Guyanatime 19 december 2017

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THE BEACON OF TRUTH

Nationwide coverage from the best news team in Guyana

Tuesday, December 19, 2017

Issue No. 3427

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In vicious attack, carjacker tosses sleeping child out car

– after holding up aunt at gate

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WHAT'S INSIDE:

Govt's P7 hinterland agriculture shift uneconomical – MP …says proper strategy needed for venture

City Hall's financial woes

Workers may not be paid for Christmas …as Council scrambles to avoid embarrassment … Oscar Clarke suggests laying off workers

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Lone P8 gunman robs money changer Illegal airstrip

Lethem businessman remanded to P8 prison

Salvation Army distributes 1200 Christmas hampers Page 11

As the time of sharing and giving gets underway, the Salvation Army, in collaboration with the Private Sector Commission (PSC) and Food For The Poor Guyana, distributed some 1200 hampers to senior citizens. In composite photo: Beneficiaries enjoy Christmas carols as PSC Chairman Eddie Boyer, Roraima Airways CEO, Captain Gerry Gouveia and former head of PSC, Major General (rtd), Norman McLean distribute hampers at the annual Christmas distribution exercise at Salvation Army’s divisional headquarters, Alexander Street, Georgetown

NICIL assets to be CGX to drill Corentyne offered to investors block in 2019 – GO-Invest head Page 7

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…company renegotiates oil exploration plan with Govt

Top judicial appointment

President embarking on another unconstitutional endeavour – Nandlall

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Pedal cyclist killed by speeding P10 minibus …suspect on the run

Prison officer, nurse robbed P10 during home invasion

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Top judicial appointment

BRIDGE OPENINGS

The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Tuesday, December 19 – 05:00h-06:30h and Wednesday, December 20 – 05:00h-06:30h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Monday, December 18 – 16:35h-18:05h and Wednesday, December 20 – 05:20h-06:50h.

President embarking on another unconstitutional endeavour – Nandlall

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY Thundery showers are expected to prevail in the day and the evening, with heavy rain showers in the early afternoon. Temperatures should range between 24 degrees Celsius and 28 degrees Celsius.

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

High Tide: 04:55h and 17:05h reaching maximum heights of 2.52 metres and 2.64 metres respectively.

Low Tide: 10:40h and 23:05h reaching minimum heights of 0.70 metre and 0.57 metre respectively.

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President David Granger

The lead role taken on

by President David Granger in the recruitment of the substantive positions of a Chancellor of the Judiciary and the Chief Justice has been labelled unconstitutional.

Former Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister Anil Nandlall feels that the Head of State is too intimately involved in the process, considering that the Constitution provides for the Judicial Service Commission to carry out this function.

“This is the first political head of state that is in search of a person to fill the position of the head of a Judiciary…

It is the first time that a head of the Executive himself is seeking to recruit a judge,” he posited.

According to Nandlall, recruitment of judges is the Constitutional responsibility of the Judicial Service Commission (JSC), and the President’s role is simply to appoint someone.

“As a result of the doctrine of separation of powers, the judiciary and the recruitment of judicial officers are matters that are insulated specifically from the executive, so as to prevent the executive choosing who to appoint as judges. The rationale is obvious.”

The former Attorney General pointed out that these judges’ responsibilities include the adjudication of cases involving allegations of excesses, as constitutional violation by the executive.

“In my respectful view, having regard to what is taking place in this Government, the entire Government seems to be blinded to what the rule of law prescribes, and what is Constitutionally permissible,” he added.

Nandlall views the President’s direct involvement in the recruitment process of the Chancellor of the Judiciary as a violation of the Constitution in the same way that the chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) was appointed, and the same way that the Police Service Commission was instructed to halt promotions.

He said this scenar-

io is also no different from the Chairman of the Public Service Commission being removed from office and Junior Natural Resources Minister Simona Broomes instructing the PSC to halt the placement of public officials.

“The President is embarking on an unconstitutional endeavour. Whether the eventual nominees will finally be appointed will depend solely on an agreement being arrived at between the Leader of the Opposition and the President. I wouldn’t want to comment further,” he stated.

At his first media press conference in two years, held last week Thursday, President Granger hinted that the current acting Chancellor and Chief Justice may be bypassed with someone from overseas.

Describing the substantive appointments as a matter of concern to him, he related that as President, he revisited a formula for filling the positions that former President Donald Ramotar had rejected. That formula, according to Granger, was to advertise both locally and in the Caribbean.

He also revealed that the nominations were made and contact has been made with the person who has been nominated. That person has since accepted the offer.

Granger revealed that the person chosen for either of the top judicial posts is currently in Guyana.

Just recently, President of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ), Sir Dennis

Former Attorney General Anil Nandlall

Byron, zeroed in on the trend of persons being appointed to top positions in Guyana’s Judiciary, but being forced to act for years

while their confirmation remains in limbo. He has urged the Government to act swiftly on this.

President Granger had appointed Justice Yonette Cummings-Edwards in May of this year as acting Chancellor of Judiciary.

Prior to that position, she acted as the Chief Justice from December 2015.

She was never confirmed to the substantive position.

Cummings-Edwards replaced Justice Carl Singh, who retired after acting as Chancellor since 2005. On the other hand, the current Acting Chief Justice, Justice Roxanne George, was also appointed to her position on the same day as CummingsEdwards.

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

Improving access to health care

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new report, titled: ‘Tracking Universal Health Coverage: 2017 Global Monitoring Report’, published by the World Bank and the World Health Organisation last week, has stated that at least half of the world’s population cannot obtain essential health services, and each year, large numbers of households are being pushed into poverty because they must pay for health care out of their own pockets. This is indeed unacceptable and it is hoped that governments and policy makers would make the bold decisions and do what is necessary to ensure that persons have adequate access to affordable and proper health care services.

According to the report, around 800 million people spend at least 10 percent of their household budgets on health expenses for themselves, a sick child, or other family member. For almost 100 million people, these expenses are high enough to push them into extreme poverty, forcing them to survive on just US$1.90 or less a day.

World Bank Group President Dr Jim Yong Kim has said the report makes clear that if we are serious – not just about better health outcomes, but also about ending poverty – we must urgently scale up our efforts on universal health coverage. According to Kim: investments in health, and more generally investments in people, are critical to build human capital and enable sustainable and inclusive economic growth.

However, he pointed out that the system is broken; as such, there is need for a fundamental shift in the way resources are mobilized for health and human capital, especially at the country level.

That said, there is some good news: The report shows that the 21st century has seen an increase in the number of people able to obtain some key health services, such as immunization and family planning, as well as antiretroviral treatment for HIV and insecticide-treated bed nets to prevent malaria. In addition, fewer people are now being tipped into extreme poverty than at the turn of the century.

But progress is very uneven. According to the report, there are wide gaps in the availability of services in Sub-Saharan Africa and Southern Asia. In other regions, basic health care services such as family planning and infant immunization are becoming more available, but lack of financial protection means increasing financial distress for families as they pay for these services out of their own pockets.

This is even a challenge in more affluent regions, such as Eastern Asia, Latin America and Europe, where a growing number of people are spending at least 10 percent of their household budgets on out-of-pocket health expenses.

Inequalities in health services are seen not just between, but also within, countries: national averages can mask low levels of health service coverage in disadvantaged population groups. For example, only 17 percent of mothers and children in the poorest fifth of households in low-income and lowermiddle-income countries received at least six of seven basic maternal and child health interventions, compared to 74 percent for the wealthiest fifth of households.

Delivering adequate health care and providing the key elements of Universal Health Care (UHC) to all has always been a challenge for developing countries, with limited resources and underdeveloped systems. As once stated by Health Minister Volda Lawrence, it is known that creating awareness with regard to social determinants of health; promoting health at all levels of the community; ensuring that healthy public policies are in place; and developing and implementing innovative approaches that work, along with a public/private mix that addresses the high-end needs, can arrest the escalating demands faced by countries.

We believe that stronger efforts must be made by developing countries, including Guyana, to revise financing at national levels, so that health could be positioned as a top priority for funding. Among other critical areas that need urgent support, there should be targeted allocation of resources to address the growing shortage of health workers and improve conditions at hospitals and other community health centres, so that patients could be better served.

Every Government must seek to increase investments in the health sector, so as to improve health care delivery at all levels. Without affordable and effective health care, it would be very difficult for children to reach their full potential.

Similarly, without a healthy, productive population, societies would not be able to realize their aspirations.

Private Sector Commission Chairman Eddie Boyer, along with Captain Gerry Gouveia, distributing food hampers to senior citizens on Monday at the Salvation Army’s divisional headquarters, Alexander Street, Georgetown. The annual Christmas distribution exercise was hosted in collaboration with Food For The Poor Guyana Inc

Absurd allegations peddled

by Mark Benschop

Dear Editor, I am Juan Anthony Edghill, the elder son of Bishop Juan Anthony Edghill. I write in response to the misguided and malicious post shared by Mark Anthony Benschop on November 12th 2017 on his Facebook account titled: ‘The Cold hearted Bishop’.

This statement is by no means an attempt to emasculate the truth or attack Mr Benschop’s erroneous statements or vile approach to my family, as we find he may have not been privy to all the facts. It is heart-rending that I have to resolve to such a response in an attempt to clarify certain flawed statements enunciated by Mr Benschop.

Ms Kescia Branche, deceased, was a tenant of my family’s apartment building. I vividly remember her as an ambitious, intelligent, beautiful and hardworking young woman. I met Kescia when she contacted me for a rental of the apartment in August 2016.

Kescia explained her

dire need for the apartment, since the school term was commencing in September and she needed an accommodation urgently, since she was a teacher at the Richard Ismael Secondary School.

Kescia saw the place and immediately contracted our service. She incessantly said yes without hesitation. I then related to my mother Kescia’s status and interest in the apartment.

I must note that at no material time did Bishop Juan Edghill communicate or had any interaction with Kescia Branche while she resided at the apartment.

In fact, I must vehemently deny any absurd allegations peddled by Mr Benschop. It was Bishop Edghill who facilitated his immediate family transport to visit Kescia whilst she was hospitalized, and it was the same man who asked us to pray for her recovery.

As a family, we were devastated at her passing, since we have close ties to the family of her son’s father. We appreciated Kescia

for who she was, and she remains within our hearts.

Having said that, the discussion about contractual agreements between Kescia Branche and our family is documented in contract which we are in receipt of. Admittedly, the family has discussed repayment of security paid by Kescia on entering the contract.

Evaluations were done on the state of the premises, and even though extensive repairs had to be done, it was agreed that a payment of one month’s rent would be returned to the family of Kescia upon the family vacating her belongings from the premises.

Unfortunately, they failed to do so, and as such the agreement could not just yet be effected.

However, I am puzzled whether my father is called the derogatory term of ‘cold hearted Bishop’ because payment was not made as yet, or is it because of some personal vendetta and attack on my family by Mr Benschop.

I call upon all present to let the record speak. In fact, it is our personal motto to give good tidings and lend support to those in need.

I attended the funeral of Kescia Branche with my mother, and I bade her farewell.

It is my humble desire that we let her name rest, we correctly deal with any ensuing or aggregative issues that may arise, and we allow peace to prevail.

In the interim, we encourage the family of Kescia Branche to honour their agreement, and we undoubtedly will do the same.

The immediate family of Bishop Juan Edghill extends love and prayers to her loved ones, and continuously pray that justice will be served.

We are pleased to have known a life as beautiful as Kescia Branche’s, and it is with a warm heart we extend these wishes and make this comment.

Sincerely, Juan Anthony Edghill

The flight of the calf continues Dear Editor, I must thank wellknown Attorney-at-Law Mr Mursalene Bacchus for his kind and compassionate gesture to offer his services pro-bono in an ongoing uphill battle to free a cow calf improperly and illegally im-

pounded at the #51 Police Station.

Immediately after his benevolent gesture appeared in the press, the Police Public Relations Officer, Mr Jairam Ramlakhan, offered a damage mitigating response whereby he

claimed that the ‘disputed ‘ calf would be auctioned off.

However, to date, no effort has been made to do so.

However, I wish to highlight a few points. Firstly, the calf is not ‘disputed’, no one is claiming it. That is the reason why Section 61(1) is

invoked. Furthermore, the same Section 61(1) (a) states that, ‘an animal remaining unclaimed for 7 days may be sold after due notice of sale for 7 days’. It must be noted that 7 DAYS have passed since Mr Ramlakhan’s letter in the media!

CONTINUED ON page 5

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

Sauce for the gander The Speaker must now apologise to Bishop Edghill is sauce for the goose Dear Editor, Announcement by the Speaker of the National Assembly, Dr Barton Scotland, that he did not summon the Police to eject People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) Member of Parliament Bishop Juan Edghill on Monday, December 11, 2017 is most noteworthy. The announcement was made late into the night, hours after the unprecedented presence of uniformed Police broke through a human barricade to get to the Bishop in what is considered the Noble House.

During the ugly scenario, allegations of physical abuse on female PPP/C Members of Parliament allegedly perpetrated by the Police were made known, and captured and broadcast in real time on social media. That despicable incident has cast a dark shadow on proceedings in the National Assembly, portraying the nation negatively, both locally and internationally.

From all perspectives, the incident was precipitated by the Speaker’s refusal to allow the Opposition to rightfully question budgetary allocations for Government ministries and agencies. It’s an enshrined right of any Opposition to so question on behalf of the Guyanese people, who are the financiers of Government’s spending. That said, the probing questions by the Bishop must have annoyed the Government’s side, and I dare say the Speaker. That might have unknowingly contributed to his own undoing, leading to his expulsion.

In the circumstances, I find it difficult not to conclude that the actions to prevent scrutiny of the estimates were predetermined and strategically planned to effect what eventually transpired. How else can one explain that the very next morning the Speaker used the “disorder” as an excuse for disallowing scrutiny of a number of areas of

Government spending totalling billions of dollars?

In this context, it therefore becomes extremely difficult to accept at face value the Speaker’s word that he did not summon the Police.

Who, if not him, had so done? Whoever made the call has boundless influence to affect the multitude of Police and their prompt response to the place where laws are made or changed. If the Speaker didn’t call them, why didn’t he immediately question their presence in a place where he has unrestrained authority? Why did he wait until late into the night to proclaim innocence?

Was that a buffer period to re-strategize?

Is the Speaker, by his admission of not making that call, implying that the Police have no right to enter the National Assembly for the purpose for which they did? Is he, by the same token, admitting their action was wrong? By convention, the Police cannot enter the

The flight of the...

Furthermore, this would seem to suggest that this subsection overrides the unclaimed period of 3 months after which ‘unclaimed property or property found and remained unclaimed’ may be advertised for 14 days and then sold. It is pellucid that section (a) applies to ‘unclaimed animals,’ and this makes it conclusive that the calf should have been disposed of according to Section 61 (1) (b) months ago. This is the humane aspect of the law which seeks to avoid cruelty to ‘unclaimed’ animals that are impounded.

