Guyana Times Wednesday 25 September,2019.

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

Issue No. 4057

THE BEACON OF TRUTH wednesday, september 25, 2019

Demands for constitutional compliance

Next stage is to seek int’l sanctions against Govt officials – Opposition Leader

…roads leading to caretaker President’s office blocked off See stories …to prevent protest against Govt – Police pages 3 …commuters complain bitterly of inconvenience onand 10

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$80 vat included

WHAT'S INSIDE:

Roger Khan released P8 from Police custody

Taxi driver P9 charged for rape of 12-year-old girl

GTT still in P10 talks with GRA over millions in owed taxes ...says 45% corporate tax exorbitant

Page 7

Gecom to begin Claims and Objections on October 1 Scotiabank takeover

Central Bank Page 11 denies Republic Bank’s application Page 7

Essequibo River boat collision

Brazilian, Guyanese man still missing

Some HIV P14 patients not receiving treatment in Guyana – NAPS Former P12 GCAA Chair found with hands, feet bound in Sophia home …dies hours later at GPHC

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WEDNesDAY, september 25, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

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wednesDAY, september 25, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

BRIDGE OPENINGS The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Wednesday, September 25 – 01:30h – 03:00h and 14:30h – 16:00h and Thursday, September 26 – 02:30h – 04:00h and 14:30h – 16:00h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Wednesday, September 25 – 14:00h – 15:30h and Thursday, September 26 – 14:50h - 16:20h.

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

WEATHER TODAY Sunshine will prevail throughout the day.

There will be clear skies at night. Temperatures should range between 21 degrees Celsius and 32 degrees Celsius.

Winds: Northerly to South-Westerly between 1.78 metres and 4.02 metres.

High Tide: 01:19h and 14:02h reaching maximum heights of 2.37 metres and 2.41 metres.

Low Tide: 07:27h and 19:55h reaching minimum heights of 0.77 metre and 0.80 metre.

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Protests for constitutional compliance

Next stage is to seek int’l sanctions against Govt officials – Jagdeo

– warns that int’l pressure on President to call elections will only get worse – President Granger to address nation on holding elections today

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pposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo has warned that his party is prepared to go to the next stage of seeking sanctions from the international community against individuals in the coalition Government, if necessary, to force President David Granger to obey the Constitution.

Jagdeo made this pronouncement during a radio programme, “The Hot Seat”, on Tuesday. While he made it clear that the Opposition takes no joy in having to protest against the President for violating the Constitution, it is a necessary fight to protect Guyana’s democracy.

“We view it as a tragedy every time we have to protest to get people who took an oath, to uphold the Constitution. It is a tragedy for Guyana. It is a problem for our country when we have to force people to respect the Constitution and the ruling of the court. We don’t do it with excitement, but because it’s necessary.

Someone has to stand up for the Constitution.”

“The next stage we’ll move, is to seek sanctions against individuals, so that they comply with the Constitution. And we will continue the protests until he names an early election date. We believe he should name one in February. We won’t be happy with it, but at least the country knows there is an end to this.”

After strong statements from the diplomatic community calling out President Granger for defying the Constitution, the President in an attempt to hit back at them had criticised them for not having apologised for slavery or paying reparations. Jagdeo described this as clutching at straws.

“We believe that international organisations and people accredited to Guyana must work with the Government within a framework. But there are some universal values that go above national frameworks.

Issues of human rights.

Issues concerning democratic order and the rule of law.”

“So when Granger says they’re colonisers, hitting out, what he was [hurting about] was their statement about constitutional rule and democracy… the international pressure will mount on him and he knows this. I think the international community was very explicit.

Unconstitutional rule, it will affect business, it will affect investments and their ability to help Guyana.”

It was only on Monday that the Commonwealth became the latest in a long line of organisations to criticise the Government for operating outside of the norms of constitutional rule, urg-

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo

ing President Granger in a statement to call elections immediately.

In the statement, Secretary General Baroness Patricia Scotland urged the President to immediately set an early election date.

Scotland noted that this must be done in accordance with the Constitution, so that constitutional rule can be restored.

The Secretary General referenced the Caribbean Court of Justice’s ruling, which had clearly set out the timeframe for an election after a No-Confidence Motion.

As such, Scotland said in her statement that elections were constitutionally overdue in Guyana.

Guyana is one of 53 member countries of the Commonwealth, which comprises almost entirely of former British colonies. The Commonwealth has been known to suspend member countries for violating democratic principles, including Nigeria, Zimbabwe and

Pakistan.

Even today, Zimbabwe still has a membership application pending before the Commonwealth, with Zimbabwe President Emmerson Mnangagwa meeting Baroness Scotland on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on Monday to discuss it.

It was only days ago that members of the diplomatic corps, such as representatives of the United States, the United Kingdom and the European Union, called for the President to immediately name an election date.

On Friday last, the Bar Council of the Bar Association of Guyana condemned the coalition Government for its failure to hold General and Regional Elections within the period mandated by the Constitution, which it reminded is supreme law.

This came after protests against the President and pressure from the diplomatic community, to ensure the Government acts in accordance with the Constitution.

The PPP has already

President David Granger during a previous address to the nation

warned that they will continue to protest for constitutional compliance until the President names an election date.

Meanwhile, as President David Granger is set to address the nation this evening (Wednesday), a source within the PPP stated that his reluctance to set a date for elections before the end of February 2020 will see continuous protests by citizens.

His address comes after he would have met with his Cabinet on Tuesday while barricading several streets around the Ministry of the Presidency.

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wednesDAY, september 25, 2019

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

Deliberate distracting ploys

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n September 19 at the Pegasus Hotel, a large group of Guyanese protested the illegality of the President and the APNU/AFC regime he leads. The protest action, safeguarded by the Constitution, could not have been surprising, given the fact that the regime made no effort to abide by the final ruling and consequential orders of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) regarding the December 21, 2018, No-Confidence Motion (NCM).

Having refused to respect the constitutional processes the NCM triggered, having sought recourse in the courts for the decision to be reversed and failed, and having made no effort to officially ask the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) to consider an extension of the constitutional electoral timeline, the APNU/AFC coalition must have known that after September 18, it has no legal standing as a government. As such, it would be naïve to believe it would not be met with protests.

The President’s attendance at the function at the Pegasus was public knowledge. The protesters were within their rights to demonstrate their non-acceptance of what became a dictatorial regime as of September 19. Prior to that, PPP supporters, along with other Guyanese, have been picketing APNU/AFC officials across the country for their refusal to respect the Constitution.

The People’s National Congress (PNC), which is literally the Government shrouded in an outfit called the coalition, has an unflattering history of oppressive rule while in government between 1964 and 1992. During that period, the Constitution was made a mockery of, evident from just one of many actions – the flying of that party’s flag in the compound of the Supreme Court. That tri-colour palm tree flag flew higher than the country’s Golden Arrowhead.

Such an action not only demonstrated total disregard for the Constitution and the separation of powers, but unfettered paramountcy of the PNC party and its supreme reign over Guyana.

No one, regardless whether they lived through that period or not, would want to see the return of such a tyrannical era. With Guyana on the cusp of an oil and gas economy, undemocratic rule would undermine related development and benefits expected to redound.

It would also unnecessarily place the country at risk for international sanctions.

The latter has already been hinted by leading members of the international community. Their condemnation of the APNU/AFC’s unconstitutional regime as of September 19 is unambiguous. The Commonwealth Secretariat has also called for the restoration of constitutional rule, as well as many local civil society organisations.

Standing up to an illegality was therefore what the protesters were doing on September 19 in the presence of a large Police contingent.

There was no riot and no one was harmed, yet, the presence of a fully armed riot squad as they were at a candle-light vigil outside the Arthur Chung Convention Centre on September 23. Interestingly, on September 18, when an alleged bandit was reportedly shot by the Police, tyres and other objects were burnt in the City street. The need for the riot squad to intervene may have seemingly not occurred to the Police.

That aside, in the presence of the Police and with many who livestreamed the protest, there is no evidence presented to suggest that the protesters threatened to overturn a Minister’s vehicle as claimed

by APNU/AFC. On the contrary, there are allegations that the driver of the vehicle may have wanted to drive through the crowd.

The allegation of wanting to overturn the vehicle has since become a priority talking point for Mr Granger and his team, who have described the protesters as hooligans. Subsequent veiled threats have not gone unnoticed.

The PPP has since labelled the allegations to overturn the vehicle as manufactured lies. It should be noted that from 1997 to 2001, there were many incidents of violent protests during which people were beaten and robbed and businesses looted and set ablaze; protests that were not organised by the PPP. That’s just one period of our history made reference to in the context of hooliganism. It, therefore, becomes very worrying that the man entrusted with the reigns of leadership would refer to Guyanese who constitutionally voiced their disapproval over his continual transgression of the Constitution as hooligans.

That in itself speaks to his intolerance of being called out and another step towards a seemingly burgeoning dictatorship. The answer as to who really broke the law could not be clearer and the APNU/AFC’s disregard for the Constitution must be of concern to all.

Leading members of the international community have indicated that the prevailing political uncertainty undermines Guyanese institutions, compromises economic opportunities and hinders their ability to support Guyana’s development needs.

This is a time when disrespect for the Constitution must be brought to an end. This is a time when Guyanese from all backgrounds must rally to safeguard democracy so as to ensure that future developments are not compromised. This is a time when all Guyanese must raise their voices in unison to expose Mr Granger and APNU/AFC’s deliberate efforts to distract from their disregard of the Constitution.

Many have seen the spurious allegations and labelling of the protesters as hooligans as just that— deliberate distraction for a particular reason. Is the increased armed Police detail to shield Mr Granger from protesters a distraction from combating crime?

Breeders hold Chinese flags and panda cubs born in 2019 during an event marking the upcoming 70th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China at Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding in Chengdu, Sichuan province (Reuters)

Venezuela bypassing US sanctions through Europe, Opposition envoy says

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enezuela’s Opposition needs more support from Europe to oust socialist President Nicolás Maduro, an Opposition envoy said on Tuesday, accusing the Government of using the European financial system to get around US sanctions.

The Opposition and the United States consider Maduro’s 2018 re-election fraudulent and say he has overseen an economic and political crisis. On Monday, a group of Latin American nations agreed to impose sanctions on members of his government at a meeting on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly.

“The whole world needs to condemn Maduro, but principally Europe,” Carlos Vecchio, the US representative for Opposition Leader Juan Guaidó, said in an interview in New York.

“Nicolas Maduro’s regime is bypassing US sanctions through Europe”.

More than 50 countries have recognised Guaidó as the rightful leader of OPEC-member Venezuela since the Head of the Opposition-controlled National Assembly invoked the Constitution to assume an interim presidency in January, arguing Maduro was illegitimate.

But Maduro, who calls Guaidó a US-backed puppet seeking to oust him in a coup, retains the recognition of the 193-member UN General Assembly.

Vecchio said he would meet later on Tuesday with Enrique Iglesias, the European Union’s special adviser for Venezuela, to request the group slap deeper individual sanctions on members of Maduro’s government who he said have accounts and assets in Europe. He did not name specific officials.

The European Union had suggested it would deepen

sanctions against Venezuela should a Norway-brokered negotiation process between the Government and the Opposition fail. Guaido declared those talks dead earlier this month, weeks after Maduro walked away in protest of US sanctions.

Venezuela’s Opposition and US officials are hoping that by cutting Venezuelan officials off from their personal wealth, they will have an incentive to turn on Maduro or return to the negotiating table.

Vecchio said he wanted Europe to take steps to cut off the growing flow of Euros in cash within Venezuela’s economy. He said these came from gold sales, which are sanctioned by the United States.

In a statement on Monday evening, the International Contact Group on Venezuela — consisting largely of European countries — said it was concerned about the “temporary suspension” of the talks and expressed concern about Venezuela’s humanitarian crisis. It did not mention possible new European sanctions.

Vecchio said he expected the Trump administration

to issue specific secondary sanctions deemed to be helping Maduro stay in power.

An August 5 US executive order that froze Venezuelan Government assets in the United States said that would be a possibility. (Reuters)

Pro-government lawmakers return to Venezuelan congress after 2-year absence

Pro-government lawmakers returned to Venezuela’s Oppositioncontrolled congress on Tuesday, after President Nicolás Maduro announced an end to a two-year boycott, saying he wanted to promote dialogue in the deeply divided country.

As supporters of Maduro’s socialist administration shouted at Opposition lawmakers from the National Assembly balconies, almost 40 of around 50 pro-government deputies took their seats for the first time since 2017.

That year, Maduro declared the 167-seat assembly to be illegitimate after the Supreme Court ruled it to be in contempt of the law for incorporating several lawmakers accused of buying votes, an allegation

they denied. The court later accused the assembly of passing legislation that violated the Venezuelan Constitution. Maduro’s government then created a parallel pro-government legislature to override opposition delegates’ decisions.

Maduro on Monday insisted the assembly was still illegal, but said pro-government lawmakers would retake their seats as part of a deal struck with a small group of Opposition delegates to promote dialogue.

“Let’s go to the debate, let’s go to the fight,” Maduro said on state television.

The deal was not backed by the mainstream Opposition parties who control the National Assembly.

The legislature is headed

by US-backed Opposition Leader Juan Guaidó, who invoked the Constitution to assume a rival presidency in January.

