Guyanatime 19 may 2018

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

THE BEACON OF TRUTH

Saturday, May 19, 2018

Issue No. 3568

PRICE

Botched D'Urban Street robbery

Businessman shoots dead 1 bandit Page 3

…Police pursue and kill accomplice Hydro power

Amaila Falls back on the table – Trotman

Page 9

…says Govt will meet requirements for US$80M

Gunmen raid mining camp …escape with raw gold, gun

Page 7

“Police misconduct will not be accepted” – Crime Chief Page 7

Assistant Police Commissioner and acting Crime Chief Paul Williams took the salute during the march-past at the graduation ceremony for the new 150 members of the Guyana Police Force on Friday, at Eve Leary, Georgetown

Mentally ill man rescued from ‘dog pen’ structure

Page 10

…allegedly locked away for 3 years by father, stepmother

$80 vat included

WHAT'S INSIDE:

Suspect in Linden fatal stabbing nabbed in Berbice P14

Man charged for sharing P8 nude photos of ex-girlfriend GBTI celebrates 182 years P17 of banking, remains competitive

Govt confirms plans to set up national oil company P11

More than 100 killed in Cuba plane crash P17

NICIL not P12 retaining billions in dividends post 2015 – CEO …claims $4.2B remitted to Consolidated Fund

59 dismissed female GuySuCo workers receive food P12 hampers

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saturDAY, may 19, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

news

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saturDAY, may 19, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

BRIDGE OPENINGS

Botched D'Urban Street robbery

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

Saturday, May 19 – 05:30h-07:00h and Sunday May 20 - 08:30h-10:00h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Saturday, May 19 – 06:40h-08:10h and Sunday May 20 - 07:40h-09:10h.

Businessman shoots dead 1 bandit

…Police pursue and kill accomplice

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY Early morning sunshine is expected to give way to light cloud cover that is expected in the morning and early afternoon, followed by partly cloudy skies in the evening. Temperatures will range between 22 degrees Celsius and 29 degrees Celsius.

Winds: Easterly to East North-easterly and Northeasterly between 2.23 metres and 5.81 metres.

High Tide: 07:09h and 19:48h reaching maximum heights of 2.69 metres and 2.48 metres respectively.

Low Tide: 00:42h and 13:16h reaching minimum heights of 0.67 metre and 0.54 metre respectively.

Dead: Trevor Barrow

By Michael Younge

T

wo bandits attempting to rob a Georgetown business establishment on Friday morning were shot

foiled when the proprietor, also armed and prepared for any eventuality, confronted them.

According to information reaching this newspaper, the businessman shot Barrow to his foot in an attempt to disarm him, but a defiant Barrow pointed his firearm in the direction of the businessman and reportedly pulled the trigger after shouting that he would not die at the hands of the businessman.

Both perpetrator and defendant simultaneously realized that the safety on Barrow’s gun was still in place, and the businessman quickly retaliated by shooting Barrow to his head. The bandit is said to have died on the spot, before the arrival of law

The “Les” Variety Store which the bandits attempted to rob

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DISCLAIMER: WE ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY ERRORS IN PUBLICATION. PLEASE CALL THE HOTLINE FOR CONFIRMATION - TEL: 225-8902

dead when their enterprise was foiled by a quick thinking and responsive businessman.

Twenty-five-year-old Trevor Barrow and 27-yearold Calvin Dover, both of Bent Street Georgetown, are accused of having attempted to rob the “Les” Variety Store and business establishment on D' Urban Street, Georgetown at about 11:30h while there was a continuous downpour of rain.

Reports suggest that before the duo entered the business establishment, they were spotted by the proprietor on a surveillance camera acting suspiciously. This led him to venture to the lower flat of the building where the business transactions are conducted on a daily basis.

Guyana Times understands that the men entered the premises brandishing firearms with intent to rob the business place and its patrons, but their attempt was

enforcement.

As a crowd gathered and Police arrived on the scene, a search was launched in the area for Barrow’s accomplice.

Second shooting

Not long after, the lawmen received a tip-off that Dover was hiding in a nearby building somewhere in the vicinity of Bent Street. They pounced on him in his place of refuge, and eyewitnesses said a shootout ensued between the Police and the bandit. He was subsequently shot and killed in the building on Bent Street.

After two hours, the Police retrieved the man’s body from the building with the help of public-spirited citizens, and whisked it away under the watchful eyes of dozens of persons who were present at the scene.

Family claims

Dover’s uncle told this

Calvin Dover’s body being removed from a Bent Street house

newspaper that he was disappointed with aspects of the Police conduct.

“That is murder! What you shoot him in his head for?” the uncle asked, before explaining that the family is not justifying Dover’s actions, but believe that the Police could have acted more professionally and cautiously.

“We don’t have (his) mind and we don’t know what he coulda do,” the uncle said.

“If he did wrong, and they come and catch in the house, they have a right to arrest him. He wasn’t shooting at them at this point....

He should have been arrested…go to court and jail, if he has to.”

The Police have since arrested three persons from the Bent Street house where Dover had sought refuge, including a man and his teenage daughter. They also re-

covered some spent shells from the weapon he allegedly had used, but not before seizing a number of mobile devices from the property.

Dover was said to have been a plumber by profession, while Barrow had been unemployed, according to persons who live in the area.

Barrow had also been a former student of the Tutorial High School and the Stella Maris Primary School.

Barrow’s aunt, who was also at the scene, said he had been a good boy whose only fault was that he had been following the wrong company and friends.

“He could have been alive today, had he listened to me,” she said while mourning in the downpour outside the building where his body had lain.

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guyanatimesgy.com

saturDAY, may 19, 2018

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

Dangerous legislation

F

ollowing a public uproar, the Government has announced that the proposed Cybercrime Legislation will be sent back to Cabinet for Government to relook at the sedition clause.

Over the past few weeks, many citizens have taken to social media and the letters pages of the daily newspapers to register their concerns about the controversial piece of legislation. They have wasted no time in criticising the Government for what they believe is a retrograde step, aimed at stifling their right to free speech in what is supposed to be a democratic and free country.

Section 18 (1) of the Bill speaks to charging persons utilising cyberspace to register their dissatisfaction with the Government of the day. Section 18 (1) states: “A person commits an offence of sedition if the person, whether in or out of Guyana, intentionally publishes, transmits or circulates by use of a computer system or any other means, a statement or words, either spoken or written, a text, video, image, sign, visible representation, or other thing that brings or attempts to bring into hatred or contempt, or excites or attempts to excite disaffection towards the Government established by law in Guyana; advocates the use, without authority of law, of force as a means of accomplishing a governmental change within Guyana,” among other things.

It could be recalled that AG Basil Williams first read the Bill on August 4, 2016, and it was sent to a Special Select Committee, where it stayed for two years and was then sent back to the National Assembly unchanged. After it came back to the National Assembly, the contents created quite an uproar, since it was perceived that freedom of expression was being stifled by the legislation.

It should be noted, too, that the penalties are severe if one is found to be in breach of the proposed law. If this Bill is passed in its present form, one could easily find oneself paying millions in fine and spending years in jail -- even for life -- for publishing via electronic means, something the Government does not find favour with.

It also means that newspapers would have to cease publishing their online versions; since, almost every day, letter writers and commentators publish material that can be interpreted as an attempt to bring into hatred or contempt, or excite or attempt to excite disaffection, towards the Government.

At first, the administration seemed unmoved to relook at the Bill, with the Public Security Minister himself -leading the charge as to why the Bill should be passed in its present form -- saying that it aims to protect the State.

However, on Wednesday, AG Williams conceded that there has been much controversy in relation to this particular clause.

No doubt, the insertion by the Government of this provision in the Cyber Crimes Bill could mean, or could have, grave implications for freedom of speech in Guyana.

The initial purpose of the Bill was to protect Guyanese and their children from the dangers of cyberspace. Instead, the Bill has been converted by the Government to one that, besides the original purpose, protects Government’s own interests.

In spite of all the talk about building a free and democratic country, and ensuring citizens’ rights are protected, the Government’s arrogance and contempt for the citizens of this country is becoming more apparent daily. In fact, after three years at the helm of political power, Government seems to have forgotten all the promises made to its supporters, and has become oblivious to the concerns of citizens.

The fact that members of the executive are pushing for such backward and possibly dangerous legislation shows that the APNU/AFC Coalition are more focused on ensuring their grip on power is not threatened in any way.

It is therefore very encouraging to see the level of public pressure brought on the Government from almost every section of society to have the Bill reviewed. It is this same pressure that has forced them to make a decision to have the Bill resent to Cabinet to decide the way forward. It is hoped that the interest of the people will be placed above Government’s own self-interest this time around.

A house built from local greenheart wood displays how timber could be used to build durable homes at the Guyana Timber Expo 2018 at the Guyana National Stadium

Corporate Governance 2.0

Dear Editor, Corporate governance was designed to facilitate guardianship of the company’s assets for their real owners. In the case of GuySuCo, the real owners are the citizens of Guyana, but it is clear that the Granger administration has thrown under the bus the whole concept of effective and efficient corporate governance.

Why does an entire Government have to be pandering to the opacities of a small cabal led by Clive Thomas over the welfare of thousands of ordinary people who still depend on the sugar industry for their daily bread?

By continuing to perpetuate the running of the largest state-owned enterprise with an acting CEO and no Board, adverse consequences have visited the corporation. By denying the sugar company a Board, this Government has done the following: 1. Injected a reduction of clarity in the decision-making processes. Such a situa-

tion has imported ambiguity into all levels of management, slowed down decision-making, and is causing unnecessary conflict across the organization.

2. Expanded the destruction of adequate process management at all levels across the corporation.

Thus today, in GuySuCo, there is massive indecision across the corporation, and this has led to an attitude of lack of urgency when it comes to handling key and critical challenges in the industry.

3. Allowed the alignment of the strategy to disintegrate. Such a situation sends damaging signals to all stakeholders, which leads to demotivation, destruction, and dilapidation.

But, most importantly, it will destabilize the privatization process for Enmore Estate to DDL. I am now expecting DDL to take the Government to the cleaners on this privatization process, which any wise investor should, and would, do.

4. Destroyed team dy-

namics, which has trickle down all across the industry, leading to there being not enough creative solutions being unleashed to solve the challenging issues across the sugar belt.

It is unfortunate that the largest public-sector corporation and the largest employer in Guyana has been allowed by the policymakers in the Granger administration to become this dysfunctional in such a short time. All the policymakers have done is contributed to the stagnation in the arrival of modernization in the sugar belt. Thus the risk profile across the sugar belt has not been reduced with the closure of estates and the severance of some 7,000 persons; it has actually increased.

My conclusion is this:the problem was not the size of GuySuCo, but the quality of the decision-making process at the highest level.

GuySuCo has now become a cesspit for destroying talent. No professional in his right mind would

want to be part of such a debased decision-making system. For GuySuCo to ever recover, it must build up its reputation to attract the kind of professionals who can provide value, strategic input, and build up the company. With the right leadership, GuySuCo can become an environment that creates a whole that is greater than the sum of its parts.

I, like many other Guyanese, struggle to be reconciled to the fact that such a powerful institution has been reduced to such a state of powerlessness that it cannot even benefit today from solid strategic counsel, because different factions in the Coalition cannot agree on a Board. Wither the sugar industry, because the Granger administration is still yet to learn Corporate Governance 2.0. This is not about them; this is about the 10,000 workers still in the system.

Regards, Sasenarine Singh

Provocation is no justification for abuse

Dear Editor, A domiciled Guyanese recently posted on Facebook that women should stop provoking men, since such provocation leads to domestic abuse. This victim-blaming is nothing new, but it is indeed astounding that there are still women who propagate such a view, yet claim to be anti-abuse activists, as this poster does.

Experts have reached a consensus on several common characteristics among batterers:- they are controlling; manipulative; often see themselves as victims; and believe that men have a pre-ordained right to be in charge of all aspects of a re-

lationship.

For some abusers, violence is a tool to keep their intimate partners from leaving the relationship; ensure that those partners ‘know their place’, and ‘respect’ their abusers, although that respect is generally equated with fear. Abuse, then, is the continuous result of power inequality between the partners, and one partner is afraid of, and harmed by, the other, who feels powerful in the relationship context, with ‘provocation’ being a mere excuse to exhibit this power.

Yet, the same individual who hits his partner or child would be quite angry

if a Police officer pulled him up for no reason, and/or demanded a bribe; but he would never chose to hit the Police officer. Similarly, that person would put up with provocation, but never choose to hit a boss, a worker in a Government office, someone in authority, or someone bigger and stronger than him.

However, in a society where abuse has been normalised, women are still subservient to men, males are still socialised to see themselves as the ones with ‘power’ in a relationship (you a de maan), and citizens see abuse as not their business; alternate choices are hardly ever considered.

