India's PM to visit P9 Guyana later this year
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THE BEACON OF TRUTH
Tuesday, March 13, 2018
Issue No. 3501
Region 2 REO admits to breaking law …PAC recommends disciplinary action Page 7
Father-in-law Constitutional confesses challenge to killing hearings begin at CCJ fisherman
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WHAT'S INSIDE:
Father fined for severely P8 beating 16-year-old daughter Mother denies poisoning 2 children P2 …jury hears about ‘poison’ tablets
Sovereignty of the People case Page 3
Page 9
WCD sea defence works halted Page 14
Private Sector divided over P14 UG councillor's appointment Wealth Fund must directly address needs of Guyanese – US Ambassador …urges inclusionary approach with civil society
P10
…shortage of materials cited A section of the completed works on the West Coast of Demerara carried out by the Civil Defence Commission (CDC) before materials ran out causing a halt to the repairs (Dexter Ceres photo)
Linden businessman killed during robbery Page 15
King reigns supreme: Mayor throws out noconfidence motion Page 5
PPP did not P13 look at race when it saved bauxite – Hinds …blasts Govt's handling of sugar industry
Alness P14 residents picket local NDC office over blocked passageway
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news
tuesDAY, march 13, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com
$132M Magistrates’ Courts Mother denies poisoning 2 children to be built at Grove …jury hears about ‘poison’ tablets
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wenty-five-year-old Awena Rutherford appeared before Justice Navindra Singh and a 12-member jury at the High Court on Monday to answer charges that she killed her two children by poison on March 27, 2014 at Branch Road, Mahaicony, East Coast Demerara (ECD). Represented by Attorney Adrian Thompson, the accused woman denied two counts of manslaughter as presented by State Prosecutor Tiffini Lyken, who in her opening address told the jury that oneyear-old Jabari Cadogan
Accused: Awena Rutherford
of death was uncovered during the post-mortem examination.
Dead: Jabari Cadogan
Dead: Odasia Cadogan
and four-year-old Odasia Cadogan died from pesticide poisoning. The cause
The defendant’s sister, Monica Sealey, testified that her niece and nephew
vomited after Rutherford gave them tablets to drink, claiming that they had a cold, but according to Sealey, the children did not have a cold. Sealey recalled that the four-year-old hesitated to drink the tablet. Sealey told the court that her sister and two children lived with her family, which included her husband, Curt Sealey and the two children she had at the time. The jury heard that on the fateful day, Rutherford, after taking a bath, called Jabari and Odasia to drink the tablets. The children’s aunt recalled that the oneyear-old drank his first and was playing and her sister told her niece: ‘“Why is it you can’t drink something when I give you and your brother done drink his already?’” At one point, Sealey broke down when recounting what she witnessed. Under cross-examination, she could not say whether or not her niece was coughing before she was given the tablet. Reports in 2014 were that the father of the Cadogan children had threatened to take them away from Rutherford the day before their demise. The matter continues before Justice Singh. Some 10 witnesses are set to testify.
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The proposed design of the Diamond-Grove Magistrates’ Courts building
sod-turning ceremony was held on Monday to commence construction of the Diamond-Grove Magistrates’ Courts, an edifice that would be built in the compound of the Golden Grove Police Station on the East Bank of Demerara. Acting Chancellor of the Judiciary, Madam Justice Yonette Cummings-Edwards; acting Chief Justice Madam Justice Roxane George; Justice of Appeal Arif Bulkan; other magistrates, as well as Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan were all present at the occasion. Giving brief remarks, the acting Chief Justice noted that although the ceremony was a simple one, it was quite significant. She said the new court will be constructed to
serve the Diamond-Grove community, which has seen significant growth within the last few years. “We have thought it fit to establish another court to serve this community, as we seek to ensure access to justice throughout our country,” Justice George highlighted. It emerged that this idea was introduced by former Chancellor of the Judiciary, Justice Carl Singh, who was cognizant of the fact that the entire East Bank Demerara (EBD) area, from Agricola to Timehri, was served by only the Providence Magistrate’s Court. With increased housing along this area, the Providence Magistrate’s Court has become incapable of accommodating the number of cases which arise. As such, Justice
Carl Singh had thought it best to have another court established to assist in this regard. The new court’s building, which is budgeted at approximately $132 million, will house two courtrooms, a library, two magistrates’ courts, two magistrates’ chambers, a complete registry, two offices, a holding cell and a break room; and will be equipped with an elevator. At the ceremony, a tree was planted as a representation of the growth of the justice system, and primarily the court system. Past episodes of inclement weather had occasioned some delays in commencing the construction of this building. However, the authorities are hoping that its construction will commence in the upcoming dry season.
news
Sovereignty of the People case
BRIDGE OPENINGS
The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:
Tuesday, March 13 – a night-time retraction at 02:30h and a day-time retraction from 14:30h-16:00h and Wednesday, March 14 –a night-time retraction at 03:30h and a day-time retraction from 14:30h-16:00h.
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tuesDAY, march 13, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com
Constitutional challenge hearings begin at CCJ
The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Tuesday, March 13 – 14:20h-15:50h and Wednesday, March 14 – 14:45h-16:15h.
FERRY SCHEDULE
Parika and Supenaam departure times - 05:00h, 11:00h and 16:00h daily
WEATHER TODAY
Sunny intervals with lightly cloudy skies can be expected throughout the day, with partly cloudy to clear skies expected in the evening. Overall temperatures are expected to range between 21 degrees Celsius and 30 degrees Celsius. Winds: East North-easterly to north-easterly between 1.78 metres and 6.71 metres.
High Tide: 14:11h reaching a maximum height of 2.24 metres. Low Tide: 07:44h and 20:14h reaching minimum heights of 1.08 metres and 0.92 metre respectively.
SATURDAY, MARCH 10, 2018
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Attorney General Basil Williams and his legal team
tained that sovereignty of the Constitution and the amendments that allowed Applicant Cedric Richardson’s lawyer, Senior Counsel Douglas Mendes making his submissions at the CCJ on Monday
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he Trinidad-based Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) began the first of several hearings into Government’s appeal of the sovereignty of the people case on Monday. Guyana’s Court of Appeal in February 2017 ruled in favour of applicant Cedric Richardson that the constitutional amendments by Parliament to limit the number of times a person can serve as President were unconstitutional and such a change should have been enacted via referendum. Attorneys for the opposing sides presented their arguments on Monday and sought to convince the panel of Judges to decide in their favour. Attorney General Basil Williams, SC, who led the Government team to the CCJ, said that it was the previous Government that took the legislation to the National Assembly and received full support in adding the term limit to the Constitution of Guyana. Williams was grilled by the CCJ Judges and several questions were raised during his submissions, which caused him to fumble a few times. He based most of his arguments on the Articles of the Constitution that were amended to block the third term and claimed that the ruling by the Court of Appeal was flawed. The CCJ was also informed by the Attorney General that implementing a third term limit was part of the constitutional reform process in Guyana. Williams was, therefore, asked to supply evidence to support his argument about that process to the Court, since it was not part of the original submissions. In her arguments, Solicitor General Kim Kyte contended that there has been no challenge since the amendment was made to the Constitution and, therefore, it could be assumed that the changes were accepted. She told the CCJ that there would be several negative impacts on the establishment of the various independent commissions if it upheld the Court of Appeal decision. “It will whittle away the various constitutional commissions,” Kyte said, listing the Ethnic Relations, Women and Gender Equality,
Indigenous Peoples, and Human Rights Commissions as those to be affected. Senior Counsel But Douglas Mendes, who is representing Richardson, argued that a delay in the process of challenging the law could not be used as a defence. “The passage of time does not purify a law that is unconstitutional…delay cannot constitutionalise a void act,” he stated. The top Trinidadian Attorney noted that the argument was never brought up during the proceedings in Guyana at the High Court and Court of Appeal, and, therefore, it has no basis for the matter before the CCJ. “The delay cannot effect or cannot constitutionalise an unconstitutional statute,” Mendes contended. In his submissions, he said Guyana’s courts were correct in their ruling. He made reference to a referendum needing to take place rather than the Parliament amending the Constitution on its own. R e p r e s e n t i n g Government also was Barbadian Senior Counsel Hal Gallop, who main-
the changes to the law must be protected. Turn to page 13
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tuesDAY, march 13, 2018
Views Editor: Tusika Martin News Hotline: 231-8063 Editorial: 231-0544, 223-7230, 223-7231, 225-7761 Marketing: 231-8064 Accounts: 225-6707 Mailing address: Queens Atlantic Investment Estate Industrial Site, Ruimveldt, Georgetown Email: news@guyanatimesgy.com, marketing@guyanatimesgy.com
Towards a common future
G
uyana joined 52 countries under one flag to commemorate Commonwealth Day under the 2018 theme of “Towards a Common Future”. A variety of activities, events and seminars are being organised globally, including the Commonwealth Day Service on Monday, March 12, at Westminster Abbey in London. Commonwealth Day is observed on the second Monday of March every year. It encourages individuals, communities, and organisations to take pride in the Commonwealth identity and promote the shared values and principles of peace, democracy, and equality. The Commonwealth of Nations also supports the Commonwealth Games, which is a sporting event held every four years for member countries. The day brings together the Commonwealth’s member countries to promote understanding on global issues, work towards mutual cooperation and celebrates the diversity, resilient unity and enriching values that define the Commonwealth. Commonwealth Secretary General Patricia Scotland stated in her message to mark the annual event, “With our fellow citizens, we live, learn, work and play in countries set in every continent and ocean – all 2.4 billion of us, representing a glorious spectrum of diversity and talent. It is by living and working for the good of one another, towards a common future, that we build our Commonwealth.” This year’s theme explores how the Commonwealth can address global challenges and work to create a better future for all citizens through sub-themes of sustainability, safety, prosperity, and fairness, in line with the theme of the 2018 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in London, which will be held from April 16-20 2018. According to British High Commissioner Greg Quinn, key areas of focus at the upcoming meeting include a more secure future: increasing cooperation across security challenges including global terrorism, organised crime and cyber-attacks; a more sustainable future: building the resilience of small and vulnerable States to deal with the effects of climate change and other global crises among others. He also urged Member States to work together to ensure the Commonwealth has the institutional strength to face these challenges effectively. The Commonwealth's objectives were first outlined in the 1971 Singapore Declaration, which committed the Commonwealth to the institution of world peace; promotion of representative democracy and individual liberty; the pursuit of equality and opposition to racism; the fight against poverty, ignorance, and disease; and free trade. To these were added opposition to discrimination on the basis of gender by the Lusaka Declaration of 1979 and environmental sustainability by the Langkawi Declaration of 1989. These objectives were reinforced by the Harare Declaration in 1991. The current highest-priority aims are on the promotion of democracy and development, as outlined in the 2003 Aso Rock Declaration, which was built on those in Singapore and Harare and clarified their terms of reference, stating, "We are committed to democracy, good governance, human rights, gender equality, and a more equitable sharing of the benefits of globalisation." The purpose of the voluntary Commonwealth is for international cooperation and to advance economics, social development, and human rights in member countries. Just last year, members of a Commonwealth Ministerial Group assured Guyana of the unequivocal and collective support of Commonwealth member Governments for the maintenance and preservation of Guyana’s sovereignty and territorial borders, in accordance with the 1899 Arbitral Award. Further, the Heads expressed their full support for the United Nations Secretary General to choose a means of settlement in keeping with the provisions of the Geneva Agreement of 1966, to bring the controversy to a definitive end. Recently, Commonwealth Secretary General Scotland reiterated her support for the decision of the UN Secretary General António Guterres, to refer the long-standing border controversy between Guyana and Venezuela to the International Court of Justice (ICJ). Over the years, Guyana has continued to work towards strengthening the partnership with the Commonwealth in many areas, including governance, trade, financial services, and elections.
Chenyang Wang, 16, of China who has no arms, competes in the 20-kilometre cross-country skiing at the Pyeongchang Winter Paralympics (Reuters/Carl Recine)
What happened to women of other races? Dear Editor, I was discouraged to learn that the Mayor & Councillors of the City of Georgetown, in collaboration with an entity named the ‘United Nations Association of Guyana,’ was hosting, in observance of International Women’s Day 2018, an exhibition titled ‘African Guyanese Women’ -- last Thursday, March 8, 2018, at the National Gallery of Art (Castellani House). The first question I asked was whether they would be hosting five other exhibitions for the five-other main ethnic groups of Guyana:
Those being Amerindian Guyanese Women, Indian Guyanese Women, European Guyanese Women, Portuguese Guyanese Women and Chinese Guyanese Women, and even possibly the Guyanese Women of Mixed Race. I was told that this would be the only exhibition. How could a municipality be involved in such a partisan event? The other concern is: why the involvement of the beleaguered Georgetown Municipality in such an activity? Surely their time would be better spent and their resources better utilized to help
not only African Guyanese Women, but, indeed, all Guyanese Women, should they stop: closing down their Day Care Centres, which would allow women to go to work knowing that their children are being properly cared for; should they eradicate mosquitoes in the city through fogging, which would eliminate diseases such as malaria, dengue, West Nile virus, chikungunya, yellow fever, filariasis, etc; should they improve the hygienic conditions at the Abattoir, which is supposed to produce wholesome meat; should they improve the conditions
for women vendors in the municipal markets etc. This would seem to be another political stunt by the administration of Council, because council’s track record of mistreatment of women is well known. Just look at how the last three Town Clerks, all women, were treated. Do they know the meaning of the phrase ‘Charity begins at home’? This is a proverb that expresses the overriding demands of taking care of one’s family before caring for others. Sincerely, James Mc Onnell
No critics allowed Dear Editor, Lincoln Lewis and David Hinds are the two latest casualties of the behemoth regime of David Granger. If I may, for starters give a sarcastic gesture in saying kudos to The President for doing this, should have dropped them long before now. My reason for making that statement is that these two have indeed lost their relevance to Granger and to society hence, they rightly deserve the humiliation issued to them. And the one who could have done the evil deed in the best way possible was their good friend and party comrade David Granger. Again, I say to him a job well done. The first named gentleman, who is supposedly a labour representative has somehow forgotten his role as advocate championing the rights of workers against the excesses of the government. He certainly had his duties and obligations all mixed up and
contorted. He was most urgently engaged in everything else other than things labour, simply put, he is an active public relations agent for Granger. So urgent matters for the benefit of the workers he was most reticent. What he has been, in the truest sense is a stooge for the present regime. He has been a politician dolling up to the PNC/ APNU for a long time now doing their work publishing every act of injustice, trampling on the rights of most of the hardworking people of this country as much else. Now, that "actor" role seems to have hit a snag when Lewis obviously stepped out of his league and assumed an image that he would become an independent thinker. Wrong move sir! Because, the moment he stepped out of that blind submissive role and became assertive he was promptly fired. This is the sad mistake Lewis made and a hard fall awaited him.