Guaido earlier this month said negotiations in Barbados between the Opposition and Government mediated by Norway “had been exhausted” after the Maduro administration withdrew delegates following a tightening of US sanctions. (Reuters)

guyanatimesgy.com

WEDNesday, september 25, 2019

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

APNU/AFC leaders violating Cuddling dictatorship the Constitution, rule of law Dear Editor, The parliamentary vote of no-confidence in the APNU/AFC Government since December 21, 2018, and the ruling of the CCJ, affirming the validity of the no-confidence vote on June 18, 2019, and calling on President David Granger to call national elections is in keeping with the Constitution and the rule of law.

The CCJ’s call was also directed at GECOM and its Secretariat, to obey the Constitution and the rule of law, and noting that GECOM, a full-time body with perhaps a bloated staff, is required to be in a state of readiness to conduct election within 90 days.

These wilful and brazen violations of the Constitution and the rule of law, by essentially a PNC Government, move Guyana away from the democratic norms,

and closer to dictatorship with the confident reliance on the police, the army, the public service, GECOM’s partisan staff for its continued usurpation of power, as was the case of the of the dictatorship of PNC Government from 1968 t0 1992. History seems to be repeating itself in 2018-2020 by the PNC-dominated Government.

The vast majority of the population of Guyana applaud and are grateful to the many voices of individuals, organisations, and the international community condemning the constitutional and rule of law violations, principally to hold on to power unconstitutionally and illegally. These illegal actions of the Government, the President, Vice Presidents, Ministers, Government Members of the National Assembly, some GECOM Commissioners, and GECOM senior staff, and heads

of the Public Service Ministries must be condemned and sanctioned. International sanctions must be applied to these groups in the interest of democracy in Guyana. The international community has options as was done in relation to some other countries. Such options include but are not limited to: - Overseas travel restriction; - Suspension of travel visas, whether ordinary or diplomatic; - Revocation of visas; and - Freezing of assets overseas.

A majority of Guyanese are confident that such actions by North American and European counties will help to restore and protect democratic norms of obedience to the Constitution of Guyana and the rule of law.

Yours faithfully, Joshua Singh

A crime was committed

Dear Editor, Having received a sound thrashing at the hands of her partner – not the first time – which led to her being hospitalised, the victim is not only refusing to co-operate but has allegedly lied to law enforcement officers (“Woman severely beaten by husband refuses to press charges” Guyana Times

September 24).

A crime was committed but the victim is refusing to co-operate with law enforcement.

This has to be seen as tantamount to an offence in itself and a travesty.

Too often victims take matters into their own hands by refusing to have their partners and perpetra-

tors of the offence face the consequences of their grievous actions, hoping that by giving a reprieve and another chance, change will come.

But change does not come and then it is too late.

Dear Editor, Nava Raatree, which is a nine-day festival, will be observed from Sunday, September 29 to Sunday, October 6. But according to our reckoning, this period is eight days and is causing some confusion. This publication seeks to explain the situation.

Hindu “fasts and festivals”

are determined by the phases of the moon. While a solar (sun) day lasts for 24 hours, lunar (moon) days vary; some last more than 24 hours while others less than 24 hours. Also, a lunar day begins at any time of the day (or night).

On Monday, September 30, there will be two phases of the

moon. September 30 is, therefore, reckoned as two lunar days.

So, September 29 to October 6 are, in fact, nine lunar days.

Sincerely, Shamshun Mohamed

Nava Raatree – 9 lunar days Yours truly, Pt R Balbadar President – (Sanatan Vaidic Dharma Pandits; Sabha)

Dear Editor, Sometimes, dreadful things that defy all logic unfolds realistically in front of our eyes so easily that it appears unbelievable. Like an accident, it all seems unreal until it’s over and the full impact is felt - if you are still lucky enough to be alive to feel it.

I watch this illegal President and his illegal bunch of Government officials tour this country amidst protest after protest by thousands of dissatisfied citizens. Amidst condemnation after condemnation from local and international bodies and even growing dissatisfaction and uneasiness now from its own law-abiding supporters (a lot of whom are resigning, defecting or simply disassociating themselves with the party). The illegal President and his Ministers are all making announcements and statements in the media as if its business as usual...I was fully in support of Mr Jagdeo when he said in his press conference soon after the GECOM announcement that our President has “tripped” – that he is not mentally fit and proper to be a leader. Totally true! However, when you put it all in perspective, the entire APNU/AFC Administration is mentally unfit. It just defies logic that all these people can brave all of this shame and still actually continue to do illegal outreaches and tell all these lies. Mr Jagdeo and his team are always urging the citizens of this country to rebuke this dictatorship and rightfully so.

No sane person would like to revisit the horrifying days of tyrannical PNC rule. It is very encouraging to see this momentous movement countrywide repelling this looming dictatorship so fiercely.

However, it is equally disturbing to see some hardcore supporters still “cuddling” dictatorship. I have noticed many illegal Ministers appearing on various shows, being addressed with legal titles by the, well, actually very small number of hosts. Simona Brooms recently appeared on a

show and she was treated like someone decent! I looked at the show with total disgust at how bias it was. They both, however, totally avoided the serious issues of the No-Confidence Motion and what followed up to the point of the Government now “ruling” in an illegal capacity. The show skirted on whimsy issues and mostly “woman talk” nothing genuine, intellectual or inspiring.

I am totally appalled by this small number of people who support this dictatorship. I fully respect the supporters of the APNU/ AFC and any other party, because Guyana is supposed to be a democratic country where people are free to believe, marry, worship and support who they choose. However, that very freedom and democracy can be taken away from us in a blink if we condone this dictatorship and give it roots, this should resonate within the entire nation. People in power are entitled to make mistakes or be carried away by power, but we are not helping them or the country if we condone it. Because the mistakes of a President or his Administration affect the entire country. We could make them better if we condemn and point out these things in a firm and supportive way. The now illegal President and his Administration had the fair chance to make a change for the better of this country, but they all got power-drunk and were made to believe by their hardcore supporters that they are invincible. Well “they had their six” and now the masses are speaking out very loudly and the needs of the many definitely outweigh the needs of the few in this dramatic situation. The people will always hold the power..not the people in power.

I am totally embedded with the struggle for freedom and democracy in Guyana.

Sincerely, Shane Lindie

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wednesday, september 25, 2019

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Foundation “What else could you try?”

“Can you think of another way you could do this?”

Try singing the “Keep trying, and you’ll get better” song from Daniel Tiger’s Neighbourhood or this activity to help you talk to your child about the importance of practice when trying new things and facing challenges.

By Shauna Tominey

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s a teacher, I noticed that children respond to challenges in different ways. Some children try harder when facing a tough task.

Others, like Marshall, crumble at the slightest challenge.

“I can’t. I don’t know how. I’m not good at that. You do it.”

Other teachers noticed these differences in how children approach learning too. Together we started thinking about what we could do to help all of our children develop the skills they needed to keep trying. We decided to focus on using a growth mindset by putting the emphasis on learning or creating something rather than just the outcome itself.

Instead of saying: “What a beautiful picture. You are quite the artist!”, we tried: “What a beautiful picture. I saw you working on it for a long time and thinking really hard about how to mix all of those colours together.”

Very slowly, we started noticing changes in how our children talked about what they were learning and doing. They became more excited to share with us how they did something new, not just what they did: “I practised a lot and kept trying. Now I can tie my shoe by myself!”

“I can’t do that yet, but I’m learning.”

“Maybe if you practise, you can learn to do it like me.”

Using a growth mindset encourages a child to approach a situation or task with the idea that they can learn, practise, and grow. Those who take on a growth mindset recognise that learning takes time, perseverance, and patience. They also learn that it’s okay to make mistakes, take a break, and tackle problems in different ways. Children with a growth mindset outperform those with a fixed mindset, who believe that their intelligence or abilities are unable to improve. While we live in a society that values finishing tasks and reaching goals, we want our children to see that results come from the hard work we put in.

As parents and teachers of young children, we can encourage our children to practise using a growth mindset with the words we use and by modelling a growth mindset ourselves.

Try these strategies with the children in your life:

Focus on effort, not just outcomes

When your child is working on something new or after they have reached a goal, celebrate the accomplishment and talk about what it took to reach that goal.

“Wow! Look at your painting. You must have spent a lot of time mixing all of those colours together. Can you tell me

Let them know that mistakes are part of learning

If your child feels frustrated or discouraged, let them know that everyone makes mistakes — even you! Share that it’s okay to take a break and come back later. Taking a break gives your child the space to step away and try again when they are able to approach a challenge in a calm way.

“Do you think taking a break would help? Maybe we should stop and try again later.”

By carefully choosing the words we use, we can foster a growth mindset for our children and for ourselves. These words also serve as a reminder to us to practice empathy and understanding as we guide our children through everyday learning challenges — big and small.

Marshall surprised us one day when he tried something new that didn’t go well. We braced ourselves for the meltdown that was sure to follow. Instead, he stopped himself, looked up grinning and said, “I can do it… with a little practice.” (pbs.org) about how you did that?”

Share stories with your child about how far they have come

“When you first learned how to walk, you took one step and then fell. You kept trying though and soon you could take two steps, then four, then twelve. All that practice and now you walk and run everywhere!”

Share stories from your own life and childhood, as well about things you have learnt, ways you have grown, and the practice it took along the way. To help children realise that doing something new or challenging took practice, we had conversations about how they had grown and changed since they were younger and shared stories about new things we were practising too.

The sun and cardinal directions

Think about your child as a “learner” in all areas of their life

It’s easy to think about our children as learners when it comes to traditional academic skills, like Maths and reading. It’s equally important to use a growth mindset when developing social skills and managing emotions.

“It’s really hard to control your body when you’re upset, but you stopped yourself and used your words instead of kicking this time. I can tell you’ve been practising using your words.”

Try different strategies to manage challenges

Ask questions that help your child practise problem-solving so that they are not derailed by unexpected challenges in the future.

“What have you tried so far?”

C

ut out 10 large yellow paper suns from construction paper. On white construction paper, write in large letters north, south, east, and west. Put the words east and west on the east and west walls of the classroom/ home.

Find east and west by observing the sun in the morning and afternoon

Observe where the sun is each morning and afternoon for five days. Write the date and time of day for where the sun is each morning on a sun cutout and put it next to where the word “east” is located.

Observe the sun again at end of the school day. Identify that direction as west and put the date and time of day on a sun cutout and place it next to the “west” sign.

Look for a pattern in the sun’s location in the morning and afternoon

Track the sun’s location in this way for five days. Write a sentence that explains what you have observed and what they would expect to see in the future.

Observe north and south, and label the walls

Use a compass, or a compass app on a smartphone or tablet, to show north and south and reinforce east and west.

Line up the E and W on the compass with east and west labelled on the wall. North and south can also be observed with wind patterns. Track the weather using the Weather Channel.

Practise using cardinal directions

Practice the directions in a room; face north first, then turn at right angles and point, naming the directions “north, south, east, and west” several times.

As a final game of practice, send a volunteer away and hide an item. Have the volunteer come back in the room, and one at a time guide the volunteer to the hidden item, with phrases such as “walk 5 steps to the north,” “walk three steps to the south,” and so on.

(Adapted from nationalgeographic.org)

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wednesDAY, september 25, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

GECOM to begin Claims and Objections on October 1 — exercise to run for 35 days, Dec 31 set as qualifying date — GECOM to also reach out to US, Commonwealth

By Jarryl Bryan

F

ollowing a meeting of the Guyana Elections C o m m i s s i o n (GECOM) on Tuesday, it has been announced that Claims and Objections will start on October 1— a necessary move towards having an Official List of Electors (OLE) to conduct elections.

This was confirmed by Opposition Commissioner Bibi Shadick after she exited the meeting. According to Shadick, the meeting also resulted in a decision to hold Claims and Objections

Opposition-nominated Commissioner Bibi Shadick

for 35 days, with the qualifying date to be eligible to vote being December 31.

M e a n w h i l e , Government-nominated Commissioner Vincent Alexander explained that the meeting also resulted in another decision, that is, for GECOM to engage the United States and the Commonwealth in order to seek clarity on what observer teams they will be sending.

“Two (decisions) were unanimous, and one saw a dissenting voice. We didn’t have an update on (encoding of House-to-House

Essequibo River boat collision

Brazilian, Guyanese man still missing

The badly damaged boat after the collision

A

Brazilian national and a Guyanese electrician are still missing following a boat collision in the Essequibo River on Monday evening. The collision has so far left one dead and three hospitalised.

The police have since confirmed that the dead person is a Surinamese businesswoman, identified as 54-year-old Sherry Khan.

Reports are that on Monday night at 19:00h, the boat which was transporting Khan and five other passengers was heading in the direction of Buck Hall, Essequibo River, while the other vessel was travelling in the opposite direction at that time.

Guyana Times understands that the impact of the collision resulted in the passengers and their luggage being tossed overboard.

It was at this time that another vessel, which was passing, stopped to render assistance. Khan was in an unconscious state while Milton Duke and his wife, Yaluntie Hohamkirk, both 43, and Jaeva Veira Nunes, were conscious.

They were taken to the Parika foreshore where they were transported that the Leonora Cottage Hospital.

Upon arrival at LCH, Khan and Nunes were both

transferred to the West Demerara Regional Hospital where the businesswoman was pronounced dead.

Nunes was admitted for treatment and observation.

Duke and Hohamkirk were later transferred to a private city hospital to receive medical care.

Moreover, a search party is still out looking for those

missing namely: 44-yearold Jose Francisco Joaquin, a Brazilian national, and Osafo Anthony Roberts called “Joinwire” a 25-yearold electrician of Lot 29 Devil Dam Philadelphia, East Bank Essequibo (EBE).

Nevertheless, investigations into the collision continue as several statements are already obtained.

