiat the King’s tion among University in the top 3 in Edmonton, the series, A l b e r t a and each Canada -- this is expectsensationed to real Guyanese turn their Priyanna and Narayan pair bagged best perRamdhani following their third ACAC competition three bronze formance medals: in the at the men’s doubles, women’s sin- upcoming Provincial gles, and women’s doubles Championships, which are categories respectively. slated for the next two weeks Although the siblings in Edmonton. did not get the chance to At that competition, they pair off because they were will have the chance to make playing for opposing insti- it to the Nationals. In 2019, tutions, Narayan represent- Narayan impressed in coped Guyana well in the men’s ping the overall championdoubles, while younger sis- ship and placing third at ter Priyanna did likewise Nationals.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 20 in the women’s singles and

Magnum Tonic Wine Mashramani Cup Futsal Tournament…

Teams battle for qualifying points tonight T

he final group stage round of the Magnum Tonic Wine Mashramani Cup Futsal Championship commences this evening at the National Gymnasium on Mandela Avenue with eight matches, each of which is anticipated to electrify the ambience of the venue.

Island All-Stars and Kingston battle in the opening clash at 19:00hrs, while Belfield Warriors oppose Stabroek Ballers from 19:30hrs and Showstoppers en-

Tournament coordinator Esan Griffith, co-director of San Sports, said: “Tonight will be judgment (night) for several teams as they vie for the remaining berths to the elimination section. The tournament has certainly provided unpredictable results, with several newcomers challenging and beating their established counterparts. This provides a breath of fresh air to the event, and clearly highlights that skill level among the respective teams is di-

in your area?

Contact our

21

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2020

A snippet of what to expect when the Magnum Mash Cup resumes tonight

gage Avocado Ballers from 20:00hrs.

In the fourth affair, Sparta Boss ‘face off’ with Bad-a-Yard from 20:30hrs, while Future Stars tackle Alexander Village from 21:00hrs and Broad Street lock horns with Sophia from 21:30hrs.

In the final two encounters, Gold is Money ‘face off’ with Albouystown from 22:00hrs and Bent Street oppose North East La Penitence from 22:30hrs.

minishing.

“Another wonderful night of action is expected, which will continue the trend of the competition since its inception.”

Winning team of the event will pocket $600,000 and the championship trophy, while the second-placed side will collect $400,000 and the respective accolade. Third and fourth-placed units would respectively receive $200,000 and $100,000 and the corresponding trophy.

POINT STANDINGS

Group-A Team Ansa McAl Sparta Boss Back Circle Bad-A-Yard

GP 3 2 3 2

W 2 1 1 0

L 0 0 2 2

D 1 1 0 0

GF 5 2 12 2

GA 1 1 5 14

GD +4 +1 +7 -12

Pts. 7 4 3 0

Group-B Team Spartacus [Q] Leopold St Rio All-Stars Melanie

GP 3 3 3 3

W 2 1 1 0

L 0 0 1 3

D 1 2 1 0

GF 8 4 3 2

GA 5 3 3 6

GD +3 +1 0 -4

Pts. 7 5 4 0

Group-C Team Mocha Future Stars Alex Village Spot-7

GP 3 2 2 3

W 2 1 1 0

L 1 0 1 2

D 0 1 0 1

GF 8 3 7 1

GA 4 2 4 9

GD +4 +1 +3 -8

Pts. 6 4 3 1

Group-D Team Bent St Showstoppers Avocado N/East La Penitence

GP 2 2 2 2

W 1 1 0 0

L 0 1 0 1

D 1 0 2 1

GF 3 2 5 5

GA 1 3 5 6

GD +2 -1 0 -1

Pts. 4 3 2 1

Group-E Team Broad St Sophia Kingston Island All-Stars

GP 2 2 2 2

W 2 2 0 0

L 0 0 2 2

D 0 0 0 0

GF 6 6 2 1

GA 1 2 4 8

GD +5 +4 -2 -7

Pts. 6 6 0 0

Group-F Team Gold is Money Albouystown Belfield Stabroek Ballers

GP 2 2 2 2

W 2 1 1 0

L 0 1 1 2

D 0 0 0 0

GF 12 4 2 4

GA 3 3 9 7

GD +9 +1 -7 -3

Pts. 6 3 3 0

22

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2020

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Joe Solomon Classic golf tournament…

Gayadin, George and Prashad are Flight champions

M

ike Gayadin, Paton George and Patrick Prashad delivered superb performances at the Lusignan Golf Club (LGC) on Saturday, February 1, 2020 to emerge as champions of their respective Flights in another refreshing golf tournament -- the Joe Solomon Classic.

