Guyanan times 3 june 2017

Govt drops charges against Chenapau miners

– but warns of more arrests if mining continues at KNP P9

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

Issue No. 3230

THE BEACON OF TRUTH

Saturday, June 3, 2017

PRICE

Jagdeo demands full disclosure on Exxon contract

$80 vat included

WHAT'S INSIDE:

$3.5M P7 cash, jewellery stolen from Corentyne home

Page 3

– as Trotman seeks to politicise issue

Granger rejects second list of GECOM nominees … Jagdeo promises Granger “will have a Page 2 fight coming”

25 more Guyanese recruited as flight attendants Page 17

– on Dynamic Airways Dynamic Airlines has added 25 more Guyanese as recruits to serve as part of its cabin crew, leading to a total of about 56 young Guyanese that where offered employment with the international carrier

Corentyne P10 man remanded for wife’s murder

Man jailed for forging P10 TIN Certificate, passport

P16 No referendum on samesex intimacy – Harmon

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news

saturDAY, june 3, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Granger rejects second list of GECOM nominees

… Jagdeo promises Granger “will have a fight coming”

H

ead of State David Granger has rejected a second list of nominees for the position of Chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), which was submitted by Leader of the Opposition, People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) General Secretary, Bharrat Jagdeo.

The announcement by Granger was made mere hours after Jagdeo vowed to put up a fight should his list be rejected a second time.

The President had rejected Jagdeo’s initial list on the grounds that the identified persons were not ‘fit and proper’ in keeping with the provisions of the Constitution of Guyana.

Granger in his rejection letter to Jagdeo on Friday said, “I have examined the Curriculum Vitae of the six persons in light of the criteria defined in my letter to you dated 2017-03-14… I have found the list to be unacceptable within the meaning of the Constitution and of those criteria.”

The Opposition Leader had met with media operatives earlier in the day and said, “if he (President Granger) moves outside of the list he will have a fight.”

According to Jagdeo, “as I said before, if there is any attempt to move outside of the intent of the Carter Centre formula that was enshrined

President David Granger

in our Constitution, which gives the President the right to reject any list, but not to choose from outside of a list that the Opposition Leader submits to him, only if the Opposition Leader refuses to submit a list, and if he moves outside of that he will have a fight coming because it will mean that this country will be going down a path similar to the one that we had in the 70s and 80s; a path of rigged elections and turmoil.”

The Opposition Leader had earlier lamented the fact that the President has had enough time to deal with the matter and that the work at GECOM was now being stymied as a result of no Chairman being in place.

Jagdeo used the occa-

sion to recall too that at least one media house (Guyana Times) had reported that the President had made up his mind on rejecting the list and was intent on naming a GECOM Chairman unilaterally.

It was reported that Granger’s choice for the post has always been retired Justice, Claudette La Bennett.

The Opposition Leader told media operatives his Party was coming around to accepting this notion since it appears that the delay in making a decision on the list was in fact meant to create a façade.

“I was told that the President had already made a decision to reject the list… more and more I get the feeling that what that media house said to me was accurate,” Jagdeo surmised.

He suggested that the delay was to “make it seem as though there is serious consideration of the names… just to create this façade that what is happening that they really examining the names and so this is an issue, one that goes straight to the President’s credibility, his lofty sounding speeches have to now be matched by action.”

A few hours later, the Ministry of the Presidency responded to Jagdeo’s list of nominees calling the nominees unacceptable.

The PPP in a public mis-

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo

sive subsequently reiterated its “apprehension that the President is bent on unilaterally selecting a person of his choice in violation of the letter and spirit of Article 161 (2) of the Constitution and indeed, the Carter Formula…

The Leader of the Opposition hereby assures that should the President proceed along this unconstitutional, undemocratic and diabolical path there will be litigation and other consequences for which the President will be responsible.”

It was observed by the PPP too that President Granger did not indicate what next steps, if any the President requires to be taken.

“This letter was received

a few hours after the Leader of the Opposition concluded a press conference, at which he was critical of the President’s overall approach to this issue, which he considers to be of fundamental national importance,” the party observed.

The PPP missive said too that the “Leader of the Opposition notes with deep concern the cavalier and callous manner in which the President continues to express no confidence in and denigrate the professional reputation, integrity and competence of Guyanese of high calibre who have rendered sterling contributions to the development of our country and in service to our people and who have distinguished themselves in their individual endeavours and pursuits.”

Jagdeo, in April last, had submitted to President David Granger a second batch of six nominees for the post of Chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission.

They are Retired Justice of Appeal BS Roy; Retired Justice William Ramlall; former Magistrate Oneidge Walrond-Allicock; Attorneys Kashir Khan and Nadia Sagar; and businessman, Captain Gerald Gouveia.

Retired Judges Desiree Bernard, Claudette Singh, and Attorneys Ralph Ramkarran SC, Timothy Jonas and Ronald BurchSmith have turned down his

requests to be nominated.

This second list followed Granger’s deeming the first list “unacceptable” in early January 2017 because none of them was a Judge, retired Judge or eligible to be appointed a Judge. Granger’s rejection of the list was in keeping with ‘his interpretation’ of Guyana’s Constitution.

The President subsequently amended his position that a GECOM Chairman must not only be a fit and proper person but must not be an activist or member of any political party.

GECOM has been without a Chairman since February 28, 2017, when Dr Steve Surujbally stepped down after 15 years at the helm.

Jagdeo at the time of submitting that list had indicated to the President, “Having regard to the antecedents in relation to this matter, arriving at these six names was not an easy task… I embarked upon an elaborate and protracted public and private consultative process which lasted several weeks, during which I solicited the views of, and sought nominations from, many nationally renowned persons and various important stakeholders’ and representative organisations, in my efforts to ensure that I present six names to the President who satisfy the requirements contemplated by Article 161(2) of the Constitution.”

news

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

Saturday, June 3 – 12:30h-14:00h and Sunday, June 4 – a night retraction at 02:00h and a day retraction at 14:00h-15:30h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Saturday, June 3 – 11:50h-13:20h and Sunday, June 4 – 12:50h-14:20h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY

Weather: Heavy rain showers with sunny intervals can be expected throughout the day, while light cloud cover can be expected in the evening.

Temperatures should range between 25 degrees Celsius and 29 degrees Celsius.

Winds: Easterly to East North-easterly between 2.68 metres and 4.47 metres.

High Tide: 12:07h reaching a maximum height of 2.22 metres.

Low Tide: 05:38h and 18:06h reaching minimum heights of 1.02 metres and 0.96 metre respectively.

wednesDAY, May 31, 2017

LOTTERY NUMBERS O

Jagdeo demands full disclosure on Exxon contract

– as Trotman seeks to politicise issue

W

hile traditional sectors in Guyana are being neglected, the nation’s expectations are being built up around a hype regarding the advancement the oil and gas industry would bring to the economy.

This is according to Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo. When he addressed a news conference on Friday, Jagdeo charged that even with the definite assurance of two per cent in royalties being paid to Guyana, only some Gy$8B may come Guyana’s way per annum (assuming that oil prices stand at US$50 per barrel and the production is 100,000 barrels per day).

“A payment of US$50 a barrel can’t solve our jobs problem,” he said.

Jagdeo underscored that the coalition Government, via its secret deal with the Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL), had “given away” what would be equivalent to 10 years of oil royalties – a point he made to stress that $8B cannot solve Guyana’s current economic problems.

Stressing that Guyana’s traditional sectors must benefit from Government support, he deemed it unwise to bank Guyana’s future on the oil and gas industry alone. “ H e

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo

ExxonMobil, given several public statements made

by Trotman and because the initial agreement with ExxonMobil had been signed by the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) government back in 1999, Jagdeo asserted: “We have seen a number of statements (being made) by the minister, and I have said in the past that I do not want to conduct the nation’s business on this industry in the public domain, I would prefer it would be treated the way we treat our border matter.

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saturDAY, june 3, 2017 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

(Minister Raphael Trotman) is talking up expectation about massive future wealth… What he (Trotman) does (is that) he goes around talking up the future of this industry as though it will solve every problem in Guyana…as though there will be massive flows,” Jagdeo declared.

Calling on Government to make public the contract document signed with

“ W e have a bi-partisan approach to the industry, particularly because of what it means to Guyana’s future,” Jagdeo posited; but he noted that comments aimed at comparing the former PPP/C Administration with the coalition Administration, with an intent on placing the latter in a more positive light, are merely attempts to politicise the issue.

And he stressed that the PPP would be in a position to defend itself and respond to Minister Trotman’s comments if the contract were to be made public. “If you are go-

nored.

Following reviews of the technical and environmental aspects of the Liza Project Development Plan that was submitted by Esso Exploration and Production (Guyana) Ltd (EEPGL) in December 2017, the Government is expected to grant a production licence to ExxonMobil for petroleum production to move ahead in 2020. In this regard, Jagdeo has urged that the coalition Government secure the best possible technical advice moving forward.

The Stabroek Block is 6.6 million acres (26,800 square kilometres). Esso

Natural Resources Minister Raphael Trotman

ing to snipe at us, make the contract public, so we can defend ourselves,” he challenged.

The Opposition Leader noted that there is a very “real possibility (that) Guyanese (would be) worse off” come 2020” if development of the non-traditional sectors is ig-

Exploration and Production Guyana Limited is the operator and holds a 45 percent interest in the Stabroek Block.

Hess Guyana Exploration Ltd. holds a 30 percent interest, and CNOOC Nexen Petroleum Guyana Limited holds a 25 percent interest.

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saturDAY, june 3, 2017

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, sales@guyanatimesgy.com

Dithering on tobacco control laws

N

ow that the long-awaited Tobacco Control Bill has officially been gazetted, the authorities are one step closer to placing a ban on public smoking. It should be mentioned that, due to the many harmful effects secondhand smoking has on individuals, many countries all over the world have moved, or are in the process of moving, in the direction of instituting a complete ban on public smoking.

The Word Health Organisation (WHO) has pointed out that tobacco-related illnesses are among the biggest public health threats the world faces, killing more than 7 million people a year. But tobacco use is one of the largest preventable causes of non-communicable diseases.

Health experts have agreed that action to stamp out tobacco use can help countries prevent millions of people from falling ill and dying from tobacco-related diseases, combat poverty; and, according to a first-ever WHO report, reduce large-scale environmental degradation.

Earlier this week, the WHO, on World No Tobacco Day (observed on May 30), used the opportunity to highlight how tobacco threatens the development of nations worldwide, and called on governments to implement strong tobacco control measures. These include banning marketing and advertising of tobacco, promoting plain packaging of tobacco products, raising excise taxes, and making indoor public places and workplaces smoke-free.

In Guyana, the Tobacco Control Bill prohibits by law the smoking of cigarettes and other tobacco products, such as cigars, in public places. Of note is that the legislation proposes huge fines for persons found guilty of breaking the law. For instance, persons could face a fine of up to G$20,000 each time after being caught committing the offence the first time. Offenders caught on the first occasion will be liable, on summary conviction, of G$10,000.

According to the legislation, no person shall be permitted to smoke in any waiting area or queue in a public place; including, but not limited to, any public transport stop, bus stand or bus park. Once brought into law, smoking will also be prohibited in any park, playground or amusement park; any stadium, arena, or any kind of sport or performance place; or any space for commercial service of food or drinks.

The proposed Bill makes it illegal for persons to smoke in any area within five metres of a window, door or ventilation inlet to any public place or indoor work place. Smoking shall also be prohibited anywhere on the premises of, or within five metres from, the outside boundary of any healthcare, educational or child care facility.

Of importance, too, is that the proposed legislation seeks to clamp down on advertising campaigns that have been launched by tobacco companies over the years. The Bill, as proposed, prohibits all advertising, promotion and sponsorship of tobacco products and electronic delivery systems.

Guyana has dithered too long on tobacco control laws; in the meantime, persons are dying or becoming sick. It is therefore our hope that the Bill will soon be brought to Parliament for debate -- where other outstanding issues, such as raise in taxes on tobacco products, could be settled. The Government could also invite the public to make presentations via public forums.

Tobacco control represents a powerful tool in improving health in communities and in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). SDG target 3.4 is to reduce premature deaths from NCDs by one-third by 2030, including cardiovascular and chronic respiratory diseases, cancers, and diabetes.

Another SDG target, 3.a, calls for implementation of the WHO Framework Convention for Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC). The WHO FCTC entered into force in 2005, and its parties are obliged to take a number of steps to reduce demand and supply for tobacco products. Actions addressed in the Convention include protecting people from exposure to tobacco smoke; banning tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship; banning sales to minors; requiring health warnings on tobacco packaging; promoting tobacco cessation; increasing tobacco taxes; and creating a national coordinating mechanism for tobacco control.

WHO Director-General Dr Margaret Chan has noted that, by taking robust tobacco control measures, governments can safeguard their countries’ futures by protecting tobacco users and non-users from these deadly products, generating revenues to fund health and other social services, and saving their environments from the ravages tobacco causes. Stop dithering. Tobacco control laws in Guyana are long overdue.

Children from Chinese and Russian schools parade during a carnival to mark International Children’s Day

(The Guardian)

Squander mania at City Hall Dear Editor, The Hydrometeorological Office has cautioned citizens of Georgetown and Guyana as a whole to be prepared for possible flooding ahead of the impending heavy rainfall over the weekend.

According to the statement released by that office last Thursday, heavy and continuous precipitation (rain) will be observed over the next six to 36 hours throughout Guyana with the passage of a Tropical Wave, which is expected to interact with an upper level trough and sub-tropical Jet. And what do you think the Mayor and Councillors of the City of Georgetown did to prepare the city for this? Upon receiving this alert, the very Thursday af-

ternoon, most if not all of the senior officers packed their bags and boarded several vehicles and high tailed it out of town heading for a resort in Essequibo to spend the critical period when Guyana was expected to experience high-intensity rainfall due to a strong weather system heading towards the Atlantic coast under the guise of partaking in a leadership retreat.

Unbelievable!

First of all why would a supposed cash strapped City Council need to travel out of the confines of the city carrying dozens of persons at significant cost to meet at a luxury resort? Why such extravagance? Where will they go for their next tête-à-tête, the elegant and well-regarded Spice Island

Beach Resort is Grenada?

This is just reckless and unnecessary expenditure that will cost the citizens. Why did they not take that money and purchase brush cutters, rakes, forks, wheelbarrows brooms, spades, weedicide, mosquito defogging chemicals, rat bait for the markets, stun guns for the Abattoir, street lights, etc? That would be better leadership than any retreat can give.

But equally egregious to the wanton squander of ratepayer’s money is the lack of conscientiousness, competency and proper management.

Even if they had arranged this junket before, upon receiving this weather warning they should have cancelled it and remained

at their posts to monitor the city to ensure that all systems were working, being properly monitored, and that emergency measures put in place as the need arose.

The question to be asked is whether the Georgetown Municipality has a disaster prevention and mitigation, disaster preparedness, disaster response and disaster rehabilitation and recovery plan for the city? I doubt it. The sad thing is that no one will be hauled over the coals for this act of irresponsibility; and no one will try to stop this squander mania at City Hall. The citizens have no one to turn to for help.

Sincerely, Shanta Singh

Yet another feather in Sr. Noel Menezes’ cap Dear Editor, The saying “Pen is mightier than sword” is true. The writers speak the truth, and the truth will certainly sharpen our minds to understand current happenings, by looking backwards at our own history.

I was delighted to hear that the new book, “Guyana and the wider world”, has been launched this week. It is even more delightful to hear that

Sister Noel Menezes’s former student of history, our President, Mr David Granger, paid homage at the book’s launch. The President said of Sr. Noel, “This meant that once you passed through her hands you had to know how to do research, and sometimes even after you have grown up and become an ‘old boy’, when you write something, you would ask yourself: would Sister approve of this? This book that is

being launched here gives you an idea of Sister’s intellect, the range of her interests, and the intensity and passion with which she wrote. Students who were taught by her were made to think.”

This will be the sentiment of most of us who have had brief or long interactions with Sr. Noel.

Sr. Noel is a person of depth in her spiritual and academic life. This depth is well expressed in the

latest book, “Guyana and the wider world.”

The aforementioned book is really a potpourri of Sr. Noel’s academic excellence. This book contains a collection of essays and addresses by Sr. Noel, hence this book could be an interesting read, with its nuances of different events and situations that she came across in her academic and spiritual life. continues on page 5

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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

NY Guyanese call for date change of independence Dear Editor, A seminar and interactive session on the Wismar Massacre drew a packed hall in Richmond Hill on the evening of May 26.

Various presenters spoke about their experience and/ or studies on the massacre of Indo-Guyanese that took place on 26th May, 1964 when over 3000 were physically and psychologically brutalised and expelled out of this multi-ethnic community losing all their possessions and jobs.

This is believed to be the first and only seminar to ever be held on Wismar since that massacre with speakers calling for a date change for independence or some kind of commemorative remembrance to honour victims.

According to the several speakers, and members of the audience who claimed they were eyewitnesses to that terrible event, several Indians were murdered, dozens of women raped (including children) and many of which were unreported; over two hundred and twenty five Indian homes and dozens of businesses razed to the ground, and temples and masjids desecrated as Indians fled for their lives from an organised orgy of violence.

The seminar was organised by the 100th Indenture Anniversary Foundation (led by Dr. Tara Singh) and co-sponsoring groups. It was billed as an occasion of atonement, reflection and remembrance that included prayers for the victims. Emblazoned on a banner behind the speakers was “a MASSACRE NOT to FORGET”.