Government-nominated Commissioner Vincent Alexander

data). We’ve kind of put that as a parallel. What we understand is that that process will conclude in a sufficient time for the information to be available for use in cross matching and some claims and objections”.

“We are working towards the timetable set in the communicate decision of the Chairman, for the Commission to be ready by the end of February (2020),” Alexander added when asked if GECOM is on track to meet the timeframe GECOM Chair retired Justice Claudette Singh gave to President David Granger last week.

When asked about the court action filed by

Attorney General Basil Williams, seeking to overturn the High Court decision that persons cannot be removed from the Register of Registrants for residency purposes, Alexander noted that they would cross that bridge when they get there.

“For the time being, we’re not focusing on that.

We’re focusing on getting on with our work… (the printing of ballots) are in the timeframe. Things like ballots are on the critical path which lead us to the end of February. You don’t print ballots before nomination date”.

In his appeal, Williams is contesting most of the major points from the Chief Justice’s August 14 ruling. One of the major contestations in the Notice of Appeal (NOA) is the residency requirement for being registered.

The Chief Justice had ruled that persons, once registered, could not be removed by enumerators without just cause. In the AG’s appeal, however, the Chief Justice is accused of being misconceived in law by not properly considering Section 6 of the National Registration Act. According to the AG, Section 6 of the Act makes residency a requirement for registration during the qualifying date period. The AG is also alleging that the Chief Justice, somehow, breached the separation of powers doctrine by ruling that GECOM could not remove registrants who were alive and well.

In fact, there are more than 15 points in the NOA

AG Basil Williams

in which the AG claims the CJ misinterpreted the law or misdirected herself. In that NOA, the AG had asked for the Chief Justice’s judgement to be set aside and for costs to be paid to him.

According to the summons taken out by Solicitor General Nigel Hawke on Williams’ behalf on September 20, the AG is also seeking an interim stay of part of the judgements from the CJ, until the hearing to determine the merits of the substantive appeal.

The original appellant, anti-corruption advocate Christopher Ram, as well as Chief Elections Officer Keith Lowenfield, the Commissioner of National Registration and GECOM itself were named as the respondents.

The Bar Association was also summoned to appear Amicus Curiae.

8 news

wednesDAY, september 25, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

Roger Khan released from Police custody

Shaheed “Roger” Khan

S

haheed “Roger” Khan, who returned to Guyana on Friday evening from the United States and was immediately taken into Police custody for questioning relating to two murders, was released on station bail after the 72-hour detention period expired.

This was confirmed by his attorney, Glenn Hanoman, who, during a telephone interview moments after his client was released, said that Khan was placed on $200,000 bail. Khan was released just after midday on Tuesday.

He said that his client was told to report to the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) next week.

Hanoman could not say whether his client will be returning as a formality owing to his deportation, or as a suspect who is under investigation for the murder of Ronald Waddell and former boxing coach, Donald Allison.

“At this time, we are happy that he was granted bail and without a doubt, he will return to the CID headquarters as requested by the Police,” Hanoman stated.

Nevertheless, the Police stated that they are continuing their investigation into the involvement of Khan in the two murders.

On Monday evening, Hanoman had explained that the 72-hour detention period expired at 01:00h on Tuesday morning.

Hanoman further stated that the Police did not apply to the High Court for an extension of the detention period, which is an indication that there is no evidence against Khan for the two murders for which he was detained and questioned.

Immediately upon his return on Friday, Khan was taken into custody and grilled for the murders of Waddell and Allison.

Waddell was gunned down in his car outside his seaside Subryanville, Georgetown home in January 10, 2006. Allison, on the other hand, was shot dead outside the Ricola Boxing Gym in Agricola on the East Bank of Demerara, on September 8, 2005. His name was reportedly called as one of the persons who was believed to have been supporting heavily-armed gun-

Piercing…

T Attorney-at-Law Glenn Hanoman

men in Buxton, East Coast Demerara.

Khan was jailed in 2009 after he pleaded guilty to arms trafficking, drug trafficking, conspiracy and witness tampering. He was arrested in neighbouring Suriname in June 2006.

After serving his sentence, Khan was released from the US prison on July 8, 2019, placed in the custody of US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and was held at the Krome Detention Facility in Miami before his deportation.

Khan was escorted to Guyana by agents of ICE on Friday last and was handed over to local Police upon his arrival at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport, Timehri. He was then transported to the CID headquarters.

…the constitutional crisis he Constitution of a country is supposed to address its political questions – those that have to do ultimately with power, that is, which crop up as the people go about their business. The Constitution is like a contract where the citizens of the country set up the terms that’ll govern the institutions running the state. The state has the ultimate sanction of using force, if necessary, to ensure that it’s laws – as encompassed by the Constitution or emanating from it – are upheld.

A citizen breaks the law about not bashing fellow citizens over the head, and the forces of law (the courts) and order (the Police) will deal with him/her condignly. But what happens when the Head of State refuses to obey the Constitution itself?? Who deals with him condignly?? You have a full blown “constitutional crisis”, that’s what – and this is what we’re confronting in Guyana today.

What does the Constitution say about this situation?

Well, Art 106 (6) says the President and Cabinet should’ve resigned by now. And Art 95 says if there isn’t a President, then the Prime Minister takes over. But since, in this case, the PM was a member of the Cabinet, he doesn’t exist. Who’s next in line? The same article says a designated Minister – but since all of these have been vaporised by the NCM vote, then according to the Art we’re down to the Chancellor.

The question, however, is exactly how do we bell the cat, when the ex-President insists on squatting on the presidency? Can we remove him for violating the Constitution? Well, Art 180 speaks to that…but assumes there’s a Parliament the speaker can summon to consider such a motion and if 2/3 of the members agree, then a tribunal will be set up to do the dirty. But we know this ain’t gonna happen and we’re back to the constitutional crisis of an irresistible force meeting an immovable object!!

The situation over in Venezuela suggests a way out.

There, the 2018 re-election of President Maduro was disputed, and their National Assembly declared that the presidency should be filled in an interim way by the Assembly’s leader, Juan Guaidó. Maduro’s handpicked Supreme Court, however, ruled the National Assembly declaration unconstitutional and confirmed Maduro as President. Constitutional crisis, like ours!!

But the US took a stand— imposed sanctions and built national democratic coalitions to support Guaidó.

This showed that the old rule of “non-interference” in the domestic affairs of states is breaking down after the international community realised how much suffering can be unleased on a populace by a rogue government.

Most of the world – including the US – have already condemned Granger.

Next step sanctions!! …Granger’s smirk Over the last five years, Granger has cultivated an image of avuncular unflappability combined with anodyne platitudes that helped mask (pun intended) the brutal actions he unleashed on perceived Opposition supporters. Shutting down 4 estates and firing 7000 sugar workers?? Not to worry, that was “right sizing” the industry!! Spending billions and billions and pageantry and monuments while starvation became endemic in Opposition enclaves?? No problem…men didn’t live by bread alone!!

But while he might’ve won the battle over the NCM by dragging it out in the courts, he hasn’t only lost the war, but also his aura of imperturbability. Like most bullies who thought he held all the cards, he just didn’t know when to stop. He overplayed his hand when he refused to proclaim elections even though he’d gotten all his demands met.

He’s been so rattled by the Opposition’s “in your face” protests and the foreign community condemnations, he exposed the fangs that were always there.

Burnham boasted about his “sharper steel”; Granger brought out the Riot Squad in full battle gear. …Venezuela’s bombast Next March, the World Court will be taking arguments on the jurisdictional issues in the Venezuelan-instigated border controversy.

Looks like the new government will have that albatross off their necks, in addition to the oil bonanza!!

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

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wednesDAY, september 25, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

Guyana-Venezuela border controversy

World Court to begin hearing case in March 2020 A

lmost one year after the Government of Guyana approached the International Court of Justice for a resolution in relation to territorial claims made by its western neighbour Venezuela, the hearing is expected to begin in March of next year.

According to a statement from the Foreign Affairs Ministry, the oral hearing will be held in The Hague, Netherlands from March 23 to 27 2020. It also explained that the hearing will determine whether the Court has the jurisdiction to take the

case forward.

“This hearing will determine whether the Court has jurisdiction over the case filed by Guyana on March 29, 2018. By that case, Guyana seeks to obtain from the Court a final and binding judgement that the 1899 Arbitral Award, which established the location of the land boundary between then-British Guiana and Venezuela, remains valid and binding, and that Guyana’s Essequibo region belongs to Guyana, and not Venezuela,” the statement read.

Guyana brought its case to the Court following the decision by the Secretary General of the United Nations in January 2018, that the controversy between Guyana and Venezuela should be decided by the International Court of Justice.

Back in March 2018, Guyana went to The Netherlands-based World Court to confirm the validity of the Arbitral Award of October 3, 1899, which fixed the land boundary between the two neighbouring countries.

Taxi driver charged for rape of 12-year-old girl

A

driver attached to a popular city taxi service, who allegedly raped a 12-year-old girl at a hotel in Diamond, East Bank Demerara, was on Tuesday hauled before at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

Thirty-two-year-old Neville Thomas of North Ruimveldt, Georgetown appeared before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan and was not required to answer to the indictable charge.

It is alleged that between April 1 and 30, 2019, at Diamond, East Bank Demerara, he engaged in sexual penetration with a 12-year-old child.

The matter was held in-camera.

According to information, the Thomas and 12-year-old are known to each other, since he was hired to transport her to and from school.

It was reported that on

Neville Thomas being escorted by Police

the day in question, the accused picked up the child from school and took her to a hotel in Diamond, where he had sexual intercourse with her.

However, sometime later,

the 12-year-old complained to her parents and a report was made to the Police.

The unrepresented man was remanded to prison.

The case will continue on October 4.

The International Court of Justice

However, Venezuela has claimed, in a letter to the Court, that the Secretary General exceeded his authority under the 1966 Geneva Agreement, and that the Court therefore lacks jurisdiction to adjudicate Guyana’s lawsuit. Because of that stance, Venezuela informed the Court that it would not be participating in the proceedings.

On November 19, 2018, Guyana submitted its Memorial to the Court refuting Venezuela’s arguments and demonstrating that the Court has jurisdiction.

Under well-established judicial precedent, the Court will proceed to decide if it has jurisdiction over Guyana’s claims, irrespective of whether or not Venezuela participates in the proceed-

ings. If it decides that it has jurisdiction, the Court will proceed to rule on the merits of those claims and decide whether the validity of the 1899 Arbitral Award and the border between the two States should be confirmed.

Under the United Nations Charter and the Court’s own rules, its final judgements both on jurisdiction and the merits will be legally binding on Guyana and Venezuela, whether or not Venezuela participates in the proceedings.

“Nevertheless, Guyana expresses the hope that Venezuela will participate, to indicate respect for the Court and the international rule of law, the peaceful settlement of disputes, and the promotion of friendly relations between both States.

The Government of Guyana welcomes the prospect of a final and binding decision by the Court that will definitively resolve this longstanding controversy, and allow Guyana and Venezuela to proceed to develop excellent and close relations as neighbouring states,” the statement concluded.

Venezuela had, for more than 60 years, consistently recognised and respected the validity and binding force of the 1899 Award and the 1905 map agreed by both sides.

Venezuela had changed its position formally in 1962 as the United Kingdom was making final preparations for the independence of British Guiana and had threatened not to recognise the new state, or its boundaries, unless the United Kingdom agreed to set aside the 1899 Award and cede to Venezuela all of the territory west of the Essequibo River, amounting to some twothirds of Guyana’s territory.

However, Venezuela has never produced any evidence to substantiate its belated repudiation of the 1899 Award that the country has used it as an excuse to occupy territory awarded to Guyana in 1899, to inhibit Guyana’s economic development and to violate Guyana’s sovereignty and sovereign rights.

10 news

wednesDAY, september 25, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

Roads leading to caretaker President’s office blocked off …to prevent protest against Govt – Police …commuters complain bitterly of inconvenience

I

t was chaos in the capital city on Tuesday, after all roads leading to the Ministry of the Presidency were blocked off by the Guyana Police Force (GPF) – which said it was instructed to do so to prevent any protests against the Government.

“The Office of the President is being cordoned off due to anticipated protest action by whatever political party or nongovernmental organisation,” a Police source informed Guyana Times.

The Police Force blocked Vlissengen Road between North Road and Homestretch Avenue, South Road between Oronoque and Vlissengen Road, Charlotte Street between Oronoque St and Shiv Chanderpaul

Drive and Regent Road between Shiv Chanderpaul Drive and Vlissengen Road,

Georgetown.

While no protest actions were planned, the Police source said the roads were blocked “just in case”.

Abuse of authority

Customarily, during protests against the

Government, persons would assemble on Vlissengen Road outside of the Ministry

of the Presidency.

It is unclear why instructions would be given to the GPF to restrict citizens from exercising their democratic right to freedom of expression.

The blocking off of the roads ignited the ire of many road users who took to social media to complain bitterly about how the alleged abuse of authority has inconvenienced them.

The current coalition Government has been recognised by the international community as operating outside of international standards of democracy – following its failure to hold elections in accordance with the country’s Constitution.

The roads were blocked off at a time when caretaker President David Granger was meeting with his Cabinet to discuss a possible date for elections, given that the Chairperson of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) had

last week informed that the entity would be ready for the polls by the end of February 2020.

The blocking off of the roads also comes after there was a massive candlelight vigil on the Railway Embankment Road Monday night outside of the Arthur Chung Conference Centre – where caretaker President David Granger delivered the feature address at Chinese Government event.