Such alternatives include: do not overreact, but stay calm, and take a walk if necessary; listen without interrupting, but to understand; show respect instead of engaging in back and forth insults; be emphatic instead of judgmental, and apologise when the situation so demands; give each other space; discuss issues to seek non-violent resolutions; and even use humour in this process; recall the positives of the relationship as a way of recognizing what is at stake; seek the help of someone with mediating skills, such as an elder or a priest. 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

Difficult not to be suspicious Issue not easily dismissed by appropriation of blame about huge settlements Dear Editor, I have, with keen interest, observed the issues regarding the settlement of court cases involving billions of taxpayers’ dollars published in the press. I do not recall, at any time in living memory, such a large number of cases being settled for such huge sums of money.

It is difficult not to be suspicious about these settlements. I do not rule out the possibility of some type of corruption.

What strikes me as strange is Attorney General Basil Williams’s constant reference to “inheriting cases from the PPP Government.” My understanding is that those cases were not filed against the PPP, but the Government of Guyana. So, when there is a change in Government, the cases are bound to continue against whosoever assumes the reins of Government.

Therefore, cases filed while the PPP was in Government must continue against the new Government, even though there was a change of Government after May 2015.

I am shocked that AG Williams seems not to be able to understand this simple principle. It is as if he expected the PPP to take away the cases to Freedom House when they left office.

While I am not a lawyer, I have been around Croal Street for over three decades. The truth of the matter is that Mr Williams has had a long career in the Magistrates’ Courts, arguing cases against Police prosecutors. The older lawyers will confirm that he never did any civil or constitutional case of worth.

That lack of experience is now magnified on a nation-

al stage, because all the cases at the AG’s Chambers are civil and constitutional matters. Therefore, do not expect these outpourings of blame from Mr Williams to stop in the near future.

Since these settlements involve billions of taxpayers’ dollars, in the public’s interest, I wish to ask Mr Williams for clarification on the following matters: 1. RUDISA beverage case Did the CCJ not adjourn this case for Guyana to remedy the breach of the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas?

And when a Bill to amend the Customs Act to bring it into conformity with the Treaty of Chaguaramas was tabled in the Parliament, did not the APNU/AFC with its one-seat majority in Opposition vote down this Bill twice?

Mr. Williams was part of an AFC/APNU one-seat majority that voted down this Bill twice, was it not explained to him in the Parliament that if this Bill was not passed, then the CCJ would have awarded judgement against Guyana?

How can Nandlall and the PPP be blamed for this?

2. Toolsie Persaud Ltd v AG Information published in the press suggests that this case started since 2008. Mr. Williams took office in May 2015. Judgement was handed down in April 2018. Could Mr. Williams explain how, after three years in office, he did not know a case as big as this case was being tried in the High Court, and that the Attorney General was a party? Is he asking this nation to believe that in this threeyear period, no one even whispered anything to him about this matter?

How come a lawyer from

Provocation is no...

These approaches are generally included in workshops and outreaches by abuse prevention entities such as The Caribbean Voice. However, there is only so much that non-governmental entities can do, and thus there is need for lay counsellors/gatekeepers who would indeed be equipped to help partners deal with relationship issues in every community.

And as TCV has continuously pointed out, gatekeepers’ training can piggyback on

from page 4

all sorts of other training, so that it does not become a massive or expensive undertaking.

As well, those involved in abuse activism on the ground must be armed with the knowledge to help partners address relationships’ issues, instead of seeking to justify abuse and engage in victim blaming. Otherwise, the harm can easily be multiplied.

Sincerely, The Caribbean Voice

the AG’s Chambers was present when judgement was delivered? Could Mr. Williams explain how, after judgement was delivered, he said to the press that the AG was not a party to the proceedings? So, even when judgement was delivered, and it was published in the newspapers, he still did not know that the AG was a party?

3. BK International Mr. Williams is quoted in the press as saying that Mr. Nandlall had agreed to pay BK $225 million for service rendered. Could Mr. Williams make public any document which supports this contention? This would go a far way in settling the public record, because the PPP Government terminated the contract with BK International. As a result, BK International sued, challenging the termination.

These are facts which cannot be disputed. The court proceedings are there to verify it. In fact, Williams admits this in the press, but claims that he filed an appeal in that case. Could Mr. Williams explain why, instead of prosecuting his appeal, he withdrew it and paid BK International US$5.7 million as compensation?

4. H. Sugrim v NDIA Based on what is reported in the press, this case was filed in June 2015; that is, after the PPP left office.

It concluded in 2017. Could Mr. Williams explain how he “inherited” this case from the PPP Government?

I hope Mr Williams would clarify the matters mentioned above as soon as possible. The public awaits with bated breath.

Yours faithfully, Nandkumar Puran

Dear Editor, It is not my intention to heap opprobrium on the Patterson family due to the alleged actions of one member at this time; however, the statement of the Minister of Public Infrastructure, Hon. David Patterson, on the issue included a scurrilous statement about the previous administrations of Guyana run by the People’s National Congress and The People’s Progressive Party. Minister Patterson of the Alliance For Change says, ”As a Minister of Government, I would like to assure the Guyanese public that I have not, and will not, attempt to influence the outcome of these serious allegations made against my brother in any way whatsoever. This is the principled position which I firmly embrace, and ought to be a lesson to many under a previous dispensation who, it

is widely known, regularly interfered with the course of justice in matters involving their family members, friends, and even acquaintances.”

This issue is not easily dismissed by appropriation of blame. Minister Patterson, by his statement, has transformed the issue from personal to political; and as a Citizen of Guyana, I ask that the Minister share his ‘widely known’ information and evidence to back such a serious charge. A sitting Minister of Government is expected to be more responsible with his word.

As of now, our national image has been tarnished by his statement in a week wherein the USA issued a higher level crime alert for Guyana, which included the warning that law enforcement personnel are often perpetrators of crime.

Editor, Minister Patterson

will have to answer questions about his brother’s alleged activities, including his source of finance and transit through our international airport, which is currently undergoing construction and falls under his purview. His statement now taints that straightforward activity with the odium of politics. No one is above the law or the process of investigation.

I await the Minister’s response to my questions on his allegations, but I will not hold my breath, for I know an attempt at deflection when I see one. Our national treasure, Martin Carter, famously wrote: “All are involved!

All are consumed!” We seem doomed to this political reality, no matter how hard we try to avoid it.

Sincerely, Robin Singh

AG’s string of failures has been unending Dear Editor, Attorney General Mr Basil Williams has failed abysmally to account for his dismal performance in office over the three years. His modus operandi of blaming me; the PPP Government; the staff at the AG’s Chambers, both past and present; and even judges, has not worked. The public has simply not bought into his story. As a result, desperation is stepping in.

The string of failures has been unending, the latest being the case involving H.N. Sugrim. This case finally exposed Williams beyond redemption, (and) he knows it.

It was filed after the PPP left office in June 2015, (and) it concluded in 2017. It was a winnable case, yet he lost it.

The contract provided for the lodgment of a performance bond by the contractor within a stipulated time frame.

The contract further stipulated that a failure to lodge that performance bond would be a basis for its termination.

No performance bond was lodged. The contract was terminated on this very basis.

This would have been an unassailable defence, once put forward by competent counsel, yet the case was lost. This case commenced and ended while the PPP was out of office, the press and public quickly realized how clumsy it is for Williams to blame the PPP. Obviously, Mr Williams recognizes this. He is again caught with his pants down.

This time however, the time frames were clear: the PPP cannot sensibly be blamed for this case. He now has to come up with another distraction in order to divert attention from this abject failure. So, after a long and exhaustive

rant at a recent press conference, most of which consisted of recklessly inaccurate assertions unworthy of a response, he announces that the Police will be called in to investigate "outsourced cases".

Imagine, after three years of holding office, this gentleman still claims ignorance of cases pending against the State. That admission alone should be the basis of his dismissal.

The truth of the matter is: there is only one person for the Police to investigate in this matter; it is Mr. Basil Williams. The offence is "Misconduct in Public Office”.

If I am contacted by the Police, that is the report I will make. I will supply all the details of the negligence about which I speak.

Sincerely, Anil Nandlall, MP

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Foundation

M

"

om, you're beautiful." That's what the vast majority – about 90 per cent – of girls surveyed by KidsHealth had to say about their mothers.

And the feeling is mutual: Just about as many moms tell their girls that they're beautiful.

On the flipside, though, only 41 per cent of girls would call themselves "pretty" or "beautiful". Among moms, 60 per cent say they're beautiful and 40 per cent say they're not. More than half of moms say they've criticised their own appearance, many in front of their daughters. Of those who were self-critical, 76 per cent said they complained out loud that they needed to lose weight.

And roughly 50 per cent of both moms and daughters don't like the way they look in a selfie.

Like mother, like daughter

In the KidsHealth survey, we heard from 2400 moms and 11,500 daughters, many of whom had mixed feelings about the way they look.

Finding so many similarities between how they view themselves makes you wonder: Like mother, like daughter?

"A mother's self-image greatly influences how her daughter views herself," says D'Arcy Lyness, PhD, a child and adolescent psychologist and behavioural health editor at KidsHealth. In the survey, many girls reported worrying about their looks a lot throughout the day, sometimes "con-

stantly."

"All that concern over looks erodes a girl's self-esteem," Dr Lyness says. "When girls are hard on themselves about how they look, it makes it difficult for them to love and accept themselves — and this prevents them from being and doing their best."

Be a role model

If you want to help improve your daughter's outlook, start with your own.

Avoid criticising how you look or how others look.

Treat yourself well by eating right, exercising, and taking it easy on yourself. No one can live up to that unattainable image of beauty that many of us hold – but all of us can strive to feel mostly good about our looks most of the time.

Here are some more tips: Talk about it. Talk to your daughter about the

pressure to be pretty and thin. If there's something you or she would like to improve upon on the outside, find healthy ways of making that happen. Doing yoga or running together aren't just great ways to stay fit – they also can help strengthen that mother–daughter bond.

Take pride in your appearance – but not too much.

Show your daughter that it feels good to take care of yourself, but also emphasise the deeper qualities about a person that matter more.

Don't make negative comments. Focus on the positive things about your looks and your daughter's looks.

Instead of griping about how big your legs are, talk about how they're strong enough to help you run a 5K. Love your body – and your daughter will love hers, too!

Tell her she's pretty, but also talented. Let her know you think she's beautiful, but also compliment her on the things she's good at and enjoys. Saying things like, "You have a beautiful singing voice" or "Great endurance out on the field!" will help build your daughter's confidence and convince her that she can do great things.

When girls (and moms) don't put too much focus on their looks, they can enjoy the more important parts of life that really count. (kid-

H

ere are five smart strategies to keep kids from becoming targets — and stop bullying that has already started:

Talk about it

Talk about bullying with your children and have other family members share their experiences. If one of your children opens up about being bullied, praise him or her for being brave enough to discuss it and offer unconditional support. Consult with the school to learn its policies and find out how staff and teachers can address the situation.

Remove the bait

If it's lunch money or gadgets that the school bully is after, you can help neutralise the situation by en-

shealth.org)

couraging your child to pack a lunch or go to school gadget-free.

Buddy up for safety

Two or more friends standing at their lockers are less likely to be picked on than a child who is all alone. Remind your child to use the buddy system when on the school bus, in the bathroom, or wherever bullies may lurk.

Keep calm and carry on

If a bully strikes, a child's best defence may be to remain calm, ignore hurtful remarks, tell the bully to stop, and simply walk away.

Bullies thrive on hurting others. A child who isn't easily ruffled has a better chance of staying off a bully's radar.

Don't try to fight the battle yourself

Sometimes talking to a bully's parents can be constructive, but it's generally best to do so in a setting where a school official, such as a counsellor, can mediate. (Excerpt from kidshealth.org)

7 Police misconduct will not be accepted – Crime Chief news

saturdAY, may 19, 2018 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

…tells 150 new ranks

A

ssistant Police Commissioner and acting Crime Chief Paul Williams on Friday told 150 new members of the Guyana Police Force that misconduct on their part will not be accepted.

The acting Crime Chief sound the warning at the Police Headquarters, in Eve Leary, Georgetown during the graduation ceremony for the new recruits.

“For every action there is a consequence and consequences must be appropriate for an acceptable behaviour.

Ignorance of the law is no ex-

cuse; therefore Police misconduct will not be accepted,” he said.

He encouraged the new Policemen and women not to use their uniform as a “shelter under the blue” or as a free pass to commit wrongdoings. He instead told the officers that, “even if you have seen this type of behaviour emanating from your peers, to remain silent is as guilty as the ones who are committing the wrongdoings.”

