Guyanatime 22 june 2018

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…Desmond Sears new Chairman Nationwide coverage from the best news team in Guyana guyanatimesgy.com

Issue No. 3601

THE BEACON OF TRUTH

Friday, June 22, 2018

McLean calls for reconsideration of Amaila Falls project Page 9

…says small hydros, solar power insufficient

PRICE

$80 vat included

WHAT'S INSIDE:

“High prevalence” of social issues at P12 Kwakwani – social worker …says teenage pregnancy, sexual assault rampant

Rice farmers protest at Finance Page 10 Ministry over high fuel prices GCAA meets with American P11 Airlines

…operations to commence in November

Mother of 4 stabbed to death

Opposition P9 Leader challenges President to debate ethnic relations

Page 7

Berbice man attempts to kill ex-wife Page 13

…ex-husband attempts suicide …torches Port Mourant home

Demerara River crossing

Page 9

Jagdeo questions Govt's flip-flop on design

– says approach ill-conceived, will be burdensome

"Why is Govt wasting P15 our time?"

– minibus association

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BRIDGE OPENINGS

The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Friday, June 22 – 12:30h-14:00h and Saturday, June 23 – a night retraction from 01:00h and a day retraction from 13:30h-15:00h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Friday, June 22 – 11:45h-13:15h and Saturday, June 23 – 12:55h-14:25h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY Light to thundery showers can be expected throughout the day and into the evening, with temperatures ranging between 22 degrees Celsius and 29 degrees Celsius.

Winds: Easterly to East North-easterly and Northeasterly between 1.34 metres and 5.36 metres.

High Tide: 12:10h reaching a maximum height of 2.27 metres.

Low Tide: 05:41h and 18:07h reaching a minimum height of 0.93 metre at each scheduled low tide.

wednesDAY, June 20, 2018

LOTTERY NUMBERS D

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19 23 24

06 Bonus Ball

FREE TICKET

Thursday, June 21, 2018

DAILY MILLIONS 07 09 17 20 21 LUCKY 3 8 3 5

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Afternoon Draw DRAW DE LINE

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

Demerara River crossing

Jagdeo questions Govt's flip-flop on design – says approach ill-conceived, will be burdensome

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he Opposition People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) is questioning Government’s sudden decision to scrap a previous proposal – largely centred on establishing a new three-lane, open format bridge as a replacement for the Demerara Harbour Bridge (DHB) – in favour of a four-lane, fixed high-level bridge.

General Secretary of the party, Bharrat Jagdeo told a media conference on Thursday that not only is the idea going against the feasibility study that was done for the new crossing, but the coalition Government’s approach to the initiative is ill-conceived and will only serve as a huge burden to Guyana.

“This is ill-conceived and will leave us with a huge burden in the future,” he said, while explaining that he is not against the fourlane design, but the approach by Government is a major cause for worry.

He also reminded that the feasibility study deemed a four-lane initiative unfeasible. “If you’re going for a four-lane fixed bridge. We don’t have a problem, but the three-lane study said only the three-lane bridge was feasible. Their own study says the four-lane is not feasible,” he pointed out.

The former Head of State who has long criticised the Government for its approach to this project, stated this flip-flop attitude could only lead to chaos and disaster for the entire project. He recalled that he had advised that Government should not leave it up to the contractors to determine the future of the project.

Jagdeo also recalled raising concerns over the fact that there was no money in the budget, no funding for the bridge and no grants or financing available for the construction of the bridge.

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo

“I said all of those things need to be pre-determined…

I pointed out the Berbice Bridge. That there were about 2000 pages of studies… a prospectus was developed… legislation passed to support public private partnership… and only then did the company solicit bids… they [Government] didn’t do any of these things.

They just said we’re putting out the tender, the contractors will tell us what they want,” he explained.

Finance Minister Winston Jordan who made the announcement explained that several persons would have submitted proposals for various types of bridges. This is even though the feasibility study recommended a three-lane bridge.

However, submissions were made for a four-lane fixed bridge.

No policy direction

Opposition Member of Parliament Juan Edghill has urged Government to come clean on the matter.

The former junior Finance Minister has said he was surprised that Public Infrastructure Minister David Patterson did not notify Guyanese about the project, especially based on its magnitude.

Edghill also pointed out that Patterson’s last statement on this project was that three companies would be selected from the companies who bid, and they would be asked to submit proposals, including for financing the bridge. The Minister had also given a particular timeline.

The MP slammed Government, stating that this is indicative of the fact that the coalition Government has no policy direction in the public infrastructure sector and that they are prone to making ad hoc decisions. He was here referring to the Guyana Power and Light’s $3 billion tender for the installation of smart meters and transmission lines which Government annulled a few months ago.

Last year, a feasibility study and design for the new Demerara River Bridge had reportedly cost some $146.3 million. It was presented to Minister within the Public Infrastructure Ministry, Annette Ferguson.

The 57-page final report was done by Dutch company LievenseCSO. The project team had included officials from the Demerara Harbour Bridge Corporation and Transport and Harbours

Department.

It is understood that the feasibility study had determined the proposed location of Houston-Versailles as the most ideal. It is also understood that a low-level bridge with a movable part and three-lanes was recommended for construction.

Another study had been completed back in 2013, when the Demerara Harbour Bridge Corporation had collaborated with the then Public Works Ministry to carry out a pre-feasibility analysis. That study had concluded that a ‘fixed, high-level’ bridge was the best option to pursue, rather than the retractable model, echoing the most recent recommendations made by Consultant Rameshwar.

The “fixed, high-level” option would ensure that traffic would be able to flow even while boats passed underneath the structure. The bridge presently operates according to schedule in order to cater for marine traffic.

There have traditionally been lengthy traffic lines during rush hour, as motorists hurry to catch the bridge before it closes. It was to solve these traffic woes and to cater for the advanced age of the Demerara Harbour Bridge structure that a new bridge has been contemplated.

According to the 2013 report, consultations were carried out with various Private Sector agencies and non-governmental organisations representing cross sections of the production and manufacturing sectors in Guyana. Those consultations, the report detailed, were to obtain valuable data to complete the report, introduce stakeholders to the new Demerara River crossing concept, and garner feedback that could potentially influence the project.

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friDAY, june 22, 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

Fuel prices

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wo months ago, minibus operators and owners across the country engaged in various forms of protest as they lobbied the current A Partnership for National Unity and Alliance for Change Coalition Government to implement a series of relief measures that would result in the current unconscionable fuel prices being reduced.

They have been arguing consistently that they are unable to bear the added burden they are facing as result of what they are describing as a “sharp” and “steep” increase in the prices for diesel and gasoline at the gas stations across the country.

Others are also arguing that the maintenance costs associated with plying their trade are also steadily increasing as a result of the fuel prices and other rises in international commodity prices, which have negatively impacted their ability to access high-quality second hand spare parts and vehicle fittings.

Some of the drivers have also resorted to begging the Government to consider that they are finding it difficult to feed their families and honour their bills at the same time, even though they operate what are being considered largely private vehicles in order to provide what is essentially a public service.

When there were initial signs that the Government was indifferent to their concerns and was not inclined to take them seriously following some statements made by senior representatives of the Administration, the minibus operators resorted to burning old tyres, blocking main access roads, and parking their vehicles during rush-hour period in a desperate bid to send the signal to the Government that they mean business.

As expected, when the minibus operators and their respective unions issued an ultimatum threatening to increase the minibus fares by as much as $20 and $40 for a short drop, and higher amounts for a complete drop to a destination, the Government’s posture changed. It was now ready to meet and engage with the irate and frustrated minibus operators.

That meeting saw the General Minibus Union (GMU) engaging the Business and Tourism Minister Dominic Gaskin, where a formal proposal of the demands being made by the operators was discussed and justified in the presence of key Government officials in order to return the industry’s operations to normalcy.

The Government has allegedly agreed to consider aspects of the proposals made by the minibus unions in order to bring an end to the ongoing protest actions by the operators.

Surely, the Government was also being lobbied by several other critical stakeholders, who were also adversely affected by the spike in the price for fuel and oil on the international markets. The Private Sector Commission, several local Chambers of Commerce groups, organised labour, and even key manufacturing businesses pressed the Government to do something, say something, or even change some aspect of its fiscal or taxation policy to deliver some form of relief to these stakeholders, so that the economy could continue to thrive, and business strengthened against these external shocks.

This is against this backdrop alone that it is disappointing that the Government has not seen it fit to demonstrate more care, sensitivity and prudence in its approach to tackling the matter.

Despite being lobbied by all those stakeholders, there is still a high level of indifference being demonstrated by the ministries of the Presidency, Business and Tourism Development, Public Infrastructure and other key departments.

And the comment attributed to Business Minister Gaskin does not help in arriving at a speedy solution to the woes faced by stakeholders, but only exuberates the fact that the Government does not see as important addres,sing what is essentially a “bread and butter” issue for many. He had recently told reporters that he was not responsible for fixing minibus fares, and just intervened from a consumer point of view, to find out their concerns. He went on to say that the proposal which was submitted to his ministry will be shared with the respective ministers, who will then carry the burden of introducing the said proposal to Cabinet.

Perhaps Minister Gaskin should have not agreed to meeting the operators and stakeholders alone. Maybe it would have been more productive if the other Ministers he had spoken about were present and a final decision was agreed to at the end of each engagement.

The Opposition has already shared the formula for averting the crisis that looms ahead. The Government must bring an end to its non-action by significantly waiving the fuel taxes and setting a clear policy on what should be done whenever to protect local industries from the shocks created by these international economic developments.

The Guyana Office for Investment (GO-Invest), in collaboration with Advertising and Marketing Services, has launched its 2018/2019 iNvest Guyana Magazine. The magazine, which will be distributed locally and overseas, was unveiled at the Roraima Duke Lodge Hotel on Wednesday and aims to highlight market and investment opportunities in Guyana, to local and foreign investors.

In photo: Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of GO-Invest, Owen Verwey along with Managing Director for Advertising and Marketing Services, Lokesh Singh unveiling the magazine. Also in photo are Business Minister Dominic Gaskin and former Chairman of the Private Sector Commission, Edward Boyer

Time for audit and criminal charges in Region 6 Dear Editor, When the Auditor General’s Report was presented in the National Assembly in 2016, it stated, among other things, that 79 contracts, totalling $147.586 million, were not awarded to the lowest or the most competitive bidders; and it also stated that the reason why the lowest bidder was not awarded the contract was “inadvertently not included in the Regional Tender (Board’s) minutes”. The REO blamed the scribe who took the minutes!

In that year, I made it clear at the RDC statutory meeting that Section 39(6) (a) of the Procurement Act makes it pellucid that “all evaluation criteria for the procurement of goods, works and services, in addition to price, will be qualified in monetary terms, and the tender will be awarded to the lowest evaluated bid”. I further gave circumstances where this subsection had been blatantly violated, attesting to cronyism and corruption, and I gave clear examples where this was done on 7th July 2106.

In April this year, it was reported in the media that the Auditor General’s Report for 2016 showed overpayments of

salaries amounted to $345,000, and now the PAC has discovered that there was contract-splitting to frustrate the objectives of the Procurement Act, and hence that deed was illegal.

A contract of $8.3 million for surgical gloves was split in three to fall below the $8 million ceiling which the Regional Tender Board can award, and though the REO denied this fact, she later admitted to the PAC that there was contract-splitting. This brings to mind the various versions of the bulldozer story.

Then there is an upsurge of new ‘contractors’ in Region 6, some of whom barely have access to a hammer. However, don’t be mistaken. Many of these new ‘contractors’ are actually ‘fronts’ for the real contractors, who work for the Coalition Government, or are councillors at the RDC, or are CDC workers, or are AFC party officials. For instance, an AFC RDC Councillor is now a pre-qualified ‘contractor’ in the Region.

Section (5) of the Procurement Act pronounce on the qualifications contractors should possess, and many

of these contractors lack the capacity, so they sub-contract the works to the real contractors, who should have gotten the contracts in the first place.

Therefore this scenario now creates ‘middlemen’ who will sell the contract.

What in effect is happening is that substandard work will result, since the contract price has to accommodate this split.

Moreover, value for money is again lost, since it is alleged that the Engineer’s Estimate is grossly inflated to facilitate the kickbacks, while payments are being made for substandard works.

The Regional Vice Chairman, Mr Dennis DeRoop, on several occasions brought to the RDC the many instances of substandard work being done in the Region.

Another avenue for corruption is the plethora of ‘emergency’ works. While some were done under the pretext of ‘emergency’, others were simply given as ‘consultations’ to projects which are yet to be budgeted for. There are instances when exorbitantly priced works, such as excavations, have been done, but should not have incurred such high costs.

Undoubtedly, there is an urgent need for a forensic audit of the Tender Board in Region Six, to dig into these corrupt practices of the Tender Board.

The entire tendering process should be investigated, and the awarding of contracts and the background and experience and qualifications of these contractors should come under microscopic scrutiny.

These corrupt practices are rapidly eating away at the economic development of this Region. The Government is expending hundreds of millions, only for this money to be thrown away by corrupt officials in the Region. It is time to stamp out corruption in Region 6. The corruption in Region 6 has reached alarming proportions, and is unprecedented.

Finally, should not the Region 6 REO be charged with misconduct in public office?

Should the RDC not move a vote of no confidence against her? Ramayya was the recipient of several such motions for far less evil.

Yours sincerely, Haseef Yusuf RDC Councillor, Region 6

No fairness involved in the process

Dear Editor, With respect to the controversial appointment of Roxanne Myers as Deputy Chief Elections Officer (DCEO) of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), I’ve noticed that the defence has shifted its argument to one of academic superiority.

