Guyana Times Tuesday January 21, 2020

26 Police ranks undergo election preparedness training P13

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

Issue No. 4172

THE BEACON OF TRUTH TUESDAY, JANUARY 21, 2020

PPP/C slams APNU' s call mobilising supporters at polling stations election night See story on page 3

…such calls are “irresponsible, dangerous”

…Private Sector Chair also expresses concern

Pedestrian struck, killed by drunk driver Parents, teacher charged in primary school fracas Page 12

See stories on pages 9&10

PRICE

$80 VAT INCLUDED

WHAT'S INSIDE:

Guyana’s high energy cost forces Caricom Secretariat to go solar P7

Driver, porterP12 remanded over cocaine, ganja in fertiliser truck

Boss chops employee P9 twice after row with shop owner Trio face trial for 2015 gunning P11 down of Rubis accountant

Sugar workers’ petition

GAWU disappointed with referral to Agri P7 Minister

…GTU threatens strike action, demands better security at schools

…says President could have fully addressed issue

Guyana not invited to meeting with regional leaders, US Secretary of State Page 2

2 NEWS

TUESDAY, JANUARY 21, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Guyana not invited to meeting with regional leaders, US Secretary of State

Barbados PM and Caricom Chairperson Mia Mottley

By Jarryl Bryan

I

t was reported previously that United States (US) Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo would be having a meeting with countries from the Region today – a meeting that Barbados has said it will boycott owing to the exclusion of several countries.

Guyana Times has been able to confirm that Guyana was one of the countries that did not receive an invitation.

In an interview with this publication on Monday, Foreign Secretary and former Foreign Affairs Minister Carl Greenidge confirmed that Guyana was excluded from the meeting, where the US Secretary of State was expected to have a round-table discussion with various Caribbean leaders.

“As regards whether Guyana was invited, in keeping with the last set of invitations the US sent out, I assume that they will not be sending us an in-

vitation. We haven’t seen any,” said Greenidge, who last Friday represented Guyana at the 26th meeting of the Forum of the Caribbean Group of African, Caribbean, and Pacific States (CARIFORUM).

Secretary Pompeo is currently taking part in a series of visits throughout various regions, travelling from Germany to Colombia, after which he is scheduled to travel to Costa Rica and then Kingston, Jamaica today for a meeting with Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness.

According to a statement from the US State Department, Pompeo will conduct a multilateral roundtable discussion with Holness and other Caribbean leaders, as well as “deliver remarks on US-Caribbean relations”.

Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley, who is also the current Chair of the Caribbean Community (Caricom), was quoted as saying on Saturday that she would not send her Foreign Minister to the Jamaican meeting because only some members of Caricom were invited.

“We don’t look to pick fights. 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

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo

Guyana’s Foreign Secretary, Carl Greenidge (centre), along with other country representatives at CARIFORUM on Friday

of Caricom are not invited.

If some are invited and not all, then it is an attempt to divide this region,” Mottley was quoted as saying in various regional news outlets, including the Barbados Nation and Jamaica Gleaner.

Attempt to divide

Asked for his views on Mottley’s statement and whether the Caribbean is indeed being divided, Greenidge expressed that the Barbados Prime Minister’s explanation was in order, adding that he also noted that there was some truth in

such a conclusion.

“The Prime Minister of Barbados is, of course, speaking in two capacities. One is as Chair of the group and, therefore, her explanation is quite in keeping with responsibilities,” Greenidge said, adding that “once you have groups of States which attempt to operate jointly, there will be such attempts (at division). I don’t think that’s peculiar to this region.”

It is not the first time that Guyana and select Caribbean countries were not invited to participate in meetings between top US officials and var-

ious Caricom countries. Last year, US President Donald Trump met with leaders from several countries, including Jamaica, Haiti, and the Dominican Republic. Guyana and Trinidad were among those not invited. Trinidad has also announced it will not be attending the meeting.

Meanwhile, St KittsNevis Foreign Affairs Minister Mark Brantley said his country did not regard the move by the United States as a means of dividing the 15-member regional integration movement.

When it comes to

Greenidge’s participation at CARIFORUM, a release from the Foreign Affairs Ministry on Monday states that the Guyana contingent took part in the CARIFORUM Council of Ministers in St Vincent and the Grenadines.

“The Council of Ministers, the highest decision-making body for CARIFORUM, discussed a number of issues, including Brexit; Post-Cotonou negotiations; the implementation of the CARIFORUM-European Union (EU) Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA); CARIFORUMEU Economic Partnership Agreement 2020 review; and CARIFORUM-EU Development Cooperation, among others,” the statement said. Accompanying Greenidge on this engagement to CARIFORUM was Guyana’s Ambassador to the European Union, David Hales and Senior Foreign Service Officer Bevon McDonald.

NEWS

3

TUESDAY, JANUARY 21, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

BRIDGE OPENINGS

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

Tuesday, January 21 – 02:30h – 04:00h and 14:30h – 16:00h and Wednesday, January 22 – 03:30h – 05:00h and 14:30h – 16:00h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Tuesday, January 21 – 14:10h – 15:40h and Wednesday, January 22 –14:55h – 16:25h.

PPP/C slams APNU's call mobilising supporters at polling stations election night …such calls are “irresponsible, dangerous” …Private Sector Chair also expresses concern

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

WEATHER TODAY Sunny intervals are expected throughout the day. There will be clear skies at night.

Temperatures should range between 20 degrees Celsius and 30 degrees Celsius.

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

High Tide: 14:00h reaching a maximum height of 2.40 metres.

Low Tide: 07:31h and 20:08h reaching minimum heights of 0.96 metre and 0.79 metre.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 18, 2020

LOTTERY NUMBERS K

03 08 09

11 15 27

FREE TICKET

6 Bonus Ball

MONDAY, JANUARY 20, 2020

DAILY MILLIONS

02 12 15 18 20 LUCKY 3

0

8

1

0

Afternoon Draw

0

0

Evening Draw

DRAW DE LINE

01

04

08

09

PAY DAY

10 13 18 SUPER PAY DAY

FRIDAY, JANUARY 17, 2020

09 10 12 16 17

08 10 12 13 15

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

Former Attorney General and PPP/C candidate Anil Nandlall

R

ecent comments on the campaign trail

by A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) politicians are being labelled by the main Opposition People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) – as irresponsible, after People’s National Congress (PNC) Chair Volda Lawrence called for supporters to mobilise on and stand watch at polling stations on election night – March 2.

The comments were made by Lawrence during a rally at the Kitty Market Square, Georgetown on Sunday. She went on to urge 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 know that you are out there,” Lawrence told APNU/AFC supporters.

“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,” she urged the supporters.

Irresponsible, dangerous

However, Lawrence’s comments were described as irresponsible and dangerous by the PPP/C. Former Attorney General and PPP/C candidate Anil Nandlall on Monday said that a crowd of supporters mobilising at polling stations could get out of control. He cited what occurred in 2015 when PPP activists were assaulted and a house and car torched after voting

PNC Chair Volda Lawrenc

had ended.

“In 2015, even senior APNU leaders could not have controlled such an assembled crowd from degenerating into a violent mob that unleashed violence on PPP/C’s candidates and activists, which led to the burning of Joe Hamilton’s car and a polling station erupting in flames and burned to the ground, which was someone’s private residence at Sophia, Greater Georgetown,” Nandlall stated.

“Similarly, at a primary school, located at Better Hope South, East Coast Demerara, which was used as a polling place, an assembly of PNC supporters quickly descended into a riotous mode and brutally assaulted my driver whom I had instructed to pick up PPP/C polling agents and Statement of Polls from that polling place.”

According to Nandlall, it is the role of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) and the armed services to protect ballot boxes. He also noted that to the best of his knowledge,

both entities carry out their duties in an efficient manner. Therefore, the Public Health Minister’s call for mobilising supporters is “wholly unnecessary”.

“The reality is that GECOM and the security forces of our country are responsible for ensuring the safety of the ballots. The inconvenient truth is that it is only one political party that has historically demonstrated proclivities of violence at elections time which have often threatened to derail the electoral process. It is damn ironic for this self-same political party to call for protection of the ballots.”

Condemn

Nandlall called upon the international community, the elections observer teams, “all stakeholders and every responsible and freedom-loving Guyanese to condemn, in the strongest possible terms, this most ominous development. Our electoral history is replete with examples, to establish beyond a shadow of doubt, that nothing good can come out of it.”

PSC Chairman Gerry Gouveia

Private Sector

Meanwhile, Private Sector Commission (PSC) Chairman Gerry Gouveia also expressed concern over the development and the statements made by the Public Health Minister. On his social media page, he questioned why the Police and GECOM are not being allowed to do their work in peace.

“While I respect the rights of any political party to be vigilant, shouldn’t the security forces and GECOM be allowed to do their work?

There are already observers and party agents present at every polling station; therefore, urging ordinary citizens to also insert themselves in the process could lead to trouble,” he said.

4

guyanatimesgy.com

TUESDAY, JANUARY 21, 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

A campaign of desperation

O

ne expectation of election campaigns is for contesting parties to tell the electorate of their plans for the development of the country and its people. This is an important aspect since voters want to hear what the parties plan to do. This allows them choices when casting a ballot.

By not being made aware of plans during the campaign, voters are left deprived of the opportunity to be informed on what could be in store for them if that party were to win. In other words, the absence of plans means that the electorate would more than likely be voting blindly.

In the current campaign for the March 2, 2020 General and Regional Elections, the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Government is yet to provide to the electorate its plans were it to win. More importantly, having served almost five years, it has failed to offer any information on whatever it may have achieved during that time. The absence of those two sets of information is glaring and most unusual for a government seeking re-election.

Obvious questions would be: is there a record of achievement? Are there plans if re-elected? Those questions seem fair and given that the information has been absent thus far, one may conclude that there is no record of achievement or plans. That conclusion is within the context that if the two sets of information in question were available, then it would have been boasted of since the inception of the campaign.

As it is, the APNU/AFC’s campaign is replete with disparaging rhetoric directed at the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C), with most of it being directed at its General Secretary. The PPP/C has pointed this out over time in its campaign and has blasted the Government for failing to achieve anything of substance during its tenure since 2015 and for its inability to formulate meaningful plans to develop the country.

In reality, there has been no major achievement by the APNU/ AFC Government since in office. All of the projects undertaken: the expansion of the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) and the East and West Coast road projects, just to name a few, originated or began under the tenure of the PPP/C Government. It’s the same for other projects for which funding was agreed to under the PPP/C. APNU/AFC boasts of the D’Urban Park Project, which is shrouded in controversy with regard to its financing. In addition, what else that was noticeably done, seems for its own purpose and for the propagation of the colour associated with APNU – green. A massive green fence was erected around the Ministry of the Presidency despite the fact an effective one was already in place. State House and some offices, schools and bridges were repainted green.

That, funded by taxpayers’ money, does not benefit the populace in any way. It appears as a deliberate ploy to elevate APNU’s colour to a level superior to all others. The indoctrination of that colour, especially on impressionable minds, was addressed in the past.

When all is taken into consideration, it becomes extremely difficult to find any semblance of a track record of development that can be associated with the APNU/AFC Government since 2015. In contrast, the PPP/C’s can easily be found.

The Berbice Bridge; the National Stadium; the Arthur Chung Conference Centre; the Marriott Hotel; coastal and hinterland roads; numerous new schools; hospitals and health centres; the University of Guyana Tain Campus; the two new ferries; the extension of the life of the Demerara Harbour Bridge; new electricity generating plants; advancement in Information Communications Technology (ICT) and numerous housing schemes, are just a few in addition to the CJIA project and others mentioned.

All of those projects, individually and collectively, impacted directly and positively on the lives of Guyanese. Over time, they were the catalysts that drove the unprecedented and sustained economic growth and development that led to the vast improvement in the lives of Guyanese. Those projects still stand as some of the evidence of what the PPP/C achieved under its 23-year tenure. That’s a track record worth boasting of.

In addition, the PPP/C had pursued the construction of the Amaila Falls Hydroelectricity Project and the Specialty Hospital designed for cheap, reliable and renewable electricity and advanced healthcare respectively. Such projects speak to visionary thinking catering for the future. Both were scuttled by APNU/AFC while in Opposition.

That said, in the wake of the PPP/C’s indisputable track record and the lack of a similar one by the APNU/AFC, it becomes clearer why the Government’s campaign is focused on accusations and disparagement. On all counts, that is unfair to the electorate since they themselves can attest to the benefits of the many projects implemented and completed under the tenure of the PPP/C. That lack of achievement by the APNU/AFC can also explain its noticeable desperation as evident by the destruction of electoral material associated with the PPP/C. Some of its supporters have gone much further and have intimidated and abused PPP/C’s activists.

Had there been a track record, it’s very possible that the APNU/AFC’s desperation and its resulting actions could have been replaced by rhetoric based on issues rather than on personality. Unfortunately, time would not allow.

Schoolchildren attend an open-air classroom in Qarghayi district of Laghman Province, Afghanistan (AFP photo)

Davos 2020

Climate experts demand world leaders stop “walking away from the science”

S

cientists and climate activists from around the world have called on policymakers and business leaders to urgently take action in line with the scientific consensus on the climate emergency.

Speaking at the launch of the “Unite Behind The Science” campaign at the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland, climate change experts warned Monday that political inaction would not be acceptable.

“Scientists want to make clear that every single policy, business, and investment decision worldwide must follow the path that gives the world a fighting chance of limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius and lead to the most livable future possible,” organisers of the “Unite Behind The Science” campaign said in a statement.

The four-day January get-together of world leaders, CEOs and investors is set to begin today, with this year’s theme scheduled to focus on the intensifying climate crisis.

“We cannot accept insufficient action anymore,” Professor Gail Whiteman, founder of Arctic Basecamp and director of the Pentland Centre for Sustainability in Business at Lancaster University, said in a statement.

“If we’re united behind the science, then every decision, every investment, every behaviour should be based on what is taking us in the right direction.”

“If you decide to invest in and continue to produce fossil fuels, you are walking away from science,” Whiteman said.

A “planetary emergency”

The campaign demands that political, business and finance leaders unite behind the science by basing every policy and business decision on the need to limit global warming to 1.5ºC by 2100.

It also insists leaders halt all fossil fuel expan-

has said it aims to assist Governments and international institutions in tracking progress toward the Paris Agreement and the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.

It has designated this year’s theme as “Stakeholders for a Cohesive and Sustainable World”.

“I don’t want leaders to listen to me. I want leaders to listen to the scientists, and I want them to unite behind the science,” Greta

Parliament in 2018.

Millions of children took part in rallies around the world to protest against political inaction over climate change last year.