The other gentleman Dr David Hinds happens to be a political scientist. As such he should have had the acme or clearest mountain top knowledge into the workings of the political landscape that is called Guyana. He is also a grassroots person, having fought in the trenches for the restoration of democracy in our country. A member of a once vibrant and esteemed political party The Working People's Alliance, so there are many accolades to his name. However, in recent times he has been suffering from bouts of amnesia, the sort that makes him totally reject his primary role of being honest and forthcoming with the people as against being "politically correct." He unashamedly took up the position of a PNC apologist churning out dozens of articles glorifying the political party that he once abhorred. What brought him to such low estate is anybody's guess, that is, try-
ing desperately to stay in a marriage of convenience. Well, apparently, he too got tired of that servile role and decided to make a few comments outside of the box and again this did not sit well with the Government. He was only being accommodated until the opportune time to strike. There was bound to be a backlash of some kind. Even before this, Granger has flexed his political muscle in the dismissal of his party colleague Dr Roopnarine. Even when he returned Granger reluctantly reinstated him, he relegated him to a political nobody in this Coalition of sorts. Finally, the David Hinds and Lincoln Lewis' ought to know that they are all relics of the past, persons who should be relegated to the shameful dustbins of this country's history. Respectfully, Neil Adams
tuesDAY, march 13, 2018
guyanatimesgy.com
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News
King reigns supreme: Mayor throws out no-confidence motion …Duncan calls move “a slap in the face of local democracy”
By Lakhram Bhagirat
M
onday afternoon was filled with drama in the Chambers of the Mayor and Councillors of the City of Georgetown (M&CC) as Mayor Patricia ChaseGreen kicked out a motion of no- confidence brought against Town Clerk Royston King at the statutory meeting held then. Despite admitting to not seeking legal advice, Chase-Green utilised legal advice sought by King to throw out the motion. This motion of no- confidence in King’s abilities was tabled at Council’s last statutory meeting, on February 26, by Alliance For Change
Mayor Patricia Chase Green
self to seek the legal advice of former Magistrate Maxwell Edwards, who noted that the Council has
Councillors Sherod Duncan and Lionel Jaikaran leaving the meeting
Councillor Sherod Duncan, and it had been seconded by Deputy Mayor Lionel Jaikaran. King took it upon him-
no power to discipline the Town Clerk. Rather, it is the mandate of the Local Government Commission to so do.
According to the legal advice, which was seen by this publication, the “motion, if passed in its present form, would be otiose, nugatory, incompetent, and effectual and of no legal effect (an exercise in vain)” for a number of reasons. One such reason is because, according to the law, “a Town Clerk cannot be disciplined by the City Council, but only by the Local Government Commission of the LGCA [Local Government Commission Act], which by Ministerial Order (as gazetted) became operations on 23 October 2017.” As such, the legal advice recommended that Duncan “amend his motion by removing the vote of no-confidence wording”, and for him to allow another Councillor to move for an amendment. Following the reading of the advice, it was put to a vote for the Council to decide on whether it wanted to accept or disregard the advice. With 15 councillors accepting the advice, it was then adopted, and Duncan was advised to state whether he would like to amend the motion. He responded in the negative. “I will not change a line, a word, a full stop. I will not amend any of it. Thank you,” Duncan noted. Following that statement, Duncan said he was quite taken aback that before he could have spoken on his motion, legal advice was read. The Mayor then asked the Councillor whether he wants to amend his motion, but her question was met
A King and a grin
with only silence. “The motion in its original form would not be allowed. Could I have that ruling be recorded? The motion in its original form would not be allowed, after having the approval and agreement from the majority of the councillors sitting here to accept the legal advice by attorney-at-law and former Magistrate Mr Maxwell Edwards,” ChaseGreen ruled. Slap in the face In his motion, Duncan cited provisions in the Municipal and District Councils Act, Chap 28:01 that places the responsibility and duty of ensuring that the Municipality is managed in a “professional and competent manner by a qualified Town Clerk,” on councillors. He noted that is was based on that provision that his vote of no confidence against King stemmed. The motion stated that King has acted outside the interests of the citizens
of Georgetown and has shown gross disrespect for the Municipal and District Councils Act, Chap 28:01. Duncan cited several instances of the Town Clerk’s disregard for Chap 28:01. Following the ruling, both Duncan and Jaikran asked to be excused from the meeting Duncan explained that the fact that King is allowed to sit in on a meeting to discuss his ineptitude and to bring legal advice to state that it cannot be discussed is “incredible.” “I find that very surprising -- that legal advice would be accepted from the husband of a sitting councillor on a motion that has not been heard, which was placed on the agenda, but the legal advice is heard first (in order) to shut down the motion. I find that very bizarre, and it is a slap in the face of local democracy,” he said. Responding to the advice that the Council does
not have the authority to discipline the Town Clerk, Duncan said his motion did not call for any disciplinary action; rather, it expressed his lack of confidence in King’s abilities to manage the capital city. “A no-confidence motion is what it says: you have no confidence in the Town Clerk. The motion never called for his dismissal, it never called for his suspension; it is plainly stating that you have no confidence because of his performance on the job; that is all. By the very nature of it, we called for no disciplinary action in the motion,” Duncan noted. He has since indicated that he would be seeking legal advice before proceeding further. The kicking out of Duncan’s motion has also signalled a divide between the Coalition partners, since most of the APNU councillors were heard disagreeing with the contents of the Motion.
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Foundation
– combining science and literature can help students engage more deeply with both subjects
By Amy SchwartzbachKang, Edward Kang
T
oo often when we consider how to connect science and literacy, we think about using literature to support science. Maybe it’s reading a fictional book with a science theme, or exploring a biography of a famous scientist. But we could instead turn that around and use science experiments as a way of bringing literature to life. Or we could use literature as a way to explore some of the questions about design and ethics that arise in the work of science. As educators in Chicago, we saw that regardless of the setting, many students were not interested in science. They saw it as facts and rote memorisation. In both our classwork and our outside workshops, we needed to create more meaningful connections to the sciences, and incorporating literature allowed students to engage in a different way. The stories suddenly became something students could see, feel, and experience. They could see science as being creative. Showing students how scientific
concepts connect to things that they’re passionate about allows them to gain confidence in science. It also challenges them to move beyond the traditional expectations of science classwork to become more openminded and think creatively. How we’ve done it Using science as a support to engage students with complicated texts: “Beowulf” is a classic story filled with monsters, a venomous fire-breathing dragon, undersea scrimmages, and battle descriptions including torn limbs and bloody, severed heads – like your basic video game. Yet many of the high school students we’ve worked with were completely turned off because they found the language too difficult. Even when trying a variety of drawing and roleplaying activities, it was still hard to get all of our students to completely engage. So we created a series of science lessons to make the story more tangible. In one lesson, students are challenged to create their own 3D model of Grendel, Grendel’s mother, or the dragon.
They must support their ideas by citing evidence from the text, and make and explain inferences where specific descriptions are not available. Students create paper robots, and learn the science behind circuitry by using LEDs to make their monsters light up. Battery-powered motors make the robots move. Taking the lesson further, students can develop an arena where they set up their moving monsters to “fight” a Beowulf character. We discuss the probability of the outcomes, and discuss behavioural and physical characteristics of predators that occur in nature: What adaptations aid predators to overcome their prey? Which of these adaptations would need to occur in a monster in order for it to defeat Beowulf? Students gain a deeper sense of the literature by thinking about alternate scenarios such as: What if Beowulf had lost to Grendel? What would it mean to our sense of the poem if Beowulf did not kill the dragon? The lessons also incorporate chemistry, anatomy, and physiology to deepen inquiry and connections. We “myth-
bust” to see if these events and monsters could really exist. What is a venomous dragon, and what toxins would the dragon secrete that would make it venomous? What would a fire-breathing dragon’s diet consist of to enable it to breathe fire? What would really happen if an arm was torn off in battle? Using literature to help students understand the idea of responsibility in science: We hit upon the idea of using the story of Frankenstein to help make a potentially dry science unit on circuits more engaging. With students from the midelementary grades and up, we don’t read the novel but instead work with quotes from it to expand on what they know about the character, create deeper discussions, and incorporate reading comprehension skills. We use Frankenstein’s monster to connect students to ideas of design and ethics in science. We role-play as our own Dr Frankenstein, collecting a series of items to cobble together to build our own unique creatures. We learn about motors and circuitry to bring our mini-robots to life. After going through the process as creators, students reflect on how much of their process was spent on bringing their creature to life vs considering the design and function of their creature. This idea reconnects us to a deeper theme in the story – because the creature Dr Frankenstein created is so ugly, people assume it’s evil. The creature looks at Frankenstein and says, “Accursed creator! Why did you form a monster so hideous that even you turned from me in disgust?” Since people expect it to act like a monster, the creature eventually becomes one. Students are then challenged to consider these questions: If Frankenstein created a
beautiful creature, would people have responded to it differently? What was your process when you were deciding how your creature would look? What responsibility do scientists and inventors have to focus on the design as much as the purpose of their creation? What we’ve seen after these lessons These lessons draw in the students who don’t see
themselves as scientists – they come to see that creativity can be a part of science. And they build confidence as they realize that science is broad – not just a singular subject. The lessons challenge the science-minded students to expand and think more creatively. And they’ve drawn many students toward independent reading and inquiry. (edutopia.com)
(Continued from Saturday) By Ryan M Niemiec, PsyD
2.) This research suggests you might consider doing more learning at work. This can help you keep in the flow of work while simultaneously allowing your mind to take a break and shift gears. This flow might look something like this: You turn from an intense work project over to learning something new online from a book or a blog and then you return from that learning to learning on your work project. This approach keeps the stream of learning going, unlike the more jarring approach of shifting from a work project to a relaxation strategy that is trying to calm you and then back to the more intense work project. Example: On her breaks as a teacher, Cindy decided to use her character strength of curiosity to explore one topic that intrigued her from her teaching or that a student brought up that morning in class. Cindy would search the topic online and read commentaries or websites about the topic. This ranged from looking up students’ questions about school shootings to her looking up more information on small animals which was the topic of the class book. 3.) The activity of learning at work can also be interpersonal. What might you be able to learn from others? New skills for your job? New ways to approach a task? Example: Mary Beth took a new approach to learning in her work at the hospital. She used her strength of social intelligence to connect with nurses, occupational therapists, recreation therapists, and some physicians and learn from them. She sought out times to observe them in action, to consult with them, and to have lunch with them to learn about their approach. This helped Mary Beth become more savvy on her job and developed stronger work relationships.
Final comment
While this is a quality study published in a quality journal, we need to keep in mind that this is a study of groups of people so the findings will not apply to every individual. If you have found success in managing your stress by taking breaks to walk outside in nature, then there’s no reason to not continue to do that. At the same time, you might experiment with the findings explained here to offer you yet another approach for your stress management toolbox. (psychologytoday.com)
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tuesDAY, march 13, 2018 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM
Region 2 REO admits to breaking law …PAC recommends disciplinary action
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showdown ensued at the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) on Monday, as PAC Chairman Irfaan Ali and Regional Executive Officer (REO) Rupert Hopkinson faced off over the Region Two administration’s financial indiscretions. According to Ali, a number of disturbing trends could be observed from the explanations given to the Auditor General’s 2016 findings. He cited a section of the foreword of Hopkinson’s response where he noted the administration was not disputing it used current allocations to fund capital projects. “Are you aware that this is a contravention?” the PAC Chairman asked Hopkinson, who replied in the affirmative. “And knowing that you are aware this is a contravention, why did you contravene the regulations?” Ali asked. “Let me preface my response by saying that in all these cases, the heads of programmes met, and it is with their concurrence that this programme (was done),”
Hopkinson replied. Asked to confirm that he was admitting to breaching the law with the concurrence of the heads of programmes, Hopkinson said, “Not really.” According to the REO, all the projects were of an emergency nature. At this point, Ali slammed Hopkinson for being aware of breaches of the law, yet going ahead with the projects out of the belief that they were in the best interest of the region. “We were not aware of the breaches at the time,” Hopkinson said in response to Ali’s admonitions. “We were all caught up in the fact that we saved a lot of money. So we said, ‘Look, this is what we want done.’ We saved $250 million, we were excited about the fact that we saved,” Hopkinson replied. “And your excitement led to the breach?” Ali asked, to which Hopkinson responded, “Yes sir.” The REO’s responses did little to help his case, and an un-amused Ali berated the officer for his responses, proposing to the Finance Secretary
that disciplinary measures be pursued against Hopkinson. “A way forward has already been established. I am proposing that the Finance Secretary take the necessary action that he’s empowered to take in relation to this. I would say that he cares very little about what we’re saying, and his response via this document is even more worrying when you look at the concluding paragraphs,” Ali declared. “When you’re functioning as an accounting officer in the public service, rules and regulations are there to ensure checks and balance, transparency, accountability to standards. The Auditor General audits according to certain standards, and when an accounting officer says to you he knows what the rules are and out of excitement he went ahead without adhering to the rules, I worry,” Ali said. Way forward PAC Member Juan Edghill questioned how the administration was able to breach the law in spite of the presence
The Cotton Field Sitting Area, one of the projects under a cloud of controversy
Mahaica man nabbed with gun in haversack
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27-year-old resident of Belmont, Mahaica, East Coast Demerara was on Sunday evening arrested at a shop at Bamboo Landing,
Barima-Waini, North West District after Police, reportedly acting on information, conducted a search on a haversack he was carrying and unearthed an unli-
censed .38 revolver. Taken into custody, grilled, and later charged, the suspect is expected to make his court appearance shortly.
Regional Executive Officer (REO) Rupert Hopkinson
of the Integrated Financial Management System (IFMAS). He expressed worry that regions were fudging the numbers when approaching Central Government, and that budget line items are be-
ing inflated. Finance Secretary Hector Butts noted that the matter will be taken back to the Ministry, so it could be dealt with. He assured the PAC that its members would then be provided with an update on the way forward. Hopkinson is under fire for using savings from Current Expenditures in order to execute capital projects in Region Two. Such actions must have the approval of Finance Minister Winston Jordan. The projects included the construction of a bus shed at Dartmouth, construction of the Anna Regina Health Centre, construction of a fence at Unity Park Phase 1, construction of a fence at Unity Park Phase 2, construction of sitting area at Cotton
Field, and construction of a landing at Liberty, Pomeroon. Hopkinson’s contention is that the works were of an emergency nature, and were requested from the heads of programmes within the regional administration. In his official response, he has also stressed that the projects will benefit residents. Notably, Hopkinson, in his explanation, had stated, “We seek pardon for any contravention of policy on the grounds that the region saved $500 million from 2016 to date… On this score, the administration of Pomeroon-Supenaam Region is of the opinion that the region should be commended for its judicious spending of Government budgetary allocations…in the face of a culture of dishonesty.”
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Father fined for severely beating 16-year-old daughter
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father who beat his 16-year-old daughter with a steel pipe and other objects was on Monday hauled before the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts. Idenco Frederick admitted that he indeed severely beat his 16-year-old on March 5, 2018 at East La Penitence, Georgetown. The Court heard that Fredericks attempted to question his daughter, who
came home late from school. However, the teenager reportedly gave rude responses to her father, which annoyed him and prompted him to snatch her by her hair and throw her to the ground before he proceeded to deal her several slaps. The young woman reportedly told her father “why you nah kill me and done?” which further angered him, the court heard. It was reported that
Frederick took up a scrubbing board and dealt the teenager several lashes. She attempted to escape him, but he pursued her and in the process, took up a steel pipe which he used to continue beating her. The teen went to school the following day and a teacher observed marks of violence about her body and called the Welfare Department. A medical examination carried out on
her showed multiple wounds and abrasions about her body. According to Police Prosecutor Arvin Moore, the Police were called, and the father was arrested and charged. After having an in-camera discussion with the young lady and her mother, Magistrate Judy Latchman fined the father $100,000. If he defaults on paying the fine, that will result in one month’s imprisonment.