While this tournament was the first of its kind, and was held in recognition of the contribution of the following life members of the Lusignan Golf Club: Doreen De Caires, Hemraj Kissoon, Maurice Solomon and Robert Hanoman, it was particularly significant for honouring life member Joe Solomon; and only Esau Shamshudin and Dharamdeo Sawh were not present.

On hand to present an exquisitely beautiful crystal trophy to his longtime cricketing idol Joe Solomon -- whom he was now meeting in person for the first time, thanks to the LGC and Aleem Hussain -- was Ramesh Sunich, owner of Trophy Stall.

Ramesh indicated, "I was invited several times [to come to the LGC], but after seeing the condition of the

Back row: Captain Chatterpaul Deo, George Bulkan, Paton George, Brian Hackett, Ramesh Sunich, Maurice Solomon, Max Persaud, Patrick Prashad and President Aleem Hussain. In front row, from left, are: Mike Gayadin, Joe Solomon, Mike Mangal, Doreen De Caires, and Harry Persaud

course and recent developments in the sport, I am now ready to join."

The pressing invitation of Hussain, as well as his observation of the significant developments taking place at the Club over the past two years, sparked Sunich’s interest and enthusiasm, and they were fired even more when he visited the Club and saw firsthand what he had only been hearing about.

Trophy Stall has, for more than two decades, been supportive of golfing and the

LGC, besides several sports disciplines and organizations in Guyana. This business entity, which has been providing top quality trophies and regularly sponsoring major events, recently opened a new location to add to the three others it has been operating.

The day’s performance had the usual keen rivalry among the members of each Flight, but it was veteran Mike Gayadin’s cool Best Gross of 77, which gave him a tournament Best Net

Hetmyer, Lewis fail fitness tests,

of 65, that excelled! In that 10-18 Flight, which usually sees the keenest competition, Mike led the group comfortably.

He was followed by 2nd place winner George Bulkan (69/15), who won off a tie with sharp Rakesh Harry (69/14). Following these were Rabindranauth Persaud (70/16), Mahindranauth Tewari (72/13), Dr Joaan Deo (72/15), Aasrodeen Shaw ((73/13), Deoram Dinanauth (73/16), and William Walker (75/11). Parmanand ‘Max’

Persaud from this group won the Longest Drive prize for a drive of approximately 320 yds.

In the 0-9 group, former Captain Patrick Prashad, who is probably the most consistent golfer in the winners’ row, delivered 71/9 to beat Mike Mangal (71/8) in a tie for 1st place. The nearest follower was President Aleem Hussain, with 75/9.

In the 19-36 group, Paton George performed superbly, scoring 70/19 to distance himself from 2nd place win-

ner, former Club President Brian Hackett (72/22), who returned to the winners’ circle after some time.

Coming close on their heels was last May’s winner of the Flight – Troy Cadogan – who produced a great 73/26. He was followed

by Maurice Solomon (75/26), Eureka Giddings (78/28) and Eion Blue (81/28).

Returning to the club after many years’ absence was Harry Persaud, a major contributor to the club in past years, and now a prominent member of the rice producing community at Wales.

Minister of Communities, the honorable Ronald Bulkan, participated in the day’s play, giving honour to the life members and witnessing a great back-9 score from his son George.

Past Club President Jerome Khan also ensured that he came to offer honour and congratulations to the life members.

For more information on the Lusignan Golf Club, or if you are interested in learning to play the game, kindly contact 668-7419, or the Club at 220-5660, or visit our Facebook page lusignangolfclub.

5th P&P Insurance Brokers’ Steel Challenge pistol shoot…

miss out on Sri Lanka ODIs McKinnon, Latchana top divisions

Prizewinners and participants of the 2020 P&P-sponsored GSSF Steel Challenge Match

T S

Shimron Hetmyer

himron Hetmyer and Evin Lewis have been left out of West Indies' ODI squad for their upcoming tour of Sri Lanka after failing fitness tests.

Lewis was the leading run-scorer in the side's series against Ireland last month, with 208 runs in three innings, but both he and Hetmyer failed to "attain the new minimum standard fitness requirements in recent fitness assessments," according to a Cricket West Indies (CWI) release.

Darren Bravo, the experienced top-order batsman, has won a recall following an impressive domestic season in which he made 481 runs at an average of 96.20 in the Super50 Cup, while allrounder Rovman Powell also makes the cut follow-

Evin Lewis

ing an impressive run of his own: in the same competition, he scored 412 runs at an imperious strike rate of 160.93 for Jamaica.

Fabian Allen, who missed the India series with a knee injury, also finds a place in the squad, which will depart for a pre-series camp in Colombo on Saturday.

"Evin Lewis and Shimron Hetmyer missed out due to the fact that they came up short in the fitness test," said Roger Harper, CWI's lead selector. "They will be missed.