The UN has recognised climate change as “the defining issue of our time”, with a recent report calling the crisis “the greatest challenge to sustainable development”.

“Science today shows that we face a planetary emergency. The world must bend the global curve of

Demonstrators demanding Government action on climate change in Chicago on October 7, 2019

sion, investments and subsidies by 2020, phase out existing coal-fire powered capacity in Organisation of Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) countries by 2030, end the sale of the combustion engine by 2030 and protect 50 per cent of the Earth’s terrestrial area by 2030.

The Forum, which is often criticised for being out of touch with the real world,

Thunberg, a 17-year-old climate activist from Sweden, said Monday.

“And then I want them to take the action necessary to help us meet the climate crisis.”

Thunberg was recently named Time Magazine’s Person of the Year for 2019, after being catapulted to fame for skipping school every Friday to hold a weekly vigil outside the Swedish

emissions by 2020 and then cut emissions in the world by half by 2030,” Professor Johan Rockstrom, Director of the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research, said Monday.

“It took 10 years to land a man safely on the moon, we now have 10 years to land Earth on a safe trajectory for our future,” he added. (cnbc.com)

guyanatimesgy.com

TUESDAY, JANUARY 21, 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

Granger, APNU/AFC treat sugar Can I be advised who is really workers as second-class citizens the Chairman of the ERC? Dear Editor, For five years, sugar workers asked David Granger for help. These hardworking people ask for nothing, but being paid fairly. There is nothing decent and honest about ignoring the workers. Wage freeze is the ultimate in anti-working class politics and Granger and APNU/AFC have consolidated their anti-working class credentials by ignoring these sugar workers.

For five years, Granger has ignored sugar workers’ plight, excepting giving the orders to fire over 7000 of them, approving a wage freeze and closing four estates. Anytime the PPP and the sugar unions mount pressure for intervention on behalf of the workers, Granger’s standard response is the matter has been referred to the Minister of Agriculture.

After APNU/AFC, in early December 2019, announced another meagre pay increase for the public servants, the unions representing sugar workers formally wrote Granger asking him to intervene to unfreeze wages of sugar workers. More than a month later, after many reminders, the secretary at the Office of the President advised the unions the matter has been referred to the Ministry of Agriculture. It is insulting, ugly and obnoxious that Granger and APNU/AFC want sugar

workers and their families to vote for them, but are too busy to deal with a matter that impoverishes thousands of people.

2015, 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019, five successive years, have gone by and sugar workers are still awaiting the 20 per cent annual wage increase that David Granger, Nagamootoo, Ramjattan and other APNU/AFC leaders promised them. While understanding the 20 per cent annual increase promise was unattainable, it is pellucid they deliberately lied to sugar workers in order to obtain votes. Since May 2015, APNU/AFC has punished sugar workers and their families with a horrendous wage freeze. Sugar workers have been betrayed and treated like second-class citizens. If Granger and APNU/ AFC returned to Government after March 2, it is likely the woes of sugar workers will get worse.

The betrayal of sugar workers is simply too ugly and obnoxious for Guyanese to remain silent. It is time that sugar workers get their increase with immediate effect.

This is only the second time in Guyanese history in the last 100 years workers have suffered from a wage freeze. In freezing sugar workers’ wages for five years, Granger has accomplished what only Forbes Burnham had done before him. Burnham had fro-

zen sugar workers’ wages in 1979, 1982 and 1983. Public servants also endured a wage freeze in the 1980s under Desmond Hoyte. The only time wage freeze in Guyana has been under a PNC-led Government, not even the colonials did it.

Present sugar workers and those who have lost their jobs because of the betrayal

by Granger and APNU/AFC are our sisters and brothers, not second-class citizens.

They truly are going through tough times. The frozen wages and loss of jobs have been more tortuous because the overall economy has been in a tailspin since 2015. With increased taxes, a slowed economy, prices for goods and services have increased and these present and former sugar workers and their families are struggling for survival. Hoping against hope, the sugar workers, through their Union, GAWU, directly appealed to Granger. It is not the first time they approached him to intervene.

The now five-year freeze is biting – sugar workers are falling rapidly into poverty. Hunger has returned to Guyana, even though five years ago we appeared to be in a position of never seeing hunger again in this country.

But those who have ears and eyes can hear, feel and see the agony of hungry people.

Like all previous pleas of sugar workers, Granger again

has ignored the workers, even after several reminders.

Referral to Holder is adding salt to open wounds. This too is not the first time the wage matter has been referred to Holder. Referral to Holder is, in effect, killing the request, dumping it into the garbage bin. Mistreatment of sugar workers is reprehensible enough. But in the context that public servants received salary increases and Granger gave colleagues another hefty pay increase weeks before an election, guaranteeing themselves a larger pension, the treatment of sugar workers is simply too painful for Guyanese who cherish decency. How can people making more than $2 million per month in salaries and benefits give themselves hefty increases and ignore the pleas of sugar workers? It is ugly and obnoxious that hardworking citizens are treated as second-class citizens by a cabal who promised them before 2015 and now again in the 2020 elections they will bring the “good life”.

The truth is Granger cannot feel the pain of the sugar workers. He has brought back poverty and hunger into their lives, it is indecent, ugly and obnoxious, but he is smiling – he kept his promise of keeping alive Burnham’s legacy.

Dear Editor, As I forewarned the Carter Center and international observers in an earlier piece, stuffing the ballot poses a threat to free and fair elections at the March 2 polls. With GECOM pressing hard to include some 6000 unverified names, the groundwork is being laid. Now that the General Secretary of the PNC has issued instructions for voters to congregate at the place of polls that risk just multiplied ten-fold as it shows a clear intent to disrupt the election machinery.

Congregating at the place of polls is a recipe for disaster. It poses a direct risk to life and property. GECOM officials, observ-

ers, party representatives, property owners and voters themselves are all exposed when the mob is outside. If the PNC’s past behaviour is anything to go by, persons will be killed or maimed and buildings will be set ablaze.

All of this is intentional as it creates a hostile atmosphere to achieve the following: a.

Voter suppression b.

To scare away observers and Opposition representatives c.

Paves the way for rogue agents to stuff the ballot – the number of unused ballots will be significant because some voters will feel threatened to turn up and secondly because of earlier padding through GECOM adding unverified regis-

trants at PNC’s behest.

Past experience suggests that ballot boxes will be seized and chaos will reign all around. These gatherings provide perfect cover for bandits, looters and arsonists, some of whom double as PNC supporters, and the ideal opportunity for covert operatives to incite hate and build momentum for later hostilities which are now a norm after the elections if PNC/APNU/AFC does not win. All of Guyana loses in such a scenario.

I am hoping GECOM and

the police will see the obvious danger and issue a stern warning to Volda Lawrence and the PNC to reverse this instruction. Just imagine if the Opposition chose to play tit for tat. The Carter Center and observers have to be on guard as the PNC/APNU/ AFC is clearly desperate and prepared to wreak havoc. GECOM should urge citizens to cast their ballots and return peacefully to their normal routine.

Sincerely, Dr Leslie Ramsammy

Stuffing the ballot just got real

Sincerely, Ravi Ram

Dear Editor, I refer to an article in Kaieteur newspaper on Saturday, Jan 18, titled “ERC investigates coalition, PPP/C for racial slurs at rallies”. As a citizen of Guyana and a candidate to the poll on the PPP/C list for the March 2 General and Regional Elections, I wish to state the following: * I am appalled and deeply distressed that a constitutional Commission like the Ethnic Relations Commission will inform me and the public by way of a press conference that I am under investigation for a racial slur made at the PPP/C Kitty rally and the said Commission lacks the decency, ethics, or principled behaviour to even notify me formally and prior that, there is an alleged infraction by me and an investigation has been launched. * I am unaware of any racial slur emanating from my lips at any time, anywhere whatsoever. Is the ERC announcement of an investigation of a statement by Juan Edghill a manufactured controversy that is designed to satisfy an end known only to operatives within the Commission? * As a former Chairman of the Ethnic Relations Commission, I believe I am well versed with a deep understanding of the Representation of the Peoples Act, the Racial Hostility Act and other constitutional provisions and statutes that address the issue of inciting and exciting racial hostility among the people. It is either that the current Commissioners of the ERC are ill-advised, ill-informed, misguided or they have refused to inform themselves that would have led

to the reporting that is alleged to have come from the Commission at their press conference. * Have the Commissioners of the Ethnic Relations Commission lost their independence, their impartiality or lack the moral fortitude to stand up to political pressure and they are succumbing to political direction to launch a personal attack against me. I can provide indisputable information that speaks to the deep political involvement of the Head of the Media Monitoring Unit of the ERC. I have only recently had cause to make complaints to the Chairman about the personal attack of a Commissioner. * I am prepared at any time and at any place to stand public scrutiny by an impartial body.

What has happened to the principles of natural justice?

An announcement to the public that a party is under investigation when there has been no notification is tantamount to an attack on that party and an attempt to impugn character. I, therefore, expect a full unequivocal apology from the ERC and a retraction of the statements made forthwith.

Once the feathers of a fowl have been plucked and blown asunder by the wind, even if they are gathered, cannot be reunited usefully with the fowl. I am not viewing this as a misstep or a mistake; this is more than likely a calculated move. Such behaviour must not be allowed to continue unchecked. Can I be advised who is really the Chairman of the ERC? Yours truly, Bishop Juan Edghill

6

TUESDAY, JANUARY 21, 2020

Page

By Daniel Caspers, software engineer

Learn how you best learn

F

or some, the pomodoro technique works.

For others, they need to highlight their book like crazy and read it twice. For others, they need to derive equations on their own. Just experiment, evaluate and keep trying until you figure out how to best concentrate and absorb.

Remove as many distractions as possible

Turn your phone on to airplane mode (or maybe just put it on silent [not vibrate] and upside down). Close Facebook. If you aren’t using your laptop, close the lid. You can’t do your best work if you aren’t as dedicated as possible to the task at hand.

Increase engagement

This isn’t like photosynthesis; you don’t just ab-

Foundation

sorb knowledge by sitting in lectures. You are on an educational journey. This looks different for everyone, but try asking questions, taking notes and finding friends in classes who share a passion for the topics (and for education in general).

Know your course syllabi If

you

want the best score over all of your classes (aka. GPA) while inputting the lowest amount of effort, you need to know the weights of every graded piece of work.

This is useful when reasoning around priorities.

For example, is my homework assignment in class A (40 per cent overall course grade for homework, with 10 equally weighted assignments at four per cent each) more important than my essay in class B (worth 10 per cent of my overall grade, but has only a late penalty of 10 per cent p e r day).

While many would just stick to their gut reaction of doing the essay, you could do the homework assignment tonight and then do the essay tomorrow night and only lose one per cent of your overall course grade.

Take courses you are interested in (or at least learn why they are important/useful)

If you don’t like the content, and can’t find a way to make it relevant to you, you will find it difficult to be engaged.

I f the course isn’t engaging to you, try

spending some time on the side seeing where the course content is applicable in real life.

Find friends who push you to do your best work

I can say for a fact that if I did not have a certain friend working with my on my projects, assignments and courses without college, I probably would have j u s t been a B s t u dent.

I cared a b o u t learning, and understood the importance of it, but w h e n you surround yours e l f with people

on fire about the topic, you will achieve truly great things.

Know when to take a brief break

Sometimes, the best thing you can do is give your mind some time away from the problem. If you have been working hard at something for anywhere from 30 minutes to a few hours, maybe take a quick break (scaling linear with how long you were working). Get some caffeine. Go for a walk or work out. Play video games for a bit. But come back and get it done.

Find an effective study spot

I think this is one of the most underrated parts of effective studying. It’s amazing what the little things can do to up your motivation and remove distraction.

For some, it’s a well-lit room with lots of sunlight. For others, its absolute silence.

For many, its white noise from a restaurant or coffee shop. Experiment. Look for places on campus where nobody else thinks to study and know which times they are best. And if you are distracted at home, go out and study.

If you have a 15-minute block, it’s (usually) enough time to study

Many people feel that studying is supposed to be some sort of time intensive ritual where you take a biweekly pilgrimage to the library for a few hours and come home. For A-students, it’s not so. Set your mind onto the task at hand and dive right in. You’ll be surprised how much you can get done when you stop checking Facebook and start chipping away at the task. Disclaimer: I know some things can’t be done like this, but at least try looking for ways to integrate the thought.

Reflect on past performance on courses and coursework

Did you sleep through a midterm, or skip an assignment because it was due the day after spring break? I bet that tanked your course grade... We all make questionable choices from time to time. Figure out what yours are and try not to repeat the especially poor ones.

(Adapted from quora.com)

NEWS

7

TUESDAY, JANUARY 21, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Guyana’s high energy cost Sugar workers’ petition forces Caricom Secretariat GAWU disappointed with referral to Agri Minister to go solar – Deputy SG …says President could have fully addressed issue

Caricom Deputy General, Dr Soeknandan

W

Secretary Manorma

ith the consumption of just under 1.6 million kilowatts of electricity at the rate of US$0.30 cents per hour, the Caricom Secretariat in Liliendaal, Greater Georgetown, was forced to set up a Photovoltaic Generation System to improve its energy network.

The Secretariat launched the new generation system during a ceremony on Monday morning.

Deputy Secretary General, Dr Manorma Soeknandan, in her remarks, explained that the organisation was forced to make this move owing to high electricity costs.

“The Secretariat consumed just under 1.6 mil-

lion kilowatts hours of electricity at the rate of US$0.30 cents per kilowatt-hour at a time. Our total bill for the year was nearly half a million United States dollars.

This does not include the cost of fuel as well as operating and maintenance costs for the diesel generators used to supplement power from the electric grid during periods of disruption,” she told the media on Monday.

She further added, “This situation was deemed unsustainable and was also a catalyst for the determination to improve the design of the energy system within the Secretariat.”

Additionally, as a result of a financial crisis the Secretariat experienced in 2013 and 2014, it came to the consensus to reach out to the Government of Japan for financial assistance.

The Deputy Secretary General pointed out that with financial support from the Japanese Government, they were able to meet all their energy needs.

“Through support from the Japan International Cooperation Agency, the Secretariat was able to access grant aid from Japan through the Government of Guyana to accelerate its energy objectives in particular, and to transform the Headquarters’ building into

a showpiece of innovative energy management,” she noted.

“Utilising around 400 kilowatts of solar photovoltaic power, which together with the battery energy storage [and] an advanced building management system, the Secretariat will not only be able to meet most, if not all, of its electricity needs to a clean and secure source, which will also be able to export power to the grid supplementing the existing GPL [Guyana Power and Light] generation to the people of Guyana”.

