Guyana Times Wednesday October 23, 2019

GEA pilots stand-alone, windpowered street light Nationwide coverage from the best news team in Guyana guyanatimesgy.com

Issue No. 4085

P15

THE BEACON OF TRUTH wednesday, OCTOber 23, 2019

PRICE

GECOM completes encoding of Houseto-House data

$80 vat included

WHAT'S INSIDE:

Sophia man P2 who set girlfriend on fire slapped with murder charge

See story on page 3

…to send 2nd batch of data for fingerprint cross-matching overseas …Commissioner urges Chair to settle outstanding questions

Blairmont factory workers resume protest Page 9

…say GuySuCo ignoring workers' concerns

Deplorable roads affecting proper market access Page 14

– Region 5 rice farmers Businessman’s murder

Wanted man nabbed at Police roadblock

Page 12

Gaming Authority taken to court over failure to issue casino licence Page 14

Lindener P8 charged for attempted execution of cop

Fisheries Dept explores usage of P13 seafood byproducts

Coastal P13 residents warned as high tides expected this week

2 news

wednesday, october 23, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

6 years’ jail for man caught with gun, ammo A

28-year-old man was on Tuesday sentenced to six years’ imprisonment after he admitted to illegal gun and ammunition charges.

Linden Bourne, of South Ruimveldt, Georgetown, appeared before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

Bourne admitted that on October 17, at Princess Street, Georgetown, he had in possession one .38 pistol when he was not the holder of a firearm licence. He also admitted that on the same day at the same location he had in his possession four 9mm ammunition when he was not the holder of a firearm licence. Meanwhile, a third charge stated that

Linden Bourne

Bourne also had in his possession two .38 ammunition when he was not the holder of a firearm licence.

Police Prosecutor Neville Jeffers told the court that on October 17, Bourne, along with three other persons, were in motorcar PVV 3123 heading west on Princess Street; Police

ranks on patrol stopped the vehicle. The court heard that Bourne, who was the driver, exited the car while holding a pouch. The ranks then carried out a search on the pouch and the ammunitions were found.

Prosecutor Jeffers also informed the court that a search was carried and a gun was found under some food boxes in the backseat of the car. Bourne claimed that he found the weapon in an alleyway in North Ruimveldt, Georgetown.

The Chief Magistrate, after hearing the facts of the case, jailed Bourne for two years on each of the charges. However, the sentences will run concurrently. Bourne will therefore spend two years in prison.

Sophia man who set girlfriend on fire slapped with murder charge

A

Sophia, Greater Georgetown resident, who was last month charged for the attempted murder of his girlfriend, was on Tuesday slapped with a murder charge, after the victim succumbed to her injuries.

Wazim Pereira allegedly lit his girlfriend on fire on October 10 during a dispute.

The 25-year-old man appeared before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan on the attempted murder charge; however, after the victim succumbed to her injuries, the file was sent to the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) for further advice and the murder charge was recommended.

On Tuesday, the case was called before Magistrate McLennan and the new

Wazim Pereira

charge, which alleged that on October 10, 2019, at Sophia, he murdered Olivia Defreitas, was read to Pereira.

Reports are on October 10 at approximately 13:00h, Pereira visited Defreitas and requested to speak with her.

However, when the woman refused, he went away.

It was reported shortly after leaving, Pereira allegedly returned with a container containing gasoline, which he reportedly threw on the woman and allegedly set her afire.

Reports are as the woman's loud screams rang out, neighbours ran to her rescue. The woman was rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), where she was admitted and treated for second-degree burns to her face, chest, abdomen and back.

She, however, succumbed to her injuries just over a week later.

Pereira was remanded to prison and the case will continue on October 31.

news

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wednesday, october 23, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

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

Wednesday October 23 – 13:30h – 15:00h and Thursday, October 24 – 01:00h – 02:30h and 14:30h – 16:00h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Wednesday October 23 – 12:45h – 14:15h and Thursday, October 24 – 13:40h – 15:10h.

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

WEATHER TODAY Midday showers are expected. Sunshine will prevail for the rest of the day. There will be clear skies at night. Temperatures should range between 21 degrees Celsius and 31 degrees Celsius.

Winds: Northerly to South-Easterly between 1.78 metres and 4.47 metres.

High Tide: 12:38h reaching a maximum height of 2.28 metres.

Low Tide: 05:57h and 18:34h reaching minimum heights of 0.89 metre and 0.95 metre.

saturday, october 19, 2019

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GECOM completes encoding of House-to-House data …to send 2nd batch of data for fingerprint cross-matching overseas …Commissioner urges GECOM Chair to settle outstanding questions

T

he Guyana Elections C o m m i s s i o n (GECOM) Secretariat has finally completed the encoding process for the House-to-House Registration data that was accumulated during the recent exercise with the fingerprints captured now expected to be sent overseas for cross-matching.

This was explained at the conclusion of Tuesday’s statutory meeting by GECOM Commissioner, Sase Gunraj.

According to Gunraj, he was presented with a fingerprint cross-matching report catering for approximately 180,000 registrants.

This data was received from overseas, having been sent prior to the entire encoding being completed in order to help fast track the process. Gunraj noted that he will have to peruse the report before he makes more pronouncements on its contents.

In his engagement with the media, Governmentnominated Commissioner Charles Corbin had explained that the data gleaned from the encoding process will be put up for public scrutiny from tomorrow. Gunraj noted, however, that there is much uncertainty about this approach.

“We discussed the Houseto-House data. Specifically, we got back a report from the fingerprint cross-matching on a part of that data. What we are looking at now is what to do with it. A proposal is to publicise it for public scrutiny, but then to what end?” Gunraj explained to the media.

“My questions at the meeting were, when you post it for public scrutiny, how does one deal with it?

Is one allowed to make an objection? Is one allowed to make a claim? Is one allowed to ask questions about entries on that list? Those are questions that have to be answered by the Secretariat.

Up to the present time we have not received any proposal as to how those issues will be treated.”

Gunraj also explained that the data that wasn’t captured in the previous batch of data that was sent overseas will now be sent overseas to be cross-matched. He could not say when this final batch would be returned.

Other issues, such as the removal of the names of persons who have not uplifted identification cards, were not ventilated on Tuesday.

According to Gunraj, his absence at last week’s meeting and the absence of Government-nominated Commissioner Vincent Alexander precluded any decisions being taken on the issue.

Only last week, Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo had expressed concerns about the likelihood of

a right to do if they want to, but they want to take those names off the voters’ list.”

Jagdeo also reminded that acting Chief Justice Roxane George recently had ruled that the names of persons on the voters’ list could not be removed for any reason outside of those outlined in Guyana’s Constitution – that is death or insanity.

GECOM Commissioner Sase Gunraj

rigged elections in light of a proposal by a Governmentnominated Commissioner at GECOM to strike off some 20,000 names from the voters’ list for failure to uplift their identification (ID) cards.

Jagdeo condemned the proposal, which was made

by Alexander, stating that such a move would be unconstitutional and would result in thousands of persons being disenfranchised.

He told the media that the proposal was “downright illegal”.

He reminded that the very Chairperson of GECOM, Retired Justice Claudette Singh in 1997 had invalidated the results of that year’s elections in her ruling that an ID card was not required for a Guyanese to cast a vote at an election here.

“She [Justice Singh] ruled against it and invalidated the results of the elections …

So now, it is even worse: although you don’t need an ID card to vote, you can show up in the polling place, you can use your passport, your ID card or you can swear to an oath and vote. They want to take off and not just to cancel the ID cards which they have

Settle outstanding questions

M e a n w h i l e , Commissioner Corbin also noted that the time has come for Chairperson of the Electoral Commission, retired Justice Claudette Singh, to take a stand on certain matters. He pointed out that this is necessary in order to move the process forward.

“I think all the views associated with how to treat with all the data available to us, how to treat with all the transactions that are to be conducted during claims and objections, I think they have all been properly ventilated. I think positions have

GECOM Chair Retired Justice Claudette Singh

been adopted by all members of the Commission.”

“And I think that at this point, from my assessment, it is a question of decisions that have to be made. What has been happening is there has been a repetition of views… as a result of all the information available. So at this point in time, I think the Chairman will have to weigh in with a definitive decision on where to go, because time is slipping. We have until the 11th of next month to complete the process,” Corbin said.

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guyanatimesgy.com

wednesday, october 23, 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

Impositions

L

ast Friday, a main thoroughfare, which also serves as the key business district in New Amsterdam, Berbice, was shut down to accommodate President David Granger’s presence at the opening of the Town Week there.

The event was actually held on the said main thoroughfare and, from the pictures and reports, it seemed that all streets leading to it were barricaded to prevent vehicular traffic. The lockdown reportedly lasted some six hours.

The inconvenience that was imposed upon commuters and businesses is unimaginable and cannot be overstated. With business already slow in the town, it may have come to a halt on a day— like Friday when there is an inkling of expectation for commerce.

In addition, vehicular traffic would have been forcibly diverted, thereby causing commuters to be grossly inconvenienced and creating unnecessary congestion in other areas. Pedestrians may have been scrutinised as part of the reported verification process regarding attendance.

The opening of the Town Week is nothing new and many have, in the past, taken place on the street in question. However, what is new is the extension of the area barricaded, the overwhelming presence of Police and patrols by the Guyana Defence Force (GDF).

While those impositions, by the Executive, are cause for concern, the latter speaks to a most worrying development; soldiers on the street at a time when there is no state of emergency and no announcement of a Joint Services operations, despite the spiralling crime.

The presence of the soldiers evokes painful and frightening memories of the militarised and oppressive state which was birthed under the People’s National Congress’ (PNC) government between 1964 and 1992.

That party, which is now headed by Mr Granger, is, in reality, the Government, despite being couched in a coalition. Under its totalitarian rule, freedom was curtailed, fear was instilled, those who opposed were harassed, brutalised and incarcerated in many instances, and rigging of elections a hallmark.

During the process of the latter, ballot boxes were forcibly removed from some places of poll and reportedly taken to a central location to facilitate a count favourable to the then PNC regime.

Those boxes were reportedly removed by the members of the GDF upon instructions from PNC’s operatives.

Related photographs showed persons dressed in fatigues and reported to be soldiers, removing and taking the boxes away from the places of poll. The results of elections held within that period, especially that of 1985, would show numbers far removed from the reality of the will of the Guyanese people. Reportedly, the Police Force was also involved in the process of suppressing freedom by detaining and imprisoning many of who stood up for their rights.

The point is clear from the New Amsterdam incident, if it wasn’t after the protest outside Pegasus on September 19, this year; routine life is disrupted to accommodate the presence of the Leader of the PNC at functions and when he is at home at State House.

The Police and the Army are made to carry out those instructions.

It is seemingly done with utter disregard for the normal routines of ordinary Guyanese. In many instances, there is no forewarning.

Parts of Main Street in Georgetown seem to be automatically closed off whenever Mr Granger is present a State House.

New Amsterdam was not the only placed that was locked down last Friday. The Eugene Correia International Airport, Ogle, was also shut for a period of time to facilitate Mr Granger’s visit to New Amsterdam. Planes were forced to circle more than once before being cleared to land.

While the President is entitled to a level of security and some privileges, one would expect that it is not a direct and deliberate imposition upon the Guyanese people. After all, he is the Head of State— a position that is expected to take into consideration the concerns of all citizens.

What would have happened if there was an emergency, in the air, medevac or otherwise, with the aircraft being unable to land timely? What would have happened if an aircraft was low on fuel?

Medical and security response teams generally look for the shortest route to render assistance. What happens when those routes are made much longer by the streets being blocked off seemingly at will?

This is where it gets extremely worrying, for it can be seen as dictatorial and reminiscent of the past PNC’s authoritarian rule.

This dominance seems to be reflected even in sections of the State media. Stories relating to the President and the APNU arm of the APNU/AFC coalition are glaringly highlighted in green— the colour of the party. Green fonts and borders for photographs are now normal within parts of the State’s information apparatus, funded by taxpayers.

Many Guyanese have already concluded that a dictatorship is now in place once again. The APNU/AFC coalition refusal to respect the Constitution following the December 21, 2018 No-Confidence Motion (NCM), more than likely would have driven that conclusion.

If there was any semblance of doubt following the NCM, the wanton disregard for Guyanese, as demonstrated through the ongoing locking down of streets and towns, and the presence of the army, as seen in New Amsterdam, may have removed all.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his wife Sophie Gregoire Trudeau wave to supporters after the federal election at the Palais des Congres in Montreal, Quebec. Trudeau’s Liberals held onto power after a closely fought election but were reduced to a minority Government (Reuters/Carlo Allegri)

Callous policies implemented by the forestry sector

Dear Editor, The People’s Progressive Party/Civic has been relentless in its condemnation of the ill-advised, improperly conceived and callously implemented policies in the forestry sector which have practically destroyed the once vibrant communities of Region 10. In the lead up to 2015, these communities were visited by the likes of Trotman et al with big promises of how they would do better and how they would create more jobs and ensure that residents make more money. The promise of the good life. There were also talks of investors who were lined up specifically for Region 10 and then by extension, the entire country.

However, reality has stepped in. The Leader of the Opposition on numerous occasions at his weekly press conferences has highlighted the plight of the hapless and helpless citizens.

While steam was escaping from the pressure pot, on October 21, 2019, the pot boiled over and the loggers in Ituni had no choice but to take the posture of a protest and practically beg for an opportunity to be able to work.

This appeal went to the tonedeaf and unconstitutional President. A notable fact that was disclosed during that protestation was that 35 tags for 2019 were given to the community of Ituni, a community of more than 800 residents (for the layman a tag is the permission to cut

a single tree). In essence, the community of 800 is expected to live on the proceeds of cutting 35 trees for the entire year.