This position - like the earlier one about merit – cannot hold sway, as neither candidate received their degree from an institution that is top-rated. In fact, an online search revealed that the UN mandat-

ed University for Peace from which Myers obtained her Master’s degree is ranked 3756

by Ranking Web of Universities online (See http://www.webometrics.info/en).

The same site ranks the Anglia Ruskin University from which Vishnu Persaud obtained his Masters at 1178.

This brings me back to the view of Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo, who was quoted as saying that the issue at hand has more to do with the absence of fairness in the entire process – a position I

agree with.

Mr Persaud met all the advertised criteria. He has a post graduate degree, qualification in elections management, experience in the management of national elections, and much more. He is therefore the ‘superior’, ‘fit and proper’ candidate. In spite of this, he was sidelined in favour of Myers, whose social media-adumbrated, partisan political views disqualify her from holding such a sensitive position.

Further, what makes the process even more question-

able is the fact that Myers’s chief defender, Commissioner Vincent Alexander, neglects to disclose their teacher-student relationship at the University of Guyana.

Clearly, this shows that there was no fairness involved in the process; and that persons, in spite of their experience and qualifications, are being sidestepped in preference for handpicked supporters of the APNU/AFC. Regards, Attiya Baksh

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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

Rawle Toney thinks young women representing Guyana in basketball were “humiliated” Dear Editor, One of the headlines in the Sports section of the Guyana Chronicle, “The Nation’s Paper,” dated June 21, 2018, claimed “Guyana humiliated 24-112

by Dominican Republic”.

The Cambridge English Dictionary defines humiliation as: “To make someone feel ashamed, or lose respect for himself or herself”.

Our young women certainly were not ashamed

of their performance, nor did they lose respect for themselves at the June 2018 Caribbean Basketball Confederation Women’s Championships hosted by Suriname. Instead, the Guyanese girls showed the fighting spirit that defines Guyanese, by giving their best effort and playing with a never-quit attitude.

The Dominican Republic has medaled thirteen of the twenty-two times they participated in the much

higher level Centrobasket, where national teams from Central America and the Caribbean have competed since 1965.

Dominican Republic won the Championships three times: in 1977, 2004 and 2012, after first contesting in 1969. Guyana has competed twice at Centrobasket: 1971 and 1973.

Toney’s use of the word “humiliation” to describe the loss by our young

women is unsuitable and thoughtless; they lost to one of the most dominant teams in Central American and Caribbean Basketball.

If Guyana ever gets an opportunity to play the Brazil National Football Team and lose 10-1, Guyanese would celebrate the one goal scored by Guyana.

We must look for the positive at all times, and especially in challenging times. Of the twelve players listed on the Guyana Team

Is a mobile counselling unit the best option?

Dear Editor, If counselling is already available in each region, as recently pointed out by Chief Education Officer Marcel Hutson, shouldn’t the Ministry of Education ensure that all parents are aware of where and how this counselling can be accessed?

Also, should there not be, at the minimum, trained lay counsellors at schools, to ensure each school has a minimum level of expertise to

identify and refer all cases requiring counselling?

And should there not also be a law mandating teachers to report issues such as suspected abuse, suicide ideation et al?

As well, with the move to set up a mobile counselling unit, which will be driven into different areas (and) communities based upon the needs, how would this work for regions that can only be accessed by air?

And what about the amount of time it would take to travel to distant areas such as, for example, Corriverton or the Pomeroon? And how effective would such a unit be, given that counselling is not a one-off measure, but has to be ongoing to ensure desired results? In fact has a cost benefit analysis been done with respect to this unit? With a pool of trained counsellors now available,

would it not be less costly in terms of money, time and results to initially have all education districts staffed with trained counsellors who can also access other available needed resources? And with UG now offering a psychology program, secondary schools can also have their own counsellors within a few years.

Sincerely, The Caribbean Voice

Very ominous signs: time for democratic forces to stand up (Pt 1) Dear Editor, Over the last two weeks or so, we have seen some developments that do not spell well for the future of our nation. It appears that we are rapidly returning to the worst days of the 1970s and 1980s.

These matters have emerged from developments in the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) and in the ruling of the Court in relation to the legality of the process by which the Chairman of GECOM, Mr James Patterson, was appointed.

The Chairman of GECOM tried to muzzle Commissioner Robeson Benn from speaking. Mr Benn raised the issue of the racial imbalance of the composition of the staff at GECOM. He pointed out that it was about 90% African Guyanese, and tried to make a case that GECOM, a constitutional body, should reflect our population in a much better way. This matter is rather urgent, since we know that there exist grounds to believe that the last elections were manipulated from within the Commission with the use of fake statements of poll. It appears to have been an inside job. That matter is in Court, but is not being called up.

That raised the ire of the Chairman, who stopped him from speaking.

Now, let us be clear here. The Guyana Elections Commission, more than any

other single institution, is at the centre of our country’s democratic wellbeing. It is tasked with ensuring that periodic elections in Guyana are free and fair both in substance and appearance.

To accomplish this task, GECOM has a responsibility to harness and maintain public confidence in all that it does.

It was to achieve that goal that the procedure for establishing the Commission was designed.

The Chairperson, it was expected, would have been chosen by a consensual mechanism. Unfortunately, that mechanism was thrown out by the President. Mr. Patterson was not appointed by consensus. He is the nominee of President Granger, who is also the Leader of the PNC/APNU. Given the tenuous circumstances under which Mr Patterson was appointed, and the number of prominent and eminent Guyanese who were overlooked and unceremoniously discarded by the President and Leader of the PNC/ APNU to facilitate his selection, one would have thought that he would have made a special effort to demonstrate to all and sundry that the fears regarding his appointment were unfounded.

Instead, by his action in trying to muzzle Commissioner Benn from raising real and legitimate concerns of the Commission’s composition, he has shown that the fears regarding his appointment

are indeed very well founded.

Mr Patterson has displayed his belief that we are back to the period of the 1970s and 1980s, when GECOM facilitated the most massive and fraudulent elections.

The concerns raised by

Mr Benn have been left unaddressed.

After that incident, Mr Patterson has become even more biased in his actions.

Sincerely, Donald Ramotar Former President

in their contest against The Dominican Republic, seven are high schoolers, re: President’s College, four; Marian Academy, one; Mackenzie High School, one; and Bishops’ High School, one. The experience these young ladies gained from withstanding the battle charge of the Dominican Republic, by rising again and again to the challenge, augers well for their academic development and their contribution to the development of Guyana.

In their game against Suriname, the Guyanese young women were leading by one point at half time, and had stunned and impressed all in attendance.

The Guyanese Women overcame many obstacles to participate in the June 2018 FIBA Caribbean Basketball Confederation Women’s Championships hosted by Suriname, and the character strengthening experience reflected Guyana in a positive way; as the young women showed admirable self-esteem, courage, and perseverance. History will show Guyana participated and competed in the Championships; and the experience and benefits gained can never be taken

away.

To credit and paraphrase Robert A. Heinlein, it is worth repeating: “Victory in defeat, there is none higher. Our young women represent all the unsung heroes who couldn't make it but never quit.”

Toney is the same journalist who failed to write an article on the fact that our Government did not provide needed funding to support Guyana’s participation in the June 2018 FIBA Caribbean Basketball Confederation Championships hosted by Suriname. Thus, in my opinion, Rawle Toney lacks the courage to challenge spoon-feeding authority. A fundamental principle of journalism is to serve as an independent monitor of power. Toney needs to embrace this principle.

I close with a few extracts from the epic poem “Still I Rise” by Maya Angelou: “You may shoot me with your words… But still, like air, I’ll rise. Just like Moons and like suns, With the certainty of tides, just like hopes springing high, Still I’ll rise”.

Sincerely, Nigel Hinds

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By Robert J King , Ph D

Harry Harlow had discovered the need for contact comfort in mammals.

Put simply: Cuddling those we trust. If we don’t have it, we get unwell.

Some of Harlow’s later experiments got even more gruesome. Surrogate “mothers” who rejected their offspring with blunted spikes or compressed air blasts. The baby rhesus monkeys would keep trying to get comfort from these rejecting surrogates and the constant rejection eventually drove them insane. If these damaged infants eventually became parents themselves, they would pass on this brutality to their own offspring: "Not even in our most devious dreams could we have designed a surrogate as evil as these real monkey mothers were. Having no social experience themselves, they were incapable of appropriate social interaction. One mother held her baby's face to the floor and chewed off his feet and fingers. Another crushed her baby's head.

Most of them simply ignored their offspring.”

So – that’s one strand of evidence of the need for love in primates –of which we are one. What about direct evidence from humans? In this case, a major figure is John Bowlby.

Foundation

A Freudian by training, he became dissatisfied with the Freudian explanations of child attachment as cupboard love.

In his clinical practice, he had documented dozens of delinquent boys who had all gone through some degree of maternal deprivation – separation from the mother during a critical period of childhood. In its most extreme form, these responses could amount to what he called “affectionless psychopathy”, and violent behaviours such as fighting, theft, and arson.

Bowlby’s emphasis was on the mother-child dyad, and our later research has expanded this to include fathers and other caregivers. But, he had the e s -

sence of the idea: A child needs trustworthy bonds to fully develop socially.

Later research has focused on the effects of much more limited separation of a child from a trusted-care giver in daycare. The effects of this are nothing so profound as what Bowlby (or Harlow) showed. But, even here, measurable social effects like aggression and depression (mostly short-term) are detectable in many children who undergo prolonged separation from their caregivers.

And daycare is just that: Care for a

day. The parent or parents are back at the end of that day. They are not pulled apart for weeks or months, or even for good, and in threatening circumstances. People in daycare centres, well – they care.

Which brings me neatly to the other disturbing sound in that clip. The sounds of children experiencing the early stages of deprivation are distressing enough. Those sounds are designed to be distressing—millions of years of evolution have made children’s sounds of distress hard for normal humans to ignore. And this is for the obvious reasons that I started off with.

Small h u -

mans are terribly fragile and obviously needy.

That’s why I found the other sound in the clip in some ways more distressing still. Play it again if you need to (and can stand it). I’m sure they are not all like this (please God, tell me I’m right about this) but at one minute in that’s the sound of a border patrol agent laughing

B

at the distress, and saying “What an orchestra, I guess they need a conductor”. Hilarious. That’s not someone I would trust to leave anyone’s child in the care of. (psychologytoday.com)

ut wait! Don’t punish them for bad behaviour resulting from a brain in progress.

The brain is amazing. When you encounter a newborn baby, it seems miraculous they will grow up – with any luck, and a lot of hard work – with the capacity to take pleasure in nature, get an education, organise their life, fall in love, do some kind of productive work, and so much more.

That kind of change over time – from a helpless infant to a fully functioning adult – depends on a brain that develops, one synapse at a time, in an extraordinarily complex way, highly sensitive to the environment the baby, child, and teenager encounter, moment to moment, day to day.

A parent who knows something about how the brain develops can respond much more intelligently to the challenges and frustrations their child presents, demanding only what the child is capable of doing, and being patient with the work in progress that is the miracle of their developing brain.

A toddler is derailed by a trivial frustration – losing a toy, being asked to sit still, not getting another cookie – and the parent gets annoyed. “Really?” they might be forgiven for asking, “Are you really having a fit because you have to wait thirty seconds?” It might help you be patient with meltdowns if you knew that toddlers don’t have the necessary tools for managing their upsets. They don’t have the brain capacity to put their disappointments into context, to soothe themselves, or regulate their responses. Based on current research findings, it turns out that punishing young children for being difficult is not only unfair, but it’s also counter-productive. It just makes the little one feel more powerless and angrier.

Teenagers can be even more challenging than toddlers. They can seem to be fully mature in one situation, and then turn around and do something dangerously childish. Despite the appearance of obstinate defiance, a lot of that variability is driven by an anatomically immature brain. The prefrontal cortex that regulates insight, self-awareness, planning, decision-making, and conflict management won’t be fully developed until sometime in their mid-twenties, or even later. As with toddlers, there is lots you can do to support your teen in moving safely toward a successful adulthood, but criticism and harsh consequences aren’t helpful. As with younger children, it’s neither fair nor useful to punish foolish behaviour that results from a brain in progress. (Excerpt from psychologytoday.com)

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friDAY, june 22, 2018 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Mother of 4 stabbed to death …ex-husband attempts suicide

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olice are investigating the murder of a 28-year-old woman who was stabbed to death by her ex-husband.

Dead is Tovanie Simmons, of Second Street, Limlair Village, Corentyne, Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne).

Reports are the alleged perpetrator, who attempted to commit suicide after stabbing the woman to death, had left his wife and was living with his newfound love – a next door neighbour.

Guyana Times was told that at about 23:20h, the suspect, Imran Lyte, 28, stabbed Simmons about 10 times before fleeing the scene. However, he was

Dead: Tovanie Simmons

woman's mother, Jacklyn Henry, related that Simmons was visited by her ex-husband and his sister and they were sitting at

the knife at me and she run out on the landing.”

Henry further explained that Lyte went onto the veranda where a relative tried to restrain him but he was able to free himself and pursued the woman, continuing to stab her.

When this publication visited the Limlair home, bloodstains were spattered on the floor.