Meanwhile, Guyana’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Dr Karen Cummings, who was at the event, said that the project came just in time as countries are battling with the effects of climate change. She expressed that the event paved the way for the incorporation of renewable energy.

Ambassador of Japan to Guyana and Caricom, Tatsua Hirayama said that Guyana and Japan have shared a relationship over the past years, and this project was in keeping with the countries’ goal of renewable energy. He said: “Both countries are pursuing renewable energy.”

The project costs $3.3 billion, (US$16 million) and it is expected to come on stream in September.

GAWU General Secretary Seepaul Narine

I

t has been over three months since the estimated 3500 sugar workers from Albion, Blairmont and Uitvlugt estates petitioned President David Granger for him to intervene in a pay hike discussion for sugar workers.

However, President David Granger has referred the matter to Agriculture Minister, Noel Holder for him to intervene.

The workers’ union, Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) noted that they received a correspondence from the President’s Secretary which is dated January 13 stating that it was referred.

However, GAWU General Secretary, Seepaul Narine posited that the President could have addressed the issue himself, which would see both parties coming to a consensus. But referring it, he added, is a clear in-

dication of the glaring lack of concern the incumbent A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) has for the sugar industry.

“This is not the first time that correspondences addressed to the President have not been frontally addressed by him but is referred to one of his Ministers.

While Mr Granger obviously can decide how to address a matter, our experience has been that matters referred to other Ministers by the President are hardly ever addressed, at least positively. Of course, we believe that the President could have fully addressed the matter as we are aware that he has been presented with proposals from the GuySuCo regarding the pay rise matter.

The fact that he has chosen to take the focus away from him is a mouthful in itself,” Narine said.

“This is days now and we have not heard from him, so it appears as if there is no seriousness in addressing the matter,” Narine added.

Narine is contending that the Agriculture Minister is not going to address the issue. This is due to the fact that the Minister is ready to give up his office since General and Regional Elections are right around the corner.

“At this time, we hardly have any hope that the

President David Granger

Minister of Agriculture would address the matter.

From all appearances, [he] has began to pack up his desk and he seems eager to head out the door.”

“We are awaiting on Holder and we are waiting on him because the President say he will respond to us. But the fact that [he] hasn’t up to now, and we are not certain if he is going to respond and what would be his answer.”

There has been a stagnancy in wages in the sugar belt, whereby the last increase in pay was in 2014.

This Government took over in 2015 amid a promise that the workers would receive an increase and sugar is too big to fail.

In December last year, Agriculture Minister Noel Holder had said that sugar workers may not benefit from an increase like the rest of public servants because GuySuCo does not have money.

8

TUESDAY, JANUARY 21, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Raising the ante…

T

…on elections rigging o those who hoped the PNC could be weaned away from their old politricks to hold on to power by any means necessary, Volda Lawrence’s latest outburst must’ve popped THAT bubble!! Lawrence is the Chairman of the PNC – a most strategic position, for which she’d beaten out that other ambitious conniver, Basil Williams and even the heir apparent Joseph Harmon. They didn’t cry “RIGGING!!” as Aubrey Norton had done a decade before when she beat him out for the Georgetown District Chair!!

Norton, of course, was also rigged out from the leadership of the PNC by David Granger a couple of years later!!

With her solid record of rigging, Volda Lawrence is obviously PNC to de bone!! Her claim to fame is her extreme partisanship, which she expresses in a no-holds-barred style. Typical was the outburst some time ago when they’d just gotten back into Government: “The only friends I got is PNC, so the only people I gon give wuk to is PNC!” Well, Volda is now preparing for the “mother of all elections” –- as she and her party have dubbed the March 2nd polls - to which they had to be dragged kicking and screaming through all the Courts in the land - and then outside!

With billions and billions in the offing to be raided with oil revenues coming on stream, what else would Lawrence be thinking but rigging?? So, chairing the PNC’s Kitty rally, she told her Georgetown faithful – especially the lumpen elements: “And after 6 o’clock hit, Comrades, you should already have your bath and put on your nightshift clothing.

YOU UNDERSTAND WHAT I AM SAYING TO YOU? This is not a time to be caught sleeping; they must not catch us sleeping. At 6 o’clock, you return to work at the places of polling and you will remain out there and let our staff inside know you are out there; just let them know everything is covered APNU+ AFC!!”

This is the coded esoteric Burnham had introduced to the party in the 60s when he didn’t want to spell out the depredations that were to be committed. What Lawrence is telling the “nice strong men”, as she put it, was to come out at the close of polling to rush the stations to vote illegally in multitudes after intimidating the PPP scrutineers and overseas observers. Since when did polling stations need protection by citizens in the city? Who does Lawrence think she’s fooling?

But in reality, she doesn’t even care to fool anyone: As Burnham would say, “Back to back; belly to belly; ah don’t give a damn; ah done dead a’ready!!”

The rig is on!! Mattie tell mattie! …to survive Game theory studies how and why people cooperate or compete with one another. And the classic game to illustrate the concept is “Prisoners Dilemma”. Basically, two fellas are busted, but if they cooperate and keep their mouths zipped, their sentence is lessened, but if one finks on the other – he gets off scotch free. The sad reality is that in most cases, folks just don’t believe the other fella will cooperate so they both fink and they both remain in jail!!

The mini-parties that sprouted like “Jumbie Umbrellas” during the last year – mushrooms do flourish in sh*t! – faced this dilemma over the last month as Nomination Day rolled around. If they’d all cooperated and coalesced, they certainly would’ve come out with the maximum number of seats. But of course, they didn’t – they each finked on the other and entered the polls separately. Which is how they’ll perish!!

Three of them, however, used an obscure clause in the electoral laws, to go separately but pool their votes.

Too esoteric for the voters!! …for MLK Did you notice the PNC has blanked MLK Day?? Every year, they genuflect to the great man and his strategy of non-violence, gleaned from Gandhi.

But not this year?? Is it “war” as Winston Jordan said in Bartica??

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

NEWS

9

TUESDAY, JANUARY 21, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Teachers’ Union, parents protest against abuse of educators

…threaten to strike, demand better security at schools General Secretary of the GTU, Coretta McDonald conveyed much dissatisfaction over this and the fact that the teacher, who defended herself, was also charged.

“It’s unbelievable, our teacher was charged, she was placed on two $10,000 bail, our teacher came out here in tears, no Police protected her but here it is the man who kick up the teacher the police are here now in their numbers with guns to protect a man and a woman

Teachers of the West Demerara Secondary School showing their solidarity against the violence

The protesters outside the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts

I

t was a heated, tense atmosphere outside the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts on Monday morning, as the parties involved in the St Agnes Primary School attack last week made their appearance at the city court.

Members of the Guyana Teachers’ Union (GTU), teachers and parents gathered outside the Courts’ compound dressed in black

and white, in support of the abused teacher, Tiffani Hinds, who was charged for assault.

However, the mood of the crowd quickly escalated after armed policemen at the scene were observed by the protesters to be protecting the parents – Sherwin Dalrymple and Soyini Gardner – who were charged for assaulting the teacher.

General Secretary of GTU, Coretta McDonald

who disrespected a teacher in her working place,” McDonald related.

The Union’s General Secretary went on to reassure that no educator will be assaulted in the future since the GTU has already embarked on several initiatives inclusive of striking, in the best interest of its teachers.

“I’m saying today no other teachers in this country will be assaulted by another parent….the GTU has already decided Queen’s College teachers dressed in black and white to show support that no parents must

enter the school for anything at all. If you have a problem with a child or a teacher, go to the Ministry of Education, or the Welfare Department, lodge your compliant there and the teachers will be brought from their school.”

Last week, GTU’s President, Mark Lyte, encouraged teachers across the country to dress in black and white on Monday, to show their dissatisfaction with the security arrangements for teachers and stop the violence against the nation’s

educators. On Monday, teachers countrywide heeded the call and wore black and white in a show of solidarity.

This came after a teacher at the St Agnes Primary School was brutally attacked by the parents of a student.

In November 2019, a parent had physically assaulted a teacher at the Winfer Gardens Primary School, however, charges stemming from that incident are yet to be laid.

According to information, the injured man’s boss was at the shop on Sunday afternoon when he got involved in an argument with the shop owner.

It is alleged that the shop owner insulted the man, stating that he owed his employee $59,000 and had not paid the man, resulting in Harry’s boss becoming embarrassed.

This publication understands that it was while he was making his way back to

his camp, he armed himself with the weapon, and upon seeing Harry, he dealt two chops to the left side of the man’s body.

As a result, persons at the camp site rushed Harry to the Bartica Regional Hospital, where he had to undergo emergency surgery.

Meanwhile, police ranks are on the hunt for the injured man’s boss, who has since gone into hiding.

Investigations into the matter are ongoing.

Boss chops employee twice after row with shop owner

A

miner is now nursing wounds to his body after he was allegedly chopped twice by his employer.

Reports are the incident occurred about 00:05h on Monday at the Puruni Backdam, Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni). Guyana Times was told that Leon Harry was near his campsite when his employer, who was armed with a cutlass, fired two chops at him after returning from a shop.

10 NEWS

TUESDAY, JANUARY 21, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Parents, teacher charged in primary school fracas educators decked in black and white, with the aim of sending a message about the security risks of the profession.

It was alleged that Dalrymple confronted the teacher at the school about an incident between his son and another student.

During the confrontation, Dalrymple allegedly told the teacher, “You ain’t fit to be a teacher, you should be a market vendor”.

Hinds reportedly responded and said “Like

I

Charged: Sherwyn Dalrymple

t was high drama at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts on Monday as the parents, a family friend and a teacher involved in the St Agnes Primary School attack appeared in court.

Relatives and friends of all the parties flocked the courtroom and compound. Outside the court compound, teachers and members of the Guyana Teachers’ Union (GTU) protested while demanding that justice be served.

During the proceedings, acting Chief Magistrate Sherdel Isaacs-Marcus was forced on several occasions to warn rowdy persons in the courtroom to be quiet as they were disturbing the proceedings.

The first charge read that on January 15 at the

Some of the protesters outside the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts

St Agnes Primary School, Sherwin Dalrymple (a parent) provoked Tiffani Hinds (a teacher) with intent to insult, annoy and assault her.

It was further alleged that Candace Peters (a family friend) unlawfully and maliciously damaged Hinds’ dress valued $6500. Another charge stated that Soyini Gardner (Dalrymple’s wife) unlawfully assaulted Hinds and

further damaged the teacher’s acrylic denture valued at $12,000.

Hinds, on the other hand, was charged for assaulting Gardner.

Magistrate Isaacs-Marcus granted bail in the sum of $50,000 for Gardner, $20,000 for Hinds, $20,000 for Dalrymple and $20,000 for Candace Peters.

As the proceedings ended, Hinds was seen sobbing uncontrollably which infu-

riated her fellow teachers and supporters were who inside the court. Police officers had to be called in to restore order.

As a result, Hinds’ angry supporters blocked Dalrymple, his wife and family friend from exiting the courtyard. They were housed in the police waiting area until the situation calmed.

The protest was organised by the GTU and saw

Charged teacher: Tiffani Hinds

legedly joined in and they ripped off the teacher’s dress.

Dalrymple allegedly kicked and punched Hinds during the fight. The case will continue on February 10, 2020. This is the second teacher to be assaulted by parents at their place of work.

In November 2019, a parent assaulted a Charged: Soyini Gardner and Candace Peters teacher at the Winfer Gardens Primary School ya woman” which caused due to a misunderstandGardner to become aning with her child. Charges noyed. This led to the fight stemming from that inciand Peters, who had acdent are yet to be laid. companied the couple, al-

NEWS

11

TUESDAY, JANUARY 21, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Trio face trial for 2015 gunning down of Rubis accountant was expected to resume, Justice Reynolds aborted same and discharged the jury after conversations relating to the trial was overheard by a witness.

This decision was taken since this development may lead to trial having a

S

Killed: Jason Cort

tancy Rodney, 30; Linton Eastman, 27; and Clifton Gibson, 34, are scheduled to make another court appearance today at the Demerara High Court for the commencement of their trial.

Accused of murder: Stancy Rodney

Accused of murder: Clifton Gibson

The trio is accused of gunning down Rubis Gas Station accountant, Jason Cort, on June 17, 2015, at his Lot 262 Jamoon Drive, Meadowbrook home.

The accused made

their appearance on Monday but did not plea to the charge, as the trial will commence today before Justice Brassington Reynolds.

On the date the trial

prejudicial outcome.

Cort was fatally shot to the chest shortly after entering his premises with his fiancĂŠ, Shauna Garraway. He was rushed to Balwant Singh Hospital and was pronounced dead on arrival.

Several persons had related that upon hearing the loud explosion and looking outside, they observed persons scaling the fence of Cort’s home and making good their escape up the road.

12 NEWS

TUESDAY, JANUARY 21, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Driver, porter remanded over Pedestrian struck, cocaine, ganja in fertiliser truck killed by drunk driver A A 27-year-old pedestrian is now dead after being struck by motorcar, PYY 3475, while attempting to cross the roadway in the wee hours of Monday morning.

Dead is Ryan Hirman of Herstelling, East Bank Demerara (EBD).

Reports are between 00:45h and 01:00h, Hirman was standing along the Eccles Public Road, EBD, and attempted to cross the main roadway from the eastern side while heading in a western direction.

However, at that time, motorcar, PYY 3475 was proceeding north along the eastern carriageway and collided with Hirman.

This newspaper was told that the 21-year-old, who was driving the vehicle, alleged that Hirman’s body came into contact with the

Dead: Ryan Hirman

left side of the motor car and this resulted in the now dead man falling onto the road’s surface.

Hirman was rushed to the hospital but was pronounced dead.

According to the police, the 21-year-old driver was subjected to a breathalyser test, and the results determined that he was above the legal alcohol consumption limit.

Police ranks impounded the car and the driver was taken into custody.

Just three days ago, 20-year-old pedal cyclist, Lennox Collette died after his bicycle collided with a motorcar along the Land of Canaan Public Road, EBD. Reports are at about 21:00h on Saturday, motor car PHH 2714 was being driven by a 24-year-old man when it struck the cyclist.

Collette is said to have fallen onto the bonnet of the vehicle as a result of the impact and then landed on the roadway. Collette died while receiving medical attention.

cting Chief Magistrate Sherdel Isaacs-Marcus on Monday remanded the driver and porter who were nabbed by Customs AntiNarcotics Unit (CANU) ranks on a fertiliser truck in which a large quantity of cocaine and ganja was unearthed.

Remanded were 24-yearold Randy Chester and 45-year-old Christopher Garraway. The men were arrested on Thursday last in a fertiliser-laden truck destined for Berbice, Region Six (East Berbice- Corentyne) along Mandela Avenue, Georgetown.