“Whistle” charged for wounding security guards
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n office assistant who reportedly lashed two Club 704 security guards with a broken bottle about their faces was on Monday charged for the offence and taken before city Magistrate Judy Latchman. Twenty-seven-year-old Leon “Whistle” Duncan, of Lot 1977 Williams
Street, Festival City, North Ruimveldt, denied the charge which stated that on February 23, 2018 at Lamaha Street, he wounded Gremie Adams and Kenrick Maynard. According to Duncan’s Attorney, Mark Waldron, his client was a victim of mistaken identity. He ex-
plained that there was an altercation with the security guards and others and the complainants were struck. He claimed that Duncan was wrongfully identified as he was not the person who was involved in the incident. However, Police Prosecutor Arvin Moore revealed his facts, which stat-
ed that the defendant carried out the act. As such, he objected to bail being granted based on the seriousness of the offence and the penalty attached. Bail was granted in the sum of $80,000 for each offence, and Duncan was expected to return to court on March 26, 2018.
Labourer accused of snatching gold chains remanded
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icardo Watson, a labourer of Garnett Street, Campbellville, Georgetown, was on Monday arraigned before Principal Magistrate Judy Latchman on an allegation detail-
ing that on January 14, 2018 at Bourda Market, he robbed Kerryann Haywood of two gold chains valued at $215,000. Haywood reportedly was walking in the Bourda Market when the
21-year-old Watson sneaked up from behind, snatched her chains, and made good his escape. However, on March 9, 2018, as Haywood was walking along Sheriff Street Georgetown, she saw
Watson and she called the Police, who responded and arrested Watson. Watson denied the charge before Magistrate Latchman, but was remanded until March 26, 2018.
Mechanic charged for accepting stolen property
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mechanic found himself before the courts on Monday after he reportedly accepted stolen property from an alleged bandit. Aubry Evans, of Lot 1637 Parfaite Harmonie, West Bank Demerara, denied that on March 2, 2018 at Brickdam, Georgetown, he accepted from Randy Smith a number of power shocks valued $210,000, property of Anthony Singh, knowing same to be feloniously stolen. Police Prosecutor Arvin Moore revealed to the court that the Virtual Complainant (VC) parked his motor car PRR 5795 with the items inside. However, upon his return, he found that the items were missing. As such, the Police were called to the scene. Following investigations Smith was arrested and he reportedly admitted that he gave the stolen items to Evans. As such, the 47-year-old man was arrested, and he admitted to being given the items by Smith. He was later charged. His Attorney, Paul Fung-A-Fat asked that the articles be returned to the VC and for reasonable bail on the grounds that his client was willing to assist the Police with their investigations. Magistrate Judy Latchman granted the defendant $60,000 bail. The case continues on March 26, 2018.
Not even…
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…a cuirass? n case you wondered why Europe’s indignant about the Tariffs Trump slapped on aluminium and steel imports, just consider the outright ban on our catfish family – gilbakka, cuirass, hassar (yes, it’s a catfish!) and “catfish”. It’s all about restricting world trade, which isn’t kosher. For hundreds of years, these developed countries had been pushing “free trade” -- which means not imposing measures that would increase costs at the point of entry -- when THEY had stuff they wanted to push down our throats. But now that the shoe’s on the other foot, they’re throwing up barriers faster than you can say “Mexican Wall”!! Now, after WWII, there were attempts to regulate these regulations - first by GATT and then the WTO -and to approve some “reasonable” ones. Trump tried to justify his tariffs by claiming the exception of “national security”!! They don’t have enough steel to make those drones they fly over Afghanistan? Now, if importing steel and aluminium cheaply was undermining American “national security”, why make an exception for Canada, who’s the largest exporter to them? Jeez!! Sadly, the REAL reason for Trump’s action is to influence an election that’s going on right now in Pennsylvania – where several factories that were big in steel manufacturing had to be closed down because the imports were cheaper. So other countries (not to mention US consumers, who will have to pay higher prices for stuff that has steel or aluminium) will have to suffer just so the Republicans don’t lose a Congressional seat!! But then the Americans do have a saying: “All politics is local”! And you can’t get more local that this ban on our catfish family! Ostensibly, the Americans are saying the WTO allows restriction trade because of “sanitary (animals) and phytosanitary (plants) threats. These are: "Measures that are applied to protect human or animal life from risks arising from additives, contaminants, toxins, or disease-causing organisms in their food; to protect human life from plant- or animal-carried diseases; to protect animal or plant life from pests, diseases, or disease-causing organisms; to prevent or limit other damage to a country from the entry, establishment, or spread of pests; and to protect biodiversity". To make this stick for catfish, the US had to changes the rules of the game by moving it to an agency that imposes much stricter tests!! But like with the steel and aluminium tariffs, there are domestic reasons for the sly move. In this case, the US catfish producers in the US southern states of Alabama, Arkansas, Mississippi and Texas, facing cheaper imports from Vietnam, pressured the federal government. And presto!!...the ban!! But look at it this way: We’ll now be able to afford gillbakka here!! …an explanation You could’ve knocked your Eyewitness over with a feather!! Here, on the front page of this newspaper, was splashed a picture of President Granger kowtowing to the “racist” and “genocidal” Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi!! Well, at least that was how his Director of Public Information (DPI), Imran Khan, had described Modi and his government after Jagdeo and 21 MPs of Indian Origin went to India on a PIO meet! And imagine the Guyanese delegation had Indians from the PNC and AFC also!! And not only that. Granger, the very proud person of African descent, jetted off to India even though he’d been slated to deliver the keynote address to the global meet on the “International Decade of People of African Descent” at the Marriott!! And guess who he handed over his presidential baton to – none other than Carl Greenidge, who almost took him to the mat for the PNC leader’s spot. So is Modi kosher now that Granger has genuflected to him? …Government owned UG just gave over 10 acres of its prime real estate in perpetuity to the private-public JOF Haynes Law School, being pushed by AG Basil Williams and two privateschool outfits from Jamaica. And we don’t even know if a contract was drafted, much less signed!! Exxon redux?? Readers are invited to send their comments by email to eye@guyanatimesgy.com
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tuesDAY, march 13, 2018 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM
Father-in-law confesses to killing fisherman
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he father-in-law of Muneshwar “Pig Egg” Bisnauth, the Airy Hall, Mahaicony, East Coast Demerara fisherman found dead on Sunday night – has confessed to killing him following an argument, a Police source has told Guyana Times. The 23-year-old father of one had been imbibing with his 16-year-old wife and her parents at Lot 20 Dundee, Mahaicony when, at about 18:30h, they became engaged in an intense argument. Bisnauth’s lifeless body was later discovered lying in the yard, with a gaping wound to the head. Bisnauth’s father, Kumar Bisnauth, told this publication that his son had left to go at his in-laws around 16:00h, and he received a message some
hours later, informing that he should come check on his son. “Yesterday afternoon (Sunday afternoon) about 4:00-4:30 time, he left fuh ‘go back’ (of the village). He and he father-in-law and them going go drink rum, and me nah know what them went and do deh. ‘Bout 8 o’clock time, them come give me message say that come see what happen,” the grieving man related. “Them say that he bin a walk and he fall down, and me go and me see am, and he look dead. Me tell them say, ‘Ayo call Police, ‘cause that boy nah look nice’,” he added. The elder Bisnauth related that after he told his daughter-in-law to call the Police, it was related that his son had been involved
Dead: Muneshwar Bisnauth
in an argument with his in-laws, and was leaving in haste when he slipped and hit his head. After hitting his head, Bisnauth immediately lost consciousness, the
man said he was told. Prior to the Police arriving on the scene, a medical practitioner relative of Bisnauth checked his vitals, declared that he was already dead, and requested that his body be wrapped in a sheet. The relative then immediately made contact with the Mahaicony Police Station, and ranks arrived on the scene. When the Police arrived, they began questioning Bisnauth’s wife and her parents, and found that their stories did not add up. Thus, they were taken into Police custody, where they remained at press time. The Police have said their investigations are ongoing, and a post-mortem examination is expected to be conducted on Bisnauth’s body on Wednesday.
The late Bisnauth’s relatives have said they were told by neighbours that he had been involved in an intense argument with his inlaws, and loud cussing and shouting had been followed by a scream, and then silence. “The people around deh say that them went cussing and so, and then them stop all of a sudden. When we get there, he had on only a camouflage vest and he short pants. It had this buss on he head, but no blood was on the ground,” the dead man’s cousin related. This cousin (who asked not to be named) related that the family observed that the area where Bisnauth was found had no blood or traces of flood, and reeked of bleach, suggesting that it was recently washed.
“You telling me that he fall down buss he head and then get blackout, and it had no blood deh? And to top it off, them nah try get he to the hospital, or even call the ambulance? Something nah look good! And then the people around there saying that them lash he in he head,” the relative said. The elder Bisnauth also related that his son’s in-laws had not taken kindly to their daughter’s decision to elope with his son, and would constantly hurl expletives at him whenever they were imbibing. The late Muneshwar Bisnauth has been described as having been an easygoing person. He leaves to mourn his relatives and his 11-month-old son. Police investigations are still ongoing.
India's PM to visit Guyana later this year ...Guyana is ideally placed to become a ‘solar state’ – Granger
Heads of State and delegations who attended the International Solar Alliance (ISA) Founding Conference and Solar Summit held on Sunday. In front are Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron
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resident David Granger has said Guyana’s ‘green’ development thrust is not merely about environmental and economic security, but is also about energy security. Speaking at the International Solar Alliance (ISA) Founding Conference and Solar Summit held on Sunday in New Delhi, India, the Guyana Head of State told world leaders that Guyana is strategically located in relation to the Equator, and that puts this country in an ideal position to become a ‘solar state’. “Its [Guyana’s] strategic location in the Tropic of Cancer and a mere 6.8 degrees north of the Equator makes it suited for solar energy generation. It enjoys an average of 12 hours of daylight all year round, with consistently high levels of solar insolation,” he detailed. President Granger told the high-level forum that Guyana’s low population density of 3.5 persons per square kilometre (km2) and the fact that many of its hinterland communities are small and isolated make solar energy a necessary response to the challenges of its demography and geography. He explained that the development of solar ener-
gy-generation options by reducing the negative effects of the use of fossil fuels would ensure improved air and water quality while mitigating the adverse effects of climate change. “Guyana has begun to transition to increased solar power generation and use. Solar farms are being planned and established, solar-powered street lights are being installed, and Government buildings are increasingly being equipped to use solar energy. Incentives are being offered to encourage this transition to solar technologies,” he explained. “Guyana has the physical conditions for increasing (solar power) generation, but needs technologies to develop capacity in the solar energy sector. Much more needs to be done in other fields, such as education, communication, transportation and housing,” the Head of State detailed. President Granger called on the ISA to ensure that sun-rich states such as Guyana have access to the necessary solar technologies; and urged this international body to ensure that small states benefit from investment, innovative technologies, photovoltaic infrastructure, information-sharing,
and the dissemination of scientific and technological data. He said the ISA represents a leap forward towards ensuring that solar power becomes more accessible and more affordable to more people. “Small states are limited not only in size, but usually also in human resources, technology and capital. Small states need support in the form of investment, innovative technology, infrastructural photovoltaic systems, and capacity-building in order to close the technological gap with larger and richer states. The International Solar Alliance, from the start, should support the energy ambitions of the small sunbelt states by promoting investment-financing mechanisms for solar technologies,” President Granger said. He pointed out, too, that the ISA must promote information-sharing and technology transfer relative to solar energy, and capacity-building in the solar energy sector. Guyana signed and ratified the Framework Agreement of the International Solar Alliance on January 30, 2018. The President has described the ‘Alliance’ as an essential el-
ement in ensuring energy, economic and environmental security. The ISA Framework Agreement was launched on November 30, 2015. ISA is an action-oriented international and inter-governmental organisation that aims to maximise the harnessing of solar-energy potential, modernise energy systems, universalise access to energy, accelerate economic development, and alleviate poverty. This Solar Summit was hosted jointly by the Governments of India and France. Meanwhile, President Granger and Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi have pledged to strengthen the historical ties between Guyana and India through increased cooperation. During a bilateral meeting held in New Delhi, India, Prime Minister Modi told President Granger that India is willing to do whatev-
er it can to support Guyana's development and pointed out that there are many areas for cooperation, particularly in the sugar and oil sectors. Guyana's Head of State visited India to attend the International Solar Alliance (ISA) Founding Conference and Solar Summit. During the meeting, the two leaders reviewed the scale of Guyana-India relations and agreed to continue discussions when Prime Minister Modi visits Guyana later this year. President Granger also used the opportunity to update his Indian counterpart on the developments regarding the Guyana-Venezuela border controversy and expressed his appreciation for India's support for Guyana on this matter, for which a final resolution will be sought at the International Court of Justice. This meeting follows closely on a visit to India,
in January of this year, by a delegation led by Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Carl Greenidge during which Guyana and India signed three cooperation agreements-one on renewable energy, one on cultural exchange and the framework agreement on ISA.
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tuesDAY, march 13, 2018 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM
Wealth Fund must directly address needs of Guyanese – US Ambassador …urges inclusionary approach with civil society
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US Ambassador Perry Holloway
he Sovereign Wealth Fund (SWF), which has been renamed the Natural Resource Fund, has to be formulated with the specific objective of addressing the needs of all Guyanese. This is the view of United States Ambassador to Guyana, Perry Holloway. In an oped on Monday, the diplomat noted that education, agriculture, security and health were just a few of the areas of expenditure Government must concentrate on. “Let us be clear. When I speak of a Sovereign Wealth Fund, I am talking about a fund that will immediately begin to invest in education, health, infrastructure, agriculture, and security. “I am referring to a concerted effort by all stakeholders to start a continuous conversation on how best to implement fiscal plans that directly address the needs of all Guyanese now. The urgency cannot be understated.” Holloway noted that difficult decisions would have to be made regarding managing the Fund and even on the question of future concessional borrowing. But he said that developing a comprehensive fund structure would ultimately pay off. “The development of a comprehensive sovereign wealth fund is the opportunity Guyana has been expecting to leverage the prosperity of the future into the development of the present.” “It is the right call and sends the right message to the Guyanese people and international donors and investors alike, that, above all else, Guyana is ready to come to the ta-
ble with a plan that puts long-term, sustainable fiscal planning at the service of today’s progress, while protecting tomorrow’s future. “ Noting that Guyana was “poised to be a very rich country for this region”, Holloway was optimistic about the country’s financial future. He urged politicians to use the chance to get the framework right when many other countries have not. “The input of the Guyanese people into the process will be instrumental to ensure the appropriate funds and mechanisms are in place to protect prosperity and pave a pathway to longterm growth. Ultimately, that is what will mark success, not a specific type of fund, although excellent examples exist, but a fund that builds on a future aligned with prosperity and hope.” Natural Resources Minister Raphael Trotman and Finance Minister Winston Jordan have been on trips to countries like Uganda to examine their SWF structure. Uganda, which found oil in 2006, is also expected to start production around the same time as Guyana. Trotman had spoken of consideration being given to establishing three sub-funds within the SWF. Those sub-funds – the Stabilisation Fund, Infrastructure and Social Development Fund and Citizens Participation Fund – are all expected to complement each other. But despite promises from the Government that the SWF policy would have been presented in the National Assembly and debated in 2016, this is yet to happen.