"Lewis was the team's best batsman in the recent series against Ireland where he batted with great composure and proved the bedrock for the team's series win.

Hetmyer appeared to be getting his act together and

was an integral part of the team's batting group.

"I look forward to the team building on its recent performances against Afghanistan and India in the subcontinent and against Ireland at home playing consistent, smart cricket to win the series. Sri Lanka are a very good team in their own conditions. I do not expect it to be easy but our team has shown that it is very capable."

West Indies squad to play Sri Lanka: Fabian Allen, Sunil Ambris, Darren Bravo, Roston Chase, Sheldon Cottrell, Jason Holder, Shai Hope (wk), Alzarri Joseph, Brandon King, Keemo Paul, Kieron Pollard (captain), Nicolas Pooran, Rovman Powell, Romario Shepherd, Hayden Walsh Jr.

he Guyana Sport Shooting Foundation (GSSF), which commenced this year’s activities with a January shooting practice session, hosted its first match for 2020 -- the 5th Annual P&P Insurance Brokers & Consultantssponsored Steel Challenge pistol match -- on Saturday, February 1, at the GDF Rifle Ranges at Yarrowkabra, Linden/Soesdyke Highway.

The four-stage match consisted of sanctioned SCSA stages; namely Accelerator, Roundabout, Pendulum, and Smoke & Hope. With safety and efficiency in mind, shooters were placed into two squads, thereby shooting two separate stages simultaneously.

Competition requirements were as simple as the scoring: the shooters each assumed their position in a 3-foot square shooting box, in which they placed their hands above their shoulders. Upon the beep of the

electronic timer, each shooter would then draw their firearm and shoot at the targets. The timer stops when the shooter has hit the stop plate.

The Stats Officer for this match was Dr Pravesh Harry, whose released results saw the Limited Division being won by Ryan McKinnon in 69.35 seconds, with John Phang (83.33 seconds) in second and Dr Harry (83.43 seconds) in third.

Production Division winners were: Rajiv Latchana (82.23 seconds), who reigned supreme; Andrew Phang (92.16 seconds), who placed second; and Michael Blake (109.02 seconds), who came in third.

The Board of Directors of the GSSF wishes to commend the match director, range master, stats officer, range officers and the shooters for ensuring an efficient event.

GSSF also especial-

ly thanks the Guyana Defence Force’s Chief-ofStaff, Brigadier Patrick West; Col. Skeete of the GDF; Police Commissioner Leslie James; ranks of the TSU and the Guyana Police Force; members of the media and GSSF members for their support in promoting practical shooting locally.

Sincere thanks have moreover been extended to CEO Bishwa and Vikash Panday of P&P Insurance Brokers and Consultants Ltd. For more information on the G.S.S.F, and for complete results on the match, persons are invited to visit the GSSF website: www.

GuyanaSportShooting.com The GSSF, an affiliate of the Steel Challenge Shooting Association (SCSA), will continue to host this action-packed shooting sport for local pistol shooters by organising such matches on a regular basis.

23

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2020

National Seniors Table Tennis Championships…

Franklin, Cummings extend stay at helm

By Timothy Jaikarran

T

he National Seniors Table Tennis Championships ended on a high note, and with Kyle Chung walking away with the “C” Class Open title; Elishaba John with the U21 Male title; Natalie Cummings with the Senior Women’s Championship title; Jonathan Van Lange with the B Class Open title; and Christopher Franklin with the Male Seniors’ title.

10, 3-11, 6-11, 13-11); while Kyle Chung booked his spot by clean-sweeping Narren Persaud 3-0 (11-7, 11-8, 117).

The finals were definitely worth waiting for – to see Chung and McRae battling to the death.

However, C h u n g prevailed by edging out

B Class Open

Here, the Van LangeJohn showdown turned out to be an epic seesaw battle, with Van Lange winning the first set 11-5, before losing 9-11; then the duo was tied at 2 sets each. However, in the final set, Van Lange snatched victory with an 11-8 finish to claim the title.

U-21 Male

McRae 3-2.

C Class Open

the title.

Heading into the C h u n g semifinal won the first matchups, round 11-9, Troy McRae lost the folbooked his lowing two spot in the 11-8 and final after 11-9, then a harddug deep fought to make Senior women’s champion m a t c h Natalie Cummings an impresagainst sive comeJasmine Billingy in which back an take the final two he prevailed 3-2 (11-7, 12- sets 11-9 and 11-2 to secure

In this highly anticipated U21 finale, Van Lange and Elishaba John were pitted against each other. In their semifinal journey, Van Lange had defeated Colin Wong 3-0 (11-6, 11-4, 112), while J o h n h a d Christopher Franklin struggled against celebrating Isaiah Layne but his victory managed to come out

Jonathan Van Lange is the B Class Open Champion

on top 3 - 2 (11-8, 9-11, 1 1 - 4 , 11-12, 11-8).