On Monday, they appeared at the Georgetown

The truck in which the cocaine and ganja were found

The cocaine and ganja

Magistrates’ Courts and both denied the charge which stated that on January 16, 2020 at John Fernandes Container

Terminal Road, Mandela Avenue, West Ruimveldt, Georgetown, Garraway supplied to Chester 22 kilograms of marijuana and

2.74 kilograms of cocaine.

The other charge stated that on the same day and at the same location, Chester trafficked 22 kilograms of marijuana and 2.74 kilograms of cocaine.

CANU Prosecutor Konyo Sandiford informed the court that on January 16, ranks acting on information, intercepted the truck at Mandela Avenue, Georgetown which was destined for Berbice.

Sandiford told the court that a search was carried out on the vehicle and a quantity of marijuana and cocaine were unearthed in two white salt bags.

The Prosecutor indicated to the court that CANU ranks were on site when the narcotics hand-over took place. Sandiford further objected to bail being granted to the duo citing the fact that they implicated each other in the crime.

The Magistrate upheld the Prosecutor’s submission and remanded the men to prison. The case will continue on January 29, 2020.

Linden toddler drowns in pond

The deceased toddler Mareina Smart

A

one-year-old toddler of Amelia’s Ward, Linden, died on Sunday afternoon in a pond situated a short distance from her home.

Dead is Mareina Smart of Block 42 Lower Amelia’s Ward, Mackenzie, Linden, Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice). Reports are the incident occurred at about 16:30h. This publication understands that the toddler was left in the care of her 16-year-old broth-

The location where the toddler drowned

er by their parents to attend an event at Wismar, Linden. The 16-year-old reportedly told Police that he was washing clothes at the back of the yard while the toddler and other siblings were playing in the front of the yard. It was reported that at about 17:00h, the teen observed that the now deceased was not with the other children. He told Police that after making checks, he stumbled upon the body of the toddler float-

ing in a pond situated about 30 to 40 feet from the house.

The child’s body was retrieved from the water and transported to the Linden Hospital Complex (LHC) where she was pronounced dead. Police have since said that the body was examined and no marks of violence were found. The body is presently at the Pensioner’s Funeral Home in Linden awaiting a post-mortem examination (PME).

NEWS

13

TUESDAY, JANUARY 21, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

4 in custody for brutally beating pensioner, damaging property

F

our men are in Police custody and are being grilled over the brutal beating of 72-yearold Ramsahoye Deochan and the destruction of his property in the wee hours of Sunday.

Commander of Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica) Sub-Division C (East Coast Demerara), Royston Andries-Junor, when contacted on Monday told Guyana Times that one of the men was arrested on Sunday while the other three were apprehended early Monday.

The men, including the employer of Deochan’s son, may be charged for attempted murder and damage to

property.

It is alleged that the employer of the elderly man’s son orchestrated the attack and destruction of property over alleged “stolen money”.

According to initial reports, the elderly man’s son, while being employed at a business in Strathspey, ECD, reportedly stole an undisclosed sum of money and a gold chain belonging to the owner. He was, however, confronted by his employer and others during which he was severely beaten. Ever since, he has gone into hiding, leaving his father at the mercy of the men.

Randy Deochan, the injured man’s grandson, had told this publication

that when he was contacted about the incident, he learnt that it was the business owner, his son and three other men who came in search of his uncle, who remains in hiding.

“The owner, his cousin and a friend along with the youngest son went and damage everything in the house.

Break all the windows, everything”, he explained.

Speaking about his grandfather’s injuries, the grandson said, “he has stroke on the right side of his body which makes him somewhat handicap because he can hardly move. He now has head injuries; the nurse is saying it is caused from being beaten in the head

Marcus Bisram PI

Prosecution, defence at loggerheads over paper committal …case adjourned

Dead: Faiyaz Narinedatt

I

t was another day of back and forth when the case into the death of Fayaz Narinedat was called on Monday at the Whim Magistrate’s Court in Berbice.

In court on Monday, lawyers for murder accused, Marcus Bisram, argued that the previous Magistrate, Alex Moore, had already ruled that the matter will proceed by way of a paper committal.

Attorney-at-Law Sanjeev Datadin, who headed the defence team, argued that since that determination was made, the current Magistrate had no jurisdiction to rule otherwise.

This submission came after Prosecutor Stacy Goodings sought to call a witness – a 17-year-old – to the witness box when the preliminary inquiry commenced.

She said the teenager is the main witness for the prosecution.

According to her, the prosecution has video evidence that they want to show to the court and also to visit the scene of the crime. In addition, the prosecutor said that there are photographs that they would like to have tendered with an explanation so that should there be a need to make an application, they can do so.

However, Datadin asked whether the paper committal could not be used to do so.

He argued that with a pa-

per committal, all of the evidence is being presented.

Datadin pointed out to the media the fact that the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) made a ruling on the matter saying that the prosecution is to be ready expeditiously. He questioned the actions of the prosecution in relation to the ruling by the CCJ. One of the reasons for a paper committal is that vulnerable witnesses could sit comfortably in their homes and write their evidence and the court would accept it, he reminded the court.

Referring to the teenage witness, Datadin said he lied to the court and when asked, said he did it because the prosecution told him to do so.

However, Datadin said the defence also wanted to call the said witness and based on what came from that witness, a second witness may be called.

He argued that Magistrate Moore made that ruling and it still stands. “All we want is to ask the witness a few questions,” he told the court.

But Goodings said that the prosecution needed to put the witness on the stand because he was vulnerable but Datadin replied saying that vulnerability was is no reason to call a witness.

Goodings explained to the court that the witness was not literate and it is the view of the prosecution that it would be better able to present its case if they were able to bring the witness to court and point out where he was at the time of the alleged crime.

She said she was not there to waste the court’s time and wants to call at least 15 of the 32 witnesses listed.

According to her, most of the other witnesses only apply to the other five that were charged with the same crime.

Meanwhile, Magistrate Renita Singh said she is going to rule on the applications of both the prosecu-

Marcus Bisram

tion and the defence next Monday.

L a s t Thursday Acting Chief Magistrate Sherdel IsaacsMarcus denied the request for the preliminary inquiry to be held in a Georgetown court.

Bisram is accused of ordering the death of Fayaz Narinedatt, a carpenter of Number 70 Village, Corentyne, on November 30, 2016.

His death was initially reported as a suspected hit-and-run accident. It was later reported that Bisram made sexual advances to Narinedatt, who objected to his advances.

Bisram was initially charged here in absentia, while five others: Orlando Di ckie, Radesh Motie, Diodat h Datt, Harri Paul Parsram, and Niran Yacoob have also been committed to stand trial for the murder of Faiyaz Narinedatt.

Injured: 72-year-old Ramsahoye Deochan

with an amplifier… I can’t see how they could beat a man in this condition”.

The 72-year-old man resides in the upper flat of his two-storey home with his wife, their son, and another male relative.

Meanwhile, 27-year-

old Gavin Ramsai, his wife, Taijwattie Bhawanie, and their one-year-old child reside in the lower flat of the house.

According to the police report, at about 02:45h on Sunday, Bhawanie was awoken by loud noises and

upon investigating, she realised that the windows surrounding her apartment were broken.

She then peeked through a hole and noticed four individuals pelting objects at her home. The quartet quickly entered her apartment and she ran out to safety from another direction with her husband and child.

Bhawanie told the police that shortly after, the suspects ran away from their home, and when she entered her flat, she noticed that her television set along with other articles were damaged.

She then proceeded to check on what had transpired in the upper flat and observed that “everything” there was broken or damaged. The pensioner was also severely injured, with blood covering his face and other parts of his body.

The woman reported to the police that she quickly escorted the older gentleman to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), where he was admitted and began receiving medical attention.

He is said to be in a stable condition.

26 Police ranks undergo election preparedness training

Police Officers at the elections preparedness training

T

wenty-six Guyana Police Force ranks from Region Four received election preparedness training over the weekend.

Topics such as Use of Force, Use of Force Continuum and Election Offences following the Public Order Act Chapter 16:03 were discussed at the training.

According to the GPF, the training session was

hosted at Brickdam Police Station and was conducted by Superintendent Karl Wilson, Officer-In-Charge of Number Two Sub-Division which are Princes Street, Georgetown-Agricola, Greater Georgetown. In a

statement, the GPF said that the training was done to help officers deal with situations during the election period should any arise.

General and Regional Elections are slated for Monday, March 2.

14 NEWS

TUESDAY, JANUARY 21, 2020| GUYANATIMESGY.COM

T&T State-owned Rowley backs Mottley on Petroleum Company loses Pompeo's visit to the Caribbean US$500,000 in bad deal

S

tate-owned National Petroleum Marketing Company Limited (NP) lost over US$500,000 in a bad deal on the sale of bunker fuel on the international market.

There are very few details of this deal available in the public domain, but Guardian Media understands that NP was dealing with a company named Black Gold on an international deal which soured and NP was left nursing a million dollar loss.

The deal was the subject of an internal audit which named operatives within NP as culpable but according to one NP insider, it appeared to have been swept under the carpet.

The limited information on the deal is contained in an internal “goodbye” email written by the outgoing chief executive officer at NP, Bernard Mitchell.

The email was sent to staff of January 14, one day before Mitchell’s tenure ended.

The email listed a series of questionable decisions taken at the State organisation and seemed to infer that the board was aware of the growing discord within the company.

Mitchell’s email to his former staff was entitled “until we meet again” and in that email, he outlined the “Black Gold fiasco” that cost the company over US$500,000 but which was never properly addressed by the board.

“The lack of sanction/accountability for the Black Gold fiasco which resulted in a loss of over US$500,000 for the company, although clear culpability could be

determined from the Audit Report and General information known among staff,” Mitchell wrote.

While the letter did not say much more on that matter, NP insiders told Guardian Media that there was no proper due diligence conducted before NP decided to pursue the Black Gold matter.

“The requisite Board approvals were not obtained and that they could not find the principals of the company initially engaged,” the insider said.

“Our finance and legal staff were totally against the transaction but were directed to participate but this did not come out in the audit,” the source said.

“What is required is a forensic audit. There was also a report on this recently completed by the Ministry of Finance,” the insider said.

Mitchell’s letter also said that there was a “unsubstantiated delay” for over 10 months in hiring a chief procurement officer.

“Given that the shortlist of candidates to be interviewed was finalised in February 2019 and which is now impacting the company’s state of readiness and ability to adopt and comply with the requirements of the procurement legislation,” Mitchell said.

He also questioned the executive decision to replace three directors “for no plausible reason” and the unilateral suspension of Board and Committee meetings for over three months from May to August 2019.

“Despite having a fully and duly constituted board of directors, this delaying decisions and the progress of

the company,” Mitchell said in the letter.

Under the heading “exposures”, Mitchell listed three main concerns including the limited progress of the company Capital Projects, delays in executing key projects and initiatives and NP’s inability to enhance operating efficiencies.

Mitchell said that NP was unable to execute its capital projects because it lacked engineers. He said NP failed to execute the key projects because it lacked a Project Management office.

“I championed this with limited success because of the restrictions in hiring the required quality resources,” he said.

“My concern is that the real losers in this debacle are NP, the employees of NP and the stakeholders by extension,” Mitchell wrote.

“The work to ensure the long-term survival of the company had now started to gain momentum and the skills required to see it through are not available in abundance,” he said.

“If not properly addressed NP will become just another casualty enterprise that we read about daily,” Mitchell wrote.

Guardian Media contacted Mitchell yesterday on the matter of the email, but while he confirmed that it was his email to staff, he declined to comment further.

Guardian Media also contacted NP chairman Sahid Hosein who also declined to comment.

Hosein said he would address internal matters at NP at a later date. (T&T Guardian)

P

rime Minister Dr Keith Rowley on Monday sided with his Barbadian counterpart Mia Mottley on views regarding the visit of United States Secretary of State Michael Pompeo to the region.

Mottley has said that there is an attempt to divide the regional grouping, CARICOM, as some Caribbean leaders get ready to meet with Pompeo on Tuesday.

“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,” Mottley told a gala to celebrate the centenary of the birth of the late Barbados prime minister and regional integrationist Errol W Barrow over the weekend.

In a statement, Rowley said his administration “supports Barbados' position and that Prime Minister Mottley has Port of Spain's support".

“PM Mottley has the full support of the government and the people of Trinidad and Tobago in outlining our principles and vision of Caribbean unity. In the expectation of Caribbean unity, the Prime Minister

T&T Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley and Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley

of Barbados speaks for Trinidad and Tobago,” said Rowley.

Rowley has repeatedly stated that Trinidad and Tobago stands “on its proud history of fairness on the world stage, ranging from opposition to apartheid in South Africa to opposing the US invasion of Grenada”.

Pompeo, who is visiting several countries in Latin America and the Caribbean, said his two-day visit to Kingston from Tuesday, will allow him to meet with “many Caribbean leaders to discuss how we can all work together to promote our common democratic values and prosperity for all of our people,” adding, “I'm looking forward to a fantastic set of meetings”.

Pompeo said he would also participate in a round

table with the foreign ministers of The Bahamas, Belize, The Dominican Republic, Haiti, St Kitts and Nevis, and St Lucia.

Another issue on the table will be the current situation in Venezuela as Washington continues to lead the efforts to remove President Nicolas Maduro from office in the South American country in support of the Opposition Leader Juan Guaido.

At their summit in St Lucia last July, CARICOM leaders agreed to maintain their position of non-interference and non-intervention in the internal affairs of Venezuela and agreed also “that mediation-related activities would continue to be pursued by the prime ministers of St Kitts and Nevis, Barbados and Trinidad and Tobago”. (CMC)

Macron, Trump declare truce in digital tax dispute

F

US President Donald Trump

rench President Emmanuel Macron said on Monday he had a “great discussion” with US President Donald Trump over a digital tax planned by Paris and said the two countries would work together to avoid a rise in tariffs.

Macron and Trump agreed to hold off on a potential tariffs war until the end of 2020, a French diplomatic source said, and continue negotiations at the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) on the digital tax during that period.

“They agreed to give a chance to negotiations until the end of the year,” the

source said. “During that time period, there won’t be successive tariffs.”

to apply a 3% levy on revenue from digital services earned in France by firms with revenues of more than 25 million euros ($28 million) in France and 750 million euros worldwide.

Washington has threatened to impose taxes on French products in response. French authorities have repeatedly said any international agreement on digital taxation reached within the OECD would immediately supersede the French tax.

The White House said on Monday both Trump and Macron agreed it is important to complete successful negotiations on

French President Emmanuel Macron

France decided in July

the digital services tax.