However, our law enforcers were blind to this, even though the Minister of Public Security was aware of the plight of this calf since October, and that includes from the Divisional Commander downwards.

We are still expectantly waiting to see the advertisement for the said auction, which was due months ago.

Lastly, the persons who are caring for this animal by providing feed and water took great offence by Mr Ramlakhan’s claim in his letter: “the ranks are doing their level best to ensure the

Chamber and its environs without the express authority of the Speaker. The reason for that is to prevent any appearance or attempt at intimidation of members.

Finally, if the Speaker did not call the Police, then who did? No one else has the authority to do so. With whom did he collaborate in the Police Force?

The obvious answer can safely be deduced; and in that case, he must immediately issue an unconditional apology to the Bishop, the PPP, and the Guyanese people. He must also launch a genuine investigation into the incident, or evoke the enthusiasm of President David Granger, who has demonstrated an unbridled proclivity to launch Commissions of Inquiry. Only then believability of his word could be considered.

Sincerely, E de Grasse Member of the Diaspora

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proper upkeep of the animal”. It is the opposite! This is such a blatant lie! The Police at #51 Police Station never cared for this animal, even a quantity of bran and a bucket which a Good Samaritan took there for the calf went missing. This is unforgivable! Can you imagine that that stuff was stolen right in front of the eyes of the Police?

Persons feed and water this animal on a daily basis, not the Police! The Police neglected to do so, despite seeing that the calf’s leg was broken and it was in deep and agonising pain.

Yours sincerely, Haseef Yusuf RDC CouncillorRegion Six

Dear Editor, I find it prejudicial and very judgmental to label persons who speak up when they feel that a particular ethnic or social group is being treated unfairly. If Eric Phillips of ACDA or Tacuma Ogunseye feel that African Guyanese are being discriminated against by any Government, organisation, etc, they have the right to speak up against same. I will not label them in any way to suggest that they are fighting for these affected people because of their ethnicity or otherwise. Justice for all people should be demanded at all times.

In the same breath, I also feel that it is unfair to label people like Vishnu Bisram, Ryhaan Shaw, Devanand Bhagwan, Ravi Dev and others, who speak up against

injustices perpetrated against Indians, as “Indian Supremist.” This smacks of racism, and implies that these persons have a narrow agenda. Don’t they have a right to voice their concern like Ogunseye, Phillips, Kissoon and others, who are rightly concerned about African rights? As we end another year and start a new one, it would be refreshing to see a change in the tolerance level of social and human rights’ activists, politicians and columnists from all media houses, for those from all ethnic groups who speak out against injustices suffered by their people and persons from other ethnic groups. Sauce for the gander is sauce for the goose!

Mahindra Persaud Nassau, Bahamas

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Foundation

E M P AT H Y :

Teaching Kids to Value Others E

mpathy is one of those strange qualities – something almost everyone wants, but few know how to truly give or receive it. In a world where self-gratification is emphasised, it is in short supply but high demand. This is all the more reason to teach the next generation what it means to have empathy for those around them.

What is empathy?

Many people confuse sympathy and empathy, but they are two distinct values.

Empathy is not just the ability to understand someone’s feelings; criminals often take advantage of people by appearing to understand their feelings and subsequently gaining their trust. Empathy is more than that. Not only is it the ability to recognise how someone feels, but it also values and respects the feelings of another person.

It means treating others with kindness, dignity, and understanding.

Children need to see adults show empathy While some children are gifted with naturally kind hearts, in most cases children need to see empathy modelled by the adults around them. It begins with the way parents relate to their children. Parents who show an interest in the things that matter to their kids and respond to emotions in a positive and caring way are teaching the skill of empathy.

Meet emotional needs When children have their emotional needs met, two

things happen. They learn how to meet the emotional needs of others and they are anchored in what they are receiving, meaning that they are secure enough to give to others when the need arises but first they need to receive.

An empty jug cannot fill a cup.

Talk to children about emotional needs Many adults find it hard to talk about emotional needs or anything related to emotions.

Consequently, they spend their lives tiptoeing around the subject of emotions. These are people who don’t know how to handle the emotions of others and are uncomfortable with any situation that calls for an emotional response.

Sometimes they are afraid of their own emotions because they have never learned how to deal with emotional needs.

It’s a good idea to talk to children about emotions and how other p e o p l e experience

them. Give their emotions names (for example, jealousy, anger, and love) and teach them that these are normal.

Talk to them about how to handle emotions in a positive way and point out situations where other people are experiencing emotions. Teach them about respecting the emotions of others and show them how to act in a situation where a response is required.

Look for real-life situations to practise empathy There is nothing like a real life example to model what you are teaching. Look for situations that affect another person and talk to your children about what it means to the people involved and how they might feel. For example, if you see an ambulance speed past, talk about how the family members of the sick person might be feeling.

Play games Younger children in particular love to

pretend that they are someone or something else. You can use these fun times for teaching empathy. Get your children playing the role of another person. This might be a character in a book or on TV, or even someone you know who has been through a significant experience lately. You can act out the story together and ask your children to stop and imagine how their character might have been feeling at any given moment. This will focus their attention on the emotions that another person might experience when in that situation. You can ask them to make faces that reflect the feelings of their character.

Develop their inner moral compass Teaching your children the difference between right and wrong from a young age gives them a strong internal moral compass that will direct them to make good choices.

In situations that require a decision, help them to see how our

choices and behaviour affect others. Talk to them about how wrongdoing harms others and help them to see the hurt and damage that it causes. It’s a good idea to talk to them about the little things such as calling a sibling an unkind name that hurts her feelings or refusing to play with their brother when friends visit.

When building a strong moral foundation, start small and begin with the basics.

Empathetic children: givers not takers

By raising your children to understand and practice empathy, you’re giving them the gift of giving. In a world where great emphasis is placed on looking out for your own interests, people who are givers are all too rare. But they are the ones who enjoy the greatest satisfaction from life, live the most meaningful lives, and enjoy more rewarding relationships.

Teaching your children empathy is a worthwhile investment for their own futures and for the world they will inhabit.

(childdevelopmentinfo.com)

Simple gifts of mindfulness to open your heart to the season – 25 ways to slow things down, spend less money, and make holiday magic Continued from Monday

By Dona Matthews, PhD

Be resourceful. Look for ways to be both economical and environmentally friendly.

With decorations, food, and gifts, think together with your child about ways to reduce, reuse, and recycle.

Slow it down! Doing things more slowly will calm you down and help you breathe.

And somewhat counterintuitively, it will also help you realise you have all the time you need to do what needs to be done.

Wonder. Celebrate your child’s sense of wonder, and cultivate your own. Take time to savour the sound that snow makes on a crisp winter day, the taste of chocolate melting in your mouth, the lengthening sunshine that follows the darkening gloom of the winter solstice.

Cherish your child’s excitement. And try to find your own spirit of seasonal excitement too.

Remember yesterday. Take time to affirm your family’s traditions. Talk about the people no longer present, the sweet and funny things your child did when she was younger, and your own childhood holiday memories.

Gifts are for children. After trying different systems to reduce spending on gifts (like drawing names, assigning a spending limit, or giving only homemade gifts), the one that works best for me and my family is to give gifts only to the children.

Try for homemade, but

don’t be adamant about it.

Yes, it’s great to make all your own gifts, but that can be a stressful burden on your time and creativity. Be thoughtful, but put a priority on being easy on yourself.

Give gifts of your time.

Give your child vouchers they can cash in for taking a walk with you, doing some baking or cooking together, going to an art gallery or zoo or museum or movie or bookstore together.

Be fully present to them during that time; don’t snatch it away by spending it on your phone.

Encourage your child’s gifts.

Give your child something to help make their hopes and dreams real. This might be a computer for the wannabe writer, ballet lessons for the child who loves to dance, paints and brushes for the child interested in art, a chemistry set for the aspiring scientist.

Make an Appreciation Poster. Using a combination of words and pictures, make a poster that shows how you appreciate your child: their contributions to the family, their enthusiasms, their questions, their own special ways of thinking and being.

Give books. My favourite childhood gift was the wellchosen book I could curl up with. (That still works for me.)

Nature. Consider giving your child the gift of nature, perhaps in the form of a weekly outdoor experience you enjoy together. Discuss possibilities like a walk in a nearby park, a hike on a trail, or building a birdhouse together. (Excerpt from psychologytoday.com)

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CGX to drill Corentyne block in 2019 …company renegotiates oil exploration plan with Govt

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anada-based oil and gas exploration company CGX has announced plans to conduct an offshore exploration whereby it will be drilling the Corentyne block

by November 27, 2019 in search of oil.

The company, which has had operations in Guyana for many years, made the announcement on Monday, stating that it has renegotiated its work plan with the Guyana Government.

As part of the renegotiation, the company has also agreed to relinquish 25 per cent of the acreage of both the Corentyne and Demerara blocks to the Government of Guyana.

The new work commitments include drilling and

exploration wells (Corentyne Block) by November 27, 2022; and acquiring additional seismic data or conducting seismic reprocessing by November 27, 2020.

Additionally, the company will also complete any additional data processing and planning, and secure all regulatory approvals for the drilling of an exploration well by February 12, 2020 (Demerara Block).

In that same block, it will also drill an exploration well

by February 12, 2021 and February 12, 2023.

For the Berbice Block, CGX will complete a geochemical survey of a minimum area of 120 square kilometres and commence a seismic programme defined by the survey

by February 12, 2020.

It will also complete the seismic programme and complete all processing and interpretation of data by August 12, 2021, and drill an explo-

its continued partnership and support; we as a company are eager to pursue the new work commitments in this exciting Guyana basin, and in so doing, continue our unbro-

ration well by February 12, 2023.

Chairman and Executive Director (Guyana), Professor Suresh Narine commented: “CGX Energy thanks the Government of Guyana for

ken commitment to the basin, the Guyanese people and its Government for more than 18 years.”

Earlier this year, CGX was borrowing monies from its shareholder to stay afloat,

and indicated that future oil exploration offshore Guyana would depend on restructuring its debts to several companies. With the major oil find

by ExxonMobil, CGX said it hoped that it would be able to conduct further exploration.

The highly-indebted CGX Energy had suffered a delay in carrying out further exploration offshore Guyana and had hoped that Government would favourably consider its request for a new date.

In May, CGX said it was negotiating with its trade creditors, including with respect to the approximately US$14.4 million owed to Japan Drilling Co Ltd, approximately US$9.5 million owed to Prospector PTE Ltd, and the approximately US$2.9 million owed to Teikoku Oil (Suriname) Co

Ltd, all excluding interest, with a view to determining how to address these significant payables in light of depressed oil prices.

Guyana-focused CGX has been licensed to drill on the Eagle block since 1998 when it was granted a 10-year permit. But the company became ensnared in a maritime border dispute between Guyana and Suriname, and watched as a rig it had contracted in 2000 was chased off the site it was preparing to drill by Suriname gunboats. The border dispute was settled in 2007.

CGX drilled several wells offshore thereafter, but did not find oil in commercial quantities. It also attempted several wells onshore in Berbice.

Govt’s hinterland agriculture shift uneconomical – MP …says proper strategy needed for venture

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overnment’s push to have agriculture extended to the hinterland region is something that should be carefully examined, as it may not be an economical undertaking, Opposition Member of Parliament (MP) and executive of the Guyana Rice Producers Association (GRPA), Dharamkumar Seeraj has said.

Seeraj, who has a wealth of experience as an agriculturalist and manager, told <<<Guyana Times>>> on Monday that the efforts of Government might not be well thought-out, as they do not take into account the possibility of having value for money, when it comes to expanding agriculture in the interior region.

The MP said, in any economy, especially in an agricultural economy, there were issues of resource scarcity and resource availability and given that Guyana was faced with a situation of resource constraints, Government needed to prioritise. In prioritising, he said, Government should also look at what can be exported.

According to Seeraj, in doing so, the situation on the ground has to be carefully ex-

amined and if the authorities are looking to produce crops, the aim should be to look at what was needed to be competitive.

In this case, Seeraj pointed out that good soil types, good crop handling practices, good packaging are all imperative. However, efficiency, cost and transportation are also important factors that should be considered.

While Guyana is blessed with large expanses of land, Seeraj noted that only a small portion of that area was fertile. The majority of Guyana’s land is made up of hills, sandy areas and savannahs.

“Of course, if you have unrestricted amount of money, you can do anything, anywhere,” Seeraj said. In cases where there is a large amount of capital, planting can be done even in places where there is no soil.

Seeraj, therefore, concluded that while Government has been talking about extending the frontier and going further south to expand agriculture, that will come with a tremendous cost.

“What he (Minister) has to do is to concentrate on the areas where the soil is fertile. Fix whatever little problem there

Opposition MP and GRPA Executive Dharamkumar Seeraj

is, give incentive to the farmers so that they can increase production, and bring your cost down. Not to go on a wild goose chase and try to plant something in soils that are not fertile.”

Fertiliser cost

If this is done, the GRPA General Secretary told his publication that it would cost the Government to spend a huge sum on fertilisers. “And then, when you plant it there, where will you sell it? The interior have to truck fertiliser hundreds of miles to go in

those areas and if you’re successful, you’ll have to truck your produce hundreds of miles now, to bring them back to a point of export,” he pointed out.

Seeraj said too because the population in the hinterland was relatively small when compared to the coast’s, whatever agricultural activity the residents there were engaged in, they would have to target an export market.

Some important questions that need to be answered, Seeraj said, include: “Who you’re targeting to buy? Is it the local people? Or is it for export? If it’s the local people, you have a few hundred people living in those villages. The Rupununi probably is the most highly populated interior region. It is, by far, the largest geographically speaking. And it barely got about 7000 people.”

Moco Moco Project

According to Seeraj, it is sometimes cheaper to truck the produce into the interior from the coast than to actually grow crops in the hinterland. Speaking about his experience of leading the Moco Moco Project for up-

Agriculture Minister Noel Holder

land rice cultivation, where Government made huge investments in, he said it turned out to be cheaper to take rice into the hinterland than to actually grow it there.

Neglecting coastal areas

The Opposition MP argued, therefore, that it would be a waste of investment to enhance agriculture and agro-processing there at the cost of neglecting the coastal area, where agriculture is more competitive, the soil is much more fertile, the consuming public is closer as well as a port of export which

would allow Guyana to target the Caribbean, for instance, and further afield.

During the launch of Agriculture Month, which was observed under the theme, “Food Security and Hinterland Development: Our National Priority”, Agriculture Minister Noel Holder said the theme reflected the commitment to Government’s vision of hinterland development and to encourage a whole food-system approach to food security.

“Hinterland development in 2017-2018 and beyond will focus on improved infrastructure, the development of agricultural demonstration stations and research to enhance hinterland agriculture and help provide essential knowledge and evidence to farmers, food producers, retailers and consumers,” Holder had said.