The organisers said the event served as a reminder to all Guyanese that the 26th May is a date of infamy and not an occasion for celebrations for the former colony’s independence. Speakers pointed out that May 26 was delib-

erately chosen for independence to celebrate a victory over Indians to teach them a lesson.

The speakers reiterated that May 26, 1964 was an act of shame and it must be used as a date for mourning. Speakers called for removing May 26 as a date for Guyana’s independence.

Speakers said Wismar was a pre-planned and well-organised massacre of the more than 3000 IndoGuyanese just from that community alone. The independent international media described the attack on Indians, who were an ethnic minority in the area, as an orchestrated orgy of violence. The violence and the seizure of property uprooted the lives of Indians.

The remembrance and mourning on the occasion of the 53rd anniversary was done to remind the world of what took place at Wismar and to remember and honour the memory of the thousands of hapless victims.

With regard to recording what transpired in Wismar, it was noted that this was the first violent incident of ethnic cleansing in the Americas. The speakers advised that it is high time that Indo Guyanese begin to write their own narrative about their experiences in Guyana and their history instead of others writing it for them from a non-Indian perspective.

History is often written from the perspective of others and often it is not factual. This partly explains why the Wismar Massacre of 1964 has not been in the public domain and why there has been a one-sided biased view of what happened. Indians side of their experience was not told.

Dr Frank Anthony, former PPP Minister and still a Member of Parliament, who was a member of the audience, praised the organizers for holding a remembrance ceremony on Wismar

Yet another feather...

The two aspects from the book that gripped my curiosity are, firstly, her knowledge and reflection on the Church in Guyana, which became instrumental in education of boys and girls. This was truly an eye opener for me, as a Catholic Priest, to know the history of Christianity in Guyana. Secondly, her critical approach to the situation that very often prevails on our roads.

She critiques the lawlessness on our streets; in other words, a total disregard to law by road users. Like most of us, this must have come from her first-hand experience on our roads.

from page 4

I would strongly recommend this book because of its depth and first-hand experience of the reality of life.

This book could be read by academics or otherwise, because it will unravel some of the day-to-day happenings in Guyana, and why they happen in such a way.

Thank you, Sr. Noel, for enlightening us with your hard work and commitment in writing these essays.

Fr. Jerri Melwin Dias, SJ Diocese of Georgetown

massacre and urged that similar lectures be held on other historic events. He supports calls for Indians to have their own narratives of events rather than some biased ones in the public domain.

The Rev Seopaul Singh gave a chilling account of what happened to Indians in Wismar and in several other locations. He also made reference to how recording of history is biased against Indians.

Attorney Rakesh Rampertab made a power point presentation showing graphic images of the Wismar massacre with large swaths of areas of homes and businesses that were burned down. The slides showed buildings ablaze, children and women battered and in a daze with blood streaking down on their heads wrapped in bandages. Slides also showed passengers (as refugees) disembarking the ship, RH Carr, and other ships.

Rampertab noted that much of what happened 53 years ago is still to be documented and he urges that writers focus on collecting information from victims and eyewitnesses on this sad experience of Indian history. He did point out that based on media reports and the official commission of inquiry report, the atrocities were committed intentionally on or about May 22-27 to drive Indians away from the area.

The prominent attorney explained how the expatriate British police com-

missioner, PG Owen, did not respond to entreaties by the PPP Home Affairs Minister Mrs Janet Jagan to send reinforcements to Wismar before the attack began. The Afro commander in Wismar also refused to take action to deter the attack. Listeners were told about the laid back attitude of the police and the non-cooperation of the British Guiana Volunteer force who did not come to the assistance of victims.

Rampertab feels May 26 should never have been chosen as the date of Guyana’s Independence.

He is calling for a date change. Rampertab said for unknown reasons, the PPP has failed to articulate this position during its recent administration (1992 to 2015). In the past, the PPP, under the leadership of Dr Cheddi Jagan, had recorded its objection to the use of May 26 as the date for independence.

Rampertab, as indeed the other speakers, stated, when Guyana’s Independence Day is celebrated on May 26th, Guyanese should take time off to reflect on the day and to acknowledge those who suffered and died in the Wismar-ChristianburgMcKenzie massacre. As he said, “we must not forget how and why it occurred and all Guyanese must ensure it never happens again”.

Yours truly, Vishnu Bisram

CHPA was prepared for volume of persons at ‘Housing Solutions’ Dear Editor, The Ministry of Communities, Department of Housing (Central Housing and Planning Authority) wishes to let the public know that the agency had set up systems to deal with an increase in the volume of persons coming to do business at its headquarters, following the very successful Housing Solutions 2017 and Beyond EXPO.

Closure of the office on Tuesday, May 30, 2017

CHPA had informed the public, through a series of announcements, that the office would have been closed on Tuesday, May 30. Notices were also posted at CHPA’s Headquarters.

Crowd Build-up

On Wednesday, May 31, 2017, work commenced promptly at the Authority at 8:00h but there was a buildup of persons from as early as 18:30h, wishing to take advantage of the housing solutions proposed by Government.

Out of respect for the comfort of the public, CHPA did not close its gates but allowed people to assemble in the open area, immediately behind the main gate. Due to limited space it required some degree of understanding by the public and for everyone to cooperate with the staff. For the most part, the majority of persons did comply Given the expectant buildup, systems were put in place to effectively deal with this situation. Desks were set up to facilitate the types of services required by members of the public. It was during the attempts to complete the

preparation, that some people became agitated. One of the factors that contributed to the disruption was the refusal of some late-comers to queue up according to the time they came.

Some late-comers wanted to be served before others.

During our attempts to maintain order, a member of the public assaulted one of the security guards. The matter was reported to law enforcement but the assailant left the precincts of the Agency before the police arrived It is unfortunate that this regrettable but isolated incident would be used to paint the Agency as having “failed to be different from the old ways.”

We at CHPA are heartened by the level of enthusiasm shown by the public towards the Authority’s housing solutions and we will not allow this unfortunate but isolated incident to spread a dark cloud over our efforts.

We would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the hard work of the staff who, at times, are required to perform under strenuous and unforgiving circumstances.

We would also like to thank those members of the public who refused to be influenced by the distasteful behaviour of a few unruly individuals.

We want the public to know that we continue to register interested persons for the housing solutions. We also wish to assure the nation that CHPA remains committed to the President’s vision of building affordable, cohesive and sustainable communities.

Regards, Iva Wharton

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Foundation

By Laura Markham, PhD

“I

guyanatimesgy.com

n many sibling relationships the rate of conflict can be high, but the fun times in the backyard and the basement more than balance it out. This net-positive is what predicts a good relationship later in life. In contrast, siblings who simply ignored each other had less fighting, but their relationship stayed cold and distant long term.” - Po Bronson and Ashley Merryman If your children are having a hard time with each other, it’s natural that you focus on helping them learn to resolve differences peacefully. But it’s important to remember that their incentive to work things out happily with each other depends on how much of a positive balance they’ve built up in their “relationship bank account”.

How do siblings build up a reservoir of good feelings to draw on? Mostly, by having a good time together.

Dr John Gottman of the Seattle Love Lab has found that couples need five to seven positive interactions to counter-balance one negative interaction. This ratio has been repeated in multiple studies, from couples to workplaces. As far as I know, there hasn’t been parallel research done with siblings. But that’s not a bad ratio to aim for.

This might make you feel despairing –after all, if they fight six times a day, how can you help them create 36 positive interactions? Remember that a smile counts as a positive; these don’t all have to be major interactions to have a beneficial effect. Why not simply adopt the goal of helping your children have as many positive interactions as you can?

Notice and promote the activities that get your children playing together. Research on improving sibling relationships shows that children have better relationships when they share activities they both enjoy. It can be tough to identify those activities, especially if there’s an age or interest gap. But if you pay attention, you can usually suggest something that will interest both children.

For instance, if she wants to play store and he wants to play astronaut, why not have a store on the moon? Or maybe both enjoy the play kitchen, or doing art together, or making forts. Try to encourage at least one shared activity every day.

Don’t interrupt happy play. You probably remember the old adage “Never wake a sleeping baby.” My corollary is “Don’t interrupt a happily playing child.”

So when siblings are playing together well, don’t take it for granted. Support them in whatever they need to keep playing, and don’t interrupt unless it’s unavoidable.

Use oxytocin to get your children bonding. Laughing.

Being outdoors. Dancing. Singing. Roughhousing. Include as many oxytocin-inducing activities as you can in your daily routine.

Start “Special Time” between your children. Designate a daily 10-minute block of time for two children to spend together.

This is especially helpful if your children are widely spaced in age, or one is less interested in playing together than the other one, because it structures time together into the regular routine and maintains the connection.

When they’re having a bad day, pull out an activity they’ll both love, like making cookies, or dancing to shift the mood.

Include in your bedtime routine a chance for your children to always say goodnight and I love you to each other.

Some families also have the older child read to the younger one before bed, which is a lovely opportunity for bonding.

Support siblings to nurture each other. When one child gets hurt, make it a practice for everyone in the family to stop playing and tend to the child who’s hurt. Hold back a moment to see if the siblings step in to nurture each other.

Send a child for the ice pack or bandaids, or even let them be your medical assistant and tend to their sibling. Include all the children in this, including any child who was involved in the other getting hurt, so they can begin to feel like a helper instead of a hurter.

Instead of pitting your children against each other, find ongoing ways to unite them in the same mission. “Can you work together so you’re both ready to leave the house at 8am? That will give us time to go the long way to school so we can see the bulldozers at the construction site again. Yes? What a team!” (Excerpt from psychologytoday.com)

To be continued

– the wounds of shame can be deep and enduring

By Krystine I Batcho, PhD

R

ecent research has suggested that the ability to experience shame develops as early as age three. In one study, preschool children expressed statements of negative self-evaluation and global self-worth: “I am such a bad kid.” Particularly important are findings that high levels of shame were related to onset of depression among the preschoolers. It is easy to forget that an incident that is insignificant to adults might be viewed as emotionally powerful by a young child. Saying “shame on you” to a toddler is so commonplace as to be considered unimportant in the larger scheme of life. But in the child’s world, such statements inform the child’s sense of who he/she is. A preschooler forms an image of self by using evaluative feedback from others, especially authority figures and those they love.

Research has suggested that humiliation is especially damaging when inflicted by an attachment figure, such as a parent or primary caregiver. Making someone we admire and love proud of us is important to our evaluation of self-worth. Feeling supported and valued contributes to our sense of trust and security, whereas feeling rejected increases anxiety and social isolation. Memories of having been shamed by a parent have been found to correlate more closely with internal shame and depression than did memories involving others.

Shaming is not necessary to guide someone’s sense of what is acceptable behaviour. Acting with clear knowledge that a behaviour is unacceptable is often accompanied by feelings of guilt. Unlike shame, which can relate to one’s entire self, guilt is associated with a specific behaviour and by itself is not likely to be associated with psychological distress such as depression or posttraumatic stress disorder. As with other forms of punishment, aversive methods are generally less effective than positive approaches. It is more important to reward and praise desirable behaviours than to react negatively to unwanted ones.

Encouraging a person’s ability to enjoy self-affirmation and self-pride will help them internalise healthy attributes and to become a person deserving of admiration. Before reacting to someone who has annoyed or offended you, remember that the specific incident provoking your disapproval may fade in memory or significance, while the shame they feel may endure as part of who they become. Shame doesn’t motivate prosocial behaviours; it fuels social withdrawal and low self-esteem. Wouldn’t you rather nurture the kind of person you would enjoy sharing a relationship with? (Excerpt from psychologytoday)

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saturDAY, june 3, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Chenapau miners

Jagdeo blasts Govt for “draconian” arrests – says PPP never had to resort to such clampdowns

L

eader of the Opposition, Bharrat Jagdeo, is decrying Government’s move to arrest Chenapau, Region Eight (PotaroSiparuni) miners at the Kaieteur National Park, calling the move draconian and unnecessary.

According to the former President, the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) while in office had adopted a different, more conciliatory approach towards these individuals. For instance, Jagdeo said the PPP had recognised the Indigenous residents’ right of free passage through the area.

“This is not the first time we have had illegal mining in the Park,” Jagdeo said. “But our approach was a very different one, in managing these parks. We managed to keep out commercial logging, without taking draconian action of the nature this Government has taken against the residents of Chenapau.”

“We have done that in the past, largely because there has always been a recognition by the PPP that wherever these parks are estab-

Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo

lished people, especially Indigenous people, have the right of free passage through the parks.”

He juxtaposed this against the fact that some of the people who were arrested had claimed that they were just in the park. In addition, he noted that the previous Government had recognised the

subsistence farming and hunting that the miners did.

“We recognised that the Amerindian communities had the right to fish and hunt and to gather and to use these parks and their resources for subsistence activities, even logging. We did not have to resort to this callous, unconscionable act of arresting Amerindian people and drag them here to the city.”

The former President referred to the Government’s actions as callous and unconscionable and pointed out that those residents had a hard life already.

“We could have kept the integrity of the park as we did in the past, without taking these draconian actions against people who already have a hard life, in the wake of that flooding in Regions Seven and Eight.”

He expressed worry that the concept of a Green State, as espoused

by President David Granger, was all about keeping the nation’s resources in a museum-like state for the international community. At the same time, he noted, while de-

Minister of State, Joseph Harmon

nying the rights of citizens to use the resources to get income and a livelihood.

Hard line

During a post-Cabinet press conference on Friday, Minister of State, Joseph Harmon took a hard line to the issue.

Reminding the gathering that the area is a protected area, he noted that since it is part of the protected area system of Guyana, mining was not permitted under the law and further mining would see perpetrators arrested.

“In the 2011 Protected Areas Bill and which subsequently became an Act, there were certain provisions that were made in that Act and since then, the protected area was clearly demarcated.”

“And so, since we came into office this has been our second operation to expel illegal mining from the Kaieteur National Park. Mining is not one of the activities permitted under the law in that area.”

Government recently clamped down on illegal mining at the Kaieteur National Park, based on the directives of President David Granger.

The Kaieteur National Park is a no-mining zone and is protected under the laws of Guyana. Approximately 20 people were arrested in the joint forces operation.

$3.5M cash, jewellery stolen from Corentyne home

A shocked Daysha Halley trying to come to grips with being robbed

with intention that when her sister arrive in Guyana in November, she would have enough money to give her sister.

"The chest had two padlocks….them beat it and cut it out to get in…All the wardrobe tumble up; them drawers pull out, all them clothes empty out, all them mattress lift up. The house in a mess!" the devastated woman explained.

She noted that the intruders had heisted from her home $3.5 million in cash; six gold rings, two pairs of gold bangles and three gold earrings; along with her bank card, two identification cards and other documents.

By Andrew Carmichael

P

olice have detained a man as they investigate Thursday’s alleged forced entry into a home at Lot 26 Manchester Village, Corentyne, Berbice and the alleged removal therefrom of millions of dollars in cash and jewellery.

Forty-seven-year-old Daysha Halley, who sells ground provisions and citrus from a mobile station, explained that last Thursday she and her husband had gone about their daily vending operations as usual at about 07:00h, and were not expected back until 19:00h.

Their four children were also all out of the home.

During that time, the home had been broken into, and $3.5 million in cash and a quantity of jewellery were removed.

She explained that the house breakage was discovered by 13-year-old Julita Halley when she returned home from school. According to the teenager, when she

A ransacked room in Daysha Halley's home

held the door to open it, the door swung open by itself; and she later discovered that a chest containing money had been opened and the entire house had been ransacked.

Mrs Halley explained that the money was being saved to purchase a plot of land. The money, she noted, did not come easily, as she had operated her business from a donkey cart until she was able to purchase a truck.

She said she was saving

“They break open the children's piggy banks; one had $24,000, the other one had $10,000 and another one $1500,” she explained.

Halley said she had also noticed droplets of blood on the concreted yard by her gate, causing her to believe that her dogs may have attacked the intruders.

Moreover, the woman suspects that a neighbour may have been involved in what had transpired. She explained that she became suspicious after she noticed

that the intruders had accessed her yard by removing a board from her front fence.

She claimed that in order to gain access to that part of the fence, only her neigh-

bour's bridge could have been used.

The woman's daughter has concurred with her suspicions, saying that when she returned home from

school, she had noticed the said neighbour standing on her bridge.

One man has since been detained by the police.

8 news

saturDAY, june 3, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

IN THE COURTS

Another Venezuelan woman deported – for overstaying time in Guyana

Y

et another Venezuelan woman was on Friday brought before the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts and ordered to pay a fine of $20,000 or serve a default of two weeks imprisonment for overstaying in Guyana.

Magistrate Leron Daly read the charge which was interpreted by a translator to the effect that Fatima Escovent, between January 14 and May 26, 2017, failed to comply with conditions subject to which any permit had been granted, that is to say having been permitted to stay in the country from December 12, 2016 to January 13, 2017, she overstayed the said period. The woman will be escorted to the nearest port of exit after the payment of the fine or serving the stipulated sentence.

S

Fleeing food crisis

On Wednesday, three remorseful women who were driven from their home country of Venezuela in light of the ongoing economic crisis and came to Guyana in hopes of providing for their ailing families were charged and fined

by Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan for entering the country illegally.

Gilda Barreto, Geamary Salsedo and Jovanna Vilero, who entered the compound of the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts with heavy luggage in tow, were alleged to have entered the country by sea and disembarked without the consent of immigration officials during the period of April to May 2017.