In her account, Henry said she screamed for her daughter to escape and she jumped over the veranda onto the ground while her ex-husband’s sister shouted on her to run. However, the suspect ran through the house and exited the door, skipping stairs in his pursuit of Simmons. The

The house where the woman was attacked

later taken to the Port Mourant Hospital by relatives after he reportedly ingested a poisonous substance. He is currently under Police guard at a medical facility.

Meanwhile, the dead

the table having a discussion when he started stabbing the mother of four.

“He grab she and start jucking she and she holla and jump on me; I went in the chair sitting down and I try fuh block he and he fire

already injured woman was haplessly caught on the street where she was again repeatedly stabbed. Lyte made good his escape before he could have been apprehended as everyone was focused on the woman lying

on the ground bleeding.

Guyana Times understands that last Saturday, Simmons had gone to collect her children from another part of the village and on her journey, she was confronted by Lyte who accused her of allowing her friends to taunt his new lover. Lyte reportedly hit Simmons, and in retaliation, her sisters reportedly kicked him causing him to fall into a nearby trench.

One of the now dead woman’s brothers, who was passing at the time, went to his sisters' rescue but Lyte attacked him, stabbing him several times.

According to Henry,

since Saturday’s incident, the Police visited her next door neighbour in search of Lyte on several occasions but was on each occasion told that he was not at home.

“They just come at the gate and ask for him and he deh right inside the house.”

The couple had been together for nine years and have four children; ages eight, six and three-yearold twins. Henry said Lyte was always very kind but in the last few months after the relationship with her daughter ended, he became abusive.

The grieving mother told this publication fol-

lowing the December last year separation, Lyte on one occasion destroyed her daughter’s cellphone but his sister asked for them not to get the Police involved because of Lyte’s financial position at the time.

She said there were other instances where Lyte brought physical harm to her daughter. She also said her daughter had made several reports of threats made to her by Lyte at the Whim Police Station but those reports were never acted upon

by Police. Investigations are continuing. (Andrew Carmichael)

8 news

friDAY, june 22, 2018 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Signing bonus challenge

CJ to send out notice for new date

Member of Parliament Anil Nandlall

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cting Chief Justice Roxane George, SC, will send out notices for the case involving Member of Parliament Anil Nandlall’s challenge to Government's decision to deposit the US$18 million signing bonus received from ExxonMobil into a private account.

Another in-Chamber hearing was held by Justice George on Wednesday at the High Court. It was disclosed that both sides have made all submissions to the court.

Guyana Times was told that both the applicant, Anil Nandlall, and the respon-

dent, Attorney General Basil Williams, will return to court on June 25 for report. It is expected that after this preliminary hearing, Justice George will send out notice for a date for clarification or decision.

Nandlall, in his legal challenge, has said the deposit of the signing bonus into a private back account is contrary to, and in violation of, the Constitution and the Fiscal Management and Accountability Act (FMAA).

He has argued that Government is in breach of Section 38 of the FMAA, which provides that all sums of public money raised or received by the Government shall be credited fully and promptly to the Consolidated Fund.

Nandlall has also said that, in accordance with Article 216 of the Constitution and Section 38 of the FMAA, the US$18 million bonus and such other sums collected by the Government under the Petroleum Agreement with ExxonMobil are public moneys, and must therefore be paid into and form one Consolidated Fund.

Nandlall’s legal challenge follows a lawsuit filed in January by Attorney Christopher Ram on behalf of anti-corruption activist Dr Troy Thomas. Thomas has also

Decisions, decisions…

S

Acting Chief Justice Roxane George

Attorney General Basil Williams

asked the High Court to order Minister Jordan to immediately deposit the US$18 million -received from the oil company as a signing bonus -- into the Consolidated Fund, saying that Jordan’s failure to so do is unlawful. When that matter was called, however, the challenge had to be retracted after Chief Justice Roxane George ruled that the litigation’s format was flawed. The bonus in question was paid to Government by US oil giant ExxonMobil in 2016.

The existence of this bonus and the renegotiated oil agreement with the company was kept a secret until evidence of the

transaction was leaked to the media in December 2017. The correspondence of September 20, 2016 was addressed to the Governor of the Bank of Guyana, with the subject being, “Signing bonus granted by ExxonMobil – Request to open bank account”.

Meanwhile, it is unclear how the ruling would affect a change of policy, since Finance Minister Winston Jordan announced last April that the US$18 million had been invested in US treasury bills and Canadian bonds, where the money is reportedly accumulating interest.

Porter remanded on simple larceny charge

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porter was on Thursday remanded to prison by Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan after he appeared in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts to answer to a simple larceny charge. Junior Robinson, 24, initially pleaded guilty with explanation, but his plea was changed following his explanation. It is

alleged that between May 15 and May 16, 2018 while at Water Front, Port Kaituma, North West District, he stole four excavator bucket pins and two junction boxes valued $809,000, property of Edward Rodrigues.

According to the prosecution’s case, on the days in question the stolen items were displayed in a glass

case in front of the Virtual Complainant’s business place. The items were subsequently stolen, and a report was made to the Police.

Following an investigation, some of the items were recovered. Robinson was subsequently arrested and charged after CCTV footage reportedly showed that he was the person remov-

ing the items. In court on Thursday, Robinson told Chief Magistrate McLennan, “I don’t want to waste your time; I didn’t take his things.” Police Prosecutor Gordon Mansfield had no objections to bail being granted. Robinson was remanded to prison, and the matter would continue on June 27, 2018.

Teen on $150,000 bail for B&E charge

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miner was on Thursday arraigned on a break and enter charge and appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan.

Hubert De Souza, 18, of Port Kaituma, Region One, pleaded not guilty to the charge which stated that on June 17, 2018, while in the North West District, he broke and entered the dwelling house of Diane David and stole $505,000 worth in valuables.

Police Prosecutor Gordon Mansfield made no objections to bail, but informed the court that the defendant was previously arraigned on charges of a similar nature.

Bail was granted on the conditions that he lodge his travel documents and report to the Police Station nearest to his home monthly.

He was released on $150,000 bail. The case will continue on August 7, 2018 at the Matthew Ridge Magistrate’s Court.

…on equal employment opportunity at GECOM o the PPP Commissioners on GECOM have followed up their threat to take the employment practices of the organisation to the Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC)? What now?? Since there were two sets of objections touted, we should untangle them to take a stab at guessing in what direction the ERC’s decision may go, based on its mandate.

Now, who can bring a matter to the ERC? That is: who has standing? Fortunately, that’s stated very clearly: “Persons who believe others were discriminated against because of their ethnicity, i.e. the complainant does not have to be the victim.” So the ERC can bring up both claims – that Indian Guyanese are grossly underrepresented on GECOM versus African and Mixed Guyanese; and secondly, that Vishnu Persaud was discriminated against for the position of Deputy CEO in favour of Roxanne Myers.

We also have to make sure the ERC has “jurisdiction” over the matters. Art 212D of the Constitution outlines 24 functions, among which are to: “Provide for equality of opportunity between persons of different ethnic groups,” and to “Promote the elimination of all forms of discrimination on the basis of ethnicity”. So it looks like the ERC can’t refuse to make a decision on the PPP Commissioners’ submissions.

But how can they go about examining whether there was “equality of opportunity” in the employment practices of GECOM? Were the jobs advertised widely, so all ethnic groups were informed of the vacancies? Most crucially, they’ll have to check on all the applications and note the ethnicity of the applicants, to check whether PNC Commissioner Alexander’s assertion is factual that African Guyanese tend to apply in greater numbers for Public Service jobs.

Finally, they’ll have to ensure the applicants were judged by the same criteria; and whether, as asserted, the PNC Commissioners tended to give very low scores to Indian Guyanese applicants on subjective criteria; or vice versa. If the ERC Commissioners don’t take this objective, empirical approach, then they’re just moving the charge of discrimination one step backwards.

Finally, on the selection of Vishnu Persaud, did he in fact receive a higher score than his competitor Myers? If yes, the matter ends there…and there was discrimination against him. The fact that he has experience in the field, unlike Myers, and his qualifications are more germane to the position sought, are just icing on the cake.

But your Eyewitness is convinced that none of the above will matter in the end. The fix was in the moment the Chairman of the ERC was announced. This is a gentlemen who will not be willing to go against what are pellucidly the desires of this PNC Government. …to refine or not to refine Another drilling by Exxon; another gusher found!! It’s getting almost monotonous!! With the latest find and the final reserve of the largest find still out, the new total of 3.7billion barrels is definitely on the low side. So, for the ease of discussion below, let’s use a 4 billion barrels’ figure.

What this means is the projected production of 350,000 barrels per day with 2 FPSOs in 5 years is also conservative. One question that was floated early but has now been dropped is: do we refine our share of the production or not? Firstly, there’s no question that, by adding value in refining, we increase our revenues. And then there are the employment and products other than petroleum. So, are we gonna get enough oil to justify a refinery? With our 2% royalty off the top, that’s 7000 bpd, and with the 12.5% of remainder as profits that brings us up to at least 50,000 bpd.

The Government should now tell us why there’s no refinery – including PPP-funded. …on better medical care If nothing else, the tragic death of young Beyonce Ross, our female champion cyclist, should convince the leaders that Guyana needs a specialty hospital. We won’t even bring up the inequity of only some getting overseas treatment.

Forget it was the PPP’s idea. Please!

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

News

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friDAY, june 22, 2018 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

McLean calls for reconsideration of Amaila Falls project … says small hydros, solar power insufficient

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ormer Chairman of the Private Sector Commission (PSC), (ret’d) Major General Norman McLean, has called for focus to be placed on large-scale hydro projects such as the Amaila Falls Hydroelectric Project, noting that smallscale hydro projects will be insufficient to power local industries.

Speaking at the Private Sector Commission’s (PSC) Annual General Meeting on Thursday, McLean, who also previously served as the Commission’s Secretary, posited that hydropower is the key to Guyana's development.

“Guyana is blessed with all the water and water falls to make hydro the key to our development; after all, we are the land of many waters,” he posited.

To this end, McLean noted that focus needs to be placed on developing largescale hydro projects that can serve tradition sectors that

Former PSC Chairman Norman McLean

have carried Guyana’s economy for years.

He pointed out that emphasis on small hydros such as Moco-Moco, Tumatumari, Eclipse and others can only electrify small surrounding communities with areas like Lethem, Mahdia, Konawaruk, Arakaka, Mathew’s Ridge and so on,

standing to benefit from afforded fulltime electricity. “[Small hydros] would provide electricity outside the grid and those local communities will, therefore, benefit from these small hydros…

If we are to industrialise Guyana Amaila; Korow, Turtuba and others need to be developed to ensure Guyana’s economy is sustainable through clean and renewable resources,” he asserted.

The former PSC Chairman went on to outline that local sectors continue to endure very high prices for generating electricity and while Government’s initiatives like the Green State Development Strategy (GSDS) is commendable, projects based on solar and wind will not electrify and industrialised Guyana.

Following years of uncertainty over its future after it was abandoned by the coalition Government, Natural Resources Minister Raphael

Trotman last month breathed new life into the Amaila Falls Hydroelectric Project (AFHEP) when he appeared before the Parliamentary Sectoral Natural Resources Committee.

Before assuming office, the A Partnership for National Unity and the Alliance For Change’s refusal to endorse AFHEP forced the main developer, Sithe Global, to walk away from the project. APNU and AFC claimed they were awaiting an evaluation from the IDB, which was in receipt of US$80 million from Norway that was specifically committed to AFHEP. But with no developer, the IDB declared an investigation was moot and the coalition Government had since ducked AFHEP, citing technical and financial concerns.

However, after attending COP25 in Paris, Minister Trotman last month announced, “… the Ministry of Finance and Cabinet considered it the best option for an

objective re-assessment (of AFHEP).” But he noted that funding is an issue with the project, which was the brainchild of former President and current Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo.

Just before the release of a report by Norconsult, an engineering and design consultancy firm from Norway, which was contracted by the Government of Norway for an “objective and factsbased” assessment, the coalition Government issued a statement claiming the Norconsult consultancy justified Government’s posi-

tion that the Amaila Falls Hydropower Project was not financially viable for the country, and would be a burden to the people of Guyana.

But when the report was made public, its conclusions and recommendations were the complete opposite, and declared that “the only realistic path” for Guyana moving towards an emission-free electricity sector and achieving its 2025 Green Agenda commitment was to develop its hydropower potential in general, and maintain the Amaila Falls Hydropower Project in particular.

Opposition Leader challenges President to debate ethnic relations

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo

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pposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo has challenged President David Granger to a debate with him over ethnic relations, stating that he is prepared to do that anytime in the public domain to prove to the coalition Government that Afro-Guyanese favoured well under the People’s Progressive Party’s (PPP) rule.

Notwithstanding the many issues he would like to challenge the President about, the former Head of State said paramount of these issues is the hiring practices in the country.

“I can talk to him about race relations. I’m prepared

to debate race relations and who have contributed to this country, which party has contributed to worsening race relations in Guyana,” he asserted.

Jagdeo said he is also prepared to challenge President Granger on what he described as fallacies and the myths that his Government keeps perpetrating that they’ve done more for AfroGuyanese than the PPP. According to Jagdeo, he is prepared to match the record of the People’s National Congress (PNC) – the party which Granger claims to have been affiliated with for over 50 years – from 1964 to 1992 and 2015 to present with that of the PPP’s 20 years in office.

While noting that the President’s statements about being in the PNC for over 50 years, the PPP General Secretary said he is prepared to match the record of the PNC from 1964 to 1992 and then from 2015 to now, against the PPP’s 23 years in office on several practices, access to well black owned businesses.