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tuesDAY, march 13, 2018 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM
2016 Audit Report
City Hall runs from criminal charges …succumbs to Auditor General’s threats …finds, submits previously ‘missing’ documents
PAC Chairman Irfaan Ali
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fter the last Public Accounts Committee (PAC) meeting, Guyana Times had reported the Auditor General’s intention to seek criminal charges if the withholding of vital information continued. It has now been revealed that City Council, in an about-turn, is cooperating in this regard. This came to light during the PAC’s considerations of the Audit Office of Guyana’s (AOG) 2016 report on Monday. City Hall Treasurer Ron McAlmont, who was previously absent due to a “doctor’s appointment”, appeared before the Committee. PAC Chairman Irfaan Ali revealed to the chambers that a number of documents, including vouchers and records Auditor General Deodat Sharma was originally unable to get, had been handed over. Ali further informed the meeting that the Auditor General has requested two months to comprehensively review the new information.
The matter did not end there, however, as PAC member Juan Edghill was unwilling to let City Hall off the hook so easily. He demanded to know from the Treasurer why City Hall could not provide the information in the first place. “We’re examining the audit report of 2016. We are in March of 2018. The Ministry of Communities’ principal accounting officer (Permanent Secretary Emil McGarrell) and the City Treasurer had ample opportunity before the finalising of the Auditor General’s Report, which was submitted at the ending of September 2017, to provide information to the Auditor General. That information was not provided. “Now that there has been a public exposure, all of a sudden the non-cooperation with the Auditor General’s Office has changed. (This) is a good development: that documents are now becoming available. (But) the last time the PAC met we expressed concern about the attitude of non-coopera-
tion. Even the Permanent Secretary said he tried and was not successful. I am not pleased that we will leave the answering of this question to the Auditor General,” Edghill said. Under a barrage of questions, McAlmont resolutely refused to provide an explanation for the delay in handing over information auditors have been after since the initial audit in 2017. His citation of the forthcoming examination of the records by the Audit Office failed to appease an infuriated Edghill, who insisted that the Treasurer be made to account for the documents. “It is unfortunate, as I said Mr Chair, that all the documents were not there, readily available at that time. As we heard, the documents were located and are with the Auditor General for them to continue to do their review,” McAlmont said in response to Edghill. Asked directly by Ali whether he was ever in possession of the documents, the Treasurer related that while the documents were always at City Hall, they were difficult to retrieve. He again expressed regret that the documents were not submitted on time. It is now expected that the PAC will wait for the AG to report on the documents he has received.
Non-cooperation
At the previous PAC meeting last month, even McGarrell had complained of lack of cooperation from City Hall. Afterwards, Auditor General Sharma
City Hall Treasurer Ron McAlmont
had revealed that another audit would be carried out at the municipality. He had made it clear that approaches would be made to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Chambers this time around, if the intransigence continued. “Normally, in the regu-
lations of the Audit Act it says that when I finish a forensic audit I can send it to the DPP for advice. The Public Accounts Committee was disappointed with the type of information we’re getting. Even the PS says he can’t get the cooperation in terms of the relevant information that he needs,”
Sharma had told this publication. The DPP is usually called in when advice on criminal charges is being sought. In the case of City Hall, this will be done if non-cooperation over the supply of records continues. McGarrell and accounting officers from various municipalities are currently being made to give account for some $401 million in capital subventions. There are nine municipalities and 62 Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs). The Audit Office of Guyana had found that as at December 31, 2016, $396.5 million was expended. From the start, City Hall’s financial status, how it spent almost $175 million and its failure to submit documentation dating from 2005 posed a challenge to the PAC.
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Five Star Backdam killing
Jury finds accused not guilty …Police investigating death threat
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arlon Marion Freeman, who was for the past several weeks on trial for murder, walked out of court a free man after a 12-member jury unanimously found him not guilty on Monday. Freeman was accused of murdering miner Timothy Adams at Turtle Creek, Five Star Backdam, North West District (NWD) on December 22, 2013. The jury considered evidence presented by the prosecution on the allegation that Freeman killed Adams before stealing his gold, following a confrontation between the two. Despite several weeks of trial and many witnesses, the jury contended otherwise, returning its verdict after some two hours of deliberations. After the accused was freed, he embraced his relatives at the High Court in Georgetown. Guyana Times understands that following one of the court hearings earlier this month, a male relative of the deceased min-
Deceased miner: Timothy Adams
er allegedly threatened Freeman, reportedly indicating that he would be killed if he is freed of the charge. The Judge was informed and statements pertaining to this allegation were provided to investigators. Meanwhile, when Freeman was freed, he told this publication that he was glad to be a free man. He also claimed that he was “set up” for the murder by another miner. When pre-
siding Judge, Justice James Bovell-Drakes told him he was “free to go”, Freeman thanked the jury for returning a not-guilty verdict. His lawyer, Folio Richards had called Wendy, Kellon and Sylvester Freeman as witnesses to support her client’s case. The prosecution’s case was built on a Police caution statement, wherein it was cited that Freeman killed Adams, because he thought the miner was going to pull a gun after he had confronted him over money that was owed to him. Police Detective Corporal Bryan James had testified that in giving the caution statement – which he had penned for the accused – Freeman said he first went to work with his uncle at Five Star Backdam, but after they “got wrong”, he went to work at Gavin Blacks’ mining camp. According to the caution statement, Freeman, a pork-knocker, was promised $5000 per day by Blacks, but after three weeks had
passed, he was paid only $30,000. He had enquired from Blacks about his money, and sometime after lunch on the day in question, he bought a “piece of weed” and then saw Adams coming to the camp about 15 minutes later. According to the caution statement, Freeman also enquired of Adams about money he too owed him, saying: “Big man, wam to me money?” “I see he go to he waist, and I didn’t know if he had a gun or wah, but I had a spoon which I sharpen and I just jook he by he neck and he fall down. After I see he ain’t moving, I get nervous,” the Police claimed the defendant told them. It was said that he then allegedly left the scene. The caution statement then cited Freeman as saying that
Marlon Freeman’s family embracing him after the verdict
the gold he later gave a female was not taken from the deceased man, but it was gold that he had in his possession. When Adams’ relatives heard the verdict, they were stunned. One female was
even seen sobbing after hearing that Freeman was acquitted. The miner’s cause of death was given as haemorrhage and shock, compounded by blunt force trauma to the head.
NAC begins awareness programme
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he National Accreditation Council-Guyana (NAC) on Monday launched its first Quality Assurance Week 2018, with the aim of highlighting the relevance of quality assurance in education, and informing persons of the NAC’s role in protecting the interests of consumers in post-secondary and tertiary education. NAC officers and staff visited the City Mall, located at Camp and Regent Streets, to engage the public on some of the services they offer. The NAC is conducting these sessions to educate the public on the importance of decision-making relative to the quality of services available at various educational institutions.
Quality Assurance Officer Natasha Persaud sharing advice on the services being offered by the NAC
The NAC hopes the public would utilise the advice given, and institutions would be motivated
to register their organisations in compliance with the National Accreditation Council Act of 2004.
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tuesDAY, march 13, 2018 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM
PPP did not look at race when it saved bauxite – Hinds …blasts Govt’s handling of sugar industry
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ecent interest in the local bauxite industry is an indication that the decision taken by the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) under the late former President Cheddi Jagan was favourable; the bauxite industry continues to provide employment and economic opportunities for communities and the country as a whole. This conviction was expressed by former Prime Minister Samuel Hinds on Sunday as he addressed thousands of persons gathered at Babu Jaan in Port Mourant, on the Corentyne Coast in East Berbice, to observe and celebrate the centenary birth anniversary of the late Guyanese President Dr. Cheddi Jagan. Hinds declared this
Government’s handling of the downsizing of the sugar industry is unprecedented, and does not take into account the multiple effects that decision would have on the lives of thousands of families in Guyana. “When we got into Government, we were met with problems in bauxite,” Hinds, who served as Prime Minister alongside President Dr Jagan in 1992, recalled. He said it is a fact that the previous People’s National Congress (PNC) Administration had plans to shut down the industry if the managers could not find a way to make bauxite profitable. “It was to be shut down. And when the managers reported to us in 1994 that they couldn’t find a way to make bauxite profitable,
Former Prime Minister Samuel Hinds
we had that commitment to close it down; but we did not close bauxite, we handled it in a way which showed that we understood that all Guyanese are Guyanese,” he added. While blasting the coalition Government’s han-
Undefended man freed of child sexual activity charge
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lenroy Frank was on Monday acquitted of a child sexual activity charge at the Sexual Offences Court. He was found not guilty by a 12-member jury, which considered the evidence presented over a few days of trial and made its decision following about two hours of
deliberations. Frank had been charged with engaging in sexual activity with a female relative in the county of Demerara. Guyana Times understands that the child was eight years old and the matter allegedly occurred in January 2013. However, the jury panel was of the view that
Frank was not guilty despite the arguments presented by lead Prosecutor Narissa Leander and Seeta Bishundial and Orinthia Schmidt. Frank opted against legal counsel and defended himself during the trial. Justice Simone MorrisRamlall presided over the Demerara High Court case.
Constitutional challenge...
Gallop argued that the amendments were done in the proper way as prescribed by the same Constitution, whereby the Parliament decided on the changes instead of the citizens of the country. Attorney Ralph Thorne, another Barbadian counsel representing Government, was, however, warned against trying to convince the court with his own values. He argued that the Court of Appeal failed to define the transition from capitalism to socialism but instead dealt with sovereignty. According to him, the Court should be heedful of defining sovereignty in a way that may have consequences for Parliament. Thorne argued strongly that the term limit was introduced in Guyana to defend the integrity of the system and create an opportunity for many instead of one person. The original decision which the Appellate Justices upheld in 2017 signalled that an amendment to the Constitution on presidential term limits, which was enacted when the National Assembly altered Article 90 via a two-thirds vote in 2000, needs a referendum to effect a final decision. This enactment was recommended by an across-
the-board Constitutional Reform Committee of 20002001. This Committee included both Government and Opposition input, and the reform received bipartisan support. In 2014, private citizen Cedric Richardson filed the challenge, arguing that Article 17 of 2001, which was passed by a two-thirds majority of the National Assembly, unconstitutionally curtailed and restricted his sovereign and democratic right and freedom as a qualified elector to elect a former President as the Executive President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana. Contending that the limit was unconstitutional and illegal, Richardson also wanted the court to determine whether the amendment with a referendum should not have been held, instead of the two-thirds majority in the National Assembly having the power to decide to limit the number of terms. The other restrictions were: to also declare unqualified to run for the presidency citizens of Guyana not resident in Guyana on Nomination Day; citizens of Guyana resident in Guyana on Nomination Day but who have not been continuously resident in Guyana for seven years prior to that date; and citizens of Guyana by
From page 3
registration. After several months in the court, acting former Chief Justice Ian Chang ruled in favour of Richardson’s argument, saying that the term limit on presidents was unconstitutional without the approval of the people through a referendum. However, the decision did not sit well with Attorney General Williams and former Speaker of the National Assembly, Raphael Trotman, both of whom were named respondents in the court action. They asked that the ruling be “wholly set aside”, but then acting Chancellor of the Judiciary, Justice Carl Singh, also upheld the High Court’s decision, stating in the Appeal Court ruling that a decision on the term limit rested with the people via a referendum, and not the National Assembly. He had sought to press the point that people should choose whom they “please to govern them,” and noted that this was essential to all other rights. On the February 2017 decision, Justice Singh was supported by Justice of Appeal BS Roy in upholding Justice Chang’s decision. Current acting Chief Justice Yonette CummingsEdwards, who also sat on the panel, had given a dissenting opinion.
dling of the sugar industry, Hinds said, “We are not at all convinced that they see all Guyanese (as Guyanese); (that) they see sugar workers as being as any other people in Guyana. That is one of our big problems with the way this Government has been handling this problem,” he lamented. An impassioned Hinds spoke about the developments that have since taken place in the bauxite industry and the Guyanese economy as a whole. He believes that the progress made under the PPP Government in the 23 years it was in office is doubtlessly commend-
able and transformational. Hinds said this could continue if his party is returned to Government at the 2020 general elections. Several Canadian mining companies operating in Guyana have pledged to invest tens of millions of US dollars in expansion projects here. This announcement was made at the just concluded Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada Convention (PDAC) held in Toronto, Canada. Chief Executive Officer of Guyana Goldfields Inc., Scott Caldwell, has said that company plans, with the introduction of underground mining, to boost annual gold production to 300,000 ounces by 2022. He said the company plans to conduct training and development of the Guyanese workforce. Government currently receives eight per cent royalty on all the gold mined. Government officials think the company’s ongoing expansion augurs well for Guyana, as well as the company’s shareholders and stakeholders. For the period that it has been operating locally, Guyana Goldfields Inc has spent approximately
US$50 million in the local economy to acquire goods, and services such as hauling of freight, engineering, and contract mining. Despite Government’s move to close several sugar estates, many civil society bodies and other interest groups have been urging it to rethink its position and to implement plans that would address the welfare of workers; or at least put measures in place to cushion the effects of the closures. In November 2017, the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) announced plans to retrench thousands of workers. GAWU says the downsizing and subsequent closure of sugar estates would lead to the loss of more than 15,000 jobs, and the potential threat of poverty to between 50,000 and 100,000 persons. The Special Purpose Unit (SPU), which forms part of the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL), has been mandated to conduct evaluations, surveys, and inventory assessments before any steps are taken to actually sell the estates. Those activities have already commenced.
Teen remanded for stealing iPhone 7
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ineteen-year-old Rickford Marcus of Lot 497 South Sophia, Greater Georgetown found himself on Monday arraigned before City Magistrate Judy Latchman on a charge of snatching an iPhone 7. He denied that, on March 11, 2018 at South Road,
Georgetown, he stole the phone, valued at $140,000. Police Prosecutor Arvin Moore told the court that the teen was seen by the virtual complainant in the Stabroek Market area after he had stolen the phone. Thus the Police were called, he was arrested, and the phone was found in his possession.
Accordingly, he was charged with the offence. Moore based his objection to Marcus being placed on bail on the nature and seriousness of the offence, and Magistrate Latchman upheld his submissions and remanded the teen to prison until March 26, when the case will again be called.