During various visits to communities in Region 10, namely, Hururu, Kwakwani, Ituni, Muratario, Malali, 47 Miles, 58 Miles, and Great Falls, I have realised that the cry is exactly the same: hardships, imposition of regulations, forcing community logging associations to be morphed into co-operative societies, withholding of tags to ensure political compliance, and a host of other discriminatory practices . The people are fed-up, disgusted and impoverished. A case in point of betrayal was the constant attacks on the Chinese investors in this sector by the APNU/AFC while in Opposition and the promises of how better will come and that the good life would be enjoyed by all. This sordid episode of people begging lays squarely at the feet of Mr David Granger. So we can expect Mr Trotman or a full convoy of Ministers rushing in to these areas with a new set of promises while the people are disillusioned and the suffering continues.

We in the PPP/C empathise with the hardships being experienced by the residents and pledge to ensure a professionally managed Guyana Forestry Commission guided by sound economic policies.

This Commission under the PPP/C will serve to allevi-

ate the woes of residents as a matter of great urgency. As is publicly known, we will reverse the VAT on heavy-duty equipment used in the forestry, mining and agricultural sectors.

We will initiate policies to ensure all those who depend on the forest for a living can benefit while fulfilling our commitments of sustainable development.

We remind that our flagship Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) which earned Guyana US$250 million in the first instance did not deprive our loggers, miners

nor our Amerindian brothers and sisters from making a living.

A visionary and efficiently run PPP/C Administration in 2020 will revive traditional sectors and stimulate growth in new and emerging sectors.

We need all of our people back to work!

The horse cannot be left to starve while the grass grows in abundance. “Long time done short time leff”.

Yours sincerely, Bishop Juan A Edghill PPP/C Member of Parliament

I am not confused about my identity Dear Editor, There has been a minor exchange over the major issue of identity in the Stabroek News between Ms Ryhann Shah and Mr John Mair. Mr Mair, as some Guyanese often do, sought to silence ethnic identity.

Ms Shah was moved to correctly assert her Indian identity as a legitimate part of her Guyanese identity.

Then Mr GHK Lall got into it (I am first and foremost Guyanese: Stabroek News October 22, 2019). Mr Lall dragged me into the matter although I was happy to stay out of it. According to him, “The similarly singular Dr David Hinds was identi-

cally proud to articulate his steadfast identification as an Afro-Guyanese a little while back”.

So, here we go. On the matter of my identity, I am quite capable of speaking for myself; I don’t want Mr Lall speaking for me. I am not confused about my identity – never was. As I have said on many occasions my identity is plural – Buxtonion, African Guyanese, Guyanese, Caribbean and Black. I love each aspect of that plural identity equally and wear and live them with utmost pride. Affirming one at any given time does not cancel out the others. continued on page 5

guyanatimesgy.com

wednesday, october 23, 2019

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

Evidence, facts are preferred choices of electorate Dear Editor, The revelation by former Army Chief of Staff Gary Best that there was only anecdotal evidence of Roger Khan’s involvement in criminal activity is a shocker. The PNC, of which Mr Best is an executive member, has been selling this “bogeyman” to the public along with the story of “400 black youth killed” as gospel for many years now. Even when faced with the factual analysis of the ”list”, people

have persisted with belief in this myth. The PNC was elected on a platform of anecdotal stories of crime, corruption, and economic mismanagement.

In contrast, the PPP has been providing solid, actionable evidence to the public and the Guyana Police Force to support any claim made to date. Readers may recall the wall plastered with maps at a recent press conference held

by Leader of the Opposition

Bharrat Jagdeo – allegations of financial impropriety levelled against David Patterson stated a specific amount of US$9000 deposited in his account; Valerie Sharp-Patterson-Yearwood was confronted with copies of signed contracts for work awarded to her husband.

Simona Broomes was similarly given the specific figures of monies transferred directly into the bank accounts to her children by the Ministry of the Presidency,

this list could be extended beyond a few pages of your publication.

The Granger Administration has responded poorly to evidence of corrupt activities by its Ministers – silence for weeks and then poor excuses followed by re-assignment in the case of the minor leaguers and brazen ‘so-what’ from the major league figures. Winston Jordan does not care that he said there was no sign-

ing bonus from ExxonMobil, even as he worked to utilise the US$18 million as an “investment” in Canada; David Patterson is yet to provide evidence of his transfer of the US$9000 to MARAD, we are expected to accept his “anecdotal” tale as fact. Reliance on anecdotes would seem to be the policy of APNU/AFC. Editor, I would welcome feedback from the public to the question of if they would rather rely on “nancy sto-

ries” or legally actionable evidence upon which to make decisions come Election Day 2020. I will continue to work from the assumption that evidence and facts are the preferred choices of the electorate, but, should it be the former, let “anecdote” week begin forthwith! Did you hear the one about who killed the ballot box martyrs in 1973…anyone?

Respectfully, Robin Singh

Ramjattan should resign I am not confused ... as crime on upswing Dear Editor, When they were in the Opposition, the PNC and AFC were good back seat drivers. They had all the solutions to the crime problem and good governance.

From the time they got into Government, they have been complete failures. One of their own, now National Hero, MP Mr Charrandas Persaud, who could not take it any longer, voted with the Opposition against his own coalition Government, and caused the PNC to be defeated.

There was an expectation that the coalition would do better on crime given all the retired military people that Granger assembled to help his Government.

People thought they would create a Think Tank, or action plan but nothing of the sort. We get more of the same backwardness, including law enforcement personnel working in cahoots with criminals.

Every week, from Berbice

to Essequibo, to Linden and Georgetown, violent crime creates widows and orphans.

Our hardworking mothers, daughters, sons and fathers are brutalised by bandits without mercy. The poor fishermen going out to provide us with fish do not return home. Businessmen taking risks to engage in enterprise and providing jobs are ambushed and killed in broad daylight, and the Government keeps twiddling its thumbs with no solutions in sight. Instead, they feed us propaganda that crime has reduced, even as families in mourning bury their loved ones whose lives have been cut short by bandits’ bullets. And Granger says: “Give us five more years.”

Five more years to do what?

While the Government has done minor shuffles of its pack of jokers, Ramjattan is in place still. The current pack of Ministers in the coalition are probably the sorriest lot ever in Government. The PNC

knows that while it needs to put in a new Minister, it cannot just move the AFC Leader just like that. So because of coalition politics, the nation continues to carry the goadie of incompetence of clueless Ministers, more widows and orphans are created, and fear stalks the land. Even church people are afraid to venture out at nights for Bible studies or prayer meetings. Guyanese abroad are scared to come home and visit.

Let Ramjattan say how many of the fishing boat owners in his county of Berbice have been issued firearms. Fishermen should not have to pay with their lives for us to be able to eat fish.

I call on Ramjattan to resign immediately, and for caretaker Granger to appoint a new caretaker Public Security Minister.

Enough is enough!

Sincerely, Jerry Singh

Condemnation of vicious attack on schoolgirl Dear Editor, The Guyana Islamic Forum for Education, Peace and Religious Solidarity, in association with the Electric Mosque’s Teachings of Islam, wishes to condemn the vicious physically attack on a Muslim young lady in the Corentyne area. An attempt was also made to strip her of her clothes and her Islamic symbol of the Hijab was viciously torn away. She was physically brutalised.

The Guyana Islamic Forum for Education, Peace and Religious Solidarity condemns this most vehemently and asks that the legal fraternity takes serious action into this matter so that we can put measures in place to protect all students of all religions with their religious symbols – their outfits, headwear/headgear, religious threads, crosses and any other religious

symbol that might be worn by anyone. Guyana is a law-abiding country, in which most of its people are religious people that understand the moral principle of respecting the religious beliefs of others.

The Guyana Islamic Forum for Education, Peace and Religious Solidarity, in association with the Electric Mosque’s Teachings of Islam is calling on the Ministry of Social Cohesion, the Ethnic Relations Commission, Guyana Bar Association and all religious institutions and organisations to immediately condemn and intervene in this inhumane and barbaric act before it gets out of hand. We, the Guyana Islamic Forum, encourage counselling for both parties to assist the victim and the aggressor. Failure to act urgently can result in serious repercussions that could bring em-

barrassment to Guyana and the famous Tagore Memorial Secondary School, in which the undersigned was a student.

A simple thing like this can make Guyana look religiously intolerable.

We are urgently asking the police and the relevant authorities to seriously look into this matter so that we can resolve the issues at hand accordingly.

Kind regards, Roshan Khan

Indeed, when I am in Guyana, nobody asks if I am Guyanese – I am Buxtonion. When I travel to the wider Caribbean, it is my Guyanese identity that rises to the fore. And when I land in New York, by God my Caribbeaness is what identifies me. Just as when I suffer these days with the boys and girls in maroon on that cricket field, it is my Caribbean identity that suffers most. Finally, when I land in Arizona where I work, all the other aspects of my identity give way to my Blackness.

If I stress my African Guyanese identity from time to time in Guyana. It is because, in our ethnic mess, some people try to demean ethno-racial identities or silence them. And I will have none of that obscenity.

When you try to demean my ethno-racial identity, you are affirming and reaffirming a historical assault on that aspect of my humanity that was once savagely brutalised to its very core – the scars of which are still fresh on the soul of the Black person. You are prolonging the myth that Black people are inferior.

So long as Blackness is under assault, I shall answer it in the most forthright manner possible – it is my duty to those who died to make me free, to those who still live in bondage and the unborn who must face the whip when they arrive. As Bob Marley, the prophet of Black freedom sang, “Every time I hear the crack of the whip/ My blood runs cold/ I remember the slave ship/ How they brutalise our very soul.”

When persons seek to use “Guyanese” to silence or erase African Guyanese, I will be in your face as an African Guyanese. I am letting nobody get away

with masking my black face with their hypocritical “Guyanese” in order to wipe away the violence against Black humanity. African Guyanese blood watered this land called Guyana long before it was known by that name. And, if I am the only African Guyanese standing, I am not going to let Guyana and the world forget that.

I consider myself a multi-racialist Guyanese in the tradition of Walter Rodney. Rodney made a distinction between the authentic multiracialism that arises out of respect for one’s own race in conjunction with respect for other races, and, on the other hand, the multiracialism that seeks to deny racial diversity and embraces a linear identity or what he called the “myth” of multiracialism. Let Rodney speak for himself and many of us— “…the Black in-

from page 4

tellectual has to move beyond his own discipline to challenge the social myth which exists in the society as a whole.” In other words, this myth of the multiracial society. This is the sort of thing which we have a duty to perform to the Black people from whom we come” (Grounding with my Brothers, page 63).

Rodney is saying that simplistic multiracialism is not the one he embraces.

And I am respectfully saying to Mr Mair and Mr Lall and others of that sway, that simplistic Guyanesesness may work for you. But don’t impose it on me – it’s not my thing. I am 100 per cent African Guyanese and 100 per cent Guyanese. To those who say they are first and foremost Guyanese or Guyanese only, I say I am also Guyanese.

Sincerely, David Hinds

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wednesday, OCTOber 23, 2019

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M

ost people don’t usually associate cancer with teens because it’s more common in adults. You probably know someone who has had it, such as an older rela-

tive or someone in a friend’s family.

But teens can get some types of cancer, too. Read on to learn about cancer and how it’s treated.

What is cancer?

The word cancer actually refers to many diseases, not one. In fact, there are more than 100 types of diseases known collectively as cancer. What they all have in common is the overgrowth of cells, tiny units that make up all living things. Cancer (also known as malignancy, pronounced: muh-LIG-nun-see) occurs when cells begin to grow and multiply in an uncon-

Foundation

trolled way.

Normal body cells grow and divide over a period of time until they eventually die. But cancer cells continue to grow and divide and grow and divide.

Eventually, they gather to form tumours. Tumours are lumps that can interfere with the body’s normal processes. Sometimes cells from a tumour break away and travel to a different tissue or organ. This is called metastasis (pronounced: muh-TASS-tuh-siss).

As scary as all this sounds, most cancers can be treated and controlled and many people with cancer get better and lead normal lives.

How do people get cancer?

No one really knows why cancer grows in certain people. Scientists and researchers are working to discover

why some people get cancer and others do not. This will help them to learn whether cancer can be prevented.

Doctors do have some ideas about why people may get cancer, though. The main reasons are genetics and certain environmental or behavioural triggers.

The tendency to develop some types of cancer is believed to be inherited – that is, the genes you were born with might carry a predisposition for cancer.

For example, if a close relative has had cancer of the breast or the colon, you may be more likely to inherit the tendency to develop those cancers, even though you may never actually get them.

Some behavioural and

en-

vironmen-

t a l triggers can cause changes in the body’s cells that push them into a cancerous state. For example, cigarettes are known to increase the risk of lung cancer. Too much exposure to the sun can in-

crease the risk of skin cancer. These types of triggers act on the body slowly over time, so t h e

cancers that may result from them don’t show up until a person is an adult.

That’s one reason why teens don’t get the same types of cancers as adults do.

Doctors do know for sure that cancer itself is not contagious, so you don’t have to worry about catching it from someone else or spreading it to another person (although people with certain infectious diseases such as AIDS or hepatitis are more vulnerable to certain cancers). Cancer is also never a person’s fault. It’s simply not true that a person may have done something wrong to get the disease.

My aunt says I should learn to do a breast self-exam. What is this and why do I need it?

– Graciela Your aunt is partly right: breast self-exams (“BSE” for short) can be helpful for women. But doctors don’t usually suggest them for teen girls.

There are a couple of reasons why: Breast problems like cancer are extremely rare in teen girls. If your doctor is worried about your breast health, he or she will do a breast exam and keep an eye on you through regular office visits.

Your breasts are still growing and changing. The reason women do breast self-exams is to learn what’s normal for their breasts.

But during the teen years, what’s “normal” can change based on where a girl is in her development. To make things more confusing, your breasts can feel different depending on where you are in your menstrual cycle. If you’ve been getting your period for a while, you might notice that they feel tender or swollen just before or during your period.

How do people know they have cancer?