The ranks, who were welcomed to the Force, were drawn from Recruit Courses 367, 368, 369, 36 B1 and B2

and 14G. Sergeant Brandt, who delivered a report on the courses, said the six-month training session began on November 20, last year, where persons were trained in the areas of practices and procedures of self-defence, first aid, stress and anger management, communication skills, English Language, human rights and domestic violence among several others.

“These skills surely helped them in building their capacity. The recruits were also subjected to teachings on traffic and crime,

Gunmen raid mining camp …escape with raw gold, gun

F

our armed men carried out a daring robbery on a mining camp at Baboon Backdam, Cuyuni River, Region Seven (Cuyini-Mazaruni), escaping with a quantity of raw gold and other valuables, including a licensed shot gun.

Based on reports received, the bandits were armed with rifles and shot-

guns and were clad in dark-coloured clothing. The men also spoke a foreign language. Initial investigations revealed that about 28 workers of the mining camp were in the mining camp at between 19:00h and 23:00h on Wednesday night when the men held the camp hostage. The miners were ordered to hand over all the

raw gold that was kept in the camp and other personal items, including the shot gun. After committing the robbery, the men left. No one was injured during the ordeal. A team comprising members of the Joint Services have launched a probe into the robbery but up to late Friday evening, no arrests were made.

Information Technology, among other essential aspects in policing to fully equip them for a life of service to our country,” the officer added.

He further encouraged the new officers that they are expected to perform their duties to the best of their abilities and thanked them for answering the call to perform duties for their country.

They were urged to be safe and careful.

Brandt reported that the officers were under the microscopic supervision of Police Superintendent Shivpersaud Bacchus, over their training period, as well as two other Police Assistant

Acting Crime Chief Paul Williams

Superintendents.

The ranks which were drawn from the various regions and from diverse backgrounds, will be placed in the different policing divisions.

Accolades were handed to the six best graduating stu-

dents, as well as the runner-up and most improved in each of the aforementioned courses.

Course 367 saw 22 ranks graduating; Course 368, 25; Course 369, 21; Course 36 B1, 27; B2, 26; and Course 14G, saw 29.

8 news

saturDAY, may 19, 2018 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

IN THE COURTS

Man charged for sharing nude photos of ex-girlfriend

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hirty-eight-year-old Wayne Tenent, who reportedly thought it wise to share nude photographs of his ex-girlfriend on social media, yester-

day found himself before Georgetown Magistrate Leron Daly, facing a charge detailing that on February 4, 2018, he shared photos of his ex-girlfriend while she

was indecently exposed.

The Prosecution contended that Tenent and the woman had shared a relationship, but after it ended, he posted nude photos of

the woman on social media.

Having denied the charge when it was read to him, Tenent was placed on $80,000 bail. The case will continue on May 21.

Trio jointly charged for money changer’s murder …more than 12 witnesses expected to testify

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erwin Dos Santos and George Hope, both 24, of Freeman Street, La Penitence, Georgetown; and Kacey Heyliger, 25, of Shell Road, Kitty, Georgetown, on Friday appeared in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan after they were charged jointly with the murder of an America Street money changer.

The three men, who were initially charged separately for the man’s murder, had individual charges withdrawn against them and a joint charge of murder instituted.

The prosecution intends to call 13 witnesses during the Preliminary Inquiry.

The men were further remanded and are expected to return to court on June 8.

The men after leaving the courtroom

Shawn Nurse, called “Fabulous” was plying his trade on the corner of America Street and Avenue of the Republic, Georgetown when he was shot and killed during a robbery.

According to reports,

Nurse, of Apartment 33 Shopping Plaza, South Ruimveldt, Georgetown, was shot during a struggle with a gunman, who along with accomplices, were attempting to relieve him of a large sum of foreign and local currency.

He was shot to the head in the process.

The father of three died at the scene, while his killers fled with an undisclosed sum of cash and a quantity of gold jewellery, leaving a 9mm spent shell at the scene.

Several persons were questioned and gave a description of the shooter. At the time of the shooting incident, the suspect was reportedly clad in a red hoodie and a pair of brown trousers.

The men charged in this matter are no strangers to the courts, since they appeared on previous occasions charged with similar offences.

Man jailed for breaking into SARA building

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ahase Arjoon was on Friday sentenced to nine months in prison after he admitted to breaking into the State Assets Recovery Agency (SARA) building and stealing a quantity of items.

Arjoon, who had initially denied committing the act, confessed to the charge when the matter came up for a second hearing before Magistrate Leron Daly at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

The court heard that on between April 24 and April 25 last, Arjoon forcefully gained entry into the SARA building on Main Street, Georgetown and carted off one Del laptop computer valued $250,000, two external drives worth $40,000 and one stereo handset, valued $8000; a total of $298,000 and belonging to Troy Bentic.

Bentic reported that on April 24 at about 17:00h, he secured his belongings before leaving the SARA office, where he is employed.

He noted that upon returning on April 25, he observed that the locks had been tampered with and someone had gained access into the building.

CCTV footage of the area later showed Arjoon as the person breaking into the building. He subsequently confessed to investigators.

Arjoon is said to be a known character to Police and has had several other brushes with the law in the past.

Ideology…

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…of power

here are some who claim that Granger, the present leader of the PNC, doesn’t have an ideology like his mentor, Forbes Burnham. They couldn’t be further from the truth!! The question that arises is: “What was Burnham’s ideology?” That is, the body of ideas that both “explained” the world and simultaneously guided him in negotiating that world. The short answer is Burnham’s ideology was encapsulated in one word – ‘power’.

There are, running around, some who’ll want you to believe that Burnham’s ideology was “socialism”, or Marxism, or even “Black Power”!! The last was ironically the closest; since he was black, and wanted power more than anything else in the world! But following Fanon in his explication of “Black Faces; White masks”, it’s quite possible Burnham didn’t even see himself as ‘black”! Burnham’s “black power” was about his personal power – he couldn’t care less about other black people, and saw them only as a means for him to acquire the personal power he craved!!

And this is what Granger’s all about. He’s just as opportunistic about using whatever that’s floating around out here if it would help to get him power. Granger, for instance, is never tired about boasting about how he’s consummating Burnham’s “legacy”. But if, from an economic standpoint, Granger has just adopted the neoliberal model of the IMF – circa 1980s!! -- how could he be consummating Burnham’s “cooperative socialism”??

We all know what Burnham thought about the IMF, don’t we?? He called it an “International Mother F**ker” and threw them out of the country.

Granger’s all about power. If Burnham’s bible – in his own words – was that of Machiavelli’s “The Prince’ – which explained in lurid detail how to get and keep power by any means necessary, Granger’s bible is from his military background – Carl von Clausewitz’s “On War”.

As is typical of these 19th century tomes, their philosophy was summarised rather pithily by the author himself: “War is a mere continuation of politics by other means”!

As one analyst wrote: Clausewitz is “the source of the doctrine of 'absolute war,' the fight to a finish theory which, beginning with the argument that 'war is only a continuation of state policy by other means,' ended by making policy the slave of strategy…” And this is what’s playing out in Guyana’s politics today. Granger will stop at nothing to win what he sees as a “war” against the PPP. The firing of 7700 sugar workers in just another policy in his total war strategy. The battles over constitutional interpretation (“perceptions”!!) and judicial appointments are just another front of his total war.

It cannot be too soon for Guyanese to understand the Burnhamite ideology of total power – before we’re all consumed by Granger!

…of sell out

Your Eyewitness isn’t surprised at the surprise being expressed by the Georgetown chatterati at the shameless sell-out of our country to various and sundry carpetbaggers, foreign and domestic. He isn’t surprised because they’re all cut from the same pack of cards: people who think you can just sit around in airconditioned rooms, sign pieces of paper, and – voila!! – the country will develop.

Sorry to burst your bubbles, chumps!! These carpetbaggers come in all stripes and hues, but they all have one thing in common: they’ve come to take you to the cleaners. Most often, this will take the form of tax concessions -- which used to be called “tax holidays”, but which today are in much more devious guises. Of course, the PPP had to sweeten the deal for Rusal to come here… but the question that must be challenging the PNC braintrust is: How was the PPP able to do it WITH SO LITTLE!!!

One answer, of course, is their percentage might just be too high!!

…of brother’s keeper

Back in the days of slavery, one of the slogans was “Am I not a man and a brother?” Seems like one of our big ones has abandoned the homily.

He’s said his brother’s on his own!!

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

News

9

saturDAY, may 19, 2018 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Hydro power

Amaila Falls back on the table – Trotman …says Govt will meet requirements for US$80M

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hile Minister of State Joseph Harmon had said Government shelved the idea of continuing the Amaila Falls Hydro Power (AFHP) project, Natural Resources Minister Raphael Trotman on Friday affirmed that the project is actually a renewable energy option for Government.

Trotman was at the time fielding questions before the Natural Resources Committee of the National Assembly. Asked about the conflicting statements on hydro, he denied that the project was off the table.

But while he noted the project – which was a brainchild of former President Bharrat Jagdeo – has potential, the Minister observed that funding is an issue. In addition, Government is still interested in using the natural gas that goes hand in hand with oil production.

According to Trotman, Government has every intention of fulfilling the requirements for the release of US$80 million in funds from Norway. This money was intended for hydropower development. However, it was put in limbo with the perceived shelving of the Amaila project.

“There was some concern about the Amaila project,”

Trotman said. “And there is $80 million gathering interest at the IDB. Government has every intention of fulfilling its obligation, to ensure we don’t lose it.”

When questioned by Chairman of the Committee, Odinga Lumumba, Trotman admitted that Government has not requested the release of the funds.

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Political gridlock

According to the US State Department’s latest economic bureau, “political gridlock

The Natural Resources Committee during its meeting on Friday

“The Government of Guyana, while it has voiced its concerns, has never taken it (Amaila Falls project) off the table. And even now, (we are looking at) whether or not it has the supply of water to generate (adequate power).”

Minister Harmon was quoted in sections of the media in October 2017 confirming the Government’s interest in natural gas, which

5kg ganja unearthed in Kitty home mason is currently in custody following the discovery of a large quantity of cannabis at a house in Thomas Street, Kitty Georgetown, on Friday morning.

According to information received, ranks of the Police Narcotics Branch acting on information went to the house and conducted a search during which five kilograms of marijuana was

will be brought up alongside oil by ExxonMobil. He had noted that because of the difficulty in soliciting an investor, a decision was taken to look at other energy alternatives.

found.

The illegal substance was found concealed in two transparent plastic parcels in a section of the house. The mason was told of the offence and subsequently arrested.

He is expected to be slapped with a possession of narcotics for the purpose of trafficking charge in the new week.

Police have confiscated the cannabis as they continue their investigations.

and infighting” is to blame for hampering Guyana’s development efforts in several instances. Relative to this, the report cites the example of the AFHP, which the coalition Government has officially abandoned.

“The Amaila Falls Hydropower Project (AFHP), which would have been the largest capital project in the country’s history, fell apart after a decade of planning

when the US developer and equity partner withdrew from the multinational development team in August 2013,” the report stated.

“The company expressed concerns over political risk following objections to the venture by the then-Opposition party [the A Partnership for National Unity] APNU,” the report continues. “The Norwegian Government subsequently conducted a new feasibility study on the AFHP and submitted the report to the Government.”

This is a reference to a report from Norwegian international consultant Norconsult. The new report had in fact concluded that the Amaila Falls Hydro Power Project was the only realistic way for Guyana to achieve an emission free electricity sector. Norconsult had noted the merits of the project, such as its completed feasibility study and a higher plant load than the other alternatives.

However, the report had recommended the BOOT (Build, Own, Operate and Transfer) public private partnership model is used.

The consultant had urged that an international investor specialising in hydro power be invited to take a majority stake in the proj-

The cannabis which was found in the Kitty house

The AFHP, initiated by the PPP, has been the source of political gridlock for years

ect. It is unclear whether this advice has been acted upon by the government.

The report states: “The only realistic path for Guyana towards an emission free electricity sector is by developing its hydropower potential. The fastest way forward is to maintain AFHP as the first major step for substituting its current oil fired generation. AFHP was prioritised as the first hydropower plant because it was the only project with a full feasibility study completed; it has a higher plant load factor than the alternatives, a smaller reservoir and a unit cost in the same range as the most attractive alternatives.”

US report

In the absence of Amaila, the US State Department report acknowledged the Government touting other areas and renewable energy sources. It noted that if potential renewable energy projects are successful, this would promote more investments as high energy costs are barriers to value added investments.

The AFHP, which formed part of Guyana’s Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS), was commissioned in 2009. However, having taken up office in 2015, the now Government had repeatedly stated its disapproval of resurrecting the project.

But former President Jagdeo had said the coalition Government has killed the project, although it was set to provide Guyana with a massive source of electricity.