Prosecutor Arvin Moore related that the women were asked by Police officials on May 27, 2017, to present their travel documents. They were arrested and charged after failing to produce

Shafted again…

Fatima Escovent will be deported from Guyana

Gilda Barreto, Geamary Salsedo and Jovanna Vilero making their court appearance on Wednesday

their passports, as it was discovered that they entered the jurisdiction by unlawful means.

The trio pleaded guilty to the charge when it was read to them by the Magistrate and apologised for their actions. A sobbing Baretto related that she was only 18 years old and explained that the sole reason for coming to Guyana was to better provide for her family which was in dire need of basic necessities for survival.

A more composed Salsedo told the Magistrate everyone in the country was trying to get out as there was no food

available or any means of earning a decent living presently. Vilero offered a heart-wrenching justification that she had no money to feed or clothe her children, who she wished so dearly to have a good education. It was only for this reason the weeping woman related that she was forced to leave her country after being unable to fulfil her obligations as a parent in the strained circumstances.

The women were each ordered to pay a fine of $15,000 and escorted to the nearest port of exit after payment of the fine or serving an alternative of two weeks’ imprisonment. (Paula Gomes)

Husband remanded for stabbing lover

F

riday’s session at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts saw an alleged abuser being arraigned before Magistrate Leron Daly for stabbing his reputed wife to the abdomen.

Jairam Alexander pleaded not guilty to the charge which stated that on May 31, 2017, at Meadow Bank, Greater Georgetown, he unlawfully and maliciously wounded the Virtual Complainant (VC).

Prosecutor Sanj Singh strongly objected to bail and disclosed that the VC was subjected to abuse for several years, reportedly suffering at the hands of the perpetrator. Singh requested that the man be remanded pending trial, primarily for the safety of the victim, telling the Magistrate that it is likely that he will further injure his spouse in the event that he is granted bail.

On the day of the incident, the couple was involved in an argument over money and the accused became agitated when his wife refused to submit to his demands. The fuming man then whipped out a knife and stabbed the woman to the left side abdo-

Jairam Alexander

men, even attempting to slit her throat.

Bail was refused and the defendant was remanded to prison until June 23.

A barefooted shackled Alexander was led into the Police outpost as the visibly ailing woman remained oblivious to Alexander’s attempts to get her attention, slowly exiting the courtroom with the assistance of her father. Meanwhile, efforts made to secure additional information on the defendant proved futile.

…on oil royalties o, finally, we have some details on how we’re to be raped in regard to the oil revenues from ExxonMobil through the ineptitude of Raphael Trotman, who snagged the Natural Resources’ portfolio only because of the “Nassau Accord”.

From the word go, your Eyewitness has been emphasising that the only way Guyana would get its fair share of the oil that’ll be pumped out and gone forever is to begin with ROYALTIES. Royalties come off the TOP; that is, as a percentage of the total revenues garnered on sales BEFORE anything is deducted. Exxon pumps, say, 1000 barrels per day and the price is US$50/barrel, the royalty will be calculated on US$50,000. We pointed out that Uganda, which were recommended to help us with preparations for our oil regime, had negotiated a 15per cent royalty on their oil. In comparison, Malaysia had a 10 per cent and Nigeria eight per cent. So what did this genius Trotman negotiate?? two per cent!!!! Royalties will scrape in a measly $1000!! At 15 per cent we would’ve gotten US$7500 on every barrel of US$50 oil.

Right away Guyanese should know something stinks to high heaven with the man who introduced the term “political investment” into our political lexicon. Why else would he shaft Guyana like this?? His excuse was the 1999 exploration agreement the PPP had signed specified a one per cent royalty. Well…DUH!!! We already pointed out that THAT contract was signed when no one knew Guyana REALLY had oil. It was a shot in the dark. The oil exploration companies were in a stronger position with them taking the risks and not knowing whether they’ll strike oil.

Trotman negotiated his deal with Exxon AFTER it was CONFIRMED there were at least 1.5 billion barrels of oil sloshing around under our sea bed!! GUYANA was now in a stronger position. Especially since Exxon had walked away from its Canadian Tar Sands reserves and was barred from exploring its Arctic reserves. Ours was the biggest oil find in all of 2016 – not only for Exxon!!

So where does this leave us? As you, Dear Readers, would know, your Eyewitness predicted two years ago that US$50 oil will be the new average. He’s explained why ad nauseam. With Trotman’s 2per cent royalty, after we collect US$1000 royalty, (we hope he had the sense to specify, MONTHLY!) Exxon could’ve taken UP TO 75 per cent of the revenues – after deducting royalties – as “cost oil”; that is, to cover its exploration costs and present production costs. Did Trotman negotiate this down to a fixed 50per cent as your Eyewitness suggested?

If, as expected, he did not, we then split the “profits” – of 25 per cent or US$12,250 – down the middle. We end up with an additional US$6125/barrel.

Instead, we get peanuts, thanks to a venal Trotman.

…on other oil fronts?

The other question Trotman should answer is: Will we get a bonus from Exxon for signing the contract? While this is usually small – around US$2 million – every dollar counts TODAY. And another thing: Which accounting firms will be checking Exxon as to what they’ll be inflating? And inflate they will – as expended expenses to boost their share of the oil as “cost oil”!! Trotman should now realise why Exxon doesn’t skimp on accountants.

Did he also forbid Exxon from claiming expenses for hiring lawyers etc – in the event of litigation, as “employment costs”?? If he didn’t – and your Eyewitness bet he didn’t – then these’ll go into “cost oil,” and we end up paying for THEIR lawyers! But, most importantly, did he insist that Exxon should pay the Guyanese corporate income tax of 27.5 per cent??

See, your Eyewitness is very fair; he didn’t insist on the “commercial” income tax rate of 40 per cent!

But was Trotman fair to us?

…on Guyana’s share Trotman’s been flacking for Exxon by emphasizing that “Guyana will get 50 per cent of profits”. For the average Guyanese, this sounds “fair”; but, as revealed above – and that was merely scratching the surface – the Devil’s in the details.

And those details are still secret!

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

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saturDAY, june 3, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Govt drops charges against Chenapau miners – but warns of more arrests if mining continues at KNP

O

n the heels of protests and calls by the Tashaos National Council (NTC) for the charges against 20 Chenapau, Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni), miners to be dropped, the Government has done just that.

On Friday, the Natural Resources Ministry announced that the charges were dropped as “a show of good faith.” It noted that Government has thus decided not to prosecute and the miners were free to go.

At a post-Cabinet press briefing on Friday, Minister of State Joseph Harmon had reminded the gathering that the area is a protected area.

He noted that since it is part of the protected areas system of Guyana, mining was not permitted under the law and further mining would see perpetrators arrested.

“In 2011, the Protected Areas Bill which subsequently became an Act, there were certain provisions that were made in that Act and since then, the protected area was clearly demarcated. And so, since we came into office this has been our second operation to expel illegal mining from the Kaieteur National Park. Mining is not one of the activities permitted under the law in that area.”

According to Harmon,

Residents of Chenapau during their protest

there are other sustainable forms of livelihood which are permitted but mining and other extractive activities would not even be contemplated within a Protected Area.

“So once people go into the area and they mining in the area, it’s a responsibility of the State to ensure that they’re removed.

We did so last year I believe, and on that occasion, a Policeman lost his life in doing that.

“On this occasion the mining became more extensive and therefore, the persons who were mining there illegally were subjected to the laws of Guyana and that is why that occurred.”

Harmon also noted that those who were arrested were not the managers or the owners of the dredges, but the workers. Hence, he called upon the owners to come in and discuss the way forward. He also pointed out that the Guyana Geology

and Mines Commission (GGMC) would deal with issues related to mining.

Human rights

The NTC had called on President David Granger to examine the dynamics of the alleged illegal mining in Chenapau more closely, in order to resolve the issue amicably.

The NTC had noted that it looks forward to the matter being resolved not only from a humanitarian perspective, but also for the very survival of the Patamona peoples of the upper Potaro region.

“We also call on His Excellency to have all charges dropped and to work with the Indigenous peoples to find solutions to these and other problems affecting the Indigenous peoples of Guyana as he had promised,” the Council said.

Speaking on the arrests, the NTC had described the arrest of Amerindians as an infringement on their human rights, which denied them the ability to survive by traditional means, and criminalising their activities.

“It is only clear that we must now look at the solutions to ensure the very survival of our peoples.”

According to the Council, it was under the PPP Administration that the Kaieteur National Park (KNP) was established. And in 1999, the KNP was extended without consultation, although it sits on traditional Patamona lands.

“Within the Park’s

boundaries sits almost all the traditional hunting, farming and fishing grounds of the Patamonas of the upper Potaro. While the KNP Act makes provision for Indigenous peoples rights to be respected, the very existence of the Park is an infringement on the rights of the Indigenous peoples,” it said.

The NTC also highlighted that back in February 2016, the Amerindian land titling team wanted to demarcate the village of Chenapau, but the community refused demarcation.

The arrests were greeted by protests from residents of Chenapau, with women and children picketing and calling for the miners to be released.

Government recently clamped down on illegal mining at the Kaieteur National Park, based on the directives of President David Granger.

The Kaieteur National Park is a no-mining zone and is protected under the laws of Guyana. Approximately two dozen people were arrested in the joint forces operation.

10 news

saturDAY, june 3, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Corentyne man Man jailed for forging TIN remanded for Certificate, passport wife’s murder K ey on demand.

A post-mortem examination conducted on Ramsingh’s body has indicated that her death was due to blunt force trauma sustained to the head, besides spinal and other internal injuries.

The accused had gone into hiding following the woman’s death, but turned himself in after police had arrested several of his family members.

Police had, on

Gomattie Ramsingh lost her life

By Andrew Carmichael

C

orentyne fisherman Raywatram Mooloo, also known as “Adesh” and “Cow Curry”, was on Friday remanded by Magistrate Charlyn Artiga at the Number 51 Village Magistrate’s Court for allegedly inflicting on his wife injuries that caused her death.

The charge detailed that the 27-year-old of Lot 36 Number 58 Village, Corentyne Berbice had, on May 24, used an iron rod and a piece of wood to inflict on 34-year-old Gomattie Ramsingh injuries which caused her death on May 26. It has been reported that, among other things, he hit the woman with the iron rod in her head.

The unrepresented Mooloo was not required to plead to the charge, and has been remanded to prison until June 30, when his next court appearance would be for a police progress report on the file.

REMANDED: Raywatram Mooloo, also known as “Adesh” and “Cow Curry”

Before dying at the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPHC) of the injuries she had sustained, Ramsingh had been video recorded recounting the incident, wherein she had alleged that Mooloo had dragged her by her hair down a flight of stairs and around the yard.

In the video recording, she had claimed that he had brutalized her for taking away an illegal drug which he had purchased, and for not giving him mon-

Wednesday last, gone to one of the suspect's relatives after receiving information that he was hiding there.

As the officers approached the home, the suspect was seen running into the backlands. But after several family members had been arrested, Mooloo turned up at the Central Police Station in New Amsterdam two hours later, in company of Attorneyat-law Mursaline Bacchus.

eith Willie was on Friday morning sentenced to thirty-six months in prison after confessing to two counts of fraud before Magistrate Leron Daly.

It is alleged that between May 1 and May 31, 2017 at Georgetown, with intent to defraud, he conspired with a person or persons to forge one Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) Taxpayer Identification (TIN) Certificate in the name of Ronald Amsterdam, purporting to show that it was issued by the GRA when he knew same to be false.

In addition, he pleaded guilty to a charge which stated that, during the said period, he conspired with person/s to forge one Republic of Guyana passport bearing the name Ronald Amsterdam, pur-

Keith Willie has been jailed for forgery

porting to show that same was issued by the Central Immigration and Passport Office when he knew same to be forged.

The unrepresented man will, however, spend 18 months in jail, because the jail terms are to be served concurrently.

Labour Dept revitalises cooperative societies after survey

M

inister within the Social Protection Ministry, Keith Scott, said efforts over the past two years to revitalise cooperatives in several regions have improved the number of co-operatives.

Minister Scott said the Department of Labour conducted a survey on cooperative societies in several regions to find out the strengths and weaknesses of their operations. He explained that they placed a task force in the regions to conduct the surveys.

He said that in Regions Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), Three (Essequibo IslandsWest Demerara), Four (Demerara-Mahaica) and some parts of Five (MahaicaBerbice) were the areas selected where the survey was carried out.

“I can tell you right off

Minister within the Ministry of Social Protection, Keith Scott

that our survey revealed that we have on record one thousand, two hundred and sixty eight cooperatives throughout the regions and that almost all of them are active,”

Minister Scott declared.

He noted that while conducting the survey, the department found that some cooperatives were used for money laundering.

“What we also discovered is that (some of) the cooperative societies in the past were used as one of the key areas of money laundering and the society does not know that but this is where the Financial Intelligence Unit came in and now we are working together,” Minister Scott revealed.

Some of the issues with the co-operatives which took a long time to be resolved are those which were inherited from the previous Administration, Minister Scott explained. He also highlighted that all of these issues are being addressed in the best interest of the co-operatives.

11 A Bar Association; its Food brawl lands man in jail role and responsibilities P O news

saturDAY, june 3, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

(Following is an opinion piece written by former Attorney General Mohabir Anil Nandlall, MP) ver the past two years, I have had cause to lament incessantly about the comatose state in which the Guyana Bar Association and the Guyana Association of Women Lawyers in particular, and to a lesser extent organisations such as the Red Thread and the Guyana Human Rights Association, seemed to have plummeted. On occasions I may have been overly cynical, if not disrespectful. I am not sure that I have any regrets. Maybe that is the medication needed to remedy the situation and revive consciousness.

As a consequence of this comatose state mentioned above, a gaping void has been left in the fabric of the Guyanese civil society, and this has crippled its capacity to express that crucial voice of criticism and condemnation against an avalanche of abuse of power, unconstitutionalities, attacks upon individual judges and the independence of the Judiciary, violations of human rights of the citizenry, undermining of democratic institutions of the State, abrogation of the doctrine of separation of powers, emasculation of independent watchdog institutions, and rampant trampling upon the Rule of Law, which have enveloped this society.

Some may argue that the matters to which I have alluded may have been occurring for far in excess of two years. That may be so, but that is no basis for them to continue. Moreover, I doubt that anyone can credibly traverse the assertion that the organisations to which I have referred have never been as dormant as they have become over the past two years.

New executives elected

Last week, a new executive committee was installed by the Guyana Association of Women Lawyers.

This week, a new executive assumed the mantle at the Guyana Bar Association. I attended and voted at the latter organisation's elections. I was both pleased and surprised at the turn-out of my colleagues for these elections. It was the largest I can recall in over a decade!

The Senior Bar, the Middle and the Junior Bar were all adequately represented. More significantly, I was enthused by both the positive energy and the level of camaraderie which permeated the atmosphere at the Annual General Meeting of the Association.

I sensed a clear signal that the profession has recognised that the Guyana Bar Association simply cannot any longer continue its perfunctory functioning and hapless monotony -- whether caused by the electoral polity of 2015, a dilution of the cannons of ethics of profession, or sheer incompetence -- if it is to regain the respect and public confidence from which it has so profusely haemorrhaged over the last few years.

It was truly a breath of fresh air. I detected no latent or patent ulterior, tribal, or political undercurrents which have contaminated so many elections of the past. Kamal Ramkarran's election as the President was unopposed and unanimous.

So was the election of every other member of the twelveperson executive. The executive boasts a unique admixture of

Former Attorney General Anil Nandlall

youth, experience, gender and ethnicity. When one examines each of the elected members and their affiliations both within and without the profession, it is difficult to imagine a more balanced slate.

In his brief remarks after being elected, President-elect Ramkarran immediately but cordially recognised the vacuum which the last executive had left, while at the same time, and with candor, acknowledged some of the atrocities which have taken place in recent times, to which I have alluded above. Mr Ramkarran committed his team to, inter alia, speak out against these abuses and violations after due consultation with the membership of the Bar. I will certainly hold them to that commitment.

Defending independence of Judiciary

I have often written about the indispensability of an independent Judiciary and a functional and competent justice system to the well-being of a civilized, democratic, and economically flourishing society.

The legal profession is expected to play a fundamental role in the process as well.

In the case of S.P Gupta v Union of India (1982), 2 SCR 365 at 533-4, the legendary Justice Bhagwati outlined the role of lawyers and their association in the equation as follows: “The profession of lawyers is an essential and integral part of the judicial system, and lawyers may figuratively be described as priests in the temple of justice. They assist the court in dispensing justice, and it can hardly be disputed that without their help it would be well nigh impossible for the court to administer justice. They are really and truly officers of the court in which they daily sit and practice. They have, therefore, a special interest in preserving the integrity and independence of [the] judicial system, and if the integrity or independence of the Judiciary is threatened by any act of the State or, nay, public authority, they would naturally be concerned about it, because they are equal partners with the judges in the administration of justice…They [have] clearly a concern deeper than that of a busybody, and they cannot be told off at the gates.”

Protecting and defending the integrity and independence of the Judiciary is a critical functional responsibility of the legal profession. In relation to a specific reference to the criticism of judges by politicians, a District Judge of the US observed thus: “Members of the bench and bar share a professional responsibility to strengthen public confidence in our judicial

system. The organized bar, and for that matter individual members of the bar, can discharge the responsibility by being alert to opportunities to correct misconceptions and misleading criticisms of judges and their decisions, and the justice system generally” [Judge Phillip M. Pro: the Nevada Lawyer, February, 1999] Even closer to home, Douglas L. Mendes SC, a former President of the Law Association of Trinidad and Tobago, in 1999 posited: “Members of the Bar, and by extension their associations, do have a vested interest in an independent Judiciary. An independent legal profession is generally recognized as being essential for the maintenance of the rule of law and the protection of fundamental rights and freedoms. Executive or legislative violations of constitutional rights will go unredressed unless lawyers are willing to invoke the Judiciary’s powers of review. However, it would be impossible for lawyers to begin to advise their clients accurately, or even to pretend that justice might be achieved and the rule of law vindicated, if the impartiality of the Judiciary was not assured.”