(Reuters)

NEWS

15

TUESDAY, JANUARY 21, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

St Kitts Foreign Minister does not regard meeting with Pompeo as dividing Caricom

F

oreign Affairs Minister Mark Brantley says St Kitts-Nevis does not regard the move by the United States to invite some regional countries to a meeting in Jamaica with US Secretary of State Michael Pompeo as a means of dividing the 15-member regional integration movement.

Further, Brantley said that Basseterre would use its presence at the talks to pursue outstanding bilateral issues.

“Well the Secretary of State for the United States has extended an invitation to St Kitts-Nevis at the foreign minister level and we are carefully looking at that because we have some very important bilateral issues with the United States.

“It is very likely that we will seek to attend …unless something would change,” Brantley said in an interview on the WINN FM radio

station here.

Pompeo, who is visiting several countries in Latin America, said his twoday visit to Jamaica from Tuesday will allow him to meet with “many Caribbean leaders to discuss how we can all work together to promote our common democratic values and prosperity for all of our people.”

Pompeo said he would also participate in a

round-table with the foreign ministers of Bahamas, Belize, Dominican Republic, Haiti, St Kitts and Nevis, and St Lucia.

Another issue on the table will be the current situation in Venezuela as Washington continues to lead efforts to remove President Nicolas Maduro from office in the South American country in support of the Opposition leader Juan Guaido.

Over the weekend, Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley, who is also the chairman of the 15-member Caribbean Community (CARICOM), warned of the attempt to divide the regional grouping.

“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,” Mottley said on Saturday.

Brantley said while it is not for him to respond to Mottley’s statement, “I think that each country has bilateral interests.

“The United States continues to be a very significant partner…and as you are well aware since 2015 when I became Foreign Minister, it has been my charge from the Cabinet to try and repair relations with the United States because we inherited a situation where relations…were at an all-time low”.

He said to be afforded an opportunity to hold discussions with Pompeo “and to raise some of the critical bilateral issues, I think that is an important opportunity for the government and people of St. Kitts-Nevis.”

(CMC)

last year’s general election, which the opposition says was manipulated in favor of the pro-military Palang Pracharat Party.

Thanathorn, 41, has emerged as the most prominent opponent to the government led by Palang Pracharat, which reinstalled former junta leader Prayuth Chan-ocha, 65, as a civilian prime minister five years after he staged a military coup.

Future Forward spokeswoman Pannika Wanich said the case is an attempt to eliminate the party, using a claim of protecting the monarchy that few would dare argue against.

“It’s clear that the anti-monarchy claim is the only

one that can go so far as to destroy Future Forward Party,” Pannika said.

“We emphasize that this is a deliberate political harassment.”

The case, accepted by the Constitutional Court in July, is best known for its allegation that the party’s triangular logo signifies association with the Illuminati, making the party a threat to Thailand’s constitutional monarchy.

It also alleges that language in the party’s manifesto, as well as past business investments, Facebook pictures and academic briefings by key party figures, suggest personal hostility toward the constitutional monarchy

since before the party was founded.

“I looked into their behavior from the past to now,” Nattaporn Toprayoon, who filed the complaint last May, told Reuters. “I did it because I’m Thai. The monarchy is of utmost reverence.”

But Pannika said these allegations were problematic.

“This would set a new legal precedent that executive members of a political party must have their thoughts and minds inspected,” she said.

“It’s also an unexpected new low that a political party has to defend itself to show it’s not involved with the Illuminati.” (Reuters)

Foreign Affairs Minister Mark Brantley

Thai court could dissolve Opposition party on anti-monarchy allegations

T

h a i l a n d ’ s Constitutional Court is to decide on Tuesday whether to dissolve the opposition Future Forward Party, in a ruling that could strengthen the military-backed government’s majority in parliament.

The case is based on a complaint that claims the party is seeking to overthrow the revered constitutional monarchy and is linked to the Illuminati, a secret society that conspiracy theorists believe seeks world domination.

Founded almost two years ago by auto-parts billionaire Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit, Future Forward Party came third in

Trinis convicted on marriage fraud

T

wo Trinidadians, a pastor and an Army sergeant have been convicted of conspiracy to commit marriage fraud as part of an illegal immigration scheme, according to federal prosecutors in the United State.

Rajesh Ramcharan, 45; Diann Ramcharan, 37; Sgt. Galima Murry, 31; and the Rev. Ken Harvell, 60, were found guilty on Thursday after a nine-day jury trial, according to a news release from the U.S. attorney’s office in Colorado.

An article in The Denver Post stated that the conspiracy involved obtaining immigration benefits for Rajesh Ramcharan, Diann Ramcharan, and one of their minor children.

A married couple in 2007 came to the U.S. from T&T on visitor visas. They overstayed the visas and settled in Colorado.

In 2010 the couple was married by Harvell, who signed a marriage certificate, the release said. The couple then filed for divorce.

Five days after the divorce was finalized, Harvell signed a new marriage certificate for Diann Ramcharan and Sgt. Murry, a U.S. citi-

zen and Fort Carson soldier at the time.

“Diann Ramcharan and Sergeant Murry entered into this marriage for the purpose of evading immigration laws and enabling Diann Ramcharan to stay in the United States,” the release said. Murry obtained military benefits through marriage.

In 2015 Rajesh Ramcharan married Angelica Guevara, also a U.S. citizen. Harvell signed their marriage certificate as well.

“During the time of both the Ramcharan’s’ fraudulent marriages to Murry and Guevara, the Ramcharans lived with each other and otherwise presented themselves to the world as a married couple,” the release said.

Harvell is a senior pastor with Southeast Baptist Church of Colorado Springs, according to the church’s website.

Guevara earlier pleaded guilty to the conspiracy. She testified at the four co-defendants’ trial before Senior US Circuit Judge David M. Ebel. A sentencing date has not been set.

(T&T Guardian)

3 rockets fall near US Embassy in Iraq

Australian bushfires hit coal output, hazardous conditions to return

M

ining giant BHP Group (BHP.AX) said on Tuesday that poor air quality caused by smoke from Australia’s bushfires is hurting coal production, as authorities cautioned a reprieve from hazardous fire conditions could end within days.

The warning from the world’s biggest miner showed how an unusually long bushfire season that has scorched an area one-third the size of Germany is damaging the world’s No. 14 economy.

Australia’s tourism and insurance industries have already foreshadowed they face a A$1 billion ($687 million) hit each from the fires.

Scores of fires were still burning on the country’s east coast on Tuesday despite thunderstorms and rain in recent days.

Officials in New South Wales issued a high fire danger rating on the state’s south coast, while temperatures were forecast to rise in inland

parts of Victoria state and neighboring South Australia on Wednesday.

Combined with strong winds, the hotter temperatures will potentially fan existing bushfires and spark new ones into life, leading officials to declare “extreme fire danger” in some areas.

“Not all the fires received the heavy rain over the past few days, so local fire crews will definitely be keeping a

close eye on those firefronts,” Bureau of Meteorology meteorologist Philip Landvogt said by telephone.

BHP said smoke and dust from bushfires had reduced air quality at its energy coal plants in New South Wales state, where hundreds of fires have raged, affecting production in December.

“If air quality continues to deteriorate then operations could be constrained further in

the second half of the year,” it added in a scheduled production update.

The fierce bushfires in Australia’s east have killed 29 people and millions of animals, destroyed more than 2,500 homes and razed 11 million hectares (27 million acres) of wilderness since September.

The crisis follows three years of drought that experts have linked to climate change.

The disruption has extended to the capital, Canberra, and its two biggest cities, Sydney and Melbourne, all of which have been repeatedly blanketed in thick smoke that has earned them air quality ratings among the worst in the world.

A survey by Deloitte of 2,000 executives published on Tuesday showed 89% of Australian business executives viewed climate change and environmental sustainability as the “societal issue of greatest focus,” compared to 54% worldwide. (Reuters)

The missiles fell in the Green Zone (pictured, background), which houses Government buildings and foreign Embassies (Photograph: Ahmad Al-Rubaye/AFP/Getty)

T

hree rockets have fallen inside Baghdad’s Green Zone on Tuesday morning, close to the US embassy.

A BBC reporter said alarms were sounding in the US embassy complex and speakers were telling those inside to take shelter. Iraqi police told Reuters that three Katyusha rockets fell inside the Green Zone, which houses government buildings and foreign missions. The rockets were launched from the Zafaraniyah district outside

Baghdad, the sources said, adding that two rockets landed near the US embassy. On the afternoon of 8 January, two rockets landed in the Green Zone, hours after Iran launched more than a dozen missiles at two Iraqi military bases housing US troops.

That rocket salvo was in turn a retaliation for a US drone strike on 3 January that killed senior Iranian general Qassem Suleimani in Iraq, resulting in heightened tensions in the region.

(UK Guardian)

16

guyanatimesgy.com

TUESDAY, JANUARY 21, 2020

Regional

Pompeo meets with Venezuelan Antiguan Agriculture Minister fired Opposition Leader in Colombia P

A

lmost one year to the day after the United States recognised Venezuelan Opposition Leader Juan Guaidó as that country’s legitimate president, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo reemphasised the US’s support in his first face-to-face meeting with Guaidó.

The two officials met Monday on the sidelines of the Third Western Hemisphere Counterterrorism Ministerial in Bogota, Colombia. Guaidó went to the Colombian capital city in defiance of a ban on his travel outside of Venezuela put in place by the Government of embattled Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.

He had defied it only once before.

In Bogota, Pompeo voiced the Administration’s solidarity with Guaidó. The United States is one of more than 50 countries that recognise the leader of the National Assembly as the President of Venezuela.

“For the Venezuelan people, I want you to know that your President is a great

Venezuelan Opposition Leader Juan Guaidó

leader who wants to take your country in the right direction -- the direction of freedom, democracy, to restore economic prosperity,” Pompeo said in briefing remarks during their meeting. “You should know that countries across the world – in Latin America where we are today, in Colombia, in Europe, the United States, all across North America -the people, the democratic people of those countries are with you.”

From Colombia, Guaidó will travel on to London, Brussels and Davos,

Switzerland, for the World Economic Forum. Guaidó declined to say whether he will meet with President Donald Trump, who will also be attending the international meeting in Davos.

The White House did not comment on a potential meeting.

According to Guaidó’s press team, the purpose of the international trip is “to denounce the links of Nicolás Maduro with terrorism and the operation of these groups in Venezuela.”

(Excerpt from CNN)

rime Minister Gaston Browne on Monday said he had dismissed Agriculture Minister Dean Jonas after indicating that he had for more than six months sought to dissuade the former Cabinet Minister “from taking decisions that are inimical to good governance”.

Browne wrote to Governor General Rodney Williams on Monday advising him “to terminate the duties and responsibilities” of Jonas, with immediate effect.

The move followed a meeting earlier on Monday between Browne and sev-

eral workers from the Agriculture Ministry.

In a separate letter to the former minister, Browne informed the parliamentary representative of St George’s constituency, that “for more than six months, I have tried to dissuade you from taking decisions that are inimical to good governance, and to my government’s policy”.

“My attempts have been in vain. Your relationship with your staff in the Ministry is toxic, and a continuous decline is evident from the reports that have reached me. The relationship with the farmers is also toxic and deteriorat-

ing further,” Browne wrote.

He said on the basis of the inabilities of the former Minister “to develop a good working relationship with his staff and with farmers it has become necessary to provide the representative with a six-month period for reflection and contemplation as to how to achieve reconciliation”.

A statement from the Office of the Prime Minister said under Section 71(1) of the Antigua and Barbuda Constitution, Prime Minister Gaston “is authorised to select or to terminate members of Cabinet”.

(Excerpt from CMC)

Hundreds of US-bound migrants cross river to reach Mexico

Bolivia: Morales names MAS party candidates for May election

F

ormer Bolivian President Evo Morales on Sunday named a former Economy Minister and former Foreign Minister as his party’s respective candidates for President and Vice President in Bolivia’s upcoming elections.

Speaking at a news conference in Argentina, Morales announced Luis Arce Catacora as the Movement to Socialism’s presidential candidate and David Choquehuanca as his running mate for the May 3 election.

Morales named the candidates after meeting with senior MAS party officials in the Argentine capital Buenos Aires, where Morales has been living

since accepting asylum.

The choice of candidates, observers say, reflects the direction MAS is taking, after months of political turmoil in the South American country following the disputed October 20 elections.

“These two names represent the desire of the MAS to appeal to the urban middle classes – and that’s significant,” said Jorge Derpic, assistant professor of Latin American and Caribbean Studies at the University of Georgia.

When Morales won his first election in 2006, he ushered in a new era for South America’s poorest country. The economy experienced unprecedented growth and poverty rates were slashed, especially

among Indigenous communities. But Morales, who led Bolivia for 14 years, also alienated many Bolivians, especially middle-class voters by insisting on running for a fourth term in office, in defiance of a 2016 referendum against extending term limits. Allegations of corruption and mismanagement also dogged his time in office.

Morales resigned in November after a disputed fourth-term victory sparked outrage and an audit by the Organisation of American States (OAS) found serious irregularities in the vote count. He says he was the victim of an orchestrated coup. He is barred from running for President. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

The migrants, mainly from Honduras, took to the water after being refused permission to cross a bridge over the Suchiate River

H

undreds of migrants have waded into a river on the southern Mexico border as they try to reach the United States.

The migrants, mainly from Honduras, took to the water after being refused permission to cross a bridge over the Suchiate River.

Mexico has cut off migration routes to the US under pressure from President Donald Trump.

Mexican National Guard troops with riot shields tried to stop the migrants from climbing the river bank.

But hundreds appeared

to have breached Police lines and entered Mexico.

Some reports say Police fired tear gas. Some of those trying to reach Mexico threw stones at the Police.

The migrants were camped out in the Guatemalan town of Tecun Uman, across the border from Mexico’s Ciudad Hidalgo.

Eight representatives of the migrants were allowed into Mexico for talks with the authorities and to pass a letter on to President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador.

They are urging him to

let them pass and promise to respect the law.

Those crossing the river are part of a 2000 to 3500-strong group dubbed “2020 Caravan”, evoking previous attempts to cross Mexico en masse to reach the US border.

For its part, Guatemala says several thousand migrants have crossed into its territory from Honduras since Wednesday.

Many of the migrants on the Mexico border say they are fleeing violence, poverty, and high murder rates.

(Excerpt from BBC News)

Forgive kidnappers – TT victim’s friend urges Honduras declares Hezbollah a terrorist organisation U rging mourners not to avenge the death of Dr Rudradeva Sharma, childhood friend Aaron Partap on Sunday called on citizens to forgive the kidnappers who snuffed out his life.