“In terms of business ownership, in the tenure of the PPP, at no time in our history have there been so many black-owned business-

President David Granger

es for every type of service,” he said. They range from security, computer, hairdressing, taxi service and construction. “I am prepared to put our record on the line comparatively… our record will speak for itself,” he said.

“I’m sure you will see a pattern where AfroGuyanese have fared better in that period under the PPP than ever under PNC rule and I’m prepared to debate that openly, publicly, using records to destroy this myth that they used to perpetrate that we killed 400 Afro-Guyanese,” he continued. Ever since the coalition Administration took power in 2015, Jagdeo said there have been many cries

by Afro-Guyanese PPP supporters of being discriminated against and even targeted

by Government, especially those who worked within the past Administrations.

Jagdeo has previously stated that under the PPP, Linden received a brand new hospital, two new secondary schools, new housing schemes at Amelia’s Ward and Block 22, a new potable water supply system and subsidized electricity. Other achievements by AfroGuyanese, he listed, were access to land, public service jobs and home ownership. “I am proud of our record, how we have moved this country forward and a lot of our people; in fact, all of our people made progress,” he said.

Only recently, former Head of the Presidential Secretariat and Cabinet Secretary under the PPP Administration, Dr Roger Luncheon has been recorded in the media highlighting issues where a number of Government employees were being targeted because of their ethnicity and political affiliations.

“We have made this point that black members of the People’s Progressive Party… are unusually exposed and treated to the ram-

pant discrimination of this Granger Administration.

It’s historical. In the olden days in the PNC, it happened and in the more modern days under the name of the APNU and the coalition, it continues…Black members of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic, who are employed working in the Government service, are unusually targeted by this Administration,” Dr Luncheon had said. He

noted that the issue was brought to the attention of the Administration and “particular Ministers in the Administration” while outlining that “the silence is deafening.” Dr Luncheon also criticised civil society for staying silent on the issue, noting that Guyanese are condoning the actions of the APNU/AFC Administration by not speaking out against what he described as a “travesty.”

10 news

friDAY, june 22, 2018 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Rice farmers protest Finance Ministry over high fuel prices

Some of the rice farmers protesting outside the Finance Ministry on Thursday over the high prices of fuel

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embers of the Rice Producers Association (RPA) on Wednesday protested the Finance Ministry, calling on Government to review its tax policies on fuel with a view to easing the burden on the productive sector.

The Association has urged Government to reintroduce a sliding tax rate for rice farmers in light of the high cost of fuel and especially in light of ongoing land preparation taking place in the sector.

While on the protest line, General Secretary of the RPA, Dharamkumar Seeraj, told the media that method is easy and would not add any unnecessary burden to the Government’s budget.

“The way it works is that when the price for fuel goes up on the World Market, the tax comes down so the price at the pump remains the same, so it’s not rocket science and most importantly from the Government’s point of view, this will not affect the target budgeted for,” he explained.

Seeraj reasoned that if the price for fuel increases and Government reduces the percentage of taxes on fuel, they can still achieve their target.

“If you implement that sliding rate, the country benefits. Production will go up, you’ll become more competitive on the export market and that is what a country needs,” he asserted.

The RPA said farmers, who are currently harvesting, have been experiencing an increase in transportation costs from an average of $200 to $800 per bag, because access to their farmlands is poor.

Many have been forced to use a combination of poor dams and weed-infested waterways and this increase in fuel prices might very well be the proverbial last straw.

Additionally, most farmers are currently involved in land preparation exercise and sowing of their fields and where most fuel is being used compared to the crop duration, so the increase is coming at a really bad time for the farmers. As reported, the fuel woes are compounded by challenges of readily accessing fertilisers owing to financial challenges.

The RPA has since said that the “good life” that the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Government promised was wanting, adding that the

Administration’s inaction on the matter was not an option.

In April 2017, Mahaica farmers, whose main source of income is rice, along with cash crops, said the taxation measures were “harsh” to them.

The farmers said then that the Government has removed the list of exempted and zero-rated Value Added Tax (VAT) items, causing them to have to increase their cash crop prices, much to the dissatisfaction of their customers. The cost of production, they noted, extended to an increase in payment for fertiliser, insecticide and weedicide.

Several former Government officials and sitting Members of Parliament (MPs) have been repeatedly calling on Government to reduce the taxes of fuel imports. Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo has said Government has the fiscal space to do it, and it is nothing difficult as it was done in the past.

Opposition MP Irfaan Ali has also urged Government to move swiftly to reduce the Excise Tax on petroleum products, thereby creating a reduction in the price for fuel at the pumps.

Ali said at present, global oil price is the same compared to November 2008.

However, price of local gas stations in November 2008 is less than present by 15.5 per cent at $194.

Global oil price in January 2015 (under the previous Administration) and September 2017 was the same. However, the 2015 price is less by 15.1 per cent at $173.

At same level of global oil price, the price of fuel under the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government was

significantly less when compared to that of the APNU/ AFC Government.

Ali also noted that Guyoil benefited substantially, post 2015, from low market prices of oil. He therefore explained that if the projected $3 billion after-tax profit was achieved by end of 2017, total profit generated by Guyoil during the last three years would exceed 2008-2014 total level, by more than 10 per cent.

“By not reducing local fuel price in relation to global oil price since 2015, Guyoil was able to increase

its profit margin significantly. Given Guyoil’s high profit margin, the company could afford, presently, to reduce fuel price and ease growing economic burden,” he added.

In September 2017, world market prices for fuel increased due to the hurricane, which resulted in Guyoil adjusting the prices in gasoline, diesel and kerosene to a higher cost. Again, in February of this year, Guyoil adjusted its prices upwards. The average price of gasoline around the world is US$1.15 per liter.

New PSC Executive elected …Desmond Sears new Chairman

Newly-elected Chairman of the PSC Desmond Sears (third from left), along with new Vice President Deodat Indar (third from right), Secretary Komal Singh and Treasurer Zulficar Ally (right)

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embers of the Private Sector Commission (PSC) on Thursday elected a new Chairman in person of shipping executive, Desmond Sears.

This was done at the Commission’s 26th Annual General Meeting (AGM), which was held at the Marriott Hotel in Kingston, Georgetown.

Sears, who previous-

ly served as the PSC’s Vice Chairman for two terms, has replaced Eddie Boyer, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the National Hardware Group of Companies. Boyer served the stipulated two terms.

With more than 35 years of experience in shipping, Sears is the Chairman of the Shipping Association of Guyana. He is also the Executive Director of Delmur

Co Ltd, of Forestry and Technical Consulting Inc, and of Omai Transportation and Equipment Inc, according to the Commission’s website.

In addition, Sears is also the Honorary Consul General of the Royal Kingdom of Norway to Guyana, a post he has held since 2013.

Other appointments that were made during Thursday’s AGM were: President of the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce, Deodat Indar as Vice Chairman; Chief Executive Officer of Gaico Construction and General Services Incorporated, Komal Singh as Secretary; and PSC executive member, Zulficar Ally as Treasurer.

These newly elected members will serve a maximum of two consecutive one-year terms; that is, if re-elected.

S RAIGHT Is GuySuCo really in transition, or on the road to destruction?

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uySuCo has been in the midst of rapid changes since around November 2015, but has this since organisation changed for the better or worse? It is my firm conclusion -- after analysing the evidence at my disposal -- that this change process has failed because of the high level of incompetence in the boardroom and in the senior head office management.

When French novelist Jean-Baptise Karr wrote “Plus ça change, plus c’est la même chose”, he was penning an axiom about change management. This troika of destruction that was unleashed on the industry in the form of Noel Holder/Clive Thomas/Errol Hanoman clearly was not focused on the task at hand. Rather than communicating their vision, holding hands with all the stakeholders (especially the workers), and then walking the talk, they did the complete opposite.

For the price tag attached to Mr. Hanoman and his predecessor, Mr. Raj Singh, GuySuCo clearly should have been better managed over the last 5 – 7 years. Rather, this period was one of the worst in the history of the sugar industry. Raj Singh and Errol Hanoman did everything else but focus on productivity.

The best measure of productivity in the sugar belt is the ratio of the tonnes of sugar produced to the hectares of land planted. As the graph below clearly represents, since the arrival of Raj Singh and Errol Hanoman, it has been a downward slide.

GuySuCo experienced, in 2002, a productivity level of close to 8 tonnes of raw sugar from one hectare of land planted. By 2018, even after closure of the allegedly poorly performing estates in the industry, that ratio is now set to fall below 4 tonnes of raw sugar per hectare of cultivation, a decline by almost 100%. This sort of performance has nothing to do with the EU quota system or the market, but everything to do with horrible leadership in the industry.

If one were to read Tony Vieira’s commentaries carefully, one would realise that there is a secret to the turnaround in the sugar belt, and it is not rocket science. So I clearly cannot understand why the agriculture executives in the Granger Government just cannot get it. The secret is how you approach the issues around the land and the cultivation. But all we have gotten from Clive Thomas and his crew (thank the Lord he is now history in the sugar belt) were hours upon hours of boardroom gymnastics.

Why couldn’t these people have just rolled up their sleeves and walked the cane fields to better understand the level of destruction in the cultivation?

For sugar to become commercially profitable, or at least break even, it requires a deep understanding of how to implement an entire project plan around when to rest the land, when to plant the land, when to harvest the crop, and when to grind it. For centuries, sugar planters have mastered this body of knowledge, so it is almost like second nature to people in the sugar belt.

What Thomas and Friends did not get was the art and science of the ratoon. I am advised that the ratio of the maiden ratoon should be around 1:5. In layman’s language, that means about 16% percent of the land should at all times be under a maiden crop, 16% under flood fallowing/resting, and the remainder under growing crops at different stages. Every year, at least about 16% of the land should have been taken out of production for resting, and 16% should have been re-planted with fresh ratoons. This is what our fore-parents did for centuries, so why was this practice discontinued?

Since Hanoman took over GuySuCo, several key steps at ratoon management dropped. Not enough new planting material was acquired and utilized; there was less monitoring of the husbandry practices in the field, as many field managers migrated into cell phone managers, with no consequences from the top.

Additionally, because of massive corruption in the industry around procurement of fuel, fertilisers, and agro-chemicals, nutritional mismanagement became the norm, rather than the exception.

Then there was, between senior management and the private contractors, massive corruption around the drainage and irrigation contracts. As I said, what goes around must come around.

Turning around GuySuCo is not impossible, but it requires top quality project management. You must build a better relationship with the sugar unions; zero-in on yield management; make cost control the highest priority; and, most importantly, manage the cash flows like every cent mattered. This is what Hanoman failed to do when he had his hand on the levers.

Because of what happened mainly during the tenure of Raj Singh and Errol Hanoman, GuySuCo, in 2018, is clearly on the road to destruction. There is only one way to stop this decline – focus on the sugar productivity issue in the field.

Please share your thoughts at sasesin1@yahoo.com.

11 GCAA meets with American Airlines news

friDAY, june 22, 2018 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

…operations to commence in November

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fficials of the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) and American Airlines (AA) met this week to discuss requirements that must be fulfilled by the airline before it commences operating in Guyana.

Leading the GCAA team was Director General Egbert Field, while the team from American Airlines was led by John Williams.

At the meeting, Field made clear that the GCAA is committed to doing its part in facilitating the application process of American Airlines, and assured AA officials of the GCAA’s robust oversight capabilities.

Williams indicated that American Airlines is en-

GCAA Director General, Lieutenant Colonel (Retired) Egbert Field (centre) with the American Airlines officials

thusiastic about operating in Guyana during the time of the ICAO Air Transport Meeting, which is scheduled to be held in Guyana from November 21 to 23 of this year. It was revealed that AA is interested in providing scheduled flights on the Miami-Georgetown course commencing from

November 15.

American Airlines is hoping to start operations with four flights per week, and have daily flights from June 2019. American Airlines has already commenced the process for approval to conduct scheduled operations on the MiamiGeorgetown route.

This airline is coming to this country at a time when, for the first time in its aviation history, Guyana will be hosting the International Civil Aviation Organisation’s (ICAO’s) Air Transport Meeting, which will attract delegates from many of the ICAO’s 192-member states.

AA had, earlier this year, expressed interest in operating flights in Guyana. Then the Fort Worth Texas-based carrier later announced that it would begin offering seats on the route from December 20, 2018, with tickets going on sale from April 2.

However, that was before any permission was actually sought from the GCAA for the operations.

Mining symposium focuses on creating safer environment for miners

Alumni Coordinator of the University of Western Australia, Muza Gondwe

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he Natural Resources Ministry on Thursday collaborated with the Australian High Commission to facilitate an Australia Alumni Mining Symposium which was held under the theme “Towards a Green Development Strategy, Ensuring Decent Work Environments for Artisanal and Small-scale Miners (ASM).”

The two-day symposium, aimed at creating a safer environment for miners through improved safety practices, developing the capacity of miners through training and sharing international practices in the areas of exploration and prospecting, gold recovery, alternative technologies to mercury, improved livelihoods, and environmental management.

It is also expected to create solutions and good policies, so as to ensure that those individuals who work in mining activities are operating under decent working conditions.

Stakeholders were involved in discussions on the process that is being undertaken to market Guyana’s gold resources, and business considerations when investing in artisanal mining. Additionally, approaches will be explored which can enable miners to apply

geological data to locate economically viable deposits, and alternatives that can be used in the place of mercury, which is known to damage the health of miners after exposure for some time.

To commence the day’s discussions, the Alumni Coordinator of the University of Western Australia, Muza Gondwe, explained that miners contribute significantly to the local communities, and therefore commented on the needs of these miners to efficiently produce high yields.