With efforts to enhance the rate of integration between the coast and the interior and to increase access to the hinterland resources, the Minister said his office has been working to have Agricultural Demonstration Stations in each of the main eco-zones of Guyana.

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tuesDAY, december 19, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

In vicious attack, carjacker tosses sleeping child out car – after holding up aunt at gate

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n a frightening and sickening attack, a carjacker tossed a sleeping child from the blue Spacio motor car he hijacked on Sunday night at gunpoint from her aunt.

Reports are Samantha Williams, 43, of Lot 1053 Diamond, East Bank Demerara (EBD), was returning home about 22:20h with her niece asleep in the back of her motor car when she was pounced upon by the criminal as she was about to open her gate.

Guyana Times was told that Williams, who was driving motor car PVV 9496, had stepped out of the vehicle to open her gate when the man walked up and pointed a gun at her.

Williams started to scream, but the lone man nonetheless entered her car and drove away with her niece still asleep inside.

The perpetrator then stopped about 100 feet away and tossed the sleeping child out of the vehicle before making good his escape. The child suffered minor injuries.

The matter was reported, and the Police have launched an investigation.

According to Ploice last week, there have been 25 carjackings in seven months.

Just last Saturday, a taxi driver was shot by carjackers after he was lured by two women to D’urban Backlands to pick up a man who committed the crimes. Two days later, a former Journalist, according to another section of the media, was relived of her vehicle outside a nightspot.

Police were up to late Saturday night still searching for thesilver grey Premio bear-

ing licence number HC 6296 In light of the increased incidence of carjackings, the Guyana Police Force (GPF) has announced that it is embarking on an inter-agency approach to crack down on the crime, which has seen a spike in the past several months.

Over the past several months, bandits have been pouncing on motorists, especially those operating Toyota Allion and Toyota Premio motor cars, and often times, the motor vehicles are swiftly transported to various locations to be either stripped or overhauled. It was suggested that with the recent Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) restrictions on older models of vehicles, it is likely the bandits are stealing the cars for parts, the reason that many of the cars could never be recovered.

It was further related that certain auto-body repair shops

are under the watchful eyes of investigators as some of these businesses are believed to be facilitating the criminal enterprise, with some even “cutting the cars”.

Police are, however, intensifying their campaign to stop the criminal activity. Acting Crime Chief Paul Williams, during the press conference, said that from the evidence obtained, carjacking gangs roam around looking for opportunities to pounce on unsuspecting drivers.

Guyana Times understands that Police have approached certain mechanic shops with the hope of finding the hijacked vehicles, but have come across stumbling blocks. It is on this note, the multi-agency approach was conceptualised and more so, investigators will be armed with the tools and information on specifications to recover stolen cars.

Illegal airstrip

Lethem businessman remanded to prison …slapped with conspiracy charge

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prominent Lethem businessman, who was named as the prime suspect by the recently-concluded Commission of Inquiry (CoI) into the construction of an illegal airstrip in Rupununi, Region Nine (Upper TakutuUpper Essequibo), was on Monday slapped with a conspiracy charge.

Hutashan Ramsingh, of Tabatinga, Lethem, was not required to plead to the indictable charge, which stated that between August 10, 2017 and August 13, 2017 at Mandacoro Island Savannah, Region Nine, he conspired with persons unknown to facilitate the illegal landing of an aircraft at an unauthorised port of entry.

Defence Attorney Jerome Khan, in a bail application at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts, related that his client was a father of two and owner of a construction and transportation company in Lethem with no antecedents or pending matters before the courts.

Bail was nonetheless refused after a strong objection by the prosecution. As such, Ramsingh was remanded to

prison until March 5, 2018 when the case would be called at the Lethem Magistrate’s Court.

In August of this year, an abandoned Brazilianregistered Kingair Beechcraft PR-1MG was discovered on an illegal airstrip in the vicinity of Santa Fe, Rupununi.

The aircraft, which is reported to have been used in the trafficking of guns and drugs, was seized by local authorities.

Following the investigations, Ramsingh and two other residents of Lethem – Wazim King, 37, and Nathan Hamilton, 21 – were flown to Georgetown to assist with investigations. Ramsingh was released on $50,000 station bail while King and Hamilton were hauled before the courts to be charged for a similar offence of conspiracy to commit a felony. They are presently out on $400,000 bail and the case is before the Lethem Magistrate’s Court.

When the duo first appeared before the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts, their lawyers, Michael Somersaul and Jerome Khan, had con-

The illegal aircraft which landed in Region Nine

tended that their clients had no knowledge that the airstrip or airplane was illegal, since they were merely hired

by Ramsingh for the building of a “road”. The lawyers had bemoaned the release of Ramsingh and blasted the Police for “covering up” and conducting investigations that left much to be desired.

However, on Monday, Khan indicated that his client, Ramsingh, had merely rented out a Bobcat and some equipment which were used to grade the airstrip. King was alleged to have been the Bobcat driver while Hamilton was hired to operate the said machinery.

The Police had contended that following his release in September, Ramsingh had fled the jurisdiction, but his lawyer sought to refute this claim

by contending that Ramsingh became fearful for his life and was keeping a low profile working in the savannahs after he heard that some people were looking to kill him.

Earlier this month, a team of detectives travelled to Lethem to escort him to the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) headquarters in the city as part of the probe.

The findings of the CoI say that Ramsingh had been seen with his vehicle frequenting the area before the plane had landed. Moreover, reports indicate that Singh had also been involved in similar cases of illegal aircraft landings in other areas in the region namely Parabara, Manwar, Mountain Point and Mandakara Airstrip.

Man Lone gunman robs money changer remanded A for simple larceny

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man who stole a quantity of jewellery was on Monday remanded to prison by Magistrate Leron Daly after pleading not guilty to a charge of larceny.

It is alleged that on December 17 at Sussex Street, Georgetown, Colin James stole a quantity of gold jewellery valued at $250,000, property of Anthony Nero.

The prosecution objected to bail on the grounds that James failed to provide any personal details as regards his place of abode to both the Police and the Court.

As such, Magistrate Daly upheld the prosecution’s submissions and remanded James to prison until January 22, 2018.

foreign currency dealer, who was in the vicinity of Popeye’s on Water Street, Georgetown, was on Sunday robbed of all of his cash by an armed bandit.

According to reports, 36-year-old Bishwanauth Noudat, of Lot 482 C Field, Sophia, Greater Georgetown, was sitting in a chair with $150,000, US$1200, TT$3000

Cdn$1000, 90 euros, EC$8000, Bds$200 and 31 reais when the lone gunman approached him from behind and snatched the cash.

Noudat reportedly attempted to fight for his money, but the gunman whipped out his weapon which was in his waistband and dealt the man a lash to his face.

The perpetrator then

made good his escape south on Cornhill Street then east along Hadfield Street.

The money changer reported the matter to the Police, and was taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital, where he was treated and sent away.

The Police are currently reviewing CCTV footage from businesses in the area in an effort to identify the gunman.

American businesswoman robbed

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merican businesswoman Audrey Ryan became another victim of the recent spate of armed robberies plaguing Guyana when a gunman snatched her handbag containing more than $250,000 in valuables in a daring daylight attack committed at Thomas Street, Georgetown on Monday.

Guyana Times understands that the 54-year-old businesswoman was reportedly traced from a city bank to which she had gone to conduct

a transaction. She was making her way to a medical facility at about 11:15h, and was on Thomas Street, between Middle and New Market Streets -- in the passageway, about to head into the facility -- when the lone gunman approached and robbed her.

The bandit snatched the dark grey bag she was carrying on her shoulder, which contained a Samsung Galaxy S5 mobile phone valued at $80,000; another Samsung Galaxy mobile phone val-

ued at $120,000; a Blu mobile phone valued at $36,000; hard drive valued at $16,000; her American passport, and her United States driver’s licence. Besides, the grey bag is valued at $30,000.

Police have since disclosed that after the bandit had robbed the businesswoman, he fled into an awaiting motorcar allegedly driven by an accomplice. The car’s registration number has since been made known to the Police.

Investigations are continuing.

Ideals…

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…and power deals or a fella who has had to’ve completed some courses in history, President Granger seems to not understand the importance of going to original sources for his facts. Take the case on the PNC’s rigging from 1968, when his hero, Burnham, set the ball rolling by using the overseas vote to give himself an absolute majority that allowed him to dump the UF. Even if he’d been living in a cave since that time, surely he’d have seen the BBC’s investigation -broadcast interminably on TV -- showing horses placidly munching grass in pastures that had produced oodles of votes for the PNC! Or more germanely, has he never bothered to read the US Declassified Files that give chapter and verse on Burnham’s fiddling with the ballot? OK…so he wasn’t at Camp Ayanganna when soldiers were substituting the ’73 ballots, but surely the grapevine would’ve alerted him that something fishy was going on!! Or what about the Observers’ team that said the 1980 elections were “more crooked than barbed wire”??!! Is it a matter of “They have their perception and I have mine?”

Anyhow, asked bluntly whether he would rig elections, since he’d vowed to continue in Burnham’s footsteps, Granger said, “I am not aware that rigged elections (were) an ideal of Forbes Burnham”. But he admitted he admires the late President Burnham for the ideas that he “implanted” in the PNCR. Now, isn’t this another case of hair splitting on a distinction without a difference??

What were Burnham’s “ideals”?? Burnham’s explicitly stated he was a follower of Machiavelli, and the ideals the latter expounded in “The Prince” on a leader’s position on power were his mantras. The most important rule was: the leader must disjuncture his political actions from morality, and do whatever it takes to retain power! “By any means necessary” was ironically Burnham’s cry as well as Rodney’s!! To keep power for Burnham and to remove Burnham from power for Rodney!! Rigging would’ve been the least objectionable of Machiavelli’s approved actions, which included murder and mayhem. Burnham, of course, also practised the latter.

Machiavelli also advised leaders that while they should ACT immorally to retain power, they should PRETEND to be virtuous. Granger, of course, has honed this skill to a “T”, so folks think butter wouldn’t melt in his mouth!! He’s obeyed Machiavelli’s exhortations even better than Burnham, and he should take a bow for keeping his vow! Rigging’s a cert!!

If you’re surprised about Granger’s actions on sugar, here’s Machiavelli’s advice: “Never do any enemy a small injury, for they are like a snake which is half beaten, and it will strike back the first chance it gets.” …versus the facts In addition to raising the “straw-man” of claiming rigging wasn’t an “ideal” of Burnham -- when we all know it was a specific application of the ideal to “keep power by any means necessary” -- Granger claimed, “I have never rigged an election in my life”!! But not because he doesn’t like to “fact check” means we have to follow suit.

What does the (googleable) record say about Granger and electoral rigging.

The very first hit declared that at the July 2014 PNC elections for party leader, when Granger was opposed by ex-PNC General Secretary Aubrey Norton, the latter accused the former of just that - electoral rigging!! And Norton knows about these matters!!

The day before the elections, Norton’s handed a list of eligible PNC members; but lo and behold, on election day, a new list is circulated that omits most of the three busloads of members from Linden!! Norton, Sharma, Kissoon and Greenidge protest, and Norton withdraws from the elections in disgust.

Taking Machiavelli’s advice, two protesters were bought out by Granger, while two were banished!! …on the right thing?

Okay, he might’ve closed his eyes when he overlooked the secret “bonus” account at BoG…but at least Goolsarran is doing his mea culpa by championing higher royalties for our oil.

Better late than never.

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

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tuesDAY, december 19, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

City Hall's financial woes

Workers may not be paid for Christmas …as Council scrambles to avoid embarrassment …Oscar Clarke suggests laying off workers

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orkers attached to the Mayor & Councillors of the City of Georgetown (M&CC) are keeping their fingers crossed in hope of being paid before the Christmas holiday, as the Municipality’s administration battles to scrape funds to make the payroll.

On Monday a circular was sent to all Heads of Department, informing them that wages and salaries would be paid late for the month of December. However, the late payment of wages and salaries has, over the years, become a norm for the Mayor and Councillors of the City of Georgetown, and would precipitate quite a spectacle, as the workers would usually picket the administration.

The workers were out on Regent Street, Georgetown

Green informed Guyana Times that it is customary to inform the departmental heads of the late payment of wages and salaries, so they can inform the staff members. The mayor said she had met with the administrative staff and assured them that they would be paid before the holidays.

“We are expected to start making payments before the week is ended, and we are hopeful to finish those payments before the holiday,” Chase-Green said.

Downsizing workforce

At an Extraordinary Statutory Meeting on November 14, Chairman of the Finance Committee, Oscar Clarke, suggested that the municipality consider downsizing the number of

would be given a multi-year salary increase from 2016 to 2018. However, the council was unable to meet its obligation last month due to lack of funds.

The chairman suggested that as the New Year approaches, the Council should begin looking to reduce its 800-member staff complement. He noted that the current financial state would remain unchanged if the council continues to pay 68 percent of its revenue for staffing. He noted that the Mayor and City Council would have to undertake a review of the entire staff structure in 2018, and this has been communicated to the union. He added that the workers of the council are paid higher rates than those in the public service.

“We will have to discuss

Flashback: Workers protesting in front of City Hall

last November, protesting for the payment of their wages and salaries while Mayor Patricia Chase-Green and Town Clerk Royston King were in China.

On Monday, during a telephone interview, Chase-

staff members, since salaries account for 68 per cent of the council’s revenue.

Clarke disclosed that at the start of 2017, it was agreed that workers would be paid between the 25th and 27th of every month, and

with them (union) the way forward in terms of reducing the number of people we have on staff… It’s not that we don’t think the council needs the workers; the council needs the workers, but the council got to get money to

Town Clerk Royston King

Mayor Patricia Chase Green

Oscar Clarke

pay the workers...I can make reference to a couple of positions; for example, an Office Assistant here gets $74,000 per month, the Government pays about $60,000 now…

Clerk 2 General is $90,266 per month, the accountant gets $184, 966, as opposed to what the accountant in the public service gets -- maybe $109/$110,000,” he informed.

In addition to high salaries, Clarke told the councillors that City Hall has about 260 pensioners, and that number is rapidly increasing, since every year workers are going into retirement.

However, Mayor Patricia Chase-Green has said the City is not in the habit of putting families on the breadline, and a number of councillors agreed with her.

To cover salaries for the November-December period, City Hall has offered defaulting taxpayers the option of amnesty in hope of them paying their arrears taxes.

Meanwhile, contradicting the Mayor, acting Treasurer, John Douglas said that the

Council has commenced payments to all staff and will complete the process by Wednesday.

For quite a while now, the Mayor & City Council (M&CC) has been deemed cash strapped; and on multiple occasions, work around

than $300 million that they were owed. This resulted in Cevons laying off a number of its employees and Central Government stepping in to pick up the more than $300 million tab.

In the face of this, employees continue to protest over

the city has had to be halted, since the Municipality was unable to pay workers.