That incident resulted in the Police riot squad being called out to stand-off with peaceful protesters and the blocking off of the road, causing a major traffic build-up during the evening rush hour.

The protesters, com-

Some of the roads and bridges which were blocked by the Guyana Police Force

prising of civil society and supporters of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) expressed concerns about the legitimacy of the current Government.

The protesters were also calling on the Head of State to announce a date for elections.

Already, the

Commonwealth, as well as the United States of America, the United Kingdom, the European Union, Guyana’s private sector and members of civil society have recognised the current Government as being in breach of the country’s Constitution.

GTT still in talks with GRA over millions in owed taxes — as 45% corporate tax cited as exorbitant

T

he Guyana Telephone and Telegraph (GTT) company is currently in talks with the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) over millions of dollars in taxes its reportedly owes the Authority.

When asked during a press conference on Tuesday, GTT Chief Executive Officer Justin Nedd noted that such matters are still under discussion. However, Nedd pointed to the company’s track record of paying taxes. In fact, Nedd described the company as one of Guyana’s largest tax payers.

“GRA has a position, we also have a position. That’s something that we continue to discuss. What I can tell you is if you look at our remittances to the GRA, we’re one of the biggest taxpayers in the country”.

“Publicly traded companies, things like fraud can have a very significant, damaging effect. We are a strong corporate citizen, we’re here for the long haul. We’ve been here for 30 years and we fully intend to continue (our presence)”.

This is against the backdrop of a 45 per cent corporate tax rate, which Nedd

GTT CEO Justin Nedd

complained about during the press conference.

According to the CEO, GTT operates on a very uneven playing field that sees persons paying as little as 27 per cent corporate tax, thus, boosting their net profits.

“There’s some challenges that we still face, 45 per cent corporate tax is still a tough one. But it’s been that way since 1991, when GTT started. And come liberalisation, it is my hope that (it reduces). Cause some of our competitors have declared that they’re paying 27 per cent tax”.

It was reported last year that GTT and its parent company, Atlantic TeleNetwork owed over US$44M in taxes to GRA. At the time, GRA Commissioner General Godfrey Statia had said that his agency would be adhering to taxation principles during negotiations.

The liberalisation of the sector is said to be dependent on the settlement of the US$44 million tax claim against GTT. However, the company continues to enjoy the monopoly in international voice and data services until 2030.

The company has said previously that should it be held liable for any of the disputed tax assessments totalling US$41.1 million; it is of the view that the Government would then be obligated to reimburse it for any amounts necessary to ensure a not-less-than 15 per cent return on investment.

Earlier this year, the Government, through Public Telecommunications Minister Cathy Hughes and GTT had reached an agreement to fast track liberalisation.

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WEDNesDAY, september 25, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

Scotiabank takeover

Central Bank denies Republic Bank’s application

R

epublic Financial Holdings Limited, the parent company of Republic Bank (Guyana), has not been granted permission by the Central Bank of Guyana for the purchase/acquisition of the operations of Scotiabank in Guyana.

This was revealed by Governor at the Central Bank of Guyana, Dr Gobind Ganga, who told Guyana Times on Tuesday that the application was denied in light of concerns about “concentration” and “competition” which would have negative impacts on the country’s financial system.

He stated that both banks were notified on Tuesday about the Central Bank of Guyana’s evalu-

ation and position on this matter. “…to tell more specifically Republic Bank that we could not approve their application for the merger or

Governor at Central Bank of Guyana, Dr Gobind Ganga

acquisition of the assets because of a number of factors.

But largely it would be the high level of concentration in the financial and/or banking system that would have had an impact on the health of the financial system with

respect to systemic risks.

In addition, with respect to cost because it would have led to lower cost efficiency meaning that competition would have been affected,”

Ganga told this publication.

According to Dr Ganga, had Republic Bank (Guyana) been allowed to forge ahead with its planned takeover of Scotiabank’s operations here then this would have resulted in systemic effects.

“Meaning it could cause things happening in the financial system which we could not control…we would have indicated to Scotiabank that we don’t have a problem in terms of the bank wanting to sell but we would have liked for them to look into the areas where you would not have the concentration and you have a proper, potential buyer,” he added.

Meanwhile, a senior financial and banking expert told this publication that it would be “preferable” if Scotiabank sells its operations to an international bank.

“With oil and gas coming in, international banks are seeing more opportunities here and there are some of them that are doing due diligence,” the banking expert noted.

In late November 2018, after the proposed buyout was announced, Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo had stated that Republic Bank Limited’s acquisition of Scotiabank’s operations in Guyana could be unhealthy for the local financial sector.

“From what I’ve seen –

the figures that I’ve read about – is that the merged entity could control more than 50 per cent of our total assets in the banking sector and more than 50 per cent of total deposits. This is unhealthy and therefore I will

support our regulators to uphold the law to avoid undue concentration in a single entity, which puts our entire financial system at risk,” the Opposition Leader stated.

His statements came on

the heels of the Canadianbased Scotiabank announcing that it has signed an agreement to sell its banking operations in Guyana and eight other Caribbean nations to Republic Financial Holdings Limited.

12 news

wednesDAY, september 25, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

Man charged for attempting to kill wife walks free Former GCAA Chair found with hands, feet …after woman refuses to give evidence bound in Sophia home S …dies hours later at GPHC

Former Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) Chairman Hugh Denbow

F

ormer Chairman of the Board of the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) and engineer, Hugh Denbow, was found with his feet and hands bound in an apparent home invasion at his Sophia, Greater Georgetown home.

The 63-year-old man was discovered with his hands and feet bound at his Lot 1 Area D North Sophia, Greater Georgetown, home on Tuesday by a work colleague.

This newspaper was told that Denbow was employed at Orinduik Development Inc. However, after several calls from his employers

went unanswered, a report was made to the Prashad Nagar Police Outpost. This newspaper was told that a manager of the company became suspicious since calls to Denbow’s phone went unanswered for three consecutive days. As a result of the report, Police ranks ventured to Denbow’s residence, accompanied by the manager and found the door to the man’s home open.

This newspaper was told that the southern door to the building was open and upon entry, the Policemen found Denbow lying face up in an unconscious state in the kitchen area.

His hands, feet and neck had been tied together. An ambulance was summoned and Denbow was rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) where he later died.

According to a Police source, further checks by Police revealed that the entire house was ransacked but there was no sign of forced entry.

The Police source said that it is believed that Denbow was bound sometime between Friday and Saturday.

An investigation has been launched.

ix months after Derrick Solomon, a taxi driver, was charged with attempting to kill his common-law wife, he walked out of the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts a free man on Tuesday after she refused to testify against him.

The 60-year-old man of Lot 10 Block F North Sophia, Georgetown, was charged for the attempted murder of Carol London on March 2, 2019, at their North Sophia, Georgetown residence, where the couple shared a common-law relationship for over 10 years.

When the matter was called before Magistrate Sherdel Isaacs-Marcus, London informed the court that she did not wish to proceed with the matter and would not offer evidence. As such, the case was discharged. The taxi driver was represented by Attorney-at-Law Dexter Todd. Previously, Chief

Magistrate Ann McLennan had instructed that Solomon undergo a psychiatric evaluation, after his attorney had mentioned that Solomon had suffered from a memory lapse and was on medication, and for a period of time, he stopped taking his medicine.

The results of the psychiatric evaluation later revealed that Solomon’s violent behaviour stems from a delusional disorder.

The prosecution was contending that on March 2, Solomon and London had an argument and he left their home. When he returned sometime later, he armed himself with a knife and dealt the woman several stabs about her body.

The injured woman was rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) where she was admitted as a patient.

The victim had received injuries to her hands and face. A report was made to

the police and Solomon was arrested and charged.

Only on Monday another woman, who was injured at the hand of her reputed husband, also refused to offer evidence against him.

Swaswattie Etwaru, 33, who was severely beaten by her 24-year-old husband last week, which resulted in her being hospitalised, told this publication that she has refused to press charges against her husband.

Just recently, Acting (ag) Police Commissioner, Nigel Hoppie noted that statistics revealed that there were 2080 reports of domestic violence made in 2017 to the Guyana Police Force (GPF) and as a result of those reports, there were 1171 cases made by law enforcement authorities.

For the year 2018, there were 1491 reports, which led to 837 cases made by the police.

“We are all aware that domestic violence contin-

Derrick Solomon

ues to be a serious social threat and it is everybody’s business because it does not only affect victims at their homes, it affects individuals at the workplace, and it affects every other family, it can also affect us at schools. Turning a blind eye to these occurrences can further threaten among other things, our culture…we can still hear insistent clammer by family members of victims for legal intervention,” Hoppie stated.

Guyanese family in US mourns after recently graduated daughter shot dead

P

olice in suburban Orange County are looking for two men who burst into an apartment, opened fire, and killed

a recent college graduate.

At a home in Walden, New York, a tight-knit family with roots in Guyana was receiving visitors Monday, and mourning a terrible loss.

Chelsea Debidin, a 21-year-old dean’s list student and recent grad from SUNY-Orange County, was shot and killed while visiting her boyfriend at his family’s Knox Village apartment.

“They kicked in the front door and basically opened fire on the residents there, in the apartment,” New Windsor Police Deputy Chief Michael Farbent said.

The local Police are being assisted by state Police and the FBI in the search for the two men.

A neighbour told CBS2’s Tony Aiello off-camera, he heard a bang, the sound of glass breaking, and then three rapid gunshots just after midnight early Saturday morning. At the site of the broken window on Monday, a bouquet of flowers was left in memory of the victim.

“No criminal record, a college student, a good girl by all accounts,” Farbent said. “As far as the motive right now, we’re not 100 per cent certain”.

Friends are posting social media tributes to Debidin, including the fol-

Chelsea Debidin with family

lowing ones: “My heart is so heavy.

Not only did your beauty amaze so many, but your generosity and compassion changed many lives,” and “I’ll always remember that beautiful smile of yours”.

Police want to hear from anyone with information, or who may have seen the gunmen fleeing the scene. Police said the victim’s boyfriend also was shot. He’s hospitalised and is expected to recover.

13

WEDNesDAY, september 25, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

14 news

wednesDAY, september 25, 2019| guyanatimesgy.com

PPC hosts stakeholder meeting with procuring entities

T

he Public Procurement Commission (PPC) on Tuesday conducted a meeting with public procuring entities at the Pegasus Hotel, Georgetown.

Attending were Permanent Secretaries

and Heads of Department from various Ministries and Government agencies with their procurement staff, and representatives of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), Local Government Commission (LCG) and the

Stakeholders at the meeting on Tuesday

Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC).

During the meeting, a number of issues were discussed including the recent legislative developments

and their impact on the public procurement system, the requirement for submission of procurement plans, procurement expenditure and contract award information

and areas of ongoing training for procurement staff.

Clarifications were sought on the issues discussed and, at the end of the proceedings, the sen-

sitisation programme was deemed by the participants to be most educative and highly successful.

The lack of capacity through the shortage of trained staff has been an area of concern to most of the entities. This issue will be raised at the governmental level to ensure that procurement departments in all entities are adequately staffed.

The Public Procurement Commission has identified several areas where training will be conducted and will continue to engage with all entities to ensure that their procurement programmes are fully and effectively realised.

Some HIV patients not receiving treatment in Guyana – NAPS

A

lthough Guyana has been able to reap some successes in combatting challenges associated with the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), there are cases where persons diagnosed with this disease have refrained or dropped out of the Public Health Ministry’s treatment plan.

Presently, there are 5,706 persons receiving treatment.

According to the Acting Deputy Programme Manager at the National AIDS Programme Secretariat (NAPS), Dr Nicolette Boatswain, some of those are not on the treatment plan and work is ongoing by public officials to ensure that persons diagnosed

Deputy Programme Manager (ag) at the National AIDS Programme Secretariat (NAPS), Dr Nicolette Boatswain

with HIV are receiving the necessary treatment.

During a ceremony to commemorate World AIDS Day 2019 on Monday, it was revealed that many HIV infected persons have refrained or dropped out of the Public Health Ministry’s treatment plan.

Yet, statistics show that some 100 persons who required treatment are not getting it.

“What we need to strengthen are our efforts are having persons linked into care after they are diagnosed but we find that once we get persons into care they usually are retained and those we have lost we have programmes in place…the lost and follow up initiatives

where we go out and look for persons and bring them in back, to find out what the challenges are, find out what the barriers are, and we try to work with them”.

Dr Boatswain related that there is an effective tracking system in place and with the introduction of an e-register of HIV patients, those persons can rest assured that confidentiality is present and taken into all accounts at all stages of the treatment processes.

“The initiatives that we have existing in terms of lost to follow up have shown successful, we have social workers working with us who go out and find the patients, we use the information that they would have provided to us. When we track them, we do not just push them back into the system but we try to understand what the barriers are. As we continue to speak on the enabling environment, what are the barriers and challenges that that patient may be experiencing”.

She added that presently, the “lost and follow up” initiative has been 82 per cent successful in locating and reintegrating HIV patients into the treatment plans that are available.

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wednesDAY, september 25, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

Ramsammy’s Ruminations 4 Police ranks promoted by PSC With their headquarters in a dictatorship, Caricom gone blind, deaf and dumb

G

uyana is again trapped in a full-blown dictatorship.

It is not the first time. Between 1964 and 1992, the People’s National Congress (PNC), first, with Forbes Burnham and, second, with Desmond Hoyte, ruled Guyana with a brutal dictatorship. Now again, in 2019, Guyana has become a dictatorship.