The first sign of cancer is a symptom — a signal that something is wrong. There are many different signs that a person may have cancer, just as there are many different forms of the disease. A few of the more common symptoms of cancer include: extreme exhaustion swelling or lumps in certain parts of the body, such as the abdomen or neck headaches blurred vision nausea problems with walking or balance more infections unusual bleeding Only you know how your body works and what you feel like when you’re healthy. If you haven’t been feeling well, it’s best to tell an adult who can make sure you see a doctor who will evaluate your symptoms.

Cancer, like most illnesses, is easier to treat when it’s found early, so when in doubt, check it out. (kidshealth.org) To be continued

It’s good to get used to the way your breasts normally look and feel. A good way to do that is to try this: When you’re lying down, lightly touch your breasts with your fingertips. You might be surprised at how they feel. Breasts are a complex system of ducts and tissue so you’ll notice normal lumps and bumps.

At some point in your twenties, your doctor will probably show you how to do a BSE. Until then, you only need to worry about your breasts if you notice these problems: pain in your breast that isn’t related to your period a new lump, bump, or other change in your breast a red, hot, or swollen breast fluid or bloody discharge from your nipple a lump in your armpit or near your collarbone (kidshealth.org)

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Accused hit-and-run driver released on $300,000 bail

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he man, who allegedly drove a motorcar which killed a Corentyne, Berbice, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) man on Saturday afternoon and then allegedly fled the scene, was on Tuesday placed on $300,000 bail when he appeared at the Springlands Magistrate’s Court to answer three charges.

Yadesh Rooplall of Crabwood Creek appeared before Magistrate Alex Moore.

It is alleged that on Saturday last, he drove the motorcar bearing registration plate number HC 9684 causing the death of Premchand Harripaul.

The body of 27-year-old Harripaul, of Number 69 Village, Corentyne, was discovered lying on the parapet

The car that was allegedly driven by Yadesh Rooplall of Crabwood Creek, Berbice

at Number 76 Village.

At the scene, investigators discovered what appeared to be small pieces of a vehicle’s headlamp on the parapet, about three feet away from the body.

Rooplall was placed on $200,000 for that charge.

He was also slapped with two other charges. He is accused of failing to stop after an accident and failing to render assistance to an injured person. He was released on $50,000 for each charge. The case will continue on December 19.

Meanwhile, an autopsy performed on the body of Harripaul on Tuesday by Government Pathologist Dr Nehal Singh, gave the cause of death as shock and haemorrhage as a result of multiple injuries about the body.

Suspect in fisherman’s murder arrested

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he 20-year-old fisherman, who was wanted in connection with the murder of a MetenMeer-Zorg, West Coast Demerara man, was on Tuesday arrested by Police.

Based on information received, Ramesh “Braffy” Ramdeen was on the run after allegedly killing his fellow villager, Noel Singh, on Sunday. He was taken into custody after being spotted in Parika, East Bank

Essequibo (EBE).

Singh, who is a 22-yearold fisherman, was knifed to death in front of his home, owing to an old grievance between himself and the suspect.

Reports are that at about 20:00h on Sunday, Noel was returning home from a bar where he and his friends had been consuming alcoholic beverages. He was in front of his yard when the suspect confronted him.

The argument is said to have been a continuation of a verbal row the duo had some six days prior to the stabbing incident.

However, the row escalated and the suspect reportedly whipped out a knife from the waist of his pants and stabbed the victim twice to the left side of his chest and once to his back. He then cut the fisherman along his left wrist.

Singh then collapsed

Dead: Noel Singh

and fell into the drain in front of his yard. He managed to climb out, covered in mud, and was picked up by one of his friends, who had been on the street en route to a shop in close proximity of Noel’s home. Meanwhile, the suspect fled the scene and made good his escape.

The now dead man’s brother and parents were alerted and a bleeding Noel was rushed to the Leonora Cottage Hospital, ECD, but was already dead when he arrived there.

Noel’s friend, who found the bleeding fisherman on the street on Sunday night, Reyaad Mohammed, told Guyana Times that he had just returned home from work and was heading towards the shop to purchase an item when he noticed the suspect approaching him from the opposite direction.

“All I see is this boy running coming towards me and I try to run back home because he had tried to attack me a lot of times already so when he passed then I came out back and saw my friend on the road laying there, panting for breath. I helped to take him to the hospital with a taxi.

The person who stabbed my friend had beat up and cuff up my friend a few days ago before he stabbed him Sunday,” Mohammed said.

Norton St man slapped with illegal gun, ammo, drug charges

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Norton Street, Georgetown man, Alfie Garraway, who was wanted by the Police for illegal gun, ammunition and drug possession charges, was on Tuesday released on bail when he appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

The 39-year-old man appeared before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan and denied the charges.

The first charge stated that on October 5, 2019 at Norton Street, Lodge, he, along with Roseann Ellis, had in their possession 13 grams of marijuana. It is also alleged that on the same day at the same location, Garraway and Ellis had in their possession eight live rounds of .40 ammunition when they were not holders of a firearm licence.

Additionally, it is alleged that Garraway and Ellis had one .40 smith and Wesson firearm without being holders of firearm licence.

Garraway was represented by Attorney-at-Law Stanley Moore, who, in a bail application, told the court that his client was not at home when the search was conducted. The Attorney added that his client later learnt that a wanted bulletin was issued for his arrest and as such, he surrendered.

Police Prosecutor Gordon

Alfie Garraway

Mansfield told the court that on October 5, ranks from the Major Crime Unit went to Lot 71 Norton Street, Lodge, where they made contact with Ellis, who is Garraway’s mother. A search was then carried out and the gun, ammunition and a quantity of cannabis were found in the home.

The Prosecutor further stated that Ellis was arrested and taken to the Brickdam Police Station. However, following an investigation, a wanted bulletin was issued for Garraway. He was released on $120,000 bail and the case will continue on November 13.

Meanwhile, Garraway’s mother, who is jointly charged with him, failed to make her court appearance on Tuesday and an arrest warrant was issued for her.

She was previously released on $60,000 bail.

Lindener charged for attempted execution of cop

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ne of the men who allegedly attempted to carry out a daring execution-style killing on ex-cop Teon Allen, known as “Spoil Child”, at East La Penitence, Georgetown was on Tuesday slapped with an attempted murder charge and arraigned at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

Renard Caesar of Linden, Region 10 (Upper DemeraraBerbice) appeared before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan and was not required to plead to the indictable charge which stated that on October 5, 2019, at the East La Penitence Market, with intent to commit murder, he discharged rounds at Allen.

The 23-year-old man was represented by Attorney-atLaw Gordon Gilhuys, who in a bail application, informed the court that his client was shown a video before he came to court alleging that he was the perpetrator. The lawyer further stated his client was then informed of the attempted murder charge.

Police Prosecutor Neville Jeffers told the court that on October 5 around 13:00h, Allen was at the East La Penitence Market purchasing vegetables when Caesar and two others exited a car and started to shoot in his direction.

The court heard that

Renard Caesar

Allen ran and sought cover, and the men made good their escape.

The matter was reported to the Police and following an investigation, a wanted bulletin was issued by the Guyana Police Force (GPF) for Caesar, who later turned himself in at the Mackenzie Police Station.

The Prosecutor further objected to bail being granted on the grounds of the serious nature of the offence and the penalty the charge attracts.

The Chief Magistrate remanded Caesar to prison and the case was scheduled to continue on October 31, 2019.

According to a vendor, she saw the man, who was running away from the gunmen, whip out a handgun and return fire.

The vendors in the area where the shooting occurred had told Guyana Times that it happened in a flash.

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GECOM to team up with EU for election assistance

…help from US, Canada being explored

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he Guyana Elections C o m m i s s i o n (GECOM) will be receiving help from the European Union (EU), which will be fielding an observer team for the General and Regional Elections scheduled for March 2, 2020.

This was revealed by Government-nominated Commissioner Charles Corbin following a meeting at the secretariat on Tuesday. He noted that discussions have been held not only with the EU, but also Canada and the United

States.

“The EU team visited.

They have engaged with the Government. And they have indicated they’re prepared to mount an observer mission.

And basically they have been engaging with other stakeholders in Guyana.

And they engaged with the Commission (Tuesday) to explain the scope of their operations and methods”.

“The Commission, on its part, welcomed their involvement and indicated that we would support their involvement.

The

Commission is open to receiving any assistance that corresponds with the need that they have”.

Corbin further noted that while these countries have extended an offer to help, discussions are needed to narrow down what form this assistance will take.

However, he noted that some interventions have already been made.

“Most of the major countries— Canada, US, EU— that have engaged with the Commission, have made their services available to

Blairmont factory workers resume protest …say GuySuCo ignoring workers’ valid concerns

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he factory workers of Blairmont Estate resumed their protest actions on Monday afternoon after the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) failed to budge and rather, chose to ignore their valid and principled concerns regarding the breakdown of the system regarding promotions at the estate. This is according to the Guyana Agriculture Workers Union (GAWU) which on Tuesday said that the workers continued their protest as they staged a picketing exercise calling on GuySuCo to recognise what clearly is a discriminatory approach by the sugar company.

The Union on Tuesday said that when it arrived at Blairmont on Monday for a meeting, members saw

Some of the protesting sugar workers

posted a notice asking interested workers to submit applications to be tested for the purposes of promotion.

According to the Union, the notice is dated October 15, which is after the workers’

protest commenced. GAWU added that of importance too, is that GuySuCo personnel manual sets out, without ambiguity, the process regarding promotion of workers. turn to page 15

provide any support that they need. We’ve already had interventions through diplomatic channels to facilitate some of the work we’re doing to aid our operations and that will continue,” he said.

It was only a few days ago that it was announced that GECOM Secretariat would be benefiting from the technical expertise of retired Chief Electoral Officer of Canada’s elections body, Jean-Pierre Kingsley.

His appointment is being funded by the Canadian Government. According to GECOM’s 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 approved, accepting 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.

According to his profile on the Canadian elections body website, Kingsley was proactive during his term in office, recommending and promoting key initiatives to make the electoral process more accessible.

While ushering in reforms needed to comply with the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, he led elections in Canada into the age of computerised election administration.

The international community has been instrumental, along with the parliamentary opposition and civil

society, in putting pressure on the Government to hold elections. With the exception of Canada, the international community has been on the Government’s case urging constitutional compliance.

Last month, the Commonwealth became the latest in a line of organisations to urge the President to call elections immediately. Similar calls also came from the United States, British and European Union diplomatic representatives.

Soon after, the UK High Commission took the step of advising that continued funding for two infrastructural projects were on pause.

Design work on the Seawall rehabilitation project and the Linden to Mabura road was previously funded from the UK Caribbean Infrastructure Fund.

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo has said that intervention by the international community regarding the hosting of General and Regional Elections here was “wholly necessary”. The President has since named March 2, 2020 as elections date.

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Businessman’s murder

Sophia man who Wanted man nabbed at Police roadblock allegedly strangled security guard charged

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olice on Tuesday apprehended one of the two men who are wanted in connection with the murder of businessman Deon Stoll, who was shot and killed during an attempted robbery in front of El Dorado Trading, Da Silva Street, Kitty, Georgetown.

Delon “Demon” Morgan was arrested at a police roadblock at Cove and

Still on the run: Lennox Estwic

Dead: Deon Stoll

John, East Coast Demerara (ECD), at about 05:45h.

His alleged accomplice, 23-year-old Lennox Estwic, of Lot 640 South Amelia’s Ward, Linden, Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice), is still on the run. Police had issued a wanted bulletin for the duo, in addition to the

four other persons who were arrested and are still being held in connection with the murder.

Stoll was shot and killed after two masked gunmen attempted to rob him.

During the foiled robbery, the Essequibo Coast, Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) businessman returned fire, hitting one of the gunmen.

A security guard attached to the El Dorado Trading company was also shot during the shootout along with Stoll’s driver.

Stoll, called “Mow” hailed from Charity, Essequibo Coast, but also resided in Bel Air, Georgetown. Reports

are that about 10:20h on October 14, Stoll was in motorcar PPP 6727 driven by Clayton Powley, when the duo arrived at El Dorado Trading Limited.

A white Toyota motorcar with tinted windows that was trailing Stoll’s vehicle also stopped across the road from the business place moments after Stoll had arrived.

Two gunmen, donned in rags/handkerchiefs used to conceal most of their faces ran out of their vehicle and rushed towards Stoll’s car.

One gunman opened the door at the driver’s side and a scuffle 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.

At the time this was happening, the other gunman had rushed to the front seat passenger door, where Stoll had been, and opened it before attempting to snatch something from Stoll. The businessman also appeared to have been putting up a fight from inside of the vehi-

T

Apprehended: Delon “Demon” Morgan

cle but was shot to his stomach. His shooter then ran away towards the direction of the vehicle that he had arrived in but Stoll also exited the car (PPP 6727) with his handgun, firing shots at the gunman.

The gunman also returned fire while trying to get back to the white Toyota car, falling to the ground twice in the process before managing to rush back into his vehicle.

The white Toyota motorcar then quickly sped away from the scene as the gunmen made good their escape.

A few days later, a doctor, who is reported to have attended to the wounds of the injured bandit, along with others, were hauled into the Criminal Investigations Department (CID), Eve Leary, Georgetown, in relation to Stoll’s murder.

he Sophia, Greater Georgetown man who allegedly strangled another on Church Street, Georgetown was on Tuesday slapped with a murder charge.

Ashaka John, of A Field Sophia, Greater Georgetown, appeared before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

The 24-year-old man was not required to plea to the indictable charge, which stated that on October 12, 2019, at Church Street, Queenstown, Georgetown, he murdered Jason Bowen.

Defence Counsel George Thomas informed the court that his client has a mental problem and is a patient of a doctor at the Psychiatric Unit at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC).

Thomas further told the court that his client was taken to the hospital while in custody.

According to reports, at about 21:30h on October 12, Bowen and the accused were involved in a scuffle on Church Street, Georgetown.

It was reported that John dealt the victim, who was a security guard, several lashes about his body be-

Ashaka John

fore wrapping a belt around the man’s neck and proceeded to strangle him.