The City’s major garbage contractors, Cevons Waste Disposal and Puran Bros Disposal Service, were forced to withdraw their services after the administration was unable to pay them more

the non-payment of their salaries, but that does not deter Mayor Chase-Green and Town Clerk Royston King from making regular overseas trips to attend various conferences. The duo have been heavily criticized by concerned citizens.

10 news

tuesDAY, december 19, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Pedal cyclist killed by speeding minibus Prison officer, nurse …suspect on the run

The minibus partially submerged in the canal

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edal cyclist Desmond Grandsoult of Lot 1710 Dedication Place, South Ruimveldt Park, Georgetown was on Monday run over by a speeding minibus in the vicinity of the Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) establishment on Vlissengen Road in Georgetown, and died while receiving treatment at the Georgetown Public

Hospital.

According to information reaching Guyana Times, the incident occurred at about 8:45h as minibus BTT 8476, driven by Jamal John, was proceeding south along Vlissengen Road allegedly at a very fast rate.

The 42-year-old pedal cyclist was proceeding in the same direction, and

was attempting to cross from east to west when the minibus reportedly collided with the rear end of the bicycle, causing Grandsoult to be flung on to the roadway.

Given the speed at which the minibus was allegedly proceeding, the driver was unable to bring his vehicle to a halt, and it ran over the cyclist before ending up in the canal on the western side of the road.

Knocked unconscious and sustaining severe injuries in this double-collision, Grandsoult was picked up and rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital, where he was admitted a patient in the High Dependency Unit (HDU), but succumbed to his injuries later in the day.

Five passengers of the minibus also sustained minor injuries. They were taken to the hospital, but were treated and sent away.

This publication understands that the driver of the allegedly speeding vehicle fled the scene after the accident.

Attempts were made to track him down, but even after checking several city hospitals, he could not be found.

Police were present at the scene a short while after the incident, and an investigation is in full swing.

robbed during home invasion

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hree women – a prison officer, a nurse and a hospital staff – who share a home were on Sunday night attacked and robbed of their valuables by masked gunmen.

Reports are Phenila Rogers, 46, a private hospital employee; Olivia Haymer, 50, and Donelle Charles, 23, all of Lot 312 Lamaha Park, Georgetown, had retired to bed when a strange sound was heard about 03:00h coming from the lower flat of the two-storey house.

Charles, who was in her bedroom, went to check out the source of the sound and was confronted by three

masked men.

The men held her at gunpoint and took her back to the upper flat of the house where the other two women were awakened.

Guyana Times understands that the women were all bound and gagged after which they were locked in a room.

One of the gunmen reportedly stood guard while the others ransacked the house and stole a number of items with an estimated cost of $177,000.

The men then escaped through an eastern door on the lower flat of the house.

An investigation has been launched.

Taxi hijacked on Carmichael Street

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taxi driver attached to the Kitty Cab Taxi Service, Sheriff Street, was on Sunday attacked and robbed of his Toyota Allion motor car on Carmichael Street, Georgetown.

Ramesh Persaud of Lot 4 Triumph, East Coast Demerara (ECD), was hired by a female to take her to Carmichael Street about 17:00h.

Guyana Times understands that upon arrival at the destination, the 53-year-

old driver exited the vehicle and was attempting to assist the woman in unloading her bags from the trunk.

While Persaud was doing so, two armed men pounced on him and ordered him away from the motor car.

He complied, and the two men and the woman boarded the vehicle and made good their escape, heading east on Middle Street, then south into Waterloo Street.

The matter was reported and Police have since launched an investigation.

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tuesDAY, december 19, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

NICIL assets to be offered to investors – GO-Invest head

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hief Executive Officer of the Guyana Office for Investment (GOInvest), Owen Verway, on Monday said the agency would be offering potential investors more ready-to-invest projects in 2018, as opposed to just marketing ideas.

He was at the time speaking at the agency’s year-end press conference, where he outlined the challenges of, and accomplishments for, 2017, while providing a preview of 2018 plans.

“There is a need to have more pipeline-ready projects, not just ideas. We have been marketing the opportunities, and we have started the process of having the Minister (of Finance) meeting with the other ministries in trying to go through their capital

Chief Executive Officer Owen Verway speaking to members of the media on Monday

project plans to see what is it we can turn around, and see what we can make into real investment opportunities -whether it is public /private or people private,” he said.

Verway indicated that GO-Invest is also in talks

Salvation Army distributes 1200 Christmas hampers

PSC Chairman Eddie Boyer hands out a hamper on Monday

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s the time of sharing and giving gets underway, the Salvation Army, in collaboration with the Private Sector Commission (PSC) and Food For The Poor Guyana, distributed some 1200 hampers to senior citizens.

The activity was executed on Monday when the venerable organisation hosted its annual Christmas distribution exercise at its divisional headquarters, Alexander Street, Georgetown.

and as such, they would be soliciting the assistance of corporate Guyana.

The main supporters of the 1200 hampers included the Food For The Poor Guyana and the PSC. PSC Chairman Eddie Boyer told the gathering that the organisation’s charitable work would extend beyond the holiday season.

Over the years, the Salvation Army has been raising funds using bell

A section of the gathering at the Salvation Army’s annual Christmas distribution

The facility was filled to capacity, leaving the organisers with no other alternative but to bring in extra seating. The Salvation Army’s Divisional Commander, Major SaintLot explained that the distribution drive would continue in 2018 and beyond,

ringers outside various business places urging the public to donate. The monies collected are used in several areas, especially in counselling sessions for drug addicts and others.

The gathering was entertained by renditions of Christmas carols.

with the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL) to have some of that agency’s assets packaged into investment opportunities.

He further noted that GuySuCo would a major investment opportunity when the diversification plan commences next year.

According to Verway, the agency has to place more emphasis on marketing, and there are mechanisms to ensure that this is addressed in

the New Year.

“Marketing needs to be a more significant focus of the agency. We spend more than 50-60 per cent of time doing due diligence and processing an applications…a lot of proposals are half or less completed…we find ourselves handholding the clients in getting their proposals finished,” he noted, while outlining some of the challenges for 2017.

In addition, the CEO revealed that they are also in

talk with the University of Guyana to establish a partnership-based approach in the development of a tool to understand the value chain.

The agency would also be establishing a service provider’s database to make services more readily available to potential investors.

The CEO reported that, in 2017, the agency has been able to process some 120 investment agreements, and has observed over 46 applications for over 99,000 acres of commercial land.

Collaborative efforts

Meanwhile, Board Chairman Patricia Bacchus said that the agency is looking for greater collaborative efforts with their partners, in order to ensure the effective processing of investment proposals.

“Although the agency was touted as being a one stop shop, it was never legally set up to be a one stop shop. It was only responsible for the element of investment promotion, which

involved recommending investment agreements for potential investors, which would grant them waivers on duty and taxes relative to their investments, as well as recommend tax holidays. There was a need for a greater level collaboration between the agencies responsible for promoting investments.

Those include the Guyana Revenue Authority, Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission, Ministry of Foreign Trade, Environmental Protection Agency, and a number of other agencies,” she said.

“We asked that our Board be constituted by senior representatives from these agencies, to ensure that investment is promoted faster, and with greater efficiency,” Bacchus added.

GO-Invest was set up as the investment promotion agency for Guyana, and its mandate included both foreign direct and local investment across all sectors, along with the promotion of export and trade.

12 news

tuesDAY, december 19, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Colour branding continues – GWI vehicles being repainted

The repainted GWI vehicle

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he coalition Government is continuing to ignore the growing concern of civil society as it relates to the branding of State property in its signature green and yellow party colours. The latest rebranding move is the repainting of Guyana Water Inc (GWI) vehicles.

Efforts to elicit a comment from GWI’s Head, Dr

Richard Van-West Charles and the Public Relations Officer proved futile.

However, photos began surfacing of the rebranded vehicles sporting yellow and green tile shapes along the sides and the front bumper.

Guyana Times has been unable to confirm who authorised the colour change but it is observed that it is in keeping with the Government’s

rebranding efforts by using the APNU/AFC colours.

The act of rebranding started with the changes to the Ministry of the Presidency (MotP) and moved to State House. The minibuses and boats under the President’s 5Bs programme have also been painted green. The Administration is accused of bypassing the Guyana National Trust and changing the colour of State House – a historic building, from its signature white to green.

The National Trust has since written to the MotP seeking an explanation for the colour change without permission.

President David Granger earlier said that he was unaware of breaking any law by changing the colour of State House and in fact questioned the work of the National Trust.

Just over the weekend, former Speaker of the National Assembly, Ralph

Ramkarran said that the selection of the term ‘The Green State’ had something to do with the party colour and the President’s obvious attraction to it, adding that it is a demonstration of the Government’s commitment and a way of whipping up political support. Ramkarran

believes that further popularisation of the colour green will result in State House becoming known as ‘The Green House’, just as the residence of the US President which is painted white is known as The White House.

Before the next election, which is due in 2020,

Ramkarran said the entire city of Georgetown could become green, if not environmentally, then at least in colour, in line with Guyana’s green forests, green trees and green vegetation.

This is something that the Government has been vigorously pursuing.

58 graduate from Public Service College

President David Granger joined by the 58 graduating professionals of the Bertram Collins College of Public Service

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ifty-eight young professionals on Monday graduated from the public service training institute – the Bertram Collins College and would be integrated into the Public Sector.

Proudly adorned in their signature purple and black uniforms, graduating professionals were presented with certificates, outlining their qualifications to officially serve the people of Guyana.

As a result of the 12 months of extensive training, 58 young professionals will now embark on careers within the Public Sector as they will soon be attached to Ministries and other public offices across the country.

The first six months of the initiative saw the 58 professionals being exposed to formal classroom sessions in areas such as housing, educating, law and order, public health and infrastructure.

The trainees also underwent one month of travelling studies which took the group to various locations across the country.

That having been completed, the 58 professionals will now take on four months of work attachment.

Presenting an overview of the work of the newly-conceptualised institute was the College’s Senior Executive Director, Lawrence Paul.

Paul told the gathering that the Guyana public service needed a fresh breath of energy that would be responsive to the needs of the public that must be innovative and prepared to take calculated risks to change the archaic systems that are counterproductive and wasting taxpayers’ money.

With that being said, Paul charged the graduates with stepping up to take on these responsibilities by say-

ing, “You have been trained to assist in this development.”

Meanwhile, welcoming the first batch of graduates to the Public Sector was the Head of State, President David Granger.

In delivering the feature address at the graduation ceremony on Monday, Granger explained the concept was brought to life shortly after taking office in 2015.

In doing so, he dubbed the occasion a milestone achievement for both the graduating professionals and the country at large.

With that, he congratulated the graduating class of 58 and charged the young professionals to embody the College’s motto: “Integrity, Impartiality and Objectivity,” as they set off on this journey. In fact, the President added the word “Intelligence” to that list.

Emerging at the forefront of the first batch to graduate the Public Service College was Ato Vaughn, who was showered with prizes presented by the President.

Vaughn was joined by his runner-up, William Charles, and other outstanding performers such as Most Improved Student, Towana Madramootoo, who also walked away with special prizes.

Also present at the graduation ceremony were other Government officials, all of whom assisted with the distribution of certificates.

The Bertram Collins College of Public Service, currently housed at GuySuCo’s former location in Ogle, was commissioned in 2016. The training institute is soon expected to expand with the use of a US$10 million grant by the Chinese Government.

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tuesDAY, december 19, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Berbice contractor crushed to death

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Mazaruni Prisons graduation

“See your incarceration as your opportunity to get right back up” – Director of Prisons

The site at Esplanade Park where Pooran Singh was hit

uilding Contractor Pooran Singh of Lot 54 Stanleytown New Amsterdam Berbice was constructing a bridge at the Esplanade Park in that Region Six town when a 6X6 post fell on him. He died at the New Amsterdam Hospital less than an hour after the incident.

At the time, the 61-year-old Singh was executing a contract for Memorex Construction.

Singh was the sub-contractor, and was building a kissing bridge in the park.

Reports are that as the workmen were about to place the third post into the ground, it fell and hit Singh to the head and stomach.

His skull was reportedly fractured, and several of his bones were broken.

This publication understands that all but one of Singh’s workers fled the scene when the accident occurred.

Successful inmates, Joint Services officers and regional officials at the Mazaruni Prisons graduation exercise

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Dead: Pooran Singh

The lone labourer took the father of two to the New Amsterdam Hospital, where doctors tried to revive him but to no avail.

Singh had been into the construction business for the past 25 years, working on many occasions as a sub-contractor. He leaves to mourn a wife and two children.

ne hundred and twenty inmates of the Sibley Hall/Mazaruni Prisons graduated with technical and vocational skills on Monday. The course of training focused on imparting skills to inmates with the aim of equipping them for reintegration into society and reducing recidivism.

In brief remarks, Director of Prisons (ag), Gladwin Samuels encouraged the graduates to see the positives which could result from their incarceration, and use them as building blocks for a better future.

“We need you to see your incarceration not only as your fall, but as your opportunity to get right back up, rehabilitate, go through

Woodlands Hospital hosts needy children’s party

those gates on the completion of your sentence and realise your full potential,” Samuels is quoted by the Department of Public Information (DPI) as saying.

“As you graduate, see this ceremony as the commencement not the completion. You will face many challenges. The fact that you are coming out of prison, like it or not there will be some amount of stigma attached.

The fact is most things are difficult before it becomes easy; however, I can assure you that it is not what happens to you that is important, but it is what you make of what happens to you … I want to challenge you today to see the best in yourself.

See yourself as successful and not let your past determine your future,” Samuels said.

Encouraging the graduates to be the best they can be, the acting Prisons Director told them to “dream since the future belongs to those who dream”.

“At this Mazaruni location and at other locations, the Guyana prison has worked at expanding your understanding and improving your skills and helping you to expand your knowledge. With these, you can

build your dreams; you can equip yourselves to take yourselves as productive citizens when you are lawfully released from prison,” he noted.

The Director of Prisons (ag) said that the number of

areas of training and receive certificates which will be recognised beyond the shores of Guyana making it possible for you to leave prison and gain meaningful employment with the skills you would have acquired

Furniture completed by inmates on display at the Mazaruni Prisons graduation exercise

graduates represented 106 of the current 452 or 26.5 per cent of prisoners housed at the facilities: “I believe this is a great precedent we are setting here today.”

In addition, he said, through collaborations, the Prison Service will be able to better prepare inmates for successful reintegration into society.

“With these collaborations, come 2018, inmates will be able to expand their

while doing the time for the offence you committed,” Samuels emphasised.

Of the 120 prisoners who graduated, 14 are certified in the burning of charcoal; eight, landscaping; three, fishing; seven, tailoring; 17, art and craft; 10, culinary arts; 11, chronic illness treatment; 16, literacy & numeracy; 15, joinery and block making; 13, domestic violence counselling and six, veterinary science.

OAS, OECD to present 4th report on int'l migration in Caribbean T A section of the gathering at the Christmas party on Sunday

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he management and staff of Woodlands Hospital on Sunday hosted more than 190 children in their annual and continued efforts to give back to the community the facility serves, particularly the less fortunate.