The new dictator is David Granger, who has not been shy in singing the praises of his hero, the first dictator, Forbes Burnham. The PNC is now called APNU/AFC. Forbes Burnham and Hoyte sustained their dictatorships through rigged elections and the brutal use of Police and soldiers.

Now, Granger’s dictatorship has been Dr Leslie Ramsammy birthed because he stubbornly refuses to hold elections which have been due since March 21. His hope is he could buy enough time to implement a rigging machinery. As the majority of Guyanese people struggle to ensure Guyana does not sink deeply into a new era of dictatorship, Granger and his form of the PNC are also trying to use riot Police and the armed forces to intimidate and harass people. He uses the Police to keep peaceful protesters away from him. He hides from the people and he threatens them they will “pay” for opposing him. But the people have vouched they will not be intimidated, that they will hound him until he sets a date for elections. He is petrified of elections and of his people.

In the midst of the epic struggle of the Guyanese people to stop dictatorship, Caricom is disgracing itself and compromising its moral authority. Caricom has never been shy in pronouncing against dictatorship anywhere in the world, except for Guyana. Caricom knows full well Guyana is presently governed by a dictatorial cabal. It is not only the PPP and the majority of Guyanese saying so, virtually, all legitimate civil society organisations in Guyana have sternly stated the facts, as clear as could be. Business organisations such as the Guyana Private Sector Commission, the Guyana Chambers of Commerce, AmCham have called upon the Government to set the elections date for the earliest possible elections. Religious bodies have done the same.

Countries like America, Great Britain, the European Union and the Commonwealth Secretariat have condemned David Granger and APNU/AFC for governing outside of the Constitution. Guyana has become a pariah state. But throughout all of this, Caricom has acted as if it is blind, deaf and dumb. Caricom’s moral authority to speak out against dictatorship has been permanently destroyed. How can Caricom justify its silence on Guyana?

There is something worrisome to Caricom’s silence on Guyana. In 1997, soon after the PPP won a resounding electoral victory under President Janet Jagan, the PNC under Desmond Hoyte embarked on violent protest, “slo fyah, mo fyah”. The goal was the overthrow of a legitimate Government elected through free and fair elections. Caricom immediately intervened, but not to have the PNC do the right thing and accept the will of the people, instead, to negotiate the PPP shorten its term in office.

Yet, for twenty eight years before 1992, the PNC ruled with an iron fist, rigged every elections between 1968 and 1992, and Caricom never once had anything to say. In fact, several Caricom countries aided and abetted the PNC dictatorship before 1992. Now fast-forward to the present time, the PNC, under a different name, APNU/AFC, has again established a dictatorship by refusing to adhere to the Constitution and defying the Judiciary, including the Caribbean Court of Appeal. Caricom ought to be ashamed that it is so deafeningly silent as its own court, the CCJ, is totally dishonoured and disrespected by a member-country.

There is a strange double-standard for Caricom when it comes to Guyana.

On Monday afternoon, hundreds of Guyanese gathered in front of Caricom in a candlelight vigil in protest of David Granger illegally carrying on as the President of Guyana.

Caricom’s representative was cajoling with David Granger and others at the Convention Center, totally ignoring the Guyanese people demanding their rights to a free and fair election and to live in a democracy. They were very visible with their candles, peacefully crying out for freedom and democracy. But Caricom did not see or hear them, even though they were within an arm-length away from Caricom’s headquarters.

Caricom chose not to see David Granger getting riot Police to confront peaceful protesters, deemed by Granger to be hooligans. The right to protest is not only a constitutional guarantee in Guyana, it is one of the founding principles of Caricom. Hopefully, Caricom will find its voice soon enough, will find its moral grounding to demand, like the Americans, the British, the EU and the Commonwealth Secretariat, that David Granger and APNU/AFC act in accordance with the Constitution.

Assistant Commissioner of Police, Commander of F Division, Kevin Adonis

T

he Police Service Commission (PSC) has recently promoted four members of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) to senior positions and it is expected that their dedication over the years will be the same as they execute their duties in their new portfolios.

Guyana Times understands that Commander of F Division (Interior locations), Senior Superintendent Kevin Adonis, along with recently reinstated Superintendent of Police, Simon McBean, have both been elevated to the rank of Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP), following deliberations and a decision made by the Police Service Commission a few days ago.

According to the new ACP, Commander Adonis, he spent over 35 years dedicating his time and energies towards serving the GPF, and is thankful for being recognised for this.

“I am elated. First, I must thank God for bringing me this far in the GPF and to have achieved this rank and at the same time I am encouraging others to be dedicated, because dedication pays off. It shows clearly that once you have discipline in the GPF and you have goals, set your goals and work towards it, it will pay off, the Almighty knows that I deserve it and that was it,” he told Guyana Times on Saturday.

When contacted on Saturday, ACP McBean told this newspaper that he is presently out of the jurisdiction and was yet to receive any formal notification about his recent promotion.

Meanwhile, Head of Immigration, Superintendent Ewart Wray has been promoted to Senior Superintendent and former Best Cop, Cadet Officer Jermaine Dufu, has had his rank elevated to Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP).

The newly promoted Senior Superintendent Wray related that to have been appointed to such a position is “quite humbling” and that this promotion comes at a time when his office has been reaping successes.

“It’s indeed an honour!

I believe that this appoint-

Senior Superintendent and Head of Immigration, Ewart Wray

ment is a recognition of my performance by the Force’s administration…the Immigration Department in recent times has been receiving positive feedbacks from the public; local and in the diaspora, regarding the efficient service we provide, passport service in particular…that could not have occurred though, without a committed and dedicated team of Immigration of-

Assistant Commissioner Police, Simon McBean

of

ficers whom I lead, therefore, I must say thanks to them at this juncture,” he stated.

According to Wray, hard work pays off, and ranks of the GPF in their various Units and Departments should ensure that they remain committed to their jobs.

“I would also use this opportunity to encourage all ranks throughout the

Assistant Superintendent Jermaine Dufu

divisions and branches of the Force to strive to contribute to the mandate of the organisation which is to serve and protect.”

Meanwhile, attempts to contact ASP Dufu for a comment on his recent promotion proved futile.

16

guyanatimesgy.com

wednesday, september 25, 2019

Regional

Bolsonaro attacks ‘lying’ media on Amazon Nicaragua Police arrest fires, demands respect for Brazil’s sovereignty 3 suspects in weekend attack on bridge B razilian President Jair Bolsonaro attacked the media on Tuesday for ‘lying’ about the fires in the Amazon and criticized international concern for the rainforest as fuelled by interest in the region’s biodiversity and mineral wealth.

A day after shunning a high-profile UN meeting on climate change, Bolsonaro used his speech to the General Assembly to re-enforce Brazil’s sovereign right over its 60% share of the Amazon.

“It’s wrong to say the Amazon is part of a global

Brazil’s President Jair Bolsonaro addresses the 74th session of the United Nations General Assembly at UN headquarters in New York City [Photo by: REUTERS/Carlo Allegri]

heritage and wrong to say, as scientists affirm, that our rainforest are the lungs of

the world,” Bolsonaro said.

The surge in fires in the Amazon this year, the highest since 2010, has caused worldwide concern over the rainforest, considered a bulwark against climate change, and criticism of Bolsonaro’s government for not doing enough to stop the deliberate setting of fires to expand pastures.

Climate change has been at the top of the agenda at this year’s gathering of world leaders, with Swedish teenage activist Greta Thunberg urging immediate action to avoid an environmental catastrophe.

Bolsonaro said the dry weather at this time of year favoured fries, both spontaneous and illegal, stating that the rainforest is not being devastated by the blazes “as the lying media says.”

He added that the “sensationalist attacks” his government has sustained from the international media over the fires have sparked Brazilian patriotism.

The right-wing President took office in January with a plan to develop the Amazon by building roads and extending agriculture and mining into Indigenous reservations. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Trinidad: Police probe theft of materials, infrastructure at river banks

T

he investigating expertise of the Police Service is now being utilised to look into people who steal equipment and infrastructure from river banks across the country.

According to several Government ministers, this illegal practice is to blame for some of the flooding being experienced in the country.

“Several of us mentioned it today because of how upsetting it is. Minister

Sinanan is the one who brought it to my attention for me to get the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service to launch an investigation into it”.

He said there are several laws that could be used to charge people who are caught committing this crime, for example, larceny.

On Monday, a tropical storm warning was in effect for T&T in light of the passage of Tropical Storm Karen. Following hours of heavy rains and intense winds, several areas were

left inundated with water.

But at a news conference at his ministry’s headquarters on Abercromby Street, Port-of-Spain yesterday, Minister of National Security, Stuart Young expressed frustration with the issue.

“We have been getting reports that where there have been experiences of flood, what has happened was very inconsiderate citizens have decided to remove the material that was used to build up these river banks.

So there have been breaches

along the river bank because people decided quite bluntly, to steal the material that the Ministry of Works and Local Government and Rural Development put along some of these river banks”.

Echoing the sentiments was Works and Transport Minister Rohan Sinanan.

“It is a real problem. I can’t tell you if it is 300 or 400 but one breach is all it takes to flood out an entire area,” Sinanan said It’s an issue he felt requires stronger enforcement.

(Excerpt from T&T Guardian)

Venezuela’s Maduro to meet Putin in Moscow, but no deals planned

R

ussian President Vladimir Putin will meet his embattled Venezuelan counterpart Nicolás Maduro in Moscow Wednesday, but the two aren’t planning to sign any documents, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said.

“Various aspects of bilateral cooperation will be discussed,” Peskov told a conference call. The leaders will hold one-on-one talks, as well as a working lunch including other officials.

“Of course, opinions will be exchanged on regional issues, first of all IberoAmerican issues and the

direct intervention of third countries in them.”

Russia has been a strong ally for Maduro as the US has stepped up pressure on the Venezuelan leader, but Moscow has in recent years been reluctant to grant new economic support for the struggling government, which is still repaying billions in past loans, in part with oil supplies.

Maduro last visited Russia in December 2018, just days before two Russian strategic bombers made a trip to Venezuela, drawing protest from the US (Bloomberg)

T

about the mistreatment of non-Bahamians in the wake of Hurricane Dorian that affected the islands of Abaco and Grand Bahama.

“In particular, there is a video of purported violence by Bahamians against Haitians. It is a false accusation that this incident took place in The Bahamas,” the statement said.

It said that all residents evacuated from the affected islands requiring housing are in safe and secure

N

icaraguan Police have arrested three men on suspicion of planting explosives on a bridge leading to the country’s most important port that was damaged in a weekend blast, friends and relatives of the detainees said on Tuesday.

The bridge to Puerto Corinto in western Nicaragua suffered cracks in the Saturday evening attack, which came amid anti-government protests. The bridge has since been repaired, according to Reuters witnesses.

“My son was captured on Sunday at four in the afternoon,” Nubia Sandoval, the mother of one of the three suspects arrested, Douglas Villanueva, told Reuters.

Sandoval said her son had taken part in protests against the Government, but denied he had anything to do with the attack.

The others arrested were Carlos Cardenas and Henry Lara, Opposition activist lawyers from a political party in the nearby city of Chinandega, said Roberto Lira, a friend of Cardenas.

Cardenas was arrested

on Monday, Lira said. He said neither Cardenas nor Lara were involved in the bridge attack.

Police have not provided information about the blasts or the detainees, and did not reply to a request from Reuters for comment.

The government also did not reply to a request for comment.

Nicaragua has been in the grip of a political crisis since demonstrations broke out against the Government of President Daniel Ortega in April 2018 over planned welfare cuts.

The demonstrations spread into broader protests against Ortega, and clashes between pro-government forces and protesters have claimed more than 300 lives and prompted thousands of Nicaraguans to go into exile, human rights groups say.

A little-known group opposed to Ortega, the Nicaraguan Patriotic Alliance, claimed responsibility for the weekend attacks, which included not only the bridge bombing but also homemade bomb blasts in Managua and the city Masaya. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Mexicans say corruption is falling, even as a third still paid bribes Venezuela's President Nicolás Maduro and Russia's President Vladimir Putin shake hands during a meeting at the NovoOgaryovo residence in Moscow [Photo by: Russian Presidential Press and Information Office / Handout/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images]

Bahamas Government denies illtreatment of Haitians

he Bahamas Government has denied allegations that non-nationals are being mistreated after Hurricane Dorian and appealed to the international community “to seek trusted and credible sources of information” on the country.

In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that the Hubert Minnis Administration had become aware “of a number of false reports circulating on social media

Protesters took to the streets in Nicaragua’s capital, but were met with repression

shelters provided by the Government and that the evacuees are provided with three meals daily as well as medical care, school placement for children, and social assistance.

“The Government would like to reiterate that all residents of Abaco and Grand Bahama affected by Hurricane Dorian have access to social assistance, regardless of country of birth, nationality or immigration status. A number of private charitable or-

ganisations are also rendering assistance,” the Government said, adding that its actions are in conformity with international humanitarian norms.

“All repatriation exercises for individuals in and from the affected areas have been suspended. The Government continues to advise Bahamians and the international community to seek trusted and credible sources of information,” the statement added. (Excerpt from CMC)

M

exicans say corruption is falling even as a third of them also report paying a bribe, a survey by Transparency International said on Monday, as the 10-month-old administration of President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador sets its sights on stamping out graft.

The Global Corruption Barometer 2019 report shows that 44% of Mexicans say corruption has increased over the last year, compared with 61% of Mexicans in 2017.

Veteran leftist Lopez Obrador took office in December promising to root out the entrenched corruption, poverty and violence afflicting Latin America’s second-largest economy.