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tuesDAY, march 13, 2018 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM
WCD sea defence works halted …shortage of materials cited
A section of the seawall that was repaired using boulders
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emporary works being carried out by the Civil Defence Commission (CDC) on four sections of the West Demerara (WCD) sea defence structure which were destroyed by recent high spring tides have been halted due to shortage of materials. In an interview with Guyana Times, Chairman of the Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) of Uitvlugt/Tuschen, Vishal Ambedkar, explained that the
CDC, in collaboration with the Public Infrastructure Ministry, has effected temporary repairs along the seawall by placing boulders to fill the gaps. “What we’ve been told is that rap-facing protecting has been done; that is actually boulder face protection,” Ambedkar noted. Two construction companies were hired to mend the seawalls and construct drainage along the area. The chair-
man said members of the CDC were present at the site during the repairing of the sea defence, but he cannot definitively say whether they had physically participated in the works being done. The equipment used to repair the breakages was removed on Monday, and works have been halted due to shortage of materials, Ambedkar explained. “What we’ve been told is that the machinery that were working there have been removed. They are awaiting new materials, and as soon as those materials are available to them, they will be going back on site,” the chairman explained during a visit by Guyana Times. Asked when the sea defence structures would be permanently fixed, he noted, “The Minister of State, Joseph Harmon, has indicated to us that they will be send-
Massive waves hit the Uitvlugt sea defence with blinding force
ing a team from the respective agency (to look) at the sea defence, to do an assessment of what needs to be done.” Residents of the area are presently still engaged in cleaning-up activities, and damages are still being assessed. Ambedkar said that residents were informed that another high tide will occur around Easter. He added, “With climate change, it’s evident that the situation that oc-
curred here will definitely happen again. Our task here at the NDC will be trying to minimize the effects of flooding in the future.” The NDC of Uitvlugt/ Tuschen has always assisted with the cleaning of drains and the removal of garbage along the coast. Ambedkar noted that the Minister of State had also informed last week that compensation will be given to the residents, but it is not known whether all
damages would attract compensation. “There will be need for financial assistance based on our assessment, so that persons can have their livelihoods restored,” he told this publication. PPP MP Irfaan Ali also stated that a letter which provided an update on the flooding, together with a list of emergency actions which should be taken to assist residents at the earliest opportunity, was sent to Minister Patterson. Guyana Times saw a copy of the letter, which highlighted that the Tuschen-Uitvlugt area had received immense damage, and that many other villages in the area had suffered enormously from the flooding, thus damages should be assessed there as well. The villages mentioned included Hague, Cornelia Ida, Anna Catherina, Leonora and Stewartville. (Rupadai Seenaraine)
Alness residents picket NDC over blocked passageway
Alness villagers on the picket line
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esidents of Alness Village on the Corentyne Coast in Region 6 on Monday picketed the Lancaster/Hogstye Neighbourhood Democratic Council’s (NDC’s) office, demanding that the Council remove a recently erected fence that is blocking a major passageway into the village. According to the residents, the NDC-erected fence lies across a roadway and shuts out a section of the village from accessing emergency services. The fence was constructed in January, and has since been creating great difficulty for residents, especially school children, to access their homes. The fence, erected around the NDC compound, has now replaced what was being used by the community as a road for both pedestrians and ve-
hicular traffic. Pedestrians are now forced to climb over a discarded excavator in order to gain entry into their village, but they would not allow this to continue. Retired head teacher Ella Marks told Guyana Times that all the residents want is access to and from their homes. “And to add insult to injury, they left this big old hymac [excavator] there to block the little passageway that we have! We went in and met with them, and they refused to give us any reason for doing what they did; they haven’t promised anything,” she explained. Marks has said that, based on the village map, a dam should be next to the Alness canal, but it has eroded over the years, taking several feet of the reserve on which the NDC office is situated.
“What we are saying is that they should have fixed the dam before they erected the fence,” the former head teacher decried. She said a group of residents went into the NDC, when it held its statutory meeting about three weeks ago, and explained that the roadway they had been using for decades had eroded, and it is unreasonable for the NDC to erect a fence that blocks the path they had been using. “When we told them that we need the dam because the dam had been eroded into the trench, one of the councillors said, ‘Well, if the dam fall into the trench, you all got to lift it out,’” Marks related. According to the residents, there is another access to their community, but it is a narrow, dilapidated bridge which prohibits vehicles from
crossing, again blocking emergency service providers’ entry. Speaking from the picket line on Monday, Haslyn Peters said the NDC has a duty to fix the eroded dam, which has now become a part of the canal. “We are paying rates to the NDC. If the NDC wanted to put a fence there, they should have called us first. The whole thing is absurd, they have no respect for us.” The NDC’s closest neighbour is Sally Rajigadoo. She has also been affected by the fence which now blocks the access dam. She said she is “fed up with the NDC…This is the only access to the nursery and primary; and the old people, if anything happen to them and they have to come out and go to the hospital, this is where they will have to use.” The villager also identified a shaky bridge which leads across the Alness canal. Rajigadoo told this newspaper that many parents have warned their children not to use, it because of its condition. The Lancaster/Hogstye NDC is the only NDC in Region Six (East Berbice/ Corentyne) in which the Coalition gained the majority of seats at the last Local Government Elections. Region Six has 16 NDCs.
Residents can access their properties only with great difficulty, as the NDC fence has blocked full access
Following the protect action, NDC Chairwoman Bridgette Chichester received information from the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) that a contractor had been hired to remove the derelict excavator. Chichester told Guyana Times that the NDC had requested assistance from the RDC sometime back, but the protesters were able to push the RDC to prompt action. According to the Chairwoman, the fencing on the NDC compound was deemed necessary so that the NDC can secure its assets, which include heavy-duty ma-
chinery. The Council has decided to pull back the fence by four feet to facilitate a walkway, but the residents said it is not enough, and four feet will still not allow Police vehicles to access the community. However, the protesters say what they want is a dam, as the village map indicated. The former NDC Chairman, Forbes Moore, described the action taken by the NDC to erect a fence blocking access to villagers as cruel and inhumane, and said it should not be allowed to continue. (Andrew Carmichael)
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tuesDAY, march 13, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com
Linden businessman Motion for disciplining Councillors passed killed during robbery …signalling bad blood between PNC, AFC
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inden shop owner Romel Gomes, called “Eddie”, of Buck Hill, Wismar Housing Scheme, Linden, was on Monday afternoon found dead at his place of business. The 53-year-old Gomes was discovered dead after gunshots were heard in the area at about 18:00h. Gomes was reportedly found with a suspected gunshot wound to the head, his throat slit, and his hands bound. His attackers have apparently
Councillors
P fled the scene with his vehicle, since it was reported missing. When neighbours transported Gomes to the hospi-
tal, he was pronounced dead on arrival. Police have since launched an investigation into the incident.
Private Sector divided over UG councillor’s appointment
GCCI President Deodat Indar
Allison Butters-Grant
PSC Chairman Eddie Boyer
uyana’s two major private sector bodies, the Private Sector Commission (PSC) and the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI), are now going after each other following the appointment of Ms Allison Butters-Grant as the business representative on the University of Guyana Council. The Private Sector Commission, on Friday last, issued a statement expressing disappointment and dissatisfaction with the appointment of the business representative on the Council of the University of Guyana. The PSC claimed receiving correspondence from the Education Ministry’s Permanent a Secretary requesting nominee to serve on the Council of the University of Guyana, and in response nominated the head of the Consultative Association of Guyanese Industry, Samuel Goolsarran, to sit on the new council. However, the PSC’s nominee was not so placed, the Education Ministry instead appointing Ms ButtersGrant as the business representative. The PSC is accordingly calling for this to be rectified forthwith. In response to this development, the GCCI on Monday said it wishes to publicly support the appointment of Ms Butters-Grant. “The GCCI has taken note of recent negative press regarding the appointment of Ms Butters-Grant to the University of Guyana Council. Ms Butters-Grant is the immediate past secretary of the Chamber, and has laboured for the chamber in this capacity, as well as (be-
ing) a past Councillor. She has served the Chamber in a positive way, and has distinguished herself as a member of the Chamber. As such, we have full confidence in her ability to discharge the duties of a Councillor of the University of Guyana,” the GCCI said in a statement. The University of Guyana Act 1963, Section 13, subsection 2 (j) speaks to ‘four (4) persons to be nominated by such non-governmental organisations as in the opinion of the Minister are most representative of the interests of Women, Farmers, Amerindians and Business. The GCCI said it was based on the current law that Education Minister Nicolette Henry saw Butters-Grant as fit to serve, and appointed her as the business community’s representative. “Hence the statement emanating from the Private Sector Commission (PSC) was unwarranted,” the GCCI statement concluded. Following that statement, the PSC issued another statement on Monday, saying it has since written Minister of State, Joseph Harmon, asking that the exclusion of its nominee be corrected. The PSC also expressed its concern publicly in a press release issued on March 9, 2018. The press release raised no objection to the nomination of any person on the Council, but emphasised disappointment that the PSC nominee had not been considered. It pointed out that this has been custom and practice over the last twenty-five years, and it is important that the business community’s voice be represented on the Council, as is required by the Constitution
of the University. “The PSC stands by that position,” the statement read. The PSC additionally said it is unfortunate and regrettable that its statement was interpreted as an objection to any person on the University’s Council.
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eoples National Congress Reform (PNCR) Councillors Heston Bostwick and Monica Thomas have tabled a motion calling for the Mayor and City Councillors to discipline AFC’s Sherod Duncan for unethical behaviour. The motion, tabled by Bostwick and seconded by Thomas, suddenly appeared on the Agenda for Monday’s Statutory Meeting at the time when Duncan’s motion of no-confidence against Town Clerk and PNCR senior member Royston King was scheduled to be debated. Bostwick’s motion outlined instances of Duncan’s unethical behaviour in contravention of the Standing Orders of the Municipal and Districts Councils Act, Chapter 28:01. He said that under the Standing Orders, all councillors are expected to ensure the integrity of the Council in which they serve by conducting themselves in a manner that would not affect the image and reputation of the council and the city of Georgetown. The Councillor referred to the no-confidence motion and accused Duncan of leaking it to the media along with other “inaccurate infor-
PNCR Councillor Heston Bostwick
mation.” “And whereas this action of Councillor Sherod Avery Duncan (in giving copies of the motion to certain sections of the media) appeared to have been calculated to allow the contents of the motion to be ventilated, and to instigate public ridicule against the Town Clerk of the City of Georgetown…,” the motion stated. He called for the Council to repudiate the unethical action of Duncan, and encouraged the Mayor to enforce the Standing Orders set out in Chapter 28:01 in relation to the conduct of councillors. “Be it further resolved that this Council give
Councillor Sherod Avery Duncan fourteen (14) days to show cause why he should not be brought before a special disciplinary committee to be sanctioned for his unethical conduct. The committee should be appointed by this Council for this purpose, and appointment of the members of the Committee and the Terms of Reference should be decided by this Council,” the motion read. However, prior to the debate of the Motion, Mayor Patricia Chase-Green said Bostwick should amend his motion to delete the resolve clause aforementioned, and Councillor Ivelaw Henry moved that motion. Bostwick said penalties for unethical conduct are spelled out in Chapter 28:01, and that his motion only seeks to enforce them. He added that he is a stickler for discipline. However, Councillor Bisram Kuppen called the motion null and void, noting that it should be withdrawn, since Duncan has the right to provide information that benefits and informs his constituents. In the end the motion was passed with 16 in favour, two against and one abstention. (Lakhram Bhagirat)
‘Step-Down Care’ facility to be reopened soon
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esidents of Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara) will soon benefit from the reopening of its National Tuberculosis (TB) in-patient facility, also known as the “Step-Down Care Centre” located at the West Demerara Regional Hospital (WDRH). It is expected to be recommissioned on April 7. This was revealed by National Tuberculosis Programme Manager, Dr Jeetendra Mohanlall, on Friday during a visit to the facility by Minister within the Public Health Ministry, Dr Karen Cummings. The Step-Down Care facility serves as an in-patient unit for persons with severe cases of TB that may require greater attention. “We saw the need for this (in-patient facility) since a lot of our patients need nutritional and psycho-social support, especially those who are multi-drug resistant and could take as long as 18 months to two years to be treated and cured,” Dr Mohanlall was quoted by the Department of Public Information as saying. The Programme Manager said the Centre would cater
Minister within the Public Health Ministry, Dr Karen Cummings and Director of Regional Health Services, Dr Kay Shako touring the ‘Step-Down Care’ facility
for 18 to 20 beds, including isolation rooms for both male and female patients, with a pharmacy, kitchen, and laundry among other areas factored in. Minister Cummings said while she was satisfied with the current state of the facility, she expected other amenities to be offered that would not only benefit the patients but the staff assigned to the facility as well. The Minister stressed that although the number of TB cases has been reduced significantly, the Public Health Ministry wanted to ensure that in addition to testing and treatment offered at the facility for
chronic patients, an appropriate facility is in place to care for the patients.
According to statistics, during 2015, Region Four accounted for more than 50 per cent of the 439 new cases of TB recorded. The disease was extremely low in Regions Five, Eight and Nine, with a total of 18 new cases. Region Nine, however, recorded the lowest incidence – two cases, and Region Five the highest with ten. In Regions One, Two, Three, Six, Seven and Ten, new cases ranged between 15 and 37, with Region Seven recording the lowest and Region Three the highest.
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guyanatimesgy.com
tuesDAY, march 13, 2018
Regional
Venezuelan Opposition asks UN Colombia election: FARC not to send observers to May vote fails to win support in 1st national vote V enezuela’s Opposition alliance called on the United Nations on Monday not to send observers to the presidential election on May 20 to avoid legitimising a poll it says is rigged in favour of Socialist President Nicolás Maduro. Maduro, who is seeking re-election amid an economic collapse that has sent a tide of migrants to neighbouring countries, has asked the United Nations to send observers to the vote. The main Opposition coalition is boycotting the election on the grounds that the elections council has historically favoured the ruling Socialist Party, and because the best-known candidates have been jailed or barred
President Nicolás Maduro has asked the United Nations to send observers to the vote
from holding office. “What we have asked the United Nations today is not to validate the electoral fraud in May,” said legislator Delsa Solorzano of the Broad Front coalition at a
small demonstration outside a U. office in Caracas. She added that any UN mission should “be only for human rights issues, not to validate a dictatorship”. A UN spokesman con-
tacted via email said the Government’s request for a mission had been received. “But our position on all such matters is that the sending of electoral observers requires a mandate from one of the UN’s Member State bodies” such as the Security Council or General Assembly, wrote spokesman Farhan Aziz Haq. “If the (General Assembly) or the Security Council were to provide a mandate, we would respond accordingly. But neither has done so up until now.” Opposition leaders are planning a protest on Saturday to demand better conditions for the upcoming vote. (Excerpt from Reuters)
Chile’s 1st female Mapuche lawmakers given warm welcome
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milia Nuyado and Aracely Leuquén on Sunday became the first two women of the indigenous Mapuche group to become members of Chile’s Congress. They received rapturous applause from their fellow lawmakers when they cast their first votes in the lower house. Both Nuyado and Leuquén represent the southern Araucanía region, where a conflict between the Mapuche and the State has been intensifying. President Sebastián Piñera referred to the conflict at his inauguration. The President said that he would make solving the
Emilia Nuyado cast her first vote in the Chamber of Deputies on Sunday
centuries-old conflict with the Mapuche one of his priorities. Before the arrival of the Spanish in the 16th Century, the Mapuche inhabited a vast swathe of
land in southern Chile. Renowned for their ferocity, they successfully resisted conquest until the late 19th Century, when they were rounded up into small communities.
Much of their land was sold off to farmers and forestry companies. In recent years, the Mapuche have waged a sometimes violent campaign to win back that land. The issue recently came to global attention when Pope Francis travelled to the region and said that “destructive violence” between the indigenous Mapuche people and the State was not the answer. Tensions between the Mapuche and the State have increased in recent years, with armed groups burning houses, churches, lorries and forest plantations with increasing frequency. (Excerpt
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Bartlett said the tourism industry is a “significant driver” of Jamaica’s economy, noting that it has been the fastest growing sector, and the largest contributor to global Gross Domestic Product (GDP), over the last 10 years. He said the industry employed 10 per cent of the global workforce, and accounted for more than 30 per cent of trade in services. “Tourism today has become a mammoth industry, that has embraced more than 79 countries,” he stated. (Excerpt from Caribbean360)
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he Bahamas Government said it was “disappointed” that the European Union (EU) was moving to name the Caribbean Community (Caricom) country as a tax haven later this week. Finance Minister, K Peter Turnquest, who is also the Deputy Prime Minister, said that Nassau has learnt that the EU Code of Conduct Group (COCG) will be making a recommendation to the Council of the European Union this week to include The Bahamas on the EU List of non-cooperative jurisdictions for tax purposes.