Public-spirited persons who witnessed the altercation rushed to render assistance to the victim; however, the man was dead, while the murder suspect attempted to flee the scene.

Persons managed to grab onto the John and restrain him. The Police were called and he was handed over.

John was remanded to prison and the case will continue on November 7.

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Coastal residents warned as high tides expected this week

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t has been less than one month after devastating floodwaters from recurring high tides hit several sections of the coastland, and residents have been advised again to brace themselves for the worst, as the spring tides will return later this week.

On Tuesday a notice was issued by Junior Public Infrastructure Minister, Jaipaul Sharma advising that the spring tide will commence on Friday, October 25 and will last until Thursday, October 31.

It specified that the highest tide is expected on

Monday, October 28 from 16:00h to 19:00h at a height of 3.31 metres, or 10.31 feet.

Persons living in vulnerable areas are being asked to employ all precautions to safeguard their health and safety during this period.

As usual, giant waves will be pounding over the sea

Fisheries Dept explores usage of seafood by-products

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eafood processors in Guyana export a large quantity of products on the international market as a form of economic trade, but a large portion of fish and shrimp by-products is dumped into the water bodies, carrying negative imprints.

The Fisheries Department of the Agriculture Ministry on Tuesday announced areas of research which were undertaken in recent time, highlighting how the usage of these waste materials can be processed to earn revenue. At the same time, local farmers can be adequately supplied with the new product. In present time, there have been complaints of lacking feed for animals or high costs attached for it to be sourced.

The researcher, Nakita Dookie, explained that some 55 per cent of the caught seafood are by-products after it is processed. It was recognised that the aquaculture and marine sectors have been stymied by some challenges, which can be eradicated through mutual assistance to each other.

“The aquaculture sector presently, and in the past, has been plagued with high cost of feed and unstable supply, while the marine sector is inherently being plagued with the fragile industry and limited stock.

These two sectors can complement each other by working together, where the waste of one can be the solution for the other,” Dookie explained.

Dumping of by-products from the marine sector not only causes environmental degradation, but an in-

to be the greatest advantage.

“The environmental sustainability from this the whole thing basically comes from our ability to develop the seafood processing by-product into a feed ingredient…When these processors dump the seafood by-product into the river, it causes change in abundance, it affects reproductive capability and feeding behaviour of the species within the area”.

Fisheries Department researcher, Nakita Dookie

crease in secondary costs.

By-products of fish include the head, fins, bones, viscera, scales and skin, while those of seafood are the viscera, head, tail and shell.

According to Dookie, the utilisation of these parts will provide a cost-effective remedy for farmers. In most scenarios, fishmeal is commercially produced to feed animals in agricultural setting.

“By utilising the seafood processing by-product, farmers can have access to cost effective, local ingredients that are rich in protein. We can expand our aquaculture industry and we can also encourage the development of an aquafeed sector, where they will get involved in the development and formulation of feed to supply our farmers,” she insisted.

This method would benefit processors, hailing from the private sector, as they can earn an income from these waste materials.

However, the research indicated that environmental sustainability would prove

defence structures, most likely causing inundation.

During a similar spring tide some three weeks ago, there was severe flooding along Mahaica in Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice). At the Dantzig, Mahaica foreshore, water levels reached new records as other areas became inundated. The situation was escalated after animals continued to die and schools were forced to close their doors. Those who were forced out of their homes were rescued by relatives and friends but could not return to their homes.

After an assessment, officials declared that more than 300 acres of rice were destroyed and hundreds of acres were under threat of destruction by saltwater. Apart from the destruction of the rice, the flooded land became salty and can no longer work for rice production.

In Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West

Flooding at Mahaica, Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice) earlier this month

Demerara), affected communities ranged from Leguan Island, Wakenaam Island, Parika, Uitvlugt, Anna Catherina, Den Amstel, Fellowship, Blankenburg and Cornelia Ida. During that time, the Public Health Ministry had sent out precautions, urging citizens to stay out of the water and keep food items safe. Water-borne diseases can be contracted by contact with these waters.

Protective gears should be used along with regular washing of feet after ex-

iting the waters. If necessary, Vaseline or oil can be applied to form a barrier to protect from the dirty water.

Adding to that, water poses as breeding grounds for mosquitoes which spreads Zika, dengue and chikungunya virus. Fruits and vegetables should be washed thoroughly with clean water to prevent contamination.

Instructions were given to turn off the main electrical outlet as well as equipment.

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Deplorable roads affecting proper market access – Region 5 rice farmers

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ice farmers in Region Five (MahaicaBerbice) are finding it difficult to get their rice to more lucrative markets because of the state of the farm to markets roads in the region.

This newspaper was told that rice farmers have been forced to settle for more than $100,000 less in payment for their paddy since they cannot access the more lucrative markets.

Region Five is the largest rice-producing region in the country and the Burma Road is the access to 450 acres, while the Mahaicony Branch Road allows access to 25,000 acres of land. Over 800 rice farmers in the region use that road but they cannot get the full-needed service from it.

Regional Vice Chairman Rian Pieters was asked by this publication about the lack of initiative by the regional administration to assist rice farmers in region

Regional Vice Chairman Rian Pieters

but he said the issue is not one the region can solve, neither can take blame for.

According to Pieters, it is not the regional administration to be blamed but rather the Finance Ministry. He said that the regional administration has been trying to get the roads fixed but the Finance Ministry has not allowed them.

“Over the past three or four years, the Regional Democratic Council would have included those Branch Roads— the Mahaicony Branch Road, Burma Branch Road and De Hoop Branch Road— as a part of the Region's estimates for those years in our budget. I am disappointed to have to say that while the Regional Democratic Council would have approved those roads, our estimates, when our budget would have gotten to the Ministry of Finance, they were struck off of the final document over the past three or four occasions,” Pieters said.

Meanwhile, former Regional Chairman Bindrabhan Bisnauth, himself a rice farmer, told this publication that they are losing money because they are unable to take their paddy to preferred markets.

“We do not have access to get to any other mill.

Because of the impassable

Former Regional Chairman and now rice farmer, Bindrabhan Bisnauth

state of the road, farmers are now caught between a hard rock and I do not know what else, but we do not have access to get to any other mills… And because of the competition, we as farmers are losing because we cannot compete for a better price”.

According to the former Regional Chairman, they are only getting $3,000 for a bag of paddy from the mill at Burma while other mills in the region are paying $3,100 per bag.

This means that farmers are losing well in excess of $30,000 for every ten acres

of rice being cultivated.

Sookdeo Harrypaul of Champagne, Mahaicony is the owner of two trucks which he operates to take paddy from the field to the mill.

“A few farmers have been filling the road with sand so that the trucks could drive on the road for the past four crops; that is, two years, so that we can drive on the road because the road has been breaking up the truck springs… We are disgusted complaining! No one has been doing anything for us,” the truck owner told this publication.

Gaming Authority taken to court over failure to issue casino licence

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he proprietor of Sleepin International Hotel and Casino Inc, Clifton Bacchus, has filed legal proceedings against the Gaming Authority after the company was not granted a Casino Operator’s Licence or a Casino Premises Licence by the agency even after the submission of all requisite documents and materials since 2016.

Legal documents seen by this newspaper revealed that Bacchus is asking the court to grant an order or writ of mandamus directing the authority to process, consider and determine in accordance with law, the applicant’s applications for a Casino Premises Licence and a Casino Operator’s Licence made on or about April 5, 2017, with all convenient speed; costs and such further or other orders that the Honorable Court may deem just.

These claims are being made on the grounds that the respondent (Gaming Authority) is a statutory corporation created under the Regulations to the Gambling Prevention Act, Chapter 79:02 and that is therefore tasked with the responsibility of issuing casino premises licences and

Sleepin International Hotel and Casino Inc

casino operator’s licences in accordance with the Gambling Prevention Act and the Regulations made thereunder. This is together with a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the businessman and the Government of Guyana, signed in 2015, which guarantees him a licence to operate a casino once he is able to complete construction in line with several specifications, including the construction of a minimum of one hundred and fifty-five (155) rooms at its hotel.

Further, it is stated that upon making an application for the licence, the company paid an application fee for the said licences in the sum of $9 million, which was re-

fused to be granted three months after the application was made.

The documents also revealed that after almost two years since the required documents were submitted, the licence was not yet granted.

According to the legal proceedings filed, Attorney-atLaw for the company, Anil Nandlall wrote to Chairman of the Gaming Authority, Roysdale Forde, enquiring as to why the issuing of the said licence was delayed.

In response, the Chairman pointed out that the agency is awaiting the completion of certain investigations being conducted by the Guyana Police Force in respect of the applicant and its principals, but according to the claims, Bacchus was never contacted in relation to such investigations.

In July of this year, the attorney sought clarity in the matter in a letter addressed to the Commissioner of Police, Leslie James, but to date, no response was received.

Since the opening of the state-of-the-art casino, Bacchus disclosed plans to reapply for a licence in 2017 after he was denied permission in 2016 after failing to provide proof of “its financial soundness and capability,” which was critical for approval.

As such, the court hearings for the parties is set to commence on November 13 at the Demerara High Court.

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Ramsammy’s Ruminations GEA pilots stand-alone, GRANGER pleas for a second chance filled with empty promises

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avid Granger is desperate. Now that elections are finally set for March 2, a whole year passed the deadline, the aloof Granger suddenly has time to visit people. The problem is, everywhere he goes, he is faced with people frustrated and angry because Granger and APNU/AFC forgot all the many promises they made in 2015.

Worse yet, Granger himself knows he and APNU/AFC betrayed people, including their most consistent and long-standing supporters. But Granger and APNU/AFC have become addicted to making empty promises.

Two weeks ago, Granger went to Linden, a town that has been faithful to the PNC (APNU) for more than fifty years. Linden, named after Dr Leslie Ramsammy Forbes Linden Burnham, has been fiercely loyal to the PNC and their leaders, through thick and thin. He begged for a second chance because for many people, Linden and Region 10 are worse off than they were in 2015. Shamelessly, he outlined a number of new, empty promises to the people of Linden. He promised that oil wealth will transform Linden, that a private investor will establish an oil refinery in Linden by the end of next year. The same investor promised previously he would have finished the refinery by the end of 2019, ahead of first oil in Guyana. But Granger’s own Energy Department announced they have no arrangements with the refinery plans for Linden and the private investor will have to pay premium price for any oil secured from the agency.

Granger also announced a new call-centre to create 500 jobs and 200 new homes for 2020. He did not mention APNU/AFC closed an existing call-centre in Linden, that it was his government that literally suspended the housing programme. Already these look like very empty promises.

Just before he went to Linden, Granger had David Patterson announce that construction of the Linden-Lethem Road will begin this week. There is no indication there is any plan to begin construction. The UK announced the DFID funds for this project will not be released before a new government is sworn in. This too, looks like another empty promise to Lindeners and the people of Region 10. Lindeners have not forgotten this was promised to them in 2015 also.

These new empty promises are not shocking to anyone in Linden. Granger and APNU/AFC made hundreds of promises to Guyanese before the 2015 elections. These promises have been totally ignored. Granger fully-well knows Lindeners have not forgotten APNU/AFC promised them in 2015 there would be a Region 10 development plan, modernisation of the bauxite industry, investment for the aluminium industry, new jobs, 200,000 hectares of new agriculture land in the intermediate savannahs, the Tiger Falls Hydroelectric project to drive industrial development, expansion of block-making capacity in Region 10, housing development, furniture industry and value-added wood products, construction of the Lethem-Linden Highway, Linden becoming the Gateway for Guyana’s Tourism, a UG campus in Linden. None of these promises were kept.

Like the people of Linden, people everywhere are frustrated by the empty promises made to them in 2015 and now hearing even more empty promises. Granger and APNU/AFC have been forced to use government to bolster their political campaign, not certain they can attract a crowd and the empty promises are part of his problem. Two weeks ago, Granger and the PNC arranged a crowd to Linden ostensibly to celebrate the PNC’s 62nd anniversary, bringing in people with GDF transportation from as far away as Regions 2,3,4,5 and 6 and fetching in children to make up the crowd. Two Sundays ago, Granger went to a Hindu School at Cornelia Ida to help celebrate a graduation and last weekend, he went to open the New Amsterdam Town Week. These are campaign events, using non-political events to get a crowd and proceeding to make vulgarly political speeches.

It is disgraceful and it is against the law to abuse Government resources for partisan political campaigns.

As people show their frustration and reject the empty promises, Granger has become fearful of free speech and people exercising their fundamental right to protest. These are rights guaranteed in Guyana’s Constitution. The few who went to the New Amsterdam Town Week opening last week heard Granger declared he was a “constitutional President”. Granger was totally oblivious of the irony. The people who were mostly bussed-in with DGF buses were body-searched because Granger is morbidly afraid of being protested during his speech, like he was at the Pegasus more than a month ago. He has scorched the Constitution, totally violating it, and he wants people to acknowledge he is “constitutional”.

In spite of the resounding rejection of the empty-promise strategy employed by Granger and APNU/AFC, APNU/AFC persists parroting empty promises. The Linden example is just the start.

In New Amsterdam, he outlined more promises, speaking of the thousands of jobs, the reduction of crime, the transformation of agriculture, the propelling of manufacturing and on and on. He did not mention he closed four sugar estates, put 7000 people out of work, and ignored the soaring crime in Region 6 and around the country. His empty promises worked in 2015, they will not work in 2020.

wind-powered street light

T

he Guyana Energy Agency (GEA) is exploring opportunities of using wind energy as an alternative to conventional street lighting powered by electricity.

GEA’s engineers, together with the Traffic and Highway Light Unit, have designed and installed one

the wind and converts it into electricity.

The wind-powered street light consists of a 500 Watts wind turbine, 40 Watts light emitting diodes (LED) lamp, 105 ampere hour (Ah) battery, hybrid charge controller, timer, enclosure and mounts.