Public onslaughts

Conventionally, judges are not permitted to enter into public debates. They cannot defend themselves from public onslaughts. Our legal system does not permit them the facility to do so. Therefore, they do not, and cannot, enter into public confrontations. The result is that they are placed in a precarious conundrum.

Justice Kirby expressed the dilemma this way: “When judges are submitted to unrelenting attacks by people who should know better, there is a danger that the public will draw from the silence of judges an implication that the criticism was justified. Yet silence is ordinarily imposed by judicial convention. Generally, judges cannot answer back. At least most cannot do so in effective forums. From inexperience, their attempts to respond sometimes result in compounding their problems and demeaning their office.”

It is the legal profession, either individually or as a collective through its association, that is expected, and indeed whose duty it is, to speak out in defence of the Judiciary in these circumstances.

Finally, Bar Associations owe a responsibility to educate the public on matters relating to the rule of law, and to apprise them of their legal rights and responsibilities.

Mr Mendes SC, explained the issue with this exhortation: “Bar Associations also have the ongoing responsibility to educate the public on the importance of judicial independence to the maintenance of the rule of law and a democratic way of life…in so doing, they will also educate the Executive on the boundaries which they find the separation of powers.”

It is clear, therefore, that Kamal and his team have their work cut out for them if they are to discharge the conceptual responsibilities of a Bar Association. Are they capable of so doing? Of course they are. Do they have the will to do so? We will have to wait and see. Either way, I am prepared to offer my two cents’ worth.

I wish them well.

atrick Sultan was jailed for 18 months after he pleaded guilty to a charge of unlawful wounding, stemming from a brawl over food.

The charge which was read by presiding Magistrate Leron Daly, alleged that the accused on May 25, 2017, at James and Brent Streets, Albouystown, Georgetown,

unlawfully and maliciously inflicted grievous bodily harm to the person of Rickson Munroe.

Munroe made an appearance before the court with his left arm in a cast as Sultan explained his version of the incident, in a feeble attempt to defend his actions. He argued that he entered “a yard” to get some food when he was accosted by the VC who hit

him, thereby provoking him.

The defendant related that he then proceeded to grab his chopper and dealt the VC chops to the arm.

Magistrate Daly after listening to his version of the incident then passed her ruling, sentencing him to 18 months behind bars to which Sultan responded, “that is reasonable”.

12 news Frontline responders being trained Guyana set to host 26th CWWA Conference to tackle domestic violence and Exhibition I saturDAY, june 3, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

n a bid to improve the knowledge of how members of various communities can stop domestic violence, the Social Protection Ministry has begun training frontline operators. This was done through the Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Policy Unit.

The training caters for operators from Regions One (Barima-Waini), Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni), Eight (Potaro-Siparuni) and Nine (Upper Takatu-Upper Essequibo). It was held at Cara Lodge and was facilitated by acting Chief Justice, Roxanne George-Wiltshire.

The participants hail from professions including regional health officers, community development officers (hinterland), school welfare officers and social work practitioners.

The aim of the training is to enhance their knowledge about sexual and domestic violence. In addition, the training is expected to improve their ability to respond effectively when intervening in sexual, domestic and gender-based violence cases.

According to the Deputy Permanent Secretary within the Social Protection Ministry, Adrian Ramrattan, sexual offences and domestic violence are heinous crimes that should be rooted out from society.

Hence, he informed the

Acting Chief Justice Roxanne George-Wiltshire

participants that the Social Protection Ministry wants to eliminate both of these scourges quickly. He also laid out some plans the Ministry has.

Ramrattan explained

that the Ministry “will enhance enforcement of the international instruments we have signed onto in the quest against the twin evil. At this point, I think it is timely to remind us that Guyana does not lag behind ratifying international instruments to help combat the twin scourge of domestic and sexual violence.”

He added that the Ministry will also develop alliances with civil society agencies, and non-governmental institutions to achieve the goal of stopping domestic and sexual violence.

In addition, the Ministry plans to also enhance public programmes using social and multimedia to combat the scourge. These efforts will help to promote a safe haven

for victims.

Meanwhile, Acting Chief Justice, Roxanne GeorgeWiltshire highlighted that the Sexual Offences Act 2010 is gender neutral. The Acting Chief Justice said the Act applies to both males and females whether the perpetrators or victims are male or female.

“Originally, sexual offences especially rape could have only been committed by a male against a female but now based on the rape definition it is much, much wider than that,” the Acting Chief Justice said.

She explained that the Sexual Offences Act repeals and replaces most of the provisions in the Criminal Law Act Chapter 8:01 that dealt with sexual offences.

Participants at the training

However, there are a number of challenges to the implementation of the Act, as well as legal issues which are open to discussion regarding the constitutionality of some provisions.

For the year, there have already been several cases of domestic violence which have ended in the deaths of the female partners.

Recently, women’s rights activist and Commissioner on the Women and Gender Equality Commission, Nicole Cole, called for the Government to take more proactive steps to prevent women from losing their lives to the scourge of domestic violence.

Only recently, 37-yearold Shenika London, was fatally stabbed at her home at Amelia’s Ward, Mackenzie, Region 10 (Upper DemeraraBerbice) on May 19, 2017.

London’s youngest child is two years old and is reported to have witnessed the killing. London was the sister of popular disc jockey Akelo “DJ Akelo” Elliot.

A blood stained knife suspected to be the murder weapon was reportedly found at the scene. Her body bore multiple stab wounds. The woman’s husband, Michael London, has since admitted to committing the act.

That comes on the heels of another confession, this time from Black Bush resident Sunildatt Ballack who, in March of this year, had confessed to killing his wife, Lilwantie Ballack and dumping her body.

Executive Director CWWA, Patricia Aquing

Managing Director GWI, Dr Richard Van West-Charles

or the first time in its 27 years, Guyana will this year host the 26th Caribbean Water and Waste Water Association (CWWA) Conference and Exhibition.

The Guyana Marriott International hotel will between October 16 and 20, some 400 participants from countries across the Caribbean, Latin America, Europe and North America, when Guyana hosts the Caribbean Wastewater conference.

A first time host of the event, plans are underway to ensure a holistic approach is taken towards the hosting of what is considered the premier event in the water and waste management sectors in the Caribbean.

The GWI team is working along with another group of persons from Trinidad and Tobago to ensure a smooth preparation process.

Managing Director of the Guyana Water Incorporated, Dr Richard Van West-Charles, speaking at the launching ceremony of the conference said the event must be placed in context of the sustainable development goals, particularly in the area of wastewater, of which Guyana is lagging behind.

Also at the launching ceremony was Patricia Aquing, Co-Chair and Executive Director of CWWA who laid out the significance of the conference for the area of networking between countries. According to her, the Caribbean is in “water stressed state” and need to focus on ways to save the little it has.

The theme for this year’s conference is “Promoting Innovation and Creativity in Water, Wastewater and Waste Management” and will be an opportunity for participants to exchange information and experiences, to network and to be exposed to cutting edge technology, products and services in a very dynamic event The conference will be held under the aegis of the Communities Ministry, the Guyana Water Inc and the Caribbean Water and Wastewater Association CWWA. The Conference

is on a rotational basis, each year with different Caribbean countries hosting.

It brings together over 400 participants from the Caribbean, Latin America, North America and Europe and will be an opportunity for participants to exchange information and experiences, to network and to be exposed to cutting edge technology, products and services in a very dynamic event.

A very significant aspect of the event is the Exhibition and this year a number of sponsors and exhibitors have committed their support. Diehl Metering of Germany has already committed to Platinum sponsorship. Over 60 exhibitors are expected to participate by showcasing their products and services in the water and waste sectors and to interact with utility companies and other participants.

This is considered an excellent space for networking.

Participants include experts, researchers, professionals, students, the media, private companies, development partners such as the Inter-American Development Bank (lDB), the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), the United Nations Environment (UNEP), the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO), the Caribbean Desalination Association (CaribDA), the Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre (CCccq), Caricom, among others.

Another important aspect of the Conference is the convening of the 13th High Level Forum of Caribbean Ministers Responsible for Water (HLF13) which brings together Ministers from all Caribbean countries, water utility managers and development partners to discuss matters of relevance to the water sector.

The Ministers usually meet for two days of the conference and it gives them the opportunity to be informed about new developments in the water sector and to help to shape policy matters.

F

turn to page 16

news

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saturDAY, june 3, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

US pull out from Paris Agreement "unfortunate" – Harmon

Demerara Assizes review

Backlog in criminal cases reduced by 23 U T he criminal backlog in Demerara has been reduced by 23 cases, which were disposed of during the April 2017 Criminal Assizes, which wrapped up on Thursday when the gaol delivery was done by Justice Navindra Singh.

This session, which had a total of 152 cases listed to be heard, commenced on April 4, with Justice Singh and Justice Jo-Ann Barlow presiding.

Of the 23 cases disposed of, 17 of them received attention in the High Court of Demerara while the other six matters were nolle prosequi by the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).

In relation to the 17 matters that were prosecuted in court, there were nine guilty pleas, four guilty verdicts, one formal verdict of not guilty, one hung jury and two not guilty verdicts by jury.

Justice Singh completed 11 matters during this time, five of which were in relation to five accused who were indicted together for various offences.

In one of these five cases the accused were all indicted on two counts of Attempt to Commit Murder, two counts of Discharging Loaded Firearm with Intent, two counts of Wounding with Intent and one count for Unlawful Possession of Ammunition.

Four of the accused pleaded guilty to all seven counts as charged. One of them was sentenced to a total of 50 years imprisonment, while the remaining three others were jailed for 53 years each. These sentences will run concurrently. Additionally, the fifth accused pleaded not guilty and will await his trial in court.

In a second trial, the five men were indicted on two charges – murder and attempted murder. Again, four of the accused pleaded guilty to the lesser offence of manslaughter for the murder charge as well as guilty to attempted murder. One of the accused was sentenced to 35 years for both offences while the other three accused were sentenced to a total of 34 years imprisonment each. These sentences will also run concurrently. The fifth accused, again, pleaded not guilty and will await his trial in court.

With regard to the charge related to the arson of the High Court building, the four accused all pleaded guilty resulting in one of them getting a 12-year sentence, while the other three received 15 years imprisonment.

Moreover, one of the five accused was indicted with two other murder charges to which he also pleaded guilty to the lesser offence

of manslaughter and was sentenced to 15 years on each indictment.

In addition, Justice Singh heard six other murder cases during this time.

The accused in three of these pleaded guilty to the lesser offence of manslaughter and were respectively sentenced to eight, fifteen and nine year imprisonment.

In two other separate murder trials, one accused was sentenced to life imprisonment after the jury returned a majority verdict for the lesser offence of manslaughter. The jury in another murder case, returned a unanimous guilty verdict and the accused was jailed 65 years.

The accused in the sixth murder case is slated to be sentenced on June 12, after the jury returned a majority guilty verdict.

Meanwhile, Justice Barlow completed six matters in the April Assizes. In a matter of Carnal knowledge of a Girl under 15 years, the accused was sentenced to 18 years imprisonment after the jury returned a unanimous guilty verdict.

The virtual complainant (VC) in the case of rape of a child under 16 years, went into the witness box and testified that she did not wish to continue with her matter, resulting in the Judge directing the jury to return a formal verdict of not guilty.

Additionally, in one of the three murder cases, the accused pleaded guilty to the lesser offence of manslaughter and was sentenced to 12 years imprisonment. In another murder case, the jury failed to reach a verdict and as such a retrial has to be done.

The accused in the other murder case was acquitted after the jury returned with a unanimous verdict of not guilty and a majority not guilty verdict for the lesser offence of manslaughter.

In a sexual activity with a child under 16 years case with two alternative counts of rape of a child under 16

years, the accused was acquitted on all three counts by the jury.

On the other hand, a murder case was nolle prosequi because the accused had three trials in the High Court, all of which the juries failed to reach a verdict. The VC in a Rape of A Child under 16 years, indicated that she did not wish to proceed with the ev-

idence.

Meanwhile, four other sexual offences cases were nolle prosequi after the VCs failed to meet with the DPP, despite public notices.

The Demerara June 2017 Criminal Assizes is set to commence on Tuesday, June 6, with some 167 cases listed to be heard. Justices Singh and Barlow will be presiding throughout the month of June and then there will be a new assignment for Judges who will be presiding for the reminder of the Assizes.

During the month of May 2017, the Court of Appeal sat for one matter for the offence of assault.

The court granted leave to the Appellant to withdraw his application for an extension of time to file a Notice of Appeal against his sentence and conviction.

nited States President Donald Trump has declared that his country would be pulling out of the 2015 Paris Agreement on climate change, and State Minister Joseph Harmon has said he believes the remaining signees to that agreement will now have to regroup on the way forward.

“I believe (that) whatever movement takes place after this, the international community will have to regroup and have a fresh look at the commitments that have been made under the agreement, and move forward,” Harmon told reporters at the post Cabinet press briefing on Friday.

Calling the move “unfortunate”, the State Minister has posited that the US decision comes at a time when the rest of the world is moving in a certain direction.

Asked what impact this United States’ leader would have on the agreement, Harmon noted: “It is a question of the financial support which comes with that into the global community. As you know, the U.S. is a major contributor to these international agreements.”

Nevertheless, he pointed out that the force of the global push will overcome the United States’ with-

U.S. President Donald Trump

drawal from the Climate Change pact.

Moreover, commenting on the possibility of more countries pulling outs from the agreement, Minister Harmon said it will be a matter of choice for those nations. He added that the agreement is a voluntary one, but declared that Guyana is committed to the global Climate Change Accord.

“It’s a serious matter of concern for us, and we are committed to it. We are committed to the benefits which also accrue under that Paris Agreement,” he said.

He pointed out that Guyana is already experiencing the impact of glob-

al warming in terms of climate change. He was referring to the recent floods in Regions Seven and Eight, which destroyed many homes and crops in several villages by the rising water level.

International leaders, members of the business community and commentators have stated that this move by the U.S. President would weaken global efforts to fight Climate Change, but President Trump has justified his decision to pull out from the pact by saying that it had placed “draconian” financial burdens on the American people.

“We’re getting out…

This agreement is less about the climate and more about other countries gaining a financial advantage over the United States…

And we will start to renegotiate and we’ll see if there’s a better deal. If we can, great; if we can’t, that’s fine,” the U.S. Leader said at a press briefing on the lawns of the White House in Washington on Thursday.

Trump’s position comes despite worldwide efforts to have the United States remain on the agreement, which 195 nations, barring Syria and Nicaragua, signed on to. President David Granger was the first Head of State to sign the global pact two years ago. turn to page 16

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guyanatimesgy.com

saturDAY, june 3, 2017

Regional

Rare Caricom unity Venezuela’s President announces referendum on Constitution to quell unrest defeats anti-Venezuela

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mbattled Venezuela President Nicolás Maduro is making fresh overtures to quash violent anti-government protests that have rocked the country over the last two months.

On Thursday, he announced plans to hold a referendum on a new Constitution which has already been rejected by some interest groups. “I shall propose it explicitly: the new Constitution will go to a consultative referendum so it is the people who say whether they are in agreement or not with the new, strengthened Constitution,” he announced on State television.

A key plank of the Constitution is the creation of a new super-body, known

“The people who say whether they are in agreement or not with the new, strengthened Constitution,” Venezuela’s President Nicolás Maduro said

as a ‘Constituent Assembly’, to rewrite the national charter.

Maduro says the ‘Constituent Assembly’ is needed to bring peace to

Venezuela.

There was no immediate reaction from Venezuela’s Opposition.

However, Chief State Prosecutor Luis Ortega has

charged that creating the assembly, without a plebiscite as happened in 1999 when Maduro’s predecessor Hugo Chávez rewrote the Constitution, threatened to “eliminate” democracy in Venezuela.

Maduro said First Lady Cilia Flores as well as his Foreign Minister and other top aides will lead a slate of candidates competing for seats in the special assembly that will rewrite the Constitution.

Maduro remains under pressure to call early elections. Opposition forces have blamed his Government for severe food and medicine shortages, but the President has described the crisis as a US-backed conspiracy. (Excerpt

from Caribbean360)

US sticking to decision to end temporary immigration status for Haitians

T

he United States appears unmoved by demands from thousands of Haitians living there for an extension of their temporary immigration status.

Following an hour-long discussion involving US Department of Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly and Haitian President Jovenel Moïse, Head of the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti Sandra Honoré, and other officials in

Port-au-Prince last week, the January deadline for their departure remained in place.

Kelly gave no firm commitment that he would authorise another extension, stressing that the law was meant to be temporary.

“What I am dealing with in the United States relative to the TPS [Temporary Protected Status] is US law and how to execute US law,” he said.“The operative word in the law is ‘temporary.’ It’s

not meant to be an open-ended law, but a temporary law, and I elected to extend TPS for the country of Haiti by six months, which makes it terminate eight months from now. ”Last week, the Department of Homeland Security said any decision on future extensions or terminations would come at a future date, but Haitians were warned to begin making preparations to return to

their homeland.