Operational

The Amaila Falls could have been almost operational by now and consumers could have been close to seeing the end to expensive and unreliable electricity. Guyana would have been entering into the ranks of the top 10 users of clean energy worldwide.

The project, which would have been the largest Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in the country’s history, had the potential to reintegrate the country with the global capital markets for the first time in over 40 years.

10 news Mentally ill man rescued from ‘dog pen’ structure saturDAY, may 19, 2018 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

…allegedly locked away for 3 years by father, stepmother

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man suspected to be suffering from mental illness and who was locked away for the past three years in a penlike structure, by his step mother and father aback their North Sophia, Greater Georgetown home, was rescued by the Guyana Women Miners Organisation (GWMO) with the assistance of the Guyana Police Force.

The man, 28-year-old Gopaul Etwaroo, of Block R, North Sophia, was reportedly locked away on the basis that he would constantly destroy household

The pen-like structure in which the man was kept (Handell Duncan photo)

items. The man was reported being fed like an animal, Guyana Times was told.

The man, according to reports, suffers from a

mental illness and is also mute.

Based on reports received about the inhumane treatment being meted out

to the young man, members of the Guyana Women Miners Organisation made a decision to visit the area to investigate.

It was during their visit to the premises on Friday that the man was discovered.

Etwaroo was given the bottom halves of three bleach bottles – one for his food, one with water and one for him to use to take a bath. Following the discovery at about 12:00h, the seemingly calm man was escorted to the Georgetown Public Hospital where he will undergo several medi-

Gopaul Etwaroo moments after he was rescued

cal examinations.

His stepmother was arrested and is being grilled by the Police in connection with inhumane conditions

in which the man was kept.

His father, who is the driver of an attorney, is still to be questioned. (Bhisham Mohamed)

Car battery thief sentenced to community service vagrant was ordered to

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do community service after he appeared in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan and admitted to a simple larceny charge.

Jermain Josiah is accused of stealing one car battery valued $20,000; the property of Troy Samuels.

The court heard that on May 7, 2018, while in the Stabroek area, Josiah, who is known to the Virtual Complainant was seen removing the battery from where Samuels usually operates a small business.

The battery was used to light a bulb at a stall where Samuels plies his trade as a wholesale groceries vendor.

After making inquiries about the missing battery, the VC later learnt that it was Josiah who took it into his possession.

The matter was reported, and Josiah was subsequently arrested.

The man pleaded guilty to the charge and was subsequently ordered to perform four weeks of community service. Failure to pay the fine will result in him serving four weeks in prison. He told the Magistrate that he will proceed with the community service.

S RAIGHT

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saturDAY, may 19, 2018 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Govt confirms plans to set up national oil company

By Jarryl Bryan

Parliamentary Budget Office – another unkept Granger promise

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n its book of promises – mostly unkept so far – Team Granger promised the nation in 2015 that it will “…Establish a National Assembly Budget Office”. Was this another of their many “WHOPPERS TO WIN”?

Since independence, too many ruling politicians in Guyana walked around with the false perception that the people’s intelligence can be played with. Do you remember Burnham with his empty sloganeering of “yu’ want hydro or yu’ want G$14 a day…”. He ended up giving the people hydrocele with the highest per capita debt levels in the entire Caribbean by the time he died. The people never forgave him for such misdeeds and that is why his legacy is in such tatters compared to Dr Jagan.

I can also recall the swearing-in speech by Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo in 2015, where he made a vow to the public “to bring about constitutional change”. Three years on and we are still years away from any tangible progress on constitutional reform. Forgive my rudeness, but the people have seen enough political rubberstamps in their lives and they do not have an appetite for more. History will also be very unkind to Nagamootoo.

Almost 70 per cent of this Granger term is now over and yet they are still making it up as they go along, in spite of them having a political manifesto in 2015. Where are the deliverables? These days, this Granger regime has been reduced to a Government of distortion, exaggeration, misrepresentation, deception, halftruth, and overstatements. You have to be a total political fool or totally aloft and isolated from reality to think that you can win elections in 2020 with such a political track record.

After an era of parliamentary proroguement, which the Guyanese people rejected in 2014, the People’s National Congress (PNC) and its partners put out some nice sounds and made some palatable promises on the 2015 campaign and it made sense then. But when the rubber hit the road and they were called upon to deliver, they crumbled like “dry biscuit in hot tea”. How difficult is it to establish a parliamentary budget office? The people fell for these con artists in 2015, but as the wiser people say “fool me once shame on you, fool me twice and shame on me”. You bet your last dollar I, like thousands of others are ready to invest all our energies to expose and oppose this fake government so that we do not have more of this level of executive mediocrity come 2021.

The PNC complained bitterly about financial excesses under the People’s Progressive Party and promised the people at the very first opportunity; they will launch into their book of promises and establish a “government of national unity” in Mr Granger’s words. You be the judge! After three years, do you see a Government of national unity in Guyana? Actually, Guyana is having one of its worse social cohesion crises in its history in the year 2018.

In the books of the majority of the people, there is no reason to trust President David Granger, his Ministers, his party (the PNC), the chosen vehicle for the political scam (the A Partnership for National Unity) and even the window dressings in the room (like the Alliance For Change). It is showing and that is why the poll from February 2018 revealed a popularity rating for the APNU/PNC/AFC cabal at 38 per cent and diving I am told.

More and more people are waking up to the reality that their pockets are emptier since the arrival of Team Granger and only a small elite closely associated with the ruling cabal are reaping the benefits from the Treasury.

A parliamentary budget office has the responsibility to provide independent analysis to Parliament about trends in the national economy, the state of the nation’s finances and the estimates of the Government, and upon request from a committee or parliamentarian, to estimate the financial cost of any proposal for matters over which Parliament has jurisdiction.

This is the kinds of checks and balances desperately needed in banana republics to ensure the maximum leader behave ethically. Any President committed to a principle of clean governance would have rushed to establish such an institution since it helps him or her to manage his Ministers when it comes to public accountability. But in reaction to his promises, Granger offers instead an attitude of the executive droopiness and intellectual denseness of the highest order.

Because of the lack of accountability and transparency in the Granger regime, there is a rapid decline in trust for the rulers. More often than not, all we are getting from this Granger regime is strong doses of mediocrity, administrative inadequacies and “nuff talk”. But talk is cheap if it is not backed up by cost-efficient and effective economic actions.

When will Guyana have its parliamentary budget office Mr Granger?

Please share your thoughts at sasesin1@yahoo.com.

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fter much advice and urging from oil and gas experts, Government has confirmed its intention to set up a national oil company of its own in the near future to act in accordance with the burgeoning sector.

This was confirmed by Natural Resources Minister Raphael Trotman on Friday in the National Assembly.

The Minister was at the time making an appearance before the Natural Resources Committee.

According to Trotman, the company will be one

Natural Resources Minister Raphael Trotman (centre) is flanked by his junior Minister Simona Broomes and a staffer of the Ministry, during the meeting with the Natural Resources Committee

PETROTRIN, Trindiad

Guyanese may be able to buy shares in, through the issuance of shares. This will enable them to benefit directly from the oil and gas sector.

Trotman also indicated that those with the means may even be able to bid and have part of a concession.

“The idea is that the company will be able to issue shares as Banks DIH, etc so ordinary Guyanese can access and those who have the means to go beyond would be able to bid and have a part of a concession,” Trotman explained.

Countries getting into the business of oil and gas are nothing new, experts recommended. In neighbouring Brazil, Petrobras is a well-known example of a State-owned oil company.

Venezuela also has its own State-owned oil company, Petroleos de Venezuela (PDVSA). There is also the Petroleum Company of Trinidad and Tobago Limited (PETROTRIN).

These companies usually have billions of dollars in assets and have been known to operate like a bank, lending monies to other states.

The Finance Ministry’s recent Public Debt Annual Report had showed that since 2015, there has been a 4.1 per cent rise in Guyana’s indebtedness to International lenders. A breakdown of the figures shows that total external debt amounted to $240 billion, a 72.6 per cent bite out of the total public debt. On the other hand, domestic debt stood at $90.6 billion, or 27.4 per cent of the total.

The report notes that Guyana’s four main external creditors are the InterAmerican Development Bank (IDB), the Caribbean

Development Bank (CDB), the State-owned ExportImport Bank of China (China EXIM Bank) and lastly, the Venezuela State-owned oil company (PDVSA).

Following his bout with the Committee, Trotman was asked what structure this prospective oil company would take. He noted that in addition to the different models, Government has been the recipient of differ-

ing advice.

“We’ve received advice saying yes, some no, but I believe we are going to get an oil company. There are different models. I’m not in a position to determine now how exactly it will be (structured),” Trotman said.

According to reports, Chatham House, the Royal Institute of International Affairs, is lending support to the Government in this area. The entity is known for providing advice to emerging economies and has already given the Government of Guyana much advice on local content.

12 news

saturDAY, may 19, 2018 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

NICIL not retaining billions in dividends post 2015 – CEO …claims $4.2B remitted to Consolidated Fund

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he National Industrial and Commercial Investments (NICIL) has said since 2015, it remitted excess to the Consolidated Fund.

According to NICIL, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Horace James, in a release to Guyana Times, the entity has been remitting all dividends collected between 2015 and 2018 to the Consolidated Fund.

“During the period 20152018, NICIL received dividends of $4.219 billion,” James said his release. “$4.2 billion was remitted to the Consolidated Fund for the same period.”

He added that $19.9 million was retained by NICIL to cover its administrative expenses. “We wish to also point out that the Board of NICIL had requested a 10 per cent retention of funds collected.

But that request was rejected by the Minister of Finance.”

Prior to the change in Administration in 2015, the then parliamentary Opposition parties, the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) and the Alliance For Change (AFC),

CEO Horace James

had been heavily critical of the powers wielded by NICIL. There had specifically been much criticism of NICIL retaining dividends from several State-owned entities.

According to a closely placed source, the APNU/ AFC coalition Government continues to run NICIL the very same way it used to be run when they were heavily critical of its operation.

“APNU/AFC continues to use NICIL in the same way.

In fact, they’ve taken all of (Guyana Sugar Corporation) GuySuCo’s shares and transferred (them) to NICIL,” the

source said. “And they’ve taken all of the assets of GuySuCo and invested (them) in NICIL. They continue to run NICIL along the same lines (they previously criticised).”

The source added that Government has taken one of Guyana’s largest entities and placed it under the control of NICIL. Following Government’s decision to close the Enmore and Rose Hall Sugar Estates, and sell the Skeldon Sugar Factory, a Special Purpose Unit (SPU) operating out of NICIL has been leading the divestment process. Run by Colvin Heath-London, the SPU has contracted an overseas firm to do the valuation of assets, while advertising for various bidders who would tender for parts of the estate – from land to scrap metal. On the other hand, Government in 2016 purchased the 40 million shares Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL) had in the Berbice River Bridge. NICIL had previously held shares in the Berbice Bridge Company Incorporated, but these were sold to the National Insurance Scheme.

59 dismissed female GuySuCo workers receive food hampers

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Some of the dismissed female estate workers

ifty-nine female workers from the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo), who was tossed on the breadline following the closure of Skeldon and Rose Hall Estates at the end of last year were on Friday aided with food hampers, through donations garnered by the Guyana Solidarity Movement-New York (GSMNY).

Twenty-one workers from Rose Hall benefited from the presentation at Cumberland, East Canje, Berbice, while another 38 who were employed at Skeldon Estate received their hampers at another exercise at Number 74 Village, Corentyne.

GSM-NY is a group of Guyanese who mainly reside in New York, who have been heart-stricken by the callous decision to close sugar estates which has made of Guyanese jobless.

Addressing the ex-workers, President of the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU)

Komal Chand, who also grew up in a sugar cultivation community, noted that though small, its aim is to in some way cushion the negative impact caused as a result of the estates’ closure.

“While this gesture will not satisfy your problems and your needs, it will in a little way mitigate the kind of hardship you have experienced,” he explained.

Meanwhile, former Culture, Youth and Sport Minister and now shadow Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony explained that the People’s Progressive Party as a party recognises the importance of helping those affected get through a difficult period.

Another former Government Minister who also grew up in a community which depended on the sugar estate, Ganga Persaud, commended both GAWU and GSM-NY. Meanwhile, the Union’s President noted that despite what has happened, with support from the media, the

workers concerns reached the ears of Government, causing them to promise some relief to the affected workers from Rose Hall.

Over the past week, exfemale sugar workers of Wales and East Demerara Estates have also received hampers.

The women expressed their appreciation to the Guyana Solidarity Movement and the overseas-resident Guyanese, who through their kind support, made the reality of the hampers possible. They pointed out that since they were dismissed, life has become extremely difficult. Many related they have searched nearly the entire length of the Corentyne Coast and in New Amsterdam for a job but have not been successful.

