Guyana Times wednesday, October 30, 2019.

AmCham offers support to GECOM for 2020 elections

…Chamber meets with Chairperson, full Commission

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

Issue No. 4092

THE BEACON OF TRUTH wednesday, OCTOber 30, 2019

Thousands must uplift ID cards or be disqualified from voting – GECOM Chair decides …Commissioner slams decision as egregious, unlawful See story on page 3

Page 9

Unattended toddler drowns in WCD canal

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WHAT'S INSIDE:

Corentyne fire leaves 7 homeless

P12

Region 5 farmers hauled before RAC over debt claims of MMA-ADA …committee P10 unconstitutional, cannot hear applications – Attorney

Page 2

GuySuCo abandons pay hike meeting Doctor among 8 charged with workers’ unions …after workers refuse to get rid

for businessman’s murder of placards Less than 10% of breach sealed at Mahaicony Page 11

Piracy attack

P12

Suspects to face murder charges today

…families praise Police for quick probe

Dead

Dead

Missing

Missing

Linden resident gets 22 years for raping 6-year-old P11

See story on page 15

H2H registrants' list riddled with errors, duplicate names – PPP Page 7

Ex-security guard jailed for killing co-worker P10 in 2016

2 news

wednesday, october 30, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

Unattended toddler drowns in WCD canal A

family of Harlem, West Coast Demerara (WCD) is mourning the death of their youngest member after her lifeless body was pulled out of the canal at the back of their home.

The toddler, 18-monthold Aleena Mohamed was discovered around 18:30h on Monday after she went missing a few hours before.

The Police said that they are investigating the circumstances surrounding the death. Investigations have so far revealed that Mohamed’s mother, 23-yearold Kaishrie Ramchand was about to give her a bath but left her and went to retrieve a towel from the upper flat of their home.

It is suspected that the toddler walked to the back of the yard where the family rears sheep and ducks and made her way to the canal through a gate that was left opened.

Ramchand told the Police that she forgot the gates at the back were opened prior to leaving the child.

When Guyana Times visited the family’s Harlem, WCD home, both parents were at the Police station assisting with the investigations. However, Aleena’s paternal grandfather, Abdool Mohamed, related that he was in the yard doing some mason work prior to the incident.

“About 4:30 (16:30h) time, she was with me at the back and she mommy tell she come out ah the sand and she gone to bathe right away.

She mother left to go collect the towel upstairs and by the time she come down we looking for the girl and we ain’t see she at the bathroom because I went to bathe too. We search the whole yard and we didn’t find she and then I suspect and say at the back there the gate was open and go out 18-month-old Aleena Mohamed the back there,” the “The pump them was on grieving man relatbecause the sea defence waed.

It was then the family de- ter was running over so they cided to call Aleena’s father, pump it back out. So when Shoaib, who was at work at them turn off the water and the time. The man rushed it chock up then we form home and joined neighbours a bigger search party and as they formed a search par- went back. The water like it ty. The initial search came spin she round and we find she just by the grass corner up empty-handed.

The futile search led the and we pick she up and rush family to the Windsor Forest she to the (West Demerara pump station, which is a few Regional) Hospital. Them villages away. They request- doctors do them thing and ed that the pump atten- so and then they pronounced dant to turn the pumps off she dead,” the man said so that they could continue while fighting to hold back their search. The attendant tears.

She leaves to mourn her obliged and they returned to parents and two other sibthe canal at the back of their lings. home.

The area where Aleena Mohamed is suspected to have fallen into the canal

Patentia man nabbed with illegal gun, ganja A Patentia, West Bank Demerara (WBD) resident was on Tuesday morning detained by Police after he was nabbed with an unlicensed pistol.

Reports are shortly after being detained, the man handed over 30 grams of cannabis, which he had concealed in close proximity of his premises, to the ranks.

The suspect, who during the Police presence at his residence, reportedly behaved disorderly and threat-

The gun and drugs that were found by Police

ened to shoot the ranks, is being processed for court.

The intelligence-led op-

eration was spearheaded by a superintendent.

news

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wednesday, october 30, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

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

Wednesday, October 30 – 05:00h – 06:30h and Thursday, October 31 – 05:00h – 06:30h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Wednesday, October 30 – 05:30h – 07:00h and Thursday, October 31 – 06:10h – 07:40h.

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

WEATHER TODAY Sunshine with intervals thundery showers are expected during the day. There will be clear skies at night. Temperatures should range between 22degrees Celsius and 31 degrees Celsius.

Winds: Northerly to South-Easterly between 2.23 metres and 4.02 metres.

High Tide: 05:40h and 17:50h reaching maximum heights of 2.76 metres and 2.83 metres.

Low Tide: 11:26h and 23:51h reaching minimum heights of 0.51 metre and 0.39 metre.

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Thousands must uplift ID cards or be disqualified from voting – GECOM Chair decides

…Commissioner slams decision as egregious, unlawful

C

hairperson of the Guyana Elections C o m m i s s i o n (GECOM, Retired Justice Claudette Singh has decided that the thousands of persons who did not uplift their identification cards from 2008 will have their names published and be given 21 days to uplift their identification cards.

The Chairperson, in her decision on Tuesday, also said that failure to pick up the card and verify their existence will result in them not being included on the Official List of Electors (OLE). However, they will remain on the National Register of Registrants (NRR).

These decisions were made at the statutory meeting held on Tuesday, and it follows calls from Government and Opposition Commissioners for the Chair to make a decision.

The Opposition is not happy with the decision, however, with People’s Progressive Party (PPP)-nominated Commissioner Sase Gunraj describing it as egregious.

“The Chair has ruled that persons who have not uplifted their identification cards, their names will be published in the newspapers and they will be given 21 days within which to collect it. And if they fail to respond to that, then they will be prevented from voting”.

“I am of the considered view that this is an unlawful decision, because it imposes an additional requirement for persons to be allowed to vote. For that reason, it can be considered unlawful, but there are many other reasons it is considered unlawful,” Gunraj, a lawyer by profession, said.

No need for ID

This publication had reported a few weeks ago that the Government-nominated Commissioners at GECOM were attempting to remove some 20,000 persons from the voters’ list, who have failed to uplift their identification (ID) cards – which will disenfranchise them.

This is despite the fact that in Guyana, there is no requirement for someone to have an ID card to vote.

In 2015, when over 35,000 identification cards were still sitting at GECOM that belonged to persons registered since 2008, the then GECOM Chairman, Dr Steve Surujbally, had said that persons would not need ID cards to vote at the May 11, 2015 elections.

As a matter of fact, it is the current GECOM Chair, Retired Justice Claudette Singh, who in 1998, in the High Court, ruled that the requirement for voters to have a voter ID card in 1997 was ultra vires Articles 59 and 159 of the Constitution (despite a parliamentary agreement to use the cards)

ered to collect them.

Moreover, Shadick had noted that there are cases where persons would have moved to other parts of the country, such as the hinterland, and cannot conveniently come out to uplift their ID cards.

Other matters

GECOM Commissioner Sase Gunraj

when Esther Pereira, a People’s National Congress (PNC) supporter, petitioned the High Court to set aside the results of the 1997 elections.

When asked about the Chair’s decision to impose a deadline on these voters, Government-nominated Commissioner Charles Corbin on Tuesday defended the move. He noted that it is about more than the identification cards, since GECOM has problems finding these persons.

Corbin even hinted that some of these voters could be dead, hence, their inability to collect the cards. He noted that the procedure of verifying the death of a voter and then updating the records is not a fool-proof one.

But previously, Opposition-nominated Commissioner Bibi Shadick had suggested other, not so deadly, reasons for so many persons not uplifting their ID cards. In an interview after a statutory meeting previously, she had said that there are some people who think there is no need for ID cards so they never both-

Meanwhile, Gunraj also noted that there is still some uncertainty about how the House-to-House (H2H) data will be used. GECOM had announced on Tuesday that persons can check the list of H2H registrants and seek to have changes made at any of GECOM office.

“We raised the issue of publication of House-toHouse data. The Chairman referred to a decision she made in September, about the use of the House-toHouse, that it would be published for public scrutiny and she’s holding to that decision”.

Gunraj did note, however, that the Chair had also decided that persons who did not participate in the House-to-House exercise would not be flagged when they go to vote. At the time the exercise was conducted, many persons boycotted out

GECOM Chair, Retired Justice Claudette Singh

of concern about the credibility of the exercise.

When H2H started this year, it was without the input of the Opposition People’s Progressive Party (PPP). In fact, the only party that scrutinised the enumerators during the exercise was the ruling party, as the PPP was not even invited to participate.

This, together with the surreptitious nature in which the exercise started under the backdated order of the former Chairman James Patterson, and the fact that many people boycotted the exercise, has fuelled suspicion about GECOM’s insistence on using the data.

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guyanatimesgy.com

wednesDAY, october 30, 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

Immigration crackdowns

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any immigrants, including those from Guyana and other Caricom countries, in the United States— especially those residing there illegally— are still very uncertain about their future in their adopted homeland. Certainly, President Donald Trump’s hard-line position on immigration issues has created much fear and anxiety among immigrant communities.

The immigration crackdowns across the country, especially in areas where large numbers of immigrants reside, are increasing. Just recently, according to an article

by Amsterdamnews.com, in a five-day targeted enforcement action that ended on September 25, the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) nabbed a total of 497 immigrants in 10 states. The majority from New York, the Hudson Valley and Long Island—a whopping 82; while in Boston, another 80 were arrested, bringing the total in those two states alone to 162.

In New York, those arrested included nationals from Algeria, Colombia, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Ghana, Guatemala, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, India, Jamaica, Mexico, Peru, Philippines, Spain and Ukraine.

According to Amsterdamnews.com, while several of those nabbed were criminal immigrants who had committed serious crimes, including rape, sexual abuse and assaults on children as well as weapons and assault charges and undoubtedly deserve to be deported, many were nabbed for crimes such as operating a vehicle without a licence, driving with a suspended licence, driving while intoxicated, driving under the influence, illegal re-entry, resisting officer/arrest, obstructing Police, possession of marijuana and obstructing official business.

Previous US Administrations had focused on removing immigrants with criminal convictions, regardless of whether they have legal residency. However, Trump’s immigration policies prioritise anyone who has been charged with a crime, whether that person is convicted or not. This includes anyone who has committed “acts that constitute a chargeable criminal offence,” whether or not the person has been convicted, charged or even arrested.

It is well known that Trump campaigned on a narrow, anti-immigrant and American nationalistic agenda, and it was bought by a majority of American voters. According to ICE data, as of June this fiscal year, 282,242 immigrants were deported, and based on Trump’s plan to put tighter controls on immigrants, those numbers are expected to climb higher by the end of 2019, Trump’s third year in office.

For many Caribbean nationals, including Guyanese, there are still uncertainties as they fear their immigration status could be affected overnight, or the immigration laws which apply to them for certain categories of sponsorship could be changed with very short notice.

For example, over the past few months, there are rising numbers of reports of ICE agents being present in courtrooms waiting to deport immigrants who might have fallen afoul of the law. It is also being reported that agents are staking out in hospitals waiting to capture illegal immigrants when they go to seek medical attention. These actions by immigration authorities have caused many immigrant rights groups and political representatives to speak out. However, the Trump Administration has paid no heed and is moving ahead with its plans to target certain categories of persons for deportation.

In addition to “criminal aliens”, there are other individuals who generally fall outside of this priority deportation category, these include: immigrants who arrived as children, immigrant parents of Americans and workers and recent arrivals.

Legal experts have suggested that some undocumented parents of US citizens might qualify for residency through their children. However, they will still face certain barriers to legalisation. For example, wait times for these family visas take many years. Then there is the issue of cost for legal counsel to assist in the process.

There are also millions of persons who do not have criminal records, but are currently working in the country illegally. These individuals could still be vulnerable once the administration continues its high-profile workplace raids.

British inventor Richard Browning uses a jet pack to display his technology at the Ritz Carlton Hotel, where the Future Investment Initiative forum is being held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (VOA)

Caracas slams UN-EU conference on Venezuela crisis

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resident Nicolas Maduro’s government on Tuesday sharply criticised a UN-EU conference on Venezuela’s refugee crisis, calling it a “hypocritical” exercise by countries seeking to isolate Caracas.

The slap-down was delivered by Venezuelan Foreign Minister Jorge Arreaza on Twitter after the two-day gathering – to which Caracas was not invited – wrapped up in Brussels on Tuesday.

His response contrasted with the view of the organisers – and the US representatives who took part – who hailed it as a success.

They said it raised awareness not only about the millions of Venezuelan refugees and migrants fleeing economic despair, but also the increasing burden being shouldered by Latin American countries hosting them.

Even though it was meant to prepare the ground for a future pledging conference, several EU countries and the United States used it to announce more than 100 million euros ($110 million) in donations to help cope with the crisis.

A collapsing economy under Maduro, who remains in power through the support of his security forces, has prompted more than 4.5 million Venezuelans to leave, most of them to Latin American countries including Colombia, Ecuador, Peru and Brazil.

That outflow is expected to grow to 6.5 million in the coming year, rivalling the refugee crisis from Syria, the conference put together by the European Commission and the UN

European Union Foreign Policy Chief Federica Mogherini addresses the audience during a highlevel conference about Venezuela migration crisis, in Brussels, Monday, October 28, 2019 [Photo by: Francisco Seco]

refugee and migration agencies UNHCR and OIM was told.

Despite punishing US sanctions and demands from the United States, the EU and most Latin American nations pushing Maduro to allow genuine elections to choose a successor government, a political solution remains elusive.

“In the meantime, we cannot avoid giving an urgent response to the humanitarian situation that Venezuelans and the host communities are facing,” EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini told the conference.

She said the event was an important step in providing “an urgent response to the humanitarian situation that Venezuelans and the host communities are facing”.

US “optimistic” over its strategy

But Arreaza, in his tweet, dismissed the conference as “cynicism”.

“The EU, UNHCR and OIM brought together governments blocking the Venezuelan economy, creating suffering and migration, stealing resources and threatening to isolate and attack Venezuela. A sad scramble for resources under the hypocritical pretext of a ‘preoccupation’ for migration,” he said.

The United States, which has thrown its weight behind Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido as the “legitimate” leader and Maduro as a “dictator” kept in power through support from Cuba and Russia, said the conference showing international unity.

A US State Department

official focused on Latin America, Carrie Filipetti, told reporters after the conference that Washington’s strategy of sanctions and supporting Guaido was yielding “a lot of successes”.

“Of course the Maduro regime continues to deploy the tool that all dictators deploy when they’re at wit’s end, which is brutality and harassment and intimidation,” she said.

But she added that “we are seeing a lot of positive momentum on our side.

We’re very optimistic about where this is heading”.

She hailed “a growing international coalition” recognising Guaido as Venezuela’s interim president and “considering more pressure options to force Maduro to come to the table to negotiate in good faith”. (AFP)

guyanatimesgy.com

wednesday, october 30, 2019

5

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

GECOM seems intent on confusing Dear Editor, GECOM spent $3 billion on an ill-advised House-to-House (H2H) Registration exercise in 2019. This exercise was truncated after 370,000 persons were registered.