Human rights advocates and other international non-governmental organizations have been pressuring US authorities to grant Haitians an 18-month extension to get their house in order. They argue that Haiti, which is still on the mend after being ravaged by Hurricane Matthew just eight months ago, cannot accommodate the close to 60,000 nationals set to return. (Excerpt from Caribbean360)

Brazil seizes 60 assault rifles hidden in pool heaters

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olice in Brazil have seized 60 assault rifles that had been smuggled from the US city of Miami in a shipment of swimming pool heaters.The weapons, which included 45 AK-47 guns, were found at the cargo terminal at Rio de Janeiro’s Galeao International Airport.

Four people have been arrested, police said.It is one of the largest seizures of such weapons in Brazilian history, local media reported.

Authorities put the rifles on show, and released an X-ray image that showed the wrapped guns concealed inside the containers of pool heating systems. It is believed the guns could have been sold in Brazil for up to

B

Bahamas Foreign Affairs Minister Darren Henfield, incoming chair of Cariom’s Council for Foreign and Community Relations, speaking at the special ministerial consultation on Venezuela at OAS headquarters in Washington on Wednesday

I

n a rare display of regional unity, the 14 independent member states of the Caribbean Community (Caricom) effectively blocked the adoption of a declaration by the Organisation of American States (OAS) criticising the Venezuelan Government.

Representatives of 33 out of the 34 member countries from the western hemisphere attended the specially called ‘consultation’ of Foreign Ministers on Wednesday at the OAS headquarters in Washington to discuss the ongoing crisis in Venezuela.

Venezuela did not attend and announced in April that it would withdraw from the regional body after a majority of its members had voted in favour of holding the meet-

ing.

Canada, Mexico, Panama, Peru and the United States put forward a declaration calling for an immediate end to the violence, for political prisoners to be freed and respect for human rights and the rule of law.

The declaration also included a demand that the Venezuelan government shelve plans for the creation of a citizens’ assembly to rewrite the constitution.

US State Department Undersecretary for Political Affairs Thomas Shannon said the ultimate goal of the declaration was to “return to full respect for the rule of law, full respect for freedoms of political expression and participation” in Venezuela. (Excerpt from Caribbean News Now)

Haiti prepares for 2017 Hurricane season

H

Police put the weapons on display

US$1.5 million (£1.1 million) in total. Detectives are investigating an exporter in Miami, Globo newspaper re-

ported without identifying them.Security forces in Brazil are struggling to stop powerful automatic weapons falling

into the hands of drugs gangs and militia groups which control poorer areas of major cities. (BBC News)

BPTT confirms significant gas discovery in Trinidad PTT has confirmed the discovery of two trillion cubic feet of gas in the Savannah and Macadamia exploration wells off Trinidad’s SouthEast coast, which it said would be used to service the international and domestic markets. “The gas from these discoveries would go to both Atlantic and the domestic market. So this is a benefit to both sides of the equation in terms

declaration at OAS

of where our supplies go,” BPTT Regional President Norman Christie told a news conference Thursday.

Christie said that while the discovery would certainly ease the gas shortage in Trinidad he cautioned that “we have to keep these discoveries going so we can be ‘past the worst’, for a longer period.

BP’s Chief Executive of Upstream, Bernard Looney, who flew in to

Trinidad and Tobago announced the discovery saying “today is about celebrating recent successes”.

He said the completion of gas contract negotiations with the National Gas Company (NGC), the long-awaited sanction of the Angelin project

by BP largely supported by the successful negotiations as well as the safe start-up of two projects – Sercan II with our part-

ner EOG (EOG Resources) and the Trinidad Offshore Compression project (TROC) were also reasons for the celebrations.

“We have found gas in commercial quantities in our two exploration wells, Savannah and Macadamia,” Looney said with Christie indicating that production is expected to start in the 2020 to 2021 time frame. (Excerpt from Jamaica Observer)

aiti has called on all stakeholders to pool resources as the country launched its preparation for the six month 2017 Hurricane season that ends in December.

President Jovenel Moise, speaking at a ceremony to launch the occasion, said that it was necessary to continue “to raise (the) awareness the population of the threats that will bring the first six months for their personal safety and of their property.

While he welcomed the efforts of the State and its partners, in particular the World Meteorological Organisation, for the establishment of the Hydrometeorological Unit of Haiti, Moïse insisted on the need to give each citizen messages and positive role models to adopt during the season.

The ceremony took place at the National Urgent Operations Centre (COUN), was also attended by the Minister of the Interior and Territorial Communities, Dr Max Rudolph Saint-Albin, the Presidents of the two Chambers, Youri Latortue and Cholzer Chancy, parliamentarians, mayors of the metropolitan area and representatives of the Civil Society and the Directorate of Civil Protection (DPC).

Last year, Hurricane Matthew killed hundreds of people as it tore through the French-speaking Caribbean Community (Caricom) country, with most of the deaths occurring in towns and fishing villages around the southern coast, with many killed by falling trees, flying debris and swollen rivers.

(Excerpt from Jamaica Observer)

saturDAY, june 3, 2017

guyanatimesgy.com

Around the World

World pledges to save ‘Mother Earth’ despite Trump’s snub to climate pact

C

hina and Europe pledged on Friday to unite to save what German Chancellor Angela Merkel called “our Mother Earth”, standing firmly against President Donald Trump’s decision to take the United States out of the Paris climate change pact.

Trump’s move was “a big mistake”, said Donald Tusk, one of the European Union’s top officials. Other countries, including India, signalled their commitment to the accord. Russian President Vladimir Putin said that while the United States should have remained in the 2015 deal, he would not judge Trump.

Trump announced the withdrawal on Thursday, tapping into his “America First” campaign theme. He said participating in the pact would undermine the US economy, wipe out jobs, weaken national sovereignty and put his country at a permanent disadvantage.

Members of his admin-

E

From left: European Council President Donald Tusk, Chinese Premier Li Keqiang and EU Commission President Juncker pose during a EU-China Summit in Brussels, Belgium June 2, 2017

istration, including Vice President Mike Pence and Environmental Protection Agency chief Scott Pruitt, said on Friday that the Paris deal put an extraordinary burden on the United States.

“It was a transfer of wealth from the most powerful economy in the world to other countries around the planet”, Pence said on

A spokesman for Ethiopia’s Ministry of Women, Children and Youth Affairs declined to comment on the suspension, which diplomats said came into effect on April 21 without warning.“We haven’t been explained what the reasons are behind (the ban), and what the intentions are,” Spanish ambassador Borja Montesino told AFP. Ethiopia is a popular destination for families interested in inter-country adoption.

Spanish families took

At 38, Leo Varadkar is set to become Ireland’s youngest ever Prime Minister

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A

the bus burst into flames in a tunnel.

The driver was angry that his overtime and night shift pay had been cut, police told Xinhua news agency. The children’s teacher and the driver were also killed.

The fire was started on

the bus floor near the driver’s seat. Part of a lighter was discovered nearby and petrol traces were found on the bus, Xinhua said.

Electrical faults and traffic accidents had been ruled out as possible causes, Police said. (BBC News)

UN imposes targeted sanctions on North Korea television. There was a mix of dismay and anger across the world.

France said it would work with US states and cities to keep up the fight against climate change. The governors of New York, California and Washington State have announced creation of a “climate alliance” committed to the Paris goals. (Excerpt from Reuters)

in 1200 Ethiopian children in 2010 and 2011, which even led to a brief backlog when the embassy had to halt applications for a while, Montesino said. American families have adopted more than 5500 Ethiopian children since 2011, according to the United States embassy. Adopting a child can involve months, if not years, of vetting by adoption agencies, courts, and embassies, along with thousands of dollars in fees and travel costs. (Excerpt from Jamaica Observer)

Leo Varadkar, gay son of Indian immigrant, to be next Irish PM

he son of an Indian immigrant who came out as gay in 2015 will be the next Irish Prime Minister, after he was voted leader of the country’s main governing party.

Leo Varadkar’s victory in the Fine Gael leadership contest on Friday, which took place after outgoing Prime Minister Enda Kenny announced his res-

China bus fire: Driver started blaze that killed 11 children fire on a bus in China that killed five South Korean and six Chinese children was started deliberately by the driver, Chinese state media say.

The children, aged between three and seven, were being driven to their kindergarten in the city of Weihai when

Ethiopia blocks adoptions, leaving parents stranded thiopia’s Government has suspended adoptions, leaving dozens of foreign parents unable to unite with orphans they have legally adopted, according to officials from four western embassies whose citizens are concerned. The measure has also frozen hundreds of pending applications for inter-country adoptions, blindsiding families who have in some cases waited years and spent thousands of dollars to adopt a child from the Horn of Africa nation.

15

ignation last month, marks another significant step forward for equality in the country, after 2015’s gay marriage referendum.

As well as becoming Ireland’s first gay Prime Minister, Varadkar, 38, will also become the country’s youngest leader, and the first from an ethnic minority background. His position will be confirmed later this

month when Parliament resumes after a break.

Varadkar faced a stiffer-than-expected challenge in the centre-right Fine Gael election from his rival, Simon Coveney. The Corkborn Irish Housing Minister is popular with the party’s grassroots, particularly in Fine Gael’s more conservative, rural redoubts.

Speaking after the final votes were tallied in Dublin, Varadkar said he was delighted, humbled and honoured to win.

Coveney joked that at least his children would be pleased that he had lost.

Kenny said Varadkar had his full support. “This is a tremendous honour for him and I know he will devote his life to improving the lives of people across our country,” he said. (Excerpt from The Guardian)

T

he UN Security Council has expanded targeted sanctions against North Korea in response to a series of missile tests conducted by Pyongyang this year.

The measures impose a travel ban and asset freeze on four entities and 14 officials, including the head of North Korea’s overseas spying operations.

The council voted unanimously to back the sanctions after weeks of negotiations between the US and China.

Pyongyang has defied a UN resolution banning all nuclear and missile tests. The sanctions resolution was adopted by the 15-member council on Friday.

Among the 14 North Korean officials is Cho Il-u, who leads Pyongyang’s foreign espionage operations.

The other blacklisted officials are senior members of North Korea’s Workers’ Party and

North Korea has conducted a series of missile tests in recent weeks

heads of trading firms funding Pyongyang’s military programme.

North Korea’s strategic rocket force, the Koryo Bank and two trading firms were also added to the list. The Koryo Bank is linked to a party office that manages finances of North Korea’s top officials, including leader Kim Jong-un.

Pyongyang has been testing its missiles at an unprecedented pace. It says its nuclear programme is defensive and intended to counter US aggression.

But experts fear the tests indicate progress towards Pyongyang’s ultimate goal of putting a nuclear warhead on a missile that could strike the continental US. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Resorts World Manila: At least 36 bodies found at casino complex

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t least 36 bodies have been recovered from a casino and hotel complex in the Philippine capital, Manila, where a lone gunman opened fire overnight.

Most of the dead suffocated in thick toxic smoke after the man set fire to casino tables, officials told the BBC. The gunman, whose nationality is not yet known, began shooting in the casino in Resorts World Manila in the early hours of Friday morning.

Police said he later killed

himself by setting himself on fire.

Authorities initially said there were no casualties, but appear to have only found the bodies while sweeping the complex after the gunman’s body was recovered.

Officials insisted that the incident was a robbery attempt, and was not terrorism-related despite a claim by so-called Islamic State (IS).The group, which posted the claim on Friday via the messaging app Telegram, offered no further details.

The man, who has yet to be named, entered the casino

shortly after midnight and began firing an assault rifle, sparking widespread panic.

He fired into the air, not at people, but it caused fear, Southern Police District Superintendent Tomas Apolinario told the BBC. “We have some injured people and we have some dead as well, but none of them have gunshot wounds,” he said. The gunman also set gaming tables on fire and filled a backpack with gambling chips worth 113 million Philippine pesos (£1.7 million, US$2.3 million). (Excerpt from BBC News)

Canada MP gives speech in Mohawk language in parliamentary first

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Quebec member of Parliament has addressed Canada’s House of Commons in Mohawk, in what is believed to be the first time the Indigenous language has been used officially in the legislature since it was established in 1867.

“I stand here to honour the Mohawk language and I pay my respects to their people.

Hopefully it will help to us to become better friends,” Marc Miller said at the start of Canada’s national aboriginal

history month on Thursday.

Miller, a non-Indigenous politician from Quebec, has been studying Mohawk since the beginning of the year at a language program run by Six Nations of the Grand River, Canada’s largest reserve, located about an hour west of Toronto.

Miller, who is bilingual in English and French, said he decided to learn an Indigenous language when he saw English-speaking colleagues in the Quebec caucus attempting to learn French.

But he was also motivated by the precarious state of Canada’s 60 or so Indigenous languages. “The elders will tell you that within a generation there will only be four or five [Indigenous] languages that will survive if we don’t do anything,” he said.

Of Canada’s 35 million people, about 213,000 describe an Indigenous language as their mother tongue, according to 2011 census data. The most common are Cree, Ojibway and Inuktitut.

(Excerpt from The Guardian)

16 news

saturDAY, june 3, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

No referendum on same-sex intimacy – Harmon S

tate Minister Joseph Harmon has said that citizens should not be worried about Government holding a referendum on the decriminalisation of same-sex intimacy, since no such decision was made by Cabinet.

This announcement should go some way in allaying the brewing concerns within the local lesbian, gay, bi-sexual and transgender (LGBT) community over statements that had appeared in this regard.

According to the minister, “This is not an issue that had been ventilated in Cabinet, and the Government has made no decision on that matter; and so a question of referendum -- when it will occur and all of that -- is not really on the cards.”

Referring to previous comments made by President David Granger, wherein he had said that Cabinet is yet to discuss such an issue, Harmon noted that the same position still obtains.

It has been reported that

Foreign Affairs Minister Carl Greenidge had stated that Government would be moving to hold a referendum to determine whether same-sex intimacy should be decriminalised.

However, Harmon explained at the post-Cabinet press briefing on Friday that his colleague minister had merely responded to a requirement for information from an international body, and in the event that issues about LGBT rights were raised, the best thing to do would be to go to a referendum, since that is the highest level of consultation in any country. “(So) what I’m saying to you is that it is not that the Government has taken a decision to hold a referendum on LGBT rights. So this is the position of the Cabinet -- that this is not a matter that had been ventilated at the level of Cabinet, and therefore (it) is not something which our citizens ought to become worried about,” the State Minister asserted.

The local LGBT commu-

nity has voiced its objection to the holding of any referendum in regard to the rights of gay people, while calling on the coalition administration to fulfil its manifesto promise of ensuring that the LGBT community and other minority groups are not discriminated against.

Executive Director of the Society Against Sexual Orientation Discrimination (SASOD), Joel Simpson, told reporters at a press conference last week that the rights of a minority group should not be subjected to a popular vote.

“This divisive referendum will deepen the marginalisation and isolation of LGBT persons, as rightwing groups will undoubtedly heighten their homophobic rhetoric, as is already happening on social media,” he said.

Moreover, the SASOD Executive explained that any move to hold a referendum would only serve to impose a stressful mental health bur-

den on the local LGBT community, instead of strengthening social cohesion and building national unity.

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo has also commented on the matter.

Recalling that the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) regime had not touched the issue, since, during consultations held then, it was felt that samesex marriage was not a fundamental right, and if legalised, the Marriage Act

would have become illegal.

Nevertheless, the former Guyanese Leader has posited that he does not believe Guyana is prepared for samesex marriage, given the reactions from the public during those consultations done by his party.

“I don’t think the country -- based on what our consultation revealed among large numbers of people -- is ready for same-sex marriage and all of those things,” he opined.

Nevertheless, pointing out that Guyanese do not want anyone to be discriminated against because of their sexual preference, Jagdeo highlighted the need for the laws to be changed in order to reflect the current practice that obtains in the country in relation to homosexuality.

He explained that the situation was akin to the

death penalty, which is still on the law books but has not been enforced since the last execution done in 1997.

Laws criminalising homosexual practices are still in place, but persons involved in homosexual practice are not being charged on that basis anymore.

“We should remove (those) from the books because the laws must reflect our practice and our general law; so the laws at some point in time may have to change… So there may be a case for that – for having the laws reflect the practice,” Jagdeo stated.

The former Head of State has noted that, given the strong views expressed by the public during those consultations, the matter must be approached in a bipartisan way. “…and so that is what we will do: we’ll engage the Government in discussions on this issue, to see how we can move forward (to a place) where people are not discriminated against because of their sexual preferences,” he stated.

Dynamic Airways boasts 95% on time rate for 2017 R esponding to allegations of prolonged delays and continuous cancelations in flights, Guyanese franchise holder of Dynamic International Airways boasted a 95 per cent on time rate for operations to and from Guyana for 2017 thus far.

This announcement was made by Captain Gerald Gouveia, the local franchise holder for Dynamic International Airways, who was at the time speaking at a recruitment ceremony hosted at the Duke Lodge on Friday.

When questioned about the complaints from customers who were left stranded at airports both in Guyana and the United States on several occasions, the Captain responded, “Dynamic has actually, for this year, been operating with a 95 per cent on time departure. We have probably had one flight cancelled for this year. Dynamic has been exceptionally on time.”

Gouveia noted that while the airline, like any other, has had some interruptions in operations in the past, Dynamic has seen an improvement from what was recorded in the last year.

The Captain laid out, “In 2016 Dynamic operated 224 flights. Dynamic had 190 of those flights operated on time plus 30 minutes.