“This issue (revolves) around exploration and pro-

viding ASM miners with the capacity and tools, skills, and knowledge to efficiently find gold; and in doing so, reduce the damage to the environment, improve health and safety, increase recovery, increase profitability, and improve livelihoods,” she said.

The remarks of Australian High Commissioner John Pilbeam were read by a representative, who explained that this was an enterprise which had been in the making for many months, and is important to the overall growth of the industry.

“Mining seminars are

a dime a dozen, but what I wanted to see was a symposium that looked at mining and development (while) zeroing in on the little guy and gal. Small scale miners are the key contributors to Guyana’s economy.

They account for almost 70 percent of the gold that the Government buys”, the statement detailed.

It was related that there is seldom participation from women at mining camps in Guyana, but that is one of the situations which should be modified.

The forum will conclude today.

12 news Lindo Creek victims’ families host memorial walk friDAY, june 22, 2018 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

…first gravesite identified to relatives

A wreath being laid on the tomb of six of the Lindo Creek murder victims

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onfusion stirred on Thursday morning at the La Repentir Cemetery, in Georgetown, where the eight Lindo Creek victims were laid to rest, after relatives voiced their concern over the manner in which they were buried years ago.

The child mother of one of the deceased men, Compton Speirs, explained to Guyana

Times that the families created a ruckus after they discovered that their relatives were buried together in the same unmarked tomb with the other men.

She expressed dissatisfaction and grief over the fact that this is the first time she and many other relatives are told where their loved ones were buried. On Thursday, many of the rela-

tives visiting the burial site of their loved ones for the first time and were shocked when they were told six of the victims were laid to rest together.

It was later explained that the men were placed in the same tomb since it was almost impossible to separate their ashes and bones, owing to the fact that the men were burnt after being murdered.

Before the relatives reached to the site, they braved the inclement weather and assembled at the Square of the Revolution for a memorial walk, along with friends and other supporters.

The supporters walked along Princes Street, Georgetown, before entering Cemetery Road, for a visit to the final interment place of their loved ones.

Family members called for justice as they reflected on how much their lives changed after the men’s murders.

Most of the relatives said they have completed application forms for the offered assistance by President David Granger.

While some called for finances, others said they needed new homes and even jobs for the children, who were rendered fatherless after the horrific episode.

“I am just hoping for jus-

Rape trial ends in hung jury

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eslie Castello, who was indicted at the Sexual Offences Court for raping a child under the age of 16 nearly six years ago, will have to face another trial after his current case ended in a hung jury.

Castello was accused of sexually penetrating the child between November 1 and 30, 2012, in the county of Demerara.

However, on Thursday, after considering the evidence presented throughout

the trial, the jury in deliberations could not arrive at a formal verdict as the proportion recorded was 8-4.

Justice Jo-Ann Barlow presided over the matter while State Counsel Abigail Gibbs appeared for the prosecution.

A section of those who braved the weather to participate in the memorial walk

tice. That justice would prevail,” an emotional wife of one of the men said.

In tears, she said she would be grateful for financial assistance from Government.

Meanwhile, a mother who lost her son, Nigel Torres, during the massacre said, “This day is bringing back some pain. Some real pain on us you know.

And I just asking God to give

me strength that I would be able to go today to the burial site because it is not easy for me to stand…” She said she was awake since 03:00h crying as she remembered the times she spent with her son. A minute of silence was observed at the cemetery in respect for those who lost their lives, as well as a wreath laying ceremony.

A Commission of Inquiry into the death of the eight

persons was launched in February this year by President David Granger.

Back in June 2008, the burnt bodies of Dax Arokium, Cedric Arokium, Compton Speirs, Horace Drakes, Nigel Torres, Bonny Harry, Clifton Wong and Lancelot Lee were discovered at Lindo Creek by mining camp owner Leonard Arokium.

“High prevalence” of social issues at Kwakwani – social worker

…says teenage pregnancy, sexual assault rampant

S

ocial worker attached to the Linden Hospital Complex (LHC) and the Kwakwani Hospital in Region 10 (Upper DemeraraBerbice), Laurette SmithGray, has indicated that there is a “high level” of social issues affecting the Kwakwani community, in the Upper Berbice region.

The social worker pointed to the high prevalence of issues including teenage pregnancies, statutory rape and sexual assault.

Giving specific details, Smith-Gray said on average each year, there are more than 15 pregnancies recorded, which accounts for underage mothers (below age 16) in Kwakwani. She added that this is only the number recorded by the system but admits that there are other cases which the system may not come in contact with in riverine areas. She stressed that in such instances, many of these cases go undetected.

Asked whether there are any plans in the pipeline to initiate a similar teenage pregnancy clinic as that which is located at the LHC, SmithGray said patients from the riverine community are facilitated at the Linden hospital.

“What happens, is for persons who would have been brought to the system’s attention, they automatically would have to come down to the teenage clinic here. So all the underage pregnancies at Kwakwani, as long as it is documented at the Kwakwani Hospital, they are referred to the clin-

Social worker Laurette Smith-Gray

ic here,” she noted, adding that similar cases at Ituni, also located in the Upper Berbice River, are referred to the LHC. As such, SmithGray said there is need for a resident social worker at Kwakwani, noting that the hospital’s management has already made application to facilitate this; however, she said the hospital’s management is currently awaiting approval from the Public Health Ministry.

In the meantime, she noted she visits the Kwakwani Hospital twice monthly and in her absence, the visits are facilitated by other members of the hospital team.

“Whatever is an emergency, or they consider to be an emergency, is transferred to Linden hospital. But now there is the Childcare Officer that is resident up there so, most of the cases with the juveniles are being handled by her until I would have visited,” the social work-

er explained. Zeroing in on the situation, Smith-Gray opined that issues such as these are not treated with much seriousness by some residents in the Kwakwani community, as she attributed this to the culture of acceptance of such issues at the location.

“I believe it’s the culture of location. Most of the persons there, they tend not to see underage pregnancy as any major issue I would figure. Because we have lots of children who are still in the secondary schools; they are mothers, so nobody treats it with any kind of alarm or seriousness. It’s just become the norm and so it has become a part of their culture,” Smith-Gray opined.

In relation to statutory rape, the social worker said in most cases, perpetrators are not prosecuted since in many instances family members decide to settle the issue outside of the court.

“Most of the times, persons tend to want to cover the situation because it might be a close relative involved and on the other hand if the victim does not give a statement, then we don’t have a case. So, if the person refuses to identify who the person is then we can’t take the matter,” she said. On a brighter note, Smith-Gray said there are active teenage empowerment groups in the community. She said teens are empowered through various sessions via these groups as well as other support groups. (Utamu Belle)

news

13

friDAY, june 22, 2018 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Berbice man attempts to kill ex-wife …torches Port Mourant home

P

olice are on the hunt for a man from Babu Jaan, Port Mourant, Corentyne Berbice who on Wednesday evening tried to kill his ex-wife using a knife, a piece of wood, and a broken glass, before allegedly setting fire to a $27 million house, reducing it to rubble.

Forty-seven-year-old Owamawattie Alves, also called Ann, was rushed to the Port Mourant Hospital after the near-death experience. Displaying her injuries, the mother of four said that after walking away from the 28-year-old relationship two years ago, her 62-year-old ex-husband, of Rose Hall Town, has been stalking her.

According to Alves, the relationship was very abusive, and she decided in 2016 to put an end to it after her husband was jailed for two years for abuse perpetrated against her. She said that ever since his release from

Injured: Owamawattie Alves

Market, he approached her with a cutlass and threatened to end her life, but she was able to make good her escape and report the incident to the Police.

The man was arrested on Monday, and was expected to be placed before the court on Thursday. However, he

The Babu Jaan, Port Mourant house on fire

prison, he has been threatening to kill her.

She related that on Saturday last, while she was at the Port Mourant

was released from Police custody on Wednesday.

The woman said that on Wednesday evening, at about 19:00h, as she was

walking up the stairs of her home, she heard someone moving in the house, but thought it was her daughter.

She then realised that it was her ex-husband, and the two ended up in a scuffle during which the kitchen cabinet fell, alerting her daughter, who tried to stop her father’s advances.

Alves said her ex-husband picked up a door bar and hit her in the head, but her teenage daughter grabbed the door bar. The man then picked up a bottle and hit her again in the head. After the bottle broke, he attempted to cut her throat, but she was able to hold him off, and received only a cut to her chin.

She said the man then drew a knife, but his daughter held on to the blade, and was cut as her mother tried to escape.

The woman was rescued by villagers as she ran out of the house, and the Police

were contacted. However, before the Police arrived, the suspect made his way into the nearby bushes.

The woman and her 17-year-old daughter had

been living in the three-bedroom house for the past three months, after the owner, Mahindra Mangroo, allowed them a place to stay.

She and her daughter went to the Whim Police Station to report the incident, and upon seeing the two women covered in blood and with torn clothing arriving at the station, most of the officers left in the patrol vehicle.

The lone constable who remained could not have done much. He called a senior officer, who then instructed that the patrol return and take the women to the hospital.

The woman said that after she left the hospital, she and her daughter, who is seven months pregnant, were advised not to sleep in

The remains of the $27 million building

the house, so she took her youngest daughter to another daughter’s home to spend the night. However, a few minutes later, the Police informed her that her home was on fire.

She said she has lost all

her belongings, while her daughter has also lost all the clothing she had purchased for her unborn child.

She says she is now living in fear until her ex-husband is caught. (Andrew Carmichael)

14 NEWS

friDAY, june 22, 2018 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Delinquent boys should be reintegrated into schools – UNICEF rep

T

wo days after the Education Ministry (MoE) had launched a new project to reintegrate teenage mothers into the school system, a representative from the United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF) has called for Government to also accept into schools teenage boys who may have once faced the penalties of the law.

Michelle Rodrigues, who represented UNICEF at the launch of a new database system – on Wednesday at the National Centre for Education Resource Development (NCERD) on Battery Road, Kingston Georgetown – has so voiced her opinion: “We have to think of ways of how we will reintegrate those boys too, who may be out of school for one reason or the other; how we will reintegrate both boys and girls who may have come in contact with the law.”

UNICEF representative Michelle Rodrigues

She has welcomed the new project, which will aid in recording the welfare issues of the education sector.

The advancement in the sector, deemed as the Schools’ Welfare Information Management System Database, was developed

by Intellect Storm, with the

idea of advancing the recording method of the Education System so as to make it easier for the retrieving and storing of information.

The new database, developed over a six-month period, results from a joint effort between the Ministry of Education and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).

It will allow for the easy access of information, such as suicide cases, teenage pregnancies, and irregular attendance of pupils and students from the nursery to secondary levels, among several other areas.

The MoE will have key persons who would be able to access the statistics from the system, which would be entered by specified persons within each region.

Chief Education Officer (CEO) Marcel Hutson has noted how critical it is for

the proper use of a database system. “This launch speaks of the use of technology in terms of making good and wise decisions.

Transformation could never take place if wise decisions are not made, and therefore we must have that mindset (wherein) we are willing to change the old ways of doing things; and as they would say, ring out the old and ring in the new,” he stated.

He went on to elaborate on the importance of the implementation of the new database system, since it is the 21st century.

It was on that note that the CEO pointed out the grave importance of data; since, according to him, it was the data collected that inspired the MoE to launch a new programme to reintegrate teenage mothers into the school system. He said the new pro-

gramme may very well influence the introduction of new policies to tackle these flaws in the sector. Rodrigues lauded the MoE on the new initiative, and encouraged consistent use of the database system. She also shared Hutson’s view that new systems should be implemented to tackle the issues that are highlighted in the database system.

Teen to face Judge, jury on attempted murder charge

A

Grove, East Bank Demerara (EBD) man who allegedly stabbed another following a row over the use of a yard toilet was on Thursday committed to stand trial in the High Court by Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan.

Calvin George, 19, is accused of wounding Orin Peters on April 11, 2018 at Kaneville, EBD, with intent to commit murder.

The court heard that the Virtual Complainant (VC) and George argued over the

use of a toilet before George then reportedly armed himself with a knife and attacked Peters, stabbing him to his abdomen.

Peters was picked up and rushed to the Diamond hospital. He was later transferred to the Georgetown Public Hospital, where he was treated. According to reports, George told investigators during a confrontation held by Police Officers: “I had no intentions to kill him; I acted on self-defence.”

The defendant was placed

on $200,000 bail on his previous appearance, but told the court that he could not afford that amount. He was granted a reduction in bail

by Magistrate McLennan.

The teenage was ordered not to make contact with the VC or witnesses, or to cause anyone to do same.

Also as a condition of bail, George was required to lodge his travel documents with the court and to report to the Grove Police Station every Friday until the completion of the trial.

15 “Why is Govt wasting our time? – minibus association V news

friDAY, june 22, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

enting his frustration over Government’s slow approach to a proposal submitted to the Business Ministry over a week ago, President of the United Minibus Union (UMU), Eon Andrews, on Thursday expressed dissatisfaction over Government’s seemingly careless attitude towards tackling the woes of the minibus and transportation sector at large.

Andrews had, over one week ago, submitted to Business Minister Dominic Gaskin a proposal for not only a fare increase, but several other requests in regard to the transportation sector with the hope of having addressed the several issues plaguing that sector.

Andrews is contending that the Business Ministry should have informed the Union that several other Ministries would have to be consulted on the matter, instead of leaving the union proverbially at sea.