This new initiative by

The installed wind-powered street light

A design of the new initiative

stand-alone, wind-powered street light to the tune of G$247,553 on the Georgetown Sea Wall. The new equipment utilises a wind turbine and generator which harnesses energy from

the energy agency has been deemed advantageous, given that the lamps are not affected by utility failure and operate at low voltages, hence making them cost effective and providing a true colour

representation, more depth of field, and greater peripheral vision— which improves safety for drivers and pedestrians.

In addition, the abundance of wind along Guyana’s coast makes wind-powered street lighting a very attractive alternative to street lighting powered by electricity from the public utility.

The LED lamps also have an estimated lifetime that is five

Blairmont factory workers...

The relevant section of the manual, written solely and wholly by the Corporation, it appears, was not adhered to. According to the Union, when this was put to GuySuCo’s representatives, they were told that the company’s executive has a right to veto the policy. “It brings into question the usefulness of this and any other policy and agreement if it can be ignored and altered at the whims and fancies of those who are charged with upholding them. It seems, the Corporation is taking a cue from its shareholder which, in recent times, has been disregarding and undermining several constitutional provisions,” the Union said on Tuesday.

“The GAWU wants to assure that it is not daunted nor will it abandon its ideals and objectives. We are dismayed with the Corporation misinformed statement and expressions. The GuySuCo, by its unfortunate stance, is serving to affect its production drive which should be accelerating at this time.

The GAWU, nevertheless,

remains hopeful that the Corporation could come to its senses and do what is right. “

GAWU reminded on Tuesday that the 1976 Recognition and Avoidance and Settlement of Disputes

times longer than conventional HPSV lamps and energy savings of 80% or more.

The GEA has reassured that information obtained from data gathering and experience gained from the installation process will be used to guide decisions with regards to street lighting, as it continues to monitor, research and record the performance of wind-powered street lighting.

from page 9

Agreement requires the Union and the Corporation to refrain from using “… written and spoken word of a nature likely to engender prejudice or resentment against the other by means of groundless or useless criticism or allegation”. “We urge the Corporation to bear this in mind and in practice.

Moreover, the upholding of equitable treatment and social justice cannot be underscored as these important tenets, it seems, are being disregarded and ignored.”

16

guyanatimesgy.com

wednesday, october 23, 2019

Regional

Bolivia’s election sparks protest as rivals clash over results

B

olivia’s electoral board released new data late on Monday that showed President Evo Morales had enough votes to win the hotly contested election, sparking allegations of fraud from the Opposition and angry clashes in the streets.

The board had halted a preliminary vote count late on Sunday with results then showing the election going to a second round run-off.

The abrupt pause had fuelled concerns among election monitors and foreign

governments over potential vote tampering.

After the 24-hour gap, the Supreme Electoral Tribunal (TSE) updated its count to show Morales with a wider lead of 46.85% of votes to rival Carlos Mesa’s 36.73%, just enough to give him the 10-point lead needed to win in the first round.

As protesters scuffled with Police in the streets of the capital, La Paz, outside the counting venue, runner-up Mesa slammed the results as “shameful” and said he would not recognise

A protester argues with a Police officer as supporters of MAS party of President Evo Morales and supporters of Opposition candidate Carlos Mesa of Citizen Community party gather in front of the official electoral computing centre in La Paz, Bolivia

them.

“We trust citizens won’t accept this,” Mesa told journalists in the lowland city of Santa Cruz. “This government has created an impossible situation. It’s mocking the popular vote”.

Just a day earlier, Mesa had celebrated making it to a second round after an official count of nearly 84% of ballots showed Morales short of the votes needed to avoid a run-off. Other polls also showed a tight race leading to a second round.

Morales, however, who

has won his previous three terms with solid majorities, insisted late on Sunday that he would get enough votes from rural areas for an outright win.

The uncertainty sparked protests in the landlocked South American country and fears among international election observers and diplomats about potential manipulation of the vote, with some worried it could trigger the kind of violent unrest that has recently roiled Chile and Ecuador. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Brazil’s PSL party seeks to Chile Opposition refuses to meet suspend Bolsonaro’s son President, new protests break out

P

resident Jair Bolsonaro’s right-wing Social Liberal Party opened disciplinary proceedings against 19 of its lawmakers on Tuesday, including Bolsonaro’s son Eduardo, in an ongoing battle for control of Brazil’s second largest party in Congress.

The lawmakers could be suspended and lose their seats for deposing Delegado Waldir, the party’s chief whip in the lower house, and replacing him with Eduardo Bolsonaro, against the wishes of the PSL leadership.

The rift risks leaving the president with no party base in Congress and undermines

his ability to get his legislative proposals approved. At stake is a large campaign war chest for next year’s local elections.

The bitter dispute came to a head after President Bolsonaro called on the PSL two weeks ago to open its books for audit, and days later, the federal police searched the offices and homes of party founder Luciano Bivar in an electoral fraud probe.

The small party surged from nowhere to become the second largest in the Brazilian Congress by serving as the platform for Bolsonaro’s successful presidential run last year. With 53 seats in the low-

er house, the PSL will have access to more than 390 million reais ($95.8 million) in public campaign funds in 2022.

Bivar and other PSL leaders, such as Senator Major Olimpio, have opposed Bolsonaro’s bid to take over the party and are fighting back.

Besides seeking to suspend Eduardo Bolsonaro and 18 other lawmakers who sided with him, the party plans to remove him as PSL president for Sao Paulo and also his brother Senator Flavio Bolsonaro as its head in Rio de Janeiro, Olimpio told reporters. (Excerpt from Reuters)

released later on.

Investigators say contrary to reports, the house was not a guest house, but rather a four-storey dwelling house.

“They had no liquor licence but they were selling alcohol on the premises and charging people to come into the house $60.

They also did not have any fire clearance. We have nothing official to say it’s a guest house either,” a senior investigator revealed.

Investigators told Guardian Media that most of the women are non-nationals with no identification in their possession.

They were allegedly engaged in lewd dancing, possible prostitution and child endangerment as several of them are believed to be minors.

Several other law enforcement agencies were also called in to assist in the investigation.

The Child Protection Unit, Counter-Trafficking Unit(CTU) and Immigration officials were also interviewing the foreign nationals.

Just after midnight on Monday, acting on intelligence, SORT officers headed by Sgt Mark Hernandez conducted a sting operation at the house where the women, along with 20 men, were arrested.

Police also found and seized a firearm and ammunition, narcotics and a large amount of cash.

Guardian Media understands that an advertisement was issued to highlight the event. (Excerpt from T&T Guardian)

Trinidad: Father, son to be charged for “Secret Sunday” offences

A

Valsayn, Trinidad businessman and his son, who were both detained in a raid by Police Officers from the Special Operations Response Team (SORT) at Lady Chancellor Heights, Portof-Spain early Tuesday morning, are expected to be charged for the possession of a firearm and ammunition.

Senior investigators told Guardian Media that the businessman and his son had been formally charged in 2016 with similar offences which are still before the courts.

The men were held with 18 other males and 22 women at a party termed Secret Sunday.

The other males held during the raid investigators say will be held relevant to other inquiries and may likely be

Tobacco control group wants e-cigarettes banned in Jamaica

T

he Jamaica Coalition for Tobacco Control (JCTC) says the importation and sale of e-cigarettes in Jamaica should be banned.

Electronic or e-cigarettes are a type of electronic nicotine delivery system (ENDS), which do not burn or use tobacco leaves, but vapourise a solution that is then inhaled.

But according to JCTC e-cigarettes are not safe and may cause irreversible lung damage and lung disease.

“The total impact on health of e-cigarettes is unknown,

but e-cigarette use is associated with lung disease and death. Studies show dangerously high levels of the carcinogen pulegone in menthol-flavoured e-cigarettes,” JCTC said in a statement today.

The agency noted that illness associated with e-cigarettes has been associated with flavoured e-cigarettes and vaping liquid mixed with marijuana.

“Second-hand exposure to vaping may also prove harmful, as vaping aerosol may contain flavourings such as chem-

ical diacetyl, which is linked to serious irreversible lung disease; the cancer-causing chemical formaldehyde, and ultrafine particles that can be inhaled deep into the lungs,” JCTC said.

“In light of reported deaths and major lung diseases associated with the use of e-cigarettes, the JCTC believes that smokers will obtain the maximum health benefit by complete cessation of all tobacco and nicotine,” JCTC added.

(Jamaica Observer)

C

hile’s left-leaning opposition declined to meet with President Sebastian Pinera following riots that have left 15 people dead and led to the arrest of more than 2600, citing concerns over abuses by security forces.

Protesters gathered in central squares in Santiago and in other cities by early afternoon on Tuesday as the demonstrations against high living costs and inequality showed little sign of ending. Police in places began to disperse the crowds with gas and water cannons.

Ten cities have been placed in a state of emergency and under a night curfew overseen by the military after riots broke out on Friday in the worst unrest in decades in one of Latin America’s most stable countries.

Frustrations over the high cost of living and public transport fare hikes in Santiago have become a political flashpoint against

A demonstrator holds a picture of Chilean President Sebastian Pinera during a protest against Chile’s state economic model, in Santiago

Pinera’s centre-right government, prompting calls for reforms on issues from the country’s tax and labour codes to its pension system.

As pressure on the Government mounted, Pinera said he would meet with Opposition leaders Tuesday to forge a “new social contract”.

But all of the key left-leaning opposition parties declined Pinera’s invitation, saying the Government had failed to “safeguard” the

human rights of protesters, or inform the public about details regarding the 15 deaths.

“It is unacceptable that we still don’t have clarity about what happened,” the Socialist Party said in a statement.

The party, a key pillar of Chile’s centre-left political movement, said Pinera also needed to expand the list of social groups invited to the talks. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Church groups to stage silent march in Haiti

T

he Haitian Conference of Religious (CHR) has announced plans for a “national silent march” across the French-speaking Caribbean Community country today, as it warned of the “unprecedented humanitarian crisis” as opposition forces demand the resignation of President Jovenel Moise.

In a statement, the CHR said it has taken note of the “unprecedented humanitarian crisis in which the country is in the process of tipping over”, and the situation “is the result of a much deeper crisis affecting the very foundations of our coexistence in its political, economic, social and religious dimensions”.

It has also been critical of the “total bankruptcy of our republican institutions – the Executive, the Legislature and the Judiciary – and the responsibility of our political, intellectual and economic elites in the deterioration of the situation”.

The religious group said as a result it was calling “on the

Presidential Guards take a position next to their unit’s burning truck, during clashes with mourners and demonstrators who were carrying coffins with the remains of two victims of the ongoing violence, near the Presidential Palace in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, last Wednesday

conscience of everyone, especially the head of the executive power, to take note of the seriousness of the hour and make a wise decision for Haiti accordingly.

“Due to the insensitivity and indifference of different political actors to the future of the country, because of the general climate of insecurity, we find ourselves obliged to keep the doors of our institutions closed until a happy outcome of the crisis is found in the best time,” it said.

“We are in solidarity with

the victims of this crisis that has already lasted too long, by donating blood to the Haitian Red Cross, visit of hospitals for the delivery of the product of our collection of drugs and medical equipment. In deep communion and in permanent solidarity with our suffering people, we will walk in silence from 9:00 am on Tuesday, October 22, 2019 in all major cities of the country to pray, celebrate our faith, and implore divine graces on our country and our people”.

(Excerpt from CMC)

guyanatimesgy.com

wednesday, october 23, 2019

17

Around the World

Canada's Trudeau keeps the wheel but Guinea court jails

Opposition leaders for organising protests

prepares to turn left

C

anadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Tuesday faced the cold reality of a minority Government that will likely be forced to tilt left to survive, a move that risks upsetting the business community and stoking alienation in oil-producing provinces.

Trudeau, one of the world’s most prominent progressive leaders, saw a sharp drop in support for his ruling Liberals across the country in an election on Monday that focused in part on two scandals that dogged the 47-yearold leader.

Preliminary results showed the Liberals elected or ahead in 157 of 338 seats, a drop of 20 from where they stood going into the vote.

They also trailed the main Opposition Conservatives in the popular vote by just over a percentage point.

Trudeau now looks set to govern with support from the left-leaning New Democratic

Party, which also lost seats but managed to do well enough to hold the balance of power. Together, the parties would control a comfortable majority of 181 seats.

NDP leader Jagmeet Singh is positioned to press for action on priorities such as more social spending on housing and healthcare.

Singh also voiced support for passage of a universal prescription drug plan, something Trudeau has promised to do, setting the stage for what could be the biggest shake-up of Canada’s public healthcare system since it was created in the 1960s.

Trudeau’s Liberals were already planning to run longer and deeper deficits. Their election platform called for a near doubling of the federal deficit to C$27.4 billion (US$21 billion) in the next fiscal year.

The NDP, which wants to invest C$15 billion in climate-change measures, also

A

Liberal leader and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his wife Sophie Gregoire Trudeau wave on stage after the federal election at the Palais des Congres in Montreal, Quebec, Canada October 22, 2019

could push Trudeau to do more to combat the problem. Additional pressure for such action will come from the Green Party, which won three seats.

The danger for Trudeau is that a left turn may further stoke fears in financial markets about the direction of fiscal policy and further endanger his party’s standing in the oil-rich provinces of Alberta and Saskatchewan, which became a wasteland for the Liberals on Monday.

Investors are ditching bets the Bank of Canada will cut interest rates over the coming months, as the domestic economy shows resilience and Federal Government spending is set to ramp up next year.

Minority Governments in Canada rarely last more than 2-1/2 years. The New Democrats struck deals to help keep Liberal minority Governments in power from 1972 to 1974 and in 2005.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

Tuesday. More than 25 fire trucks were on site as firefighters battled the blaze through the night.

Auckland’s Mayor Phil Goff told the New Zealand Herald newspaper the centre would now likely not be ready in time to host major world leaders and events for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) meeting in 2021.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern was set

to visit Auckland later on Wednesday.