Dynamic has had 30 flights operated late more than 30 minutes but if you understand that a 80 per cent on time departure is exceptional in the airline industry across the world. So far in 2017, we operated 100 flights; we probably had one cancelled flight.”

Captain Gerald Gouveia, the local franchise holder for Dynamic International Airways, speaking at the recruitment ceremony hosted at Duke Lodge on Friday

Gouveia further stated that the international air carrier even came to the rescue to other carriers when they had experienced disruptions in their services. “There have been many delays by other airlines as well and Dynamic

has actually been coming to the rescue of those airlines but it is amazing that the media don’t seem to pick that up,” the franchise holder noted.

Moreover, Captain Gouveia reiterated that Dynamic entered Guyana

Guyana set to...

The Conference will cover subjects such as climate change, drought management, integrated water resources management, wastewater management in rural communities, waste recycling technologies for developing countries, landfill engineering and the economics of waste management, to name a few. A number of individual experts, professionals and researchers will present their research findings and technical papers on the various subjects.

Participants also look forward to the water, rum and pepper sauce tasting

from page 12

competition which is a fun event. The GWI is proud to report that at the 2016 Conference in Trinidad, Guyana won the first prize for the best tasting water.

A very important feature which lends a fun flavour to the conference is an opportunity for participants from all over the world to enjoy the cultural and artistic aspects of the host country of Guyana.

The GWI is planning a series of activities to highlight the culture as well as opportunities for them to venture out on technical field tours to visit places of interest.

at a time when ticket prices had sky-rocketed and assisted in the stabilising of airfare to and from Guyana.

“I always make the point that when Delta Airlines left Guyana many years ago ticket prices had raised from US$700 to US$1700.

And when Dynamic entered this market, we were able to, for the last three-anda-half years, to stabilise those prices.” He went on to say that, “We are also very pleased to contribute to the number of Guyanese living in the Diaspora affordability to come back to Guyana.”

Moreover, the proud businessman highlighted that his franchise is not only in the travel industry but added, “The difference with Dynamics is that we are not only doing flights, we intend to contribute in real ways to Guyana’s economic development, by promoting tourism products here in Guyana and by employing Guyanese.”

He even questioned, “How many other airlines have you seen that actually went out and hire Guyanese flight attendants?” It was at the very event that Dynamic Airline

added 25 Guyanese as recruits to serve on their cabin crew, leading to a total of about 56 young Guyanese that where offered employment with the international carrier.

With that, Gouveia noted the Dynamic aims to increase their services offered to Guyanese. He pointed out that, “We moved 80,000 passengers between Guyana and New York in 2016,” and continued, “We’ve moved approximately 35,000 passengers between New York and Guyana and back to New York,” for 2017 thus far.

Dynamic International Airways in their efforts to better serve Guyanese is looking to add China to their list of destination.

Further, the carrier is working to introduce daily flights to replace the current five days per week operations.

US pull out from Paris Agreement...

Meanwhile, Opposition Leader and former President, Bharrat Jagdeo, who also holds a coveted ‘Champion of the Earth’ title, believes that the Caribbean region could have been more proactive in pushing the climate change agenda.

He pointed out at a press conference on Friday that the US President had expressed his intention to withdraw from the climate change deal since on his campaign trail, which should have been picked up by President Granger as Chairman of the Caribbean Community (Caricom).

President Granger has

been religiously pushing his ‘Green State’ initiative, highlighting it at various international forums, but Jagdeo has expressed his grave disappointment at the inaction by not only Guyana, but other regional leaders as well, in advancing policies that would ensure the region benefits from the global climate change movement.

“We knew in Guyana and in the region that this act -if the US President were to fulfil his (campaign) promise -- would be implemented and we’ve practically done very little, if anything at all about this,” the Opposition Leader said.

Moreover, given the poli-

from page 13

cies touted by Trump on his campaign trail, the former Guyanese Head of State recalled, he had urged at that time for a serious attempt on the region’s part to ensure that the nuances of small states and their challenges would not be lost.

“We’ve had over six months since the elections in the United States of America, and I am yet to see any regional effort to point out to the new administration in the United States of America about how large a few issues loom in our lives, particularly matters concerning the environment and trade,” Jagdeo has stated.

news

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saturDAY, june 3, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

3 robbery suspects arrested during Police raid – at Westminster

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hree young men who were implicated in break and enter and larceny incidents in the village were on Friday arrested after Police swooped down on their home at Westminster, Parafaite Harmonie, West Bank Demerara (WBD).

Those arrested were identified as Orin Chung, Quincy Casey and Andrew Peters; all of Westminster, WBD. They were arrested in a questionable manner after Police raided a house at about 13:30h without a valid search warrant.

A video that was posted on social media showed several Police ranks with guns barging into the home of the family and without any form of explanation to the occupants started to ransack the house. One woman, presumably the owner was heard using indecent languages during the Police raid in protest of the manner in which her privacy was invaded.

She was heard enquiring several times for a warrant but the Police ranks paid her no heed. Instead, they went into the bedroom and removed several pieces of electronic device including a flat screen television, and a lap top which the police later claimed were stolen during the break and enter and larceny.

W

In this screen grab of a video, the woman was upbraiding the officer who had just arrested her son, one of the three wanted suspects At one point in time, a Police rank in uniform attempted to react to the woman’s abusive language but was advised against it by his subordinating officer.

However, the young men were partially dragged out of the house and placed into the Police vehicles which sped away. The items removed from the house were lodged at the La Granger Police Station as the Police attempt to ascertain if they belong to the victims of the robbery. D Division (West Bank Demerara-East Bank Essequibo) Commander,

Leslie James explained that a search warrant was not necessary in such circumstances, noting the Police acted on intelligence and went to the home where a search was conducted.

The search, he added, led to the discovery of the stolen items. He also confirmed that the trio that was taken into custody were suspects in a report of a break and enter and larceny.

The youngsters are being interrogated and based on the outcome, the Police will determine if charges will be instituted.

25 more Guyanese recruited as flight attendants – on Dynamic Airways

F

ollowing a threemonth selection process, 25 young Guyanese were added to the Dynamic International Airways team to serve as trainee flight attendants to their cabin crew.

This recruitment on Thursday was made as the international carrier celebrates three years of operations in Guyana through their local franchise, Roraima Airways.

Present at the recruitment ceremony on Friday was the Chief Executive Officer of Roraima Airways, Captain Gerald Gouveia, who expressed delight as another batch of Guyanese was recruited to the Dynamic family.

“The Roraima/Dynamic partnership is creating employment for 25 young Guyanese,” expressed the Captain. He went on to say that, “The creation of jobs for young Guyanese everyday should be an obsession with every Guyanese leader, every business leader, and every political leader. Every day, the creation of jobs for young people is giving them hope for the future, giving real meaning to creating a better life. This is what we

at Roraima have been doing and we are very pleased and proud of that.”

Moreover, Gouveia pointed out that, “These young people who are selected have been selected after a long and tedious process.

As such, he further indicated that only the cream of the crop were selected.

With that, Gouveia congratulated the new recruits, while urging them to make the best of the opportunity.

As a matter of fact, he noted that the job will often take them away from their families thereby condemning them for their choice to serve.

Also speaking at the event hosted at the Duke Lodge was a previous recruit to Dynamic Airlines, who later went on to be a captain. Amber Lowe pointed out to the incoming individuals that they now hold the responsibility of being ambassadors of Guyana and encouraged the 25 to serve their country well.

“I have to say, Dynamic was the foundation of my career. It kick started all that I knew I wanted to become and for that I will always truly be grateful for the opportunity I was given and

now another 25 Guyanese people are been given,” relayed the young Captain.

Lowe even pointed out that her experience in aviation can be compared to that of a superhero, given that it often results in taking risks to safeguard the life of others.

At the event, the 25 new recruits were afforded the opportunity to extend gratitude to the Captain and both Roraima and Dynamic Airways. Furthermore, they expressed excitement to embark on a new journey and indicated that they are prepared to deliver quality customer service.

The 25 recruits are set to leave for New York this Sunday to commence preparations for their journey as Dynamic flight attendants. They will then return to commence training in Guyana on June 12.

This batch marks the largest recruit since Dynamic’s arrival in Guyana with the former intakes still attached to the airline. To date, Dynamic has taken into their wings a total of about 56 Guyanese to serve as attendants onboard their flights.

(HINDUS for SELFLESS SERVICE) E-mail: hssguyana@gmail.com

hile many people practise yoga for its physical benefits, there are other types of benefits. For example, the spiritual meaning of yoga postures can help yogis develop oneness inside themselves, as well as unity with the exterior world. In yoga, the natural world is especially important. This can be seen in many of the

excuse. Let’s begin.

Again, many yoga postures are named after things found in nature. Animal-named poses range from cobra to cat, including animals of several different families. The names help yoga practitioners delve deeply into the pose.

truthfulness) that teaches yogis to think, speak, and act in alignment with what is true.

Because it’s a challenging balancing pose, Tree Pose offers an opportunity to practise this principle by aligning yourself with the truth in your own body.

Adho Mukha Svanasana (Downward Facing Dog Pose)

Padmasana (Lotus Pose)

Sanskrit and English names for yoga poses; these names are taken from animals and other entities one finds in nature.

Downward-Facing Dog Pose may sound funny at first, but after you’ve watched a dog wake up and go into a deep stretch, the name of the pose takes on new meaning.

The spiritual implication behind the pose lies in the act of a combined stretch with a moment in which the yogi turns inward.

Simultaneously connecting to your centre while stretching your body into a long line has a unifying effect, positioning your spirit within while you stay connected to the outside world.

This is one of the poses in the traditional Sun Salutation sequence.

It’s also an excellent yoga asana all on its own. Stay in this pose anywhere from 1 to 3 minutes, then bend your knees to the floor with an exhalation and rest in Child’s Pose.

Oneness in Yoga

Yoga is considered by many to be a holistic art -one that does not focus only on the spiritual, the physical, or the mental; but focuses on all of them -- hopefully in equal measure. The holistic effect of yoga is attained when practitioners become not only physically stronger and more flexible, but also mentally stronger and more flexible. Seasoned yogis even sleep better, on average, than people who do not practise yoga. One of the ways that yoga works holistically is through the names of yoga asanas -- which refer to concrete things in the world.

Let us start looking at some of these poses, so that you, too, can be one with yourself as well as being connected with the world at large. None of these y o g a poses is difficult to do, so you have no

Vrksasana (Tree Pose)

The essence of Tree Pose is to find balance. However, balance is not found in this pose in a rigid manner, such as one might associate with a balanced ballet position.

In Tree Pose, your body may sway, like a tree does in the wind, but your foot stays rooted into the ground. This freedom for your body to move and find its balance while you envision being rooted in the ground develops your spiritual acceptance of your body’s position in space.

In yoga, there is a principle called satya (the practise of

From the common sitting down on the floor (Indian style, cross-legged) position, one foot is placed on top of the opposite thigh with its sole facing upward and heel close to the abdomen. The other foot is then lifted up slowly and placed on the opposite thigh in a symmetrical way.

The knees are in contact with the ground. The torso is placed in balance and alignment such that the spinal column supports it with minimal muscular effort.

The torso is centred above the hips. To relax the head and neck, the jaw is allowed to fall towards the neck and the back of the neck to lengthen. The shoulders move backwards and the ribcage lifts. The tongue rests on the roof of the mouth.

The hands rest on the knees. The arms are relaxed, with the elbows slightly bent.

The eyes may be closed, the body relaxed, with awareness of the overall asana.

Adjustments are made until balance and alignment are experienced.

Alignment that creates relaxation is indicative of a suitable position for the asana.

The asana should be natural and comfortable, without any sharp pains. In most cases, a cushion or mat is necessary in order to achieve this balance. The lotus flower is a symbol of purity, and the Lotus Pose is a frequent pose for meditation and pranayama, or breathing exercises.

Breath is the purifying power in the human body; deep, slow breathing purifies and energizes our bodies. This spiritual meaning of the lotus flower is transferred into yoga asana practise in the form of the seated meditation posture.

Join us tomorrow as we continue to look at Yoga and Spirituality, and how it can help you as an individual to be a more aware social being.

YOGA BUSINESS; TODAY!!

IS EVERYONE’S GET ONBOARD

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guyanatimesgy.com

saturDAY, june 3, 2017

ARCHIE

Getting together with people you find interesting (March 21- and inspiring will encourage April 19) you to pick up new skills or information. Celebrate with someone you love.

ARIES

You’ll be tempted to inTAURUS dulge in things that might get (April 20- you in trouble. Don’t take an May 20) unnecessary risk while traveling or dealing with matters that could influence your position, reputation or status.

dilbert

Don’t be afraid to try GEMINI (May 21- something new. Get involved June 20) in activities, events or functions that allow you to mix and mingle with people who share your interests. Explore new avenues.

CANCER (June 21July 22)

Peanuts

LEO (July 23Aug. 22)

Calvin and Hobbes

Too much of anything will turn into a fiasco. Monitor your time, money and emotions carefully when dealing with domestic matters. Walk away from unpredictable people and situations.

A little love will go a long way. Socialize, entertain or make romantic gestures.

Taking part in activities that are conducive to physical endurance will energize and motivate you.

Don’t make a snap finanVIRGO (Aug. 23- cial decision. Take your time, Sept. 22) regardless of what others do.

It’s better to be safe than sorry when it comes to money, health and emotional matters.

Stay calm and think matLIBRA ters through. You’ll have a (Sept. 23Oct. 23) tendency to overreact, take on too much or be indulgent.

Criticism will be offered if you adopt poor habits.

WORD GAME

SUDOKU

Consider other ways to SCORPIO help if someone asks for a do(Oct. 24nation or loan. It’s best not Nov. 22) to mix money and friendship if you want to keep the relationship amicable.

You can make headSAGITTARIUS way when dealing with chil(Nov. 23- dren, a loved one or someone Dec. 21) you want to establish a better relationship with. Social or physical activities will enhance your life.

THURSDAY’S WORD – JAUNDICED

solution for Last Published Puzzle

You’ll be tempted to overCAPRICORN indulge. Avoid people who (Dec. 22- are bad influences. Stick to Jan. 19) your budget and don’t make promises that are impossible to keep.

You’ll be stoked if you start AQUARIUS a new project or joint venture (Jan. 20with someone you enjoy workFeb. 19) ing with. There is money to be made and personal improvements to incorporate.

RULES OF THE GAME: 1. Words must be of four or more letters. 2. Words that acquire four letters by the addition of “s,” such as “bats” or “dies,” are not allowed. 3. Additional words made by adding a “d” or an “s” may not be used. For example, if “bake” is used, “baked” or “bakes” is not allowed, but “bake” and “baking” are admissible. 4. Proper nouns, slang words, or vulgar or sexually explicit words are not allowed. To contact Word Game creator Kathleen Saxe, write to Word Game, Kathleen Saxe, Universal Uclick, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.

Copyright 2015, Distributed by Universal Uclick for UFS

Overspending on personal PISCES items for your home or family (Feb. 20March 20) will cause a ruckus. Stick to a set budget and get the goahead before making alterations that will affect others.

saturDAY, june 3, 2017

Durant, Curry light u p James, Cavaliers in Game 1 Win K

evin Durant made his first NBA Finals appearance since 2012 on Thursday night, and he did not waste any time imposing his will. In the Golden State Warriors' commanding 113-91 Game 1 win over the Cleveland Cavaliers, Durant finished with 38 points, eight rebounds and eight assists to lead a dominant effort.

Matched up against a Cavaliers defense that was hell-bent on containing the three-point line, Durant repeatedly romped his way to the rim and wreaked havoc on the Oracle Arena iron to set the tone for a blowout that took shape after halftime.

After leading by eight at the break, the Warriors erupted in the third quarter and outscored the defend-

ing champions 33-20 to take a 21-point lead entering the fourth.

Stephen Curry helped facilitate that eruption, and he finished with 28 points on 11-of-22 shooting (6-of-11 from three), including a pullup from well beyond the arc to thrust the Warriors ahead by 19 in the closing stages of the third.

The spotlight, though, shined brightest on Durant.

In his return to the game's biggest stage, KD not only led the Warriors in scoring, but he also did so in a ferocious manner early and often.

With the lane serving as a launching pad for Durant's above-the-rim antics, Twitter predictably erupted in response to the Cavs' porous defense.

All told, the Warriors outscored the Cavaliers 56-30 in the paint as they followed Durant's lead en route to a comfortable 1-0 series edge.

As for the Cavaliers, LeBron James stuffed the stat sheet with 28 points (9of-20 shooting), 15 rebounds and eight assists. He also got in on the first-quarter dunkfest with a jaw-dropping slam over JaVale McGee. However, the Cavaliers were too careless to match the Warriors' firepower.

Not only did James rack up eight turnovers by himself, but Cleveland also committed 20 total compared to 15 assists as a team.

Conversely, the Warriors finished with 31 dimes and four giveaways in a far more efficient display.

A lack of scoring balance

Djokovic survives scare to reach French Open fourth round D

Novak Djokovic

efending champion Novak Djokovic survived a thirdround scare at the French Open to beat unseeded Argentine Diego Schwartzman in five sets.

The Serb came back from two sets to one down to win 5-7 6-3 3-6 6-1 6-1.

Djokovic, 30, finished strongly despite making 55 unforced errors and arguing with umpire Carlos Ramos over a conduct warning.

The second seed goes on to face France's Lucas Pouille or Spain's Albert Ramos-Vinolas.

The presence of new coach Andre Agassi has yet to inspire the 12-time Grand Slam champion to rediscover the form that made him a seemingly untouchable world number one this time last year.