The H2H was deemed a ‘must’ by David Granger who said “it is evident from the evidence provided in the meeting this morning that the list is bloated… given the size of our population and much attention is focused on sanitising that list” after meeting with GECOM on March 14, 2019.

Today, 29 days after the Claims and Objections period began, there have

been thirty-two objections to a list that the APNU/AFC claimed was bloated by more than two hundred thousand names. We spent three billion to find thirty-two names, the ‘bloat’, at the cost of ninety-three million seven hundred and fifty thousand dollars per name. For ten dollars I could have advised that “dead people can’t vote anymore”. Have we gotten value for taxpayers’ monies?

A total of eight billion dollars has been given to GECOM to conduct operations in 2019; for this massive expenditure, we have been

faced with constant efforts to confuse and frustrate the electorate. For example, I wrote to the Chairman of GECOM to complain that my H2H form was unsigned by the GECOM enumerator, Madame Claudette Singh is yet to reply with even an acknowledgement of my concern. The recent publication of two-classes of H2H data during the period of Claims and Objections is nothing short of an attempt to throw the electorate into a state of confusion and disarray. The clearly biased operations at this constitutional body make the need for reform

by removing the task of maintaining the National Register of Registrants from the purview of GECOM and examining if we need a permanent GECOM Secretariat a matter of priority for the next Administration. The wanton waste of State resources must be curtailed; the billions wasted by GECOM would be much better spent on much needed social programmes nationwide.

Editor, as GECOM seems intent on confusing, so must others work on providing clarity. In that vein, I offer the following advice: 1. If you will attain the

age of 18 by December 31, check that your name is on the Preliminary Voters’ List (PLE). The PLE is printed and posted at your area’s GECOM office, alternatively, contact your party activists and ask them for assistance.

2. If you are on the list (PLE), ensure that your name is spelt correctly and your address is correct.

3. If you are not on the list, visit that GECOM office with your birth certificate and get registered.

4. If you encounter difficulties, contact a party representative or lawyer for assistance.

5. If your address is incorrect, visit the GECOM office and request a transfer. Alternatively, ask a party activist to assist with the transfer process.

6. If you encounter any difficulties dealing with GECOM staff, report this to an activist and seek assistance to get redress of any problem you may be experiencing.

Once the right to exercise franchise by way of ballot is secure, the citizen should make every effort to so do.

Respectfully, Robin Singh

PNC would turn out to be dead meat Dear Editor, Quite contrary to public opinion that the AFC is dead meat, the prevailing circumstances seem to suggest that this party is quite the opposite.

The AFC is alive and well set as a main force in Guyanese politics. I make these bold statements on the known fact that without the AFC being in the midst of things, there would not be a coalition and as a consequence, if there is no AFC then there is no win for a coalition Government. It is as simple as that! The two major parties in the coalition partnership are intricately linked to anything that might come

by way of success at the polls. Therefore, in the present scenario, the AFC is sitting pretty and well on top of its game.

The irrelevance comes about in both parties, that is the AFC and the PNC not being able to garner enough votes from their respective strongholds to command any weighting in the upcoming elections.

This is their fear, this is their main concern, that neither party can stand on its own. So, in the present negotiations as to who should be the prime ministerial candidate, the PNC is walking a tightrope.

Granger is asking for the puppet Nagamootoo,

while other AFC party “faithful” are demanding that they go for a change in Ramjattan. The reason for the AFC’s gamble for Ramjattan is to show to their support base that they are indeed making “a real change,” and a break from the past and, of course, the so-called fresh appeal to the Indian voter base. But lest they forget that it was both of these two little Indians who went to the Sugar Belt and fooled the people there that they would never close the sugar estates.

Both guys are grossly culpable of misleading the people with their lies.

As someone said, Nagamootoo and Ramjattan are two sides to the same coin; same difference! To go back to the people with a promise or to go back to the people with anything for that matter, would only result in the hardening of the people’s heart and a firm resolve not to vote for them.

The same could be said of the PNC, who have angered their supporters with empty promises and open lies. It is common knowledge that prior to the 2015 election, Granger issued some grandiose promises to his

constituents, however, to date, none of these materialised as those very areas remain in abject poverty and squalor. So, the people in both camps are angry, the people are crying out for change and this does not augur well for the coalition.

My honest opinion on this present debacle is that Granger would definitely have to give in to the demands of the AFC

or else that would be the final nail in the coalition’s coffin. It means that instead of the AFC being a dead weight, the PNC would turn out to be the dead meat. In either event, all are consumed by the dead weight, irrelevant factor of greed for power.

Respectfully, Neil Adams

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wednesday, OCTOber 30, 2019

Page

Foundation

Y

our weight has been important since the moment you were born. Maybe you even know what your birth weight was. Most newborns weigh between six and nine pounds, but some may weigh more and some less.

But very quickly, a baby gains weight and everyone is glad about that because it means the child is growing bigger and stronger.

As you get older, your weight is still important. It’s something your parents and doctor will probably keep an eye on. When you go for a checkup, the doctor often will record your height and weight and compare it with what it was the last time you came in. The doctor wants to check that you are a healthy weight because weighing too much – or too little – can be a problem.

But these days, being overweight is more common than being underweight.

More kids and teenagers have weight problems than ever before.

What does it mean?

When people talk about being overweight or obese, they mean that someone has more body fat than is healthy. Everyone has some body fat, but too much fat can lead to health problems. Overweight kids might find it hard to get around and keep up with friends on the playground. They might be teased or feel bad about themselves.

How is it measured?

Someone can be underweight, at a healthy weight, overweight, or obese. There is no one perfect weight for a kid to be, but there are healthy weight ranges for kids based on height and gender (whether the person is a girl or a boy).

Doctors use four categories to describe a person’s weight: Underweight: A person weighs less than the healthy range for his or her age, gender, and height.

Healthy weight: A person’s weight is in the healthy range for his or her age, gender, and height.

Overweight: A person weighs more than the healthy range for his or her age, gender, and height.

Obese: A person weighs much more than the healthy kids play video and mobile games than active games like range for his or her age, gender, and height. dodgeball.

People lead busier lives so they have less time to cook healthy meals. We eat more restaurant meals, take-out What is BMI? But being overweight is more than a food, ready-made food, and snacks.

Weight problems can run in families. But don’t let that number on the scale. A taller kid naturally could weigh more than a shorter kid discourage you from making changes that could help you be and not be overweight. That’s why doc- a healthy weight. Your habits — what kind of food and how tors use something called body mass in- much you eat and how much you exercise – can make a big dex, or BMI, to help decide if a kid is difference. (Excerpt from kidshealth.org) overweight.

BMI uses a kid’s height and weight in a calculation that results in a number. The doctor plots that number on a chart. There are different charts for girls or boys. BMI estimates how much body fat the person has.

Because muscle weighs more than fat, a muscular person can have a high BMI, but not too much body fat.

Likewise, it’s possible for someone to have a low or ideal BMI but still have t's hard to feel good when er part of staying fit. Eat a your body has too much variety of foods and get five too much body fat. weight to carry. Being servings of fruits and vegeYou may get a BMI report from school, but the best overweight or obese can tables a day. Choose water way to understand BMI is to talk make it harder to breathe and low-fat milk over soda and sleep. It can make a and other sugary drinks. to your doctor. person feel tired and cause When it comes to high-calaches or pains. A weight orie and high-fat foods, eat Why do people become overweight or obese? problem also can make you them only once in a while Most of the time, people have too much body fat feel embarrassed, sad, or and, when you do, have because the body gets more calo- even angry. When people smaller portions. ries (from foods and drinks) than feel bad, they may eat more it burns through physical activity, because food can be comfortWhat should you do? such as playing soccer or walking to ing. This isn't a good idea, Talking to a parschool. Extra calories are stored a s especially if someone ent is the best first fat. The more extra c a l - is already overstep if you are concerned about ories a person eats, weight.

Getting help your weight. the more fat is is important beYour mom or stored. cause weighing dad can make T h i s too much can a doctor's aphappens make you sick. pointment for very easily Overweight or you. The docin modern obese kids tor may suglife. People have a gest ways of s p e n d greater changing more time chance your eatin front of screens, like T V s , of geting and phones, and computers, and less time m o v i n g t i n g exeraround. We drive everywhere instead of walking or rid- d i a c i s e ing bikes. Fewer schools have gym classes every day; more b e t e s habits. a n d I n other health general, problems. kids don't And overneed to w e i g h t diet. But adults have a a kid higher chance who is of getting heart very overdisease. weight may need some How can you keep from e x pert help from a dietitian or a doctor who becoming overweight? specializes in weight manOne of the best ways to agement. Together, along stay at a healthy weight is to be active. You can join with your family, you'll come a sports team. Or, if you up with a plan that includes don't like team sports, try eating nutritious foods and swimming, tennis, martial exercising regularly. arts, or just playing in your own backyard. Jumping Helping others rope, dancing, and running If you have a friend or around will get your heart relative who is overweight, pumping. remember to be kind. He or Getting some extra exer- she is probably well aware cise can be as easy as tak- of the problem. Jokes or ing the stairs instead of teasing will make the perthe elevator or walking in- son feel worse. Encourage stead of having your parents your friend instead by exerdrive you. Being active also cising together and sharing means watching less TV and what you know about eating playing fewer video and mo- healthy foods. (Excerpt from bile games. kidshealth.org) Eating healthy is anoth-

I

7 H2H registrants' list riddled with errors, duplicate names – PPP NEWS

wednesday, october 30, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

…says underage persons, incorrect addresses on list …as GECOM registers nearly 4000 new voters during C&O

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ith the Guyana E l e c t i o n s Commission (GECOM) having published the list of persons registered during the House-to-House exercise this year, it turns out that the list is littered with mistakes and duplicate names that also appear on the Preliminary List of Electors (PLE).

This is according to the People’s Progressive Party (PPP), which on Tuesday was also critical of the information coming out of GECOM. The party took issue with GECOM urging Guyanese to check their names on the H2H list.

“GECOM is essentially telling 300,000-plus Guyanese to visit the GECOM offices. Many of these persons have already checked their names on the Preliminary List of Electors (PLE) and are

now being told to return to verify their particulars,” the party said.

According to the party, the registrants’ list having many errors confirms the suspicions the PPP and its Commissioners have been expressing from the start. The party noted that it made checks and did its own investigations and made some startling discoveries.

“There are thousands of names duplicated on the Preliminary List of Electors (PLE) and thousands of persons who are under the voting age of 18.

Our investigations would have found too, that dozens of persons listed as new registrants cannot be found at the addresses listed and this is a serious cause for concern – fuelling the worry that there are many non-existent persons on the list published

by GECOM.” Further, the party noted that the House-toHouse registrants’ list is not a supplementary list to the PLE and cannot be used during a Claims and Objections exercise. “There is no provision in the laws of Guyana to authorise the publication of a duplicate list that does not originate from the National Register of Registrants Database.”

According to the PPP, the H2H Registration process was flawed from the beginning and any attempt to merge the data from that process with the National Register of Registrants (NRR) can compromise the entire database.

The PPP called on GECOM to immediately withdraw the House-toHouse registrants’ list and continue with the ongoing Claims and Objections exercise.

When H2H started this year, it was without the input of the Opposition.

In fact, the only party that scrutinised the enumerators during the exercise was the ruling party, as the PPP was not even invited to participate.

This, together with the surreptitious nature in which the exercise started under the backdated order of the former Chairman, James Patterson, and the fact that many people boycotted the exercise, has fuelled suspicion from the Opposition about GECOM’s insistence on using the data.

Verification

Earlier on Tuesday it was announced that GECOM, which is in the process of wrapping up its Claims and Objections (C&O) exercise, has done a total of 17,243 trans-

actions including almost 4000 new registrants.

This information was released by GECOM’s Public Relations Officer, Yolanda Ward, on Tuesday.

She had also explained that 9516 transfers of voters, from one area to the other, were done during the exercise.

There were also 1627 replacements, 472 photo retakes and 32 objections during the Claims and Objections. GECOM, according to Ward, has also registered 3924 new voters during the Claims and Objections period.

A Claims and Objections period is for persons seeking to make a claim to be included on the voters’ list.

They can also use the exercise to make objections to their information on the Preliminary List of Electors, such as to change their address.

The exercise started on October 1 and has seen multiple registration areas set up to cater to voters in all 10 administrative regions. It is also understood that the claims part of the process will end on November 4, while objections can be submitted up to November 11.

However, GECOM’s decision to publish the House-to-House list of registrants has been criticised by the political Opposition from the moment it was announced. They have noted that not only does the law not cater to the list being published, but it also contains duplicate registrants.

A formal letter was even dispatched by the party’s chief scrutineer, Zulficar Mustapha, to Chief Elections Officer Keith Lowenfield, urging GECOM to halt the exercise.

AmCham offers support to GECOM for 2020 elections …Chamber meets with Chairperson, full Commission

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merican Chamber of Commerce (AmCham) Guyana, the organisation formed last year to forge commercial ties between local and United States-based businesses, has offered its support to the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) for the 2020 General and Regional Elections.

This was communicated in a statement on Tuesday, in which the Chamber revealed that it sent a delegation led by AmCham President Zulfikar Ally, which met with GECOM Chair Retired Justice Claudette Singh, as well as her six commissioners: Sase Gunraj, Bibi Shadick, Robeson Benn, Vincent Alexander, Charles Corbin and Desmond

Trotman.

The Commission was updated on the role and functions of AmCham Guyana and the upcoming initiatives that the organisation intend to pursue during and leading up to the national elections expected to be held in March 2020. AmCham representatives during the meeting with GECOM and its Secretariat One of these is the on Tuesday training for journalists Guyana’s global network and closely on matters pertainon elections coverage.

“The Commission wel- offered assistance to sensitise ing to any support GECOM comed the offer of support from the Chambers’ members on may need in the lead up to AmCham Guyana and com- the GECOM Secretariat’s role the General and Regional mitted to deliberate on grant- and function,” AmCham said Elections next year.

GECOM is likely to reing observer status to the or- in a statement.

According to AmCham, ceive assistance from multiganisation. The Commission they agreed with the ple sources, as it seeks to conalso took the opportunity to enquire about AmCham Commission to collaborate duct a long overdue election

on March 2 of 2020. It was only recently announced that GECOM would be benefiting from the technical expertise of the retired Chief Electoral Officer of Canada’s elections body, Jean-Pierre Kingsley.

His appointment is being funded by the Canadian Government. According to GECOM Public Relations Officer Yolanda Ward, the Canadian High Commission here had offered the elections body technical assistance in the form of providing an expert and the seven-member Elections Commission had accepted the offer, which resulted in the former Canadian Electoral Officer being appointed.

Kingsley, who has 17 years

of experience under his belt, is currently in Guyana conducting familiarisation meetings with stakeholders. He has already met the Justice Claudette Singh-led GECOM Commission last week, as well as the senior management at the elections body.

The former Canadian Chief Electoral Officer served from 1990 to 2007, during which he participated in many significant international development missions aimed at promoting democratic electoral processes through cooperation, capacity building, and mutually beneficial relationships. He also provided electoral assistance to several Caribbean countries, including Trinidad and Tobago.