Some of the women said life in the villages has become depressed since the estates were closed.

(Andrew Carmichael)

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saturDAY, may 19, 2018 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

GTT launches charity drive

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TT on Friday launched its first ever Charity Drive in Guyana, enabling persons to donate any amount to any of the nine participating charities at no additional cost.

At launch of the drive, GTT Public Relations Officer Alison Parker detailed how excited the company was to be able to give back to the less fortunate in Guyana.

She explained that GTT recognised the passion Guyanese have for giving during its inaugural Pinktober activity held last October.

GTT customers who wish to donate can do so by using their mobile money account. Persons without an account are being encouraged to sign up for the

GTT brand ambassador Saiku Andrews poses with a few of the staff members

service.

Digicel customers can also participate in the drive, and can donate by simply downloading the Mobile Money Guyana (MMG) app.

The simple process gov-

erning donation involves one selecting the "shop and go option" after dialling *123#, where users would then be requested to enter the merchant code for the charity to which they wish

to donate, as well as the amount they wish to give.

Specialist in MMG and Trade Marketing, Kester Abrams, said the service was designed especially for persons on the go, who are always busy but have a heart for giving. Persons would, from today, be able to donate to the charities using this new initiative.

The codes for the charities participating are as follows: Food for the Poor, 06316; Joshua House, 06319; St. John’s Bosco, 06318; Ptolemy Reid, 06317; St. Ann’s, 06315;

Help and Shelter, 06314; and Red Cross, 06313. The codes for the other two charities, Uncle Eddie’s Home and the Guyana Cancer Foundation, have not yet been disclosed, but will be available online on Monday.

Abrams explained, “The beauty about it is what we did. We set them (charities) up as individual merchants with mobile money.

So, to do so, we needed certain credentials about the business, especially that it’s registered and so on. So once we had that information, we basically gave them

access to the mobile money platform, where they can see reports on a daily basis and on a live basis”.

He said the donor’s phone number and the amount and time of the donation will be visible to the charities, which will be given their cheques at the end of every week.

Persons who took the opportunity to donate in store yesterday received a blue nose. Other donors can pick up a blue nose at the GTT store upon providing proof that they would have donated to any of the charities.

14 News

saturDAY, may 19, 2018 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Suspect in Linden fatal stabbing nabbed in Berbice

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he prime suspect in connection with the murder of Linden taxi driver, Claude DeJonge, who was stabbed to death two Thursdays ago, was nabbed by law enforcement officers on Friday in the Ancient County of Berbice.

The murder suspect,

34-year-old Corwyne Arthur, also called “Cross Eye” was arrested on Thursday while hiding out in a house at Blairmont, West Coast Berbice. The arrest was made after the Police received a tip that the suspect was hiding out in the village.

As Police swooped down on the house, the man reportedly attempted to escape by he was cornered.

He is expected to be transported to the mining town of Linden where he is expected to be charged with the capital offence of murder.

Claude DeJonge was re-

portedly killed on May 10, 2018, while in bed with his girlfriend at her Lot 1074 Cinderella City, Amelia’s Ward home, after it came to light that he, along with the suspect were involved in an apparent triangular love affair with the woman.

DeJonge was found at about 00:10h lying motionless in a pool of blood next to the front door. He was clad in trousers and his body bore several stab wounds to the neck, shoulder and abdomen.

Based on information received, the now dead man had shared a common-law relationship with his girlfriend, Tanya Samuels, 35, for approximately 11 years.

However, it is believed that the mother of two and the suspect, Corwyn Arthur shared a secret relationship, and as such, he would periodically sleep over at her house.

It was reported that

Corwyne “Cross Eye” Arthur

Dead: Claude DeJonge

the relationship ended in December 2017, but Arthur would still visit Samuels’s home under the pretext of being a family friend. Two Wednesdays ago, the suspect reportedly visited the woman’s home, where he saw DeJonge.

At the time, the suspect was smoking marijuana which annoyed the now dead man, who asked him to leave the premises.

An argument erupted between the two men and the suspect left after DeJonge summoned the Police. In retaliation, the suspected later sent threatening messages to DeJonge’s phone, informing him that he would “make his life a living hell”.

Instead, he stabbed the man to death during a scuffle after he entered Samuels’ home while the now dead man was asleep.

Labourer fined for stealing bicycle

T

hirty-eight-yearold Troy Joseph, a labourer of North Sophia, Georgetown, yesterday confessed in Georgetown Magistrate Fabayo Azore’s court that on April 28 at Lamaha

Gardens, Georgetown, he stole from Joseph Innis a bicycle valued $13,000 and a car battery valued $35,000.

The court also heard that this is not the first time Joseph has commit-

ted the offence of larceny.

Magistrate Azore accordingly fined Joseph $50,000, by he chose to spend the next three months behind bars, since he could not afford the fine.

news

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saturDAY, may 19, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

Guyana Timber Expo 2018 opens T he Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC) in collaboration with the Forest Products Development and Market Council (FPDMC) officially opened Guyana Timber Expo 2018, which will be showcasing timber products available in Guyana.

Themed “Expanding markets for Guyanese timber products through public education, awareness and sensitisation to promote a greener Guyana”, the exposition will be hosted until May 20 at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence, East Bank Demerara.

The exposition is geared at highlighting and promoting Guyana’s timber and timber products, especially that of the lesser used species, providing more information on lesser used species in Guyana and how they can be utilised in building projects at lower costs, creating an environment where buyers and suppliers can engage directly in the local timber industry and buyers would be able to cash in on discounts on wood and wood products.

Some 30 exhibitors from across the forestry sector including sawmillers, lumber yard dealers, value-added

er proportion of that wood in value added products,” the Minister told the gathering.

Also delivering remarks at the Expo was the Chairperson of the Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC), Jocelyn Dow, who expressed her deep appreciation for the

Minsters Cathy Hughes, Dominic Gaskin and David Patterson along with members of the private sector viewing the exhibits

producers and exporters participated in the opening day showcasing what they have to offer to the Guyanese public.

A seminar will also be hosted during the three-day exposition on sustainable forestry mining. Facilitators include Conservation International Guyana, World Wild Life Fund and Iwokarama.

Delivering the feature address, Business Minister Dominic Gaskin underscored the importance of the event, noting that over the years Guyana has become the dumping ground for the world’s “cheap”, “substandard” products.

As a country that has one of the highest percentage of forest covers in the world, Guyana can do more, he

highlighted.

Gaskin noted that Guyana needs to nurture and develop the nation’s resources in a way that can be used to its highest capacity.

“We are importing wood products in a country that has one of the highest percentages of forest cover in the world. This is happening because we have not nurtured or developed our nation resources in a way that fully exploits the value exchange associated with these resources. I do know that we are adding very little value to our timber before it leaves our shores, I cannot say what the wood that we export to various part of the world each year is used for but I know for a fact that we can earn a lot more if we were to export a great-

Essequibo Regional Cooperative Union headquarters opened

The now opened E/PRCUL headquarters

T

he Essequibo/Pomeroon Regional Cooperative Union Limited (E/ PRCUL) was handed the keys to their new headquarters.

The building, located in Anna Regina, Essequibo Coast, Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam) comes after a conflict that ensued for a number of years between the E/ PRCUL and Ganesh and Poonwattie Jaigobin over encroachment of land and property belonging to the Union.

The parties however came to a resolution through dialogue on April 23, 2017, which led to the identification of alternative land and agreement of the Jaigobins to purchase, prepare, then construct the new Co-op Union building.

Minister within the Social Protection Ministry, Keith Scott who has responsibilities for cooperatives, noted the ceremony as a symbolic rebirth.

Meanwhile, Minister of State Joseph Harmon highlighted that cooperatives are the main elements of Guyana’s quest for social cohesion and they instil greater social responsibility.

“I am also convinced that cooperatives as are key ele-

ments in our quest for true social cohesion in our society. It will also instil in our people a higher sense of social respon-

sibility especially with regard to care and use of public property,” Minister Harmon is quoted by the Department of Public Information as saying.

He added it is his view that the cooperative movement can contribute meaningfully to the Government’s pursuit of the Green State Development strategy.

Harmon noted that this will propel Guyana onto a path of sustainable and accelerated development through the establishment of a green economy and state which would provide the good life for all.

participation and the support that the Expo received.

She noted that as a result of the inclement weather, the booths had to be constructed under harsh conditions.

Also in attendance at the Expo were Natural Resources Minister Raphael Trotman;

Public Communications Minister Cathy Hughes; Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association President, Shyam Nokta; Public Infrastructure Minister David Patterson; along with key members of the Private Sector

16 news

saturDAY, may 19, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

Blind Institute facing extreme security treats …calls to have increased security

T

he Guyana Society for the Blind (GSB) -- located on St Phillip’s Green between High and Princess streets and Durban and Smyth streets in the Georgetown ward of Werken-Rust -- has, for a number of years, been faced with spiralling incidents of security threats.

This institution was created to assist Guyanese with visual impairment, but the threat it faces has been revealed by members of the institution, who note that this perilous situation has been ongoing for quite some time, and must be dealt with to ensure that their lives are no longer endangered.

GSB president, Cecil Morris, explained that throughout the day, many vagrants make a thoroughfare of the alleyway that leads to the blind institute.

“You have all kinds of people walking here, and most of them are junkies; so you don’t know what can happen,” he explained.

While vagrants are the issue by day, GBS residents are worried about intruders

during the night. They feel that installation of a security guard to overlook the property is a dire necessity, and are calling on not just governmental agencies, but any private security entity that would be willing to assist them in this regard.

“If some security company could come forward and give us some security, we would be very grateful for that. We’re open to anything that is necessary for a human to live a comfortable life. We’re willing to accept donations, because our people are in need and we

like to know that we can provide them with the basic comforts,” Morris detailed.

GSB residents recalled an incident that occurred earlier this year, when armed bandits invaded the institution and assaulted several residents. Traumatised since then, many are afraid of what can happen in the future if they remain defenceless.

Although security is presently of utmost importance to the GBS residents, there are other items which they also need. Morris indicated that his colleagues would most

gratefully appreciate donated furniture, since the organisation is home to more than 160 registered members, and the few chairs available are not sufficient to accommodate the number of individuals present on a daily basis.

The GSB also does not have a refrigerator to store perishable items received as donations, and would immeasurably appreciate such a gift from any kind-hearted member of the public, or any entity willing to make such a gift.

This publication was also told that some GSB members do not possess walking canes to assist them as they go about their daily lives. An appeal is thus being made for assistance in this regard.

Morris said computers are also a critical need, as those are very necessary when members are sitting examinations.

As an institution, Morris said, the GBS is open to all of its members, who come from various regions across the country to participate in activities that are available throughout the day.

Digicel donates to David Rose Special School

D

igicel paid a special visit to students and teachers of the David Rose Special School to make a donation of backpacks and other items in light of the institution’s celebration of its Golden Jubilee.

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Digicel Guyana, Gregory Dean in his address to the gathering on Thursday noted that donations were made in the past, but this one was different since the school was celebrating its golden jubilee anniversary.

“We have made several visits and donations to this school over the years, but today (Thursday), it’s especially different since we are celebrating with them their anniversary. This is just one small gesture and we will continue to support and enrich the lives of the students and teachers of David Rose Special School like many other special needs schools in Guyana.”

Head teacher of David Rose, Dionne McKenzie expressed her thoughts on Digicel’s relationship with the school over the years by saying, “Digicel is no stranger to us here at David Rose; they have always been ready and willing to help us whenever we reach out to them and also by surprise visits like today.”

“We welcome their generosity and friendship and look forward to this con-

Digicel representatives with teachers and students from the David Rose Special School

tinued relationship. Every child needs a champion and

we are their champions like Digicel is also. I know the

parents will be happy with these gifts,” she added.

Guyanese-born Canadian launches 2nd book Journey back to Watooka

A section of the gathering at the Canadian High Commission where the new Journey to Watooka was launched on Thursday

G

uyanese-born author, Steve Connolly on Thursday officially launched his second book titled Journey Back to Watooka at the Canadian High Commission, Duke Street Kingston, Georgetown.

Connolly said the book reveals stories he shared as a child growing up in the then British-ruled colony with his parents. The book shares his journey back to the remarkable country and rainforest village of his birth after more than 63 years.

It also boasts of the highlights of his life as he encountered seemingly innumerable people of six races. Further, the book describes the discovery of Guyana’s history, politics and economics entwined with almost countless stories of interesting people and events.

It also shares with its reader master knowledge of the 100-year-old bauxite production in Guyana, and its contribution to winning World War II. Connolly told the gathering that his book which is dedicated to the people of

Guyana, is filled with stories of the exciting new oil discoveries. “…With fascinated descriptions and stories about Guyana’s magnificent rainforests and incredible species of flora and fauna. ourney Back to Watooka, a sequel to the author’s first book, Children of Watooka, is published to coincide with the 52nd anniversary of Guyana’s Independence,” he added.