The construction project, undertaken by Fletcher Building Ltd is valued at NZ$703 million (US$452 million) and is the largest underway in New Zealand.

The convention centre was originally slated for completion this year but Fletcher had pushed the date back as the project was mired in delays. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Fire still burning at New Zealand convention centre, APEC hosting in doubt

A

massive fire at a convention centre under construction at a casino complex in Auckland was still spewing thick smoke across New Zealand’s largest city on Wednesday, forcing road closures and keeping workers away almost 24 hours after it started.

The fire had prompted an evacuation of SkyCity Entertainment Group’s entire complex, including hotels, casinos and restaurants

when it erupted around lunchtime on Tuesday.

“In the near term, we expect to re-open the rest of the precinct tomorrow ... we’re hopeful the fire will be contained by tonight,” Graeme Stephens, SkyCity’s chief executive, told a news conference.

Emergency services said there were no injuries from the fire, though a firefighter had been treated after feeling ill at the site on

court in Guinea has handed down jail terms to five Opposition and civil society leaders for organising protests against a possible change to the Constitution that could let President Alpha Conde seek a third term.

Abdourahmane Sanoh, a former Government Minister and an organiser of last week's unauthorised demonstrations, which resulted in at least nine deaths, received a one-year jail term for inciting civil disobedience.

Four other members of the National Front for the Defence of the Constitution (FNDC), a coalition of politicians and activists opposed to a constitutional change, received six-month sentences by the court in the capital, Conakry. Three others were acquitted The prosecution, which had been seeking five-year sentences, said it planned to appeal - as did the defence.

Rights group Amnesty International criticised the court's ruling, saying "no one should be detained for having organised or called

Alpha Conde, 81, whose second and final five-year term expires next year, has refused to rule out running again

for a peaceful demonstration."

During last week's protests in Conakry and several Opposition strongholds in the north, Police opened fire on demonstrators as they ransacked military posts and blocked roads with burning tyres.

The 81-year-old Conde, whose second and final fiveyear term expires next year, has refused to rule out running again and asked his Government last month to look into drafting a new Constitution. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Brexit bill 'in limbo' as MPs reject timetable

China plans to replace Hong Kong leader Lam with 'interim' chief executive – Financial Times

C

hina plans to replace Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam with an “interim” chief executive, the Financial Times reported, citing people briefed on the deliberations, which would bring to a close Lam’s rule after months of often-violent pro-democracy protests.

Lam has become a lightning rod for protests over fears that Beijing is tightening its grip, limiting the freedoms enjoyed under the “one country, two systems” principle enshrined when colonial ruler Britain handed Hong Kong back to China

Hong Kong Chief Excutive Carrie Lam holds a news conference after her policy address for 2019, in Hong Kong, China, October 16, 2019

in 1997.

Sources told the FT that officials in China want a stabilised situation before a final decision can be made on leadership changes, as they do not want to be seen to be giving in to violence.

If Chinese President Xi Jinping decides to go ahead, Lam's successor would be appointed by March and cover the remainder of her term, which ends in 2022, the newspaper here said.

Hundreds of thousands of people have taken to the streets in Hong Kong since mid-June in violent pro-

tests against now-suspended draft legislation that could have seen people sent to mainland China for trial in Communist Partycontrolled courts.

Although the bill was finally withdrawn, the protests have continued, defying Police rulings banning them.

China has denied the accusation it is eroding the freedoms granted in 1997, and has blamed foreign nations such as the United States and Britain for inciting unrest. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Turkey Syria offensive: Erdogan and Putin strike deal over Kurds

T

urkey and Russia have agreed what they called a "historic" deal over military action against Kurds in northern Syria after a marathon diplomatic meeting.

The two powers had both stationed troops on the Turkey-Syria border after US troops withdrew from the area.

Turkey launched an of-

fensive against Syrian Kurdish militias, parts of which it considers a terrorist group.

Now, Russia and Turkey will conduct joint patrols on the border, changing the power dynamic in the area.

The new deal came just ahead of the expiry of a ceasefire between Kurdish fighters and Turkish forces which had been brokered by

the United States.

Kurdish fighters said they had completed their withdrawal under that agreement, but the deal agreed by Turkey with Russia has effectively extended it.

They have been given another 150 hours to withdraw to a depth of 32km (20 miles) from the border - a so-called "safe zone".

The deal effectively splits military control of the region between Russia and Turkey, filling a role left vacant by the United States' sudden and unexpected withdrawal.

Russia, allied to Syria's President, stationed troops near the border over concerns that Syria's territory was being encroached upon by a foreign power. (Excerpt from BBC News)

MPs voted to reject the Brexit bill three-day timetable by 322 votes to 308

B

oris Johnson has hit the pause button on his Brexit legislation after MPs rejected his plan to get it through the Commons in three days.

MPs backed his Withdrawal Agreement Bill - but minutes later voted against the timetable, leaving it "in limbo".

After the vote, EU Council President Donald Tusk said he would recommend EU leaders backed an extension to the October 31 Brexit deadline.

But a No 10 source said if a delay was granted, the PM would seek an election.

On Saturday, Johnson complied with a law demanding he write to the EU to ask for a three-month extension, but did not sign the letter.

Following the result in the Commons, he said it was Parliament and not the Government that had requested an extension.

Johnson said he would reiterate his pledge to EU leaders, telling them it was still his policy to leave by the end of October.

But Commons leader Jacob Rees-Mogg told MPs it was "very hard" to see how the necessary laws could be passed to leave with a deal by the deadline.

Johnson told the Commons: "I will speak to EU member states about their intentions [but] until they have reached a decision - until we reach a decision, I will say - we will pause this legislation."

In the meantime, however, he said the Government would "take the only responsible course and accelerate our preparations for a no deal outcome".

The PM added: "Let me be clear. Our policy remains that we should not delay [and] that we should leave the EU on 31 October."

(Excerpt from BBC News)

18

guyanatimesgy.com

wednesday, OCTOber 23, 2019

ARCHIE

ARIES

Don’t jump into something without doing adequate research. Expand your mind, ask questions and offer suggestions that will ease whatever transition you face. Be willing to work as a team player.

TAURUS

Take a leap of faith and see where you land. The journey that begins now will be a learning experience as well as a chance to gain ground mentally, physically and emotionally.

(March 21April 19)

dilbert

(April 20May 20)

GEMINI (May 21June 20)

CANCER (June 21July 22)

Peanuts

Calvin and Hobbes

SUDOKU

Be careful when dealing with sensitive issues. If you say something in jest, someone will take offense, leaving you in an awkward position. Make physical fitness a priority.

Take part in something that interests you to expand your mind, challenge your body and enlighten your soul. A change of heart and direction will improve your life. Romance is featured.

LEO (July 23Aug. 22)

Keep busy. The less time you have to quibble, the better. Taking a day trip, spending time helping youngsters or concentrating on self-improvement will turn out well.

VIRGO (Aug. 23Sept. 22)

Unfamiliar surroundings will spark your imagination, and the people you encounter will offer information that will lead you to consider making a change. Love, romance and self-improvement are emphasized.

LIBRA (Sept. 23Oct. 23)

What you do for others will not be forgotten. If you need a favor, ask for it. An unexpected change will turn into a blessing in disguise.

SCORPIO

Hide your emotions from anyone prying into your business. If you show vulnerability, someone will use it against you. You’ll come out ahead if you smile and conduct business as usual.

(Oct. 24Nov. 22)

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23Dec. 21)

Look at the bright side of every situation to gain popularity. Offer positive suggestions and be open to new adventures. Prioritize personal growth and helping others.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22Jan. 19)

A change should encourage you to move forward instead of discouraging you.

If you embrace whatever comes your way, unexpected rewards will follow. Live, love, laugh and be happy.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20Feb. 19)

Take a deep breath and set a comfortable pace. You don’t have to keep up with anyone. Decide what’s best for you and head in that direction.

solution for LAST PUBLISHED puzzle

PISCES (Feb. 20March 20)

Be a participant, a doer, a helper and an inspiration. How you project your self-image will determine what you get in return. A positive change will bring high returns.

WEDNESday, october 23, 2019

19

2-in-2 for Nadeem as India wrap up 3-0 sweep Faf du Plessis lost all three tosses, even when he asked his vice-captain Temba Bavuma to call in his place in Ranchi. As a result, India have enjoyed the best of the batting conditions but that is no explanation for South Africa’s hapless effort. Their seamers have not had the fire they are known for - perhaps as a result of lack of support - their spinners have been ineffective and their batting unable to withstand a sustained Indian attack of pace, ag-

gression and turn.

As a result, the teams stand at opposite ends of records. South Africa last lost consecutive Tests by an innings in 1935-36 against Australia, while India have extended a hot streak at home. Since losing to England in December 2012, India have won 11 Test series (two one-off Tests included) at home. They are also atop the World Test Championship points table, having collected all 120 available in this series.

(ESPNcricinfo)

SCOREBOARD

I

ndia needed just 12 balls to complete a whitewash over South Africa, winning the third Test inside 15 minutes on the fourth morning.

Debutant Shahbaz Nadeem took the last two wickets in two balls to dismiss South Africa for their lowest total of the series and ensure

The Indian team congratulate Shahbaz Nadeem India secured a second successive victory by a margin of more than an innings.

Concussion substitute Theunis de Bruyn was unable to add to his overnight score of 30, his joint-highest on the tour. After a confident, relaxed approach late on the third evening, uncertainty returned and

Federer wins in 53 minutes to advance in Basel in 1500th tour game S wiss top seed Roger Federer celebrated his 1,500th ATP match with a commanding 6-2 6-1 win over Germany’s Peter Gojowczyk in the first round of the Swiss Indoors championship in Basel on Monday.

Playing in his hometown, 20-times Grand Slam champion Federer barely broke sweat as he fired 12 aces and won 82% of his first service points, wrapping up the encounter against the hapless German qualifier in 53 minutes.

Gojowczyk, ranked 112th in the world, was broken five times while 38-yearold Federer dropped serve once in the contest.

It was a 21st consecutive win in Basel for the Swiss, who has won the title here nine times, and he used every inch of the court to set up 34 winners.

Germany’s Jan-Lennard Struff also advanced in another short encounter that lasted only 61 minutes, firing a whopping 21 aces to beat Serbian youngster Miomir Kecmanovic 6-4 6-2 to advance.

Second seed Alexander Zverev and third seed Stefanos Tsitsipas play their respective first round matches on Tuesday. (Reuters)

de Bruyn tried to adjust from going forward to defend to hanging back to cut a shorter delivery from Nadeem. He managed only an under-edge, which Saha, back after leaving the field with a thumb injury on the third day, gobbled up.

The next ball, No. 11, Lungi Ngidi, hit hard in

the direction of non-striker Anrich Nortje, who was struck on the wrist. The ball rebounded off Nortje and Nadeem was wise to the possibility of the catch.

He completed it to end South Africa’s innings and their tour on as unlucky a note as they have had over the last three weeks.

India 1st Innings – 497/9d South Africa 1st Innings - 162 South Africa 2nd Innings (following on) Q de Kock b Yadav 5 D Elgar retired hurt 16 Zubayr Hamza b Shami 0 F du Plessis (c) lbw b Shami 4 T Bavuma c †Saha b Shami 0 H Klaasen † lbw b Yadav 5 GF Linde run out (Nadeem) 27 DL Piedt b Jadeja 23 TB de Bruyn c †Saha b Nadeem 30 K Rabada c Jadeja b Ashwin 12 A Nortje not out 5 L Ngidi c & b Nadeem 0

Extras (b 5, lb 1) 6 TOTAL (48 Overs, RR: 2.77) 133 all out (f/o) Fall of wickets: 1-5 (Quinton de Kock, 1.1 ov), 2-10 (Zubayr Hamza, 2.3 ov), 3-18 (Faf du Plessis, 6.6 ov), 4-22 (Temba Bavuma, 8.3 ov), 4-26* (Dean Elgar, retired not out ), 5-36 (Heinrich Klaasen, 16.1 ov), 6-67 (George Linde, 28.3 ov), 7-98 (Dane Piedt, 37.4 ov), 8-121 (Kagiso Rabada, 42.5 ov), 9-133 (Theunis de Bruyn, 47.5 ov), 10-133 (Lungi Ngidi, 47.6 ov) BOWLING : M Shami (10-6-10-3), UT Yadav (9-1-35-2), RA Jadeja (13-5-36-1), S Nadeem (6-118-2), R Ashwin (10-3-28-1)

New bindings fuel amputee’s Paralympic hopes A former British army soldier who lost both his legs in a bomb explosion in Northern Ireland is hoping to snowboard in the 2022 Winter Paralympic Games in China thanks to new 3D-printed bindings which can absorb shock and give him greater speed.

Darren Swift, 53, who lost his legs above the knee, worked with the Bristol-based Centre for Modelling Simulation (CFMS), a not-for-profit digital engineering specialist to develop the bindings, made from a material blending nylon and fibreglass.

Swift realised the importance of being able to use the knees to absorb shock in snowboarding, and wanted

to find a solution for him and other double above the knee (DAK) amputees. “[The binding] has become effectively a knee. It’s not as good as a knee, a human knee, but it does enough to take some of the impact out of what we are feeling on the ice,” he said.

“These take out some of the slams... so (it’s) absolutely revolutionised what we are doing.”

Swift hopes the new bindings will encourage the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) to create a new category for DAKs competitors.

“With these I am hoping I can shave those three seconds off, and other DAK snowboarders can do the same, and we can get this category ...and get to the next Paralympics in China in 2022.” (Reuters)

Hundred price for Gayle was too high – Warne

T

20 batting legend Chris Gayle might have priced himself out of the inaugural Hundred Draft held on Sunday.

The new professional 100-ball cricket tournament in England and Wales run by the ECB will commence in July 2020. The league will consist

o f eight city-based franchise teams, each of which will field both a men and women’s team.

Gayle, who over the past decade has estab-

lished himself as arguably the greatest T20 batsman in history with over 20 centuries to his credit, was surprisingly not selected by any of the franchises and now seems likely to miss the inaugural season.