Dr Sharma who was kidnapped with another doctor, Vijay Naidoo, died after the car they were travelling in flipped 12 times before crashing off the Solomon Hochoy Highway Extension last week.

Three kidnappers were injured while a fourth walked away unscathed.

Naidoo told relatives that it was because of Dr Sharma that he survived the crash as he shielded him from impact.

Partap, who studied with Sharma at Presentation College, told mourners that

Opposition Leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar offers flowers during the funeral service for Dr Rudradeva Sharma at Sunset Ridge, La Romaine. At left are Dr Prem Naidoo, Dr Hiranyadeva Sharma and his wife, Mayoree (right)(Kristian De Silva photo)

Sharma never believed in hate, revenge, or malice. He said: “Rudy was very spiritual

and he believed that we should leave matters in the hands of God who is the judge of

everything.”

He told mourners they should forgive the perpetrators, adding that everyone should pray for the nation. Founder of the United National Congress, Basdeo Panday and his wife Oma, who were close to Sharma’s parents, attended the funeral but Panday said he could find no words to comfort the family at this time.

Sharma’s sister Renuka, who delivered the eulogy, said her brother was a deep thinker who had a passion for Mathematics and Science.

She said he was awarded the Australian Mathematics Olympiad in 1996 and the Canadian Mathematics Olympiad in 1997. (Excerpt from Trinidad Guardian)

T

he Honduran Government has formally declared Iranianbacked Lebanese group Hezbollah a terrorist organisation, a top security official said on Monday.

“We declare Hezbollah a terrorist organisation and will include it in the registry of persons and institutions linked to acts of terrorism and its financing,” said Honduras’ Deputy Security Minister, Luis Suazo.

Heavily armed Hezbollah, a Shi’ite Muslim group, has also been designated a terrorist organisation by the US Government.

Last week, Guatemala’s

new President, Alejandro Giammattei, also signalled he would label Hezbollah a terrorist group, in addition to keeping the Guatemalan Embassy in Israel in the city of Jerusalem.

Both moves were seen as aligning Guatemala’s foreign policy more closely with that of US President Donald Trump.

Israel’s Foreign Minister, Israel Katz, called the Honduran Government’s move “an important step in the global war on terror” and said it built on similar actions taken in recent months by Britain, Argentina, and others. (Excerpt from Reuters)

guyanatimesgy.com

TUESDAY, JANUARY 21, 2020

17

Around the World

China confirms humanꟷtoꟷhuman transmission of new coronavirus

Human-to-human transmission could make the virus spread more quickly and widely [Darley Shen/Reuters]

H

uman-to-human transmission of a new coronavirus strain has been confirmed in China, fueling fears of a major outbreak of the SARS-like virus as millions travel for the Lunar New Year holiday.

Zhong Nanshan, Head of the National Health Commission, said on Monday patients may have contracted the new virus without having visit-

ed the central city of Wuhan where it was discovered before spreading across China and reaching three other Asian nations.

He added that 14 medical personnel helping with coronavirus patients have also been infected.

Human-to-human transmission could make the virus spread more quickly and widely.

The new coronavirus strain has caused alarm because of its connection to Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS), which killed nearly 650 people across mainland China and Hong Kong in 2002-2003.

The total number of people diagnosed with the latest strain of the virus rose to 218, according to CCTV. South Korea on Monday reported its first case - a 35-year-old woman who flew in from Wuhan.

Thailand and Japan previously confirmed a total of three cases - all of whom had visited the Chinese city.

Experts believe the epidemic “can still be controlled”, the National Health Commission said on Sunday.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) said the new cases in China were the result of “increased searching and testing for [the virus] among people sick with respiratory illness”.

Wuhan authorities said they have installed infrared thermometers at airports, and railway and coach stations across the city. Passengers with fever were being registered, given masks and taken to medical institutions. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

New Indian law to protect foreign investors to exclude tax demands – documents

N

ew legislation will improve protection for foreign investors in India by offering relief from possible policy changes but will uphold the state’s right to tax them, according to its draft and Government documents seen by Reuters.

The bill also attempts to upgrade India’s investment climate and boost foreign investment by setting up new adjudicating authorities to swiftly resolve disputes. It is

part of India’s efforts to become a $5 trillion economy by 2024, from around $2.7 trillion currently, the documents said.

But the draft text of the new law dated Nov 15 does not cover demands related to enforcement of tax obligations, a critical area of concern for foreign investors.

A separate internal Government document which analyses the draft law noted that taxation is-

sues were of “great interest” to investors and excluding it from the law’s purview could reduce the proposal’s intent to boost their comfort level.

Nevertheless, the document defended the exclusion, saying “the power to tax is an integral part of the state’s police powers even recognised in international law”.

Two sources familiar with deliberations on the law said it could still under-

go several changes before it is finalised. The bill is likely to be presented for passage in the upcoming Parliament session that starts Jan 31, they said.

The bill proposes to cover a wide range of foreign investors, including investments from sovereign wealth funds, pension funds and insurance funds, the Government document said.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

Several killed in Ethiopia stand collapse

The stand was reportedly poorly built with little professional oversight

A

t least three people have died in Ethiopia after a wooden stand collapsed during a major Orthodox Christian celebration.

Dozens more are injured and some reports put the death toll at 10.

The stand was inside the Emperor Fasilides Bath where thousands were commemorating the baptism of Jesus for the Timkat festival in Gondar.

The Ethiopian News Agency reported that more than 15,000 foreigners were attending the celebration.

A journalist uploaded a photo of the stand just minutes before it collapsed, showing what appeared to be a weak structure.

Samuel Baheru, who travelled to Gondar for Timkat from the capital Addis Ababa,

Iran says it will quit global nuclear treaty if case goes to UN

I

ran said on Monday it could quit the global nuclear NonProliferation Treaty (NPT) if European countries refer it to the UN Security Council over

UK PM Johnson defeated on Brexit Immune discovery legislation for 1st time since election “may treat all cancer”

B

ritish Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s Government was defeated in Parliament on Monday for the first time since a December election, with the upper chamber voting in favour of a move to protect the rights of EU citizens in Britain after Brexit.

Johnson’s Conservatives won a large majority in the lower chamber, the House of Commons, at the Dec 12 vote and lawmakers there quickly approved the legislation needed to ratify his exit deal with Brussels earlier this month.

The legislation is now passing through the House of Lords, where the Government does not have a majority. While the upper chamber is not expected to block passage of the bill, it is seeking to make changes.

Members of the Lords voted by 270 to 229 in favour of a change put forward by the pro-EU Liberal Democrats which would give eligible EU citizens in

A

Britain’s Prime Minister Boris Johnson reacts during a Prime Minister’s Questions session in the House of Commons, in London, Britain, January 15, 2020

Britain an automatic right to stay after Brexit, rather than having to apply to the Government to do so.

It would also ensure they are given physical proof of their right to remain.

The government later suffered two further defeats in the Lords, over the power of British courts to depart from judgements

of the European Court of Justice after Brexit.

It is facing another defeat today, when members are due to vote on an amendment which would ensure protections for child refugees, a promise made

by Johnson’s predecessor, Theresa May, but absent from his legislation.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

newly-discovered part of our immune system could be harnessed to treat all cancers, said scientists.

The Cardiff University team discovered a method of killing prostate, breast, lung and other cancers in lab tests.

The findings, published in Nature Immunology, have not been tested in patients, but the researchers said they have “enormous potential”.

Experts said that although the work was still at an early stage, it was very exciting.

Our immune system is our body’s natural defence against infection, but it also attacks cancerous cells.

The scientists were looking for “unconventional” and previously undiscovered ways the immune system naturally attacks tumours.

What they found was a T-cell inside people’s blood.

This is an immune cell that can scan the body to assess whether there is a threat that needs to be eliminated.

watched bodies being carried out on stretchers.

“We heard a loud noise and what we saw coming out on the stretchers wasn’t pleasant. At first I panicked because my wife was inside, but then I found her and we continued with Timkat,” he said.

Tesfa Mekonnen, the Gondar city Government’s Head of Peace and Security, denied the tragedy was as a result of poor construction, saying the building work had been done by “professionals”.

“Youngsters wanted to participate so they climbed up, so there were too many and it was overloaded,” he said.

Ethiopia is famous for its Orthodox Christian festivals, which draw faithful and secular tourists from across the world. (Excerpt from BBC News)

The difference is this one could attack a wide range of cancers.

T-cells have “receptors” on their surface that allow them to “see” at a chemical level.

The Cardiff team discovered a T-cell and its receptor that could find and kill a wide range of cancerous cells in the lab including lung, skin, blood, colon, breast, bone, prostate, ovarian, kidney and cervical cancer cells.

Crucially, it left normal tissues untouched.

T-cell cancer therapies already exist and the development of cancer immunotherapy has been one of the most exciting advances in the field.

However, the approach is highly specific and works in only a limited number of cancers where there is a clear target to train the T-cells to spot.

The researchers said their T-cell receptor could lead to a “universal” cancer treatment. (Excerpt from BBC News)

a nuclear agreement, a move that would overturn diplomacy in its confrontation with the West.

The fate of the 2015 pact has been in doubt since US President Donald Trump pulled the United States out of it and reimposed sanctions. Iran has responded by scaling back its commitments, although it says it wants the pact to survive.

Britain, France and Germany declared Iran in violation of the 2015 pact last week and have launched a dispute mechanism that could eventually see the matter referred back to the Security Council and the reimposition of UN sanctions.

The only country ever to declare its withdrawal from the NPT was North Korea, which expelled nuclear inspectors and openly tested atomic weapons.

A steady escalation over Iran’s nuclear plans flared into tit-for-tat military action this month, with Trump ordering a drone strike that killed a top Iranian general, prompting Iran to fire missiles at U.S. targets in Iraq. During a state of alert, Iran shot down a Ukrainian airliner in error.

Amid that escalation one of the biggest since Iran’s 1979 revolution - Tehran has faced mounting pressure from European states which say they want to save the 2015 nuclear deal. They have also indicated a readiness to back Trump’s call for a broader deal with Iran that goes beyond its nuclear plans. (Excerpt from Reuters)

18

guyanatimesgy.com

TUESDAY, JANUARY 21, 2020

ARCHIE

ARIES (March 21April 19)

TAURUS (April 20May 20)

DILBERT

PEANUTS

GEMINI (May 21June 20)

If you fight for your beliefs, you will persuade others to help. A sound idea will be recognized and put into play. A partnership will flourish if equality is maintained.

CANCER (June 21July 22)

A change of heart or circumstance that someone makes shouldn’t leave you feeling uncertain. If you accept the inevitable, you’ll find a way to turn what appears to be a setback into a success.

LEO (July 23Aug. 22)

VIRGO (Aug. 23Sept. 22)

CALVIN AND HOBBES

SUDOKU

Reevaluate personal relationships. You cannot keep doing things for everyone around you and neglecting what you need to do for yourself. Relax and recover.

Choose love over conflict.

Listen to someone with more experience. What you discover will help you move forward with your pursuits.

A change is long overdue.

Romance is on the rise.

Think twice before you put fun before responsibilities.

Uncertainty regarding how much money you have should be cleared up before you make an unnecessary purchase. Choose your words wisely and avoid backlash.

Keep outside influences at arm’s length. Reevaluate meaningful relationships and consider who or what is holding you back. If you are up-front and discuss what’s bothering you, an opportunity will arise.

LIBRA (Sept. 23Oct. 23)

Stick to basics, be moderate and use your intelligence to win the support you need to get ahead. Don’t meddle; your time is best spent investing in your skills and future.

SCORPIO

Don’t be fooled by a hardluck story. Stick to what’s important to you and what will inspire you to reach your objective. A stern attitude will result in added respect.

(Oct. 24Nov. 22)

Listen carefully, ask quesSAGITTARIUS tions and refuse to let anyone (Nov. 23manipulate you into taking Dec. 21) part in something that isn’t in your best interest. Peace of mind will result if you take care of your responsibilities.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22Jan. 19)

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

PISCES (Feb. 20March 20)

Look at what’s possible and know enough to walk away from what isn’t going to benefit you. When in doubt, sit back and become a spectator.

If you put blood, sweat and tears into a worthy cause, you will meet someone who can benefit you in unexpected ways. Speak up to create a following.

Mistakes are likely to happen, and compromise will end up being necessary.

Evaluate what’s going on instead of letting anger set in and cost you financially, emotionally or physically.

TUESDAY, JANUARY 21, 2020

L

19

Aldridge, DeRozan lift Spurs to 107-102 win over Heat

aMarcus Aldridge scored 21 points and DeMar DeRozan added 20 to pace a balanced San Antonio attack as the Spurs outlasted the visiting Miami Heat 107102 on Sunday afternoon in the Alamo City.

Two free throws by DeRozan and a three-point play by Aldridge after a steal by Derrick White gave the Spurs a 102-98 lead with 3:20 to play in a backand-forth game. Marco Belinelli then drained a 3-pointer to stretch San Antonio’s advantage to seven points.

But the Heat charged back, as Bam Adebayo threw down an alley-oop dunk and Jimmy Butler converted two free throws to cut the deficit to 105102.

Two Belinelli free throws with 6.6 seconds to play pushed the Spurs’ advantage to five points and San Antonio held on in the final seconds.

Patty Mills added 18 points for San Antonio, which won for the first time in three games. Belinelli scored 12 points and White tallied 11 for the Spurs, which played without guard Dejounte Murray, who missed the game with because of an illness.

Adebayo paced Miami with 21 points and 16 rebounds.

Goran Dragic scored 19 points, Kendrick Nunn had 18, Butler hit for 16 and Duncan Robinson added 12 for the Heat, who had a two-game winning streak snapped.

The Spurs led 60-54 after a first half in which there were three lead changes and seven ties. The Heat enjoyed as much as an 11-point lead midway through the first quarter before San Antonio roared back to flip the script, taking a 12-point advantage in the second.

Mills led all scorers over the first 24 minutes with 14 points off the bench.

DeRozan added nine points on 3 of 8 shooting, and his 13-game streak of shooting at least 50 percent for the game ended.

Robinson scored 12 points in the half to lead the Heat while Nunn and Butler added 10 each.

Miami rallied to move in front by three points early in the third quarter before San Antonio responded. Adebayo’s tip-in with 19.5 seconds left allowed the Spurs to take an 86-84 lead into the final period.

Pacers record 5th straight win

Doug McDermott buried two game-changing 3-pointers midway through the fourth quarter and Domantas Sabonis took over down the stretch to complete a triple-double Sunday night as the Indiana Pacers rallied from behind to beat the host Denver Nuggets 115-107.