Friend and endorsee Petamber Persaud said “Immortalising a tiny settlement in a little known country, this book is worth being owned and placed alongside other significant books in private and public libraries,” after he was gifted with an autographed copy of the book.

Connolly was born in Mackenzie, British Guiana, in 1943, to Canadian parents. His family returned to Canada when he was 10 years old but he has always maintained a fondness for Guyana and its people.

An electrical engineer by profession, the author worked in the field of computer designs for more than 35 years.

After 3 years

September opening for Kato Secondary School – Minister

T

hree years after its completion, the Kato Secondary School in Region Eight (PotaroSiparuni), will finally open its doors to accommodate students at the beginning of the Christmas School Term according to Education Minister Nicolette Henry.

Minister Henry visited the school on Thursday along with Social Cohesion Minister, Dr George Norton. Also accompanying the Ministers were senior officers within the Education Ministry; representatives from the Public Infrastructure Ministry; the Guyana Audit Office; Kares Engineering, the firm contracted to build the school; Vikab Guyana Limited, the

Education Minister Nicolette Henry inspecting the school’s plan

consultancy firm that overlooked the completion of the remedial works to the building; the Regional Education

Office; and the Regional Democratic Council.

The high-level team toured the entire school com-

plex and inspected the state of readiness and to highlight what additional works need to be done in order to ensure that the school is ready for a September 2018 opening.

Particular emphasis was placed on the school’s dormitory, which in the past was flagged for having a number of structural defects.

However, with the remedial works being completed, those pressing issues have been solved.

Henry further stated that the visit allowed her the opportunity to recognise some of the areas that may not have been given attention, which from a policy directive, ought to have been considered.

“We have to ensure that

Information Technology (IT) is paramount in terms of smart classrooms, ebooks and IT labs and the configuration of the Science labs and the Home Economics building,” Minister Henry said.

Meanwhile, Minister Norton said it is important that the school is completed while assuring Toshao Clifton Perreira that Government will do everything possible to achieve the promised September opening.

The Kato Secondary School was completed three years ago but was never commissioned since investigations revealed a number of structural defects, which needed to be remedied before students and teachers could occupy the building.

17 GBTI celebrates 182 years of Cuba plane: More than 100 banking, remains competitive die in Havana air crash news

saturDAY, may 19, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

T

he Guyana Bank for here has been p r e t Trade and Industry ty good. I haven’t (GBTI) is celebrat- c h a n g e d ing 182 years of banking since… it’s in Guyana and to mark been 33 years the milestone, customers of very good visiting the Water Street branch were given tokens and a piece of the gigantic anniversary cake.

Many customers expressed their satisfaction, comfort and loyalty to the bank while expressing hope of sharing in a new and transformed institution, as the bank continues to make banking more accessible.

“I have been doing business with GBTI for about 20 years. The bank staff have been doing a good job, (they) extend courtesy and a helping hand to you,” one customer said.

Shemaine Pilgrim has Staff of the Water Street Branch been a GBTI customer made the shape of the GBTI logo all her life. “I have been an early saver from birth s e r because that was a spe- vice and my children have cial gift my father would started using the services have given to me – a sav- as well,” she noted. ings account. The service “I always get good ser-

vice when I come here and that’s why I’ve stayed so long,” said Synola Khan.

Gordon Kingston rated the bank as excellent, especially in its efficiency, cooperation and the pertinent advice offered to customers. A very gleeful Annabelle Bourne also lauded the courteous members of staff who are always willing to help.

As the Bank observes this great milestone, its eyes are set on the future as it repositions itself for the competitive and digital environment in which it operates while focusing on adding shareholder value and making banking easier and safer for all.

GBTI is the first indigenous bank in Guyana which started its operations in 1832 as the first commercial bank in British Guiana.

Images showed a thick column of smoke rising above the crash site as fire crews and ambulances attended the scene

M

ore than 100 people have died after a Boeing 737 airliner crashed near Jose Marti International Airport in Havana, Cuban state media say. Three people have survived but are in a critical condition, Cuban Communist Party newspaper Granma reported.

Flight tracking websites indicate the plane departed at mid-morning local time, and it reportedly crashed shortly after. The plane was carrying 104 passengers, according to local media.

"There has been an unfortunate aviation accident.

The news is not very promising, it seems that there is a high number of victims,"

Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel said after visiting the crash site.

State TV said it was an internal flight from the Cuban capital to the city of Holguin, in the East of the island. The airliner had been leased to State airline Cubana de Aviación by the Mexican company Aerolineas Damojh, a statement from the Mexican Government said.

It said the plane was built in 1979 and had five Mexican crew members on board, including the pilot and co-pilot. The plane had been successfully inspected last November, according to the Mexican Transport Ministry.

Images showed a thick column of smoke rising above the crash site as fire crews and ambulances attended the scene. Radio Havana Cuba said on Twitter that the plane came down on the "highway" between Boyeros and Havana, near the airport.

According to industry research, last year was the safest in history for commercial airline travel with no passenger jet crashes. But there have been several serious air disasters this year.

Last month, a military plane crashed shortly after takeoff in Algeria, killing more than 250 people. (BBC News)

National Youth Policy 'Quiet' student shoots and kills implementation still 10 at his Texas high school in preparation stage W

hile the Department of Youth has been planning works since the passing of the National Youth Policy in Parliament in 2016, the implementation of the policy is still in its preparation stage.

This is according to Director of Youth, Melissa Carmichael, who at a recent Social Cohesion Ministry engagement said, “We’re still in the process of preparing the implementation plan for the policy.”

Carmichael noted that consultations will be held with various youth organisations, with the aim of putting the implementation plan together.

“The Department of Youth after the National Youth Policy was passed would have put together our programme for 2018 as well as 2017 based on directives from the youth policy. Whatever it contains, the various aspects of youth and youth development that it contains we would have taken that into consideration while planning our work plan for 2017 as well as 2018… so as it relates to implementing what is there, the Department of Youth has been doing that but we are still in the process of preparing the implemen-

tation plan,” the Director of Youth disclosed.

That plan, however is expected to be put together before the end of June or September.

“As a department, we would have discussed at various levels the fact that an implementation plan needs to be put into place and we are preparing sometime in this year to have consultations with various youth organisations with regards to putting that together… so sometime before the end of this quarter maybe next quarter we should start working on that crafting the plan” Carmichael said. The National Youth Policy is premised on improving the social, emotional and cultural skills of young people, producing a productive and enterprising youth workforce, developing quality education and market-oriented skills, encouraging leadership, participation and representation and promoting good health, security and safety.

The policy caters for development of a National Youth Empowerment Action Plan which will include comprehensive and strategic programmes and projects being implemented.

Dimitrios Pagourtzis, the suspect in the Santa Fe High School shooting is shown in this booking photo at the Galveston County Jail, released by the Galveston County Sheriff’s Office in Texas, US, May 18, 2018

A

17-year-old student armed with a shotgun and pistol opened fire in a Texas high school on Friday, killing nine fellow students and a teacher, authorities said, in an attack similar to the massacre at a Florida high school in February.

Students said the gunman, identified by law enforcement as Dimitrios Pagourtzis, first opened fire in an art class at Santa Fe High School shortly before 08:00h on Friday. Students and staff fled after seeing classmates wounded and a

fire alarm triggered a full evacuation.

Ten people were also wounded in the attack, according to Texas Governor Greg Abbott, who said the suspect left behind explosive devices.

Abbott said investigators had seen a T-shirt on the suspect’s Facebook page that read “Born to Kill,” and authorities were examining his journal. But there were no outward signs he had been planning an attack, the governor said.

“Here, the red flag warnings were either non-existent or very imperceptible,” Abbott told a news conference. Classmates described the Santa Fe suspect as a quiet student who kept to himself and played on the football team. They also said he wore a trench coat to school on the day of shooting, when temperatures topped 90 degrees Fahrenheit (32 degrees Celsius).

It was the latest in a long series of deadly shootings at U.S. schools. Seventeen teens and educators were shot dead at a Parkland, Florida, high school on February 14, 2018, a massacre that stirred the nation’s long-running debate over gun ownership.

It was the second mass

shooting in Texas in less than a year, following a massacre at a rural church in November, when a man armed with an assault rifle shot dead 26 people.

The Galveston County Sheriff’s Office said Pagourtzis was being charged with capital murder, adding in a post on its Facebook page that more charges could follow.

Abbott also said the suspect in the fourth-deadliest

in custody, Abbott said.

Investigators are talking to the suspect, said Steven McCraw, director of the Texas Department of Public Safety.

Explosive devices were also found at the school, located about 30 miles (50 km) southeast of Houston, and off campus, Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez tweeted.

Police searched two homes and a vehicle linked

mass shooting at a US public school had used firearms taken from his father. “Not only did he want to commit the shooting, but he wanted to commit suicide after the shooting,” Abbott said, citing a police review of the suspect’s journals. “He didn’t have the courage to commit suicide.”

Two other people are

to the suspect, where they have found multiple homemade explosive devices, Abbott said. “There is no reason to suspect that any other person, other than the shooter, made those devices,” Abbott said.

The school has some 1,462 students, according to federal education data.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

18

guyanatimesgy.com

saturDAY, May 19, 2018

ARCHIE

Finish what you start.

The less you leave unfinished, (March 21- the fewer complaints you will April 19) face. Emotional matters are best treated with kindness and understanding. A professional decision will affect your personal life.

ARIES

Think before you take acTAURUS tion.

Knowing what you are (April 20May 20) up against and how to best deal with pressing matters will help you avoid making a senseless mistake.

dilbert

Look for solutions and GEMINI (May 21- make a point to take an acJune 20) tive role in what’s going on around you. You have no business complaining if you don’t participate in bringing about improvements.

Your emotions will push you in the right direction.

(June 21- Follow your heart and make July 22) whatever adjustments are necessary to reach your objective. Take control and put your plans in motion.

CANCER

Peanuts

Don’t waste time tryLEO ing to fight the inevitable.

(July 23- Know your limitations and Aug. 22) your skills, and forge ahead with caution and practicality.

Personal spending and indulgence should be monitored.

Calvin and Hobbes

Look into your options.

VIRGO Learn all you can and con(Aug. 23sider how to best move forSept. 22) ward. Educational pursuits or asking an expert is favored.

Personal improvements will enhance your position.

Don’t look for trouble.

LIBRA (Sept. 23- Channel your energy into fitOct. 23) ness, health and nutrition, and avoid letting the small stuff get to you. Avoid senseless battles with stubborn people.

WORD GAME TODAY’S WORD — SCALPEL (SCALPEL: SKAL-pul: A small surgical knife with a thin, sharp blade.)

SUDOKU

How you earn your livSAGITTARIUS ing or handle your cash will (Nov. 23be important.

Don’t feel the Dec. 21) need to pay for others or get involved in a risky joint venture.

Average mark 22 words Time limit 40 minutes

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22Jan. 19)

Can you find 30 or more words in SCALPEL? The list will be published tomorrow.

THURSDAY’S WORD — ANTEDATE ante attend neat need netted

teat teed teen tend tenet

tent eaten enate data date

dean deet dent dentate detent

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

Look for advice, solutions SCORPIO and unusual ideas. You’ll (Oct. 24do best taking a unique apNov. 22) proach when dealing with friends, family and peers.

A creative outlet will ease stress.

solution AQUARIUS (Jan. 20Feb. 19)

PISCES (Feb. 20March 20)

Don’t make a change just because someone is pressuring you to do so. Make choices based on what you can afford and what you need to do. Avoid making emotional decisions.

Anger will lead to mistakes. Stay away from excessive individuals and temptation. You’ll gain the most if you make a physical effort to reach a personal goal. Think and decide.

Explore your options and take on a project that excites you. Use your creativity along with your intuition to help you come up with a plan that will bring you greater opportunities.

saturDAY, may 19, 2018

Pageant beauties excel in Sports and Fitness segment

The contestants getting themselves in order ahead of the rigorous fitness segment

Some of the beauties showing their football skills

A GCB commemorates 75th anniversary with prayer breakfast T s part of the 2018 Miss World Guyana Pageant, contes-

tants underwent, at the Lusignan Golf Club (LGC), some outdoor festivities

he Guyana Cricket Board commenced its 75th anniversary celebrations on Friday with a prayer breakfast and gathering held at the Georgetown Cricket Club (GCC) Pavilion.

A small event, attended by a number of players, officials and GCB executives, was hosted to commemorate the club’s 75th year in existence. The ceremony also saw three brief prayers being prayed in representation of the Hindu, Muslim and Christian religions, who blessed the attendees, courtesy of the religious leaders.