8 NEWS

wedneSday, october 30, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

IN THE COURTS

Teen charged for GDF rank’s murder

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17-year-old, who allegedly murdered Guyana Defence Force (GDF) rank Olijah Chesney on October 14, 2019, was on Tuesday slapped with a murder charge and appeared in the Children’s Court at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

The teen, who resides in Tucville Squatting Area, Georgetown, appeared before Magistrate Dylon Bess.

The charge alleged that on October 14, 2019 at Tucville, Squatting Area, Georgetown, while being

Dead: Olijah Chesney

in company with others, he murdered Olijah Chesney during the course of a robbery.

Reports are the teen and the GDF rank are known to each other. The prosecution is contending that on October 14, Chesney made arrangements with the teen to purchase a motorcycle for $100,000.

However, when the GDF rank arrived to conduct the transaction, he was relieved of the cash and shot.

According to reports, during the investigation,

the teen had conspired with his assailants to rob the deceased. The teen was remanded to the Juvenile Holding Centre and he is scheduled to make his next court appearance November 18.

Initially, it was reported that the deceased was one of the perpetrators who carried out a brazen daylight murder on businessman, Deon Stoll; however, the Guyana Police Force (GPF) has since indicated that the incidents were not related.

Murder accused, 2 others charged for $3.4M robbery

Shane Morgan also known as Delon “Demon” Morgan

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wo of the accused charged with murder of businessman Deon Stoll were on Tuesday jointly charged for a $3.4M robbery and appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

Shane Morgan, also known as Delon “Demon” Morgan, 33, a graphic artist of East La Penitence, Georgetown; Duncan Vanvield, 30, a mechanic of B Field Sophia and Yogonand Basdeo, 30, of Sophia, Greater Georgetown appeared before Magistrate Ann McLennan.

The charge stated that on September 30, 2019, at Robb Street, Georgetown, while being in the company of each other, they robbed Yong Quan Bi of $3.4 million, the property of China Trading.

Police Prosecutor Gordon Mansfield objected to bail being granted to the three men on the grounds of the serious nature of the allegation and penalty the charge attracts.

The Prosecutor also highlighted the fact that an investigation is still ongoing and more persons are likely to be charged. The men were remanded to prison and the case will continue on November 19.

Plaster…

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…for every sore ith all these new political parties coming out of the woodwork (which must’ve been quite termite infested!!), your Eyewitness is amazed that these folks had been sitting idly all the while, when they had the answers to what ails our troubled land, all the time!! The problem your Eyewitness has with these newbies is that they seem to feel that the proposals they’re throwing up like confetti hadn’t been aired before. And if they were, why didn’t they work?

Take this insistence by most of them that “constitutional change” is gonna drive a stake through our dystopic governance. So just putting in all sorts of new instructions on how State power will be divvied up will clean-up the political mess we’ve been stuck in like forever? Well heck!! Didn’t the PPP and PNC and about ten small parties such as the WPA in coalition with the Guyana Action Party agree to constitutional changes back in 1999??

Didn’t they have nationwide consultations?? Didn’t they include dozens of the suggested changes into the Constitution in 2000? Didn’t they “democratise” Parliament by giving the Opposition a slew of powers in the sectoral committees? Didn’t they form all sorts of new institutions such as the Ethnic Relations Commission and a host of other commissions? Didn’t they reduce the powers of the Executive President? Didn’t they rule that 1/3 of parliamentarians must be women? The changes expanded Burnham’s not exactly puny Constitution to a massive 203 pages!!

So how come two decades later we need more “constitutional change”? Were the folks back then too short-sighted? The question, of course, which the new parties should ask is why those constitutional changes didn’t fix things. After all, the 1797 US Constitution – on which all Constitutions have been modelled – was originally just 4 pages and today is around 10 pages!!

And this brings us to the crux of why constitutional change just ain’t enough to fix our woes: If those we place in charge of our country don’t respect the instructions of the Constitution, we can keep changing and fixing and tinkering with it until hell freezes over and it won’t change a thing. Just look at Article 106 (6) which instructs our government to resign and set new elections in 3 months after a successful NCM. That’s a standard feature in almost all other parliamentary democracies – AND IT’S NEVER BEEN DISOBEYED. Never!! Nowhere!!

So what’ll be different with new changes?? As Madison, one of the framers of the US Constitution, pointed out, government doesn’t only have to control the people – like our Government insists.

They must first control themselves!! The newbies should take address this!

…for the race “problem”?

Your Eyewitness has an even larger problem with those newbies who insist there isn’t “REALLY” any race problem in Guyana. We’re REALLY all just GUYANESE!!

Just say that all the time and the problem will be solved!!

Well, of course we’re all Guyanese!! But that’s our CIVIC identity, which is given to us by the fact that we are citizens of the state called Guyana. And this means that we’re entitles to whatever it is that Guyana has to offer.

Aren’t we also Guyanese with several heritages? What do we do about that?? Throw it out of the window??

Especially when you’re being oppressed because of that heritage!! Look at America, where everybody will assure you they’re Americans. But can anyone tell any black man in the US that he ain’t black?? Well, he’ll soon be reminded by the next policeman who stops him on the street!!

And that’s the problem in Guyana. Folks will hang onto their different identities once they’re treated differently because of that identity.

So gwan dat side with “all abee a waan”!! …for Atlantic’s fury At last, the powers that be are starting to appreciate the threat we’re facing from the resurgent Atlantic which the Dutch had held off for so long.

And we ain’t seen nothing yet!!

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

news

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wednesday, october 30, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

Doctor among 8 charged for businessman’s murder

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wo weeks after businessman Deon Stoll was shot and killed during an attempted robbery in front of El Dorado Trading Inc on Da Silva Street in Newtown, Kitty, Georgetown, eight persons were hauled before the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

Four were charged with murder, while the others were charged with accessory to murder.

Those charged for murder are 38-year-old Shane Morgan called “Demon”, a graphic artist of Lot 45 East La Penitence, Georgetown; Wayne St Hill, 38, of Lot 27 Dowling Street Kitty, Georgetown and Roberto Sankar, 28, the owner of Island Barber, of Lot 6 Pigeon Island, East Coast Demarara, and Steve Rollox, 32, a taxi driver of 55 Peters Hall, East Bank Demerara.

Charged for accessory to murder were: Odessa St Hill, 37, a graphic artist of Campbellville, Georgetown; Alonzo De Santos, 33, a medical doctor and a left lieutenant in the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) of Lot 136 Prospect, East Bank Demerara; Duncan Vanderville, 36, a mechanic of B Field Sophia, Greater Georgetown; and Keith Mckenzie, 56, a taxi driver of Lot 103 East LaPenitence, Georgetown.

The eight persons all appeared before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan.

Shane Morgan, Wayne St Hill, Roberto Sankar and Steve Rollox were not required to plead to the indictable charge, which alleged that on October 14, 2019,

Dead: Deon Stoll

at Da Silva Street, Kitty, Georgetown, they murdered businessman Deon Stoll called “Mow”, in the furtherance of a robbery.

The courtroom was filled with Stoll’s relatives, who turned up to have a glimpse of the persons involved in the businessman’s death.

Morgan and Wayne St Hill were represented by Attorney-at-Law George Thomas, who told the court that his client, Morgan, has a puncture wound that the police are claiming is a gunshot wound. He said the wound is in the late stages of healing.

Defence Counsel Latchmie Rahamat, who is representing Odessa St Hill, stated that Police had promised to forgo charges against her client if she agreed to be a State witness.

Attorney Eusil Anderson, who represented De Santos, the doctor, told the court that his client is a medical doctor and second left lieutenant in the Guyana Defence Force (GDF).

The attorney, in a bail application, informed the court that his client’s wife is seven months pregnant, adding that his client is willing

to adhere to any bail conditions. He added that his client is ready to save lives on the battlefield and in the hospital.

Attorney-at-Law Melville Duke stated that Mckenzie is a driver at Pretty Posse Taxi Service. He said that his client was approached

by Morgan to be taken to Berbice. The lawyer informed the court that CCTV footage at the taxi service can confirm that his client is innocent, since he was merely transporting Morgan as a passenger.

However, Police Prosecutor Neville Jeffers objected to bail being granted to the eight accused on the grounds of the serious nature of the allegation and the penalty the charges attract.

In his submissions to the court, the prosecutor said that Dr De Santos, whose birthday was on Tuesday, confessed to assisting Morgan during a video interview. The Prosecutor further stated that the doctor removed Morgan from the hospital, where he went after he was shot, and took him to a relative’s home to be was treated.

Reports are that the businessman had arrived at the establishment at about 10:20h on that fateful October 14 day and as he was about to exit the car, two gunmen pounced on him and opened fire on him and his driver, Clayton Powley.

A review of closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage showed that Stoll was sitting in the front passenger seat of motorcar PPP 6727, being driven by Powley. A white

Murder accused: Shane Morgan called “Demon” (grey and black t-shirt), Wayne St Hill (white and grey t-shirt), Roberto Sankar (striped shirt) and Steve Rollox (white t-shirt) Accessory to murder: Dr Alonzo De Santos (pink shirt), Duncan Vanderville (white long-sleeved shirt), Odessa St Hill and Keith Mckenzie (black t-shirt)

Toyota motorcar with tinted windows, which had appeared to be trailing Stoll’s vehicle, also stopped across the road from the business place seconds later. Stoll had earlier visited a business place on Sheriff Street, from where he had collected

an undisclosed sum of cash.

Two gunmen, donning handkerchiefs to conceal their faces, jumped out of the car that had stopped behind PPP 6727 and rushed towards Stoll’s car. One gunman opened the door at the driver’s side and a scuf-

fle began between him and Powley, who soon exited the vehicle to better defend himself. Powley received a gunshot wound to his arm in the process, while his assailant rushed back to the waiting white Toyota motorcar.

The other gunman rushed to the front seat passenger door and opened it before attempting to snatch something from Stoll. The businessman, who also appeared to have been putting up a fight from inside of the vehicle, was shot to his stomach. His shooter was unable to grab anything from the car. As he attempted to run away, the injured Stoll returned fire with his handgun. The CCTV footage showed that the gunman was shot twice by Stoll. He stumbled both times before escaping in the awaiting motorcar, which sped away.

The CCTV footage showed Stoll clutching his stomach as he fell to the ground. Security personnel attached to El Dorado Trading, along with residents of the neighbourhood, rushed to Stoll and Powley’s aid. They managed to transport the injured men to the Georgetown Public Hospital for emergency treatment.

However, Stoll succumbed at the hospital.

Magistrate McLennan, after listening to the facts, remanded the eight accused to prison. The case will continue on November 15, 2019.

10 NEWS

wednesday, october 30, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

Region 5 farmers hauled before Ex-security guard RAC over debt claims of MMA-ADA jailed for killing …committee unconstitutional, cannot hear applications – Attorney co-worker in 2016

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fter issuing threats of legal action back in August, the Mahaica Mahaicony Abary Agricultural Development Authority (MMA/ADA) has resorted to have a number of Region Five (MahaicaBerbice) farmers pay in full alleged debts amounting to millions for rent, irrigation and drainage on lands leased to them by the authority.

On Tuesday, some 50 rice farmers appeared before the Region’s Rice Assessment Committee, sitting at the Mahaicony Magistrate’s Court, to answer claims filed against them by MMA/ADA totaling millions of dollars.

These charge increases were levied in 2017 and purported raised land rent from $1000 to $7000 and $2500 to $8000 for drainage and irrigation, per acre, annually.

At the hearing, attorney-at-law Anil Nandlall appeared on behalf of the farmers, along with attorney-at-law Javed K. Shadick. During the hearing, Nandlall presented preliminary legal submissions, which entails that the committee, by virtue of

A

The group of rice farmers after the court hearing with Attorney Anil Nandlall

its composition, is illegal and unconstitutional and therefore, has no jurisdiction to hear and determine any of the applications before it.

As such, the matters were adjourned to November 12 when the Chairman of the Committee will rule on the submissions made.

Also present at the hearing were executives of the Rice Producers Association (RPA) including the General Secretary Dharamkumar Seeraj.

General Manager of the MMA-ADA, Aubrey Charles had previously highlighted in an interview with this publication, that the farmers have adopted a habitual behaviour of not paying service charges on time, thus owing in excess of $1 billion at the time.

This according to Charles, is coupled with them complaining about the rapidly deteriorating state of main roadways into rice lands, which cannot be fixed without mon-

ies being spent.

“Farmers are required to pay charges for the management and maintenance of all drainage and irrigation works. One of the big challenge that we face currently is farmers are not paying their rates in a timely manner…So, on one hand, the MMA is trying its best so as to make the roads accessible and on the other hand, we appeal to farmers to pay their charge,” he previously explained.

fter confessing to killing his co-worker earlier this month, former MMC security guard Kevin Stephen, of La Penitence, Georgetown, was on Tuesday handed a 12-year jail sentence by Justice Jo-Ann Barlow.

Stephens, who was represented by Attorney-at-Law George Thomas, opted to plead guilty to the lesser count of manslaughter. The indictment detailed that on September 17, 2016 at Happy Acres, East Coast Demerara, he unlawfully killed 36-yearold Herbert Verwyane. Killed: Herbert Verwyane This newspaper charged a shot, hitting had reported that on September 17, 2016, the Verwyane to the neck.

The father of five was now dead man, formerly of Lot 710 Block 8, Tuschen rushed to the Georgetown Housing Scheme, East Bank Public Hospital Cooperation Essequibo, was in the com- (GPHC) where he sucpany of several other em- cumbed to his injuries; while ployees at the MMC Head another colleague, Keon Office at Happy Acres, White, who was also shot to East Coast Demerara when his left hand during the inStephen, armed with a shot- cident, was admitted as a gun, approached and ac- patient at the health facilicused him of making ill ty. A probation report was statements about his daugh- presented to the court before ter. In rage, Stephens dis- the sentencing.

11 GuySuCo abandons pay hike meeting with workers’ unions NEws

wednesday, october 30, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

…after workers refuse to get rid of placards

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lthough numerous calls to the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) for an increase in workers’ salaries and other benefits were previously ignored, the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU), together with the National Association of Agricultural, Commercial and Industrial Employees (NAACIE) have once again put forward the request, on behalf of workers, during a meeting with the corporation’s officials on Tuesday.

However, during the proceedings, officials of the sugar corporation, including Chief Executive Harold Davis (Jr), brought the meeting to an abrupt end after workers and union representatives refused to get rid of placards they had donned to their clothing.

In a statement to the media expressing dissatisfaction with the outcome of the meeting, GAWU noted that the placards highlighted valid reasons why pay increases should be granted, and at no time caused disruption to what was being presented.

“The Unions’ delegation,

Some of the workers displaying their placards during the meeting

which aggregately numbered some 30 workers and union officials, attached to their clothing small placards highlighting the need for the corporation to grant a wage/ salary increase to sugar workers…. The corporation, almost immediately, objected, contending that our placards were not allowed on the company’s premises. Both the GAWU and the NAACIE pointed out that our respective delegations were not disruptive to the meeting,” it stated.

But according to the

Union, this action by the State-owned company is viewed as a brazen attempt to take away the constitutional right to freedom of speech from its workers while noting that the abandoning of the meeting was unfortunate.