“Throughout this process, The Bahamas has consistently been engaged with the OECD (Organisation of Economic Cooperation and Development) and the COCG on the EU listing criteria – including as late as last week. Therefore, this latest move is particularly surprising to us,” Turnquest said in a statement. Last week, international media reports indicated that St Lucia will join its Caribbean neighbours Barbados and Grenada in being removed from a list of tax havens drawn up by the EU. (Excerpt from CMC)
5-year-old killed by falling wall in Trinidad
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five-year-old boy was crushed to death by a wall as he watered plants at his home in Trinidad on Sunday. Pawaan Granger died
in the hands of his father, Mikahail Granger as he rushed him to the Fyzabad Health Centre for help. Mikahail said that he was inside the house with his wife, Natasha, when
they saw Pawaan walk to the front yard and within minutes heard a crashing noise and saw a portion of a wall to the side of the house on Pawaan’s head. An autopsy was ex-
compared to previous years, when it has sometimes been marred by violence. The right-wing parties performed best, but still fell short of an overall majority. The FARC was never expected to win lots of seats – they had plenty of critics who felt it was too soon for the former guerrilla fighters to be running for Congress. But these results just underline that no matter how much influence they used to exert over the country during the conflict, now they’ve laid down their weapons, their power has all but disappeared. The congressional vote was seen as a test for President Juan Manuel Santos – his government had been criticised for what many feel was a peace deal that was too lenient towards the FARC. (Excerpt from BBC News)
St Vincent jurist to head Caribbean Court of Justice
from BBC News)
Jamaica gets record Bahamas “disappointed” visitor arrivals for 1st at EU move to blacklist it as tax haven 2 months of 2018
amaican Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett is reporting that Jamaica recorded increased visitor arrivals for the first two months of the year. “We ended January at 12 per cent over last year, and February is still going ahead of last year,” the Minister said. Data from the Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB) showed that a record 4.3 million tourists visited Jamaica in 2017, providing a revenue flow of approximately US$3 billion.
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olombia’s conservative parties, opposed to the 2016 peace deal with FARC rebels, have taken the lead in the country’s elections. Sunday’s vote was the first in which the former FARC guerrillas, now a political party, took part. With more than 90 per cent of votes counted, ex-President Álvaro Uribe’s Democratic Centre party won the most seats. The FARC performed poorly, in line with expectations – but is guaranteed some seats by the peace agreement. It received just 0.4 per cent of the total number of votes – but will receive five seats in each of the two chambers of Parliament. Final official results were expected later on Monday. Polling was also reported to be unusually peaceful
pected to be conducted on Monday, but preliminary reports suggest that Pawaan suffered a fractured skull and broken neck. (CMC)
Justice Adrian Saunders
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rominent St Vincent and the Grenadines jurist, Justice Adrian Saunders will become the third person to head the Trinidad-based Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) that was established in 2001 to replace the London-based Privy Council as the region’s final court. Outgoing CCJ President, Sir Dennis Byron, who is due to leave office in July, made the announcement at the 10th Annual CCJ International Law Moot Competition in Trinidad over the weekend, Earlier this month, Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley confirmed that the issue had been discussed at the Caricom Inter-Sessional summit in Haiti and that the regional leaders had agreed to the nomination of Justice Saunders. Trinidad and Tobago jurist, Michael de La Bastide was the first person to head the CCJ, which
also functions as an international court interpreting the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas that governs the 15-member regional integration movement, CARICOM. Justice Saunders, who has been a judge with the CCJ since its inception, is a graduate of the University of the West Indies (Cave Hill) and was called to the Bar of St Vincent and the Grenadines in 1977. He remained in private practice as a barrister and solicitor until 1996 becoming also the senior partner in the firm of Saunders & Huggins. In 1996, Saunders was appointed as a judge of the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court (ECSC) and in 2003, he was confirmed as a Justice of Appeal of the ECSC. One year later, he was appointed to act as Chief Justice of that Court. In 2005, Saunders was sworn in as a judge of the Caribbean Court of Justice.
(Excerpt from CMC)
tuesDAY, march 13, 2018
guyanatimesgy.com
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Around the World
Highly likely Russia behind Nepal air crash: 49 dead as plane veers off Kathmandu runway spy attack – UK PM
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ormer spy Sergei Skripal and his daughter were poisoned by a military-grade nerve agent of a type developed by Russia, United Kingdom Prime Minister Theresa May has told Members of Parliament (MPs). The PM said it was “highly likely” Russia was responsible for the Salisbury attack. The Foreign Office summoned Russia’s Ambassador to provide an explanation. May said if there was no “credible response” by the end of today, the UK would conclude there has been an “unlawful use of force” by Moscow. The chemical used in the attack, the PM said, has been identified as one of a group of nerve agents known as Novichok. May said: “Either this was a direct action by the Russian State against our country, or the Russian Government lost control of its potentially catastrophically damaging nerve agent
Former spy Sergei Skripal and his daughter
and allowed it to get into the hands of others.” She said Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson had told the Ambassador Moscow must provide “full and complete disclosure” of the Novichok programme to the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons. May said the UK must stand ready to take much more extensive measures, and these would be set out in the Commons on Wednesday should there be no adequate explanation from Russia. Retired military intel-
ligence officer Skripal, 66, and his daughter, Yulia, 33, were found slumped on a bench in Salisbury city centre on Sunday, March 4. They remain in critical but stable condition in hospital. Detective Sergeant Nick Bailey, who fell ill attending the pair, remains seriously ill, but has been talking to his family. Skripal was convicted by the Russian Government of passing secrets to MI6 in 2004, but was given refuge in the UK in 2010 as part of a “spy swap”. (Excerpt from BBC News)
plane carrying 71 passengers and crew has crashed on landing at Nepal’s Kathmandu airport, killing 49 people, according to Police. Rescuers pulled bodies from the charred wreckage of the plane, operated by Bangladeshi airline USBangla, after a raging fire was put out. The airline has blamed air traffic control, but the airport says the plane approached from the wrong direction. Flight BS211 veered off the runway while landing on Monday afternoon. The exact cause of the crash remains unclear and Nepalese Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli promised an immediate investigation. However, a recording of the conversation between the pilot and air traffic con-
A survivor said the plane had begun to behave strangely as it approached Kathmandu
trol minutes before the plane crashed suggests some misunderstanding over which end of the sole runway the plane was cleared to land on. Moments before the plane crash-landed, an air traffic controller is heard in the recording obtained
by the BBC from air traffic monitor LiveATC telling the pilot: “I say again, turn!” Twenty-two people are being treated in hospital for injuries, Police spokesperson Manoj Neupane told the BBC’s Nepali service. (Excerpt
from BBC News)
China may pare back ‘divisive’ eastern Europe summits
Trump-Russia: Putin criticised for Jewish “election meddling” remark
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ussian President Vladimir Putin faces a backlash after suggesting minority groups, including Jews, may be responsible for meddling in the 2016 US election. Putin made the comments during a US TV interview with Megyn Kelly. US lawmakers and Jewish groups are among those criticising him. Some are publicly asking US President Donald Trump to push Putin for clarification on what he meant when questioning whether certain groups were actually
Russian. Putin was being asked during the NBC interview about charges of alleged Russian meddling in the 2016 election after 13 nationals were charged by the US special counsel’s office last month. “I couldn’t care less, because they do not represent the Government, I could not care less. They do not represent the interests of the Russian State,” Putin said. “Maybe they’re not even Russians, but Ukrainians, Tatars, Jews, just with Russian citizenship. Even
that needs to be checked. “Maybe they have dual citizenship. Or maybe a green card. Maybe it was the Americans who paid them for this work. How do you know? I don’t know.” Putin has been criticised by some groups, including the Anti-Defamation League (ADL). “President Putin bizarrely has resorted to the blame game by pointing the finger at Jews and other minorities in his country,” ADL chief executive Jonathan Greenblatt said in a statement. (Excerpt from BBC News)
Chinese Premier Li Keqiang, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban and Bulgarian Prime Minister Boyko Borisov attend the China-CEEC Economic and Trade Forum in Budapest, Hungary, November 27, 2017 (file photo)
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hina is considering paring back annual summits with eastern European countries that have fuelled concerns in western capitals that Beijing is seeking to divide the continent, according to three European diplomats. The diplomats said there were indications China
could delay the next “16+1” summit, scheduled for the Bulgarian capital Sofia later this year, and hold future meetings every two years instead of on an annual basis. The possible shift comes amid unease in Beijing over criticism of the summits in Brussels, Berlin and other capitals, at a time when
the EU is discussing steps to more strictly control corporate takeovers of European firms by Chinese rivals. Wider EU-China summits have become more tense in recent years, with the past two meetings failing to produce a joint statement amid disagreements over the South China Sea and trade. (Excerpt from Reuters)
Thousands of Indian farmers end protest US pushes UN for after talks with Govt Ghouta truce as Trump
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armers in the western Indian state of Maharashtra have ended their protest over loan waivers, prices and land rights after meeting State Ministers. Ministers said disputes still pending over tribal farmers’ ownership of land would be settled within six months. They also said the Government would expand
Farmers walked for six days to reach Mumbai
the loan-waiver scheme to benefit all farmers. The farmers had said the Government was yet to implement the waiver it had promised them last year. Tens of thousands of protesters, including children, women and the elderly, had converged in the state capital, Mumbai, after walking 167 kilometres (103 miles) from Nashik district. (Excerpt from
BBC News)
Shock at massive Nigeria Senator payouts
A
Nigerian politician has revealed that senators receive 13.5 million naira (US$37,500) every month to use on expenses of their own choice. Shehu Sani, a senator for the governing All
Progressives Congress [APC] party, said there is little accountability about how the money is spent. He has called for the payments to be scrapped, saying they are a key reason why people choose to enter poli-
tics. “I decided to bust it open. It was a moral issue,” Sani told the BBC. “The National Assembly is one of the most non-transparent organs of government. It pricked my conscience and
I decided to burst the bubble and open the National Assembly to public scrutiny.” “If the expenses payment system was ended then Parliament would only be attractive to people who contribute ideas,” he said. (Excerpt from BBC News)
considers Syria options
A
day after the United Nations Security Council demanded a ceasefire across Syria in February, US Ambassador Nikki Haley – angry that Russia delayed the vote for several days and sceptical the Syrian Government would comply –- spoke with President Donald Trump. “There’s a lot of decisions to be made now,” said Haley during a visit to Central America days after the unanimous February 24 Security Council vote. “We all throw options out on the table and then the President will decide.” On Monday, Haley told the Security Council that
if the 15-member body failed to act on Syria then Washington “remains prepared to act if we must,” just as it did in April last year when the United States bombed a Syrian government air base it said was used to launch a deadly chemical weapons attack. The United States is asking the Council to adopt a new resolution demanding an immediate 30-day ceasefire in Damascus and rebel-held eastern Ghouta, where Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s forces, backed by Russia and Iran, say they are targeting “terrorist” groups shelling the capital. (Excerpt from Reuters)
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guyanatimesgy.com
tuesDAY, March 13, 2018
ARCHIE
Take a moment to make personal changes that will lift (March 21your spirits and set you on a April 19) goal-oriented path. Ask someone you've helped in the past to reciprocate. ARIES
Stop questioning everyTAURUS thing and start doing what (April 20- needs to be done. It's what you May 20) do with your time that will make a difference in the end.
dilbert
You can make personal imGEMINI provements, but take care of (May 21your responsibilities before you June 20)
do so. The order in which you do things will make a difference to others.
Consider your options before you make a fuss or get into (June 21- a disagreement with someJuly 22) one. Making a point to cooperate and compromise will better serve you when it comes to work or money matters.
CANCER
Peanuts
Friendships, love and posiLEO tive interactions with the peo(July 23- ple you deal with on a daily Aug. 22) basis will help you get along with others. Join forces to bring about positive change. Be friendly but distant VIRGO when dealing with peers. Tell (Aug. 23them just enough without ofSept. 22) fering personal information. Being a good listener will give you the edge when competitive situations crop up.
Calvin and Hobbes
You'll have good luck dealLIBRA (Sept. 23- ing with matters pertaining Oct. 23) to your relationships with others. Speak up and share your suggestions and solutions. Positive change is within reach. Romance is favored.
WORD GAME
SUDOKU
TODAY’S WORD — DIETARY (DIETARY: DYE-ih-tare-ee: Of or relating to diet.)
Time limit 50 minutes Can you find 53 or more words in DIETARY? The list will be published Monday. YESTERDAY’S WORD — MORPHOLOGY ropy ploy pogrom polo pooh pool poor poorly porgy prolog
prom holy homology homy hoop horology logo logy loom loop
loopy lymph gloom gloomy glory glyph gory groom gyro yogh
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
When faced with a stubborn individual, you are better off retreating and doing something creative and productive.
Some of your old ideas SAGITTARIUS will work well now. Changes (Nov. 23Dec. 21) to your home, lifestyle or living situation will encourage greater stability and financial security.
Average mark 36 words
moor mopy morph oology orgy orlop orology romp room roomy
Emotional matters will esSCORPIO calate when discussing personal (Oct. 24matters with a friend or relative. Nov. 22)
solution for Puzzle
Dealing with an older relCAPRICORN (Dec. 22- ative or the personal affairs Jan. 19) of someone close to you will leave you thinking about your own records and documents. Ease stress and unclutter your life. Share your emotions AQUARIUS and memories with some(Jan. 20one whom you feel will beneFeb. 19) fit from what you have to say. Words of wisdom will lead to a closer bond and wiser choices. Love conquers all. PISCES Update personal docu(Feb. 20- ments and make decisions March 20) regarding your investments and interests. Don't miss out because of your inattention to detail. Stand up and be accountable.
tuesDAY, march 13, 2018
19
Woods' resurgence GDF squeeze past Victoria Kings sends bolt of electricity through golf T R GFF Elite League III…
he defending champions, Guyana Defence Force (GDF) had to produce a solid all-round performance to defeat the resolute Victoria Kings team on Sunday at the Georgetown Football Club Ground when action in the GFF Elite League III continued. GDF emerged victorious 2 – 0 against the Kings in the feature of the double header which saw New Amsterdam United outplay Milerock FC in the curtain raiser. The GDF/Kings showdown was closely contested with both teams showcasing their dynamic abilities but it was the Army Men who gained the upper hand through a Delroy Fraser goal in the 31st minute. Resuming the second 45 minutes with GDF ahead by one possession,
Delroy Fraser
both sides found it hard to find the back of the net. However, persistence by the victorious side led to the second goal by Carlus Adams in the first minute of injuries time. Earlier in the night, Milerock and NA United battled to a goalless first half but it was the Berbician side to draw first blood in the 59th minute when Jeremy Samuels scored. They then added to Milerock’s misery with a second goal, compliments of Jamal Butts who scored six minutes later. But the Mining town side had a glimmer of hope when Colin Beckles pulled on backed in the 79th minute. With 11 minutes to go NA managed to keep their one goal lead until the regulation time whistle was sounded.