“I noticed yesterday in Guyana Times where he (Minister Gaskin) had indicated that he got to -- because of the nature of the thing (proposal) -- he has to consult the other relevant ministers. But he had not indicted that to me, and that would have been good if he had said that to us, so that we would have known we would have had to wait a little bit,” Andrews reasoned.

“I don’t know why the Government is wasting our time,” Andrews declared.

He added that, under the previous administration, such matters were given more urgency, especially since it is one which has a chain effect on not only drivers, but commuters as well.

“They (the previous administration) would have dealt with it, even if we had to just talk. They would have called us in already, we would have been talking…they always would have called us in quickly,” he said.

President of the UMU, Eon Andrews

The Union head has said he is concerned that minibus operators might take certain actions which may very well affect commuters if the Government does not deal with the issue in a timely manner.

According to him, it is not the UMU’s vision to exploit commuters, but to set fares which are ‘fair to everyone’.

Andrews said he is aware of

cases in which passengers are being made to pay increases in transportation fares as high as $60, when all that the UMU has requested is a $20 increase for short drop drivers and $40 increase for drivers who travel longer distances.

“We are concerned be-

cause, if they (minibus drivers) take action, it means that especially the travelling public, although it is a free-man transportation, they will punish. There may be persons who may react to those increases, and you know, there might be some violence and police story and these kinds of things; so I don’t think that’s the way anybody wants us to go. So I think that the Government ought to do something quickly,” the UMU president posited.

The Business Minister recently told reporters he is not responsible for fixing minibus fares, and he just intervened from a consumer point of view in order to find out their concerns.

He went on to say that the proposal which was submitted to his Ministry will be shared with the respective Ministers,

Restaurant Week sees an increase in participation

“Nasty Man” found guilty F of footballer’s murder

Delon “Nasty Man” Henry will be sentenced next month (Carl Croker photo)

A

late afternoon determination by a 12-member jury at the Demerara High Court has seen Delon Henry, also called “Nasty Man,” being unanimously found guilty of the September 29, 2015 murder of footballer Dexter Griffith, who was shot six times near his mother’s home at Warlock, East Ruimveldt, Georgetown.

The verdict was retuned following more than five hours of deliberations, and it was not without moments of tension, as the jury had been deadlocked earlier in the day.

The 12 members of the jury emerged at about 15:30h, after being sequestered for deliberations before midday. The courtroom was packed, and relatives and friends of both Henry and Griffith were on edge to hear the decision. However, there was a display of shock by relatives when the forewoman told Justice Sandil Kissoon that they were stuck at a proportion of 6-6.

The judge questioned the forewoman on what was causing the discrepancy, and it was observed

that the missing spent shells were among the factors causing indecision.

The jurors had been told during the trial that five spent shells had been recovered from the scene.

Moreover, former Inspector Jackson, who had then been a Sergeant of Police and had tendered the exhibits at the Magistrates’ Courts, had admitted on Monday that he could not find the exhibits, after making several checks at the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) Headquarters, Eve Leary.

Justice Kissoon indicated that the spent shells were not presented as evidence, and indicated that more weight should be placed on the testimony of Keshawn Griffith, younger brother of the deceased man, who had testified that while in hiding, he had seen the defendant, Henry, firing a gun moments after his brother was shot.

The jurors were reminded that if they find Griffith’s evidence credible, they should consider the accused guilty, but if they did not believe that evidence, they should acquit the accused.

Jurors also sought clarity on Henry’s unsworn statement, but were notified that the burden was not on the accused to prove anything; rather, this was the mandate of the prosecution. After giving further directions which the jury forewoman requested in court, the judge allowed for further deliberations.

All the while, Henry’s attorney, Adrian Thompson, was not in court, as he was reportedly out of the jurisdiction. Attorney John Lindner, however, stood in for Thompson during the judge’s summing up of the case. Lindner was, however, absent when the jury sought

Deceased footballer Dexter Griffith

further directions.

About one hour after being sent back to the deliberating room, the jury again emerged to a packed courtroom; but this time they had a unanimous guilty verdict, which left the footballer’s mother, Lavern Griffith, in tears.

By that time, Attorney Lindner had returned, and he requested that a probation report on the accused be prepared and presented. As such, the matter was adjourned to July 5 for sentencing.

However, Henry was given the option to speak, and in a 10-minute speech, he reiterated that he did not know anything about Warlock.

It was reported in September 2015 that after being shot, Griffith had managed to stand and walk a short distance in an attempt to escape from Henry, but he eventually fell unconscious to the ground while his assailant escaped. He was taken to a city hospital, but was pronounced dead on arrival.

Prosecutors Lisa Cave and Orinthia Schmidt prosecuted the State’s case.

(Shemuel Fanfair)

who will then carry the burden of introducing the said proposal to Cabinet.

The proposal for a fare increase comes at a time where minibus and taxi drivers have been protesting, and even striking, about the climbing gas prices.

Desperate to get the attention they need, drivers blocked the Vryheid’s Lust access road along the East Coast Railway Embankment.

Several tyres were burnt, and an old car was set on fire to garner the attention needed, with the hope of having the fuel crisis addressed.

Several protests were also organised by drivers of the various routes subsequent to this incident. Gas station prices for fuel have increased rapidly, from $215 per litre to prices ranging from $230 to $250 per litre.

or the next 10 days, all local foodies will have the opportunity to sample unique cuisine at reduced prices, as the Tourism and Hospitality Association of Guyana (THAG) kicks off its sixth season of Guyana Restaurant Week (GRW).

A total of 18 restaurants are participating in the event and patrons can purchase lunches for $2000 and dinners for $4000 or $5000.

OMG Restaurant Manager Andrew James said he is excited to once again have his establishment be part of the event.

“It is an excellent initiative and it is an event we feel helps to raise the standards of restaurants in Guyana. We have always seen an increase in patrons coming and we have always tried to do our best to give them quality,” James is quoted by the Department of Public Information as saying.

Sharing the same view, Director of Sales at the Marriott Hotel, Davie Sukdeo, said: “For us, we have had an amazing experience previously and that is why we chose

Organising Committee Member for Guyana Restaurant Week, Shaun McGrath

this time to come on board again.”

Participating for the first time, Owner of Café Bellvana, Nirvana Mahase, pointed out that the annual event will promote her new business to the public. “I think it is exciting, especially for us new restaurateurs; that we are able to come on board and receive publicity.

We are glad we got the opportunity to be part of this event at such a young stage in our business ventures.”

Guyana Restaurant Week’s Organising Committee Member, Shaun McGrath explained that participating businesses usually see an increase in traffic during the week.

“The reality is when they participate they see the number of covers they are doing growing dramatically. And they actually see increased revenues over the 10 days than they would over a regular ten-day period.”

Guyana Restaurant Week began in 2015 with 11 restaurants and numbers have grown annually. This year’s food fiesta will begin from June 22 to July 1.

Restaurants participating include Ignite Bar (Pegasus Hotel), Grand Coastal Hotel, Cara Lodge, New Thriving Chinese Restaurant, Herdmanston Lodge, The Vintage, Aagman Restaurant, Antonio’s Grille, Bistro Café and Bar, and Cara Lodge to name a few.

16

friDAY, june 22, 2018

guyanatimesgy.com

Who w il l be cro w ne d

T

he stage is set for the grand coronation of Miss Earth Guyana on Saturday evening at the National Cultural Centre, where seven wellgroomed beauties will vie for the title.

The seven delegates taking centre stage are Xamiera Kippins, Luann Pellew, Anita Baker, Gabriella Chapman, Oriana Castello, Akisha Payne and Anasa Williams.

However, Kippins and Baker have already secured their spots in the top four after they would have been victorious in the Beauties with a Cause competition, where all the delegates had to complete a project on the environment.

Nevertheless, the other two contestants who will join Kippins and Baker will be selected after the swimwear, evening gown and a hashtag top interview

which will be done on the night of the coronation. After the final four is named, they will answer the final question.

The delegates would have already competed in the talent and costume segments weeks ago. The delegates also participated in several community activities and are all hyped to put on a show on June 23.

Tickets for the pageant cost $2500 and

T

he sixteen contestants vying for the title of Mr and Miss African Roots will be unveiled at the Umana Yana, Kingston, Georgetown, on July 14. Eight of the delegates will compete in the Teen category while the other eight will clash in the Young Adult category.

At the launch on July 14, the delegates will be sashed with the respective country they will feature and also they will have an opportunity to market themselves for the grand coronation set for August 5 in the auditorium of Queens College.

The 16 delegates were chosen from the Essequibo Coast, Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam); Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara), Region Four (DemeraraMahaica), Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice), and

$2000 and are available at the Giving Hope Foundation and the National Cultural Centre or any of the Miss Earth representatives. The show gets underway at 20:00h.

The event is sponsored by DemBake, Caribbean Wind and Sun, Aracari Resort, Precise Printing and Stationery Supplies and the Social Cohesion Ministry.

The delegates at the launch of the 2017 pageant

Georgetown.

On the night of the grand coronation, the dele-

gates will compete in an introduction segment where they will be decked in their

creative wear, swim wear, talent, evening wear and intelligence segment. In

addition, they will make a presentation on the respective countries they repre-

sent.

At the end of the various competitions, the King and Queen will be crowned as well as the First and second Prince and Princesses.

The reigning Kings and Queens are Stephan Johnson, Richard Layne, Tonya Harris and Keisha Braze.

After the launch, the contestants will undergo rigorous training and make several media appearances. They will have numerous photoshoots leading up to the pageant. Tickets for the grand launch on July 14 cost $3000 (VIP) and $2000 general admission and these can be uplifted from Kelton Jennings, who can be contacted on telephone number 656-7499.

The 2018 pageant is sponsored by Aracari Resort, Roraima Airways and other organisations.

guyanatimesgy.com

friDAY, june 22, 2018

17

A H

&T Theatre Arts Group will be staging “Till Ah Find A Place II – Childmother Childfathers” on June 30 and July 1, at the National Cultural Centre (NCC).

It is a hilarious comedy written and directed by Ronald Hollingsworth; one of Guyana’s most celebrated playwrights.

This production will be co-produced and co-directed by accomplished dramatist/director/producer Sheron Cadogan-Taylor.

The play features the infidelity of a husband whose secrets and lies come back to haunt him in ways he could never imagine.

It also sheds light on the bond between a mother and her child; and whether that bond could be broken even after several years of being apart.

The cast includes Mark LukeEdwards, Sonia Yarde, Le Tisha Da Silva, Michael Ignatius, Sean Thompson, Clemencio Goddette,

T

Paul Budnah, Jennifer Langevine, Nicola Moonsammy, Frederick Minty, and introducing young Latiefa Agard.

This dynamic cast is working assiduously and is hoping to set the National Cultural Centre stage ablaze on those nights.

This in one theatrical pre-

oday we will feature another one of our Art of War 2018 combatants – Delroy Edwards, also known as “Delly Ranks”.

He is 20 years old and the youngest DJ in the competition. Edwards hails from Ithaca, a village on the West Coast of Berbice.

He started his musical career at the tender age of 17 and is attached to the Thunderbolt Sound System.

He has been in the sound business for five years. “Delly Ranks” has competed in four clashes and won one trophy. His preferred musical weapons of choice are dub plates and 45s.

His focus as a deejay is to always play music to please his fans and his versatility has been his strongest quality. He is self-inspired and even as a young child, he dreamed of a career in the music industry.

Edwards’ most memorable moment as a DJ was when he won the Berbice Mr Hype 2017 title.

If you want to see DJ Delly Ranks in action, be sure to come out on July 28 at the Sports Hall tarmac. For more information on Art of War 2018, you can check the Facebook page “Empire Media Inc” or call telephone numbers 680-6720 or 862-233-0494.

sentation you cannot miss. Tickets cost $1500 and $2000 and are available at the NCC and cast members.

fter a successful Miss East Bank Beauty and Intelligence Pageant 2017, the organisers, in an attempt to get the best ladies to represent their respective villages, have released application forms for those who feel they have what it takes to be a beauty queen.

Boss Level Entertainment and Melly Nel are looking to maintain the high standard the pageant brings, and as such, it will be looking for the perfect delegates.

Prospective delegates must be between the ages of 16 and 26; must be unmarried and childless; must be willing to participate in the training and other pageant-related activities; and more importantly, must reside on the East Bank of Demerara.

Once crowned Miss East Bank, the queen will be rewarded with cash, other prizes and trips. Deadline for applications is August 31.

For more information, interested persons can make contact with the organisers on telephone number 697-1225.

Reigning queen Aliyah Cort

T

he long wait is over for the re-staging of “Chow Pow’s” Comedy Jam. The “Jam” which is the brainchild of Guyanese comedian Kirk “Chow Pow” Jardine, was lunched a few years ago in the mining town of Linden, and will return after a two-year hiatus.

The two-year lapse was due to conditions that were beyond the producer’s control.

The conception of the “Jam” was to provide the local audience with an open air atmosphere where dress codes and beverage consumption were relaxed. It was also to provide a stage for stand-up comics to showcase their talent, with additional slots for calypsonians and poets. In certain instances, dancers and upcoming vocalists were filtered into the excitement.

The “Jam” also progressed to showcase regional comedians; the first being Barbadian comic Trevor Eastman.

However, the Guyanese comedian recently met with event coordinator/project manager Dustanni Barrow and a mutual understanding was arrived at.

It was agreed that Barrow will have the exclusive producing rights to “Comedy Jam”, while Chow Pow will be retained as the public relations manager.