The institution’s drive began in 2010 with Dr Shoba Gobin and the operating staff of the hospital when

they took holiday cheer to more than 40 children in the Martyr’s Ville community on the East Coast of Demerara (ECD).

The following year, the organisers sought to “go bigger” and hosted the first-ever Annual Needy Children’s Party at the hospital’s location in Georgetown.

This year, the staff was entrusted to submit the names

of less fortunate children from ages one to 12 to attend the event. The party boasted face painting, clown and talent shows, and a gift-giving segment which concluded with a well-catered lunch.

The number of children attending this year’s event is the most yet and is a direct reflection of the success and popularity of the initiative.

he Organisation of American States (OAS) says it will be collaborating with the Paris-based Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) in presenting the Fourth Report of the Continuous Reporting System on International Migration in the Americas, including the Caribbean, (SICREMI 2017), on Monday.

On Friday, the OAS said that the presentation would take place in the Hall of the Americas at the headquarters of the hemispheric insti-

tution in Washington, DC. OAS Secretary General Luis Almagro and the Head of the Division of International Migration of the OECD, Jean-Christophe Dumont will open the event.

The report will be presented by the Migration Specialist in the OAS Department of Social Inclusion, Juan Manuel Jiménez and the former Principal Administrator of the Division of International Migration of the OECD, Georges Lemaître.

Among the findings of the study are the fact that

between 2012 and 2015, of the 7.2 million people that emigrated from the countries of the Americas, 48 per cent moved to Canada and the United States, 34 per cent to Latin America and the Caribbean and 18 per cent to European countries of the OECD. The study gathers data of migrations to, from and within the Americas, and includes specific information on countries of origin and destination, refugees and asylum seekers, and unemployment among migrants, the OAS said.

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TuesDAY, december 19, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

children feted at inaugural Better CI Guyana, Region 9 350 Hope/LBI NDC Christmas Party sign Cooperation MoU T

Vice President of CI (Guyana), David Singh, signing the MoU while Regional Chairman Brian Allicock looks on

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he Region Nine Administration and Conservation International (CI) Guyana signed a Memorandum of Cooperation that will see the two entities partnering to craft and implement the Region 9 Plan of Action for Regional Development (PARD).

The signing ceremony was held at the region’s annual Christmas Village activity, at the Community Centre ground in Lethem, Region Nine.

CI’s Vice President David Singh explained that the signing formalises the longstanding relationship between CI and the people of the Rupununi, and cements the strong connection that the people have with the eco-system that makes the area so special.

“When you combine the rich culture and heritage of the Rupununi region alongside its vast intact eco-systems, you have the very basis in which you can have sustainable development, in which the future of our country can be realised. CI’s work is built around helping people to care for nature, and what better place to do that than a place like the

Rupununi region?” Singh is quoted by the Department of Public Information as saying.

“However, it cannot stop there,” Singh noted. “If we only work towards the sustainable development of the Rupununi, and not at the same time focus on the overall development of Guyana along with a low carbon green development path, we will actually be shooting ourselves in the leg, as such,” Singh declared.

He emphasised that the objective must be about capturing the values of the people and the natural heritage, and combining the two so that the future of the nation’s children can be one that is sustainable.

He also expressed pleasure in once again partnering with the region and the Government of Guyana for the country’s overall development.

Regional Chairman Brian Allicock explained that, over the past year, CI has been providing technical assistance and finance to Region Nine for stakeholders’ consultations and involvement in crafting of the PARD. Allicock said that be-

tween 2016 and 2017, the team managed to visit several communities, thereby allowing the Regional Administration to include most of the projects requested by the villages in its 2018 Budget. He expressed gratitude to CI for its continued support, both technically and financially.

CI’s Field Implementation Director, Rene Edwards, noted that the Rupununi has been providing sterling leadership relative to sustainable development. He said that this formalisation is appropriate because it allows CI to provide further support to finalise and implement the PARD process.

All ten administrative regions are required to craft Plans of Action for Regional Development (PARD), as mandated by President David Granger and the Ministry of Communities.

Each PARD will outline a 10-year developmental plan for the region that includes a holistic and multi-sectoral approach. This means there will be strategic plans for sectors that include health, education, agriculture, infrastructure, nature and the environment, culture, and traditions.

he Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) of Better Hope/ La Bonne Intention (LBI) sought to bring warmth and happiness to the hearts of 350 children by hosting a special lunch party in the spirit of the festive season.

Accompanied by their parents, the good little boys and girls of the Success, Chateau Margot and Le Ressouvenir communities turned out in numbers, with anxious, bright, smiling faces to see just what Santa Claus had brought them this year.

The gathering was treated to a delightful lunch which was followed by an entertainment segment, succeeded by the much-anticipated meeting of Santa Claus, who came bearing gifts for all.

A section of the gathering

Baby Shreya takes a photo with Santa Claus

Chairman of the NDC, Dr Zaman Shaw, in a brief address to the gathering, reflected on the difficulties facing Guyana at present, and indicated that it is only the desire of the NDC, in collab-

oration with the residents themselves, to bring happiness to the children and the community as a whole, despite these troubles.

According to Dr Shaw, the worrying political and economic status of the coun-

try should not preclude such happiness and celebrations.

He hinted at the event becoming an annual occurrence.

Meanwhile, member of the organizing committee, Kelvin Shirpaul, who is also a member of the NDC, spoke to Guyana Times and indicated that the party is the first of its kind hosted by the council. However, the NDC is known for taking care of its own, as it has, over the years, engaged in similar activities; such as the popular “Toy Drive”, and special events for the elderly.

According to Shirpaul, the event was made possible through contributions made by the residents and donors from the business community. The NDC has its eyes set on hosting a Christmas hamper drive next, which specially caters for the elderly in the Better Hope/LBI communities.

Following a delightful meeting with Santa, the children stepped outside to enjoy outdoor games in the afternoon sun, chaperoned by parents and other grownups. (Paula Gomes)

Caricom registers strong objection to new EU blacklist

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he Caribbean C o m m u n i t y (Caricom) has strongly objected to the recent labelling of some of its Member States by the European Union as non-cooperative tax jurisdictions.

Caricom Secretary General, Ambassador Irwin LaRocque registered the regional grouping’s objection as he accredited a new Ambassador of France to Caricom, Antoine Joly.

He urged France to leverage its influence for the EU to desist from “taking such arbitrary and punitive actions against,” those Caricom member states it had blacklisted.

Barbados, Grenada, St Lucia and Trinidad and Tobago were among 17 countries on a global tax haven list issued by the EU earlier this month.

LaRocque stressed that those four had been put on the list even though they had not been labelled tax havens by the relevant regulatory authorities, such as the Financial Action Task Force and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Global Forum.

“This decision by the EU has been based on new and unilaterally-determined criteria, that go beyond the

Plenipotentiary Representative of France to Caricom, Antoine Joly (left), presents his Letter of Credence to Caricom Secretary General Irwin LaRocque. The Caricom official asked the French envoy to help get four Caribbean countries off a list of tax havens

generally accepted international tax transparency and accountability standards which our countries have been diligently meeting over the past several years,” he said.

“Caricom strongly objects to this listing of our Member States and calls on the EU to remove our Member States from this pernicious list,” he added, noting that the Community stood ready to discuss this matter with the European Council.

A major consequence of “blacklisting” was the “de-risking” strategies that included the withdrawal of correspondent

banking services by certain international banks, the Caricom Secretary General told the French envoy.

He said that the blacklisting has had a “detrimental impact on the trade and financial operations” of the Region’s economies.

“As Ambassador to the Community, your direct engagement in promoting awareness about the extent of our capabilities and the obstacles we face in our aspirations for economic development is of great significance,” the Caricom Secretary General told the new French envoy.

(Caribbean360)

tuesDAY, december 19, 2017

guyanatimesgy.com

News

Sarah Palin’s son charged with domestic assault on father

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he son of former Republican vice-presidential nominee Sarah Palin has been charged with assault and burglary after a confrontation with his father involving a firearm.

Police say Track Palin allegedly broke into his parent's Alaska home through a window on Saturday night.

Documents obtained by US media say the 28-yearold said he was on pain medication and had been drinking.

The 28-year-old was arrested in 2016 for allegedly punching his girlfriend.

After he eventually pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm while intoxicated, other charges were dismissed in that case.

Police documents, published by the LA Times newspaper, said Mrs Palin called the police at about 20:40 on Saturday night (06:40 GMT on Sunday) to say her son was on "some type of medication" and was allegedly "freaking out".

The affidavit by a responding officer said they found the former Alaskan governor "visibly upset" at the property.

Police say that when they arrived they had a stand-off with Mr Palin in which he moved around the house and at one stage went out onto the garage roof. They say he demanded police put their weapons on the ground and allegedly called them "peasants".

Police say the struggle

Track Palin

between the two men happened after Mr Palin said he was coming to the property to retrieve a vehicle, and threatened to beat his

father.

Todd Palin, Palin's husband, told Police he armed himself with a pistol when his son arrived, but was disarmed and was left bloodied.

Track Palin was charged by police with first-degree burglary, fourth-degree assault and criminal mischief, and remains in police custody.

A statement to US media from the family requested privacy, and said the Palins were unable to comment further on the case.

Earlier this year his ex-girlfriend Jordan Loewe applied for a protective order against Mr Palin, having previously requested full custody of their oneyear-old son. (Reuters)

4 charged in TT$5.5M airport heist

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lmost two weeks after a daring TT$5.5 million robbery at the Piarco International Airport, four people, including a woman, are expected to appear in court today on charges connected to the incident.

The 38-year-old Longdenville woman and the men, ages 35, of Longdenville, 42 and 38 of Diego Martin, were charged on Saturday night, following instructions from Deputy Director of Public

Prosecutions Joan HonorePaul.

They are expected to appear in the Port-of-Spain Magistrates Court where the woman and the 35-yearold man will face a charge of money laundering. The woman was also charged with knowingly receiving stolen money.

All three men were charged with robbery with aggravation while the Diego Martin suspects were also charged with possession of marijuana for the purpose of

trafficking.

The charges were laid by ASP Edwards. The police have recovered $250,000 of the loot.

The charges followed investigations led by DCP Crime Harold Phillip and included ACP Radcliffe Boxill and Sgt Anthony Williams along with other officers of Criminal Investigations Department, Port-of-Spain.

On December 6, around 11.25 am four masked men, armed with high-powered rifles, dressed in camouflage

clothing, alighted from a darkly-tinted Toyota Hilux pick-up in the cargo bond area Golden Grove Road, Piarco.

They held up the security officers guarding the cargo cart with the money belonging to First Citizens’ bank.

The money was being transported to Tobago banks.

The getaway vehicle used in the robbery was later found abandoned in Oropune Gardens, Piarco, a few minutes away from the crime scene. (T&T Guardian)

ESPN President John Skipper resigns citing substance addiction

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SPN President John Skipper has announced his resignation, citing a problem with substance addiction.

Former ESPN President George Bodenheimer, who worked for the sports media company for more than 30 years, will step in as interim president.

The changes are effective immediately.

Skipper said in a statement: “I come to this public disclosure with embarrassment, trepidation and a feeling of having let others I care about down.”

“I have struggled for many years with a sub-

15

ESPN President John Skipper

stance addiction. I have decided that the most important thing I can do right now

is to take care of my problem.”

Skipper had led ESPN since 2012 and recently signed an extension to his contract to the end of 2021.

He had worked at ESPN since 1997.

The company, owned

by Disney, has been facing challenges as the number of people in the US with payTV subscriptions has fallen. It has undergone several rounds of layoffs in recent years.

Skipper’s departure comes a few says after Disney struck a deal to buy film, television and international businesses from Rupert Murdoch’s TwentyFirst Century Fox for

US$52.4 billion.

Disney chief executive Bob Iger, who has extended his stay at the company until the end of 2021 to oversee integration of Fox’s businesses, offered Skipper well wishes.

“I respect his candour and support his decision to focus on his health and his family,” he said in a statement.

ESPN is key to Disney’s plan to offer its own online streaming services, in an effort to fend off competitors such as Netflix. A new ESPN Plus streaming service is set to launch in 2018.

Iger and Bodenheimer said they will work to ensure a smooth transition.

“I’ve stayed in close contact with John, and I believe in the direction he’s taking ESPN,” Mr Bodenheimer said in a statement.

Skipper started at ESPN as general manager of its magazine.

He has led ESPN to a series of long-term, multi-platform agreements with major sports rights holders, including the National Basketball Association and the Major League Baseball.

In Twitter posts, ESPN staff expressed shock at the news. (Excerpt from BBC News)

North Korea responsible for ‘WannaCry’ cyber attack – US

A screenshot shows a WannaCry ransomware demand

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Symantec/Handout via REUTERS)

orth Korea is “directly responsible” for the so-called WannaCry cyber attack that crippled hospitals, banks and other companies across the globe earlier this year, a senior White House official said on Monday.

“The attack was widespread and cost billions, and North Korea is directly responsible,” Tom Bossert, the White House homeland

(Courtesy of

security adviser, wrote in an opinion piece published online by the Wall Street Journal.

Bossert said anyone who harmed the United States would be held accountable, but he did not detail any specific actions Washington might take against Pyongyang, other than saying it would continue to pursue a “maximum pressure strategy.” (Reuters)

Tillerson, Canadian counterpart to discuss border security, other issues

US Secretary of State, Rex Tillerson (right) shakes hands with Canadian Foreign Minister Chrystia Freeland at the State Department in Washington, DC, US on October 11, 2017

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S Secretary of State Rex Tillerson will meet Canadian Foreign Minister Chrystia Freeland on Tuesday to discuss border security and other issues, the US Department of State said in a statement.

The two will meet in Ottawa to “discuss USCanadian coordination on a range of global and regional topics”, the statement said.

A senior State Department official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said Tillerson and Freeland will confer on North Korea, Ukraine and Venezuela among other issues.

Canada and the United States plan to co-host an international meeting on North Korea in Vancouver in January. Pyongyang has continued to test nuclear weapons and ballistic missiles in violation of United Nations Security Council resolutions.

The meeting is designed to produce “better ideas” to ease tensions over North Korea’s tests, Canadian officials have said.

The two ministers also are likely to discuss US President Donald Trump’s demand for revisions to the North American Free Trade Agreement between the United States, Canada and Mexico. (Reuters)

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guyanatimesgy.com

tuesDAY, december 19, 2017

Regional

Chile election: Conservative Russia’s Rosneft wins gas licences Piñera elected President in Venezuela A V conservative billionaire and former President, Sebastián Piñera, has won Chile’s presidential election run-off.

Left-winger Alejandro Guillier conceded and congratulated his opponent on his win and his return to the presidency after a four-year gap.

With nearly all votes counted, Piñera polled more than 54 per cent.

It is a clear move to the right for the country, which is currently led by socialist President Michelle Bachelet.