Skipper of the reigning Regional Guyana Jaguars 4-Day team, Leon Johnson, delivered a few words on behalf of his peers. The West Indies player wished the GCB continued success in their days ahead, while highlighting the hard work of the Cricket Guyana Inc. (CGI) franchise, which bears numerous responsibilities and has been playing integral roles in the success of cricket in Guyana.

GCB Executive Raj Singh, during his brief remarks, detailed the history of the existence of the Board, and gave insight into the history behind the Georgetown Cricket Club.

Following the prayers and brief remarks from the speakers, the 45-minute event culminated with participants having breakfast as they officially opened their monumental anniversary celebrations.

19

last Sunday as part of the Sports & Fitness competition.

The 10 ladies braved the wet conditions to strut their stuff before a large

crowd in attendance to witness the incredible performances of skill, fitness and endurance.

In the end, it was Region One’s Tracy Smith, Region Four’s Ambika and Region Seven’s Nicola Munroe who emerged in the top three, despite good outings from the other competitors. The winner will be announced on coronation night, set for May 25.

Judges Narda Mohammed, Seon Erskine, Charis Griffith, Debra Francis, and Lucas Matus watched keenly as the contestants went through the gruelling fitness segment wherein they ran, did burpees, push-ups and jumping jacks, all as the weather conditions made it tougher.

The women then un-

dertook a skills competition designed by Fusion Fitness: dribbling a football and running the ladder, before winding their way through obstacles to score a goal, before racing across the Lusignan Golf Club’s Bridgestone Bridge to complete the final challenge -- making a 15-foot putt on the green. They were tracked by Caliper drones as they ran towards the cheering crowd at the club house to climb the final hill with arms help high!

The competition continues this Saturday as the Top 10 finalists showcase their fashion and reveal their beauty with the evening gown segment at the Gift land Mall Art & Fashion Show starting at 18:00h.

Jeffrey wins in New York T

wo-time National Cycling Champion Raynauth “Obeah man” Jeffrey on Thursday evening won the Health & Happy Race in New York.

The Team Foundation rider came ahead of Jose Guzman of the Dominican Republic, and has the jersey for both the overall series’ lead and sprint points. The Guyanese strongman now sets his eyes on next weekend’s Killington Stage Race.

Cyclists from across the U.S., Canada, and international racers from as far as Bermuda and New Zealand travel to Killington for the Memorial Day Weekend to participate in the legendary northeast cycling event.

The Killington Stage Race is a series of three races structured to cover a variety of terrain and distances, and set against the cool, lush landscape of Vermont’s Green Mountains.

Raynauth Jeffrey crosses the finish line ahead of Jose Guzman in New York

20

GUYANATIMESgy.COM

saturDAY, may 19, 2018

Indian Premier League 2018…

Daredevils spring surprise on CSK to move level with leaders Sunrisers Hyderabad at the top of the table, slipping to a surprise 34-run defeat on their travels.

Out of the running for a play-off berth, the Daredevils posted 1625 at the famous Feroz Shah Kotla thanks mainly to some late hitting from Vijay Shankar

Harshal Patel in his delivery stride© BCC

D

e l h i Daredevils claimed just their fourth win of the Indian Premier League season as they upset high-flying Chennai Super Kings on Friday.

Ambati Rayudu made 50 but the Super Kings missed the chance

a n d Harshal Patel.

The pair combined to share an unbroken sixth-wicket stand worth 65 to make sure the early work done

by Rishabh Pant, who made 38 from 26 deliveries, did not go to waste.

Rayudu l e d Chennai's chase, the I n d i a international slamming four sixes in his 29-

ball knock, but the rest of the Super Kings' power-packed batting line-up struggled on a slow surface.

apiece for leg-spinner Amit Mishra and New Zealand seamer Trent Boult, as Delhi enjoyed a rare outing to remember in an otherwise forgettable campaign.

Bravo goes the distance

Ambati Rayudu shapes to pull one away © BCCI

Patel completed a fine all-round display with 1-23, while there were two wickets

The star turn for the disappointing Daredevils in 2018, young wicketkeeper-batsman Pant pushed through the 600run barrier for the tournament as he hit three fours and two sixes.

Lungi Ngidi dismissed both Shreyas Iyer and Pant in the same over, the South Africa paceman picking up 2-14 from three overs in just his fourth appearance this year for Chennai.

Glenn Maxwell - one of only three overseas players picked by the hosts - failed again, the Australian dismissed for a fifth successive single-figure score, and Delhi looked in a spot of bother at 97-5.

However, Shankar and Patel both made 36 not out to provide some much-needed impetus in the closing overs, including taking 26 off the last as Dwayne Bravo went the distance four times.

Positive spin for Delhi

Chennai knew a win would secure a top-two

P

“I will be playing @ICC World XI vs @westindies as I feel strongly to support this as a cricketer & Muslim. I am following the rehab plan my doctor gave ?%. My Allah recommends to help people in need with all the power I have. C u @ HomeOfCricket on 31st and let’s keep #HopeNotOut.” Shakib Al Hasan had recently withdrawn, for personal reasons, from the match being played to raise funds to restore facilities in the Windies that suffered heavy damage during the passage of hurricanes in 2017.

His place has been taken by promising Nepalese wrist-spinner, Sandeep Lamichhane. (Sportsmax)

wily veteran Mishra - two leg-spinners at the opposite ends of their careers - suffocated the below-par Super Kings, who finished up on 128-6. They will hope to put in an improved display before the play-offs when they face Kings XI Punjab on Sunday, while Delhi complete their fixtures on the same day with a game against Mumbai Indians. (Sportsmax)

SCOREBOARD Delhi Daredevils Innings (20 overs maximum) P Shaw c Thakur b Chahar 17 S Iyer (c) b Ngidi 19 R Pant † c Bravo b Ngidi 38 G Maxwell b Jadeja 5 V Shankar not out 36 A Sharma c Singh b Thakur 2 H Patel not out 36 Extras (lb 3, w 6) 9 Total (5 wickets;20 Overs) 162 Did not bat: A Mishra, S Lamichhane, T Boult, A Khan Fall of wickets: 1-24 (Shaw, 4.1 ov), 2-78 (Iyer, 10.3 ov), 3-81 (Pant, 10.6 ov), 4-94 (Maxwell, 13.5 ov), 5-97 ( Sharma, 14.4 ov) Bowling: Chahar 3-0-23-1, Ngidi 3-0-14-2, Jadeja 4-0-191, Thakur 4-0-27-1, Singh 2-024-0, Bravo 4-0-52-0 Chennai Super Kings Innings

(target: 163 runs from 20 overs) S Watson c Boult b Mishra 14 A Rayudu c Maxwell b Patel 50 S Raina c Shankar b Lamichhane 15 M Dhoni (c) † c Iyer b Boult 17 S Billings c Sharma b Mishra 1 R Jadeja not out 27 D Bravo c Shankar b Boult 1 D Chahar not out 1 Extras (lb 2) 2 Total(6 wickets;20 Overs) 128 Did not bat: H Singh, S Thakur, L Ngidi Fall of wickets: 1-46 (Watson, 6.5 ov), 2-70 (Rayudu, 9.6 ov), 3-90 ( Raina, 13.1 ov), 4-93 (Billings, 14.3 ov), 5-113 (Dhoni, 17.6 ov), 6-125 ( Bravo, 19.2 ov) Bowling: Boult 4-0-20-2, Lamichhane 4-0-21-1, A Khan 2-0-28-0, Patel 4-0-23-1, Mishra 4-0-20-2, Maxwell 2-0-14-0

Ronaldo “120% fit” for Liverpool

Afridi commits to Windies’ charity match despite injured knee akistan all-rounder Shahid Afridi has given assurances that he will be playing in the Windies versus ICC World XI charity match set for Lords on May 31, despite the fact that he is not yet recovered from a long-running knee injury.

The 38-year-old former Pakistan captain tweeted on Thursday that the knee he injured during the Pakistan Super League in March would require three to four more weeks to heal, putting in doubt his ability to show up at Lords.

"Went to see my doctor in Dubai, knee hasn’t recovered fully yet. I’ll need another 3-4 weeks. Hoping to regain full fitness after that, keep praying for me,” he posted on Twitter to his one million followers.

However, on Friday, Afridi posted another tweet saying he was committed to playing in the match.

finish at the end of the round-robin stage, yet their batting lacked purpose as they fell comfortably short of their target.

Shane Watson, Suresh Raina and MS Dhoni all laboured while at the crease, with the latter's dismissal to Boult at the end of the 18th over ending any slim hopes of victory.

Nepalese teenager Sandeep Lamichhane and

R

Shahid Afridi has committed to Windies charity match at Lords despite not fully recovered from injured knee

eal Madrid forward Cristiano Ronaldo will be fit for the Champions League final against Liverpool in a week's time, says manager Zinedine Zidane.

Ronaldo, 33, has not played since spraining his ankle during the El Clasicodraw with Barcelona earlier this month but could feature against Villarreal in La Liga on Saturday.

Real will attempt to win their third straight Champions League title when they meet Liverpool in Kiev on 26 May. "Right now he is 120%," said Zidane. "He is fine. If Cristiano is 120% that's fine with me." Zidane added Ronaldo, who will captain Portugal at this summer's World Cup in Russia, is available for the match at Villarreal as Real try to finish second behind rivals Barcelona. Former France and Real Madrid midfield-

er Zidane, 45, said it would be "huge" for his side to win the Champions League for a third consecutive year, which would see him join Carlo Ancelotti and Bob Paisley as the only manager to win three European titles.

Ancelotti won the 2003 and 2007 titles with AC Milan before leading Real Madrid to the 2014 trophy, while Paisley won the European Cup with Liverpool in 1977, 1978 and 1981.

"It would mean a lot of things," said Zidane. "It would mean we have been doing our job well and that my message has been getting through to the players and the staff.

"It's great to start my managerial career at this level but for me the most important final of the Champions League is this one, not the last one. We have to give it everything."

(BBC)

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yclists will cap-off another busy weekend with a 20-lap race around the outer circuit of the National Park on Sunday.

Organised by Team Alanis, the event is set to reward the top performers handsomely.

First prize for the seniors has a purse of $40,000, while second and third placers pocket $30,000 and $23,000 respectively.

Fourth, fifth and sixth placers will be rewarded $16,000, $13,000 and $10,000 respectively.

Cash prizes would also be awarded to the juniors and masters (35-45) who ride for the full distance, and the masters (45-50) along with the upright and mountain bikers who go a distance of six laps.

Additionally, there will be 10 prime prizes, each worth $10,000.

Pedal-off time is 12:30h.

Several ambitious and aggressive riders are expected to take to the starting line

6-Stage Level 2

Independence Shoot fires off on Sunday T

he Guyana National Rifle Association (GuyanaNRA), in conjunction with International Practical Shooting Confederation (IPSC) Guyana, will tomorrow host an inaugural six-stage, Level 2 Match, dubbed the 2018 Independence IPSC Shoot, at the Timehri Rifle Ranges.

Top shooters in this section, the likes of Smallbore Captain Dale Hing, ViceCaptain Gordon Richards, Harold Hopkinson, Ryan McKinnon, and Vidushi Persaud-McKinnon, among others, will make this event one to remember.

Apart from the Individual category, there would also be teams consisting of 3 members, each vying for top honours. The match has been endorsed by Harold Hopkinson, the Regional Director for IPSC Guyana, who has promised that the 2019 Independence Shoot would see international shooters from other IPSC Regions descending on these shores to compete. This inaugural Independence Shoot, sponsored by BM Soat and Secure Innovations and Concepts Inc., will see the top five individuals in each division being rewarded, while the team matches would see each member on the top team receiving a trophy.

Following are the stages: First Stage – Oops: Consists of 6 steel plates and 6 steel poppers, 30 and 35 feet away.

Shooters will engage the 6

poppers first freestyle, then execute a compulsory magazine change and knock down the six plates using one hand, minimum round count 12.

Second Stage - “The Joker”: This course consists of 8 IPSC targets and 4 poppers. Shooters must place 2 shots minimum per IPSC target, and also knock down the 4 poppers whilst traversing this 20-round medium course without incurring any penal-

GCB School Cricket…

Leguan pip Wakenaam by 1 run

Completing this Level 2 Course will be 3 IPSC Classifiers, consisting of two 12-round and an 8-round course. These IPSC Classifiers will give members the international ranking needed, while taking part in IPSC and USPSA

Travis Christian

T

Harold Hopkinson

ties or breaking the dreaded 180° safety angles.