A majority of Mexicans, 61% of those polled, said Lopez Obrador was doing a “good” or “very good” job of

fighting corruption. Only 24% said the same thing about his predecessor, former President Enrique Pena Nieto, in the 2017 report.

In line with that, one of every five respondents said corruption in Mexico decreased over the last year, versus only 6% of those surveyed in the 2017 poll.

Still, nine of 10 Mexicans surveyed by the anti-graft group “underscored that corruption remains a problem for the country, although they perceive changes compared to previous years,” the report showed.

Some 34% of those polled said they had paid a bribe over the past 12 months to access public services, down from 51% in 2017.

Pollster Ipsos conducted 1,000 face-to-face interviews in Mexico between February 26 and March 9 for the Transparency International report. (Reuters)

guyanatimesgy.com

WEDNesday, september 25, 2019

17

Around the World

Supreme Court: Suspending Parliament Tanker truck explosion in Mali capital kills was unlawful, Judges rule

B

oris Johnson’s decision to suspend Parliament for five weeks was unlawful, the Supreme Court has ruled.

Judges said it was wrong to stop MPs carrying out duties in the run-up to the Brexit deadline on October 31.

The PM, who has faced calls to resign, said he “profoundly disagreed” with the ruling but would “respect” it.

The Labour conference finished early following the ruling and MPs are returning to Westminster ready for Parliament to reconvene today.

The Prime Minister insisted he wanted to outline

Speaker John Bercow

his Government’s policies in a Queen’s Speech on October 14 and to do that, Parliament must be prorogued and a new session started.

The court ruling does not prevent him from prorogu-

ing again in order to hold one, as long as it does not stop Parliament carrying out its duties “without reasonable justification”.

But Supreme Court President Lady Hale empha-

“Right now we have confirmed the death of 20 people and about 300 people are injured. That number could increase because some people are still being brought to the hospitals,” Mirpur Police Chief Gul Faraz told Al Jazeera.

Faraz said the damage was mainly limited to the area around the city of Mirpur, in Pakistan-administered Kashmir, located about 85km (53 miles) southeast of the Pakistani capital Islamabad.

Local disaster management officials told Al Jazeera they were still gathering reports from the site of the earthquake, but had received word of damage to infrastructure.

“We have reports of cracks in the roads there,” said disaster management official Ammar Raza Shaikh.

Tahir Mahmood, a senior police official in Rawalakot, about 80km (50 miles) from Mirpur, said: “there is a lot of

sised in the ruling that the case was “not about when and on what terms” the UK left the EU - it was about the decision to suspend Parliament.

Delivering the justices’ conclusions, she said: “The decision to advise Her Majesty to prorogue Parliament was unlawful because it had the effect of frustrating or preventing the ability of Parliament to carry out its constitutional functions without reasonable justification.”

Lady Hale said the unanimous decision of the 11 Justices meant Parliament had effectively not been prorogued - the decision was null and of no effect. (Excerpt from BBC News)

At least 20 killed as quake hits Pakistan-administered Kashmir

A

t least 20 people have been killed and more than 300 injured after a magnitude 5.8 earthquake rattled Pakistanadministered Kashmir and areas in Punjab province.

Tuesday’s quake hit 22 kilometres (14 miles) north of the city of Jhelum along the boundary separating the agricultural heartland of Punjab province and Pakistan-administered Kashmir, the US geological agency, USGS, said.

damage to infrastructure [in Mirpur]”.

“Roads seem to have developed cracks and sunk. Lots of vehicles were thrown around.”

Electricity supply to Mirpur and Kotli districts was cut off, the National Disaster Management Authority said in a statement.

“So far, 200 tents, 800 blankets and 110 rescuers have been dispatched to the scene,” the statement added. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

6, wounds 46

People observe the site of a fuel tanker explosion during a traffic accident in Bamako, Mali, September 24, 2019

A

fuel tanker exploded during a traffic accident in the centre of Mali’s capital Bamako on Tuesday, killing six people and badly wounding 46 others, an emergency response official said.

The tanker swerved out of the way of a motorcycle, lost control, crashed on its side and exploded, a witness told Reuters. The flames engulfed onlookers who ran to put themselves out in nearby gutters, he said.

Photos of the scene circulating online showed a wide column of black smoke rising high into the sky. On the roadside, photos showed a

line of charred motorcycles and cars.

“We found several people burned and the tank was knocked down when we arrived on the scene. At the moment, we have 46 seriously injured and six killed, over 30 motorcycles, a pick-up and a goods vehicle burned,” said Lieutenant General Diarra, the Director General of civil protection of Bamako District.

There was no immediate suggestion that the accident had any link with Islamist groups who frequently carry out violent attacks in the north and centre of the restive West African country.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

Trump Ukraine row: Ahead of huge parade, China complains Democrats ‘to launch of ‘strange logic’ about its military Trump impeachment C inquiry’ hina’s military complained on Tuesday that if it displayed new weapons at next week’s huge military parade in Beijing it would be seen as a “show of force”, and if it didn’t then it would be blamed for a lack of transparency.

President Xi Jinping will oversee a massive parade of the armed forces through central Beijing on October 1 to mark 70 years since the establishment of Communist China, with State media promising that new missiles, aircraft and drones will be shown.

Xi has overseen an ambitious military modernisation programme and rising defence spending since he took power in late 2012. China has been frequently criti-

A military vehicle passes along a street as streets in central Beijing were closed off for a rehearsal of the military parade on October 1 to mark the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China, in Beijing, China, September 21, 2019

cised by Washington and its allies for being overly secretive and a threat to regional stability.

Chinese Defence Ministry spokesman Wu Qian, speaking at a news conference

about the parade, said there were always certain people and forces who “liked to hype things up untruthfully” about the country’s military.

“In their heads they have an extremely strange logic:

diplomatic options, economic options and military options - and then make the decision,” Adel al-Jubeir said at a conference on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly.

“We want to avoid war.

But at the same time we have to signal to the Iranians that ‘your behaviour cannot continue’,” he added.

Jubeir said the United

Nations was helping it identify the launch site for the September 14 attacks, which temporarily knocked out over 5 per cent of global oil production and sent petroleum prices spiking higher.

Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi rebels claimed responsibility for the attacks on Saudi’s Abqaiq and Khurais facilities, but both Riyadh

if the Chinese armed forces show off arms and equipment then it’s a ‘show of force’, and if they don’t then they ‘lack transparency,’” Wu said.

“We have no intention, and no need, to use a military parade as a ‘show of force,” said Wu. “The stronger we are, the more positive energy we can bring to world peace.”

China has been coy about exactly what new equipment it will put on display at the parade.

Attention in state media has focused on the Dongfeng-41 intercontinental ballistic missile that may be able to carry several nuclear warheads and reach the United States, supersonic drones and stealth fighters. (Excerpted from Reuters)

Saudi to consider ‘all options’ in response to attack on oil facilities – official

S

audi Arabia believes Iran conducted the recent attacks on its oil facilities and will consider a military response once its investigation is complete, the kingdom’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs said on Tuesday.

“We want to mobilise international support, and we want to look at all options -

and Washington have laid the blame on Iran.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said there was no evidence the attack came from Yemen, where a Saudiled coalition has been battling the Houthis for over four years in a conflict widely seen as a proxy war between Saudi Arabia and Iran. (Excerpt

from Reuters)

D

emocrats will open a formal impeachment inquiry into President Donald Trump over claims that he sought political help from Ukraine, US media reports say.

The decision by top Democrat Nancy Pelosi follows growing demands from her party.

Trump has denied impropriety but has acknowledged discussing political rival Joe Biden with the Ukrainian President.

No US President has ever been removed from office by impeachment.

There has been no official confirmation from Pelosi, who as House Speaker is the most senior Democrat. But an announcement is due shortly.

Biden said impeachment proceedings should begin unless the US President complies with investigations into his conversation with Ukraine’s leader.

Impeaching Trump “would be a tragedy”, Biden said. “But a tragedy of his making.” The former vice-President is frontrunner to take on Trump in the

2020 election.

There is widespread support among Democrats in the lower house for impeachment but it is unlikely to pass the Republicancontrolled Senate if it moves forward.

Last week reports said US intelligence officials had complained to a Government watchdog about Trump’s interactions with a foreign leader, who was later revealed to be the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky.

That whistleblower’s complaint - which was deemed “urgent” and credible by the intelligence inspector general - has been demanded by Democrats in Congress, but the White House and Department of Justice have refused to provide it.

During meetings at the UN in New York on Tuesday, Trump tweeted that an “unredacted” transcript of a call to Zelensky will be released today.

Trump has acknowledged discussing Joe Biden with Zelensky. (Excerpt from BBC News)

18

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wednesDAY, september 25, 2019

ARCHIE

ARIES

Stick to the person who has been your rock through thick and thin. Offer your thoughts, concerns and plans, and work toward greater equality and shared dreams

TAURUS (April 20May 20)

Put your situation in perspective. What’s it going to cost and what’s your best approach to getting what you want? Plan your actions instead of letting your emotions take the reins.

(March 21April 19)

dilbert

GEMINI (May 21June 20)

CANCER (June 21July 22)

Peanuts

LEO (July 23Aug. 22)

Calvin and Hobbes VIRGO (Aug. 23Sept. 22)

LIBRA (Sept. 23Oct. 23)

SUDOKU

SCORPIO (Oct. 24Nov. 22)

Don’t mess with authority, rules or regulations.

Trust only the facts and people who don’t have ulterior motives. Take care of your health, wealth and emotional well-being.

Change requires physical energy, insight and flexibility. An opportunity will not live up to your expectations. Get the lowdown before you make a commitment.

Look for adventure, excitement and interesting, informative people. Make choices based on what you want. Be a leader, not a follower. Alter only what needs to be updated.

A change of pace, surroundings or direction is favored. Expand your outlook, make new connections and learn all you can. Knowledge is power, and it will be instrumental in promoting personal growth.

Change happens when you decide to act. Take the initiative to put an end to what no longer works for you. Stop the madness and begin to live life your way.

Don’t let your personal and professional lives collide.

Keep your emotions, domestic situation and past secret.

Remain focused on what you are trying to accomplish instead of trying to impress others.

SAGITTARIUS Explore the possibilities, but don’t count on (Nov. 23something hypothetiDec. 21) cal. Gather the facts and look at the costs involved.

Transparency is necessary if you want to avoid making a mistake.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22Jan. 19)

YESTERDAY’S

solution for LAST PUBLISHED puzzle AQUARIUS (Jan. 20Feb. 19)

PISCES (Feb. 20March 20)

Don’t give anyone access to your personal affairs, especially if intimidation is involved.

Staying in control and handling matters yourself is advised. An adjustment at home will help ward off interference.

Set your plans in motion and don’t stop until you are satisfied with what you’ve accomplished. A relationship with someone innovative will lead to new opportunities.

Keep a watchful eye over what others do or how they respond to change. Align yourself with people who share your beliefs and goals.

Positive support will encourage change and personal growth.

Wednesday, september 25, 2019

19

Zouks leapfrog to 4th with big win over Patriots

S

t Lucia Zouks jumped from last place in the 2019 Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL) table to a play-off spot with a fine 20-run victory over St Kitts & Nevis Patriots at the Darren Sammy Stadium.

The win lifts the Zouks to five points and above both Jamaica Tallawahs and Barbados Tridents into

the 12th over, but really hammered home the advantage after it.

Kesrick Williams struck twice in the 13th over, deceiving Evans with a slower ball to earn a simple caught and bowled before pinning Fabian Allen lbw for just 1, and Carlos Brathwaite fell in the next after skying Fawad Ahmed to sub fielder Kavem

was deceived in the flight and offered a return catch that Fawad accepted at the second

in 20 balls, it never really got the Patriots within striking distance of victory. When

Hardus Vilojen was in top form with the ball

Darren Sammy on the go during his blitz

fourth place, while for their part the Patriots remain on eight points having missed a chance to go second in the table and also guarantee a topfour finish.

While there was a good start and decent finish with the bat, the Zouks’ win owed much to a fine all-round bowling performance that allowed them to defend a total of 165-6 that felt no better than par at the halfway stage.

The Patriots’ dangerous openers Evin Lewis and Devon Thomas both fell in the Powerplay – Hardus Viljoen getting Lewis well caught by Chris Barnwell off a skied pull shot in a rare T20 wicket maiden – before some tight bowling kept a firm lid on the scoring rate even as Laurie Evans and Mohammad Hafeez were adding 49 for the third wicket.

The Zouks already appeared to have the upper hand when rain forced a short delay with the Patriots 77-2 in

Hodge.

Shamarh

Brooks

was

attempt, the Patriots had lost five wickets for 26 since the resumption.

Rayad Emrit launched back-to-back Hero Maximums over the legside off Williams and the Zouks briefly lost their composure with a couple of chances going down.

Keron Cottoy joined in with a

Emrit was caught at longon to give Viljoen a deserved third wicket in a spell that cost just 14 runs, the required rate had already climbed to four per ball.