“It did not escape our attention that, in recent times, in other arenas of our nation, we have seen concerted attempts to shut down our expressions by our people. It appeared to us that the corporation was joining the bandwagon as it

Linden resident gets 22 years for raping 6-year-old

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elwyn Lancaster, formerly of Linden, Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice), was unanimously found guilty by a 12-member jury on two counts of rape earlier this month when his trial concluded before High Court Judge, Justice Simone Morris-Ramlall.

On Tuesday the 45-yearold man was sentenced to a total of 22 years’ imprisonment on the two charges.

On the first charge, which detailed that Lancaster engaged in sexual penetration with a six-year-old girl on October 8, 2018, Justice Morris-Ramlall sentenced him to serve 15 years’ imprisonment while she handed down a seven-year sentence on the second charge, which read on November 6, 2018, he engaged in sexual activity with the same vic-

Convicted rapist: Selwyn Lancaster

tim.

The trial judge ordered that the sentences run concurrently.

According to reports, the now-convicted man was the male friend of the child’s mother. However, on the day in question, Lancaster visited the home and was

having a conversation with the child’s mother. However, soon after, the convict made his way into the woman’s home where the victim and her sibling were playing.

It was then that the convicted rapist forced his private part into the child’s mouth in the presence of the other sibling, who later related to the mother what had transpired.

Upon arrival in the home, there was no sight of Lancaster, who had already fled the scene. A report was made to the police station and the man was later apprehended and placed before the courts to face the charges.

sought to quell our Unions’ expressions…The demand by the corporation to put away slogans, we felt, was an inconsiderate and an unreasonable request. It is disheartening for us to recognise that a State-owned company is seeking to apparently muzzle the expressions of its workers”.

Nevertheless, GAWU reminded of how the unchanging pay rate since 2014 has negatively affected families in 2019— an age where the

cost-of-living is constantly on the rise.

“As it is now a wellknown and an ignominious fact, sugar workers’ pay has remained unchanged since 2014. During the now more than 1800 days that have gone by, the cost-of-living has risen significantly.

Official statistics have confirmed that the cost of food, for instance, has risen by 17 per cent with several staple food items going up in excess of 20 per cent…The conflu-

ence of a pay freeze and suspension of other benefits have hit workers and their families hard as their take home pay has fallen greatly since 2014,” the Union stated.

Even though this is the case, GAWU reiterated their commitment to fighting on behalf of its members for salary increases. Efforts by this newspaper to reach Chief Executive Harold Davis (Jr) for a comment on the issue proved futile.

12 NEWS

wednesday, october 30, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

Corentyne fire leaves 7 homeless S

even persons are now homeless after a fire on Tuesday afternoon completely destroyed their Port Mourant, Berbice, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) house.

This newspaper was told that the fire was seen in the upper flat of the building just before 14:00h at the Lot 44 Miss Phoebe, Port Mourant house.

At the time, 50-year-old Sharmila Bullar was with her four-year-old granddaughter in the lower flat of the building.

According to Bullar, she was sitting in the hammock with her grand-

Injured: Sharmila Bullar

daughter and had dozed off when she heard her daughter from across the road, shouting telling her that the house was on fire.

She revealed that her

first reaction was to run upstairs into the burning building. She tried to throw water and, in the process, received burns to her face. According to the woman, by then, it was too late.

Bullar’s daughter, Anouksha Dhuman, who lives opposite her mother, said that it appeared that the fire started in the back bedroom of the home.

Neighbours quickly converged but their efforts were futile as the flames had already engulf the building.

According to Dhuman, the building was rewired

The Port Mourant, Berbice, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) house on fire

when the family moved

into it about a year ago.

“I don’t know what cause the fire. It start from the room and the room only have a switch, nothing else in the room,” she said.

The room in which the fire was first seen is used by the three school children and their mother, who is a restaurant worker.

One unit from the Rose Hall Fire Service arrived and was able to put out the blaze within minutes.

However, when they arrived, most of the building was already burnt.

An investigation has been launched. (Andrew Carmichael)

Piracy attack

Suspects to face murder charges today

…families praise Police for quick probe

T

he suspects who have allegedly confessed to killing four Berbice, Region Six (East

Berbice-Corentyne) fishermen during a piracy attack are expected to appear in court today.

er men are currently at sea. Fishing ports in both Suriname and Guyana are being monitored as investigators await their return.

Corentyne, Berbice and 20-year-old Otto Lamar Petrie of Miss Phoebe Village, Port Mourant.

The other two fishermen; Marvin Tamesar, also called “Buddy” and “Bin Laden”, 20, of Miss Phoebe Village and Vishnu Seeram, called “Kevin”, 20, of the same village, are yet to be located.

Meanwhile, families of the fishermen praised the police for their quick response in apprehending the perpetrators.

“Sara 1” was captained

by Seeram. His mother, Shamwatie Inderjit, said until the confession she

Missing: Vishnu Seeram, also called “Kevin”

Missing: Marvin Tamesar, also called “Buddy” or “Bin Laden”

On October 5, the men left a wharf at Number 65 Village for sea aboard “Sara 1”.

The bodies of two of the fishermen were discovered two days apart at the Abary Foreshore.

Those confirmed dead are Kawal Kissoon, called “Ajai”, of Letter Kenny,

had not given up hope.

“Now I get to understand that my son dead.

I thank the police for the good job that they did but if I can get to see the person who did the act then I will feel more satisfied. I am satisfied that they get hold up by the police that they talk something,” the grieving mother told this publication.

She added that she is hoping to hear more and wants to know all who were involved. Ten days ago, the parents of Tamesar had given up hope after several searches for the missing fishermen.

“I still have hope that I can find the body. That is the main thing that I want to have somewhere where I can rest my son.”

Meanwhile, Police are also searching for others who were implicated in the incident

Three of the suspects have confessed to police of their involvement in the crime. The men have con-

Dead: Otto Lemar Petrie

fessed to the police that they murdered the four fishermen who were on fishing vessel “Sara 1” earlier this month before dumping them overboard.

The suspects are all from the Corentyne and are also said to be fishermen.

It has been reported that the now-dead men were all tied with ropes and thrown into the Atlantic Ocean.

The men reportedly told investigators that they went to “Sara 1” to take away the catch that the men had but the fishermen put up a fight and were killed in the process.

They were then bound and thrown into the ocean.

Regional Commander Calvin Brutus confirmed that the police are in receipt of confession statements. He said that the names of others who were involved have also been provided to the police.

Police have since searched their homes and it is believed that the oth-

Dead: Kawal Kissoon, also called “Ajai”

13

wednesday, october 30, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

14 news

wednesday, october 30, 2019| guyanatimesgy.com

Major flooding disaster averted at Stewartville

…koker door buckles under pressure

By Lakhram Bhagirat

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esidents of Stewartville and surrounding areas on the West Coast of Demerara are singing praises to the

discovered sometime around 18:30h on Tuesday.

According to information related to Guyana Times, the lower three boards of the koker’s main door was ripped out, resulting in wa-

neighbours tell me that how the koker door bruck way and then I start to take it serious. I start packing up me things them and trying to get them higher because I don’t want no water to damage me. But is thank god the Estate people them come and they get the situation under control or else all ah we would ah damage,” she said.

At the site, Uitvlugt Estate’s Agriculture Manager, Naresh Narine was inspecting the emergency repair works. He told this publication that when they received the report, they immediately rushed to the scene to assess the damages.

“What we have here is a door which apparently have a damage due to the tide.

So we are trying to put in a false door to prevent any water coming it because at this point there is a change in the tide so this will be completed within another hour – two hours (by 23:00h)

PPP Presidential Candidate Dr Irfaan Ali joined NDC Chairman Vishal Ambedkar at the Uitvlugt and Stewartville koker where GuySuCo workers are conducting emergency works

positives was that the sideline or the façade were low so we were able to take some of the water but I cannot be able to say there has been any flooding in the area at this point,” Narine related.

At the site, GuySuCo workers were working tirelessly to install the false door so as to prevent the water from rushing on to

am not sure as yet.

“Tomorrow (Wednesday) we will try to see what we can do to correct what has happened but we would not be able to say what is the reason at this time. We

Wooden planks being lowered into the koker to form part of the “false door”

Water rushing in from the ocean

Guyana Sugar Corporation’s (GuySuCo) Utivlugt Estate team after what they termed as a possible catastrophic flood was averted.

The main koker at the border of Stewartville and Uitvlugt villages encountered a breach as a result of the current higher than normal tides. The residents reported that the breach was

the men were able to complete the installation of the substitute door.

Narine said that the sluice is maintained on a regular basis with inspections done weekly.

ter from the Atlantic rushing in to the mainland.

One resident, Onika (only name given) said that she saw the water getting higher and realised that something was amiss.

“I see the water getting high and I tell me self that this is not normal but I didn’t take it fuh nothing.

But a lil bit after one of the

An excavator lifting the wooden planks for the construction of the “false door”

time and that will be when the tide returns.

“At this point we have not gotten any reports with relation to flooding but what would have been one of the

the land and flooding the area. Prior to press time,

“We have inspection being done on a weekly basis as well but there are situations that may be a little different because of the conditions we experienced earlier (high tides) and that may be a contributing factor but I

know there has been broken boards at the bottom because that was what was reported,” he reported.

The koker is maintained

by GuySuCo since it is vital to their operations in the community.

Teen charged for elderly man’s murder

A

19-year-old was remanded to prison on Tuesday for the murder of a 58-year-old man, whose body was discovered in a trench.

Lennox Roberts, a labourer of Nabaclis, East Coast Demerara (ECD), appeared before Senior Magistrate Fabayo Azore at Cove and John Magistrate’s Court.

It is alleged that on September 2, 2019, at Bus Shed Road, North

Haslington, ECD, Roberts murdered David Gentle.

The teen was remanded to prison and the case will continue on January 22, 2020.

Reports are on September 2 at approximately 01:30h, Gentle was imbibing at a karaoke bar in Nabaclis North, ECD. However, his lifeless body was discovered in a trench around 05:00h the following morning with several chop wounds. His bicycle was Dead: David Gentle

found nearby.

On October 8, another teen was also charged for Gentle’s murder. Rollan Abrams, of Melanie, East Coast Demerara, appeared at the Cove and John Magistrate’s Court.

It was reported that Gentle, of Lot 42 Golden Grove, ECD, was a clerk attached to the Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) at the time of his demise.

Upon the discovery of his body, relatives dismissed robbery as a motive, since it was found with his jewellery and his cellular phone.

15 Ramsammy’s Ruminations Less than 10% of breach Granger is not a man sealed at Mahaicony news

wednesday, october 30, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

of his word – his words …residents continue to experience intense flooding are deceitful, sheer lies

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apoleon Bonaparte once warned the best way to keep one’s word is never to give it. David Granger says he is a historian but he clearly has little respect for history. Granger is not only aloof, insensitive to people’s sufferings, shamelessly disinterested in the welfare of the people, most importantly, he proves everyday he is not a man of his word. As he goes around the country begging for a second chance, he also reminds people every day how little his words mean, how little integrity his words bear. Both his words and his promises are full of deceit. With the March 2020 elections in the horizon, Guyanese must heed a Gaelic Proverb: “There is no Dr Leslie Ramsammy greater fraud than a promise not kept”.

This week, David Granger, the Leader of APNU (another PNC disguise), announced he will not permit anyone to “usurp his power to pick his Prime Minister candidate”. But on February 14, 2015, Valentine’s Day, Granger’s APNU (PNC) signed an agreement known as the Cummingsburg Accord, giving his word that APNU will allow the AFC to select the Prime Minister candidate. Now, with March 2020 looming, Granger disavows this agreement, rejecting Ramjattan as his PM candidate. He insists the agreement signed in February 2015 or any new one signed for this election cannot usurp his authority to choose whomever he wants, whether or not he sings such agreement. How does anyone trust such a man who signed the agreement that the AFC will choose the PM position and now telling them such an arrangement usurp his authority? What is his word worth?

This, however, is only the latest of his betrayal; the latest example, that Granger’s words are empty, meaningless, full of deceit. Moses Nagamootoo became the Prime Minister in May 2015, as the Cummingsburg Accord provides for. But Granger immediately in May 2015 rendered the PM position a paper tiger, nothing but a toothless poodle. Nagamootoo became a PM with responsibility for the Guyana Chronicle, less than Kwame McCoy’s job under the PPP before May 2015. Granger had promised before the 2015 elections the PM under his leadership will have responsibility to chair Cabinet meetings. Nagamootoo never chaired the Cabinet.

Granger’s words had no integrity, they were simply words to deceive the AFC and Guyanese.

This is the same Granger, who on January 30, 2015, announced APNU will nominate a “youth” as its PM candidate.

When it signed the Cummingsburg Accord on February 14, 2015, Granger ignored his promise he will choose a youth for PM. He also promised his Cabinet will be a mixture of persons, with meaningful youth and farmer representation. There was no youth, no farmer in his Cabinet and in Parliament. His words had no meaning, only spoken with wilful deceit.

The same Granger promised the joint services better salaries and working conditions, more training, improved technology. The first thing he did for the joint services was to terminate the annual Christmas bonus Bharrat Jagdeo and the PPP instituted. When Granger led the more than 100% pay increases for his Cabinet on day one, they promised the joint services their time for large increases was coming. The joint services are still waiting for their bonus to be reinstituted and for their pay increases. Granger’s words have been more thorns than roses for the joint services. Full of meaningless words, he had promised crime would be reduced. But five years under APNU/AFC, the spiralling crime epidemic is affecting Guyanese everywhere. This is what Dr Jennifer Bulkan, the sister of Ronald Bulkan, the illegal Minister of Communities, said yesterday after a brutal armed robbery at her home: “crime is now out of control”.

Granger spoke eloquently at public meetings in the 2015 elections campaign, promising sugar workers a 20% annual pay increase. The sugar workers have bitterly learnt those words were deceitful because for five years now, they have had zero pay increase. He also promised those workers and Guyanese no sugar estate would be closed. Four of those estates were closed between 2016 and 2018, terminating 7,000 jobs. In the same vein, they promised rice farmers $9,000 per bag paddy and promised agriculture would be expanded. Instead, agriculture, sugar, rice and farmers have been under constant assault.

Granger gave his word corruption will be eliminated, racial discrimination would be erased and the Constitution will be supreme. All those words have been disregarded.

Instead, corruption has never been so rampant, racial discrimination is State policy and the Constitution has been subjected to Granger’s whims and fancies. His dictate now is the Constitution cannot usurp his authority to act in his own judgement. Remember how he promised Guyana’s global standing in the ease of doing business would be improved?

The World Bank in its 2019 report has said Guyana has gotten worse. How can anyone trust the words of Granger? Granger embraces the words of Niccolò Machiavelli: “The promise given was a necessity of the past: the word broken is a necessity of the present”.

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everal villages along Mahaica, Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice) are inundated by floodwaters, which have reached record levels and residents are counting their losses once again.

Less than a month ago, the sea defence at Dantzig was breached, leading to the flooding of villages between Dantzig and Fairfield; also affected were Carlton Hall, Harmony Hall, Prospect, High Dam, Rebecca’s Lust, Brooms Hall, Bath, Quakers Hall, De Kinderen, Zealand and Planters Hall.