He will only be able to get in if he is signed as an injury replacement.

Australian legend Shane Warne, who owns the London Spirit franchise, believes Gayle, who along with Sri Lanka’s Lasith Malinga, who both entered the draft at a base price of £125,000, might have priced themselves too high.

‘I think they priced themselves wrong. ‘If they’d gone in at £100,000 and not £125,000, I think they’d have been picked up,’ Warne said in an interview with The Metro.

The Southern Brave at £125,000 selected Andre Russell while the Oval Invincibles selected Sunil Narine, also for £125,000. The Invincibles also selected Fabian Allen for £50,000 while the Welsh Fire selected Ravi Rampaul for £75,000. (SportsMax)

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GUYANATIMESgy.COM

WEDNESday, october 23, 2019

BCB launches 2nd Ivan Madray Memorial 1st Division Tournament – 2-day tournament to be launched on October 29

T

he busy 2019 Berbice cricket season on Thursday last became even busier with the Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) launching the second edition of the Ivan Madray Memorial First Division Tournament.

BCB President Hilbert Foster, who leads an aggressive marketing drive by Guyana’s most active cricket board, launched the tournament in company of Treasurer Dr Cecil Beharry and sponsor Chandradat Chintamani of Laparkan Trading.

Chintamani, a nephew of Ivan Madray, is pumping $335,000 into the tournament which would feature the 11 First-Division teams in the Ancient County. The teams are West Berbice, Blairmont, Police, Tucber Park, Rose Hall Canje, Young Warriors, Albion, RHT Thunderbolt Flour, Port Mourant, Upper Corentyne and Skeldon.

The tournament would be played on a knockout basis and while the 2018 edition was played using the hundred-ball format, the

2019 edition would be played under the T20 format, with the finals played under lights at the Albion Ground. Foster disclosed that players like Shimron Hetmyer, Veerasammy Permaul, Romario Shepherd, Clinton Pestano, Nial Smith, Keon Joseph, Jonathan Foo, Kevlon Anderson, Alex Algoo, Devindra Bishoo, Kevin Umroa, Kevin Sinclair, Anthony Bramble, and Gudakesh Motie are expected to play in the tournament.

Foster expressed gratitude to Chintamani for his continued investment in the development of Berbice cricket and for his commitment to upholding the memory of his famous uncle, who in 1956 became the third Berbician to play Test cricket after John Trim and the legendary Rohan Kanhai.

Madray was followed shortly afterward by Basil Butcher and Joseph Solomon as the historic Port Mourant Club produced the first five Test cricketers from Berbice. The BCB President reassured the sponsor that the tournament would be well-organised and

Chandradat Chintamani hands over sponsorship to BCB Treasurer Dr Cecil Beharry as President Hilbert Foster watches on

all funds would be used for the intended purpose.

Chintamani expressed delight at once again teaming up with the BCB as he was satisfied with the organising of the

2018 edition of the Ivan Madray Memorial Tournament, and he expressed confidence that the relationship would be strengthened in the future. The Laparkan executive stated that his famous uncle

played a major role in his early development, especially instilling the importance of discipline and education.

The sponsorship of the tournament, Chintamani stated, is to play homage to his role model, mentor, and hero. He praised the outstanding work of the BCB and urged it to always uphold its high standards. The tournament is expected to be completed by early December as the BCB strives to complete close to 30 tournaments in 2019 at all levels.

Meanwhile, the BCB on October 29, 2019 would be launching a two-day First- Division tournament with sponsorship from beverage giant Banks DIH Ltd. For over a decade, no two- or three-day tournament has been played in Berbice, and Foster had committed himself to correcting the situation before his term ended on December 31, 2019. The sponsorship deal worth over $2 million includes the running of an anti-suicide and anti-drug campaign.

Guyana Masters Over-50 springs into action today GCF clears the air on

T

he Guyana Masters fraternity of over-50 players will today be featured in a special game to celebrate the 79th birth anniversary of arguably the greatest footballer of all time, Edson Arantes do Nascimento, famously known as Pele.

The game, to be played at the GFC ground, will kick off at 18:30h and will bring together an aggregation of players representing Pele and Santos, the two sides that thrilled football fans in the 70s after King Pele retired from international duties for his country Brazil.

Among the players expected to don the Pele co-

Guyana’s Vibert Butts shared a moment with Pele during his visit to the Guyana National Stadium

lours are: Vibert Butts, Gordon Brathwaite,

Herbert Pellew, Hunte, Michael

Dennis Pedro,

Terry Plummer, Wayne Peters, Rodwell Jemmott, Royston Erskine, Alistair Parris and Derek Gritten.

Santos will have in their line-up: Peter Prescott, Allan La Rose, Conrad Parris, Lloyd Smith, Rolston Trim, Bobby Hayles, Morwayne Kingston, Malcolm Dawson, Paul Sampson, Robert Danjou and Chris Barnwell among others.

A number of Brazilian nationals living here in Guyana will also be part of the one-hour action.

Linden’s Colin Aaron will carry the whistle for the game sponsored by “Flash Back 2020”.

Banks Beer 15 over softball set for November 3

Banks DIH Regional Manager Reginald Matthews, Fawaz Harry, organiser Omeshwar Sirikishun, Banks Beer Brand Manager Brian Choo Hen, and Nandram Basdeo

T

hirty-two teams are expected to commence battle in the Banks Beer 15-over softball competition for teams in Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne).

The tournament, which will be played on a knockout basis, is set to commence on November 3 and will be played at three venues.

On November 3, matches will be

played at the Welfare Ground in East Canje; on November 10, action will be at the Port Mourant Community Centre and for the second round through to the final on November 17, the Albion Sports Complex will see action.

Officials from Banks DIH and the organizer, Omeshwar Sirikishun, met on Friday to conclude final ar-

rangements for the tournament, which is slated to be launched on October 26, at Letter Kenny Village, Corentyne.

Meanwhile, interested teams are being asked to make contact with the organizer, on 677-2826.

At stake in the competition will be both cash prizes and trophies for the four top teams.

Caribbean Championships team selection

H

aving recently confirmed their participation at the Caribbean Cycling Championships in Cuba from November 1-3, the Guyana Cycling Federation (GCF) named a sevenmember contingent which will be making the trip. The team consist of five cyclists: Jamual John, Michael Anthony, Curtis Dey, Paul DeNobrega and Christopher Griffith, along with two officials – Marc Sonaram (Team Manager) and Enzo Matthews (Coach).

However, following that disclosure, some sections of the cycling fraternity questioned the selection process and the makeup of the team, specifically, the absence of Guyana’s current topranked cyclist, Briton John.

In a bid to clear the air on the selection process, GCF President Linden Dowridge and Racing Secretary Malcolm Sonaram revealed that Briton John was the first cyclist to be selected along with Jamual John, Michael Anthony, Curtis Dey, and Paul DeNobrega.

Sonaram noted that correspondence was sent out to the respective parent clubs of the cyclists via email on October 3, 2019; however, We Stand United, the club to which Briton John belongs did not respond confirming his participation and up to the deadline date for Guyana’s confirmation of participation at the Championships, the GCF was not in receipt of any correspondence from the club.

The GCF was then forced to select a replacement, which led to Christopher Griffith being listed, according to the ranking system of the Federation (adopted from Guyana Cycling News’ points

table). The next choice should have been Andre “Padlock” Green; however, Green currently has two disciplinary matters which are pending, thus the inclusion of Griffith on the team.

Another young talent, Romello Crawford was not included on the team owing to him being granted a release from the GCF to race with the PSL Club in Trinidad and Tobago from October 1, 2019 until the end of November.

Meanwhile, another hurdle in making up a full team to send to Cuba was the lack of sponsorship for Jamual John, something which was remedied at the last minute after cycling enthusiasts heard of his plight.

In respect to the funding of the trip, the GCF had to rely on sponsorship for the respective cyclists and officials; this is due to the current executives’ inability to access the GCF’s bank account, something that is currently being worked on.

Moving ahead, GCF President Dowridge has stated that there would be a clear criteria for the Federation’s team selection process which would see cyclists being picked through the ranking system and according to the type of events. He also noted that for future trips, the GCF would try its best to help fund cyclists as the body was trying to move away from a total dependence on sponsors.

As was quoted in a Guyana Chronicle article during the first days of his attaining the GCF presidency, Dowridge pointed out that cyclists and the cycling fraternity have nothing to fear as the GCF was not going to discriminate against any club or athlete.

guyanatimesgy.com

WEDNESday, october 23, 2019

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21

Panthera Solutions donates $300,000 to RHTY&SC cricket teams’ charity programme “W

e at Panthera Solutions are very impressed with the high standard of the works of the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club (RHTY&SC), MS, especially your efforts to keep youths away from negative social ills. As a new company in Guyana, we are determined to be a responsible corporate entity and we feel privileged to be associated with your dynamic organisation.”

These were the words of Panthera General Manager Andrew Dinsdale as he handed over a financial contribution of $300,000 towards the 2019 Christmas charity programme of the 10 cricket teams of Guyana’s leading youth sports club, the RHTY&SC. Club Secretary/Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Hilbert Foster, who accepted the donation on behalf of the 10 teams, stated that they have started early preparation for the charity programme as the teams wanted it to be the best ever. The RHTY&SC and its cricket teams since 1991 have hosted a charity programme during the festive season with the main objective of making a positive difference in the lives of the less fortunate, elderly, and children from single-parent households.

Foster stated that the RHTY&SC

Panthera General Manager Andrew Dinsdale hands over the donation to RHTY&SC Secretary/CEO Hilbert Foster in presence of Project Manager Ray Mc lean

strongly believed that no one should go hungry, naked, lonely or unloved during the most festive period of the year and as such, hosted the multimillion-dollar programme every year during the period of December 1-24. This year’s programme would include the distribution of 500 food hampers; 5000 Christmas toys; visits to orphanages; a Christmas par-

ty for less-fortunate kids; luncheon for less-fortunate families; distribution of clothing, footwear and education materials; special gifts for senior citizens, and a breakfast for old age pensioners.

The main project would be the hosting of the sixth Annual Christmas Village from December 21-24 in the compound of the Rose

Hall Town Primary School. The village would see the transformation of the school compound into a dreamland for children with thousands of fairy lights, Christmas decorations, 20-foot Christmas tree, dozens of inflatable Christmas characters, nativity scene, Christmas Home, toy house, family bridge, Christmas chimney, trampolines, bouncy castles and horror house.

The long-serving RHTY&SC executive stated that the main objectives of the very popular Christmas Village are to promote social cohesion, to promote the true tradition of Christmas, to provide clean entertainment for children and attract tourists to the township. Foster expressed gratitude to Panthera for its support and disclosed that the donation would be used to purchase toys and items for the food hampers project. He reassured the company that the 2019 Christmas programme would be well-organised and would achieve all of its objectives. The 10 cricket teams of the RHTY&SC, are Poonai Pharmacy Under-12 and Under-13, Farfan and Mendes Under-15, Bakewell Under-17 and Second Division, Pepsi Under-19 and Intermediate, Metro Female, and Namilco Thunderbolt Flour Under-21 and First Division.

Ticket sales get going for Colonial Medical Insurance Super50 Cup C

ricket West Indies announced on Tuesday that the online sales of tickets for the Colonial Medical Insurance Super50 Cup has begun.

Fans can now visit the CWI website, www.windiescricket.com, and make their online ticket purchases through the “Buy Tickets” button for all of the group stage matches at Warner Park in St. Kitts, and the Queen’s Park Oval and Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Trinidad, as well as the semi-finals and the final.

There is a special offer for spectators in the two host venues: In Trinidad, they can purchase a season ticket package for just US $50 (TT $350) that covers entry to any 10 group stage matches, plus the semi-finals and the final; and in St. Kitts, they can purchase a season ticket package for US $22 (EC $60) that covers entry to the 11 group stage matches at Warner Park.

For fans wanting to attend for individual matches, tickets prices are just US $6 (TT $40) for Group “B” matches in Trinidad. The semi-finals and final, to be played on November 28 and 29 at Queen’s Park Oval are priced at just US $15 (TT $100), the final to be played December 1 at the same venue is US $18 (TT $125).

For the day/night, floodlit Group “A” matches to be played at Warner Park, tickets are just US $5 (EC $10), while fans get to enjoy the nine daytime matches at the Conaree Sports Complex free of charge.

Ticket booths at Queens Park Oval and the National Cricket Centre in Trinidad open from November 2 and at Warner Park in St. Kitts from November 4. The ticket booth at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy will open only on match days.

For matches where there is an entry fee, tickets are free of charge

Barbados Cricket Association Vice President Calvin Hope presents the Guyana Jaguars with their silver medals in the 2018 edition of the Colonial Medical Insurance Super50 Cup

for patrons over the age of 60 with national identification documents while stocks last. Children under the age of 12 may also enter free of

Two groups of five teams each will run concurrently in St. Kitts and Trinidad, contesting a total of 40 action-packed, group stage matches.

charge when they attend with a paying adult.

Coming on the heels of the hotly-contested 2019 Caribbean Premier League, fans can look forward to another four weeks of exciting action, when the Super50 Cup – the region’s pre-eminent, 50 oversa-side competition – returns with a bang.

Group “A” matches begin on the opening day of the competition and will take place every day either at Warner Park or Conaree, and Group “B” matches start the following day, Thursday, November 7, with matches taking place simultaneously at the Queen’s Park Oval and Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Trinidad.

Every team will play their group

opponents twice before the top two in each group progress to the semi-finals and a chance to play in the final.

Reigning champions, Combined Campuses & College Marooners launch the tournament on opening day in Group “A”, when they face hosts Leeward Islands Hurricanes at Warner Park; Jamaica Scorpions, Barbados Pride and Canada will be the other teams in Group “A”.