Williams picked up his third wicket of the night: Alzarri Joseph hitting another slower ball to Colin de

Andre Fletcher watched Devon Thomas’ wicket being destroyed

Viljoen’s second victim, clubbing what was by now a rare boundary, and when Hafeez

slog-sweep over the ropes off Fawad, but even though the partnership brought 27 runs

Grandhomme at midwicket and despite Cottoy smashing the last ball of the night

SCOREBOARD Zouks Innings ADS Fletcher † st †Thomas b Mohammad Hafeez 36 RRS Cornwall b Joseph 13 CA Ingram st †Thomas b Mohammad Hafeez 21 C de Grandhomme c Allen b Mohammad Hafeez 17 AM McCarthy b Cottoy 6 CD Barnwell not out 27 DJG Sammy (c) c Evans b Joseph 30 GC Viljoen not out 2 Extras 13 (lb 6, w 7) TOTAL 165/6 (20 Overs, RR: 8.25) Did not bat: KOK Williams, Fawad Ahmed, J Royal Fall of wickets: 1-34 (Rahkeem Cornwall, 3.4 ov), 2-72 (Andre Fletcher, 7.1 ov), 3-87 (Colin Ingram, 9.2 ov), 4-98 (Colin de Grandhomme, 11.5 ov), 5-101 (Andre McCarthy, 12.4 ov), 6-157 (Darren Sammy, 18.3 ov) BOWLING : JS Louis 2-0-23-0 AS Joseph 4-0-20-2 RR Emrit 3-0-40-0 Mohammad Hafeez 4-0-2-3 KJ Cottoy 4-0-28-1 CR Brathwaite 3-0-26-0

for a huge six, the Zouks ran out comfortable and deserved winners.

They had earlier failed to fully capitalise on a fine Powerplay with the bat, in the end needing a 56-run partnership between Sammy and Barnwell for the sixth wicket to lift them to 165-6 having been 7-1 after seven overs with Andre Fletcher and Colin Ingram looking good for a huge total.

The Zouks’ slump from that position to 101-5 was largely down to Hafeez and Thomas, who combined superbly to have both set batsmen stumped off wides.

Both batsmen were guilty of setting off a touch early, giving Hafeez time to make the adjustments, which he duly did. For Fletcher, the ball was pushed down the legside and smartly taken by Thomas, who promptly removed the bails and then two

St Kitts and Nevis Patriots Innings DC Thomas † b Royal 9 E Lewis c Barnwell b Viljoen 10 LJ Evans c & b Williams 28 Mohammad Hafeez c & b Fawad Ahmed 29 FA Allen lbw b Williams 1 CR Brathwaite (c) c sub (KAR Hodge) b Fawad Ahmed 2 SSJ Brooks b Viljoen 7 KJ Cottoy not out 0 RR Emrit not out 4 Extras 17 (lb 8, w 9) TOTAL 107/7 (16.1 Overs, RR: 6.61) Did to bat: AS Joseph, JS Louis Fall of wickets: 1-28 (Evin Lewis, 3.4 ov), 2-31 (Devon Thomas, 4.5 ov), 3-80 (Laurie Evans, 12.1 ov), 4-89 (Fabian Allen, 12.6 ov), 5-94 (Carlos Brathwaite, 13.6 ov), 6-103 (Shamarh Brooks, 14.6 ov), 7-103 (Mohammad Hafeez, 15.1 ov) BOWLING CD Barnwell 1-0-7-0 RRS Cornwall 1-0-6-0 KOK Williams 2.1-0-21-2 GC Viljoen 3-1-11-2 J Royal 4-0-30-1 Fawad Ahmed 3-0-11-2 C de Grandhomme 2-0-3-0

of the stumps for good measure to send his opposite number packing.

It seemed a big moment, with Fletcher looking back to something like his very best in his 23-ball 36 with four fours and two huge Hero Maximums.

For Ingram, the ball was pushed wide of the off stump, but the result was the same.

Hafeez added a third big wicket when de Grandhomme picked out Evans at deep midwicket.

Joseph was impressive at the top and tail of the innings, bowling Rahkeem Cornwall just as the big man was cutting loose and then having Sammy caught for a crucial and cool-headed 30 by Evans late on. Those wickets came at a cost of just 20 runs.

Barnwell finished unbeaten on 27 from 23 balls, having helped Sammy dig the Zouks out of a hole. (CPL)

Bumrah out of South Africa Tests with stress fracture

J

asprit Bumrah, India's number one fast bowler, has been ruled out of the Test series against South Africa, which begins in Visakhapatnam on October 2.

Bumrah has suffered a "minor stress fracture in his lower back", according to Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) press release. The injury came to light "during a routine radiological screening". Umesh

Yadav will replace Bumrah in India's Test squad.

The emergence of Bumrah, Ishant Sharma, and Mohammed Shami as India's first-choice fast-bowling combination has reduced Umesh's opportunities of late, limiting him to only five Tests since the start of 2018. In his second-to-last Test, however, he picked up a career-best match haul of 10 for 133 against West Indies in Hyderabad.

Bumrah's injury is a significant blow to India. Since his Test debut in January 2018, he has quickly established himself as one of the world's most dangerous fast bowlers, picking up 62 wickets in 12 Test matches at an average of 19.24. He already has five-wicket hauls in each of the four tours he has been on – South Africa, England, Australia, and the West Indies – and the series against South Africa was to

be his first at home. This is the second time Bumrah has had to miss Tests due to injury. A thumb injury, picked up during a T20I against Ireland in Malahide, forced him to miss the first half of India's tour of England last year, including the first two Tests. The stress fracture, though, will worry India a little more, since it was not sustained on the field of play. India have been mindful of Bumrah's workload,

resting him from the limited-overs legs of their tours of Australia, New Zealand, and the West Indies earlier this year. Some, though, believe it will help Bumrah's fitness to play as much cricket as possible.

"Bumrah should play as many games as possible, I always endorse that," the former India quick Zaheer Khan told The Indian Express when asked what the best way to preserve

Bumrah would be.

"More matches you play, more experience you get.

That bowling rhythm and fitness is very important.

You have to strike that right balance.

"The way Bumrah has evolved in such a short span of time has been remarkable. He is a thinking bowler. You can achieve such success, when you keep improving, keep thinking, keep upgrading." (ESPNCricinfo)

20

GUYANATIMESgy.COM

wednesday, september 25, 2019

RHTY&SC/BCB/GBTI Inter-Secondary School Tournament…

Port Mourant Secondary advance to final, JC Chandisingh cruise into semi P

ort Mourant Secondary School defeated Central Corentyne Secondary School by nine wickets to advance to the final of the Berbice Cricket Board/Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club/Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry (GBTI)

Region Six Inter-Secondary Schools Under-19 Cricket Tournament.

The Port Mourant Secondary School team drew the bye into the final while JC Chandisingh Secondary defeated arch-rivals Berbice High School (BHS) by 43 runs to reach the lone semi-final, where

they would clash with the Berbice Educational Institute (BEI) to decide the other finalist.

Play in the tournament restarted after it was postponed for five months owing to the long rainy season and August holidays. The Tournament, sponsored by

Jonathan Rampersaud will be leading the JC Chandisingh team (Brandon Corlette photos)

GBTI Ltd, was organised under the RHTY&SC Say Yes to Education and Sports programme.

Central Corentyne Secondary School won the toss against Port Mourant Secondary and elected to bat at the Port Mourant Cricket Ground. They were bowled out for 39 in 18 overs as Tyrese Smartt topscored with 10. Guyana Under-15 player Matthew Pottaya claimed three wickets for three runs. Needing

Rampertab Ramnauth remains the key for Port Mourant Secondary

to score 40 to win, Port Mourant Secondary School raced to 43 from 6.3 overs as West Indies Under-15 star Rampertab Ramnauth ended on 22 not out.

At the Area H Ground, JC Chandisingh batted first after losing the toss and reached 150 for 7 off their allotted 20 overs. Guyana junior all-rounder Jonathan Rampersaud stroked a solid 53, which was decorated with three fours and two sixes, and received support from Riyah Mohabir (29);

Surendra Ramcharitar (18) and Jeremy Sandia (18).

Bowling for BHS, Seeram took 2 for 8 while Abdul Ramsammy grabbed 2 for 26. In response, BHS were restricted to 107-9 with Zeynul Ramsammy (11) and Seeram (15) being the only batsmen to reach double figures. Left-arm spinners Lucas Arthur (2 for 16) and former national player Pavendra Ganesh (4 for 16) bowled well for JC Chandisingh Secondary School.

UWI Professor, US doctor suggest Williams didn’t try to cheat P

rofessor Wayne McLaughlin testified on Tuesday before a Jamaica Anti-Doping Disciplinary Panel that the amount of hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) found in Briana Williams’ sample was not consistent with someone who was taking a diuretic to conceal the use of more serious substances, SportsMax TV sources said.

McLaughlin, the Professor of Molecular Biology in the Department of Basic Medical Sciences, was speaking at the hearing involving the 17-year-old star, who returned an adverse finding from a sample she provided to a doping control officer (DCO) at Jamaica’s National Championships in June.

Kent Gammon, the Chairman of the Independent Anti-Doping Disciplinary Panel; Dr Majorie Vassell and Denise

Forest, a former President of the Jamaica Women’s Hockey Association, comprise the disciplinary panel that will determine the level of Williams’ culpability in the matter.

Williams awoke on the morning of June 21 with flu-like symptoms and took Pharma Cold and Flu tablets given to her by her mother, Sharon Simpson.

Simpson reportedly purchased the tablets at a pharmacy in Kingston.

SportsMax TV sources also indicated that Dr Charles Wong also gave evidence at the in-camera hearing held at the Eden Gardens Wellness Resort and Spa on Lady Musgrave Road in Kingston.

Dr Wong, the Head of the Department of Chemistry at the Southern California Coastal Water Research Authority, reportedly said

that the quantity of the HCTZ in Williams’ sample was consistent with what obtains in cases of external contamination.

Williams’ Coach, Ato Boldon, on hearing that Williams had returned an adverse finding on July 25, sent the batch of tablets to a lab in Michigan in the United States.

The lab results suggested that the batch of tablets were contaminated.

The expert witnesses’ testimony seemed to be consistent with what Williams told the panel on Monday.

She said her mother, Sharon Simpson, had given her the tablets to take on the morning of Friday, June 21, hours before she competed in the finals of the 100m at the National Championships.

Williams said they checked to determine whether the tablets con-

Brianna Williams

tained substances that were on the WADA banned list but found none. According to Williams, it was only after the finding in her sample that it was ascertained the tablets were contaminated, suggesting there was no way she could have been expected to know that.

Simpson also testified, verifying what Williams had told the panel earlier.

The Jamaica Anti-Doping Commission (JADCO), represented by Queens Counsel Ian Wilkinson, called four witnesses – medical technologist Oraine Campbell, doping control officer Nerece

Hinds-Wilson, lead doping control officer Angela Lee, and Tajae Smith, the manager of sample collection and testing.

Dr Emir Crowne represents Briana Williams.

The hearing was expected to resume on Tuesday morning. (Sportsmax)

guyanatimesgy.com

wednesday, september 25, 2019

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BCB 80th anniversary celebrations 1939-2019…

Beharry, Moore among those inducted into BCB Administrator Hall of Fame

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Carl Moore

F

ive outstanding cricket administrators with a combined voluntary service of over 130 years have been inducted into the Berbice Cricket Administrators Hall of Fame by the Berbice Cricket Board (BCB).

The inductees were Anil Beharry, Malcolm Peters, Manohar Pooran, Carl Moore, and Keith Foster.

The induction of the second

batch of awardees was done during the BCB’s 80th anniversary programme at the historic Albion Community Centre Ground.

The BCB under the presidency of Keith Foster in 2014 established the Hall of Fame as part of the Board’s 75th anniversary programme.

The main objectives of the Administrator Hall of Fame are to honour outstanding cricket officials for service of the highest standard, and to identify and record the Board’s history for future generations of leaders. BCB President Hilbert Foster ,in a passionate speech, hailed the outstanding contributions of the five awardees, who laid the foundation for his current executives to build on, so that the rich legacy of John Trim, Rohan Kanhai, Roy Fredericks, Basil Butcher, and Alvin Kallicharran can go on from strength to strength.

Foster stated that he had the privilege of working with

all of the awardees and gaining a lot of knowledge from them. Special mention was made of his eldest brother, who was his role model while growing up. Beharry served as Treasurer of the BCB from 1998 to 2014 and was later elected to the presidency in 2015. Moore holds the record as the longest-service Secretary of the Board, having served from 1991 to 2007.

Moore also served as Chairman of the Competitions Committee for a number of years. Manohar Pooran also known as Sam Suchit was the person responsible for the success of the Port Mourant Cricket Club in the 1980s and 1990s. Pooran served as the Assistant Secretary of the BCB Board for many years and also as Chairman of the Competitions Committee.

Malcolm Peters first joined the BCB in 1977 and served as Assistant Treasurer in 1977/1978.

Anil Beharry

He was appointed Chairman of Competitions in 1986 and served up to 1993. Peters won the BCB presidency in 2004 and served up to 2007. Keith Foster joined the BCB in 1991 as a representative of the Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club and has served as Vice President, Assistant Secretary and Competitions Chairman. In 2008, he was elected BCB President and served three two-year terms.

Under his presidency, the BCB was transformed into a dynamic Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) and Guyana’s most proactive organisation.

Peters, who was present at the ceremony unveiled five portraits of the awardees, received resounding applause from the overflowing audience. In a prepared statement, the veteran cricket administrator expressed gratitude to the BCB and hailed the outstanding work of the Board over the years. On behalf of the other awardees, Peters said it was a great honour to be inducted into the Hall of Fame. He reminded administrators that their duties were to serve others and not themselves. The first level of Inductees in 2004 were Lennox Phillips, Leslie Amsterdam, Mortimer George, Ancel Hazel, Victor Omrow and Duncan Mc Gregor Stuart.