However, less than ten per cent of repair to the breach has been completed.

Residents have complained of not having water to drink. Some had prepared and stocked up for the expected flood but even the supplies are now destroyed.

The Civil Defence Commission is said to be working along with other Government agencies to address the situation. The agency has also been distributing supplies to families in the affected areas. However, the Regional Chairman Vickchand Ramphal says Government needs to get on board.

“We do not have that budgetary allocation to provide direct assistance to the people, but in terms of

Some of the homes that are affected by floodwaters

healthcare, we have teams going out into the various communities distributing items which will aid in the prevention of infections but for other assistance, the Government has to step in,” the Regional Chairman pointed out.

“This latest flood has affected residents. Farmers are also being affected by the salt water and with this flood, it is even worse. This has been the highest tide for this season seeing additional lands being affected. This time around, there are more losses. Farmers will not be able to go back on your land for another few years from now because it has been contaminated with the salt water. And so, this has a longterm effect on the people and the farmers of these villages in the Mahaica-Mahaicony. I know many of them are now thinking of what they will be able to do to sustain themselves and their families because there is no possibility being able to continue their livelihood and the continued cultivating the land”.

According to Ramphal, this is the ideal time for the Government to come on board and lend support to the people so as to put them back on their feet.

“Our people have been affected tremendously. The MMA needs to reduce all in-

creases for land rentals and D&I charges in this area and also to give waivers to the farmers who have been affected”.

The Chairman said he has noticed that many livestock farmers have suffered losses and they too need help.

Ramphal, who met with residents in the Dantzig area on Tuesday, noted that they have been requesting foodstuff.

“Things to keep them up on a daily basis. Many of them would have suffered damages to their appliances and furniture. Some cannot get into their homes and so there is a need for a lot of help. There is a need for agencies that deal with disasters, to come on board and provide the necessary assistance”.

According to Ramphal, he first highlighted that the breach at Dantzig was only a few feet wide when he first made mention of it.

However, the following day, the Regional Executive Officer (REO) Ovid Morrison called a press conference and accused Ramphal of misleading the public on the issue of the bridge at Dantzig.

“If he had taken a firm stand and properly investigate the matter and engaged his Government and the various agencies, we would

not have had this flood,” the Regional Chairman posited.

Ramphal also accuses the NDC members who have been walking out of meetings of aiding to the current flood situation. Saying that had he been allowed to have successful meetings, they would have been able to make representation to the necessary Government ministries.

Meanwhile, the contract to seal the sea defence has been awarded to BK Construction Company. The company is in the process of constructing a sea dam.

According to Ramphal, during his recent visit to the affected area, he observed that only between five and ten per cent of the work was completed.

“That is why the Government must come on board and ensure that a temporary embankment is constructed to prevent salt water from coming on to the land and into the residential areas. Had that been done at the beginning, this height of water that we are seeing here, had that been done, the water that we are seeing here would not have reached this height, nor would it have reached to this. It wouldn’t have been contained right out there,” the Chairman said. (Andrew Carmichael)

Technology in agricultural sector will attract youths – NAREI Head

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he National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI) on Tuesday hosted its 4th annual research conference, where it was suggested that technology be implemented into the agricultural sector to make the sector more interesting for youths.

Head of NAREI, Dr Oudho Homenauth told the gathering that technology should be enfolded since it is pivotal to foster the next generation of farmers.

“Embracing technology is necessary to nurture the next generation of farm-

ers. We need to make agriculture more tech-savvy.

Robotics, sensors, and the internet can make the agriculture sector more interesting and exciting for young people,” he said.

Meanwhile, he explained that this new generation can help in the transformation of farming, leading us into a high-tech profession that will need skill sets that include engineering, computing and data analytics.

“The current generation, as well as future generations, have different needs and interests and it is imperative that we continue to

Head of NAREI, Dr Oudho Homenauth

excite and enthuse them so that more young people can get into the sector.”

The conference was held in recognition of Agriculture Month, and themed “Paving the way for sustainable development through innovative and adaptive research”. This year’s theme aligns with the Agriculture Month 2019 theme which is “Sustainable agriculture for ensuring food safety and a green economy”. By having a theme in line with the green development strategy, NAREI believes that the identification of new technologies through innovative and adaptive research will contribute significantly to agricultural productivity.

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guyanatimesgy.com

wednesday, october 30, 2019

Regional

Bolivian Police fire tear gas Wife of disgraced Mexican Governor as President, Opposition Javier Duarte held in London wrestle over election audit P

P

rotests over a disputed presidential election convulsed Bolivia on Tuesday as Police fired tear gas in the capital and the sitting President and Opposition candidate wrestled over an audit of the results.

The brief suspension of publication of the results from an electronic count of the October 20 presidential election has triggered protests and strikes that have closed roads, schools and businesses around the nation for more than a week.

President Evo Morales, a leftist seeking a fourth term, was eventually declared the winner, prompting accusations of fraud from opposition candidate Carlos Mesa and his supporters.

In La Paz, Opposition protesters mounted road barricades of rope, wooden boards and sheets of metal. Rows of helmet-clad riot Police lined some streets, separating Morales’ supporters from protesters opposed to the President.

Tear gas was used in at

Security forces stand guard in front of the Presidential Palace during a protest in La Paz, Bolivia

least two locations to disperse protesters.

Morales, who has been in office nearly 14 years and is Latin America’s longest-serving leader, has said the Organization of American States (OAS) will audit the election and that he will go to a second round if fraud is found.

The Supreme Electoral Tribunal (TSE) and Morales, 60, both deny any irregularities.

“We, in the most transparent and secure way, confident in the sovereignty of the peo-

ple, have invited an international audit,” Vice President Alvaro Garcia told reporters early on Tuesday.

“We have called on the OAS and brother countries so they can clear up any doubt with respect to the malicious campaign of the losing candidate, who refuses to accept the decision of the Bolivian people,” Garcia said.

“We want to ask Carlos Mesa, the losing candidate, to join the audit,” he added. “We await a speedy and affirmative response”. (Excerpt from Reuters)

“So much damage”: Chile protests flare back up as reforms fall short

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hileans took to the streets again on Tuesday, pouring by the thousands into plazas and shutting down main boulevards in a sign that government promises of reform continued to fall short.

Police in armoured trucks watched over the gathering masses. The night before, vandals wreaked havoc nearby, looting, setting fires and sowing chaos amid a melee of sirens, protesters banging pots and heavy black smoke.

President Sebastian Pinera’s newly appointed spokeswoman Karla Rubilar condemned the previous night’s mayhem, saying it did not reflect the wishes of the majority.

“The violence is over-taking the legitimate demands of

the social movement,” Rubilar told reporters. She called on all Chileans, from soccer players to cultural icons, to reject the rioting.

Days earlier, more than a million Chileans marched peacefully against inequality in Santiago, the largest protest since Chile’s return to democracy in 1990.

The continuing unrest in Chile follows a week of riots, arson and protests over inequality that have resulted in at least 18 dead and 7000 arrested, prosecutors said. Chilean businesses lost more than $1.4 billion. The city’s metro suffered nearly $400 million in damages.

Pilar Zofoli, a 30-year-old schoolteacher, said the violence and destruction to public spac-

es and services was making life miserable for Santiago’s working class.

“I support this cause, but I don’t like the way things are going,” she said. “In the end, this affects us, not the rich”.

Protests over a hike in metro fares spun out of control earlier this month, prompting Pinera to pledge sweeping social and economic reforms, and to upend his cabinet.

Chile, the world’s top copper producer, has long boasted one of Latin America’s most prosperous free-market economies. A plummeting copper price and global trade tensions; however, have dragged on the export-dependent economy and exposed entrenched inequality.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

“I lost my welding plant, five weed whackers, my pressure washer, two chop saw and my two cars,” Soogrim added.

He said no one was at home when the fire started.

Vishanna had gone to visit her uncle and Soogrim had gone to take his friend Mukesh Ramnath to visit his mother, a double amputee.

“Nothing was left lighting in the house. We had already spread out the deyas on a table outside so when we come back home we would have started lighting them,” he recalled.

Around 17:00h, Soogrim said his brother called him saying the house was on fire. By the time Soogrim arrived home, the flames were uncontrollable

and had started to spread to his neighbour’s house.

Neighbour Enez Mitchell said she was at home when she saw the fire. Her family and several neighbours quickly grabbed the garden hose and started tackling the blaze.

A call was made to the Siparia Fire Station but by the time firefighters arrived, the entire house was destroyed.

Damages were estimated to be over TT$750,000. Soogrim said he was unsure how he would get money to rebuild his home.

He said his daughter Vishanna recently started working as an On the Job trainee with the Ministry of Education. (Excerpt from T&T Guardian)

Trinidad: Family homeless after Diwali fire

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iwali was meant to be a happy time for Baldeo Soogrim and his daughter Vishanna but one hour before they lit their diyas, a fire broke out at their home and devoured everything they owned.

During an emotional interview with Guardian Media, Soogrim recalled how he slept in his car on Diwali night near the smouldering ruins of his house at Rochard Road, Penal, gazing in disbelief at his sudden misfortune.

Soogrim who works as a sanitation worker with the Penal/ Debe Regional Corporation said the fire took not just his household valuables, jewellery and money but also the equipment which he used to earn a living.

rosecutors in Mexico say that Karime Macías, the wife of disgraced Mexican politician Javier Duarte, is being held in London.

Mexico has requested the extradition of Macías, 43, who reportedly lived in luxury in the British capital.

Her husband, the former Governor of Veracruz province, is serving a nineyear sentence in jail for corruption.

Duarte was dubbed "the worst governor in history" after he pleaded guilty to embezzling public funds.

Macías is also suspected of having embezzled public funds and Mexican officials had requested a year ago that she be extradited to her home country.

Her lawyer, Marco

Antonio del Toro, said that she had handed herself in voluntarily. Del Toro also said that his client had requested political asylum in the UK "following rights abuses committed since Javier Duarte was arrested".

Mexican diplomatic sources told Efe news agency "that she had fled the country [Mexico] some years ago living a privileged life in London while the previous [Mexican] administration did nothing".

The Governor who succeeded Duarte in office in Veracruz, Miguel Ángel Yunes Linares, said in May 2018 that he had information that Macías was in London, allegedly living a life of luxury in a flat in Belgravia and spending £60,000 (US$77,000) a

Javier Duarte resigned, then fled Mexico and finally was arrested in Guatemala

month.

Javier Duarte later confirmed in an interview that his wife was residing in London with their three children. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Argentina's markets jumpy as President-elect plots new path

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r g e n t i n a ’ s President-elect Alberto Fernandez pledged to lead the country in a new direction on Tuesday amid a “difficult” domestic backdrop, as financial markets jumped around with investors grasping for any signs of the Peronist’s future plans.

The peso currency and over-the-counter bonds edged up after earlier falls, while the Merval stock index was flat. The black market peso jumped steeply on month-end demand for local currency after a pre-election sell-off last Friday.

Argentine investors and creditors are closely watching Fernandez for

signals about his potential policies on the economy, his approach to the country’s mountainous debt pile and the likely makeup of his key team of advisors.

On Tuesday, a spokesman for the centre-left leader confirmed he had appointed a small transition team until his government takes over in December, though there was no clear sign yet of his picks for key economy roles.

Fernandez, who won an election victory on Sunday, appointed a four-person team of confidante Santiago Cafiero, “Kirchnerist” Eduardo de Pedro, former justice

minister Gustavo Beliz and former senator Vilma Ibarra to negotiate the transfer of power with defeated incumbent Mauricio Macri’s team.

The group does not include any economists, leaving up in the air the key question investors are asking about who will lead Fernandez’s economic team as the country’s grapples with currency and debt crises.

“Traders are sensitive and impatient given the high vulnerability with the complex current scenario,” said Gustavo Ber, Buenos Aires-based senior economist at Estudio Ber. (Excerpt from Reuters)

US extends deadline for Salvadorans to leave

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he Trump Administration has extended permits that allow an estimated 200,000 people from El Salvador to work and live in the US until January 2021.

Salvadorans were granted Temporary Protected Status (TPS) after earthquakes rocked the Central American nation in 2001.

Their status was due to expire in January 2020.

Salvadoran officials said the extension would give their fellow citizens in the US "breathing room".

There have been conflicting statements from US officials as to whether the agreement constitutes an extension to Salvadorans' TPS or just an extension of their work permits.

The programme was created in 1990 and authorises immigrants from several countries to live and work in the US lawfully, regardless of whether they entered the

Rallies have been held in the US in support of those granted TPS

country legally or not.

It is only granted to countries affected by armed conflict, environmental disaster or epidemics. Ten countries, from which there are more than 300,000 immigrants in the US, have been granted TPS protections since it was first signed into law by President George HW Bush.

The Trump Administration has taken a hard stance on TPS, arguing that "temporary means tem-

porary" and that TPS should not have been extended in cases where the original reason for granting it no longer applied.

This has created uncertainty and anguish among those living under TPS in the US, of which Salvadorans are the largest group by far.

But the President's attempt to end TPS has been challenged in the courts and currently remains blocked.

(Excerpt from BBC News)

guyanatimesgy.com

wednesday, october 30, 2019

17

Around the World

UK set for December 12 China pushes back against criticism of its general election after MPs’ vote Belt and Road lending T

T

he head of the China-led Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank pushed back on Tuesday against US assertions that China’s Belt and Road lending has unfairly saddled poor countries with unsustainable debt.

Jin Liqun, AIIB’s President, said during an investment conference panel discussion that debt problems associated with China’s massive infrastructure drive were often the result of long-standing fiscal mismanagement.

He appeared on a panel with World Bank President David Malpass, who as a senior Treasury Department official in the Trump Administration was highly critical of Belt and Road lending, telling the US Congress in December 2018 that it “often leaves countries with excessive debt and poor-quality projects.”

Jin defended the programme’s purpose as being aimed at upgrading infrastructure to improve the growth and development po-

Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank President and Chairman Jin Liqun attends the Asian Financial Forum in Hong Kong, China January 15, 2018

tential of many countries.

“But we should learn from the history. For many countries I think the issue is not whether you borrowed the money from outside, it’s how you spend the money you borrow,” Jin said. “You spend it well or not.”

He said China borrowed heavily from external sources over the past 40 years, but spent the money “judiciously” and never experienced a debt repayment problem.

Malpass agreed that it was important to invest in

quality projects that benefit a country’s population and said there needed to be more transparency in infrastructure lending, including the collateral, liens and other terms to avoid hidden clauses in contracts.

“The debt burden has been going up so fast that the end result has been quite a few projects that the people of the country didn’t need,” he said, without naming specific cases. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Iraqi protesters pack Baghdad’s Tahrir Square

T

ens of thousands of Iraqis have marched on Baghdad’s central Tahrir Square as protests calling for economic reform and removal of the country’s political elite continued for a fifth successive day.

Tuesday’s gathering in the Iraqi capital came after an overnight curfew and was the largest of its kind since the eruption last week of a second wave of mass demonstrations this month against official corruption, mass unemployment and failing public services.

Security forces stationed on the nearby Jumhuriya

bridge lobbed tear gas at protesters who tried to break through to the heavily fortified Green Zone, which houses Government buildings and foreign missions, Reuters news agency reported.

