Guyanatime 26 april 2018

ICTs could create more P11 opportunities for women and girls – Minister Hughes Nationwide coverage from the best news team in Guyana guyanatimesgy.com

THE BEACON OF TRUTH

Thursday, April 26, 2018

Issue No. 3545

PRICE

Sovereignty of the People case

WHAT'S INSIDE:

AG refuses to deny allegations that Govt knows how CCJ will rule

UG to see new Center for Behavioural Studies by P7 September

Page 3

…funded by US$400,000 donation

…declines to comment

WBD man kills lover, slits own throat in Page 12

suicide bid

$80 vat included

Administrative professionals urged to get tech-savvy, relevant Page 9

GRA to audit ExxonMobil P9 Essequibo P2 Coast woman recovering from hit-and-run

…as Govt hosts annual training workshop

Linden Mayor launches Junior Mayor project

Over $25M lost as fire destroys Data Sawmill P10 at CWC

PPP to boycott parliamentary visit to CJIA expansion P13 project

In this photo, Linden Mayor Waneka Arrindell was explaining the rationale behind the project

Govt to request review of new charges against Ministers Page 7

– AG says DPP's decision to drop previous charges justified

Trotman, Broomes rush to aid of distressed Rusal workers Page 17

…as Govt establishes task force to quell fears

Guyana goes up 5 places on World Press P6 Freedom Index City Hall owes GRA over $100M

P12

2 news

thursDAY, april 26, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

Man placed on $30,000 bail Essequibo Coast woman recovering from hit-and-run for threatening behaviour

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s each day passes, a mother is hoping to be able to eat solid food again, since she was involved in a hit-and-run accident two Fridays ago, on the Essequibo Coast Public Road, which caused her to lose several teeth.

The 34-year old woman, Marian Moore, of Lot 90 Henrietta Housing Scheme, Essequibo Coast, suffered severe injuries to her mouth and other parts of her body when she collided with a taxi, as she was riding her pedal cycle.

Moore, who is a housewife and mother of two, told Guyana Times that she was on her way to purchase school items for her children when a taxi suddenly pulled over and stopped directly in front of her.

She said before her brakes could have been applied, the passenger opened the car door and she fell off of her bike.

The ailing Marian Moore

The mother recalled that someone asked if she was hurt and even gave her a bottle of water, meanwhile the driver of the taxi fled the scene without offering any assistance.

She was taken to the Anna Regina Health Centre where she received medical attention and was advised to visit the dentist, since a possibility exited for the need of dental

surgery.

While in much pain, the woman said she visited the Cheddi Jagan Dental Clinic in Georgetown and underwent surgery to remove three of her teeth which were badly damaged due to the accident.

She said her condition was so severe that she required stitches to hold damaged gum and other teeth in place.

She is presently resting at home and is surviving on liquids due to the injuries to her mouth.

The distraught woman said she did not report the matter to the Police and is upset about the fact that she is unable to get justice, since she does not remember the driver nor the licence plate of the car he was driving.

She is now left to nurse her injuries and foot the bills which have already cost her over $100,000.

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man was on Wednesday placed on bail $30,000 for threatening another man when he appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts. Rawle Robertson denied that he threatened Eon

Croft on April 17, 21 and 23, 2018, thereby breaching a bond to keep the peace.

The man told the court that he along with Croft should be fined as both of them were threatening and

cursing each other.

However, Magistrate Fabayo Azore placed Robertson on $10,000 bail for each of the three offences and he is expected to return to court on May 2.

East Bank woman on trial for obtaining money under false pretence

T

he preliminary trial of the State against Nazia Persaud continued at the Linden Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday. Persaud, 36, of 44 Grove, East Bank Demerara and of 56 A Unity Place

Ruimveldt, Georgetown, is facing the charge of obtaining money under false pretence.

The court heard that Persaud allegedly obtained money from the Virtual Complainant (VC) Niomi Ceon

by falsely pretending that she was in the position to construct a house for the said VC. Several witnesses testified and the trial was adjourned until May 7, when more witnesses will take the stand for the defendant.

Linden driver charged for DUI

P

olice in E Division (Linden-Kwakwani) are cracking down on the incidence of driving under the influence of alcohol over the past few weeks, with several drivers facing the court over this infraction. The most recent charge was against Lindener

Mahica Grant who appeared before Magistrate Clive Nurse at the Linden Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday. Being a first time offender, he was fined the sum of $7500 with an alternative of one week in prison.

Drivers are being reminded that the legal limit of al-

cohol when driving is 35 micrograms. Drivers in default on the first occasion will face a fine of $7500; on the second occasion, their driver’s licence will be suspended for one year and on the third occasion, their licence will be permanently suspended.

news

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thursDAY, april 26, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

Sovereignty of the People case

BRIDGE OPENINGS

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

Thursday, April 26 – a night-time retraction at 02:30h and a day-time retraction at 13:30h-15:00h and Friday, April 27 – a nighttime retraction at 03:00h and a day-time retraction at 14:30h-16:00h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Thursday, April 26 – 13:45h-15:15h and Friday, April 27 – 14:40h-16:10h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY Thundery to light showers can be expected throughout the day, with light cloudy skies prevailing in the later afternoon and evening hours. Temperatures will range between 22 degrees Celsius and 29 degrees Celsius.