She had backed Guillier.

About 14 million were eligible to vote in the ballot, including, for the first time, Chileans living abroad.

However, voter turnout was low, at 48.5 per cent. It had been thought that a high turnout would favour Guillier.

Piñera called for unity after his victory: “Chile needs agreements more than confrontations,” he said. “The paths of the future unite us. Sometimes the stories of the past separate us.”

Reaching out to his opponent, Piñera added: “I want to talk to him about the points we agree about.”

The billionaire businessman won the first round of votes by a large mar-

Sebastián Piñera will serve as President for the second time

gin, when the number of candidates reduced from eight to two for a final runoff.

He has already governed the country from 2010 to 2014, when he ended two decades of uninterrupted centre-left rule. But the former President

and his Chile Vamos coalition had only a slim lead in the most recent opinion polls before Sunday’s election vote.

He had the support of the business community, promising to lower taxes to get the economy growing again.

(Excerpt from BBC News)

enezuela has awarded licences to Russian energy giant Rosneft to develop two offshore gas fields.

The deal allows its subsidiary, Grupo Rosneft, to export gas produced at the Patao and Mejillones fields in the Caribbean Sea for the next 30 years.

Venezuelan authorities need to approve the deal before production can begin.

Russia is a close ally of Venezuela, helping to prop up its economy as it seeks to expand its influence in Latin America.

In August, Rosneft provided Venezuelan State energy company PDVSA with US$6 billion as advance payment for oil supplies.

In a statement, Rosneft estimated the total reserves at the two fields to be around 180 billion cubic metres (bcm) of gas.

Maximum annual production is expected to reach 6.5 bcm in the first 15 years.

Rosneft chief executive Igor Sechin signed the deal during a meeting with Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro in Caracas over the weekend.

The State-owned Russian energy giant is already involved in a number of joint projects in Venezuela, including the Petromiranda, and Petromonagas fields, which are estimated to hold more than 20.5 billion tons of oil.

Venezuela owes an estimated US$140 billion to foreign creditors.

Russian capital and cash have been helping to keep Venezuela afloat after its oil-based economy collapsed, hit by falling oil prices and revenues, and the plummeting value of its currency, the bolivar. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Delay in release of election Hernandez declared winner in Honduras disputed election results lands former St Kitts Supervisor of Elections in court H onduras’ beleaguered elections commission officially declared incumbent Juan Orlando Hernandez as president-elect on Sunday amid ongoing Opposition cries of fraud three weeks after Election Day. Hernandez, Honduras’ first President to seek a second term in office, won by 50,446 votes, according to the Supreme Electoral Tribunal (TSE).

The TSE reported that Hernandez received 42.95 per cent of the vote, while Opposition Alliance candidate Salvador Nasralla received 41.42 per cent.

“We have fulfilled our obligation,” TSE chief David Matamoros said in a brief national radio and television broadcast. “We hope there will be peace in our country.”

Hernandez and the National Party have not responded to the announcement.

The TSE released the re-

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Juan Hernandez was the first President to seek reelection in the country’s history [Jorge Cabrera/Reuters]

sults during the wake for Hernandez’s sister and top official in his government, Hilda Hernandez, who died on Saturday, along with five other Government and military officials in an Air Force helicopter accident.

Nasralla’s Opposition Alliance refused to recognise the results of the election.

“Our reaction is rejection and to call on the people to mobilise to make very clear that we will not ac-

cept the imposition of what the tribunal has said,” Opposition Alliance spokesperson Rodolfo Pastor told Al Jazeera.

“If they seek to impose Juan Orlando Hernandez through this unilateral declaration, obviously a period of crisis and popular mobilisation will follow,” he continued, adding that the Alliance maintains the TSE “does not comply with basic conditions of credibility”.

(Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Ninjaman gets life, 25 years before parole

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eteran Dancehall deejay Ninjaman was on Monday given a life sentence in the Home Circuit Court for the March 2009 murder of Ricardo Johnson.

He is to serve 25 years before being eligible for parole.

He was given 20 years for shooting with intent and life imprisonment for murder.

The DJ gave the thumbs up after the sentence was handed down.

His co-accused – son Jahneil, and Dennis Clayton – were also handed life sentenc-

es, with 15 years before being eligible for parole.

The three were to be sentenced on Friday; however, their sentencing was postponed because the Attorney representing Clayton was late for court, resulting in Justice Martin Gayle postponing the matter until Monday.

The three were found guilty on November 20.

According to Police reports, Ninjaman, Jahneil, and Clayton were among several men who entered a yard on Mall Road in Olympic

Gardens on March 16, 2009.

They fired shots at a man who fled the premises, but 20-yearold Johnson was fatally shot.

The men were subsequently arrested and charged for his murder. Ninjaman spent three years at the Horizon correctional centre in Kingston and was granted bail in 2012 in the sum of $2 million. On October 17, he was taken into custody after High Court Judge, Justice Martin Gayle revoked his bail and ordered that the trial commence immediately. (Excerpt from Jamaica Observer)

he former supervisor of elections in St Kitts and Nevis has been slapped with two charges of misconduct in public office, related to his delay in releasing some of the results from the February 16, 2015 general elections.

Wingrove George was granted EC$50,000 (US$18,519) bail when he appeared in court on the charges last Friday, but had to surrender his travel documents as a condition of that bail release.

The charges stem from George inexplicably halting the vote count on election night in two constituencies: Saint Christopher #4 and

Wingrove George

Saint Christopher #8, which Lindsay Grant and Eugene Hamilton – both Ministers in the Government of National Unity – represent,

respectively. He did not declare the results until two days later.

George’s withholding of results was met with local and regional criticism.

Then Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago Kamla Persad-Bissessar had said at the time that “the Region’s reputation for democracy and for free and fair elections will be under threat as long as this issue in St Kitts and Nevis remains unresolved”.

St Vincent and the Grenadines Prime Minister, Dr Ralph Gonsalves said George’s “unprecedented tardiness” had “given rise to unnecessary uncertainty”.

(Caribbean360)

Trinidad: Prime Minister threatens legal action over “patent falsehood” by legislator

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rinidad’s Prime Minister, Dr Keith Rowley is on a legal warpath following an Opposition legislator’s comments – about the Trinidadian leader and his wife – that he described as “false and malicious”.

During a sitting of the House of Representatives last Friday, Member of Parliament for Oropouche East, Dr Roodal Moonilal made suggestions about payments being made by AV Drilling, a company at the centre of a so-called “fake oil” scandal.

A statement issued Monday by the Office of the

Prime Minister pointed out that those false and malicious statements have since been promoted via social media by people associated with the main Opposition United National Congress (UNC), and Rowley was going the legal route to deal with it.

It said the Prime Minister “intends to pursue legal action against those who have re-published this falsehood and has already so instructed his attorneys”.

Rowley stated categorically that there was no truth to Moonilal’s suggestion that either he or his wife, or anyone on his behalf, received any wire transfer,

cheque payment or any payment whatsoever, from or on behalf of A&V Drilling.

“The Prime Minister and his wife state without hesitation and without fear of contradiction that neither of them operates any foreign bank account outside of Trinidad and Tobago. Any and all statements, innuendoes or assertions, however, made by Dr Roodal Moonilal or any other person contradictory to this are nothing but patent falsehoods concocted by such persons as a deliberate slanderous conspiracy for self-serving political gain,” he said. (Excerpt from

Caribbean360)

tuesDAY, december 19, 2017

guyanatimesgy.com

17

Around the World

Amtrak Washington train crash: Deaths US vetoes UN as carriages fall on US motorway resolution on Trump’s Jerusalem decision A US passenger train on its inaugural run in Washington state has derailed, with carriages crashing on to the motorway below at the height of the morning rush hour.

Police say there were “multiple” fatalities on board the train, which hit vehicles on the I-5 highway below.

Images from the scene show that all the carriages of the high-speed train appear to have left the track.

It was Amtrak’s first passenger service to run on a new, shorter route.

Train 501 had left Seattle, heading south for Portland, at 06:00 local time (14:00 GMT). The derailment happened on a section of track, south of Tacoma, previously only used for freight trains.

Reports suggest 77 people have been taken to hospital.

Authorities quoted by Associated Press spoke of at least six people killed,

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Aerial images show the carriages on both sides of the track

although the number was expected to rise.

Several cars on the highway were struck by the derailed carriages. Aerial

images show the train’s carriages littered across the ground, on both sides of the bridge carrying the railway over the motorway. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Modi declares BJP victory in Gujarat state election

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rime Minister Narendra Modi has declared victory for his Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in a key election contest in the western state of Gujarat, as well as in the northern state of Himachal Pradesh.

As voting continued on Monday, the BJP was on track to win 99 seats in the 182-member state house in Gujarat, crossing the 92-seat halfway mark required to rule.

“All these results reveal one thing: the country is prepared for reforms,” Modi said on Monday at the headquar-

PM Narendra Modi showed his inkmarked finger after casting his vote in Ahmedabad on December 14 [Amit Dave/Reuters]

ters of the ruling BJP. “People have voted for development,” he added. “These are historic results for Gujarat.”

As the votes were counted, Congress Party President Rahul Gandhi conceded defeat, congratulating the BJP on the win.

“The party accepts the verdict of the people and congratulates the new governments in both states,” Gandhi said in a tweet. “I thank the people of Gujarat and Himachal with all my heart for the love they showed me.”

he United States has vetoed a United Nations Security Council draft resolution rejecting President Donald Trump’s recent recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital, and his plans to move the American Embassy in Israel to the city.

The US veto on Monday was widely expected.

“What is troublesome to some people […] is that the United States had the courage and honesty to recognise a fundamental reality,” Nikki Haley, the US Ambassador to the UN, said.

“Jerusalem has been the political, cultural, and spiritual homeland of the Jewish people for thousands of years – they have had no other capital city,” she continued.

“The United States has the sovereignty to determine where and whether we establish an embassy,” said Haley, describing the vote as an “insult” that “won’t be forgotten”.

Along with the UK, France, Russia, and China, the US is a permanent member of the UN Security

Council, with the power to block any resolution from passing with the use of a veto.

Riyad Mansour, the Palestinian Ambassador to the UN, said: “It is paradoxical that while we were waiting for a peace plan from the US, the Administration instead decided to further obstruct peace and delay its realisation.

“The US decision encourages Israel to persist in its crimes against the Palestinian people and to continue its occupation of our territory. No rhetoric will hide this complacency in prolonging the occupation,” he added.

The Egyptian-drafted text reiterated the UN position on Jerusalem, affirming “that any decisions and actions which purport to have altered, the character, status or demographic composition of the Holy City of Jerusalem have no legal effect, are null and void and must be rescinded in compliance with relevant resolutions of the Security Council”. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Myanmar Govt Trump: Russia and China “rival powers” in new security plan says case against Reuters Journalists U can proceed S President Donald Trump has outlined his new national security strategy, labelling China and Russia the primary threats to US economic dominance.

His speech – which was based on his platform of “America First” – attacked the “failures” of past foreign

policy.

He criticised Pakistan and North Korea, and how previous administrations approached other world powers.

The US faces a new era of competition, the US president said at the Ronald Reagan Building in Washington.

Russia and China are “ri-

(Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

val powers”, he said, but the US must attempt to build a “great partnership with them”.

The document itself, published before the speech, used harsher language to criticise China and Russia, calling them “revisionist powers”.

Trump described “four

pillars” to his new National Security Strategy, but made no mention of human rights or climate change, his critics noted.

The four themes are protecting the homeland, promoting American prosperity, demonstrating peace through strength and advancing American influence.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

South Africa’s ANC picks Cyril Ramaphosa as leader

S

outh Africa’s ruling African National Congress (ANC) has selected Cyril Ramaphosa to succeed President Jacob Zuma as the party’s leader.

The country’s Deputy President defeated former Cabinet Minister Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, Zuma’s exwife, after a marathon voting process.

Ramaphosa is in a strong position to become President in 2019 polls.

The leadership battle caused fierce political infighting, raising fears the

President Jacob Zuma (left) may not really welcome the victory of Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa (right)

party might split before the election.

Ramaphosa defeated Dlamini-Zuma by 2440 votes to 2261, an ANC spokesperson announced.

The result triggered celebrations among party delegates in Johannesburg and also on the streets of the city.

Media reports said earlier that the announcement had been delayed, with Dlamini-Zuma’s camp demanding a recount.

The voting process started on Sunday. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Ukraine crisis: Russian truce monitors to leave

R

ussia is to withdraw its military officers from a joint RussiaUkraine centre monitoring a fragile truce in the conflict-torn eastern Ukraine.

Russia’s Foreign Ministry accused Ukraine of preventing the officers from carrying out their duties,

saying they would leave today.

Kiev said the move was a “provocation”, seriously undermining deals to end the conflict with Russianbacked rebels.

It said three Ukrainian soldiers were killed by rebel shelling on Sunday.

Meanwhile, the separatists accused Ukraine’s military of firing hundreds of shells on the rebel-held areas over the past 24 hours.

They reported no casualties.

The UN says more than 10,000 people have died in Ukraine’s eastern Donetsk and Luhansk regions since

the conflict erupted in April 2014, soon after Russia annexed Ukraine’s Crimea peninsula.

Meanwhile, Ukraine’s military warned that Russia’s decision to pull out its officers could further escalate the conflict. (Excerpt from BBC

News)

Reuters Journalists Wa Lone (left) and Kyaw Soe Oo, who are based in Myanmar, pose for a picture at the Reuters office in Yangon, Myanmar, December 11, 2017

M

yanmar’s civilian President Htin Kyaw, a close ally of government leader Aung San Suu Kyi, has authorised the Police to proceed with a case against two detained Reuters reporters accused of violating the country’s colonial-era Official Secrets Act, a senior government spokesman said.

Journalists Wa Lone, 31, and Kyaw Soe Oo, 27, were arrested last Tuesday evening after they were invited to dine with police officers on the outskirts of Myanmar’s

largest city, Yangon.

“The Ministry of Home Affairs has already submitted the case to the Office of the President,” Zaw Htay, spokesman for Aung San Suu Kyi, said by phone late on Sunday. He added that the President’s office had given approval for the case to go ahead.

Zaw Htay could not be reached on Monday to clarify whether Htin Kyaw or Suu Kyi had been personally involved in the decision, or if other officials had signed off on the President’s behalf.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

18

guyanatimesgy.com

tuesDAY, december 19, 2017

ARCHIE

Don’t let your generosity get the better of you. It’s nice (March 21to spend money or do things April 19) for others, but not if it breaks the bank.

ARIES

TAURUS (April 20May 20)

dilbert

Express your thoughts and listen to the opinions and suggestions of others.

Sticking to a sound plan will ensure you come out on top.

A financial gain looks promising.

Compassion and underGEMINI standing will make you feel (May 21good about yourself and your June 20) life. A gift or some unexpected cash is heading your way.

Romance is in the stars.