Surrounding streets brimmed with cars, taxis, and motorcycles while protesters, mostly young men - many of whom were draped in Iraqi flags chanted “with life and blood we defend you Iraq”.

Al Jazeera’s Natasha Ghoneim, reporting from Baghdad, said the mood on the streets was “boisterous and starting to get a little bit

chaotic”.

“It is the largest crowd I have seen, it is body-to-body,” Ghoneim said.

Powerful Shia religious leader Muqtada al-Sadr, who backs the largest bloc in Iraq’s parliament and helped bring Abdul Mahdi’s coalition government to power, has called for early elections.

On Tuesday, he joined protesters in the southern city of Najaf and also invited the head of a rival political bloc to work with him on introducing in parliament a vote of no confidence in Abdul Mahdi.

(Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

he UK is set to go to the polls on December 12 after MPs backed Boris Johnson’s call for an election following months of Brexit deadlock.

By a margin of 438 votes to 20, the House of Commons approved legislation paving the way for the first December election since 1923.

The bill is still to be approved by the Lords but could become law by the end of the week.

If that happens, there will be a five-week campaign up to polling day.

Johnson hopes the election will give him a fresh mandate for his Brexit deal and break the current Parliamentary deadlock, which has led to the UK’s exit being further delayed to January 31.

The PM said it was time for the country to “come together to get Brexit done”, as he left a meeting of the 1922 Committee of backbench Conservatives held minutes after the vote.

Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn said: “This election is a once-in-a-generation chance to transform our country and take on the vested interests holding people back.”

He said his party would “now launch the most ambitious and radical campaign for real change that our country has ever seen”.

Shadow Cabinet Minister Andrew Gwynne said voters faced a choice between “five more years of Boris Johnson’s slash and burn politics” and a Labour Government genuinely on the side of working people.

But some Labour MPs

Britain’s Prime Minister Boris Johnson is seen on Downing Street in London, Britain October 29, 2019.

REUTERS/Yara Nardi

have expressed misgivings over the timing of the election, believing only another referendum can settle the Brexit question for good. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Dozens dead in Cameroon landslide after torrential rain

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ozens of people have died following a landslide caused by torrential rainfall in the western Cameroon city of Bafoussam, according to state media.

Rescue teams were scouring the rubble of destroyed homes for survivors following the landslide on Monday night, state television said on Tuesday.

The Associated Press news agency quoted Augustine as saying on Tuesday that the death toll had risen from 13 to at least 34.

“We also have at least a dozen people with severe wounds,” Augustine said.

“The death toll may be higher because the incident occurred in the night and you know that there are many children in this neighbourhood who were sleeping at the time,” he added.

Rescue teams are scouring the rubble of destroyed homes for survivors following the landslide

The state-run Cameroon Tribune newspaper said on Tuesday 33 bodies have been recovered.

Police were searching for dozens more people reported missing in Bafoussam, some 200km (120 miles) north of Cameroon’s main port city of Douala.

It is feared that at least two pregnant women were killed.

Pierre Kemvhe, 51, said his pregnant wife was still missing.

Heavy rains have continued beyond the end of central Africa’s rainy season, causing severe flooding that has displaced nearly 30,000 people in Cameroon’s neighbour, the Central African Republic.

Further east, in South Sudan, nearly one million people have been affected by heavy flooding following heavy rains since July, the United Nations said last week. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

“I’m heading to the presidential palace to tender the resignation of the Government ... This is in response to the will and demand of the thousands of Lebanese demanding change,” he added.

His address came after a group of people loyal to the Shia Hezbollah and Amal movements attacked and destroyed a protest camp set up by anti-Government demonstrators in Beirut.

Aoun could now either accept Hariri’s resignation and begin consultations towards forming a new Government, or ask him to rethink.

Hariri’s resignation defied the powerful Hezbollah, whose leader Hassan Nasrallah has twice said he

was against such a step, citing the risk of a dangerous void.

The two-week crisis has paralysed Lebanon, closing banks, schools and some businesses.

Rami Khouri, a senior public policy fellow and journalism professor at the American University of Beirut, described Hariri’s move as a “huge victory” for the protest movement and a “critical turning point”.

He added, however, that the Prime Minister was the “weakest link” in the country’s coalition Government, which grouped nearly all of Lebanon’s main parties, including Hezbollah. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

India’s Modi says Saudi to invest in Lebanon Prime Minister Saad India’s downstream oil, gas projects Hariri resigns after mass protests

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rime Minister Narendra Modi said on Tuesday Saudi Arabia will invest in downstream oil and gas projects in India as part of a strategic partnership between the two countries, a move that would also help the world’s top oil exporter find a stable outlet for its crude.

Modi, who is on a two-day visit to Riyadh to participate in an investor summit, will meet King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman later on Tuesday.

“From a purely buyer-seller relationship, we are now moving toward a closer strategic partnership that will include Saudi investments

in downstream oil and gas projects,” Modi said in an interview to Arab News, according to a statement released by his office.

Saudi Aramco along with UAE’s national oil company ADNOC has signed a preliminary deal with Indian state-run companies for a 50 per cent stake in a planned 1.2 million barrels per day (bpd) mega refinery on the country’s west coast.

The Indian Government also plans to sell its entire 53.29 per cent stake in state-run refinery Bharat Petroleum Corp, at an estimated price of $10 billion.

Aramco is also eyeing a 20 per cent stake in the petrochemical and refining business of Reliance Industries

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India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi speaks during the 2019 United Nations Climate Action Summit at UN headquarters in New York City, New York, US, September 23, 2019

in a multibillion-dollar deal.

During Modi’s visit, India will sign energy deals with Saudi Arabia including its participation in India’s strategic petroleum reserve.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

ebanon’s Prime Minister Saad Hariri has turned in his resignation to President Michel Aoun, satisfying one of the main demands of the country’s protest movement.

The announcement on Tuesday came on the back of 13 days of mass protests demanding the departure of the country’s entire political elite amid growing anger over official corruption, poor public services and years of economic mismanagement.

“We have reached a deadlock and we need a shock in order to brave through the crisis,” Hariri said in a televised statement from the capital, Beirut.

18

guyanatimesgy.com

wednesday, OCTOber 30, 2019

ARCHIE

ARIES

(March 21April 19)

TAURUS (April 20May 20)

dilbert

GEMINI (May 21June 20)

CANCER (June 21July 22)

Peanuts

Calvin and Hobbes

Implement change. It’s up to you to strive to make your dreams come true. A meaningful relationship should be instrumental to helping you reach your goal.

Romance is on the rise.

Someone will send you mixed messages regarding a relationship. When in doubt, ask direct questions.

It’s best to find out exactly where you stand before you become too friendly.

Personal gains can be made, along with physical improvements and professional progress. Your innovative way of handling responsibilities will give you the edge you need to get ahead.

Romance is on the rise.

LEO (July 23Aug. 22)

If you express your intentions, you will get the feedback you need to forge ahead.

Opportunity knocks, and though not everyone will be happy with your choices, what’s right for you should take precedence.

VIRGO (Aug. 23Sept. 22)

Don’t let emotions overwhelm you. A practical outlook will help you overcome any pitfall you face.

Moderation will ward off a costly mistake. Romance is encouraged, but don’t overspend on a loved one.

LIBRA

Size up a personal situation and make financial adjustments that will help ease stress and lower your overhead. Learn from the experience and save for the future.

An open mind and a keen imagination will bring about positive change.

If you tighten your relationship with people who can help you achieve your dreams, new opportunities will sprout.

(Sept. 23Oct. 23)

SCORPIO

SUDOKU

Look at the broader scope of a situation and expand your knowledge and plans. A move or personal change is supported. A partnership looks promising.

(Oct. 24Nov. 22)

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23Dec. 21)

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22Jan. 19)

LAst PUBLISHED puzzle AQUARIUS (Jan. 20Feb. 19)

PISCES (Feb. 20March 20)

Enthusiasm can be useful, but don’t be gullible.

Someone’s rags-to-riches tale may sound exciting, but don’t buy into someone else’s dream. Stick to what you know.

A steady pace will lead to a positive change. If you let anxiety surface, it will hinder what you are trying to achieve.

Look at your schedule, finances and responsibilities before you make promises. Concentrate on gaining more stability and longterm security. Don’t let anyone take you for granted.

Go over agreements and make adjustments. Equality will be the deciding factor as to the outcome and longevity of a partnership. Honesty and transparency are mandatory.

wednesday, october 30, 2019

19

roundup: Rockets win

Westbrook's 1st game versus Thunder

J

ames Harden scored a game-high 40 points, and Russell Westbrook, playing against his former team for the first time, finished an assist shy of his second consecutive triple-double, but it was the two-way prowess of PJ Tucker that led the Houston Rockets to a 116-112 win over the visiting Oklahoma City Thunder on Monday.

Tucker had 17 points and nine rebounds, and he regularly assumed the challenge of defending opponents big and small. His corner 3-pointer with 54.8 seconds left provided the Rockets the six-point cushion they needed down the stretch.

Westbrook finished with 21 points, 12 rebounds and nine assists while Harden added seven assists. Harden made 21 of 22 foul shots. Tucker was 5 of 7 on 3-point attempts. Clint Capela contributed 15 points for Houston.

Dennis Schroder and Shai GilgeousAlexander scored 22 apiece for the Thunder w h i l e Danilo Gallinari added 17. Chris Paul posted 15 points in his return to Houston, a n d Nerlens Noel also scored 15.

Knicks 105, Bulls 98

Reserve Bobby Portis hit the go-ahead 3-pointer with 1:47 remaining and scored 11 of his season-high 28 points in the fourth quarter as New York rallied from 18 points down to beat Chicago.

Portis’ clutch performance was part of a game-ending 15-0 run for the Knicks, who avoided their first 0-4 start since 2005-06. The former Chicago forward shot 10 of 14 from the floor and hit all four of his 3-point shots while also grabbing 11 rebounds.

Rookie RJ Barrett added 19 points and 15 rebounds for his first career double-double for the Knicks, who got 14 points from Kevin Knox and 13 points and 14 rebounds from Julius Randle. Zach LaVine scored 21 points and Wendell Carter Jr. had 20 for the 76ers.

76ers 105, Hawks 103

Joel Embiid scored 36 points, including the decisive two free throws with 5.3 seconds left, and Vince Carter’s potential game-winning 3-pointer at the buzzer hit the back rim as Philadelphia edged host Atlanta.

Embiid showed no ill effects of the right ankle sprain that forced him to miss the last game. He shot 12-for-19 from the field, including 2-for-6 on 3-point tries, and 10for-10 from the foul line. He added 13 rebounds, five assists and three steals to help the Sixers improve to 3-0.

Atlanta was led by Trae Young with 25 points, but only six of those came in the second half. Young also had a game-high nine assists. John Collins had 16 points before fouling out in the final minute, and De’Andre Hunter scored 14.

Clippers 111, Hornets 96

Kawhi Leonard amassed 30 points, seven rebounds, six assists and three blocks as Los Angeles posted a victory over visiting Charlotte. The Clippers won for the third time in four games this season.

Lou Williams added 23 points and Montrezl Harrell scored 19 points and grabbed seven rebounds for Los Angeles. Landry Shamet scored all 16 of his points in the first half, and Ivica Zubac recorded a career-high five blocks.

Terry Rozier finished with 17 points to lead six Hornets in double digits. Cody Zeller chipped in 14 points and 13 rebounds. Reserve guard Devonte’ Graham had 14 points and 12 assists for Charlotte, which took its third consecutive loss.

Pistons 96, Pacers 94

Christian Wood scored 19 points and grabbed 12 re-

bounds off the bench, and Derrick Rose overcame a cold shooting night to score the go-ahead basket in the final minute as host Detroit defeated Indiana for the second time in six nights.

Andre Drummond supplied 18 points and 18 rebounds, while Luke Kennard tossed in 14 points for Detroit, which had lost its previous two games. Bruce B r o w n add-

e 1

d 1

double-figure scoring from starters Brook Lopez (16), Giannis Antetokounmpo (14), Eric Bledsoe (14) and Wes Matthews (14).

Collin Sexton led Cleveland with 18 points.

Jazz 96, Suns 95

Bojan Bogdanovic hit four 3-pointers en route to 29 points, and Donovan Mitchell added 25 points and made the first of two free throws with 0.4 seconds left in the game to give Utah a narrow win over host Phoenix.

Rudy Gobert contributed 15 points and 18 rebounds, and made eight consecutive free throws in the fourth quarter to help the J a z z overcome a seven-point deficit in the final nine minutes for their eighth straight win in the series.

Devin Booker had 21 points despite playing through foul trouble, Kelly Oubre Jr. scored 18 points, and Ricky Rubio had 10 points, 10 rebounds and eight assists in his first game against Utah after spending the previous two seasons with the Jazz. The Suns were looking to start 3-1 for the first time since 2014-15.

Nuggets 101, Kings 94

Houston Rocket guard James Harden (13) dribbles against Oaklahoma City Thunder guard Terrance Ferguson (USA Today)

points and seven rebounds, and Rose scored 10 on 4-for-16 shooting with six assists off the bench.

Domantas Sabonis led the Pacers, who dropped to 0-3, with 21 points and 14 rebounds. T.J. Warren had 19 points and five steals, Myles Turner scored 16 points, and Malcolm Brogdon added 15 points and 11 assists.

Spurs 113, Trail Blazers 110

DeMar DeRozan poured in 27 points and led a huge midgame charge for San Antonio Spurs, which beat visiting Portland to complete a sweep of its season-opening, three-game homestand.

The Spurs roared back from a 19-point, first-quarter hole to take the lead midway through the third on the way to an 82-71 advantage heading into the final 12 minutes. San Antonio outscored the Trail Blazers 63-38 over the second and third quarters, but Portland forged its own comeback late, pulling to within 109-108 on Damian Lillard’s dunk with 1:10 to play.

Lillard scored 18 of his 28 points over the game’s final 3:50, but he missed a 3-point attempt that would have tied the game with 16.3 seconds to play. After a foul and two missed free throws by DeRozan, Portland had two more chances to pull even, but Lillard missed twice from beyond the arc, with the final attempt rolling around the rim and out at the buzzer.

Bucks 129, Cavaliers 112

Khris Middleton led seven players in double figures with 21 points as Milwaukee gradually pulled away from visiting Cleveland.

Coming off a home loss to Miami, the Bucks also got 19- and 17-point efforts off the bench from George Hill and Pat Connaughton, respectively, while also getting

Gary Harris contributed a pair of baskets, including a 3-pointer, to an 11-0, third-quarter burst that allowed Denver to overtake host Sacramento before holding on to improve to 3-0.

Playing the front end o f a back-to-back, the Nuggets managed to give 10 players at least 17 minutes apiece and no one more than 31. The Nuggets host the Dallas Mavericks on Tuesday night.

Richaun Holmes recorded a 24-point, 13-rebound double-double to pace the Kings, who fell to 0-4. De’Aaron Fox had 20 points and a game-high nine assists to support Holmes for Sacramento.

Raptors 104, Magic 95

Kyle Lowry scored 26 points, including a key 3-pointer and five free throws late in the fourth quarter, and Toronto held off visiting Orlando.