After trailing by as many as 11 points in the third quarter, the Pacers finally caught the Nuggets for the first time since 0-0 on a McDermott 3-pointer with 6:59 to play that produced a 91-all tie.

The game was subsequently deadlocked at 93 and 95 before McDermott followed a hoop by the Nuggets’ Jerami Grant with another 3-pointer, this one giving Indiana the lead for good at 98-97 with 4:13 to play.

Sabonis then scored the Pacers’ next six points, extending the visitors’ lead 104-99 with 1:30 remaining.

McDermott bombed in another 3-pointer and Malcolm Brogdon slammed home a dunk as Indiana held on to win for the fifth straight time.

McDermott finished with a season-high and teambest 24 points. The former Nuggets first-round draft pick recorded a career-best with six 3-pointers in seven attempts, helping the Pacers outscore the Nuggets 39-9 from beyond the arc.

Sabonis finished with 22 points, 15 rebounds and 10 assists, giving him his first career triple-double.

T.J. Warren (22) and Brogdon (22) made it four Pacers with 22 or more points in a balanced attack.

Justin Holiday added 14 off the bench.

Playing for a second game in a row without starters Paul Millsap, Gary Harris and Jamal Murray, the Nuggets scored the game’s

Denver Nuggets guard Monte Morris drives to the net against Indiana Pacers guard Malcom Brogdon (USA Today Sports)

first six points and never trailed until McDermott’s 3-pointer with 4:13 remaining.

Denver led by as many

as six in the first quarter, nine in the second and 11 in the third.

Nikola Jokic recorded a double-double with

a game-high 30 points and team-high 10 rebounds for Denver. Grant and Will Barton chipped in with 16 points apiece,

Mason Plumlee had 13 and Michael Porter Jr. 10.

The Pacers outshot the Nuggets 50.0 percent to 46.6. (Reuters)

Zeeburg destroy Tuschen in 2020 opening T20 match

ꟷ Shivpersaud, Dhanpaul feature prominently

Yutesh "Avi" Dhanpaul bagged 3-15 for Zeeburg

T

he Zeeburg Cricket Club, which had recorded much success in 2019, played their first match of 2020 -- a T20 affair against the Tuschen Cricket Club at

the Tuschen cricket ground over the weekend -- and from all appearances, their good run of form continues.

Taking first strike, Zeeburg recorded a score of 199-2 in their allotted 20 overs. They were led by a brilliant century from Balbinder Shivpersaud, who immediately stole the show with four maximums and 14 boundaries in his innings of 112.

Chipping in at the back end of the innings, Ronaldo Renee contributed 35 to this superb total.

Needing a mammoth 200 runs for victory, the Tuschen side -- led by Jake Rambharose, who made 64 -started off with flare, and were competitive to the extent that at one stage they needed only 40 runs from six overs for the win; but Yutesh ‘Avi’ Dhanpaul came on the attack and returned figures of 3-15 to restrict Tuschen to 177-8.

Balbinder Shivpersaud scored a brilliant century for Zeeburg

Supporting Dhanpaul, Ushardeva Balgobin took 3 wickets for 36 runs.

20

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

TUESDAY, JANUARY 21, 2020

Federer win “sets up season nicely”

Australian Open: needed just one hour 21 minutes to beat Johnson.

T h e 38-yearold, who is chasing a 21st G r a n d Slam title, will face the winner of French qualifier

fence in Melbourne in 2019, made light work of his firstround match against Italy’s Salvatore Caruso.

Sixth seed Tsitsipas breezed past his 95thranked opponent 6-0 6-2 6-3 and will face Germany’s Philipp Kohlschreiber next.

American Sam Querrey also progressed with a 6-3 6-4 6-4 victory over Croatia’s 25th seed Borna Coric, while there were wins for Italian eighth seed Matteo Berrettini and Argentine 22nd seed Guido Pella.

Djokovic advances

T

h i r d s e e d Federer, playing his first competitive match since the ATP Finals in November,

Quentin Halys against Serbia’s Filip Krajinovic in the next round.

“I am very happy. It is nice to be back here in Australia. I felt really good, so it was a really good first round for me,” Federer said.

“I trained really hard [between seasons], needed some vacation. I am just so happy I didn’t have any setbacks. That sets you up nicely for the season.”

Earlier, Greece’s Stefanos Tsitsipas, who ended Federer’s title de-

A number of first-round matches that were set to take place on the outdoor courts were cancelled because of rain.

Novak Djokovic began his Australian Open title defence with a four-set win over Jan-Lennard Struff, while six-time champion Roger Federer claimed a comfortable victory at Melbourne Park.

World number two Djokovic overcame a third set wobble to beat Germany’s Struff 7-6 (7-5) 6-2 2-6 6-1.

Djokovic is a seven-time champion in Melbourne

and is bidding for his 17th Grand Slam title overall.

Swiss Federer earlier breezed past American Steve Johnson 6-3 6-2 6-2.

It is the first time that Djokovic has dropped a set in the opening round of the Australian Open since 2006.

However, he saw off a tiring Struff in two hours 20 minutes to set up a second-round meeting with either Japan’s Tatsuma Ito or Indian lucky loser Prajnesh Gunneswaran.

Barty, Serena, Osaka into second round

Serena Williams underlined why she is the Australian Open favourite with a rapid first-round win, while world number one Ashleigh Barty overcame a scare to reach the second round.

Williams, chasing a record-equalling 24th Grand Slam title, beat Anastasia Potapova 6-0 6-3 in just 58 minutes.

Australia’s Barty recovered from a poor start against world number 120 Lesia Tsurenko to win 5-7 6-1 6-1.

Defending champion

Naomi Osaka also advanced on the opening day.

Third seed Osaka started slowly against Marie Bouzkova, before winning 6-2 6-4.

While Williams claimed a convincing victory over her Russian opponent, there was an even faster win for seventh seed Petra Kvitova, the 2019 runner-up, demolished fellow Czech Katerina Siniakova 6-1 6-0 in 51 minutes.

Former champion Caroline Wozniacki got her final tournament before retirement off to a good start with a 6-1 6-3 victory over American Kristie Ahn. However, 2017 US Open champion and 24th seed Sloane Stephens was beaten by China’s Zhang Shuai.

The American served for the match in the second set but then lost seven games in a row as she fell to a 2-6 7-5 6-2 defeat.

Britain’s Johanna Konta was due to play on the first day but her match was one of 32 rescheduled for Tuesday because of rain.

Gauff defeats Venus again

victory over Venus Williams was no fluke when she beat the seven-time Grand Slam champion once again to reach the Australian Open second round.

Gauff announced her arrival last July with victory over her “idol” Williams, 39, in the Wimbledon first round.

And just like last time, she did it in straight sets, winning 7-6 (7-5) 6-3.

Gauff’s celebrations were slightly delayed because she did not realise the final point had been given her way.

“That was really difficult. She played really well and I was really nervous for today’s match - I was a bit shocked when I saw the draw, but glad I was able to get through it,” said Gauff, who was making her Australian Open debut.

“I am feeling great. I really like this court and really like this crowd.”

Gauff will play Romanian world number 74 Sorana Cirstea next.

(BBC Sport)

American 15-year-old Coco Gauff proved last year’s

Ambassador Lynch urges Regal cricketers to keep shining in USA U

nited States Ambassador to Guyana, Her Excellency Sarah-Ann Lynch, had her first experience of softball cricket on Sunday at the Everest Cricket Club in Georgetown.

With sunny conditions prevailing, the top-ranked diplomat was able to witness a friendly softball encounter that ended with Regal Masters defeating Fisherman Masters, after which the presentation of prizes followed on the Everest outfield.

As the guest of honour, Her Excellency was presented with a Regal Cricket Team authentic cap, a match ball, and a souvenir bat signed by members of the Regal All Stars, Regal Masters, and Regal Legends cricket teams.

The bat bore the autographs of the championship’s winning players.

Team owner Mahendra Hardyal made the presentation to Ambassador Lynch on behalf of the players, who were all gathered on the field.

In accepting the gift, the guest of honour expressed her gratitude for the gift and for the invitation. “I am very grateful for this opportunity to be involved; and though I attended CPL cricket twice, this is the first time I’ve been this close to the game. I intend to give this gift prominence in my office,” Her Excellency said.

Then, wearing her Regal Team cricket cap and armed with her new bat, the ambassador displayed her prowess as a cricketer with a confident and well executed on-drive to the first delivery bowled her, evoking loud applause from all in attendance.

HE Lynch took time off from her busy schedule to interact with the players after the match.

US Ambassador Sarah-Ann Lynch accepted a souvenir bat from Mahendra Hardyal on Sunday at the Everest CC

Also in attendance at these proceedings were Lusignan Golf Club President, Aleem Hussain; Everest CC President, Manzoor Nadir, and Georgetown Softball Cricket League (GSCL) President, Ian John.

John gave a brief history of the Regal teams and stressed especially on their achievements since they began travelling to

Florida and New York.

The longstanding GSCL executive was happy to report that, on every trip since 2015, the Regal teams were successful and brought back many team and individual trophies.

Amazed by the achievements of the Regal teams, Ambassador Lynch wished the

players further success in Florida and New York, and urged them to enjoy all that the USA has to offer.

The Regal side will set off for Florida in March to participate in the Orlando Cup tournament, after which they would travel to New York to participate in the Independence Cup tournament in July.

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

TUESDAY, JANUARY 21, 2020

CLASSIFIED ADS ACCOMMODATION

BCB/Stag Beer 50 Overs Cricket Tournament…

RHT defeat Tucber Park to lift title national junior cricketer Jonathan Rampersaud held a brilliant catch to dismiss Vantull and rewrite the score at 99 for 7.

Mickle, however, went on to register 50 unbeaten runs as Tucber Park were bowled out in the 36th over for 134.

The fiery Tyndall took 3 for 31 from 6 overs, while Hooper had 3 for 20 from 9 overs and the talented Rampersaud bagged 3 for 20 from 6 overs.

Jason Sinclair was named Man of the Finals for his crucial innings of 67.

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 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 2-15 Ton Canadian Dump for Truck. Complete with Pump, Dump Control and Hydraulic Tank.Very good condition. 2 Grader Tyres Size 1,300 x 24 TG G2-12 PR Contact 696-9061

T

The victorious RHT Namilco Thunderbolt Flour Team

he First Division team of the Rose Hall Town Namilco Thunderbolt Flour continued their dominance of cricket in Berbice by reg-

Crandon (6), Eon Hooper (1), Keith Simpson (18) and Sylus Tyndall (8) were the other batsmen to be dismissed cheaply, while Keon Sinclair was unbeaten on

Transported Land- 11.6 Acres, Lot 15 Public Road, #2 Village, West Coast Berbice. 5 mins away from Berbice River Bridge. Contact # 648-7109

Man of the Finals Jason Sinclair receiving his award

223-7230-1 (Ext 55)

NOT RECEIVING YOUR DAILY & SUNDAY COPIES OF THE

GUYANA TIMES

in your area?

Contact our

Circulation Department on

Phone: 223-7230 EXT: 55

21

istering an easy 58-run defeat over Tucber Park CC to win the Berbice Cricket Board/Stag Beer 50 Overs tournament for 2019/2020.

Played at the historic Port Mourant Cricket Club Ground, this match was dedicated to the memory of the late Basil Butcher, AA, legendary West Indies Test player, who was buried on Friday last in his home village. Before the match was played, both teams observed a minute of silence in tribute to Butcher.

Fortified by the presence of former West Indies ODI player Royston Crandon, the Rose Hall Town Namilco Thunderbolt team won the toss and elected to bat first on a pitch that had some moisture.

They lost national junior player Junior Sinclair to Jamal La Fleur for 6, to have the score read 12 for 1 in the sixth over.

Veterans Khemraj Mahadeo and Jason Sinclair then featured in a crucial 63-run partnership for the 2nd wicket, before Mahadeo was caught off Kwesi Mickle for 27.

Sinclair was joined by former national player Delbert Hicks, and they added 49 critical runs for the 3rd wicket before the in-form Hicks fell for 22, while Sinclair went on to top score with 67.

15 as RHT Namilco ended their innings on 192 for 8.

Tucber Park’s veteran off-spinner Devon Clements took 6 for 36 from 10 impressive overs, while La Fleur and Mickle each took a wicket for their team.

They needed to score 193 from 50 overs, but Tucber Park soon found themselves reeling at 3 for 3 in the second over. After bowling three successive wides in the first over, former National Under 19 pacer Sylus Tyndall trapped Clifton Lindie lbw for zero, and then removed the offstump of La Fleur for a first-ball duck.

Thereafter, Tucber Park lost Martin Singh first ball to Eon Hooper, who soon had skipper Anthony D’Andrade lbw for 5 and held a return catch to remove Maxine De Jonge for 3. The Tucber Park score at that point was 22 for 5 in the eighth over.

Tyndall then bowled Clements for 12 in the 11th over, to have Tucber Park slump to 33 for 6; but former RHTY&SC member Damion Vantull began a counter-attack on his former teammates with a brutal 36, which included three boundaries and two sixes.

Vantull received vital support from Mickle, with whom 67 was added for the 7th wicket before

BCB President Hilbert Foster expressed gratitude to ANSA McAL’s Managing Director Troy Cadogan for his support to Berbice Cricket, and described the tournament as having been highly successful.

Foster called on clubs in Berbice to be grateful for the progress being made, and to assist the BCB, which to great applause announced that over $7 million in sponsorship had been raised in just two weeks in 2020 as Berbice Cricket continues to expand.

WICB 2020 Regional 4-day Championship…

Red Force in pole position after Round 2

T

rinidad and Tobago Red Force have surged to the top of the points standings in the WICB Regional 4-Day Championship tournament, after recording a win over the Leeward Islands Hurricanes in the second round of play. Having accumulated 20.2 points from that victory, the Red Force are now leading with 29.6 points, followed closely by the Windward Islands Volcanoes who are on 29.4 points. For battling to a draw in round 2, the Volcanoes and the Jamaica Scorpions have split 12 match points, but the Volcanoes have earned 6.8 bonus points to aid their campaign.

Sitting third on 25.6 points are Barbados Pride, who defeated defending champions Guyana Jaguars in round 2, and earned 21.4 points for the victory.

The Jaguars had topped the points table with 21 points after Round 1, but earned only 3.8 bonus points in the loss to the Pride, and now sit fourth on the table with 24.8 points.

The battling Scorpions have earned draws in both Rounds 1 and 2, and are fifth on the points’ table with 14.8 points; while the Leeward Islands Hurricanes have slumped to their second consecutive loss and are in the cellar with 4.2

points.