A unique idea will help you surprise someone you (June 21- love. Socializing, shopping July 22) and getting into the spirit of the season are encouraged. If you trust your instincts, good things will transpire.

CANCER

Peanuts

Emotional matters will LEO escalate quickly if you aren’t (July 23- prepared to compromise and Aug. 22) listen to good advice. Personal change will help you stabilize your relationship with a loved one.

Making plans with friends VIRGO or relatives will give you (Aug. 23something to look forward to.

Sept. 22) Pick up items you can use to help you close out the year.

Calvin and Hobbes

LIBRA (Sept. 23Oct. 23)

WORD GAME

SUDOKU

Get together with a friend or plan a shopping trip with someone searching for the same items you are.

Romance is on the rise and will improve your personal life.

Make sure you know SCORPIO what’s expected of you. An (Oct. 24unusual approach to famiNov. 22) ly matters and involvements with close friends and relatives will make it easier to avoid conflict.

Think about home imSAGITTARIUS provements you want to (Nov. 23- make. A lifestyle change will Dec. 21) give you greater freedom to enjoy the people and pastimes you care about most.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22Jan. 19)

Your intuition won’t let you down. If you look at the big picture, you’ll know exactly what to do next. It’s OK to take the road less travelled. Do your own thing.

solution for LAST PUBLISHED Puzzle Keep your life simple and AQUARIUS don’t draw attention to what (Jan. 20- you are doing. Helping less Feb. 19) fortunate people will make you realize how lucky you are. Personal gain and romance are favoured.

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

PISCES (Feb. 20March 20)

Do what you can to help others, but not if it means losing out on something you want. A financial gain is apparent, but that doesn’t mean you should be extravagant.

TUESDAY, december 19, 2017

19

The Ashes 2017-18, Australia…

Australia reclaim the urn

A

ustralia thrashed England by an innings and 41 runs in the third test in Perth on Monday to reclaim the Ashes with two matches to spare and condemn Joe Root’s team to a period of gloomy introspection.

Seamer Josh Hazlewood

condemned to hand back the urn with the same humiliating 3-0 scoreline.

Australia quick Pat Cummins wrapped up the match, dismissing Chris Woakes (22) behind the wicket, triggering a round of bear-hugs with whooping team mates in the middle.

…Hazelwood racks up 5 enjoyed every moment of it,” the beaming skipper told reporters.

“To know everything has worked out and we’ve been able to get that urn back, all the emotions came out at

Winning moment: Australia celebrate as Pat Cummins takes the Ashes-clinching wicket (Getty photo)

finished with a five-wicket haul as England were bowled out for 218 before tea on a rain-hit final day at the WACA. Four years after Alastair Cook’s side meekly surrendered the Ashes at the same venue, Root’s England were

His captain Steve Smith was named Man-of-theMatch for a second time in the series, his brilliant 239 having left England with an improbable second innings mountain to climb.

“It’s been an amazing couple of weeks, I’ve really

once.”

Smith’s dominant series has put his counterpart in the shade, with Root struggling with the bat and let down badly by his senior players across the three defeats at the WACA, Adelaide Oval and in Brisbane.

“It’s bitterly disappointing,” Root told reporters.

“One of the most frustrating things is we haven’t been blown away. In all three games there have been period where we’ve matched and outplayed Australia.

“I’m sure the next day or so will be pretty tough but we’ve got a bit of time to get ready for Melbourne ... and show the character of the group we have.”

Heavy overnight showers leaked rainwater onto the pitch in an embarrassment for the WACA ground staff and rain squalls further delayed the resumption of play. But even with some 28 overs and some three hours lost to the weather, it was far from enough to save the tourists, who lost their last six wickets for 85 runs.

They resumed in peril on 132 for four, still 127 runs short of making Australia bat again, on a pitch with cracks snaking at both ends of the wicket.

Dawid Malan and Jonny Bairstow, who combined for a gallant 237-run partnership in the first innings, were tasked with the rescue mission but the England wicketkeeper was bowled for 14 on the first delivery he faced.

It was a delivery from Hazlewood that skidded low

Everton hand Swansea City

E

verton came from behind against spirited Swansea City to continue their revival under Sam Allardyce and rise to ninth in the Premier League.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin turned home the rebound from Wayne Rooney's saved penalty to restore parity for the Toffees after Leroy Fer had lost his marker from a corner to open the scoring for Swansea at the far post.

Gylfi Sigurdsson's exquisite long-range strike against his former club put Everton ahead after the break, before Rooney scored with his second penalty attempt of the evening when Martin Olsson was adjudged to have fouled Jonjoe Kenny.

Rock bottom Swansea,

who lost striker Wilfried Bony to injury after just four minutes, will now remain in the bottom three over Christmas as Paul Clement's problems worsen.

The visitors had started quickly, with a confidence that belied their lowly status and thrashing by Manchester City last week, looking to take advantage of a sluggish opening from the Merseysiders.

Luciano Narsingh and Tom Carroll drew saves from Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford, but Everton responded just before half-time when 20-year-old CalvertLewin reacted first to net his seventh goal of the season.

Sigurdsson's strike seemed to break Swansea's spirit before referee Jon Moss

off a crack and clattered into off-stump, in a portent of a miserable afternoon for the tourists.

Incoming batsman Moeen Ali was very nearly out four balls later, when he edged the same bowler just short of Smith in the slips.

He was unable to capitalise on his reprieve, falling leg before for 11, with fellow off-spinner Nathan Lyon snaring his wicket for the fifth time in the series. (Reuters)

Josh Hazlewood

SCOREBOARD

England 1st Innings 403 Australia 1st Innings 662-9 decl.

England 2nd innings (Overnight: 132/4; DJ Malan 28*, JM Bairstow 14*, 38.2 ov AN Cook c & b Hazlewood 14 MD Stoneman c †Paine b Hazlewood 3 JM Vince b Starc 55 JE Root* c Smith b Lyon 14 DJ Malan c †Paine b Hazlewood 54 JM Bairstow† b Hazlewood 14 MM Ali lbw b Lyon 11 CR Woakes c †Paine b Cummins 22 C Overton c Khawaja b Hazlewood 12 SCJ Broad c †Paine b Cummins 0 JM Anderson not out 1

Extras (b-6, lb-11, nb-1) 18 Total (All out, 72.5 Overs) 218 Fall of wickets: 1-4 (MD Stoneman, 1.5 ov), 2-29 (AN Cook, 7.3 ov), 3-60 (JE Root, 14.1 ov), 4-100 (JM Vince, 29.5 ov), 5-133 (JM Bairstow, 39.1 ov), 6-172 (MM Ali, 54.5 ov), 7-196 (DJ Malan, 63.2 ov), 8-210 (C Overton, 67.5 ov), 9-211 (SCJ Broad, 68.2 ov), 10218 (CR Woakes, 72.5 ov) Bowling Starc 17-5-44-1, Hazlewood 18-6-48-5, Marsh 3-1-14-0, Cummins 19.5-453-2 (nb-1), Lyon 15-4-42-2 Result: Australia won by an innings and 41 runs Series result: Australia lead the 5-match series 3-0 with two matches to go

3-1 drubbing

Wayne Rooney has now been involved in 10 goals in his last nine Premier League games (eight goals, two assists)

pointed to the spot for Rooney to score the third, with replays suggesting Kenny had been fouled just outside the area.

A penalty saved, one scored, an assist and a standing ovation.

Rooney's return to his boyhood club has been anything but dull so far - and his nerve, vision and fitness were once again key for Allardyce's upwardly mobile side.

The 32-year-old's start was muted in the Goodison mist, seeming heavy-legged and off the pace. Was he feeling the effects of starting each of the last four Premier League games?

His response, eventually, was a clear no. (BBC Sport)

20

GUYANATIMESgy.COM

tuesDAY, december 19, 2017

Green acquires table tennis coordinator accreditation

Coaches paying keen attention during the ITT training course at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall

G

uyana’s Shavin Green who is an International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) level one coach recently added to his credentials, to become a level one International Course Conductor.

Green who is aIso the General Secretary of the Linden Table Tennis Committee and teacher at

the McKenzie High School was Guyana’s stand out at the course which was also attended by Dwain Dick and Linden Johnson who secured national accreditation status. The only other ITTF Course conductor in Guyana is 11-time national champion Sydney Christophe.

The ITTF Latin American Development Officer, Ramon Ortega Montes indicated

that there is much work to be done in raising the level and standard of coaching and by extension the sport that while painstaking it is critical to develop coaches with the right attributes and attitudes and technical capacities.

The coaches who participated in the level one course will have 30 prerequisite hours to do before receiving

final certification.

Mark Evans, Maurice Cummings, Kunta Weeks, Ron Enniss all received full marks for the practical side of the course. The coaches will add to the pool of coaches already certified to the development of the sport in Guyana.

The programme places Guyana in a position to establish a coach certification structure with the ability to host self-funded programmes that may significantly add to school programmes.

The course which was held from November 17 to 23, also attracted participation from Dwayne Gibson, Miguel Wong, Warren Hackshaw (Guyana Fire Service), Devon Richmond (Guyana Defence Force), Rafael Hunter (Jawala, Region 7), Mark Evans, Deon Dick, Kunta Weekes, Paul Jones, Leneisha Persaud, Ron Ennis and Michale Kellman.

“Ferrari will improve in 2018” – Marchionne

Sebastian Vettel, pictured with Sergio Marchionne, was F1 world champion in 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2013

F

errari president Sergio Marchionne says he expects the team to improve next year after a dispiriting end to their 2017 title challenge.

Recovering Du Russian bobsledder Plessis in doubt for banned for life inaugural 4-day Test from Olympics

Faf du Plesis was helped off the ground back in October in Bangladesh

S

outh Africa's Test captain Faf du Plessis is in doubt for the inaugural four-day Boxing Day day-night Test against Zimbabwe, as Cricket South Africa opt for a cautious approach to managing his return from injury.

Du Plessis has not played any cricket since late October when he hurt his back during the second ODI against Bangladesh. He was initially prescribed six weeks' rest.

However, at the same time, du Plessis had surgery on a problematic shoulder. As a result, he played no part in the recently concluded Ram Slam and was not named in the CSA Invitation XI to

play Zimbabwe in a warmup match scheduled for Wednesday.

Mohammed Moosajee, South Africa's team manager who is also a medical doctor, told ESPNcricinfo last week that du Plessis was "on track", but also emphasised that a late decision will be taken given the workload over the next three months.

"If we reach next week and see that Faf would benefit from another week off, then we will give him that time," Moosajee said. "We are not going to be foolish with his return, because there is a lot of cricket over the next few months."

After the Zimbabwe

Test, South Africa host India for three-Tests starting on January 5, six ODIs and three T20s and then have a four-Test home series against Australia in March.

Given that the South African management prefer their players to have some game time after returning from an injury and before representing the national side, it seems a better option for du Plessis to sit out the Test and perhaps even play in the upcoming domestic one-day tournament which starts on Wednesday.

South Africa would have a ready-made batting replacement in AB de Villiers, who will play the warm-up match and has declared himself eager for a Test return. They will also likely turn to standin captain Dean Elgar, who led the side at Lord's when du Plessis was on paternity leave. South Africa are only expected to name their Test squad after at least some of the warm-up match has been played and they have monitored the progress of some of their other players. Dale Steyn and Chris Morris are both due to play in the match and could make a return following significant time out of the game. Morne Morkel, who is coming back from a side strain, is not in the squad but recently played a three-day provincial match for Easterns, with positive reasons. He bowled 19.4 overs and took seven wickets for 43 runs. (ESPN Cricinfo)

R

ussian bobsledder Alexey Voevoda has been given a life ban from the Olympics for anti-doping violations at the Sochi Games where he won two gold medals, the International Olympic Committee IOC) said on Monday.

The decision comes two weeks after the IOC banned Russia from next year’s Pyeongchang Winter Olympics for what it called “unprecedented systematic manipulation” of the anti-doping system.

The IOC, however, left the door open for Russian athletes with a clean history of non-doping to be invited to compete in Pyeongchang as neutrals.

The 37-year-old Voevoda, who could not immediately be reached for comment, won gold in the two-man and four-man bobsled but the IOC said he and the Russian

team had been disqualified from both.

Previously, Alexander Zubkov, Voevoda’s team mate in both events, was also found guilty of anti-doping violations and disqualified.

The 43-year-old Zubkov, who has denied wrongdoing, is one of more than 20 Russian athletes who have since appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).

The IOC decision increased the number of Russian athletes banned for life from the Olympics over alleged doping violations at the Sochi Games to more than 30.

Russia has denied allegations of state-sponsored doping, saying it is the victim of a politicised dirty tricks campaign designed to besmirch its reputation and curb its sporting success.

(Reuters)

Alexey Voevoda

Sebastian Vettel was neck-and-neck with eventual champion Lewis Hamilton until Ferrari's season imploded in the space of three races in the autumn.

Marchionne said the team's collapse was "embarrassing and unpleasant".

"In 2018 I expect a lot more from the team," he said. "I have no doubt we will be fighting for the title again."

Marchionne, speaking at Ferrari's traditional Christmas lunch, said he believed Vettel had "learned" from his errors and would not make the same mistakes again.

Vettel cost himself critical points by deliberately driving into Hamilton behind the safety car at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix and then by triggering a multi-car pile-up at the start in Singapore that took out both Ferraris.

Marchionne added that Vettel was "very emotional" and described his errors as "like the fouls of a great footballer who is under pressure".

"With a competitive car, the responsibility is his," he said. "You don't win four championships if you are not a champion." Marchionne also described Mercedes' revival after the summer break, when Hamilton went on a run of five wins and a second place in six races, as "a nuisance". And he explained that in addition to the engine problems that cost Vettel points in Malaysia and Japan, the team had also had problems with the final development planned for the power-unit, which never made it to the track.

But he added: "We can settle the accounts in 2018." (BBC Sport)

tuesDAY, december 19, 2017 | www.guyanatimesgy.com

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crowned champions …Lizzann Lavroux adjudged MVP

T

he East Bank Football Association (EBFA) in association with the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club on Sunday last held a one-day Female 5-A-Side football competition to encourage the development of the game in the association.

Emerging as champs in the two best of three matches was Pink Queens which blew away Green Queens two matches to nil. Led by hat-tricks each from sisters Latifah and Lizzann Lavroux, the Green Queens hammered Pink Queens 8-3 in the first match at the Kuru Kururu ground.

Also scoring for the winners were Candace Fraser and Ronetta Grant. Pink Team scorers were Aalliyah Thomas, Shaniya Edwards and Nikita Winter.

The second match saw the Pink Team taking first strike through a Nikita Winter goal but that advantage was eventually can-

The respective Green and Pink Queens display their medals and trophies following the presentation ceremony in the presence of Coaches Devnon Winter (right) and Owan Wills

celled out in the second half through goals from Aaliyah David and Candace Fraser as the Green Team stormed to their second win to win the competition.