An erratic performance saw Djokovic hit 21 errors in relinquishing a 4-1 lead in the first set.

A late break in the second appeared to have settled the world number two, but Schwartzman - playing his first ever third-round match at a Grand Slam - was his equal throughout the third.

The 5ft 7in Argentine then broke serve for a 5-3 lead and remarkably recovered from 0-40 to serve out the set.

With the crowd now excited by the prospect of an upset, Djokovic finally took a firm grip on the match by quickening the pace and shortening the rallies.

It was not plain sailing, however, and despite racing into a 4-0 lead in the fourth set, Djokovic became embroiled in a row with umpire Ramos after receiving two warnings in a game - one of slow play, the second for unsportsmanlike conduct.

Clearly annoyed, the champion retained his focus on the job in hand and reeled off 12 of the last 14 games as dark clouds above threatened to delay his progress.(BBCSPORT)

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proved costly as well.

Although Kyrie Irving (24 points) and Kevin Love (15 points) finished in double figures, no player outside of the Cavaliers' star-studded triumvirate finished with more than three made field goals.

As Yahoo Sports' Dan Wetzel noted, those shortcomings put extra pressure on LeBron.

Now looking ahead to Game 2, the Cavaliers will have to devise a more disciplined plan of attack on both ends if they want to have a shot at matching the Warriors' firepower.

That showdown will get underway at 8 p.m. ET on Sunday night before the scene shifts to Quicken Loans Arena for Games 3 Kevin Durant and Stephen Curry were in superb form in game one of the finals and 4. (Bleacher Report)

England’s Chris Woakes ruled out of tournament with strain

E

ngland all-rounder Chris Woakes has been ruled out of the rest of the Champions Trophy after a scan revealed he has sustained a side

strain.

Woakes, who has played 63 one-day internationals, bowled two overs in the eight-wicket win over Bangladesh on Thursday, before leaving the field.

Speaking on Friday, after being ruled out, Woakes said: "More than anything, it's really frustrating."

England's next game in the tournament is against New Zealand on 6 June.

"An update on a replacement for the remainder of the tournament will follow in due course," said the ECB. Woakes is England's highest-placed bowler in the International Cricket Council's one-day international rankings at seventh.

The 28-year-old has taken 89 wickets at an average of 31.60 and an economy rate of 5.58, while he has scored 800 runs for his country in one-day internationals at an average of exactly 25 and a strike rate of 86.86.

"It's a tough one to take, right at the start of a tournament which we have been building up to as a team for a while," he added.

"We've had our eyes on the Champions Trophy for a while now as a team and we were coming into the tournament in good form.

"The toughest thing as a bowler is having to come off after only bowling a couple of overs.

"Leaving the guys out there with almost 10 men is difficult to take, so I'm really pleased the boys managed to get over the line with a win."(BBCSPORT)

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GUYANATIMESgy.COM

saturDAY, june 3, 2017

here was enough play in this match for Kane Williamson to score his first ODI hundred against Australia, Josh Hazlewood to claim a career-best six-wicket haul, and Luke Ronchi to spark concern among his former countrymen with a 33-ball half-century. But there was not enough for a result, with Australia's chase only nine overs old - 11 short of the 20 required - when the rain set in. And so the points from the match were shared.

It leaves both teams searching for victories from their remaining two games against Bangladesh and England, although depending on results and net runrates, it could be possible to progress past the group with just one win and this no-result. New Zealand likely felt the more disappointed by the weather, for with Australia at 53 for 3 from nine overs in pursuit of 235 from 33, Kane Williamson's men would have fancied their chances.

David Warner had been caught behind for 18 slashing at Trent Boult, a scratchy-looking Aaron Finch had chipped a catch to midwicket off Adam Milne for 8, and Moises Henriques sent a return catch to Milne for 18 from what turned out to be the final ball of the game. It left Australia in

Champions Trophy 2017

the remarkable position of having five of their past six ODIs at Edgbaston washed out, during a period that stretches back to their 2005 tour of England.

Earlier, Williamson had won the toss and chosen to bat on what he thought looked a good pitch for run-making. Steven Smith said he would have bowled anyway. For much of New Zealand's innings it seemed that Williamson had made the better assessment as he amassed a century and a hefty total loomed, but a late collapse and six-wicket haul from Josh Hazlewood kept Australia firmly in the contest.

Williamson was run out for an even 100 and it sparked a period of rapid decline for New Zealand, who lost their last seven wickets for 37 in the space of six overs. Hazlewood mopped up the lower order in emphatic fashion, finishing with a career-best 6 for 52 as New Zealand failed by an over to last their reduced allotment of 46 overs.

It was quite the turnaround after Australia were first mauled by a man who used to be one of their own. Ronchi blasted his way to a 33-ball half-century to justify his inclusion ahead of Tom Latham, before Williamson and Ross Taylor combined for a 99run partnership that kept

New Zealand on the right path.

The only thing swinging in the early overs was Ronchi's bat, as he thumped boundaries all around the ground. He lost his opening partner, Martin Guptill, whose leading edge was caught at point off Hazlewood for 26, and almost lost his own wicket he gave up on an attempted single only to see the throw miss, and Matthew Wade fail to gather the ball cleanly, allowing Ronchi to make his ground.

A lengthy rain delay in the tenth over reduced the contest to 46 overs per side, and Ronchi scored quickly upon the resumption. Australia knew what he could do - he had smashed a 22-ball ODI fifty for Australia against West Indies back in 2008, but this time they were on the receiving end. To add to their frustration, after Ronchi was dropped

by Starc at mid-on off Pat Cummins he crunched the next two balls for a four and a six.

His stay ended on 65 off 43 balls when he was caught at point off John Hastings, but New Zealand by that stage were 117-2 and had more than 30 overs remaining to build on their total.

Hastings managed to deceive Taylor (46) with a

T

hund r e d from his 96th delivery but perished soon afterwards, run out with eight fours and three sixes to his name.

And then came the carnage.

Neil Broom was caught in the deep off Hazlewood, Corey Anderson skied a catch off Pat Cummins in the next over, James Neesham whacked a catch to mid-on off Hazlewood in the next.

And Hazlewood finished things quickly in his next over with three wickets in four balls, running through Milne, Mitchell Santner and Boult.

It left the Australians needing 292 from 46 overs, which was then altered to 235 off 33 overs following further rain during the innings break. It turned out that even the 20 overs needed to constitute a match was unattainable. (Cricinfo)

Kane Williamson's 97ball 100 contained eight fours and three sixes

SCOREBOARD New Zealand innings (46 overs maximum) MJ Guptill c Maxwell b Hazlewood 26 L Ronchi† c Maxwell b Hastings 65 KS Williamson* run out 100 (Henriques/Cummins) LRPL Taylor c Henriques b Hastings 46 NT Broom c Maxwell b Hazlewood 14 JDS Neesham c Warner b Hazlewood 6 CJ Anderson c Henriques b Cummins 8 MJ Santner c Smith b Hazlewood 8 AF Milne c Maxwell b Hazlewood 11 TG Southee not out 0 TA Boult c †Wade b Hazlewood 0 Extras (lb 4, w 3) 7 Total (all out; 45 overs) 291 Fall of wickets 1-40 (Guptill, 5.4 ov), 2-117 (Ronchi, 15.4 ov), 3-216 (Taylor, 33.5 ov), 4-254 (Williamson, 39.1 ov),

5-257 (Broom, 40.1 ov), 6-267 (Anderson, 41.5 ov), 7-270 (Neesham, 42.2 ov), 8-291 (Milne, 44.3 ov), 9-291 (Santner, 44.4 ov), 10-291 (Boult, 44.6 ov) Bowling: MA Starc 9-0-52-0 (2w), JR Hazlewood 9-0-52-6 (1w), PJ Cummins 9-0-67-1, JW Hastings 9-0-69-2, TM Head 4-022-0, MC Henriques 5-0-25-0 Australia innings (target: 235 runs from 33 overs) DA Warner c †Ronchi b Boult 18 AJ Finch c Taylor b Milne 8 SPD Smith* not out 8 MC Henriques c & b Milne 18 Extras (lb 1) 1 Total (3 wickets; 9 overs) 53 Did not bat: GJ Maxwell, TM Head, MS Wade†, JW Hastings, MA Starc, PJ Cummins, JR Hazlewood Fall of wickets 1-27 (Warner, 5.1 ov), 2-35 (Finch, 6.3 ov), 3-53 (Henriques, 8.6 ov) Bowling: TG Southee 3-0-15-0, TA Boult 4-0-28-1, AF Milne 2-0-9-2

Kompany eyeing international retirement

T&T defender Williams reveals bet with USA keeper Howard ahead of WC qualifier

rinidad and Tobago defender Mekeil Williams could have more to lose than just three valuable points after making a bet with United States goalkeeper and Colorado Rapids teammate Tim Howard.

The two will stand at opposite ends of the Dick's Sporting Goods Park Commerce City, come June 8, both their teams in search of crucial points following nightmare starts to the CONCACAF World Cup qualifiers.

The United States and T&T found themselves in desperate straits after losing the first two matches of the campaign. The USA has since staged a recovery of sorts, currently occupying the final qualifying position on four points, while Trinidad are rooted to the bottom of the six-team table on three. With a just a point separating the pair, however, things remain very much up for grabs.

The tense situation hasn’t prevented the duo, used to working together, but now eyeing very different goals to have a good joke

slower cross-seamer that was skied to cover, but if the hundred partnership was not to eventuate then a personal century for New Zealand's captain would have to suffice.

Williamson brought up his

after 2018 World Cup

A Mekeil Williams

about it.

“We actually made a bet a couple of days ago. If we lose the game I have to go and sit all the way around close to the bathrooms.

If they lose he has to sit with the rookie goalkeepers for the rest of the season,” Williams told TTFA media.

The twin island republic, however, boasts a poor record against the United States. In 17 World Cup qualifiers to date against USA, T&T have managed just two wins, and three draws. One of the draws was registered in the United States, but that was in 1989. Despite that fact Williams insists the team remains in a positive mood.

“We are in a positive frame of mind right now it do or die. It’s crunch time. We are going into the game to play for a win and hopefully we get some points here, but everyone is positive and confident ahead of this game.” (Sportsmax)

head of returning to the Belgium side after injury, Vincent Kompany has hinted that he could retire after next year's World Cup in Russia.

Kompany has suggested he could retire from international duty with Belgium after the 2018 World Cup. The Manchester City captain has endured a difficult time with injuries in recent years, making just 25 Premier League appearances over the last two seasons, but he has now returned to the fold having finished the current campaign strongly under Pep Guardiola.

While Kompany is focused on performing at the World Cup in Russia - and maintains he will be able to he has conceded that this could prove to be his last major international tournament.

"It's important for me to be back in this team," he told reporters. "I understand that there were doubts about me, but I know my level.

"I spend a lot of time - 30 minutes to an hour - doing extra exercises before or after a game and I'm lucky to play with the world's best players, of course.

"All this will serve me after my career. I will not stop here.

"The 2018 World Cup was always a big motivation for me, especially when I was down. There's a big chance that it will be my last season with Belgium.

"For me now, it's about reintegration. I have spoken with [coach Roberto] Martinez. I knew him a little from before.

"If I was afraid of hurting myself, I would have already stopped my career." (Sportsmax)

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West Indies tump visitors to take series lead A

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21

Windies celebrate during the 1st T20 International between Windies and Afghanistan at Warner Park, Basseterre, St Kitts (CWI Media Photo/Randy Brooks)

paced surface, Afghanistan threw their bats at the ball and threw their wickets away.

They were reduced to 58 for 8 by the 14th over, and were staring at their lowest total in T20 internationals. Rashid Khan, coming off a productive, maiden IPL stint with Sunrisers Hyderabad, and Amir Hamza, however, unleashed some late blows, which dragged the side to 110.

Afghanistan had defended a similar low total against West Indies in the World T20 in India last year - which marked the beginning of their golden run - and more recently in the tour match against West Indies Cricket Board President's XI on Tuesday.

But Samuels' stylish 35 ensured the hosts cantered home with 21 balls to spare.

Batting like millionaires, collapsing his paupers Gulbadin Naib started the innings with a violent triptych off fast bowler James Taylor: a flick over square leg, a pull over

Naib's opening partner, Usman Ghani, was the victim of a farcical mix-up, where he and Asghar Stanikzai were at the strikers' end. Four balls later, the Afghanistan captain pulled hard at a sharp bouncer, and only spliced a return catch. The visitors, though, kept swinging like millionaires. Karim Jant dared to back away outside leg and slap Badree through the covers for four. A wild leg-side mow at Carlos Brathwaite, though, resulted in a top edge to Chadwick Walton, the wicketkeeper. Forty-two for 4 became 46 for 5 when Nabi recklessly slashed a catch to third man, instead of attempting to rebuild the innings. Sunil Narine's triple-strike then left Afghanistan in serious danger of being dismissed for their lowest total in T20Is. They had been skittled for 72 against Bangladesh in the 2014 World T20.

Saving face Rashid and Hamza then

knocked the balls along the ground as Afghanistan recalibrated their strategy towards lasting 20 overs.

Badree, Brathwaite, and Taylor were all milked for ones and twos. The two spinners later cut loose in the last two overs of the innings, which yielded 32 runs. The highlights included a flat-batted swat over long-off and a short-arm jab over wide longon. On another night, such an onslaught could have saved the day for Afghanistan. On Saturday, it only helped them save face.

A regulation chase Walton and Evin Lewis made early inroads into the slim chase, adding 33 in only 3.3 overs. They did not slog aimlessly like Afghanistan's batsmen. Instead, they held their shape, and picked their areas. Shapoor Zadran, the only front line fast-bowling option in the team, conceded two fours off the first two balls of the chase. Lewis then launched him over mid-off for a six. Nabi and Hamza

weren't spared either.

Rashid, though, would hold his own with the ball as well, finishing with 1 fourfor 14 in his over spell, which contained 18 dots.

Zadran and L e w i s then holed out but Samuels, who had blown cold in his stint with Delhi Daredevils in the IPL, blew hot. He announced his arrival with a massive six, which flew out of the ground. He continued to time the ball exquisitely before being bowled by Shapoor with West Indies 12 away from victory. Jason Mohammed and Rovman Powell, picked in place of an ill Kieron Pollard, completed the formalities with no fuss. West Indies may be a fading ODI force, failing to qualify for the Champions Trophy in England, but they reminded Afghanistan and the rest of the world that they are still the boss in T20 cricket. ( Cricinfo)

SCOREBOARD Afghanistan innings (20 overs maximum) Usman Ghani run out (Taylor/ Brathwaite/Williams)

8 12 Gulbadin Naib b Badree Asghar Stanikzai* c & b Williams 5 Karim Janat c †Walton b Brathw aite 8 Samiullah Shenwari lbw b Narine 7 Mohammad Nabi c Taylor b Brat hwaite 2 Rashid Khan c Narine b Taylor33 Shafiqullah† c & b Narine 0 Najibullah Zadran c †Walton b Narine4 Amir Hamza c †Walton b Williams 21 Shapoor Zadran not out1 Extras (b 4, lb 3, w 2)9 Total (all out; 20 overs)110 Fall of wickets: 1-21 (Gulbadin Naib, 3.2 ov), 2-26 (Usman Ghani, 4.1 ov), 3-26 (Asghar Stanikzai, 4.5 ov), 4-42 (Karim Janat, 8.5 ov), 5-46 (Mohammad Nabi, 10.5 ov), 6-46 (Samiullah Shenwari, 11.1 ov), 7-46 (Shafiqullah, 11.4 ov), 8-58 (Najibullah Zadran, 13.4 ov),

9-94 (Rashid Khan, 18.5 ov), 10-110 (Amir Hamza, 19.6 ov) Bowling: Taylor 4-0-381 (1w), Badree 4-0-19-1, Williams4-1-19-2 (1w), Narine 4-0-11-3, C Brathwaite 4-0-16-2 West Indies innings (target: 111 runs from 20 overs) C Walton† c Usman Ghani b Shapoor Zadran 22 E Lewis c Samiullah Shenwari b Karim Janat 26 M Samuels b Shapoor Zadran 35 L Simmons b Rashid Khan 6 J Mohammed not out 18 R Powell not out 2 Extras (lb 1, w 4)5 Total (4 wickets; 16.3 overs)114 Did not bat: CR Brathwaite*, JE Taylor, SP Narine, S Badree, KOK Williams Fall of wickets: 1-33 (Walton, 3.3 ov), 2-63 (Lewis, 7.2 ov), 3-82 (Simmons, 8.6 ov), 4-99 (Samuels, 14.1 ov) Bowling: Shapoor Zadran 3.30-30-2 (2w), Mohammad Nabi 3-0-23-0, Amir Hamza 4-0-240, Rashid Khan 4-0-14-13.50 (2w), Karim Janat 1-0-12-1, Samiullah Shenwari 1-0-10-0

GFF’s transfer window opens, to last until July 31 T

he Guyana Football Federation’s (GFF) pre-season transfer window has been opened from June 1 to July 31, 2017, enabling the transfer of players from one club to another.

This is the second transfer period of the year, and clubs are requested to capitalise on the timeframe given to avoid last-minute transactions, which have become a norm.

Competitions Director of the GFF, Ian Alves, reinforced the need for clubs to engage the process in a timely manner: “Teams will want to complete the drafting of new players early, in order to have a well-oiled unit at the start of

the new season. This will facilitate integration of the new players and the building of team cohesion,” he declared.