Group “B” commences, when last year’s beaten finalists, Guyana Jaguars, meet West Indies Emerging Players in a day/night contest at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy, at the same time that hosts Trinidad & Tobago Red Force, semi-finalists last year, meet Windward Islands Volcanoes under the lights at the Queen’s Park Oval. The United States, the other side that will be contesting this group, have drawn a bye on the opening day.

The Marooners captured their first Super50 Cup title, when they beat the Jaguars by six wickets in

last season’s final at Kensington Oval in Barbados.

Set 205 for victory, Marooners reached their target in 37.4 overs, guided to victory by their captain and veteran opener Kyle Corbin with a polished 72 from 53 balls that included 12 fours and two sixes which earned him the Player-of-theMatch award. (CWI)

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WEDNESday, october 23, 2019

GUYANATIMESgy.COM

BCB/New York Business Group Under-19 20/20 Tournament

Brilliant Anderson spearheads RHT Pepsi to championship honours

The winning RHT Pepsi Under-19 team pose with the sponsors

O

ne day after surrendering their 50 overs title to Albion, the Rose Hall Town Pepsi Under-19 team bounced back to capture the 20/20 version of the Berbice Cricket Club (BCB)/New York Business Group Under-19 Tournament on Sunday last.

Strengthened with the addition of Kevlon Anderson, Junior Sinclair, Mahendra Gopilall and Jonathan Rampersaud, Rose Hall Town Pepsi held their nerve to defeat Albion by 18 runs on the back of a majestic 80 from West Indies Under-19 middle-order batsman Kevlon Anderson despite a fighting 52 not out from Albion Captain Reyad Karim.

Albion’s team were also strengthened for the finals with the addition of GCB franchise players Gourav Ramesh and Kevin Umroa.

The entire final was played under lights in front of a large and colourful crowd, which included a group of the New York-based businessmen who sponsored the tournament.

Rose Hall Town Pepsi won the toss and elected to bat first. They suffered a big loss when national player Junior Sinclair was given out, stumped off Ramesh for five in the first over.

Anderson, batting at the crucial No 3 position, joined Mahendra Gopilall to add 30 crucial runs for the second wicket before Gopilall was caught off the bowling of Leon Cecil for 11.

Anderson went on to strike seven sweetly-timed boundaries in his 80 and received vital support from Kevin Sewraj (10); Tyrese Sealey (11) and Nicholas Lawson (09) not out. Ramesh and Beesham Surujnarine

took 3 for 29 and 3 for 27 respectively for Albion as RHT ended on 131 for 7.

Anderson returned with the ball to dismiss pinch hitter Umroa for zero off the second legal ball of the innings.

Jetendra Outar and Reyad Karim took the score to 46 for 1 in the fourth over as Karim took 25 runs from an over from off-spinner Tyrese Sealey. Junior Sinclair then dismissed Outar for nine and fellow off-spinner Jonathan Rampersaud then trapped national Under-17 batsman Sarwan Chaitnarine lbw for seven as Albion slipped to 54 for 3.

Karim struck six boundaries in his top score of 52, but apart from Anthonio February (16) and Surendra Ramcharitar (18), none of the other batsmen reached double figures as they were bowled out for 113 off the final ball of the innings.

Kevlon Anderson took 2 for 19 (4 overs), left-arm spinner Jeremy Sandia, 3 for 3 (2 overs) and Junior Sinclair 3 for 12. Earlier in the day, Albion defeated Rose Hall Canje in the first semi-final while Rose Hall Town Pepsi defeated Tucber Park by four wickets in the second semi-final.

Kevlon Anderson was named Man of the Finals while RHT Pepsi carried home $75,000 and the winning trophy. Albion collected the runners-up prize and trophy. Albion Community Centre President Vemen Walters, whose club organised the sponsorship from the businessmen, hailed the tournament as a success and the outstanding leadership of BCB President Hilbert Foster. A representative of the New York Business Group expressed satisfaction at the success of the tour-

Man of the Final Kevlon Anderson receives his award from a representative of the New York Business Group

nament and stated that the group would sponsor both the 20/20 and 50 overs tournament with a bigger package.

Albion on Saturday had dethroned RHT Pepsi at the

No 69 Vikings Ground in the 50-over version with a comfortable 120-run victory.

Anthonio February starred with the bat with 74 while off-spinner Surujnarine took four wickets.

Chase’s Academy benefit from athletics donation W

ith the annual schools’ track and field season upon us, several students from the Chase’s Academic Foundation on Monday received a sizeable donation that will boost the abilities of the athletics department.

The donation of 12 pairs of ‘spikes’ was anonymously made by an overseas-based Guyanese at the school’s Kingston location on Tuesday afternoon.

Wynette Ifill made the presentation on behalf of the donor.

In turn, the collection of shoes was received by one of the school’s teachers, Nicholai Major, who highlighted the need for the shoes while expressing his immense gratitude.

“On behalf of Chase’s Academy, we are very grateful for this donation,

The beaming group of Chase students with their new shoes alongside Wynette Ifill and teacher Nicholai Major

because we know that running shoes are very essential for athletic per-

formance. So, we are very thankful for this,” Major stated.

Explaining how the donation will benefit her as the National Schools’ Track

and Field Championships approach, 100 metres specialist Brianna Charles,

who is attached to the Running Brave athletics club, was elated about the donation.

“It will help me a lot, because as an athlete you have to have spikes, as training spikes and a running spikes. At this moment, I didn’t have a running spikes because I had to wait until it comes. So, this will really help me, because I wouldn’t be putting my mother at an expense,” Charles noted.

Highlighting that the donation will be a boost for not only herself but her colleagues, Charles had a few words of encouragement for her peers as they utilise their new equipment to compete.

“What I would tell them is to just keep focused, be humble and trust the process,” the teenager stated.

guyanatimesgy.com

WEDNESday, october 23, 2019

23

Motie stars in West Berbice’s thrilling win over Georgetown – Adams bags amazing 8-for Story and Photos by Brandon Corlette

W

ith one ball to spare, West Berbice continued their supreme tournament with a one-wicket win against a jaded Georgetown in the sixth round of the SBF Petroleum Cricket Guyana Inc (CGI) Franchise League in a match played at Everest Cricket Club on Tuesday.

Motie grabs 5-29, Barnwell strokes 64

After slight morning showers, Georgetown won the toss and took first strike at 11:00h in cool conditions in the match reduced to 46 overs. Left-arm spinner and eventual Player of the Match, Gudakesh Motie, opening the bowling, removed Joshua Persaud for a duck with the third ball of the day.

Georgetown then lost Winston Forrester for nine as Motie continued his brilliance, before he removed Leon Johnson for a duck trapped in front.

The city side was

reduced to 22-3, but a 43-run partnership between Raymond Perez and Christopher Barnwell took the score to 65-4. Perez, after looking fluent for his 32, hit one down long-off’s throat off young Nigel Deodat.

Barnwell, who played with maturity throughout his innings, lost Ovid Richardson for three, but teena g e r

Shimron Hetmyer bats during his 18

Jerimiah Scott played a promising innings.

He added 35 runs with Barnwell, but he played an ugly swipe across the line and found the fielder after scoring 21 runs, which were decorated with two fours and one six. At 112-6, the city side slipped into deeper trouble when Adrian Hinds (01) and Steven Sankar (00) found

a way to get out as Motie completed his five-wicket spell, which included great variation and accuracy. At 129-8, Barnwell reached a well-composed half-century with a mighty six down the ground that went outside Everest, off the bowling of Andrew Dutchin.

In his stylish fifty that was accomplished in 81 balls were the signs of a solid middle-order batsman. His innings ended when Kevin Sinclair trapped him in front with the score on 139-9. Barnwell, who was left amazed at the umpire’s decision, had an innings of 64 from 104 balls, with four boundaries and two sixes. Qumar Torrington and Ashmead Nedd then took the score to 158 as Deodat and Sinclair had 2-12 and 2-40 respectively in nine overs, in addition to Motie’s 5-29 in 10 overs.

In reply, West Berbice openers began with a bang, Sinclair continued his battle with Barnwell, smashing him for a boundary the very first ball. Sinclair and Leon Andrews added 43 runs together inside eight overs, but Andrews then tried one shot too many. He was dismissed for 19 by part-time offie Forrester.

Sinclair shines, Sankar takes 5

West Berbice skipper and West Indies batsman Shimron Hetmyer trotted in at number three. In his attempt to bat long, he was dismissed for 18 when Forrester trapped him in front. Hetmyer stroked two beautiful fours, but his innings was dra-

ma-filled. He was dropped off the very first ball by wicket-keeper Persaud and the Georgetown players were left in disbelief when the umpire stood against a caught-behind decision off Torrington.

In all that, Sinclair remained hungry for runs, holding the innings together with a solid 43. His innings ended when he hit a ranked long-hop to mid-wicket off the leggie, Sankar.

The right-handed Sinclair hit three fours and one stunning six off Barnwell.

Leg-spinner Sankar took advantage of the fragile lower-middle order with 5-17 in nine allotted overs as West Berbice lost six wickets for 36 runs. It was Steffon Adams and Keon Joseph, who took the team across the line after Seon Glasgow’s 17.

It was Barnwell, who had a decent day, ensuring West Berbice

w o r k e d hard for the runs in the final over in which he dismissed Seon Glasgow.

Ricardo Adams takes 8, Essequibo back to winning ways

Led by Kemol Savory’s 84 and Ricardo Adams’ allround brilliance, Essequibo stormed past East Bank by 224 runs at Lusignan, East Coast Demerara. With Keemo Paul returning to the Essequibo team, they posted 283-6 in 50 overs, with Savory scoring 84, Kevon Boodie scoring 65, Quintin Sampson scoring 56 and Ricardo Adams stroking 42.

In reply, East Coast were blown away for 59 in 18.2 overs of the Adams show.

Adams ended with 8-36 in 9.2 overs while Anthony had 2-18 in eight overs, as Keemo Paul’s service with the ball was not required. The final round of the league will conclude on Thursday.

Kevin Sinclair top-scored with 43 for West Berbice

Forde concerned with level of association football …optimistic about Under-20 football

O

n Sunday, the Fruta Conquerors FC Under-20 team achieved the unthinkable, defeating a field of senior teams and a fellow Under-20 squad in order to become the first junior team to cop a championship in a senior competition.

While this showed that the future of Guyanese football is bright and promising, it raised many questions for Guyana Football Federation (GFF) President Wayne Forde.

Although the Under-20 team’s success was welcomed, the GFF boss found it surprising that the senior squads could not match up to their younger counterparts. He went on to explain why, hinting at the poor quality and lack of tournament organisation within the Georgetown Association.

“It’s surprising to see that those Under-20 teams are able to break through all of the other teams, but I think it’s indicative of the football that is being played at the association level. I think it’s a major concern for us and one that will be getting a lot of our aggressive approach in the not-so-distant future,” Forde admitted.

In order for the issue to be rectified, there is a need for more football within the Georgetown Football Association

(GFA), outside of PetraGuyana organised tournaments.

Football To this end, Forde Federation noted that he was President looking forward to the Wayne GFA election slated for Forde November 2, 2019.

“There were a lot of Constitution, technical issues that we had to deal with before we could address that matter, but they’re having their election. We’re very mindful and hopeful at the same time that the new Exec will be people that step forward and the material and all the funding and yet, really get the job done. We’ve had too to get them to organise consistently is a many false starts with the GFA; they challenge,” Forde revealed. have to be able to organise football,” the As such, he explained that the GFF boss explained.

Federation has noticed that its Delving deeper into the main issue, continued involvement was direly Forde went on to explain that the fault needed in order to get tournaments up arose in the Association’s ability to and running. consistently organise tournaments, or “If anyone understands the lack thereof. structure of football, our associations “We find it even difficult to get them are almost semi-autonomous. They to organise football that we’re providing have a constitution that governs them, the funding for. For every level of youth but we recognise that we have to tournaments being played around the intervene and provide more funding country, the Federation is providing all and oversight to get the activity level.

Ultimately, we want to see the players playing as often as possible.”

U-20 on the move Speaking with Guyana Times following the fourth Limacol final, Forde shared a little about the origination of the Under-20 division and their participation in the Regional Member Associations.

“One of the first strategic decisions we took in 2016 was that we allowed the Elite League clubs all the way up to Under-17 to compete at the association level.

Then, we looked at it and said it might also make sense to have the Under-20 teams participate,” Forde stated while explaining that it was highlighted that elite clubs had many younger players who were not breaking into the senior teams, hence giving them limited playing time and experience.

“We all know how important it is for players to accumulate playing hours and the only way that we could solve that problem if you have a club with 30-40

players on the roster who’re not getting game time is to have them compete at the association level. So, that is now part of the new regulations,” the GFF boss further noted.

Meanwhile, the GFF President explained that the Federation would be keeping a close eye on the outstanding players from the Limacol tournament while disclosing that the Federation currently has a packed year-end roster planned.

“We have a very intense competition calendar to roll out for 2020,” Forde noted.

The GFF President also revealed that four players were identified by Head Coach Márcio Máximo to join the regular training sessions.

“The good thing is that Coach Máximo is here and he’s been paying a lot of attention. I think close to 50 per cent of the national contingent that is training – they’re all Under-20 players.

So, even tonight I think he has identified four players from this game that will start training Tuesday (yesterday).”

“He needs to see more of that, but in order for him to see it we need to have more football being played,” Forde went on to state, hinting at the association issue.

WEDNESday, october 23, 2019

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

guyanatimesgy.com

Motie stars in West Berbice’s thrilling win over Georgetown Page 23

Steven Sankar took five wickets for Georgetown

– Adams bags amazing 8-for

Christopher Barnwell on the charge during his 64

Gudakesh Motie bowls during his five-wicket haul

Chase’s Academy benefit from athletics donation Page 22

Page 20

Jamual John, Briton John (centre) and Michael Anthony (right) competed on Sunday last in Berbice

GCF clears the air on Caribbean Championships team selection

National athlete Brianna Charles receives her pair of shoes from Wynette Ifill

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