Third Stage - “Over and Under”. This is a large, 32-round course. On the large course, competitors will be vying for 160 points, while changing magazines, executing perfect shots and running as fast as they can. Shooters must also jump over or duck under a barrier whilst traversing the course. If the barrier is dislodged, the errant shooter will incur a minus 10-points’ penalty.

competitions. Members will compete in three Divisions: Production, Standard and Open. According to IPSC Regional Director Hopkinson, he would be using his customized Open Range gun, sponsored by Shay Horowitz, owner of Akai Custom Guns of Miami, Florida and will be shooting 9mm major ammunition against the likes of Glocks, CZ Shadow 2s, and Bull Storms which will be used by other members.

he 2017/2018 Guyana Cricket Board/Demerara Mutual Life Assurance Society Limited/National Sports Commission/National Secondary School Cricket continued in the Essequibo district with Leguan defeating / East Bank Essequibo and a Combined team, together with Bartica/Wakenaam Combined by one run.

Played at the Good Success ground on the Essequibo island of Wakenaam, the host won the toss and sent Leguan/ East Bank Essequibo to bat first. The visitors struggled to adopt well to the touring conditions, finding scoring challenging on the Good Success pitch in Wakenaam.

Informed all-rounder Wazim Mohamed was the top scorer with 26, while Ronaldo Schouten and Javal Sahoye each made 10. Bowling for Bartica/Wakenaam, Hamel Lamb grabbed 5 for 24 from

5 overs, while Rickey Persaud supported well with 3 for 21 from 5 overs.

In reply, Bartica/ Wakenaam gave a good account of themselves, and looked set to overhaul the score of 86, with Hamel Lamb producing a valiant batting display in which he stroked 46.

However, Lamb failed to get the necessary batting support, and the side stumbled to 85 all out.

Fast bowler Travis Christian grabbed 5 for 18 from 4.3 overs, while Wazim Mohamed and Javal Sahoye

Wazim Mohamed

took 2 for 12 and 2 for 23 respectively. Matches continue today at the Everest Cricket Club ground with North Georgetown Zone Winners, Chase Academy, doing battle with East Georgetown Zone winners, North Georgetown Secondary, for the Georgetown District Championship title.

22

GUYANATIMESgy.COM

saturDAY, may 19, 2018

2017 sport awardees announced

Flashback! The 2016 winners pose with their accolades

I

n a release on Friday, the National Sports Commission (NSC) has announced the hosting of its Annual Awards ceremony on Tuesday, May 22, from 06:45h at the Savannah Suite of the Le Meridien Pegasus hotel in Kingston, Georgetown.

“This will see over 57 individuals, including sportsmen and sportswomen as well as sport administrators and journalists, being awarded for their outstanding performance in 2017, be it locally,

regionally or internationally”, the released stated.

The release further listed the various nominees for awards. Senior Sportswoman of the Year: Marazana Fiedtkou and Taylor Fernandes; Junior Sportswoman of the Year: Chantoba Bright and Natrena Hooper; Senior Sportsman of the Year: Calvin Ming and Winston George; Junior Sportsman of the Year: Keevin Allicock, Compton Caesar, Daniel Williams,

BCB Awards Ceremony set for Sunday Kevlon Anderson and Kevin Sinclair.

Team-wise, the U-19 team and the Female side will be rewarded for winning the Guyana Cricket Board’s (GCB’s) Under-19 3-Day/50Over Male and Female titles.

Senior Windies/Guyana all-rounder Erva Giddings, and Kevlon Anderson have been tipped to receive the respective Female and Under-19 MVP awards.

T

Baskhar Yadram, Raymond Perez and Leon Seaton Jnr. Association of the Year: Athletics Association of Guyana, and the Hockey Federation; Most Improved SportsAssociation/Federation of the Year: Hockey Federation, Guyana Boxing Association, Demerara Volleyball Association, The Guyana Cricket Board, The Guyana Football Federation; Female Sports Personality: Natisha Mokutnauth, Elizabeth Sunich, Lavern

Fraser-Thomas, Allian Pompey; Male Sports Personality: Norman ‘Juice man’ Welch.

Male Coach of the Year: Esuan Crandon, Johnny Gravesande, Carl Ince, Phillip Fernandes; Female Coach of the Year: Candacy McKenzie and Sherry Abrams; Male Sports Official: Phillip Fernandes, Devin Hooper and Garfield Wiltshire; Female Sports Official: Dion CushBarnwell, Lavern FraserThomas, Nzinga Maxwell.

Rajiv Bisnauth (Guyana Chronicle) and Calvin Chapman (Kaieteur News); Online Journalist: Treiston Joseph (Newsroom), Avenash Ramzan (Newsroom), Royston Alkins (The Xercise ); Television Journalist: Treiston Joseph (Newsroom), Akeem Greene (TVG) and Colwyn Abrams – (HGPTV); Photographers: Keno George (Stabroek News), Delano Williams (Guyana Chronicle) and Adrian Narine (Guyana Chronicle).

Stag joins in support of

Hornets’ Carnival 7s rugby – Ramps Logistics also on-board tion to Pepsi Hornets’ Roger Perreira at the company’s Beterverwagting (BV) Headquarters, and said the entity is happy to play its part in ensuring Rugby receives the support it needs in order to ensure the tournament is a success.

Ramps Logistics, known for providing logistical solutions to ExxonMobil, also threw their support be-

Kevlon Anderson

he Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) is set to host its Annual Awards Ceremony this Sunday at the Albion Community Centre on the Corentyne, where the achievements of its players, coaches and officials will be honoured.

The gala event, which returns after a three-year hiatus, is set to see proceedings from 13:00h, and some 17 awards would be presented.

Among the awards would be: Berbice Under-15/17/19 Player of the Year; Most Improved Youth; Most Improved Senior; Berbice U-19 Female Player; School of the Year; Senior Coach of the Year, and Club of the Year. Headlining the individual list of potential awardees are Windes spinners Devendra Bishoo and Veerasammy Permaul; Guyana Jaguars all-rounder Romario Shepherd, and National youth players

Sportsman of the Year (Person with Disability): Ganesh Singh, Calvin Thomas, Walter GrantStuart and Leroy Phillips; Sportswoman (Persona with disability):Faith King , Malika Crawford, Shontel Munroe, Cassie Gill; Sports Team of the Year: National U-19 Cricket Team, National Senior Female Football Team, Green Machine National Rugby Team.

Print Journalists: Akeem Greene (Guyana Times),

ing the tournament, with Operations Director Richard DeNobrega, while making the presentation to Pepsi Hornets’ Elwin Chase, proclaiming their honour to be supporting one of the country’s most successful sports disciplines.

The STAG Carnival 7’s tournament will kick off at 11:00 hours, after an opening ceremony.

Romario Shepherd

Coaches will also be recognised, as three of Guyana’s premier coaches -- Julian Moore, Esuan Crandon and Windes Women’s player Tremayne Smartt -- will be recognised for their deeds in cricket development.

Meanwhile, BCB President, Hilbert Foster, is set to take to the podium, while the feature address is set to be delivered

by Attorney-at-Law Arud Gossai.

ANSA McAL’s Nigel Worrell (right) is making a presentation to Pepsi Hornets’ Roger Perreira to signal the company’s title sponsorship for the May 20 event

T

he Pepsi Hornets Rugby Club has benefited from some much-needed support from corporate Guyana ahead of Sunday’s Guyana Carnival Sevens Rugby Tournament in the National Park.

ANSA Mc AL, behind the STAG Beer brand, be-

came the title sponsor for the event, which will bring together some of Guyana’s and the Caribbean’s top ‘Ruggers’, all vying for top honours in the lucrative tournament.

Nigel Worrell, one of ANSA Mc AL’s managers, made a simple presenta-

Ramps Logistics Operations Director Richard DeNobrega (second from left) handing over sponsorship cheque to Pepsi Hornets’ Elwin Chase

guyanatimesgy.com

saturDAY, may 19, 2018

GCB mulling bid to host India ODIs – Sanasie

By Akeem Greene

S

ecretary of the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB), Anand Sanasie, is hopeful that the GCB would be able to make a successful bid to host the top-ranked India for at least two One Day Internationals (ODI) at the National Stadium at Providence in 2019.

In an exclusive comment on Friday, Sanasie told Guyana Times Sport that the GCB are making plans to table a proposal to the Government of Guyana, whose endorsement he deems highly influential in the GCB being successful at the bidding process.

The top ranked team from the Asian sub-continent last came to Guyana in April 2002, when they drew the first Test in a five-Test itinerary at the historic Georgetown Cricket Club ground in Bourda.

Based on reports, this dominant Asian team are set to tour the Caribbean after the 50-Over World Cup competition in England, which runs from May 30 to July 14, and would be engaging their Caribbean counterparts in three Tests, three ODIs and three T20s.

India would have last toured the Caribbean in June-July 2017, when they won the five-match ODI series 3-1 but suffered defeat to the West Indies in a T20 match. Those matches were played in Trinidad and Tobago, Jamaica and Antigua.

According to a report in the Trinidad Guardian, Cricket West Indies (CWI) President, Dave Cameron, made an offer to the newly minted Trinidad and Tobago Minister of Sports, Shamfa Cudjoe, among other dignitaries from the Caribbean.

“We have two very good tours

next year with England and India visiting, so I have been going around the region to meet with the governments to show them the value of these games in terms of boosting their sports tourism sector,” Cameron is reported to have said.

The report further detailed that the CWI president met with governments across the region about the opportunities that exist in hosting matches, and what they need to deliver in terms of their bids.

“We have met with Barbados, Antigua, St. Kitts, Grenada, St. Lucia and Jamaica, and we have already gotten some positive responses in terms of hosting the matches.

We are happy that the governments are showing this great interest,” Cameron is reported to have said.

Sanasie, meanwhile, explained that in addition to hosting Bangladesh for ODIs on July 22 and

23

25 this year, South Africa women are headed for Guyana just prior to the staging of the Women’s T20 World Cup, for which this country is a co-host of the November 9-24 showpiece

GCB Secretary, Anand Sanasie

GOBA Independence Track & Field Meet…

Close to 300 athletes to compete over 2 days at Leonora BCB host Pre-Level 1 coaching clinic

T

The organising committee comprises (L-R), AAG President, Aubrey Huston; Gordon Lewis; GOBSA President, David Thomas; Orin Thomas; and AAG General Secretary, Mayfield Trim-Taylor

he third annual Independence Track and Field Meet will commence today, and approximately 300 athletes are set to participate in this exciting event, which is to be staged at the National Track and Field Facility at Leonora, West Coast Demerara.

At a press briefing on Friday, President of the Athletics Association of Guyana, Aubrey Huston, revealed that a packed itinerary is in store, and contin-

gents are expected to bring their best performances over the next two days.

Huston reminded patrons that the facility has been built to negate the current inclement weather, so there will definitely be action, especially since all the athletes are eager to do well, given the stakes involved.

The event is organised by the Guyana OverseasBased Sports Association (GOBSA), and one of its founders, Orin Thomas, explained that the event is

basically “a talent-finding activity”. Thomas contended, “It is important to spot talent at an early stage, so they can be moulded into well-rounded athletes”.

He disclosed that athletes from as far away as Region Seven are listed to be on show at this meet.

Former national athlete Gordon Lewis, who is a part of the GOBSA, admonishes athletes to put their best foot forward, and be reminded that there is a world outside of the track, as he called

for a balance between athletics and academics.

The group is already looking ahead to next year’s event, when competitors from Jamaica, Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago and other countries would be invited to participate in the meet in order to improve the level of competition for local athletes.

The action begins at 10:00h, and entrance fee of $300 will be charged.

Athletes will be rewarded with cash prizes.

T

Andre Percival

he Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) has moved to improving coaching by bowling off a Pre-Level 1 seminar for trainers across the Ancient County.

Sponsored by overseas-based Guyanese Brian Ramphal, the seminar is set to host some 40 potential coaches, who would as-

semble at the Albion Cricket Ground to participate in the two-day programme, which culminates on Saturday, May 26.

According to BCB President, Hilbert Foster, the main objectives of the seminar are to strengthen the reservoir of coaches in Berbice while prepping individuals ahead of the Cricket West Indies (CWI) Level I Coaching Programme, among other areas of development.

The clinic will be facilitated by Level III Cricket Coach Winston Smith, who will be assisted by Guyana/West Indies Women all-rounder Tremayne Smartt, Balram Samaroo and former Guyana all-rounder and current National Women’s Coach, Andre Percival.

Upon conclusion of the clinic, successful participants are set to receive Certificates of Participation.

saturDAY, may 19, 2018

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

guyanatimesgy.com

Pg 23

GCB mulling bid to host India ODIs – Sanasie GOBA Independence Track & Field Meet…

Close to 300 athletes to compete over 2 days at Leonora Pg 23

Some exciting action is expected over the next two days at the National Track and Field Facility at Leonora

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