A domestic transfer, in order to be considered procedurally correct, must involve the former club, the player, the former regional member association (RMA), the new club, and the new RMA (in the case of a transfer out of the former Association). Unless and until all of those entities are informed and involved, and provided that none raises any legitimate concerns with the attempted transfer and as a result refuse to concur or approve the transfer, the transfer is incomplete.

The new club has recourse to seeking the intervention of the relevant RMA, or subsequently the GFF if it is of the view that the transfer is being unjustly hindered by the former club or the relevant RMA. The process for the Domestic Transfer is as follows: 1. The new club confirms the player has an interest in the transfer; and, if so, the new club makes contact with the former club to negotiate the transfer agreement 2. If it’s agreed upon, the new club collects the transfer document from the relevant RMA 3. Each entity involved

completes and signs their part on the form -- player, former club, new club 4. The form is then submitted to the relevant RMA, which confirms the authenticity of the involvement of each party 5. Everything being in order, the RMA approves the transfer and gives a copy to the new club 6. If the player is being transferred across RMA, the new club takes its copy of the form to their new RMA, so that the player can be registered within that RMA and be cleared for participation as a player of that club. It is important to note that the GFF is the RMA for Elite Clubs.

22

GUYANATIMESgy.COM

saturdAY, june 3, 2017

South American Youth Championships 2017

T

he Guyana team is ready. I can see that they are focused and willing to do what we ask them to do, so that we can be successful and earn some medals.”

Those were the words of Head Coach of the Guyana team, Robert Chisholm.

With the South American Youth Games beginning today, Chisholm noted that at last weekend’s Independence Track Meet, some of Guyana’s brightest track stars showed good form; especially Compton Caesar, who bested senior athlete Rupert Perry in both the 100 and 200 metres’ events.

Kenisha Phillips, another bright prospect to medal at this weekend’s games, was however upstaged by teammate Onasha Rogers.

Athletes such as Anfernee Headecker, Daniel Williams, Claudrice McKoy, Avon Samuels and Delicia Harper are also being touted as challengers for podium spots in their respective events.

Chisholm maintained that while Guyana has precious little experience in the unconventional events, such as the 3000 Metres Steeplechase and the Hurdles, the athletes representing Guyana in those events should be able to

Chile’s Claudio Romero practices his discus throw

pose a challenge for medals, as they were chosen based on their respective events that were closer to the Steeplechase and Hurdles.

The hurdlers are Hosea Glen and Terrence Fraser, while Nigel Gonsalves and Ronaldo Wishart have promised to run their hearts out in the Steeplechase in a bid to do Guyana proud.

Caesar, Phillips and Rogers will be expecting stiff competition from their Brazilian counterparts, as Brazil boasts the best sprint team in South America and are also the defending champions, having won the last staging of the Youth Games in Ecuador by amassing a total of 39 medals, including 17 gold. In that year, Ecuador had finished second place; however, Guyana will be hoping to go one better.

Brazilian female sprinter Lorraine Barbosa Martins

is one standout athletes of whom much is expected. The Brazilian lineup comprises largely of seasoned athletes who have performed at a previous staging of the South American Junior Championships.

This weekend will see well over 300 athletes from across 12 different South American countries compete for top spots and a chance to travel to the World Championship in 2018.

Tickets to the Games cost $500 each, and are available at the Leonora Synthetic Track, White Castle Fish Shop, the LOC office on Light Street, and the head office of the GOA. These tickets are for admittance for the morning and evening sessions.

Today’s action starts at 6:30 AM with the 10,000 Metres Walk Race, and will end mid-morning with the

1500 metres Men’s final.

Action will resume in the afternoon at 5:00PM and continue to 10:00PM. In the afternoon session, the highly anticipated 100 Metres Men’s and women’s final will be run off.

Guyana’s contingent is comprised as follows: (Girls) Kenisha Phillips, Onasha Rogers, Avon Samuels, Collia Rowe, Joanna Archer, Claudrice McKoy, Serena Williams, Leyanna Charles, Kezra Murray, Delcia Harper, Tatyana Blair, Shontel Browne, Chantoba Bright, Ruth Sanmoogan, Mian McPherson, Kimberly Hilliman, Jamacia Scott, Cassie Small, Tonya Rawlins, Tiffauna Garnett and Tandiaka Haynes.

(Boys): Compton Caesar, Tyrell Peters, Laurindo Prince, Daniel Williams, Anfernee Headecker, Samuel Lynch, Ruel Chester, Matthew McKenzie, Rondell Newton, Rickie Williams, Joshua Williams, Ronaldo Wishart, Nigel Gonsalves, Terrence Fraser, Anthony Williams, Ronaldo Greene, Jermaine Simmons, Timothy Sealy, Tremaine Beckles, Jonathan Garnett, Jermaine King, Ryan Bramble, Dennis Roberts, Stayon Wilson, Jonathon Copeland and Tevin Nicholson.

GCB/Hand-in-Hand U-19 50-Over…

Classy Ali-Mohamed ensures Demerara defend title

By Akeem Greene

A

ll-rounder Renaldo AliMohamed stroked a delightful 56-ball 52 not-out to lead his team to a comprehensive six-wicket victory over the National Under-17 team and ensure Demerara retain their Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) Hand-in-Hand Under-19 50-Over title on Friday at the National Stadium, Providence.

Ali-Mohamed’s match winning innings contained seven fours and two sixes, which helped shepherd his team to the target of 131 after they had slipped to 77 for 4.

Ramnarine Chatura was the other unbeaten batsman on 15, as captain

The victorious Demerara team with Colin Stuart (second right) TDO of GCB

and left-arm spinner Ashmead Nedd bowled 10 tidy overs to take 2 for 20, while medium-pacer Jevon Schultz started a panic in the Demerara camp with figures of 2-31.

Openers Bhaskar Yadram (19) and Raymond Perez (13) had played all the shots in the book in their brief stay at the crease, but gifted their wickets to leave their team at 38 for 2.

Gavin Boodwah (18) and West Indies Under-19 selectee Joshua Persaud (08) were the other dismissed batsmen in the chase, which lasted all of 32.2 overs.

The Under-17s’ innings had earlier gathered some fluency, but it was

short-lived, since in-form opener Alex Algoo made only 14 runs after smashing a six and a four, and Junior Sinclair (08) was back in the hut with the score on 38 in the 11th over.

Dashing left-hander Sachin Singh (24) was beginning to look ominous after striking four boundaries, but he was bowled by leg-spinner Richie Looknauth. Likewise, Kelvon Anderson’s workman-like innings of 38 (4x4s) seemed to give his team a chance at posting a challenging total, but the constant fall of wickets saw them slip to 105 for 6 in the 40th over.

The score soon became 113 for 7, when Yadram had Pradesh Balkishun caught and bowled after the medium pace of Ali-Mohamed had bowled Schultz, to sink the Select Under-17 even further at 120 for 8, before Yadram had Nigel Deodat caught by wicket-keeper Persaud, to wrap up the innings at 130 off 48.4 overs.

Yadram’s medium pace accounted for 4-37 in 9.4 overs; while Looknauth snared 3-20 from 10 overs, inclusive of 6 maidens. Ali-Mohammed took 2-38.

The three-day leg of the tournament will commence on Sunday at 10:00hrs at the Everest Cricket Club (ECC) and Police Sports Club (PSC) grounds respectively.

Essequibo will oppose Demerara at Police, while Berbice will clash with the National Select Under-17 team at Everest.

SA Youth Championships begin today

CARIFTA Gold medallist Compton Caesar will be in action this evening

F

ifty Guyanese athletes will be seeking glory today and tomorrow as the 2017 staging of the South American U-20 Championships begin this morning at the Leonora Synthetic Track, West Coast Demerara.

Today's opening will see 17 finals being contested, 12 on the track and five in the field. Tevin Nicholson will be the first Guyanese athlete to compete today in the championships, and he will be looking to medal in the 10,000 Metres Race Walk.

The opening session, which starts at 06:30hrs with the 10k walk race, will also feature preliminary-round action in the 100 and 400 metre races, where the allegedly “fastest U-20 sprinter in the Caribbean”, CARIFTA Games gold medallist Compton Caesar, will feature along with Tyrell Peters, Daniel Williams, Kenisha Phillips, Onasha Rogers and Avon Samuels.

Guyana’s athletes will, however, be coming up against the standout athletes from SA U-20 powerhouse Brazil, as well as those from Argentina, Colombia, Peru, Bolivia, Paraguay, Uruguay, Suriname, Ecuador and Chile.

The second session will get under way at 17:00hrs with the men’s decathlon, along with the finals of the women's 3000 metres. In this event, CARIFTA Games gold (3000m) and bronze (1500m) medallist Claudrice McKoy will look to add to her international medals tally. There will also be the finals of the highly anticipated 100 metre races later in the evening. President of the Athletics Association of Guyana, Aubrey Hutson, has declared his support for the Guyana contingent while noting, “I am not going to be naïve and say that every Guyanese athlete is going to get a gold medal, but (the games) will give them a true opportunity to test their potential, and they should use it to the best of their ability and don’t let any defeat be looked at negatively, but instead understand what more they need to get to the top.”

Today’s finals: Field Events

08:00hrs Men’s Hammer 17:05hrs Women’s Shot Put 17:25hrs Women’s Long Jump 18:35hrs Men’s Discus 18:50hrs Men’s Long Jump

Track Events

06:30hrs Women’s 10k Race Walk 08:55hrs Men’s 1500m 09:10hrs Women 100m Hurdles 09:20hrs Women 400m 09:40hrs Men’s 400m 18:00hrs Women’s 100m 18:10hrs Men’s 100m 18:40hrs Women’s 3000m 19:20hrs Men’s 110m Hurdles 19:30hrs Women’s 1500m 19:40hrs Men’s 800m 19:50hrs Men’s 5000m

guyanatimesgy.com

saturDAY, june 3, 2017

23

GBTI Tennis Open

Premier tennis tournament serves off

M

s Pamela Binda, Public Relations and Marketing Manager of the Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry Limited (GBTI), served the first ball to signal the start of Guyana’s premier tennis tournament, the GBTI Open Tournament, yesterday at the bank’s recreational facility.

Prior to opening the tournament, Binda reaffirmed the bank’s continuous support and commitment to the development of tennis locally. She said she is optimistic that the tournament would develop over the years; she is quite pleased with what has occurred over the past seven seasons of the tournament; and is looking forward to positive developments in this, the eighth staging of the tournament.

Jamal Goodluck, President of the Guyana Lawn Tennis Association (GLTA), has expressed gratitude to the bank for the support received over the years, and has noted that this tour-

nament is the hallmark off tennis in Guyana.

He said he expects positive developments from this event, and is looking towards a great outcome at the end of the tournament.

The two-week tournament will this year feature play in 13 categories, with the junior male division predicted to be the most competitive because of the presence of players of the likes of reigning champion Heimraj Resaul, Jordan Beaton, Mark McDonald and Joshua Kalekyezi, all vying for ‘the summit’ in this event.

The victors in the respective categories will be decided on court, but some key names will make competing for top honours in this year’s tournament very exciting and challenging.

Last year’s hysteria was in the ladies’ category, with arch-rivals Afruica Gentle and Nicola Ramdyhan going head-to-head in a final that ended in favour of the former. This time around, with Ramdyhan currently over-

seas enhancing her skills, the action in this category is predicted to be markedly less intense. Gentle, who recently won the Girls’ Under-18 Sheltez/Homesafe Security Independence Cup, is touted as the favourite to retain the title in the ladies’ category of this GBTI Tournament.

However, any lapse in her standard of play, such as occurred in the most recent match against one of her main rivals, Kalyca Fraser, could see her surrendering the title to prospects like Aretta Dey or Shelly Daly-Ramdyhan, or Cristy Campbell.

Unlike Gentle, Fraser is forecast to have very difficult times on the court against opponents like Sarah Klautky and Ciara Pooran. However, if Gentle disregards her eligibility to play in the junior girls’ category, Fraser will enter as favourite.

Reigning champion in the men’s open category, Anthony Downes, will have

an additional hurdle to surpass if he is to maintain supremacy in this event. This segment will benefit from a coincidental visit from top player Daniel Lopes, who is also attending college in Florida; and Jason Andrews and Ronald Murray are also key contenders in this category.

This two-week tournament, organised by the Guyana Lawn Tennis Association (GTA), will see play in the Men’s Open Singles and Doubles; Ladies’ Open Singles and Doubles; Men’s Over-35 Singles and Doubles; Men’s Over-45 Singles and Doubles; Mixed Doubles; Junior Boys’ Open Singles; Junior Girls’ Open Singles, and Novice Medley Singles and Doubles.

Full results for the categories in the GLTA/GBTI Tennis Open 2016 were as follows: Girls’ Open Singles winner Kalyca Fraser, runner-up Shivani Persaud; Boys’ Open Singles winner Heimraj Resaul, runner-up Keenan Persaud;

Intense rivalry is predicted in this two-week showdown

Men’s Open Singles winner Anthony Downes, runner-up Daniel Lopes; Ladies’ Open Singles winner Afruica Gentle, runner-up Nicola Ramdyhan; Men’s Open Doubles winners Anthony Downes/Harry Panday, runners-up Nicolas Fenty/ Leyland Leacock; Ladies’ Open Doubles winner Cristy Campbell/Afruica Gentle, runners-up Aretta Dey/ Nicola Ramdyhan; Mixed Open Doubles winners

Anthony Downes/Afruica Gentle, runners-up Aretta Dey/Daniel Lopes; Men’s 35 and Over winner Leyland Leacock, runner-up Godfrey Lowden; Men’s 45 and Over winner Godfrey Lowden, runner-up Harry Panday; Novice Singles winner Asif Subhan, runner-up Devon Gonsalves; Novice Medley Doubles winners Patricia Hope/Martin Campbell, runners-up Asif Subhan/Devon Gonsalves.

Anderson receives gear Nadal from LCSS NY Committee labels Y Basilashvili win one of his best

oung Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club all-rounder Kevlon Anderson has surprisingly been presented with cricketing gear comprising of a CA bat, thigh pad, batting gloves, batting pads, full spikes boots and a cricketer’s bag.

This gift came from the Lower Corentyne Secondary Schools (LCSS) Committee of New York

of the Lower Corentyne Secondary School in Rose Hall Town, Corentyne Berbice, and among its very active members are such dedicated and industrious individuals as Howard and Radha Bernstein, Riaz Bacchus, Shirley Bissoondial, Eno Indrani Chabinauth, Cecelia Vasconcellos, Ameer Gulmohamad, Sommie Jewan and Chris Lachman.

coming cricketer Kevlon Anderson with the gear, and to be part of his success.

He disclosed that members of the LCSS Committee have been following developments in the National Schools Cricket Tournament 2016/2017, and were elated that their former high school had won the tournament for the first time. The members were

Kevlon Anderson positions himself beside the gear he has received from the LCSS NY Committee

USA, and it is in recognition of his tremendous talent and outstanding performances in the recently concluded National Schools Cricket Championships.

The LCSS Committee is made up of former students

At a simple ceremony held recently, Anil Beharry, former Berbice senior all-rounder, speaking on behalf of the LCSS Committee, said that august body is honoured to support the young and up-

impressed with Anderson's captaincy and his personal contribution towards the team's success, hence they were motivated to assist this cricketing stalwart in the making.

Born in October 2000,

this dedicated national junior cricketer joined the RHTY&SC at the tender age of 10, and has represented the club at all levels, even playing in the GCB National Franchise Three Day Cricket Competition.

He has already represented Guyana at the Under-15 and Under-17 levels, and has so far scored 16 centuries and 23 half-centuries in his short career. He is also a very useful spinner.

The committee is very vibrant and is involved in many fundraising events, with proceeds being donated to several projects at the school, to benefit the students and teachers.

Anderson has thanked the LCSS NY Committee for the fine gesture in donating the gear to him, and has promised to continue working hard to succeed to a level that would make everyone proud.

Beharry, himself a former student of the school, has wished Anderson every success in the future, and has cautioned him to care the gear and make full use of them. He also strongly encouraged Anderson to keep his feet proverbially on the ground, and to stay humble, disciplined and committed.

A

fter racing through his third-round match with Nikoloz Basilashvili, Rafael Nadal was delighted with his performance at the French Open.

Rafael Nadal labelled his 6-0 6-1 6-0 destruction of Nikoloz Basilashvili at the French Open on Friday as one of the best matches he has played in his distinguished career.

Nadal completely outclassed his Georgian opponent on Court Philippe-Chatrier and was off court in 90 minutes, allowing him time to rest and prepare for his birthday on Saturday.

The nine-time champion unleashed 27 winners to his opponent's five in the third-round match, Nadal winning the first 11 games followed by the final seven.

His victory was his most emphatic at Roland Garros and Nadal acknowledged his level had been back to its best on Paris' main show court.

"Today was one of the best matches I have ever played, without a doubt," he told a media conference.

"I am really happy because I am feeling really good.

Every day my training is going very well, my practice. When I have a match, I play very well.

"I'm playing a high level of tennis. It was a very good match with very few errors, mistakes, very few options, opportunities for my opponent, who hits hard." (Sportsmax)

SATURDAY, JUNE 3, 2017

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

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South American Youth Championships 2017

Pg 22 Peruvian athletes going through their paces

Premier tennis tournament serves off

Pg 23

Pamela Binda, GBTI Public Relations and Marketing Manager (extreme left ); with Jamal Goodluck, President of GLTA (extreme left back); Grace McCalman, First Vice President (second from left); and some of the participants of the tournament

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