Brilliance of Rabada & AB helps South Africa level series K agiso Rabada completed his fourth 10-wicket haul in only his 28th Test as South Africa levelled the four-match series with
Villiers in successive overs. Rabada had made the vital breakthrough for his side on the third evening when he trapped top-scorer Usman
AB de Villiers made 154 runs for once out in the match (©ICC)
Australia after an absorbing Test in Port Elizabeth. But the 22-year-old fast bowler was left to sweat about his availability for the rest of the series after being reported for his second ICC Code of Conduct breach of the match. The teams now move on to Cape Town for the third Test of another epic encounter between these two pugnacious sides. South Africa have failed to win any of their seven home Test series against Australia since they were readmitted to the international game in 1992 and Rabada’s presence would seem to be central to their chances of breaking that run. Australia, who began the fourth day 41 runs ahead on 180/5, were dismissed for 239, setting South Africa 101 to win. It was not entirely plain sailing for South Africa, who lost four wickets including Hashim Amla and AB de
Khawaja lbw for 75. On the fourth morning he added three more wickets to finish with match figures of 11 for 150, which were the second-best by a South African against Australia. The only South African to have taken more 10-wicket hauls in Tests is Dale Steyn but he has played 86 matches for his total of five. Rabada now has the second-best Test strike rate of all time (38.9) among bowlers who have taken 100 or more wickets. Only the 19th-century England medium-pacer George Lohmann is ahead of him. He bowled Mitch Marsh through the gate for 45 with the last ball of the first over of the day, eight balls later had Pat Cummins caught in the gully and then had Mitchell Starc caught behind. Lungi Ngidi had Nathan Lyon caught behind, before last man Josh Hazlewood smashed a run-a-ball 17 as
Australia added 28 for the 10th wicket. South Africa lost Dean Elgar before lunch, caught and bowled by Nathan Lyon for 5, but it could have been worse for them if Mitch Marsh had held on to a slip catch off Hazlewood to dismiss Aiden Markram when he had only 7. Hazlewood did get Markram in the end, well caught in the slips by Steve Smith for 21, but that only brought to the crease de Villiers, whose first-innings unbeaten 126 was the defining contribution of the Test – even though Rabada won the Player of the Match award. De Villiers was in a mood to fin-
ish the match quickly and set about Lyon, hitting him for four and six almost immediately. He was severe on Hazlewood too and South Africa were within sight of victory at 81/2 when Amla chased a wide one from Cummins and was caught behind for 27. De Villiers went three balls later, neatly pouched at short leg by Cameron Bancroft after prodding a ball from Lyon which bounced more than expected. But there was to be no collapse and Theunis de Bruyn saw South Africa over the line when he crunched Cummins through the covers to complete the six-wicket victory. (ICC)
SCOREBOARD Australia 1st innings 243 South Africa 1st innings 382 Australia 2nd Innings (Overnight 180-5) C Bancroft b Ngidi 24 D Warner b Rabada 13 U Khawaja lbw b Rabada 75 S Smith (c) c †de Kock b Maharaj 11 S Marsh c †de Kock b Rabada 1 M Marsh b Rabada 45 T Paine † not out 28 P Cummins c de Bruyn b Rabada 5 M Starc c †de Kock b Rabada 1 N Lyon c †de Kock b Ngidi 5 J Hazlewood c Ngidi b Maharaj 17 Extras (b 2, lb 10, w 2) 14 Total (all out; 79 Overs) 239 Fall of wickets: 1-27 (Warner, 9.2 ov), 2-62 (Bancroft, 21.3 ov), 3-77 (Smith, 26.4 ov), 4-86 (S Marsh, 29.2 ov), 5-173 (Khawaja, 61.1 ov), 6-186 (M Marsh, 63.6 ov), 7-202 (Cummins, 67.2 ov), 8-204 ( Starc, 69.3 ov), 9-211 (Lyon, 72.2 ov), 10-
239 (Hazlewood, 78.6 ov) Bowling : Philander 18-556-0, Rabada 22-9-54-6, Maharaj 23-2-90-2, Ngidi 13-524-2, Markram 3-1-3-0 South Africa 2nd Innings (target: 101 runs) A Markram c Smith b Hazlewood 21 D Elgar c & b Lyon 5 H Amla c †Paine b Cummins 27 AB de Villiers c Bancroft b Lyo n 28 F du Plessis (c) not out 2 T de Bruyn not out 15 Extras (b 4) 4 Total (4 wickets; 22.5 Overs) 102 Did not Bat: Q de Kock †, V Philander, K Maharaj, K Rabada, L Ngidi Fall of wickets: 1-22 (Elgar, 5.1 ov), 2-32 (Markram, 8.6 ov), 3-81 (Amla, 18.4 ov), 4-81 (AB de Villiers, 19.1 ov) Bowling: Starc 3-0-15-0, Hazlewood 6-0-26-1, Lyon 9-044-2, Cummins 4.5-0-13-1
arely do UK headlines go to a player finishing second behind a British champion on the PGA Tour, but that was an inevitability in the wake of Tiger Woods finishing runner-up to Paul Casey last Sunday. Take nothing away from Casey's brilliant victory at the Valspar Championship, his first on the American circuit for nine years; it was a terrific performance in Florida, providing a long overdue win for the 40-year-old Englishman. But Woods grabs the limelight because his astonishing resurgence has sent a bolt of electricity through the game. The fact he was in contention at Innisbrook over the week-
the following week he looked something like the man who utterly dominated the game for two decades. All that was missing was the clinical edge he used to summon on a Sunday, a ruthlessness that earned him 14 major titles and 79 PGA Tour victories. Number 80 does not feel far away. Who knows? It may come at Bay Hill this week, where he has won on eight previous occasions. Or possibly at next month's Masters, the major he has won four times before. In January I predicted on BBC Radio 5 live that he would win at Augusta. Honestly, it was a mischievous comment aimed at stimulating a radio
Woods needed a birdie on the final hole to force a play-off at the Valspar Championship, but could only make par
end generated huge sporting attention around the world. NBC, who were televising the event in the United States, reported that their thirdround figures were up 181% and it was their highest-rated Saturday golf broadcast for a dozen years. The additional numbers tuning in over the weekend were treated to a breathtaking putting display from Casey just 21 putts in his final-round 65. But even as he celebrated this much-cherished victory, the chants from the hordes at the course were for Woods. And as Casey acknowledged, the buzz generated by the 42-year-old - playing only his fourth tour event since recovering from fusion surgery, his fourth back operation - was considerable. "I'm amazed at Tiger's clubhead speed this week - absolutely outstanding," Casey said. Woods is averaging 122.5mph, which is second on the PGA Tour's stats and during the third round registered 129.2 mph - the fastest this season. These figures show Woods has become fitter and stronger than anyone could have imagined. He looked good at the Honda Classic, where he finished 12th, while at Innisbrook
discussion and not much more. Most people laughed at the notion and with justification. After all, it was Woods himself who said at the start of 2015: "Where is the light at the end of the tunnel? I don't know." In November the following year he revealed: "If you couldn't get out of bed, how would you feel about your future about doing a lot of different things in life? That's where I was." And as recently as September last year, he said: "I'm not doing anything golf related. I don't know what the future holds for me." Now, few are laughing at the notion of him contending for a fifth Masters Green Jacket. The bookies have him as third favourite behind Dustin Johnson and Justin Thomas. This is turning into one of the greatest of sporting stories. Since his last major success at the 2008 US Open he has undergone those multiple surgeries and suffered an epic fall from grace over revelations in his private life. Woods' aura of invincibility was shattered in every respect. Yet, somehow, he has pieced it back together, bit by bit. It is a story of rehabilitation that transcends sport. (BBC)
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tuesDAY, march 13, 2018
England Lions cruise to consolation win over Windies ‘A’
E
ngland Lions achieved a consolation seven-wicket win at the end of their disappointing tour of the Caribbean, thanks to an unbeaten 50 from Sam Hain against West Indies A in Antigua. Once again, the Lions had to overcome a batting slump, as they lost three wickets for four runs, but Hain and Sam Northeast came together to put on 80, to take their side home at the Coolidge Cricket Ground. Matt Parkinson, the Lancashire legspinner, was the pick of the Lions bowlers, taking four wickets, while Richard Gleeson and Sam Curran took two apiece with the new ball. Roston Chase's 67 had helped the hosts set 166, but once Alex Davies and Nick Gubbins put on 87 for the first wicket, the match was firmly in the Lions' grasp.
Sam Hain
After West Indies won the toss and chose to bat, they were quickly reduced to 28 for 3, with Kieran Powell
hooking Gleeson to fine leg before Jermaine Blackwood holed out to third man. Curran then bowled
Devon Thomas for 5 to keep up the pressure, and though Chase found support in a fifty-run stand with Jahmar Hamilton, Parkinson returned to mop up the tail. The Lions started their response positively, with Gubbins and Davies both latching on to any loose deliveries from the Windies bowlers. Gubbins eventually pulled a Cornwall half-tracker straight to Blackwood on the boundary before Davies miscued an attempted ramp off Reifer, and when Jennings was trapped lbw by Cornwall for a duck, the pressure was beginning to build. However, Hain and Northeast carried the Lions over the line to record their first win in any of the unofficial internationals on this tour, following a clean sweep for West Indies A in the Test series. (Cricinfo)
Rabada banned for 2 Tests S
Kagiso Rabada
outh Africa fast bowler Kagiso Rabada has been banned for the remainder of his country's series with Australia following his contact with Steve Smith in the second Test. Rabada was charged with a Level 2 ICC Code of Conduct offence of "inappropriate and deliberate physical contact with a player", after he made contact with Smith with his shoulder while celebrating his dismissal of the tourists' captain on the opening day in Port Elizabeth. Following a hearing, Rabada was fined 50 per cent of his match fee and handed three demerit points, the latter sanction prompting an automatic two-match suspension for the accumulation of eight demerit points within a 24-month period. Rabada, the star of South Africa's second-Test victory with 11 wickets, will therefore play no part in the third and fourth Tests as he pays the price for a succession of disciplinary transgressions. He also accepted a second charge relating to a send-off he gave to David Warner, resulting in a further 15 per cent fine from his
match fee and an additional demerit point. Jeff Crowe, a member of the elite panel of ICC match referees, said: "I found that there was contact between Rabada and Smith, and in my judgement the contact by Rabada was inappropriate, and deliberate. "He had the opportunity to avoid the contact, and I could not see any evidence to support the argument that the contact was accidental. "It is also disappointing that this has happened the day after the prematch meeting I had with both teams, where the importance of respect for opponents was highlighted. "I take no pleasure in seeing a player suspended, particularly a young player of Kagiso’s talent, but he has now breached the ICC Code of Conduct on a number of occasions." Crowe had addressed the two teams after Warner and Quinton de Kock clashed in the first Test in Durban, with the Australia vice-captain risking a demerit point that would bring about his own suspension. South Africa captain Faf du Plessis had openly discussed the possibility of "enticing" Warner in Port Elizabeth. Rabada's ban represents a major blow to South Africa, who bounced back from losing the series-opener by winning the second Test against Australia comfortably. Australia's Mitchell Marsh also accepted a charge after using "obscene or offensive" language in Rabada's direction as South Africa wrapped up victory on the fourth day. He has been fined 20 per cent of his match fee and also handed a demerit point. (Sportsmax)
SCOREBOARD Windies A Innings (50 overs maximum) K Powell (c) c Coughlin b Gleeson 8 D Thomas b Curran 5 J Blackwood c Curran b Gleeson 3 R Chase b Parkinson 67 K Hodge st †Davies b Bess 13 R Cornwall c Northeast b Jennings J Hamilton † c Jennings b Parkinson 29 R Reifer c †Davies b Parkinson 4 J Warrican c †Davies b Parkinson 6 R Shepherd b Curran 6 O Smith not out 4 Extras (lb 4, w 14) 18 Total (all out; 38.1 Overs) 166 Fall of wickets: 1-11 (Powell, 1.3 ov), 2-20 (Blackwood, 3.6 ov), 3-28 (Thomas, 6.2 ov), 4-66 ( Hodge, 17.6 ov), 5-76 (Cornwall, 20.4 ov), 6-142 (Chase, 32.2 ov), 7-145 (Hamilton, 34.1 ov), 8-151 ( Warrican, 34.6 ov), 9-161 (Shepherd, 37.4
ov), 10-166 (Reifer, 38.1 ov) Bowling: Curran 7-0-29-2, Gleeson 6-1-25-2, Coughlin 7-130-0, Parkinson 8.1-1-26-4, Bess 7-0-36-1, Jennings 3-0-16-1 England Lions Innings (target: 167 runs from 50 overs) N Gubbins c Blackwood b Cornwall 32 A Davies † c †Hamilton b Reifer 48 S Hain not out 54 K Jennings (c) lbw b Cornwall 0 S Northeast not out 23 Extras (lb 5, nb 4, w 5) 14 Total (3 wickets; 31.1 Overs) 171 Did not bat: S Curran, M Parkinson, J Clarke, D Bess, R Gleeson, P Coughlin Fall of wickets: 1-87 (Gubbins, 11.4 ov), 2-90 (Davies, 12.6 ov), 3-91 (Jennings, 13.4 ov) Bowling : Hodge 4-1-24-0, Shepherd 2.1-0-24-0, Cornwall 10-3-26-2, Smith 3-0-41-0, Reifer 5-0-24-1, Warrican 4-017-0, Chase 3-0-10-0
Steyn's comeback delayed until end of March
Dale Steyn
S
outh Africa fast bowler Dale Steyn will only be considered for the fourth Test against Australia on March 30, and not the third as initially hoped as he continues to recover from a heel injury. Steyn was due to play for the Titans in the first-class competition on Thursday, but will not turn out for the fixture. Instead, he is targeting the final round of franchise matches, which starts on March 22, the same day as the Newlands Test, with the aim to be fit for Johannesburg. That means if South Africa are without Kagiso Rabada - who is awaiting the outcome of a hearing on a Level 2 charge - they won't have Steyn to take his place. Instead, Morne Morkel, who was left out for Lungi Ngidi, could come into contention.
Faf du Plessis was not fully aware of Steyn's situation in the immediate aftermath of the Port Elizabeth Test but his hopes of the fast bowler being available have been dashed. "I'm not 100% sure where Dale is. From my understanding, he would have needed to play a game this week, which he didn't, which would probably set him back for the third Test, I would assume," du Plessis said. "Our plan for him was to play a game. But I would be praying extra hard that he would be ready for that third Test to make sure we can have him available if he [is fit]. On the spot now, I would assume probably on the fourth Test." Steyn needs three wickets to overtake Shaun Pollock as South Africa's leading Test wicket-taker. (Cricinfo)
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Determinators, Botafago sink opponents O
ver the weekend, action in the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) Pele Alumni Frank Watson Under-15 League continued in Linden and the East Demerara Football Association (EDFA) as Botafago and Mahaica Determinators both recorded comfortable wins. Tyrell Lewis led Botafago to a 4 – 0 win over Ameila’s Ward Hi Stars at the Wisburg Secondary School Ground in Linden, on Saturday. Playing the second game after the first was called off due to Eagles United not turning up, Botafago took the lead through Lewis in the 11th minute then he completed his brace in the 20th minute.