Pascal Siakam added 24 points and nine rebounds for the Raptors, who got double-digit scoring from all five starters. Fred VanVleet had 14 points, OG Anunoby added 12 points and eight rebounds, and Marc Gasol contributed 10 points and 10 rebounds. Serge Ibaka had nine points and 10 rebounds off the bench.

Jonathan Isaac led the Magic with 24 points, Evan Fournier added 18 points, and Markelle Fultz and Terrence Ross added 13 and 11 off the bench, respectively.

Warriors 134, Pelicans 123

Stephen Curry scored 26 points and Draymond Green had a triple-double as the visiting Golden State defeated New Orleans in a matchup of previously winless teams.

Green had 16 points, 17 rebounds and 10 assists, D’Angelo Russell scored 24 points, and Damion Lee added 23 off the bench. The Warriors outrebounded the Pelicans 61-41.

Brandon Ingram had 27 points and 10 rebounds while leading New Orleans in scoring for the fourth consecutive game, and Jaxson Hayes added 19 points. (Reuters)

20

GUYANATIMESgy.COM

wednesday, october 30, 2019

Shakib Al Hasan banned from all cricket for failing to report bookie approaches S

hakib Al Hasan, Bangladesh’s Test and T20I captain, has been banned by the ICC from all cricket for two years, with one year of that sentence suspended, after he accepted three charges of breaching the ICC anti-corruption code.

What rule did Shakib violate?

The most basic form of offence for failing the report an approach is covered under 2.4.4 of the ACU code. It says: “Failing to disclose to the ACU (without unnecessary delay) full details of any approaches or invitations received by the Participant to engage in Corrupt Conduct under the AntiCorruption Code.”

The reason behind reporting any approach promptly and quickly is because any delay can hamper investigations.

“It is acknowledged that the assessment of whether there had been ‘unnecessary delay’ in each case will depend on its own circumstances, but it is always unacceptable (and will therefore constitute ‘unnecessary delay’) for a Participant to wait until after the match in respect of which he/she was invited to engage in Corrupt Conduct before reporting that approach to the ACU,” the ICC code says.

What is the sanction?

A minimum of six months and a maximum of five years.

His offences related to two tournaments in 2018: an ODI tri-series in January, also involving Sri

Lanka and Zimbabwe, and one match in the IPL, where he was a player with Sunrisers Hyderabad.

Shakib, 32, is Bangladesh’s leading current cricketer and among their all-time greats. He is currently at No. 3, No. 1 and No. 2 in the ICC allrounders’ rankings for Tests, ODIs and T20Is respectively, and is also a valuable member of the various T20 franchises he is part of across the world.

He will be free to resume international cricket on October 29, 2020, subject to his satisfying the conditions in respect of the suspended part of the sanction. He is likely to miss most - or all - of next year’s headline event, the World T20 in Australia, which runs from October 18 to November 15.

The ICC charged Shakib under Article 2.4.4, for failure to report two approaches to engage in corrupt conduct during the tri-series and for failure to disclose full details of any approaches or invitations he received to engage in corrupt conduct in relation to the Sunrisers Hyderabad v Kings XI Punjab match in IPL 2018 on April 26, 2018.

In order to avoid the one-year suspended sentence coming into effect, Shakib must not commit any offence under the ACU code during the initial one-year suspension, and participate regular-

formation to use for betting purposes. It also noted that Shakib was an experienced international cricketer fully aware of his responsibilities under the ICC’s code of conduct and, additionally, he was captain of his national side.

The ICC said that Shakib had accepted the charges and agreed to the sanction in lieu of an anti-corruption tribunal hearing.

“I am obviously extremely sad to have been banned from the game I love, but I completely accept my sanction for not reporting the approaches,” an ICC statement quoted him as saying. “The ICC ACU is reliant on players to play a central part in the fight proachagainst cores” - as the ruption and ICC put it I didn’t do by him. Those my duty approaches, in this inand Shakib’s stance.” failures to reAlex port, occurred Marshall, over a periICC’s genod of several eral manmonths. ager - inThe aptegrity, proachs a i d , es made “Shakib to Shakib Shakib Al Hasan Al Hasan is were “clear in a highly extheir content and intent”, the ICC said; it was perienced international cricketer. clear to Shakib that Aggarwal’s He has attended many education intention was to obtain inside in- sessions and knows his obligations ly in anti-corruption education and/ or rehabilitation programmes.

The ICC’s case revolved around a series of messages exchanged between Shakib and the alleged corruptor Deepak Aggarwal, and Shakib’s failure to report “not one but three ap-

under the Code. He should have reported each of these approaches.

Shakib has accepted his errors and cooperated fully with the investigation.”

BCB President Nazmul Hassan said Shakib first told him about the case two or three days ago, after the players’ strike was withdrawn, and informed the board about the punishment this evening.

The board, he said, was “shocked and extremely disappointed that an experienced player like Shakib” had failed to report corrupt approach on three occasions. “We hope he will come back as a better and wiser cricketer and serve Bangladesh for many more years” when his sanction ends.

“I also want to make it clear that BCB had nothing to do with it, neither did any of us know. The ACSU, which did this investigation since January, was done independently of the ICC. We only knew that they contacted Shakib, so we just heard the verdict.”

The Shakib development has come at a time of huge upheaval in the BCB. Only a week ago, Shakib had led a players’ strike in Bangladesh, which came to an end last Wednesday after the BCB ceded to all the demands.

The news also comes on the eve of Bangladesh’s tour of India, which starts on November 3.

Shakib was meant to leave with the Bangladesh T20I squad on Wednesday for the tour, which comprises three T20Is and two Test matches. (Cricinfo)

Replacement Bertens Mominul Haque named Captain for battles back to beat Barty Tests, Mustafizur Rahman returns

A

shleigh Barty surrendered a one-set turned the tables in the second set, breaking lead to crash to a 3-6 6-3 6-4 loss at the 23-year-old in the penultimate game to the hands of late replacement Kiki level the scores and take the match into a deBertens at the WTA Finals on Tuesday as cider. the world number one’s prospects of advancShe carried that form into the final set ing to the semi-finals suffered a blow. and, as Barty struggled on her own serve, Barty was facing the Dutchwoman af- Bertens closed out the match to record her ter she took Naomi Osaka’s place in the first-ever win over the French Open champidraw following the Australian Open champi- on in five attempts. on’s withdrawal with a shoulder injury and Barty and Bertens were joined on one Bertens made the most of the opportunity. win apiece at the end of the second round of After feeling her way through the first matches in the Red Group by Bencic after set, the world number 10 - who reached the Swiss beat Petra Kvitova 6-3 1-6 6-4, the semi-finals of last year’s tourwhich leaves the Czech winless in her nament - raised her game to hand opening two matches.

Barty her first loss of the compeAfter a solid start by both playtition. ers, Kvitova found the net with a “In the beginning I think was volley from close range to drop her not playing so well,” said Bertens. serve in the seventh game and, two “I had to feel the court a litgames later, surrendered the opentle bit more, but I think I was er when she hit a double fault on set getting better and better in the point. rhythm, trying to play aggressive Kvitova was relentless and trying to come to the net. in the second set as con“I think I did pretty sistent serving and the well.” strength of her returns Barty’s status left Bencic increasingas world number ly frustrated, with the one in the yearSwiss slamming her end rankings was racket into the ground confirmed followon the way to a coming her win over prehensive loss.

Belinda Bencic on But the Sunday and the 22-year-old Australian looked showed her reimpressive in the silience as she opening set, even steadied herself in as both players the final set, claiming had trouble holding the vital break in the penultheir serve. timate game before closing Bertens, out the win. (Reuters) Kiki Bertens t h o u g h ,

A

mid the turbulence of the player strike and Shakib Al Hasan’s ban, BCB has announced their revised squads for the T20I and Test series in India in November. The big changes are at the top - Mominul Haque is Bangladesh’s captain for the Tests and Mahmudullah takes over as captain in T20Is. Left-arm spinner Taijul Islam replaced Shakib in the T20I squad, while Abu Hider replaced allrounder Mohammad Saifuddin, who was ruled out last week due to a recurring back injury. Mohammed Mithun has also been drafted in for Tamim Iqbal, who was previously replaced by Imrul Kayes after opting out to stay home with his wife for the birth of their second child. Kayes has, however, been named in the Test squad. He currently leads the run-scoring charts in the National Cricket League (NCL).

New Test captain Mominul will also have leftarm seamer Mustafizur Rahman available to pick, as the seamer came in for

Mominul Haque

Taskin Ahmed. Mustafizur last played a Test in March 2019, on Bangladesh’s curtailed tour of New Zealand. Fellow seamer Al-Amin Hossain also returned to the squad after last playing a Test in October 2014. His last Bangladesh appearance was in March 2016.

Twenty-year-old top-order batsman Saif Hassan has broken into a senior squad for the first time on the back of a strong showing in the NCL and on an ‘A’ tour of Sri Lanka. Hassan has made two hundreds and a fifty in his last four innings in October - a List A hundred against Sri Lanka, and innings of 220* and 72 for Dhaka Division. He averages

46.18 in 36 first-class matches since his debut in 2015.

T20I squad: Mahmudullah (capt), Liton Das, Soumya Sarkar, Mohammad Naim, Mushfiqur Rahim, Afif Hossain, Mosaddek Hossain, Aminul Islam, Arafat Sunny, Al-Amin Hossain, Mustafizur Rahman, Shafiul Islam, Mohammad Mithun, Taijul Islam, Abu Hider Test squad: Shadman Islam, Imrul Kayes, Saif Hassan, Mominul Haque (capt), Liton Das, Mushfiqur Rahim, Mahmudullah, Mohammad Mithun, Mosaddek Hossain, Mehidy Hasan, Taijul Islam, Nayeem Hasan, Mustafizur Rahman, Al-Amin Hossain, Abu Jayed, Ebadat Hossain

guyanatimesgy.com

wednesday, october 30, 2019

CLASSIFIED ADS FOR SALE Left Hand Drive Toyota Corolla $380,000 neg. 680-3863 3 Caterpillar (326 D2L) Excavators for Sale, 2 Hyundai (300LC-95) Escalators for Sale. Escalator hours: 4,000 – 6,000 Hours. Price from: $18m - $22m (negotiable). Contact: 691-0131. Address: Opposite Massy Stores in Providence.

LAND FOR SALE TRANSPORTED HOUSELOTS SARAH JOANNA EAST BANK DEMERARA # 673-9231 / 216-4063/ 685-5476 2 Acres for Housing. Vreed-en– Hoop, W.C.D. 621-6918, 697-7731

property for sale Property for Sale by Owner. Price is negotiable. Address: 179 Albert Street between Regent and Charlotte. Contact info: 695-7223/ 643-5989.

spirituality & ASTROLOGY Are you having trouble with Health, Money/Love Life and Domestic Problems. Removal of Obstacles of any kind. Then I can help. Call / WhatsApp : 671-8919.

TO LET 1 House to Rent at lot 5 Best Road, Best village. Contact number: 668-6755 (Nevile) FOR RENT BY OWNER. 8000 sq ft of warehouse/office space on the BV (Beterverwagting) Public Rd, East Coast Demerara.

Multiple air-conditioned offices. USD $4500 NEGOTIABLE. Call or Whatsapp 592-610-6580

VACANCIES Handyman to assist with yard work, etc. $3,000 per day - 680-3863 Pump Attendant - 680-3863 Store Helper - 624-0033 • Lorry Driver/Salesman, • Van Driver/ Salesman. *Must have sound secondary education *Ages between 25-40 years. Call: 617-1809 Female live in Domestic wanted to work in Trinidad.Must be single between the ages of 25-38.Meals and Accommodation is provided.

WhatsApp or call for more info.tel:1 868 386 5302,1 868 386 4621.

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21

BCB opens refurnished Leslie Amsterdam office

– 80th anniversary celebration continues

“W

e have achieved in the last 20 months what others in Guyana can only dream about and today, I can safely say, is the proudest moment of my presidency. Two months ago, I was ashamed to invite guests to our office, but today we are now in a better position to offer our services to the general public. The Leslie A Amsterdam BCB office now reflects the high standard we have set ourselves and all of us involved in Berbice cricket should be proud.”

Those were the words of BCB President Hilbert Foster as he declared the restored Leslie Amsterdam BCB office opened. The restoration of the BCB office was the main project for its 80th anniversary and was spearheaded by President Foster; Treasurer, Dr Cecil Beharry; Administrator Angela Haniff; Public Relations Officer (PRO) Simon Naidu and Executive Member Neil Rudder.

Foster recalled that on

BCB President Hilbert Foster and Dr Tulsi Dyal Singh, along with the BCB Treasurer and Secretary at the head table during the launching

his election on February 18, 2018, it was discovered that the BCB was without its own office and that the old one was not in the best condition. The BCB re-entered into a contract with the own-

Tucber Park Cricket Club congratulates Nial Smith T

he Executive and members of Tucber Park Cricket Club (TPCC) would like to congratulate Nial Smith on his maiden call-up to the Guyana senior team.

Smith was recently named in the squad to participate in the Regional Super50 tournament to be held in Trinidad and Tobago and St Kitts from November 6 to December 1.

His selection comes on the back of his outstanding performances in the recent SBF Petroleum-Cricket Guyana Inc (SBF Petroleum-CGI) tournament, finishing with 18 wickets (the most by any fast bowler in the tournament), that included a best of 6-41 against Georgetown at Bourda.

Smith, who represented Guyana at the Under-15 and Under-19 levels, has the chance to become the fourth player from Tucber Park to play List A crickNial Smith et behind Canada fast bowler Jeremy Gordon, who also played First Class for Guyana in 2006 before migrating to Canada; Anthony D’Andrade, who represented UWI Vice Chancellor’s XI against Zimbabwe in 2010 and pacer Romario Shepherd, who was recently selected to West Indies One-Day International (ODI) team to play against Afghanistan in India next month.

TPCC further expressed confidence in Smith’s ability to make his family, the club, Berbice and Guyana proud.

er, but Foster stated that the first objective was to get cricket playing on the field and obtaining sponsorship.

With Berbice cricket now on firm footing, it was decided to concentrate on the upgrading of the office. The Leslie Amsterdam Memorial Office restoration project included tiling of the entire floor, sealing of the floor with PVC ceiling, upgrading of the electrical system, some repainting, the setting up of the Dr Tulsi Dyal Singh Wall of Fame and obtaining $400,000 worth of furniture.

The BCB now has a three-piece chair set, plastic chairs, folding chairs, and folding tables while the office also has its own desktop computer, printer, fax machine, phone set, water dispenser, TV set, DVD player, water cart, and kitchen utensils among others.

Foster stated that the BCB would now be in a better position to serve the general public, host visitors in comfort, store important records in a safe environment, reduce operating costs and honour its heroes in a suitable environment. The BCB would like to express gratitude to Dr Tulsi Dyal Singh, Caribbean Nations Group, Food For The Poor, Guyana Prison Service, Colin Elcock, Devindra Bishoo, Anthony Bramble, Gudakesh Motie, Dr Puran Singh, Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club, Poonai Pharmacy, D Balram Shane, Spready’s Snackette, University of Guyana Tain Campus, and A Hamid General Store for their support.