15th annual Laparkan Holdings cycling set for Saturday

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Veteran Leer Nunes in the big bunch during the last race held at the National Park

Flashback! 2018 champion Christopher Griffith (left on the outside as Deeraj Gharbaran and Briton John battle it out (Brandon Corlette photos)

R

iveting cycling action will continue on Saturday, September 28 at the National Park,

Thomas Lands.

All of the top wheelsmen will assemble at the inner circuits for the 15th annual

Laparkan Holdings 11-race programme, which will pedal off from 09:00h. This race will feature a 35-lap schoolboys and invitational main event.

The race is organised by the father of cycling in Guyana, Hassan Mohammed.

Laparkan Human Resources Manager Lynette Shivlochan will grace the event with her presence to distribute prizes to the top cyclists.

Currently, Briton John and

Jamaul John (no relations) have been dominating the local cycling circuit and they will turn out to battle for supremacy.

Jamaul John will be looking to extend his form, as he is fresh from a win on Sunday last. Briton John, who has been making great strides, will also be expected to light up the National Park with speed. In the 2018 event, Team Evolutions’ Christopher Griffith won the

35-lap schoolboys and invitational race with a stellar time of one hour 18 minutes 32 seconds.

David Hicks won the 1214 boys category while veteran Leer Nunes won the veterans Under-50 category.

Donovan Fraser clinched the juvenile class, Quincy Punch won the mountain bike category, Neshawn Rigby won the BMX 6-9 category and Shaquille Dow won the BMX 9-12 and 12-14 categories.

22

wednesday, september 25, 2019

GUYANATIMESgy.COM

Limacol Football Tournament

George’s 4 put Pele in cruise control P

ele FC and Mahaica Determinators FC on Monday evening made a surge to the top of their Group D in the Limacol Football Tournament, with resounding wins.

Up and coming youth star Dorwin George stamped his authority against the Police B football team on Monday night, as he initiated a rain of goals on his hapless opponents.

Pele FC were yet to outright lose an encounter, after winning their first and drawing their second game in the fourth edition of the Limacol tournament. On the other hand, their rivals on Monday night, Police B, were yet to gain some points after two losses upfront.

In a bid to secure a consolation win in the competition, the law officers were the first to celebrate a goal in the 10th minute coming off the boots of Terrence Shepherd. However, their

Dorwin George (10) was in control for Pele up front

joy was short-lived as George got into his groove.

After getting a feel for the opponents’ defence, George began his onslaught early with a goal in the 12th minute. The teenager found the back of the net twice more in the 31st and 41st minutes

respectively to complete his hat-trick by half-time.

However, the youngster was not done scoring just yet. George found the back of the net again in the 69th minute to push the score to 4-1 and with his teammate scoring in the 88th, Pele en-

BCB 80th anniversary celebrations 1939-2019…

Esuan Crandon among recipients of BCB highest award “Tribute to Heroes”

“M

y heart belongs to Berbice cricket despite not living in the county currently. I accept this award with great pride, because the Ancient County would always be home. All that I have achieved as a player and then as a coach was due to the foundation which was laid in Berbice. Thank you for honouring me and the other awardees; this is extra special.”

Those were the words of former Guyana all-rounder and current Guyana Jaguars Cricket Coach Esuan Crandon as he expressed gratitude to the Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) for honouring him and three others as part of the 80th anniversary celebrations for the founding of the Board.

Crandon, Angela Haniff, Joseph Simon, and Dennis D’ Andrade on Friday last became the latest Berbice cricket officials to receive the BCB highest award “Tribute to Heroes”. The “Tribute to Heroes” Programme was launched under the presidency of Keith Foster in 2008 and has continued under the present administration led by his younger brother, Hilbert Foster.

Foster, in announcing the awardees, stated that the success of Berbice cricket has been achieved by the hard work and sacrifice by countless persons, who mostly do so behind the fanfare of the general public.

He noted that the BCB under his leadership strongly believed in honouring heroes in their lifetime as it was almost worthless to do so when they were dead.

He expressed gratitude

Former BCB President Malcolm Peters hands over the “Tribute to Heroes” Award to Esuan Crandon

to the four awardees for service of the highest standard and for being an inspiration to others, who served around them. To date, the persons who have received the award including Carl Moore, Vemen Walter, Mortimer George, Roy Baijnauth, Rafeek Latiff, Albert Smith, Sydney Jackman, Lennox Phillips, Ancel Hazel, and Roshan Moakan.

Crandon was honoured for his contribution to Berbice on the field and for leading Guyana to five successive First-Class titles. He has also coached the West Indies A Team and was Assistant Coach for the Senior Team. Veteran Angela Haniff, who currently serves as the BCB Office Administrator, holds the distinction of being the first female cricket executive in the administration of cricket in Guyana.

She served as Assistant Secretary and then Secretary. Joseph Simon served Berbice cricket as an umpire for over three decades until ill health forced him into retirement. He still serves as President of the

Berbice Cricket Umpires Association.

Dennis D’Andrade heads the proactive Upper Corentyne Cricket Association and has spearheaded a revival of cricket in the area after a period of decline and division.

Foster urged the awardees to share their vast experience with the younger generation of Club officials.

Crandon, in a well-received speech of gratitude, stated that he felt humble to be honoured and pledged to assist in the development of the game in the Ancient County. He also advised the large gathering of youth cricketers to work hard on their cricket and to not forsake their education.

He stressed on the importance of physical fitness and working on improving every aspect of their game on a daily basis. The award was co-sponsored by the Berbice Cricket Board and Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club.

Each of the awardees carried home a framed certificate of excellence, medal, trophy, anniversary souvenir cup, and a special gift.

joyed a 5-1 victory to move to the top of Group D. Also in that Group, Mahaica Determinators bagged their second win to oust former front-runners Dynamic FC. Eion Abel was the man with the golden boot for Mahaica, as he netted a brace for their victory.

Abel found the back of the net in the 20th and the 65th minutes to put his team in a comfortable position to advance to the quarter-finals.

The NEW GPC and WJ Enterprise-sponsored Limacol Tournament will continue today, Wednesday, September 25 at the Ministry of Education Ground, Carifesta Avenue with two more encounters at 19:00h (7pm) and 21:00h (9pm). The first fixture will see Pouderoyen and GT Panthers battling each other for some much- needed points. The second game of the night will see an interesting clash between Fruta

Mahaica Determinators knew their battle with Dynamic FC was a crucial one

Conquerors Under-20 and Buxton Stars, as the former try to keep their record clean.

There is a grand prize of $400,000 up for grabs

in this, the fourth edition of the tournament. Second place will walk away with $200,000 while third and fourth place pocket $100,000 and $50,000 respectively.

Shakib Al Hassan returns to Tridents

T

he Barbados Tridents have announced that Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan will be replacing Sandeep Lamichhane, who will be leaving for national duty.

Shakib will join the team ahead of their match against St Kitts & Nevis Patriots at Kensington Oval on Saturday, September 28.

Shakib has played in the Hero CPL before, representing both the Tridents and the Jamaica Tallawahs. When at the Tridents, he recorded the best ever bowling return in Hero CPL’s history when he took 6-6 against Trinbago Knight Riders.

Shakib has played 56 Tests, 206 ODIs,

and 75 T20 Internationals for Bangladesh and was in outstanding form during this summer’s International Cricket Council (ICC) Cricket World Cup, where he scored 606 runs at a phenomenal average of 86.57.

Combined with his ability as a white-ball bowler, Shakib will be a huge asset for the Tridents as they push for a spot in the Hero CPL knockout stages for the first time since 2016.

The Tridents have also announced that Dan Christian will no longer be available for this year’s tournament. He was replaced by English left-arm pacer Harry Gurney, who has played 10 ODIs and two T20 Internationals for his country. (CPL)

guyanatimesgy.com

Wednesday, september 25, 2019

23

Clash of contrasts: Amazon Warriors, St Lucia Zouks lock horns today fifties and three 40-plus scores thus far.

With Chandrapaul Hemraj, who has 158 runs, returning to his 2018 CPL franchise, he will be aiming to continue his fair season with the bat. The middle order for the GAW is rock solid and filled with flair.

Shimron Hetmyer, who has not been at his dominant best, will be seeking to add more to his 150 runs this season.

The calmness of Shoaib Malik, who has 150 runs this season, brings that stability while the lower middle-order in Nicholas Pooran, Sherfane Rutherford and Chris Green has not been getting much opportunity with the

Captains Darren Sammy and Shoaib Malik (CPL/Getty Images)

By Brandon Corlette

G

uyana Amazon Warriors (GAW) are table leaders of the 2019 Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL) while St Lucia Zouks are at the bottom of the table.

A clash of contrasts awaits these teams at the Darren Sammy National Cricket Stadium in Gros Islet, St Lucia today, Wednesday, September 25 from 18:00h.

The GAW became the first team to qualify for the play-offs this season and this match may be fitting for them to test their bench strength. After their latest win, which came against Barbados Tridents, Head Coach Johan Botha made it evident that the GAW would be maintaining their same aim of winning all the matches.

Coming up against the energetic Zouks, GAW had last visited the Darren Sammy Stadium in 2018 and lost by six wickets. In that fixture, GAW scored 140-9 in their 20 overs, batting first and Zouks replied with 141-4.

Andre Fletcher, who had a quiet 2019 season, was the player of the match the last time GAW visited St Lucia. However, GAW enjoy a 4-1 advantage over the Zouks in their last five outings in CPL.

Imran Tahir brings energy and skill to the table

bat, but they have shown their capable credentials in the past.

Chris Green has been enjoying CPL 2019, leading the charts with 10 wickets

Zouks still in search of star

For the St Lucia Zouks, they have not had a star player who stood out on a consistent basis. Rahkeem Cornwall has 165 runs, but only one score above 50 in six outings. The latest addition to the team, Colin Ingram may fill that void with the bat, as he showed signs with a brilliant 52 on his return to the CPL. Obed McCoy, who has had his fair bit of injuries in the past, has been somewhat a stand-out bowler for the Zouks with nine wickets this season.

Fawad Ahmed, who has six wickets in five matches, has not delivered to his potential for the Zouks.

The Zouks have some big names in Sammy, Colin De Grandhomme, Fletcher and Kesrick Williams, who will be looking to step up to the plate.

GAW star-studded batsmen

This time around, the GAW batsmen have been in sublime form and the Zouks bowlers will have to be wary. Brandon King leads the batting charts for GAW after six matches with 194 runs to his name.

The Jamaican dasher at the top of the order has two

Spinners leading the way for GAW

An important reason for the GAW success this season is the brilliance of the spinners. Chris Green, who had a Player-of-the-Match performance against the Zouks earlier this season in the 13run win, has 10 wickets this season.

Imran Tahir has been at his best with six wickets in three matches while Qais Ahmed (5) and Malik have been brilliant and economical with the ball. With spin being the trend in the CPL, Zouks batsmen will have to be cautious in the face of the GAW spin arsenal.

Rain has been playing a role in St Lucia, as with the first match in St Lucia this season, which saw Tridents defeating the Zouks, the surface looked an all-or-nothing pitch. With good weather, batsmen will enjoy playing their strokes as the fast bowlers will have something to work with.

Ramdhani bags well-deserved badminton scholarship P

riyanna Ramdhani, arguably Guyana’s best female badminton player currently, has achieved every student-athlete’s dream: the opportunity to play and study simultaneously through a scholarship.

The 17-year-old badminton sensation has gained a badminton scholarship at the Olds College, Alberta, Canada and will represent her new college badminton team, the Broncos. When she is not on the badminton courts, the teenager will be reading for a Diploma in Business and Sports Management.

Ramdhani will join her older brother, Narayan Ramdhani in Canada, where he studies and competes for the Kings University in Edmonton, Alberta.

The Guyana Badminton Association (GBA) in a media release cited the Olympics as

Priyanna Ramdhani receives her Junior Sportswoman of the Year 2018 Award from Social Cohesion Minister with responsibility for sport, Dr George Norton

one of the teenager’s goals while expressing elation at being able to play a part in

her development.

“The Guyana Badminton Association is quite pleased

that this opportunity came at a time when Priyanna can develop her game further

and is only heading in one direction, which is playing in the Olympics which we know with all her great performances that her ambition will one day materialise,” the body said.

Just a few months ago, the teen copped the Caribbean Regional Badminton Confederation (CAREBACO) Junior Triple Crown, in Barbados.

She also medalled in the Under-17, Under-19 and Senior CAREBACO championships in 2018.

Speaking on the achievements of the 2018 Junior Sportswoman of the Year, the Head Coach of Ramdhani’s soon to be team, the Broncos, Mary Smith placed emphasis on her stellar achievements and upbringing on the badminton courts.

“Priyanna is a force on the courts, winning a tri-

ple crown at the Caribbean games this past year, and ranked one in Guyana.

Priyanna has grown up with badminton since she was a young girl, having her father as her coach and her brother as a team-mate.

Priyanna has a champion’s heart on and off the court,” Smith said.

The Head Coach went on to share that she was confident about the 17-year-old’s abilities and was eager to have her play the team.

“Her positive attitude, determination, commitment to her studies, and support of her team-mates exemplify what it is to be a Bronco-student athlete. Priyanna also has her sights on the Olympics and we are here to help her achieve her dream. Olds College Broncos badminton team is thrilled to have Priyanna join the team this season,” the Head Coach added.

wednesday, september 25, 2019

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

guyanatimesgy.com

Page 23

Clash of contrasts: Amazon Warriors, St Lucia Zouks lock horns today Page 19

Page 23

Zouks leapfrog to 4th with big win over Patriots

Ramdhani bags well-deserved badminton scholarship

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