The two are no strangers as they have worked together on many events and promotional presentations in the past. Barrow is currently Chow Pow’s booking agent.

“Chow Pow” who recently resuscitated his comic career, has been attracting the attention of regional producers and has also been retained on VYBZ FM where he presents two weekly shows.

The “Jam” is set to return to its home, the Garage Bar & Gril, on July 28.

18

guyanatimesgy.com

friDAY, june 22, 2018

ARCHIE

Stay focused and tend to your responsibilities. If you (March 21- are diligent about getting April 19) things done, you will receive the right kind of attention.

Strive for perfection.

ARIES

Don't go looking for trouTAURUS ble. Taking on too much and (April 20- stressing about it will lead to May 20) discord with someone asking too much of you. Say no if demands are too great.

dilbert

Creative solutions will help GEMINI you bring about positive change (May 21at home and work. Your enerJune 20) getic input and diverse way of doing things will be praised by some and criticized by others.

If you repeatedly say what you want to do, you'll be (June 21- forced to make it come true.

July 22) The pressure to live up to your word can be a powerful motivator.

CANCER

Peanuts

Consider your options and LEO put some muscle behind the (July 23- choices you make. Saying is Aug. 22) one thing, but achieving is everything. Set guidelines and stick to them. Avoid waste.

Calvin and Hobbes

Participation will be what VIRGO brings about change. Whether (Aug. 23you are making personal Sept. 22) changes or helping a cause, the hard work you put in will make a difference.

Keep moving, as idle time LIBRA (Sept. 23- will be what gets you into Oct. 23) trouble. If you stop procrastinating and start doing, you will deter others from complaining. Improve your spending habits.

WORD GAME TODAY’S WORD — FUNICULAR (FUNICULAR: fyoo-NIK-yuh-ler: Of, relating to, or like a rope or cord.)

SUDOKU

Embrace life, and conSCORPIO sider the best way to move (Oct. 24forward.

Changing your Nov. 22) lifestyle or beliefs will be enlightening for you, but will probably cause a problem for someone close to you.

Get in the game, but don't SAGITTARIUS buy your way in. Hard work, (Nov. 23dedication and willpower, not Dec. 21) overspending, will be your ticket to success. You should walk away from anyone trying to convince you otherwise.

Average mark 25 words Time limit 45 minutes Can you find 40 or more words in FUNICULAR? The list will be published tomorrow.

YESTERDAY’S WORD — TEASER tare tear tease terse tree tsar ease east

eater erase ester arete aster saree sate sear

seat seer sere seta star stare steer stere

rase rate reseat reset rest

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

solution for last published puzzle

Size things up and get CAPRICORN started. You have plenty to (Dec. 22- gain if you dig in and don't Jan. 19) stop until you are finished.

Celebrate your accomplishments with someone special as the day comes to an end.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20Feb. 19)

PISCES (Feb. 20March 20)

An emotional incident will create havoc in your personal life if you overreact. Don't drown your sorrows in melodrama or indulgent habits. Make positive changes.

A change at home will improve your standard of living. Getting your house and finances in order will ease stress and encourage you to relax and have a little fun.

friDAY, JUNE 22, 2018

19

Argentina’s knockout hopes in jeopardy after stunning loss to Croatia

C

roatia advanced to the round of 16 for the first time since 1998 with a stunning 3-0 victory over Argentina on Thursday.

The result in Nizhny Novgorod, Russia, gives Croatia six points while putting Argentina’s knockout hopes in serious jeopardy after they collected just one point from their first two matches, needing to win their final game and some outside help to get out of the group stage.

And it was goals from Ante Rebic, Luka Modric and Ivan Rakitic that did the South Americans in after a wonderful performance from the Croatian side on the night.

Willy Caballero was called into action after just five minutes, getting down well to just push wide an Ivan Perisic low drive. Lionel Messi nearly got on the end of a sumptuous lobbed ball into the box two minutes later, but his outstretched toe could not reach it with Croatia goalkeeper Danijel Subasic caught in no-man’s land.

Argentina worked their best chance of the opening quarter-hour on 13 minutes when Maximiliano Meza

was found free in the middle of the box, but his low shot was well-blocked by a sliding Croatia defender.

Enzo Perez was unlucky not to score in the 30th minute when confusion in the box led to the ball rolling onto his left foot in the middle of the box, but he somehow fired well wide of the post with Subasic out of position.

Mario Mandzukic returned the favour three minutes later – his diving header from a tight angle badly missing the mark after being left completely unmarked at the far post. Rebic then received a yellow card for an inadvertent stomp on Eduardo Salvio near the sideline, with Sampaoli and Argentine players calling for a red to be given for the dangerous nature of the challenge. Rebic was at fault for wasting a wonderful crossfield pass from Modric just before the half – his poor first touch forcing him into a half-hearted shot from 25 yards after being played in behind the Argentine back line. Gabriel Mercado received a yellow just after the break for a cynical tackle to stop Rebic from breaking through the midfield. Sergio Aguero forced a save in the 53rd minute with a quick

The unbeaten Croatia celebrate yet another goal

turn and shot from the left of the box, but it was Croatia who were celebrating their opener seconds later after a Caballero blunder handed the active Rebic a golden chance.

The Chelsea keeper’s attempted scooped pass over Rebic fell directly to the winger, who sensationally volleyed over Caballero to

give his side a deserved lead.

Rebic came off with an injury soon after and Argentina fans whistled their disapproval when Aguero made way for Gonzalo Higuain in the 64th.

The Argentines, though, went close seconds later when Meza’s shot at the near post was well-saved by Subasic, who was quick to

turn away a second attempt

by Messi from a tight angle.

Mandzukic looked to have bagged a second two minutes later, but it was Modric who wonderfully completed the task in the 80th minute – the Real Madrid man firing home with a remarkable curling shot from outside the box.

Rakitic then completed

the rout in second-half stoppage time – the Barcelona man passing past Caballero after the Argentine defence gave up on the play in their own box. Needing a win to keep their slim hopes alive, Argentina will face Nigeria on Tuesday in St Petersburg, while Croatia will play Iceland in Rostov on the same day. (ESPN)

France ease past Peru in critical match-up F

rance beat Peru 1-0 with a goal from Kylian Mbappe on Thursday to book their place in the last 16 of the World Cup and crush the South Americans’ hopes of progressing in their first appearance at the tournament for 36 years.

Mbappe’s 34th minute goal took him past David Trezeguet’s record (20) as France’s youngest scorer in the competition, at 19 years of age, and took them to two wins from two games in Group C. When Olivier Giroud’s shot took a deflection off a defender and looped over goalkeeper Pedro Gallese, the teenager was on hand to tap in a simple chance.

But Les Bleus failed to convert several other first-half chances and rarely threatened their opponents’ goal after the break, as they struggled for the second game running to justify their sta-

tus as one of the pre-tournament favourites.

The result leaves France on six points and Denmark and Australia on four and one respectively after their 1-1 draw earlier in the day.

Peru have yet to win a point, but they have won numerous hearts in Russia, thanks to their industrious style of play and the passion of their supporters, a remarkable 15,000 of whom made the journey to roar on their team in Yekaterinburg. They could have had even more to cheer, were it not for several near misses.

Spotting goalkeeper Hugo Lloris off his line, Yoshimar Yotun tried an audacious shot from just inside the French half that went just over the bar as Peru unsettled their opponents in the early stages. Later in the first half, striker Paolo Guerrero

Kylian Mbappé makes no mistake to send France into the last 16 (Photograph: Vadim Ghirda/AP)

outsmarted Samuel Umtiti in the penalty area, but fired his shot at Lloris’s legs. After the break, Pedro Aquino hit the post and Andre Carrillo and Luis Advincula struck powerful shots over the bar, but all the Peruvian efforts were from long range.

Having survived a nervous opening 10 minutes, France looked as though they might dominate the match, with Antoine Griezmann darting at Peru’s defence, Mbappe showing off his tricks and flicks, and full backs Benjamin Pavard and Lucas Hernandez pressing forward on the wings.

But they were subdued in the second half, suffering frustration in the closing minutes when Blaise Matuidi shot just wide and Giroud had an effort blocked that ballooned over the top of the goal.

(Reuters)

20

GUYANATIMESgy.COM

friDAY, JUNE 22, 2018

McLaren in talks with Red Bull’s Ricciardo

M

cLaren are in talks with Red Bull’s Daniel Ricciardo about driving for them in Formula 1 next year. The Australian, 28, is out of contract at the end of this year, with seats potentially open at top teams Mercedes and Ferrari next season.

McLaren want to keep lead driver Fernando Alonso in 2019, but he has not decided whether he wants to stay in F1. The

Spanish two-time world champion, 36, is likely to race in the Indianapolis 500 again next year.

Alonso is believed to be weighing up whether to race Indy in addition to the F1 programme – but skipping the Monaco Grand Prix, which clashes, as he did last year - or taking on a full season in Indycars.

McLaren’s prime option is to keep Alonso in F1 but, should he leave, the team are looking for a driver as a

replacement who is as close to the two-time champion’s level of ability as possible.

Ricciardo, as a seven-time grands prix winner regarded as one of the best drivers on the grid, fits the bill.

Alonso has said he will not make up his mind on his future until mid-summer, but has said he finds the predictability of F1 “sad”. Only three teams – Mercedes, Ferrari and Red Bull – have won a race in the past five years.

Alonso won the Le Mans 24 Hours last weekend, the second of two legs of the unofficial ‘triple crown’ of motorsport that he has now completed.

Already a Monaco GP winner, that leaves only the Indy 500 for him to become only the second driver in history after Graham Hill to win all three events.

Alonso said on Thursday before this weekend’s French Grand Prix: “One thing we need to wait

and see a couple of months now is really the commitment of all the parties into the F1 project and to the future, what will be the seats that next year move on, and which will be the driver line-ups of some of the top teams as well.

“After that, let’s see what the future brings, whether it be the Indy 500, triple crown or whatever seems attractive. At the moment I am enjoying Le Mans and not tak-

ing too much into account next year.”

A McLaren spokesman said: “We never comment on driver matters.”

McLaren are considering setting up an Indycar team in 2019, most likely in partnership with an existing leading outfit.

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Zak Brown has said their analysis was still ongoing, but that conditions were looking “favourable”.

(BBC Sport)

West Indies Federer saves 2 Sports Complex match points to fuels MSC reach Halle last 8 W

Roger Federer

orld number one Roger Federer kept his quest for a 10th Halle grass-court title alive by saving two match points to defeat France’s Benoit Paire 6-3, 3-6, 7-6 (9/7) and make the quarter-finals on Thursday.

Federer will face Australia’s world number 60 Matthew Ebden, who defeated Germany’s Philipp Kohlschreiber 4-6, 6-1, 6-2, for a place in the semi-finals.

Federer’s preparations in the build-up to the defence of his Wimbledon title had been running smoothly, with a title last week in Stuttgart and a solid opening Halle win for the top seed.

It was a tough fight on Thursday; however, with the 36-yearold missing two match points in the final-set tiebreak and then saving two for Paire. The top seed finally won on his third match point when Paire returned long. Federer, who won the opening set with back-to-back aces, fell 4-0 down in the second set as Paire rallied.

The Swiss got one of the breaks back, but could not work his usual magic as the contest was squared at a set each. The victory in just under two hours left Federer with a perfect 6-0 record over Paire, who angrily slashed his racquet across the grass in moments of desperation, drawing jeers from the crowd.

Had he lost on Thursday, Federer would have surrendered the world top ranking to Rafael Nadal at Wimbledon.

However, his escape act against Paire means he has now won 18 straight matches on his favoured grass surface, a run of success dating back a year.

Federer is seeking a 99th career title this weekend and could possibly be playing for his 100th at Wimbledon next month, where he has won eight of his 20 Grand Slam trophies. Ebden reached the semi-finals in the Netherlands last week, where he lost to Jeremy Chardy.

The Australian needed just over 90 minutes to beat Kohlschreiber, the 2011 title winner in Halle. The Aussie fired seven aces while breaking four times. Kohlschreiber is usually strong in his homeland where he is 121-64 with five of his eight ATP titles coming in Germany. (Sport24)

Cricket Academy

V

eteran sporting equipment company West Indies Sports Complex has made the benevolent gesture to support the resuscitating of the Malteenoes Cricket Academy which is slated to begin on July 23.

The donation came in the form of two pairs of batting gloves for the best male and female batters of the Academy, in addition to a quantity of rubber balls to be used by the younger agegroup students, and was presented to MSC Treasurer Troy Lewis by Raifeena Ganie.

Lewis thanked West Indies Sports Complex for their support of youth development, and said he hoped the recipients of the gloves would go on to play international cricket and look back to when the sports store provide them with gloves as they were now starting to play cricket.

Ganie shared that Feroze Khan, the late owner of the sports store which is now run by his sons, played FirstDivision cricket for West Demerara and was a big supporter of sports. Additionally,

she noted that the company was pleased to support the development of young talent.

The Academy caters for males and females between the ages of 6 and 12 and 1318 years old and runs from 09:00h to 15:00h each week day. The registration fee is $3000 and forms can be picked up from the Thomas Road club after 15:00h any day until July 20.

The Academy will include theory and practical (classroom and fieldwork) sessions, which will provide the tools for participants to become Cricketers, Umpires, Scorers, Journalists and Broadcasters, all of which can provide well-paying careers.

Qualified Coaches will conduct technical and physical sessions while facilitators will talk on education, social skills, health and hygiene etiquette, child protection, laws and history of cricket, umpiring and scoring. Inculcating discipline in students will be a critical aspect of this year’s Academy.