Botafago came out in the second with a two-possession lead then piled on two more goals to put the victory beyond doubt. Adrian Samuels increased it to 3-0 in the 46th minute then Malachi Todd recorded the final goal in the 53rd minute. This Saturday another double header unravels at the same venue. Over at the Golden Grove, Trevon Adams led Determinators to a 4 – 3 win over Golden Stars in a game where the score line did not tell the entire story. Adams led the way with a hattrick as he scored in the second, 35th and 53rd minutes while his teammate Omari Walcott accounted for the other goal in the 50th min-
Bangladesh can't take batting advice from Walsh, insists BCB President
ute. Golden Stars’ Japhet Sam scored in the 15th and 48th while an own goal from the opposition’s Triston Assage gave them a glimmer of hope but it was not enough to trouble the Mahaica Squad. BV/Triumph squeezed past Buxton United 2 – 1 as Tyrice Dennis scored the equalizer and decider in the 33rd and 60th minutes to overshadow Anyika Headley’s 15th minute goal for Buxton. Meanwhile, Buxton Stars and Plaisance Panthers battled to a 1 – 1 stalemate with goals from Buxton’s Keishon Fraser (10th) and Plaisance’s Jamal Fraser (26th).
at end of USL season
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Mashrafe Mortaza (left) and Courtney Walsh
angladesh Cricket Board president Nazmul Hassan hinted that he told the team they could not expect batting advice from Windies legend Courtney Walsh despite his recent appointment as interim coach. Bangladesh’s batting was very much a sore point in the team’s first game of the Nidahas Trophy, where they made 139 all out in a six-wicket loss to India. The team’s performance was much-improved in the second match, however, as they chased 215 to beat Sri Lanka. Walsh, who was appointed two years ago as the bowling coach, took over as interim coach in the leadup to the tournament as Bangladesh continue the struggle to find a replacement. Despite Walsh's post BCB head Hassan, however, insisted the players would be better off taking batting advice from themselves and insists he told them
as much. Walsh was once the world record holder for claiming Test wickets but was also noted for his bad performances at the crease. “I sat with Mushfiqur [Rahim], Tamim [Iqbal] and [Mahmudullah] Riyad after the India game," Hassan told reporters following the game. "There was a lot of emotion in the meeting. Our batting against India was unacceptable. I told them that you didn't play cricketing shots; you only tried to swing at deliveries outside off-stump. The new boys may have done it but not Tamim, Mushfiq and Riyad. They gave away 57 (68) dot balls,” he added. "Who will bring them out of this? I am a non-technical person. They have to do this job. They have Walsh who is the interim coach but we can't expect batting plans from him. We spoke a lot about this; there were a lot of emotions. I said there's no point being emotional. Let's stick to the basics.” (Sportsmax)
Trevon Adams
Drogba to retire
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21
F
ormer Chelsea and Ivory Coast star Didier Drogba plans to retire at the end of Phoenix Rising's 2018 United Soccer League season. Drogba, now player-owner of USL side Rising, has enjoyed an illustrious career in football. The striker, who turned 40 on Sunday, started out in France, impressing with Le Mans, Guingamp and then Marseille, whom he helped to the 2003-04 UEFA Cup final, before losing 2-0 to Rafa Benitez's Valencia. His performances across Ligue 1 and the European competitions persuaded Chelsea to sign him and he became one of the most iconic players in the club's history. In his nine seasons at Stamford Bridge - including a one-year return in 2014-15 - Drogba won four Premier League titles, four FA Cups, three EFL Cups and one
Champions League, Chelsea's first. Since the end of his second spell at the club, Drogba has been plying his trade in North America, representing Montreal Impact and then heading to second-tier side Rising, a club he is now part-owner of. And, while Rising's target this season is to secure a Major League Soccer (MLS) franchise, Drogba expects to call it a day at the end of the campaign in October regardless of the club's successes. Speaking to Telefoot, Drogba said: "It's really a pleasure for me to play. I started late at the top level. "I really enjoy playing. I like my role of owner-player a lot. I'm surrounded by a lot of youngsters, and I like passing my knowhow on to them. But this season is the last. I'm 40, it's time now." (Sportsmax)
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GUYANATIMESgy.COM
tuesDAY, march 13, 2018
National Race of Champions…
Top 4
drivers to earn CMRC spot for drivers but we are looking to work around it; we are still talking to CMRA to adjust a few stuff to suit the cars so they can be competitive”. Trinidad will host the second leg of the CMRC in July and Barbados the third leg in
By Akeem Greene
I
n a bid to regain the Caribbean Motor Racing Championships (CMRC) title, President of the Guyana Motor Racing & Sports Club (GMR&SC) Ramez Mohamed is hoping to send a large contingent to the first leg of the championships in Jamaica from May 12-13. The precursor to arriving at the travelling group will be the upcoming National Race of Champions slated for March 25 at the South Dakota Circuit, an event which Mohamed posited to be very competitive given the stakes. “I can assure you of competitive racing because a lot of drivers are coming out and they are all fixing their cars to compete in the first leg of CMRC in Jamaica. They are all aiming to win since we will select the top four cars [from the various groups] to represent us in Jamaica”, the President explained in recent interview with Guyana Times Sport. After relinquishing the title in 2016 to Trinidad and Tobago, the Guyanese have found a torrid time in regaining the crown mainly due to a miniscule of traveling competitors to the three away legs.
The GMR&SC President is confident a packed grid will be taking the starting line next Sunday at the South Dakota Circuit
Last year, the twin island republic finished the four legs of the championship with a whopping 1,267 points. Guyana finished second after a remarkable performance on the final leg, finishing with 648 points while Barbados settled for third with 580 points. However, Mohamed seems optimistic the tide can turn in the favour of the Guyanese this year on the inclination an increased team will be touring. “Most of the drivers
have confirmed they are racing, especially the group 2. Trinidad score a lot of points in the lower categories especially due to our low participation but the guys have pledged to tour this year and we are looking to regain the title”. Numbers are not the only concern of the GMR&SC head but also adjusting to the new rules the Caribbean Motor Racing Association (CMRA) have implemented for the 2018. Two new classes have
been added with the much-touted ‘Group Five’ for unlimited machines and a special Group One ‘BMW Cup’. The most impactful change rests in group 2 since there will be the introduction of the 13B rotary engine. According to the GMR&SC President Ramez Mohamed rulebook, modifications are unrestrictshould have no peripheral ed but must retain production block and cylinder porting. The out of family September while the final head castings. The12A ro- engine-body swap continues leg will be held November tary engine porting is free to be outlawed in this group 10-11 at South Dakota. “The changes goes both while the 13B rotary engine ways [against and in favour]
“Get here before it’s too late” …Fitness Challenge queen Adonis urges By Akeem Greene
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The ropes was what made the difference of the day for the 20-year-old fitness enthusiast (Carl Croker Photo)
n Sunday, Delice Adonis showed us being young and healthy certainly pays and hard work inevitably brings success as she won the fourth annual Kares Engineering Fitness Challenge held at the National Park tarmac. Since 2016 the Cross Fit 592 gym member has been actively involved in fitness oriented activities and despite teammate Semonica Duke came ahead of her on the first outing at the challenge in 2017, the 20 year-old shrugged it off and came hungry for success to be number of the ten females in 2018. Her desire to succeed is not the only fascination but the faithful dedication to living a healthy life is quite inspiring. It is far from a hasty generalisation to posit many young adults of her generation are not inclined to be involved in similar actives but Adonis had a word of advice. “Get here before it’s too late; you don’t have to be competitive. It is better to be healthy when you are young than to be running to do good things for your body when
There is no giving in! Adonis pushed her heart out on the sleds to ensure she could pip Duke to the title (Akeem Greene Photo)
you are old”. Currently in her final semester for a degree in Communications at the University of Guyana, balancing the weight of gym and books has become routine. “I got introduced since I was younger and it’s kind of like an addiction and I just love working out and living a healthy life style so they go together perfectly”. Looking back at Sunday’s challenge, to say it was a tough would
be the least, a gross understatement as the popular description, “it was blood, sweat and tears” connotes perfectly in this aspect. The battle was inexplicably close but the former St. Stanislaus College student held the edge. Both Duke and Adonis were locked 480 points after the five events but the latter was given the nod for the title following a tie breaker (best out of five).
Event number five which comprised (750m Row, 4 Rope Climbs, 2 Sled Pushes with a 15 minute time cap was where the tipping point occurred. For the champ, the scale went in her favour due to an increase in intensity during preparation. “This year my training was more intense than it was last year and this year I was just pushing a lot harder in every event trying to give it my all.” She further stated, “Ropes are something I do in my training, it was just about pacing myself, knowing that is something I can do and focus on that. Focus on what I can do instead of worrying about other persons.” With a taste of victory, there is no stopping Adonis anytime in the near future as when quizzed on what lies ahead she responded, “for as long as I am healthy and I don’t have any injuries forbidding me from doing this, I will be doing this all the time”. Should training continue to go according to plan she hopes her next stop will attending a Caribbean Fitness Challenge later in the year.
tuesDAY, march 13, 2018
guyanatimesgy.com
World Cup Qualifiers…
Windies survive Dutch scare to end group stage unbeaten
Evin Lewis hits out during his 84 (©ICC)
Marlon Samuels returned to form with a classy 73 not out (©ICC)
D
espite defending 309, the Windies survived a scare before going on to win by 54 runs over the Netherlands during the ICC World Cup qualifiers in Zimbabwe on Monday. Set 310 to win, the Netherlands after the loss of two early wickets, mounted a counter-attack that rattled the Caribbean side. After Scott Edwards was needlessly run out for one and Ben Cooper bowled by Kemar Roach for 2 to have the Dutch 29 for 2, Wesley Baressi and Ryan ten Doeschate mounted a counter-attack that saw them smashing the Windies bowling to all parts. Baressi, who began relatively slowly, eventually woke up smashing eight fours in in 77-ball 64. At the other end, ten Doeschate got rolling almost immediately racing to an
unbeaten 67 off 62 balls with four fours and a six, as the Netherlands put on a 113run stand for the third-wicket in just 16.4 overs. The pair seemed poised to take the match away from the Windies when Baressi was run out by a direct hit from Evin Lewis from deep, triggering a middle-order collapse that let gave the Caribbean a glimmer of hope. A second run out occurred five balls later when ten Doeschate skied a free hit from Kesrick Williams and decided to go for two runs as the ball descended from the clouds. It proved a costly decision as Peter Borren was run out by Nurse going for that second run. The Dutch were suddenly 147 for 4 and sliding fast. Seven balls later the match was virtually over when Roelof van der Merwe came down the pitch
to Nurse and was stumped by Shai Hope for 2. By the time Pieter Seelaar was caught Chris Gayle off Williams’ bowling three overs later for 7 and the Netherlands 167 for 6, the rains came mercifully to spare the Dutch from further embarrassment. Earlier, having been sent in to bat the Windies got off to a fast start as Gayle and Lewis blasted 85 off 51 balls before the former went to a brilliant catch by van der Merwe off the bowling of Paul van Meekeren for 46. It was the six-machine at his brutal best hitting five sixes and two fours in his 31-ball cameo. Lewis would go on to top score with 84 during which he featured in partnerships of 38 with Shimron Hetmeyer who made 10, and 41 with Marlon Samuels,
Milo Schools Football Tournament 2018...
Chase survive Ann's Grove threat to advance T
hree-time defending champions Chase Academic Foundation sealed their quarter-final spot by defeating a spirited Ann's Grove Secondary 3-1 on Monday evening at the Ministry of Education ground, Carifesta Avenue to mark the end of the round-ofsixteen matches. The East Coast Demerara unit had many inspiring plays and showed they were not intimidated by the imposing opposition but failed to capitalize on their chances. Captain Jeremy Garrett created the first opportunity by unleashing a powerful shot which deflected off the thigh of a defender and into the net in the 17th minute. Eleven minutes later Wayne Barker made it two and Chase were on a roll. The second half is where things became quite interesting with Ann’s Grove playing a higher tempo. Success came when Nkosi Williams reduced the lead in the 49th minute. More ‘ohhs and ahhs’ came plentiful for them but Chase found a way of stretching their mid-field and returning the power in their favour.
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Ann’s Grove Secondary tried their best to keep it tight against Chase Academy but the latter kept finding ways to enter the penalty area
Concentration went and so a did a loose ball which Malachi Adonis skipped pass the keeper and rolled into goal in the 90+4 to put a cap on the proceedings. Earlier, former champions Lodge Secondary trounced Business School 3-0 on the back of goals from Shemroy Myers (14th), Adrian Berkshire (66th) and Triston Gordon (68th). The quarterfinals will be played this weekend where Buxton Youth Developers duel with Masters Academy from 14:00h on Saturday followed by the blockbuster
clash between the defending champions and Sir Leon’s Lessons from 16:00h. On Sunday, Lodge face Pure Masters then Morgan’s Learning Centre oppose Annandale Secondary; semi-finals and final will be played on March 25 and 28 respectively. Played under the theme “there is no excuse for violence” due to the tournament’s partnership with the Ministry of Public Health, the under-18 boys will be hoping to secure the first place prize of $500,000 which goes towards a school project.
before he was dismissed by Borren. His innings included six fours and four sixes and came off 92 balls. Following Lewis’ departure at 164 for 3, Hope and J a s o n Holder went quickly for seve n and eight respectively as the Windies lost their way at 205 for 5 with 14 overs and two balls to go. However, Samuels, who has been struggling for runs during the qualifiers, finally found some form after another slow start. He found a useful partner in Rovman Powell, who powered to a 38-ball 52 in a 99-run partnership. Powell got out going for a fourth six with five balls left but Samuels remained unbeaten on 73 (5x4) as the Windies recovered to 309 for 6. Van Meekeren was the best of the Dutch bowl-
ers with figures of 2 for 37 while there were two wickets each for Borren and van de Merwe. It was the fourth straight
win for the Windies who are unbeaten in the qualifiers and have topped Group A with the maximum eight points. (Sportsmax)
SCOREBOARD West Indies Innings (48 overs maximum) C Gayle c van der Merwe b van Meekeren 46 E Lewis c Seelaar b Borren 84 S Hetmyer c Kingma b van der Merwe 10 M Samuels not out 73 S Hope † b van der Merwe 7 J Holder (c) c van der Merwe b Borren 8 R Powell c Seelaar b van Meekeren 52 C Brathwaite not out 1 Extras (lb 10, nb 1, w 17) 28 Total (6 wickets; 48 Overs) 309 Did not bat: A Nurse, K Roach, K Williams Fall of wickets: 1-85 (Gayle, 8.3 ov), 2-123 (Hetmyer, 16.6 ov), 3-164 (Lewis, 27.2 ov), 4-186 (Hope, 32.5 ov), 5-205 (Holder, 35.4 ov), 6-304 (Powell, 47.1 ov) Bowling: Kingma 6-0-670, T van der Gugten 7-0-570, Snater 6-1-37-0, P van Meekeren 9-0-37-2, R van der Merwe 10-0-46-2,
Borren 10-0-55-2 Netherlands Innings (target: 222 runs from 28.4 overs) W Barresi run out (Lewis) 64 S Edwards † run out (Powell) 1 B Cooper b Roach 2 R ten Doeschate not out 67 P Borren (c) run out (Nurse) 1 R van der Merwe st †Hope b Nu rse 2 P Seelaar c Gayle b Williams 7 Extras (b 1, lb 7, nb 3, w 12) 23 Total (6 wickets; 28.4 Overs) 167 Did not Bat: S Snater, T van der Gugten, P van Meekeren, V Kingma Fall of wickets: 1-25 (Edwards, 5.5 ov), 2-29 (Cooper, 6.6 ov), 3-142 (Barresi, 23.4 ov), 4-147 (Borren, 24.3 ov), 5-151 ( van der Merwe, 25.4 ov), 6-167 ( Seelaar, 28.4 ov) Bowling: Roach 5-0-371, Holder 5-0-18-0, Williams 6.4-0-45-1, Brathwaite 6-034-0, Nurse 6-0-25-1
tuesDAY, march 13, 2018
Sports is no longer our game, it’s our business
guyanatimesgy.com
National Race of Champions…
Top 4 drivers to earn CMRC spot
Pg 22
All will be at stake for drivers come March 25 at the South Dakota Circuit as the top four drivers will earn themselves a spot for the Caribbean Motor Racing Championships (Dexter Ceres Photo)
Milo Schools Football Tournament 2018...
Pg 23
Malachi Adonis (left) and Wayne Barker scored two of the three goals to help Chase Academic Foundation progress to the quarter-finals
Chase survive Ann's Grove threat to advance
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