In the first game in this finale, John dominated his much younger opponent, claiming the first three sets 11-7, 11-5, 11-5. Then Van Lange fought

back to claim each of the next two sets at 11-8. Thus it all came down to the last set, with the scores ending at 3-2 in John’s favour. He sank Van Lange 13-11 to claim the category.

Senior Women

In this category, the format of play was strictly round-robin. This saw Natalie Cummings emerging victorious after dominating all her matches. She defeated Thuraia Thomas 11-4, 11-5, 11-7; Crystal Melville 11-5, 11-3, 11-2, and Jasmine Billingy 11-

4, 11-6, 11-6, all in straight sets.

Male Senior

As expected, the finale came down to Shamar Britton pitting skills against defending champion Christopher Franklin. The champion claimed each of the first two sets 11- 6, but Britton returned with some fire and took the next two rounds 12-10, 11-7 to level the showdown. In the final set, Britton’s fire was doused by Franklin as he retained his title with an 11-7 win.

GCB/Dave West Indian Imports U-15 Inter-County cricket…

Tournament bowls off on February 16 A t launching of the 2020 edition of the GCB/Dave West Indian Imports InterCounty Under-15 Cricket Tournament yesterday, businessman Dave Narine, proprietor of Dave’s West Indian Imports, pledged to continue supporting the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB).

The nation’s under-15 cricketers are scheduled to go into 50-over action in a matter of weeks, as this tournament gets underway on February 16 at various venues.

The four-team tournament will feature Berbice, Essequibo, President’s XI and defending champions Demerara, who dethroned Berbice in last year’s final.

Outstanding players from the various teams will have a chance at selection to the National Under-15 team, which would test their skills in the National Under-17 competition and later go on to compete at the Regional level.

Speaking to the merits

Anand Sanasie, Dave Narine, GCB President Fazil Bacchus, and Colin Stuart share a photo opportunity with Under-15 players

of the tournament, Guyana Cricket Board Secretary Anand Sanasie said: “What I can safely tell you is that most of the young players in the Jaguars squad -- some who would have gone on to West Indies duties -- have come through the Dave West Indian Under-15 tournament.”

It has been disclosed that sponsorship of this tournament amounts to

some $3 million -- a sum that is more than adequate to cover the hosting of the games, branding on travel, and cost of playing kits.

Businessman Dave Narine, sharing his elation at being able to support the tournament for a sixth year, noted that he sees a bright future in the aspiring cricketers.

“I see them as the future of Guyana and West

Indies teams, and that’s why I love sponsoring the Under-15 competition. I see them no less than the Laras, the Hoopers and the Chanderpauls, because they are going to be like them and all the guys that are playing right now.

“So this is what I’m proud of: seeing all these youngsters that I could say one day they were part of the Dave West Indian U15

competition,” Narine ecstatically shared.

The round-robin tournament will see each team playing the other at least once before the two top teams battle it out in the final, which is slated for the Georgetown Cricket Club (GCC) ground at Bourda on Saturday, February 22.

Sanasie has expressed his gratitude to Dave

Narine and his company for keeping faith with the GCB for so many years.

“Having said that, I would like -- on behalf of the executive, staff and everyone at the GCB and the county boards -- to thank Mr. Narine for his continued sponsorship. ‘Thank you!’” Sanasie declared.

Guyana has a stellar track record in regard to finishing in the top two places in this tournament over the past four years; and had it not been for a misunderstanding, the Guyanese U15 Team would have walked away with the West Indies Championship last year.

Additionally, three Guyanese players: Mavendra Dindyal, Rampertab Ramnauth and Isai Thorne, represented the West Indies U15 Team on the 2019 tour to England.

On the first day of competition, Sunday, February 16, Demerara will take on Essequibo at Lusignan, while President’s XI will battle with Berbice at GCC.

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2020

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

guyanatimesgy.com

National Seniors Table Tennis Championships…

Franklin, Cummings extend stay at helm Page 23

Elishaba John defeated Jonathan Van Lange in the U-21 male final

Christopher Franklin defended his title against Shamar Britton

Hetmyer, Lewis fail fitness tests, miss out on Sri Lanka ODIs See story on page 22

For request and renewal of Guyana Times newspaper subscription, call 231-0544 | ext 26 or 55 GUYANA TIMES - www.guyanatimesgy.com, email: news@guyanatimesgy.com, NEWS HOTLINE: 231-8063 EDITORIAL: 223-7230, 223-7231, 231-0544, 225-7761 SPORT: sport@guyanatimesgy.com SALES AND MARKETING: 231-8064 - marketing@guyanatimesgy.com - PRINTED AND PUBLISHED BY GUYANA TIMES INC.