Both teams were presented with trophies while each participating play-

er also received a medal. Emerging as eth Most Valuable Player of the day was Lizzann Lavroux who was presented with a brand new cycle, compliments of the day’s sponsor, Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club (RHTY&SC).

The EBFA is expressing thanks to the RHTY&SC for its partnership in supporting the development of women’s football while thanks is also being extended to all the players who came out and participated including the parents and coaches.

– Pouderoyen, Indigenous All-Stars booted

O

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sports

NOW!

n match day number two on Sunday at the Den Amstel Community ground on the West Coast of Demerara, home side Den Amstel and the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) FC joined Milerock and Winners Connection in the quarter finals of the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) Corona Super 16 tournament.

In the first match of the day GDF took on Pouderoyen FC and subsequently needled the latter in a tightly matched contest.

Delwin Fraser’s fourth minute strike was the only goal of the game as it remained locked in the midfield with both teams failing to penetrate the respective defences.

It was heartbreak for the Indigenous All-Stars as they lost 1-2 to Den Amstel.

Gavin Graham scored a first half double for Den Amstel and it was enough as the second half went goalless.

Graham opened his account in the third minute

Milerock FC’s goalscorers (L-R): Oswald Benjamin, Denzil Fordyce and Joel Mc Kinnon

before Peter Parks equalized for the Indigenous XI just nine minutes later; however Graham restored his side’s lead just two minutes before halftime to the delight of Den Amstel’s supporters.

On Friday last, Milerock FC and Winners Connections booked their spots in contrasting fashion at the McKenzie Sports Club

(MSC) Ground in Linden.

In the first match, Winners Connection took on Camptown FC and had to hold their nerve to win on penalty kicks after normal and extra time saw a 2-2 stalemate.

Netting for Winners Connection were Adrian Aaron and Joel Jemmot in the 35th and 89th minutes respectively. Jemmot’s last

minute strike ultimately saved Winners Connection after Ozel Small struck twice for Camptown in the 26th and 64th minutes to keep his side in the lead.

Milerock FC made light work of Cougars FC beating them 3-0 through three first half strikes from Oswald Benjamin in the second minute, Denzil Fordyce in the 16th and Joel McKinnon in the 20th minute.

The next two matches of the tournament will see Western Tigers FC clash with Grove Hi-Tec while Fruta Conquerors FC will face Ann’s Grove FC at their (Fruta Conquerors) ground in Tucville on Wednesday evening.

Action starts at 18:00h and admission is $500.

The final is set for January 1 at the Guyana National Stadium where a grand after party with dancehall star Pop Caan.

The winning team is set to pocket $2,000,000 while the losing finalist will get $1,000,000.

22

GUYANATIMESgy.COM

tuesDAY, december 19, 2017

Cyclists rewarded handsomely for outstanding year

T

– John heads list

he “Crème de la crème” of Guyanese cyclists saw their yearlong efforts being rewarded by the Guyana Cycling News on Sunday evening at their annual Award Ceremony and dinner held at El Club Latino.

After an outstanding year at the inner circuit of the National Park and Guyana’s roadways; Team Coco’s Jamual John received just desserts and picked up the prize for the best Senior Cyclist. He was followed by Paul DeNobrega, Alanzo Ambrose, Hamzah Eastman and Geron Williams who also turned in exceptional performances in 2017.

In the most improved cyclist category, junior cyclists Curtis Dey and Christopher Cornelius were adjudged to be tied on votes and had to share the spoils.

Meanwhile, the top Junior Cyclist award went to Briton John with Curtis Dey and Nigel Duigud following sharply behind.

In the Masters (Under-45-years old) category Team Coco’s Junior Niles took away top prize; Ian Jackson and Lear Nunes took the other awards in that category. Kennard Lovell was the top Over-45-year old cyclist.

Though not yet a Juvenile rider, young Jonathan Ramsuchit’s impres-

sive form on two wheels did not go unnoticed as he copped the prize in that category miles ahead of any competition.

Claire Fraser-Greene was the lone female awardee as she was recognized for her consistent performances throughout the year.

All in all, the cyclists in Guyana enjoyed a fruitful year locally and must be applauded for their consistency and hard work sometimes in difficult circumstances. A word of encouragement must go to the organizers and sponsors who have shown tremendous commitment to the sport once again.

GBA/ Banks DIH Aqua Mist, Powerade Christmas Singles 2017…

Chang Yuen pips Priyanna to Men’s title …Priyanna wins Ladies’ crown tive winners by Banks DIH Powerade Brand Manager, Errol Nelson, who presented trophies and haversacks.

The GBA is extremely grateful that once again Banks DIH made the tournament possible and would like to thank their Marketing Executive, Carlton Joao and all others who supported the association and the tournament.

Winners of the various categories are happy after collecting their symbols of supremacy. Errol Nelson is at centre in the back row

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he Guyana Badminton Association’s (GBA) Banks DIH Aqua Mist and Powerade Christmas Badminton Tournament concluded on Sunday December 17 at the National Gymnasium with Ronald Chang Yuen beating national ladies champion, Priyanna Ramdhani in a closely contested Men’s final.

The Tournament which started on Friday December 15 was played off in the Senior Open Men and Ladies Singles and Junior Boys Under-11, U15 and U17 Singles.

The final day of the competition saw heated battles in the senior open Men and Ladies Semi-finals and finals.

Pan American, Caribbean & National Champion Priyanna Ramdhani was allowed to play in the Men Singles due to lack of Competition in the Ladies category and created havoc by taking out current National Champion, Jonathan Mangra in the semi-finals. In the first game Jonathan, won 21-9 while

Priyanna came back viciously with superb and skillful play to win the second set 21-11. In the third game, Priyanna who was covering the court like a floor mat won the game 21-5 after Jonathan conceded at 15-5 due to the lack of fitness.

In the Other Men’s semi-final, Ronald Chang Yuen defeated Marlon Chung in straight sets: 2114, 21-17 to set up the final showdown with the national ladies’ champion.

In the tournament’s grand finale, Priyanna quickly asserted herself and took the first game 21-10 before Chang Yuen staged the great come back to take the second game 21-10. The third set was always going to be ding dong but it was the determined Ronald who countered Priyanna’s aggression to come out of the closely fought game 21-19 to lift the championship.

In the Ladies final, Priyanna Ramdhani hardly worked up a sweat as she brushed aside Shivannie Persaud: 21-6, 21-8.

The Presentation was then made to the respec-

The tournament results are; Under-11 Boys: 1. Jonathan Debidin 2. Avinash Ramnarine 3. Ruel Rambirchie and Leron Ramascindo

Under-11 Girls: 1. Mishka Beharry 2. Gianna Ramnarine

Under-15 Boys: 1. Matthew Beharry 2. Vikash Mootoo 3. Omar Samad & Andrew Debidin Under-15 Girls: 1. Jayde Dasilva 2. Lesha Singh 3. Lethika Kendavel & Sarah Samad

Under-17 Boys: 1. Tyrese Jeffrey 2. Akili Haynes 3. Isaac Mallampati & Rasheed January

Under-17 Girls: 1. Priyanna Ramdhani 2. Sacha Parmanand 3. Ashley Escarraga & Priyanka Shivnauth

Open Men: 1. Ronald Chang Yuen 2. Priyanna Ramdhani 3. Jonathan Mangra & Marlon Chung 4. Darrell Carpenay

Open Ladies: 1. Priyanna Ramdhani 2. Shivannie Persaud 3. Ayanna Wickham-Watson & Emelia Ramdhani

The Most Improved Cyclists award was shared by Curtis Dey (left) and Christopher Cornelius

PSL’s Jonathan Ramsuchit collects his best Juvenile Cyclist award

Jamual John capped an excellent year by copping the best Senior Cyclist award

GFF to impose

3%

levy on all tournaments

It is understood that the move by the Federation is an attempt to bring greater control over the sport in Guyana

F

ootball promoters and organisers will now have to pay three percent on their respective tournaments after the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) membership approved the fee at their Extraordinary Congress held on Saturday.

“We had the membership approve 3% levy on all tournaments. The levy structure is now going to go before the regulations committee,” President Wayne Forde stated.

According to the GFF head, the committee will be chaired by Eton Mosses of Buxton United Football Club, who will develop the regulations to govern the levy.

“It will be three percent towards the total prize money or the total gate income whichever is higher of the two,” Forde explained.

Only recently, the federation stated that they are seeking to regulate football in the country and has thus “engaged the support of the

Guyana Police Force (GPF) to ensure permits for tournaments are only granted following the GFF’s approval of a given tournament.”

This entails a promoter getting an approval letter from the GFF, which is given to the police in the respective division in which the tournament is being held, before the police authorises the said tournament.

According to the GFF, this initiative follows the actions of some who coordinate tournaments without the secured prize money and other logistical arrangements in place and without the clear guideline and oversight of the Federation.

Forde said that regulation is important to preserve the integrity of the game, adding that “While it is important that the footballers are given an opportunity to play as much football as possible, these events must take place in a regulated environment.”

guyanatimesgy.com

tuesDAY, december 19, 2017

"Mexico game"

23

investigation still on GFF’s agenda …Our goal is to bring closure – Forde

G

uyana Football Federation (GFF) President, Wayne Forde has affirmed they still willing to conduct a thorough investigation into the infamous Guyana Jaguars’ World Cup 2014 Qualifier against Mexico in 2014.

Jaguars and Mexico were set to clash at the National Stadium, Providence but the Federation sold the hosting rights for the game, which was then moved to the BBVA Compass Stadium in Texas.

F o r d e cautioned t h a t

speedy steps will not be taken to unearth wrongdoings if any as to avoid bringing the ‘new findings’ into dispute.

“We have been engaging the level of CONCACAF to move the process forward.

Our goal is to bring closure and not to do an investigation that opens up another investigation and if there is anyone that needs to be exonerated they must and if there is anyone is culpable then that report must produce that,” Forde explained at the federations’ Extraordinary C o n g r e s s on Saturday which was held at the National Racquet Centre, Georgetown.

At the

Former GFF President (Ag) Franklin Wilson

Inter-village football begins tonight with 2 games T he 16-team, Inter-village football tournament will kick off tonight at the Victoria Community Centre Ground from 18:00h, with a double-header.

The tournament, which will see the winning team going home with $800,000, is set to start with Tiger Bay facing Liliendaal in the opening game, while Eastville and Mocha will collide in the second fixture at 20:00h.

Legacy Promotional group is the body responsible for hosting the event, and Banks DIH, under their Banks Beer brand is the primary sponsor.

Games will be contested on December 21, 23, 25 26, 28 and the grand final is set for December 30. Apart from the winner’s purse, the second placed side will pocket $400,000 with $200,000 set to go the third placed team and $100,000 to the fourth placed finisher.

Ordinary Congress in May, a mandate was made by members for an investigation to be conducted by an Independent body in the issue. Forde had stated that they would have started the investigation within fourteen days of May 27 but when questioned on Saturday with regards to the process he explained they are still seeking help from their parent body.

“We reached out to our parent body within in the confederation for a certain level of support because what is important to us is that we don’t simply conduct an investigation for the sake of checking it off to say we have because they have reputations at stake in this process to ensure there is the level of care and attention and due diligence that is required.”

He added, “Ultimately it will require money to get the investigation done since we have to get the proper people with the right competence to do a proper investigation.

To just hastily put together a committee with individuals that cannot commit

GFF President Wayne Forde responding to questions at the Congress on Saturday

time and resources that is required to really get to the bottom of this matter.”

Former acting President of the GFF, Franklin Wilson, who had taken up the mantle from the embattled Collin Class, was at the helm of the fiasco.

In a statement after the mandate was made public he stated, “all the relevant information pertaining to the match is in possession of the Federation.”

Former National Captain Christopher Nurse had told Guyana Times Sport he was hopeful that the matter would be addressed.

According to Nurse, prior to the match, Wilson, had signed an agreement with the players concerning their remuneration packages due to the switch in venue, after he was previously ignoring them.

Nurse revealed. He further disclosed: “It’s common courtesy for the team to be notified how much the game was sold for and how much the GFF received. Out of that (amount), the players are due 12 per cent. One crucial instance took place and it [was] announced to the national team [that) US$75,000 was received.

However, only US$45,000 was deposited into the GFF account, and the players were never compensated as per the agreement.”

Back in 2012, Wilson had deemed moving the match as being “in the best interest of football,” since “the revenue will be used to pay off outstanding debts and other expenses the Golden Jaguars have incurred”.

It is understood that the Federation would have reaped approximately US$2 million (GY$400 million) in profits. However, no documentation was provided to substantiate these claims.

YBG/Titan Bowl VII…

Mackenzie dethrone LTI – PC Girls trump Marian Academy

T

Mackenzie High School dethroned LTI to win the seventh edition of the YBG Titan Bowl

he seventh edition of Youth Basketball Guyana’s (YBG) Titan Bowl came to an end in spectacular fashion on Sunday evening at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall (CASH) when new champions were crowned.

In the male competition, defending champions Linden Technical Institute

(LTI) had no answer to McKenzie High School’s Yannick Tappin who blew his opponents away in a performance worthy of a final.

The score line read 91-74 in favour of the McKenzie outfit that was dominant in dethroning LTI. Tappin who was named the tournament’s Most Valuable

Player (MVP) had a game high 44 points with six assists, six rebounds and eight steals. His supporting cast came in the form of Kevlon Cadogan who sank 14 points and grabbed seven rebounds with Leon Benjamin netting 13 points as well as 11 rebounds.

LTI’s futile resistance came courtesy of

Dillon Pellew’s 14 points, 10 rebounds and George Yearwood’s 13 points with Jamal Gilkes contributing 18 points and 15 rebounds.

On the distaff side, President’s College (PC) triumphed over Marian Academy in a nail biter of a final.

The game was decided by a mere point as the PC ladies won 24-23 to break the hearts of the spirited Marian Academy divas.

For the victors Annalisa Barclay played a lead role taking seven points from the pain and grabbing five rebounds; Barclay was ably deputized by Roschelle Campbell who contributed six points along with fifteen rebound and three steals.

The runner-ups were literally carried by Jada Mohan who scored all but four points for her team recording 19 points, seven rebounds and six steals; however in the end her mammoth effort was not enough.

TUESDAY, december 19, 2017

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

guyanatimesgy.com

GBA/ Banks DIH Aqua Mist, Powerade Christmas Singles 2017…

Pg 22

Chang Yuen pips Priyanna to Men’s title …Priyanna wins Ladies’ crown Men’s Champion Ronald Chang Yuen and Ladies Champion Priyanna Ramdhani with their spoils

Priyanna Ramdhani and Ronald Chang Yuen locked in battle in the Men’s Singles Final on Sunday at the National Gymnasium

"Mexico game"

Pg 23

investigation still on GFF’s agenda

…Our goal is to bring closure – Forde

The stardom quality of Javier Hernández commonly called Chicharito, could have made an entrance at the National Stadium Providence had it not been for the ‘switch’

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