Parents are encouraged to register their children early.

For more information call MSC on 225-6509.

sports

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KFC Guyana Marketing Manager Livasti Bhooplall hands over the sponsorship cheque to KIMAG Chairman Roland Eudoxie

A

s the Korean International Martial Arts Guyana (KIMAG) gears up to host its

third annual Guyana South America Undiscovered Championship, KIMAG Chairman Roland Eudoxie

has specified a number of plans that will be featured at the martial arts extravaganza, slated for July 20-22.

The event, which will be held at the National Gymnasium on Mandela Avenue, will not only feature a Health and Business Expo but also showcase a Tang Soo Do Seminar facilitated by KJN Eric Kovaleski and Tae Bo Fitness Training under the supervision of KJN Billy Blanks.

It is the hope of KIMAG that these efforts will go a long way towards strengthening and creating a topnotch developmental programme for the martial arts arena. KIMAG anticipates that the Guyana South America Undiscovered Martial Arts Championship will serve as a hub for the popularisation of martial arts as it was working closely with the Government of Guyana, Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) and the Private Sector to create a lasting strong and effective partnership.

As part of that mandate, KFC Guyana has come on board as a major sponsor of the three-day event, which

will be held under the theme “Bridging Boundaries, Uniting and Discovering Potentials”.

In a small presentation ceremony at the company’s head office, KIMAG Chairman Eudoxie stated that KFC was willing from the start to offer support to this initiative. As such, Korean International would like to thank KFC for coming on board and the Chairman noted that the sponsorship would definitely add to the success of the event in July.

KFC Guyana Marketing Manager Livasti Bhooplall has indicated that the fast food giant was excited to be associated with youth development.

“Martial arts and sports in particular are avenues that instil discipline in our youths and we wish Korean International the very best with the competition,” she said.

In addition to the monetary support of this initiative, KFC will also offer five youths the opportunity to benefit from a martial arts training programme, in Guyana.

22

GUYANATIMESgy.COM

friDAY, JUNE 22, 2018

Russell to skipper Tallawahs in 2018 Hero CPL

T

he Jamaica Tallawahs have announced that their franchise will be captained by all-rounder Andre Russell for the 2018 Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL).

Having recently returning to cricket following a 12-month suspension, Russell will be rejoining the Tallawahs for the 2018 Hero CPL season, and has said he cannot wait to get started in the tournament.

“It’s a good feeling, honestly! I missed out last year due to one-year suspension. I’m looking forward to it; not just looking forward to play, but looking forward to being the captain for the Jamaica Tallawahs, as well and looking forward to doing a good job,” he declared.

“We have a very good, balanced team. We have a team that is not just about the names, it’s all about what they can do as well, and how quickly they can change the game. I truly believe in all-rounders in T20 cricket, and I think that’s what we have. I think we have guys that can bat and bowl; and once you have eight guys in a team that can do that, I think you have a good team on paper,” Russell explained. Russell will this year be captaining Shahid Afridi, a player with a huge amount of experience in the T20 format, and he is looking forward to having him as a teammate at

the Tallawahs.

“It’s going to be interesting. I’ve played against Shahid before; he’s a good guy. Even in Dubai, after we played we go out on a boat together, just enjoy each other’s company. To be around a guy like Afridi, Shoaib Malik, Ahmed Shehzad and all these guys, it just show a different type of how they live, and how simple they are apart from the game. But it’s good to have [Afridi] in the CPL this year, and not just playing against him, playing with him as well; because I hope I can learn a few things and take it along with me,” Russell declared.

Russell says the Hero CPL is vital to the growth of cricket in the region, and he is keen to see Caribbean cricketers show their passion for the sport at the tournament. “[CPL] is very important. I think just like how passionate the guys in India are -- just coming from IPL and seeing how passionate these guys are about getting to the top four, winning the cup and looking forward to every practice session and everything -- it means a lot to the local guys, and I think that’s what it’s supposed to mean to us as well.

Because once you’re in your home town, I think that’s where you want to be, and it’s just going to make you express yourself a lot more,” Russell explained. Russell says he has set

himself personal targets for the tournament ahead, but he doesn’t want to make those public. He would rather leave those as targets for himself.

“I always set personal goals, but I don’t let it out loud because I don’t want to say I want 20 wickets, 30 wickets and I only get 10. It’s always good to have your personal goals, but I don’t like to say it out loud. Every player want to get wickets, take a lot of catches, score runs; but I have my personal goals, and I just hope I can achieve them,” he expressed.

2018 CWI Women’s Regional Super50 Round 1

Classy Campbell sets up huge win for Guyana ladies with ton

Another loss for female national b/ball team

T

he National Women’s Basketball Team will return home with their hearts heavy and heads hung after not being able to register a win at the Caribbean Basketball Confederation (CBC) this year.

Coming off of two losses to both Suriname and Barbados, the local girls were hungry for a win, but instead produced what could be considered their worst performance in the tournament.

Playing at the Anthony Nesty Sportshal in Paramaribo, Guyana found themselves in hot water at a very early stage of the game.

Tournaments favourites Dominican Republic g o t bett e r with time, and carried out

S

hemaine Campbell stroked a match-winning hundred as Guyana romped to a 65-run win over Leewards in round one of the Cricket West Indies (CWI) Women’s Super50 Tournament.

After the T20 format ended on Monday, the ladies shifted gear to the 50-Over version, which bowled its first round on Wednesday at Sabina Park, Jamaica. Batting first, the Guyanese side racked up their highest total since the Women’s Championships commenced.

Player-of-the Match Campbell, who was the leading run-scorer in the T20 Blaze Championships, hit a classy 107 from 135 balls, with 11 fours and a maximum, propelling Guyana to 229-9 when their 50 overs expired. Mandy Mangru, promoted to open, scored 24; while Melanie Henry was the next best scorer, with 17.

Leewards had a decent bowling out, with Amanda Edwards being the pick of the lot with 3-42. Two wickets apiece went to Shawnisha Hector and Davanna Claxton, helped to cap off decent bowling outing.

Chasing a decent target against a star-studded Guyanese bowling attack, Leewards were knocked over for 164 in 45 overs, after spinner Sheneta Grimmond bagged an impressive 4-27; with Akaze Thompson, Subrena Munroe and the veteran Erva Giddings -- leading wicket-taker in the T20s (8 wickets) -- bagging two scalps each.

Jenisen Richards offered resistance as she ended on 41 not out, while Terez Parker (24) and Saneldo Willett (28) managed to make starts but failed to convert.

Meanwhile, hosts Jamaica romped to a 7-wicket win over Trinidad and Tobago, thanks to Captain Stafanie Taylor, who stroked an unbeaten 98.

Barbados, who wreaked havoc in the T20s, then secured a vital 47-run win over the Windward Islands, with Kycia Knight top-scoring with 60 despite another top innings from the seasoned opener Juliana Nero, who also hit 60 in vain. (Clifton Ross)

Andre Russell will lead the J a m a i c a Tallawahs

such

Skipper Shemaine Campbell struck a match-winning ton to help give Guyana a huge win over Leewards

an onslaught that Guyana was left at an 88-point deficit.

Once again, Miriam McKenzie top scored for Guyana with 13 points, but it was no match for the 5 Dominican players who registered double figures. Andreina Paniagua registered the highest individual score for her team with 28 points, whilst Esmery Martinez followed with 18 points.

Owing to the massive 11224 loss, Guyana has not advanced past the group stage.

The Women’s team was in Group B with Barbados, Dominican Republic and Suriname.

Their male counterparts will depart for Suriname on Friday to participate in the men’s version of the competition. Led by 18-yearold Stanton Rose, the male team is said to have a great chance at doing well in the competition, after defeating the Barbados team 2-1 in a friendly series. Guyana’s first match will be on Sunday, June 24, against Grenada.

Guyana’s top scorer, Miriam McKenzie

guyanatimesgy.com

friDAY, JUNE 22, 2018

23

HERO CPL 2018

Amazon Warriors, Govt sign stadium agreement

Amazon Warriors Operations Manager Omar Khan hands over the signed contract to Social Cohesion Minister, Dr George Norton

T

h e

Government of Guyana and the Amazon

Warriors on Thursday signed an agreement for the use of the Providence National Stadium to host matches for the upcoming Caribbean Premier League (CPL) matches.

Thursday’s official signing saw Social Cohesion Minister with responsibility for Sport, Dr George Norton, and Guyana Amazon Warriors Operations Manager, Omar Khan inking the deal at the Ministry of Social Cohesion’s Main Street,

Georgetown office.

Also present at the signing was Director of Sports, Christopher Jones; Assistant Director of Sports, Melissa DowRichards; and media operatives from the local media houses. However, while the Providence stadium agreement has been signed, CPL is still to confirm the fixtures for Guyana.

With Guyana set to host the most matches ever at

Providence since the birth of CPL, Minister Norton has said the increase of matches at the local venue is a “big deal” for the cricket-loving nation. “Well, of course, if you judge from last year, all matches we had sold out crowds; so we are hoping (that) for all matches, we have sold out crowds.” CPL will be held in the Caribbean in August and September.

Paul named Windies Emerging Cricketer of the Year

G

uyanese all-rounder Keemo Paul was named Windies Emerging Cricketer-of-theYear, following the sixth Cricket West Indies (CWI)/ W e s t

Keemo Paul

Indies Players Association (WIPA) Awards ceremony.

The joint awards ceremony, held at the Hilton Barbados on Wednesday evening, saw a number of players, teams, and other factions of West Indies cricket being awarded for their outstanding achievements during the year 2017.

Paul, the 20-year-old Guyana Jaguars all-rounder, has been a recent component in the Windies senior ODI and T20 teams as well as the A team. The hard-hitting batsman recently earned his maiden Test call-up ahead of the Windies’ last match against Sri Lanka, a series the Caribbean side leads 1-0.

Apart f r o m Paul, the Guyana Jaguars – the four-time Regional 4 - D a y champs, w e r e n a m e d F i r s t C l a s s Team of the Year.

Guyana gained

another award when their Under-19 team were declared Regional U-19 Team of the Year.

Top honours, however, went to the pair of Shai Hope and Stafanie Taylor, who bagged the ultimate awards of being named Windies Male and Female Cricketers of the Year.

Hope, the elegant righthander, also copped two other major awards: ODI Player-of-the-Year and Test Player-of-the-Year .Taylor meanwhile snared a second top award when she was also chosen for the Windies Women’s ODI Cricketer-ofthe-Year.

CWI CEO Johnny Grave, in his summary remarks, acknowledged Digicel for its support to West Indies cricket for 13 years; and welcomed Sandals Resorts as the new sponsor on board.

CWI President Dave Cameron noted the increase in the number of players which has moved from 25 to 177 in five years and added that “we have the requisite number of players to compete. What we now need is to continue to ensure our programmes build capacity for all our technical and administrative officials to continue to consistently produce world-class players.”

WIPA CEO and President Wavell Hinds acknowledged the com-

mitment of the players to broaden their skills set off the field. Hinds pledged his organisation’s commitment to continue with its programmes to widen the scope and reach of all its members, while working closely with CWI to facilitate growth for players on the field of play.

In her keynote address, Minister in the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Investment, Marsha Caddle,

said that “West Indies cricket is the blueprint to advance regionalism.

“In congratulating the work of CWI, the Minister wants the Region to work closer together with cricket to create greater linkages with tourism and the creative arts sectors.”

She also called for “sport to be more integrated into education, as the focus and discipline of sport, can help young people to make better

decisions about their lives, while acting as a signal to young people to use their talent more effectively.”

Minister Caddle declared her government’s and country’s intention to support West Indies cricket and sees this as an opportunity for a “brand new relationship and partnership to move the cricket and by extension, sport, forward”.

(Clifton Ross)

The full list of winners: WINDIES Cricketer of the Year - Shai Hope WINDIES Test Cricketer of the Year - Shai Hope WINDIES ODI Cricketer of the Year - Shai Hope

First Class Team of the Year - Guyana Regional Under-19 Team of the Year - Guyana

WINDIES T20 Cricketer of the Year - Evin Lewis

First Class Four Day Cricketer of the Year - Devon Smith

WINDIES Emerging Cricketer of the Year - Keemo Paul

First Class 50 Over Cricketer of the Year - Roston Chase

WINDIES Women’s T20 Cricketer of the Year - Deandra Dottin

Caribbean T20 Cricketer of the Year - Chadwick Walton

WINDIES Women’s ODI Cricketer of the Year - Stafanie Taylor

WINDIES Under 19 Cricketer of the Year - Kirstan Kallicharan

WINDIES Women Cricketer of the Year - Stafanie Taylor

Atlantic/WIPA in the Community Awardee – Rodney Sieunarine

CWI Lifetime Achievement Award – Carol Whilby-Maxwell

CWI/WIPA Outstanding Foundation Awardee – The Marlon Samuels Foundation

WIPA Lifetime Achievement Award – Dawnley Joseph

WINDIES Umpire of the Year - Joel Wilson

friDAY, JUNE 22, 2018

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

guyanatimesgy.com

HERO CPL 2018

Amazon Warriors, Govt sign stadium agreement Pg 23

Amazon Warriors Operations Manager Omar Khan and Assistant Director of Sport, Melissa Dow-Richards signing the contract on Thursday. Also in photo are Social Cohesion Minister, Dr George Norton (left) and Director of Sport, Christopher Jones

Paul named Windies Emerging Cricketer of the Year

Pg 22

Russell to skipper Tallawahs in 2018 Hero CPL

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