Best bowlers T&T's Akeal Hosein is thus far the leading wicket-taker with 15 wickets reaped from two matches, and with best figures of 6 for 62.

The Volcanoes' Shane Shillingford has thus far taken 11 wickets, and has recorded a top performance of 7 for 105.

The Jaguars' Nial Smith, in his debut season, is the third leading wicket-taker with 10 wickets. He has recorded a best performance of 6 for 15, and shares this ranking with the Pride's Jomel Warrican, who has recorded best figures of 4 for 40.

Best batsmen Recording the tournament’s best batting figures thus far is Jamaica's Paul Palmer, who has scored 262 runs in two matches, and has a high score of 116 not out.

T&T's Darren Bravo and Joshua Da Silva are respectively second and third, on 199 and 193.

Bravo cracked 133 as his highest score this season, while Da Silva boasts an unbeaten innings of 113.

West Indies announce Over-50 squad T

he West Indies Over50 selectors have named a squad of 16 players to participate in the 2020 Over-50 World Cup, which will be played in Cape Town, South Africa from March 11th to 25th, 2020.

Former Guyana youth player Zamin Amin has been named as captain, with Ishwar Maraj as his deputy.

There are four standby players who narrowly missed out on selection following the trial matches that were held in Trinidad and Tobago from January 13 to 16, 2020.

The West Indies Over50 Squad reads: Zamin Amin (captain), Ishwar Maraj (vice-captain), Imtiaz Rick Ali, Mark Audain, Narine Bidhesi, Julian Charles, Sudesh Dhaniram, Kenny Girdharry, Krishna Harricharan, Fareed Hosein, Howard Jodhan, Allison Johnson, Hafiz Mohamed, Azad Mohammed, Rajendra Sadeo, and Balwant Roy Singh.

The reserve players are: Virgil Gossai, Curtis Richards, Lawrence Pooran and Ganesh Ragunath.

The team will be accompan i e d

by Manager, Raj Singh; Assistant Manager, Dave Narine; Media Officer John Ramsingh, and PRO Jaggernauth Seenauth.

22

TUESDAY, JANUARY 21, 2020

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Ramdhani siblings bag bronze medals in Canadian tournament T

he Ramdhani siblings, Narayan and Priyanna, on Sunday last bagged bronze medals for their efforts at the second 2019/2020 tournament of the Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference (ACAC), hosted at the Kings University in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.

Playing for the Kings University, Narayan Ramdhani copped two bronze medals after finishing third in both the men’s singles and men’s doubles tournaments.

Playing in the men’s singles quarterfinal match, in which he was seeded #2, Narayan overcame Nait’s John Li 21-16, 22-20, but his luck changed when he conceded a loss to Nait’s

Raymond Kim 21-18, 21-17 in the semifinal round.

However, he bounced back in the third-place playoffs to pull off a 21-12, 21-16 win over Smit Patel of Nait College.

In the men’s doubles tournament, Narayan and his partner defeated Rylan Head and Noah Jeffery of Olds College 2115, 21-10 in the quarterfinal round, but lost in the semis to King’s Alex Fung and Raymond Kim 21-15, 21-10.

He and his partner then brushed aside Concordia’s Tyson Tsen and Braxton Wong 21-17, 21-15 in the third-place playoff to secure another bronze medal.

His younger sibling, Priyannna Ramdhani, playing for Olds College,

finished third in the women’s singles.

Seeded #3, Priyanna Ramdhani got her competition off to a positive start with a bye in the first round, then overpowered Nait’s Kaitlyn Gee in two easy sets 21-4, 21-7 in the quarterfinal.

However, her game was not as strong in the semis, and she lost to Concordia’s Johnna Rymes 21-9, 21-4.

Priyanna had a better outing in the third-place playoffs, wherein she defeated Cecilia Wolski of King’s 21-11, 21-13 for her bronze medal.

Despite the challenge posed by the minus 25 degrees Celsius temperature outside, the Ramdhani siblings reportedly fared well in the competition.

Priyanna and Narayan Ramdhani accompanied by their father Gokarn Ramdhani after their third place performances

BCB hosts emotional Night of Reflection for Basil Butcher

T

Mrs Pamela Butcher and family share a light moment with the young Berbice cricketers who honoured her husband

he Berbice Cricket Board (BCB), mourning the loss of the late legendary cricketer Basil Fitzherbert Butcher, AA, on Thursday and Friday last paid him emotional tribute as his body was laid to rest in his home village of Port Mourant.

Hundreds turned out on Thursday at the Port Mourant Cricket Club Ground to participate in an Evening of Reflection in honour of the late Basil Butcher, while BCB President Hilbert Foster paid him heartfelt tribute during a funeral service held at the St Joseph Anglican Church at Portuguese Quarters in Port Mourant on Friday last.

Foster, like Butcher’s former team mate Sydney Jackman, hailed Butcher for being a Berbice cricketing hero who laid the foundation for others to follow.

Foster disclosed that Butcher had been one of the first persons to encourage him to run for the presidency of the BCB, and had always provided him with words of encouragement and advice.

The BCB boss urged his attentive audience of young cricketers to follow Butcher’s formula of being humble, hardworking, disciplined and dedicated to the game if they

wanted to succeed. He said that despite his legendary status, Butcher had been a very simple and humble individual who strongly believed in assisting others to succeed.

In his half-hour of reflection on Butcher’s career, Jackman said most bowlers had rated Butcher as one of the most difficult batsmen to dismiss, since he cherished his wicket very highly.

The former Guyana team wicketkeeper said Butcher had always been very supportive of his junior teammates, and he remembered Butcher as being the first Guyanese to offer him words of encouragement when he had missed an opportunity to stump the great Sir Garfield Sobers.

Pastor Rajin Dipoo of the CCI Church also spoke at the event.

The Evening of Reflection featured numerous well received cultural items from the Fyrish Steelband Group, GuySuCo Training Centre, and the CCI Church at Williamsburg. The large gathering of cricketers, cricket officials, umpires and special guests was also able to view a pictorial review of Butcher’s career via an exhibition hosted by the vibrant Berbice Cricket Board.

Attendees at the Evening of Reflection were provided refreshments by Banks DIH Ltd, CIDI, Spready’s Snackette, Guyana Beverage Company, BCB, and the RHTY&SC, MS. At the funeral service on Friday, Foster unveiled several BCB plans to honour the memory of Butcher and the other four legends: John Trim, Rohan Kanhai, Joe Solomon and Ivan Madray, the first five Berbicians to play Test cricket.

According to a BCB release, GuySuCo will be approached to name the pavilions at the Port Mourant Ground after these legends, while a billboard will be constructed on the ground in their honour.

The RHTY&SC and the BCB would also organise an annual Basil Butcher Memorial Cricket Tournament and commence a Basil Butcher Trust Fund from which less fortunate youth cricketers would benefit in terms of the receipt of cricket gear. Clubs would receive items such as cricket balls, stumps and scorebooks.

Another pictorial exhibition was hosted during the funeral service while twenty-four cricketers honoured Butcher’s memory by giving him a bat salute as his remains were taken in and out of the church.

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

TUESDAY, JANUARY 21, 2020

23

ICC Under-19 World Cup 2020…

Young stars with bat and ball as Windies thump England F

or the second game in a row, allrounder Nyeem Young led the way as West Indies defeated a higher-seeded team at the Under-19 World Cup. After his half-century against Australia downed the 2018 runners-up on Saturday, Young returned on Tuesday to smash a 41-ball 66 and then take five wickets to defeat England and virtually confirm his team's spot in the quarterfinal.

Young walked in at 138 for 5 after England had sent West Indies in, and joined No. 3 Kevlon Anderson in a 101-run partnership for the sixth wicket, off just 76 balls. Anderson remained not out on 86 off 105 balls as West Indies closed at 267 for 7.

Young smashed five fours and four sixes, including one that broke the glass window of the media centre, while Anderson hit three sixes and six fours.

Before their partnership, offspinner Hamidullah Qadri and legspinner Lewis Goldsworthy had kept West Indies' run-rate in check with regular wickets.

England's chase began positively, the openers putting on 53 before wicketkeeper-batsman Jordan Cox succumbed to the temptation of playing the reverse sweep, gloving the shot to first slip in the 14th over. His partner Ben Charlesworth was dismissed

soon after for 36.

A third-wicket stand of 51 between Tom Clark and Jack Haynes kept England in the chase, but they stumbled following Clark's departure, as Young's short-pitched deliveries sent back Dan Mousley and Haynes in the 33rd over. A passing shower paused the game for around thirty minutes, with England 40 runs behind the DLS par, and when play resumed, Young struck again, dismissing Joey Evison and Goldsworthy for single-digit scores, and then having England captain George Balderson caught at long-on to complete his five-for.

Ashmead Nedd At that stage, England needed 117 from 71 balls, with just two wickets in hand. With lightning in the background, the game was halted once more in the 44th over, by which time England had lost their ninth wicket, and were 71 runs behind the DLS par. Play never resumed, and West Indies wrapped up a comprehensive win.

Apart from Young's five-for, the left-arm spinner Ashmead Nedd picked up 2 for 35. Jayden Seales, who took a four-wicket haul against Australia, went wicketless but conceded just 21 runs in his ten overs.

England's next game against Australia is now a virtual pre-quarterfinal, while West Indies are favourites to top Group B, left to play only Nigeria later this week. (ESPN

SCOREBOARD

West Indies Under-19s Innings (50 overs maximum) KS Melius (c) c Haynes b Qadri 24 LJA Julien † c †Cox b Evison 40 KA Anderson not out 86 KSA McKenzie c Clark b Goldsworthy 12 ARD Morris c & b Goldsworthy 14 MJS Patrick lbw b Qadri 3 NRJ Young c Aldridge b Balderson 66 MW Forde c Balderson b Aldridge 8 JM James not out 4 Extras (lb 1, w 9) 10 TOTAL (50 Overs, RR: 5.34) 267-7 Did not bat: AR Nedd, JNT Seales Fall of wickets: 1-47 (Kimani Melius, 8.6 ov), 2-85 (Leonardo Julien, 18.2 ov), 3-100 (Kirk McKenzie, 21.5 ov), 4-129 (Antonio Morris, 31.4 ov), 5-138 (Matthew Patrick, 34.3 ov), 6-239 (Nyeem Young, 47.1 ov), 7-250 (Matthew Forde, 48.2 ov)

BOWLING GP Balderson (9-1-61-1) BC Cullen (6-0-41-0) H Qadri (10-1-46-2) KL Aldridge (8-2-48-1) JDM Evison (7-0-42-1) LP Goldsworthy (10-0-28-2) England Under-19s Innings (target: 268 runs from 50 overs) BG Charlesworth c James b Patrick 36 JM Cox † c Forde b Nedd 20 TGR Clark lbw b Nedd 38 JA Haynes c Forde b Young 27 DR Mousley c Forde b Young 4 JDM Evison c †Julien b Young 1 LP Goldsworthy c & b Young 3 GP Balderson (c) c Forde b Young 10 KL Aldridge BC Cullen Hamidullah Qadri

Cricinfo)

Turbo Knockout Football tourney…

GFC, Fruta Conquerors U-20 set up "Turbo Final" clash

By Jemima Holmes

T

he final match of the Turbo Knockout Football Tournament has been set in stone, because the Fruta Conquerors U20 and the Georgetown Football Club (GFC) have each romped to contrasting

fight to the death is anticipated for ownership of the $400,000 grand prize.

These two teams secured their spots in the final in dissimilar fashion.

Fruta Conquerors spurred a second half comeback following a tough first, while GFC were always in con-

Conquerors Under 20. The more experienced Pouderoyen side looked good in the first half as they managed to restrict the energetic Fruta Conquerors’ outfit.

Fruta’s lack of accuracy in front o f

GFC expertly outplayed defending champions Northern Rangers to advance to the final

wins on Sunday night.

These two Georgetown teams will meet in a monumental final clash next Sunday, and a figurative

trol over their opponents.

Pouderoyen FC were the first team to concede defeat on Sunday night, after meeting with their younger counterparts in Fruta

the goal contributed greatly to the Pouderoyen mandate, and the latter team fought hard to keep the scores locked at nil-all by the end of the first half.

The second half of the game had different fortunes in store, though, as Fruta Conquerors sought to execute more attacking plays, which paid off in the 61st minute, when a goal came off the boots of Wayne Baker to push the scores to 1-0.

Recognizing opportunity still existed to equalise the scores, Pouderoyen upped the ante, but their frantic plays only improved the situation for their opponents, who capitalized on Pouderoyen’s below-par passing.

Ryan Hackett pushed the win out of Pouderoyen’s reach when he scored Fruta’s second goal in the 80th minute to book that under-20 team’s spot in yet another final.

The second semifinal was a bit more entertaining, as Georgetown Football Club (GFC) continued their winning ways against former champions Northern Rangers, who were unceremoniously ousted from the competition.

Young talent Kelsey Benjamin wasted little time in opening the scoring for the Bourda side. After his 13th minute goal, Adrian Aaron scored in the 18th, for GFC’s first two.

Their flow of scoring was briefly interrupted by Damien Williams, who netted Northern Rangers’ first goal in the 33rd by way of a free kick from a few yards

Action was intense in the game between Fruta Conquerors and Pouderoyen FC

outside the box.

Unfazed by the Rangers’ desperate attempt to level the scores, GFC’s Benjamin proceeded to net his second goal in the 45th minute to take the score to 3-1 by the half.

Ralph Parris opened the second half’s play on a high note for GFC, scoring their fourth goal in the 49th minute; after which Damien Williams handed Northern their second in the 66th.

By this time, GFC were more than confident that they had the victory sealed, and the possibility of backto-back Turbo titles slowly departed the minds of the Northern Rangers’ team.

Kevin Baptiste net-

ted GFC’s fifth in the 90+4 for the 5-2 victory and a chance to challenge Fruta Conquerors in the final.

The final of the Turbo Knockout tournament is expected to be played at the Ministry of Education Ground on Carifesta Avenue on Sunday, January 26.

Meanwhile Pouderoyen FC and Northern Rangers will have the opportunity to save face in the third-place playoff. While the winner of the Guyana Beverage Inc, PetraOrganized tournament will walk away with $400,000, second placed team will receive $200,000, and third and fourth placed teams will settle for $100,000 and $50,000 respectively.

TUESDAY, JANUARY 21, 2020

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

guyanatimesgy.com

Turbo Knockout Football tourney…

Page 23

GFC, Fruta Conquerors Young stars with bat U-20 set up Turbo and ball as Windies final clash thump England ICC Under-19 World Cup 2020…

Page 23

Page 20

Ambassador Lynch urges Regal cricketers to keep shining in USA 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.