Dr Tulsi Dyal Singh, who was present at the rededication ceremony, hailed the outstanding

work of the Foster-led BCB Administration. He disclosed that the Charlotte Street location was once a favourite of his as it once housed The Graphic Bookstore, and he praised the restoration work. Dr Singh, who has donated millions of his own funds to the development of the game in the Ancient County, stated that he was very impressed by the work of the BCB, its regular reports and its accountability. The BCB office is named the Leslie A Amsterdam Memorial Office in tribute to the late President of the Board and former Berbice opening batsman. Amsterdam received a national award, the Arrowhead of Achievement (AA) and served as President in 1969 and then from 1987 to 1999 when he drowned in the Berbice River.

guyanatimesgy.com

wednesday, october 30, 2019

CLASSIFIED ADS FOR SALE Left Hand Drive Toyota Corolla $380,000 neg. 680-3863 3 Caterpillar (326 D2L) Excavators for Sale, 2 Hyundai (300LC-95) Escalators for Sale. Escalator hours: 4,000 – 6,000 Hours. Price from: $18m - $22m (negotiable). Contact: 691-0131. Address: Opposite Massy Stores in Providence.

LAND FOR SALE TRANSPORTED HOUSELOTS SARAH JOANNA EAST BANK DEMERARA # 673-9231 / 216-4063/ 685-5476 2 Acres for Housing. Vreed-en– Hoop, W.C.D. 621-6918, 697-7731

property for sale Property for Sale by Owner. Price is negotiable. Address: 179 Albert Street between Regent and Charlotte. Contact info: 695-7223/ 643-5989.

spirituality & ASTROLOGY Are you having trouble with Health, Money/Love Life and Domestic Problems. Removal of Obstacles of any kind. Then I can help. Call / WhatsApp : 671-8919.

TO LET 1 House to Rent at lot 5 Best Road, Best village. Contact number: 668-6755 (Nevile) FOR RENT BY OWNER. 8000 sq ft of warehouse/office space on the BV (Beterverwagting) Public Rd, East Coast Demerara.

Multiple air-conditioned offices. USD $4500 NEGOTIABLE. Call or Whatsapp 592-610-6580

VACANCIES Handyman to assist with yard work, etc. $3,000 per day - 680-3863 Pump Attendant - 680-3863 Store Helper - 624-0033 • Lorry Driver/Salesman, • Van Driver/ Salesman. *Must have sound secondary education *Ages between 25-40 years. Call: 617-1809 Female live in Domestic wanted to work in Trinidad.Must be single between the ages of 25-38.Meals and Accommodation is provided.

WhatsApp or call for more info.tel:1 868 386 5302,1 868 386 4621.

NOT RECEIVING YOUR DAILY & SUNDAY

COPIES OF THE

GUYANA TIMES

in your area?

Contact our

Circulation Department on

Phone: 223-7230 EXT: 55

21

BCB opens refurnished Leslie Amsterdam office

– 80th anniversary celebration continues

“W

e have achieved in the last 20 months what others in Guyana can only dream about and today, I can safely say, is the proudest moment of my presidency. Two months ago, I was ashamed to invite guests to our office, but today we are now in a better position to offer our services to the general public. The Leslie A Amsterdam BCB office now reflects the high standard we have set ourselves and all of us involved in Berbice cricket should be proud.”

Those were the words of BCB President Hilbert Foster as he declared the restored Leslie Amsterdam BCB office opened. The restoration of the BCB office was the main project for its 80th anniversary and was spearheaded by President Foster; Treasurer, Dr Cecil Beharry; Administrator Angela Haniff; Public Relations Officer (PRO) Simon Naidu and Executive Member Neil Rudder.

Foster recalled that on

BCB President Hilbert Foster and Dr Tulsi Dyal Singh, along with the BCB Treasurer and Secretary at the head table during the launching

his election on February 18, 2018, it was discovered that the BCB was without its own office and that the old one was not in the best condition. The BCB re-entered into a contract with the own-

Tucber Park Cricket Club congratulates Nial Smith T

he Executive and members of Tucber Park Cricket Club (TPCC) would like to congratulate Nial Smith on his maiden call-up to the Guyana senior team.

Smith was recently named in the squad to participate in the Regional Super50 tournament to be held in Trinidad and Tobago and St Kitts from November 6 to December 1.

His selection comes on the back of his outstanding performances in the recent SBF Petroleum-Cricket Guyana Inc (SBF Petroleum-CGI) tournament, finishing with 18 wickets (the most by any fast bowler in the tournament), that included a best of 6-41 against Georgetown at Bourda.

Smith, who represented Guyana at the Under-15 and Under-19 levels, has the chance to become the fourth player from Tucber Park to play List A crickNial Smith et behind Canada fast bowler Jeremy Gordon, who also played First Class for Guyana in 2006 before migrating to Canada; Anthony D’Andrade, who represented UWI Vice Chancellor’s XI against Zimbabwe in 2010 and pacer Romario Shepherd, who was recently selected to West Indies One-Day International (ODI) team to play against Afghanistan in India next month.

TPCC further expressed confidence in Smith’s ability to make his family, the club, Berbice and Guyana proud.

er, but Foster stated that the first objective was to get cricket playing on the field and obtaining sponsorship.

With Berbice cricket now on firm footing, it was decided to concentrate on the upgrading of the office. The Leslie Amsterdam Memorial Office restoration project included tiling of the entire floor, sealing of the floor with PVC ceiling, upgrading of the electrical system, some repainting, the setting up of the Dr Tulsi Dyal Singh Wall of Fame and obtaining $400,000 worth of furniture.

The BCB now has a three-piece chair set, plastic chairs, folding chairs, and folding tables while the office also has its own desktop computer, printer, fax machine, phone set, water dispenser, TV set, DVD player, water cart, and kitchen utensils among others.

Foster stated that the BCB would now be in a better position to serve the general public, host visitors in comfort, store important records in a safe environment, reduce operating costs and honour its heroes in a suitable environment. The BCB would like to express gratitude to Dr Tulsi Dyal Singh, Caribbean Nations Group, Food For The Poor, Guyana Prison Service, Colin Elcock, Devindra Bishoo, Anthony Bramble, Gudakesh Motie, Dr Puran Singh, Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club, Poonai Pharmacy, D Balram Shane, Spready’s Snackette, University of Guyana Tain Campus, and A Hamid General Store for their support.

Dr Tulsi Dyal Singh, who was present at the rededication ceremony, hailed the outstanding

work of the Foster-led BCB Administration. He disclosed that the Charlotte Street location was once a favourite of his as it once housed The Graphic Bookstore, and he praised the restoration work. Dr Singh, who has donated millions of his own funds to the development of the game in the Ancient County, stated that he was very impressed by the work of the BCB, its regular reports and its accountability. The BCB office is named the Leslie A Amsterdam Memorial Office in tribute to the late President of the Board and former Berbice opening batsman. Amsterdam received a national award, the Arrowhead of Achievement (AA) and served as President in 1969 and then from 1987 to 1999 when he drowned in the Berbice River.

wednesday, october 30, 2019

Additional teams onboard for 3rd Turbo Tournament S

traight knockout action will return to the Education Ministry Ground next Saturday as the third annual Turbo Knockout Tournament kicks off. This year’s tournament has seen an increase in the number of participating teams, with 20 football clubs from Georgetown and outlying areas vying for supremacy.

Prior to the competition’s kick-off on November 9, eight teams will battle to join the 12 automatic qualifiers in the competition.

Speaking on organiser Petra’s behalf, Mark Alleyne stressed the value of the partnership with the Guyana Beverage Inc (GBI) and thanked the company for its continued support.

“We in the football fraternity are grateful to you for making such an investment that will allow us to enjoy these moments’ of teams and players showcasing their skills. We believe that this partnership will continue to be a successful one this year and, in the years to come, will form a rich part of footballing history,” Alleyne stated.

Guyana Beverage Inc’s Turbo Brand Manager, Raymond Govinda

Meanwhile, Wayne Dover made remarks on behalf of the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) and did not hesitate to disclose why the timing of the tournament is perfect for the GFF’s agenda.

“What is much more fitting for us at the Football Federation in this tournament that is launching today (Tuesday) is the fact that we’re on a scouting exercise across Guyana to identify talent for the

National Under-20 tournament in February. Myself, along with a team of other scouts and coaches, will visit these games to ensure that we identify talent. So, we’re very much excited about the Turbo tournament,” Dover revealed.

While stressing on the GBI’s commitment to sport, Turbo Brand Manager Raymond Govinda also noted that the tournament presented a great opportunity for budding talent to be dis-

covered.

“Today, it’s another example of GBI’s unwavering support and commitment towards sports development in Guyana. This year, we would have expanded into core sporting activities, into table tennis, archery and athletics and it is fitting that we continue with this knockout tournament. Today, we believe that this tournament provides the perfect platform for new talents to be discovered,” Govinda expressed.

Georgetown Football Club (GFC); Camptown; Northern Rangers; Riddim Squad; GT Panthers; Black Pearl; Pele FC; Eastveldt; Beacons FC; Buxton Stars FC; Mahaica Determinators; Dynamic FC; Timehri Panthers; Santos FC Under-20; Fruta Conquerors Under-20; Buxton United Under-20; Eagles United; Police B; Pouderoyen FC and Uitvlugt FC are some of the teams that will be competing for the $400,000 grand prize.

Second place will pocket $200, 000 while third and fourth will receive $100,000 and $50, 000 respectively.

2019 Colonial Medical Insurance Regional Super50…

23 PM T20 Cup attracting international sponsors guyanatimesgy.com

Mahendra Hardyal (right) representing HL Latino America hands over the sponsorship to Georgetown Softball Cricket League Inc Secretary Telisha Ousman-Yamin

H

L Latino America of Panama is the latest corporate entity to join the annual Prime Minister’s Twenty/20 softball (PMT20 Cup) cricket tournament. The three-category tournament which is organised by the Georgetown Softball Cricket League (GSCL) Inc bowls off on Friday, November 1 and concludes two days later at the Everest Cricket Club in Georgetown.

HL Latino America is a furniture giant in Panama that specialises in home and office furniture while Regal Stationery and Computer Centre is the local authorised distributor in Guyana.

Also joining the list of sponsors for the tournament, which holds international status, is Regal Stationery and Computer Centre, whose

Managing Director, Mahendra Hardyal is a known cricket enthusiast.

There are 26 teams in the three categories: Open, Masters and Legends which will see matches being played at venues across Georgetown.

Teams from Canada and New York and Florida in the US will compete against the best local teams for more than $2 million in cash and prizes.

To date, the tournament has attracted sponsorship from Rajiv Gandhi University of Science and Technology, Chung’s Global, P and P Insurance Brokers, Ink Plus, KFC, Elegance Jewellery and Pawn Shop, Banks Beer, I-Bet Supreme, Crown Mining Supplies, Bedessee Sporting Goods, Star Party Rentals, Cyber Sports and USA Cricket Zone.

BCB mourns the loss of Jaipersaud Hardeo and Parmeshwar Badri Narrain

Sinclair makes the cut for T West Indies Emerging team

G

uyana’s Kevin Sinclair has made the West Indies Emerging Players squad that will compete in the 2019 Cricket West Indies (CWI) Colonial Medical Insurance Regional Super50 tournament, which will bowl off on November 6 in St Kitts and Trinidad.

The Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club (RHTY&SC) player had a brilliant sea-

Sinclair took 13 wickets in the tournament (Brandon Corlette photo)

son in the SBF Petroleum Cricket Guyana Inc 50-Over Franchise League, scoring 235 runs for West Berbice.

Batting at the top of the order, Sinclair finished the season of seven matches at an average of 60. To cap off his brilliance, the youngster had 13 wickets in the season with a best bowling figure of 5-31 with his rightarm off-spin. After the right-handed top-order batsman got the call from CWI chief selector Roger Harper, he expressed some positive sentiments during an interview with Guyana Times Sport.

“I just want to thank the Almighty for being in the squad; I’m pretty much confi-

dent about going and do well, taking the form from the Franchise League into the Super50 for the developmental squad and get some runs along with wickets,” Sinclair told this daily publication.

The hard-working cricketer further added that he would be looking to do well for himself and the people who supported him.

“Even my grandfather (Carlton Sinclair) I think he should feel proud of me; he has been there helping me from the grassroot level, Sinclair noted.

The confident player highlighted that he would remain confident and execute his game as he did in the Franchise League.

In his earlier interview with this newspaper, Sinclair was confident of making the Guyana Jaguars squad after his consistent performances and the hard work he had put into his game.

Sinclair, who has been dominating local cricket for a long period, credited the academy programme with helping him tremendously.

“I have been working a lot in the academy, especially on my batting and my fitness as well,” Sinclair said.

He and his West Indies Emerging Players teammates will play their first match on November 7 from 13:30h against Guyana Jaguars at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy.

(Brandon Corlette)

Kevin Sinclair bats during the Franchise League

he President, Executives and members of the Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) would like to express their heartfelt sympathy to the families and friends of the late Jaipersaud Hardeo and Parmeshwar Badri Narrain.

Their sudden and unexpected deaths have left the Berbice cricket fraternity in a state of shock and sadness.

Hardeo at the time of his death was serving as Treasurer of the Berbice Cricket Umpires Association (BCUA) and had served as an umpire for over 40 years.

For four decades, he was a dedicated representative of the Mt Sinai Cricket Club and in 2017, he played a major role in the restructuring of the Club, which now play all levels of cricket in Berbice apart from female and First Division. He was a close friend, advisor and mentor to dozens of young leaders and provided regular advice to BCB President Hilbert Foster.

Uncle Jai, as he was fondly called, was one of the first awardees of the BCB’s highest award – Tribute to Heroes. He earned the total respect of friends and colleagues when he rejected financial reward for his vote in the 2018 BCB election.

The BCB salutes Uncle Jai for his decades of service to Berbice cricket: “We shall miss his charm, words of encouragement, his constructive criticism,

Jaipersaud Hardeo

and his calmness during pressure moments. To his entire family and the BCUA, we would like to express our deepest sympathy and we would also like to announce that the BCB would honour the memory of Jaipersaud Hardeo in a special way after having a discussion with the Umpires Association.”

Parmeshwar Badri Narrain died playing the game he loved the most.

He had just been dismissed in the New Building Society Ltd 40 0vers match between his Number 48 team and the Number 8 Turn Team when he collapsed and died. “The BCB would like to express our deepest sympathy to his widow, two children, and the entire Narrain family,” the Board stated.

He was a very popular cricketer in the Upper Corentyne area and the cricketing public shall miss his positive attitude on the cricket field. BCB President Foster and Public Relations Officer Simon Naidu visited Narrain’s home and met with the grieving family to express the Board’s sympathy. May the soul of the late Parmeshwar Badri Narrain rest in peace.

wednesday, october 30, 2019

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

guyanatimesgy.com

Additional teams onboard for 3rd Turbo Tournament Page 23

GBI’s Raymond Govinda hands over the sponsorship cheque to Petra’s Jackie Boodie in the presence of Wayne Dover and Mark Alleyne

Pee Wee Football Tournament

Page 20

North Georgetown Shakib Al Hasan banned get the boot for from all cricket for failing fielding ineligible players to report bookie approaches Page 22

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