Winds: East North-easterly to North-easterly between 1.78 metres and 5.81 metres.

High Tide: 01:54h and 14:17h reaching maximum heights of 2.40 metres and 2.45 metres respectively.

Low Tide: 07:50h and 20:13h reaching minimum heights of 0.81 metres and 0.71 metre respectively.

wednesDAY, April 25, 2018

LOTTERY NUMBERS B

07

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03 Bonus Ball

FREE TICKET

DAILY MILLIONS 01 11 13 15

19

LUCKY 3 8 6 0

9

Afternoon Draw DRAW DE LINE

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27

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Evening Draw

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

AG refuses to deny allegations that Govt knows how CCJ will rule

…declines to comment

By Michael Younge

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ttorney General and Legal Affairs Minister Basil Williams on Wednesday refused to deny allegations made by his Cabinet colleagues which have created public discomfort after they suggested that the Government of Guyana had inside knowledge of how the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) would rule in the Sovereignty of the People case which it heard earlier this year.

Williams, who is in Miami, when contacted by Guyana Times to respond categorically to the statements made by his colleagues by denying them, bluntly refused even though such a response could have potentially put to rest the concerns that were raised in certain quarters of society about the impact the statements made by the Ministers could have on the credibility of the ruling by the CCJ. He reaffirmed that he was “confident of the case because how I did the case”.

He urged this newspaper to “go to the CCJ website and listen to the arguments” before declining to deny the public utterances of Vice President and Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan, who is also the Chairman of the Alliance For Change (AFC) party, and the utterances of several other Government officials.

Ramjattan had also reportedly told several People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) parliamentarians that he knew how the CCJ would rule in the matter.

“I am not addressing that issue. I’ve always been a confident man,” Williams stated during the interview.

Williams was also reported by the Government’s Department of Public Information as defending the CCJ against alleged attacks from the PPP which he described as “deplorable” even though the PPP has stayed away from making any definitive statements about the case.

Just last week, Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo reluctantly said that the credibility of the CCJ ruling could be undermined by loose talk when he was hounded by the media for a comment on the allegations that have been surfacing in Guyana and further afield following the statements

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo

made by Minister Ramjattan and others and reported in the media.

At a recent political meeting held in Berbice, Ramjattan alleged that the CCJ would rule against the third term case. The Minister told his party supporters that Jagdeo would never be allowed the opportunity to run for another term in office as President. Similar statements were made by a number of other senior Government Ministers.

“I don’t know whether it’s

loose talk or they do have inside information as they say, but either way this could af-

fect the credibility of the court,” Jagdeo had stated. turn to page 6

4

guyanatimesgy.com

thursDAY, April 26, 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

Eroding legitimacy

I

n a divided polity such as Guyana, the legitimacy of any Government that is not inclusive of the major sections of the populace will inevitably face challenges of legitimacy. This was true in 1992 when the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) ended decades of authoritarian rule by the People’s National Congress (PNC) with 53.5 per cent of the vote and the PNC yet secured 42.3 per cent and is even truer after the 2015 razor-thin victory of the PNC-led A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change coalition that secured 50.3 per cent of the votes as opposed to 49.2 per cent of the PPP. In such a scenario, it would be prudent for the Government of the day to govern in such a way as to bolster their legitimacy through allowing State structures to function in a neutral manner. But by this measure, the PNC-led coalition has faltered badly. Nothing demonstrates this more vividly that the heavy-handed manner in which the Government has been dealing with the challenges of the sugar industry.

It has never been a secret that the workers of that industry supported the PPP since the first general election of 1953, under the universal franchise. It therefore becomes difficult to explain the unilateral closure of four estates – which involved throwing 7700 sugar workers into the streets – as an effort to staunch subsidies to the industry, when the same quantum is being injected into the rump element, as anything other than an act of political victimisation. Unquestionably, the legitimacy of the Government has been eroded by this distortion of the operations of what was supposed to be an “autonomous” State institution.

But even more alarmingly, it has been the interventions of the PNC-led coalition into the workings of actual State institutions that pose the greatest danger to the dissolution of the glue of legitimacy that holds modern states together and might just plunge Guyana into the abyss from which it was rescued by the PPP in 1992. The Government is yet to respond to the observation by a slew of analysts that the appointment of 16 out of 17 Permanent Secretaries from the traditional PNC constituency presents severe challenges to the impartial standards the Government bureaucracy ought to be held. Permanent Secretaries, in the Westminster system under which we function, ought to be non-political professionals to alleviate exactly such fears.

With the PNC’s sordid history of rigged elections between 1968 and 1985 through the manipulation of the electoral system in one devious way or other, the legitimacy of its present incarnation took a heavy blow when PNC leader and President of Guyana, David Granger violated the letter and spirit of the constitutional strictures instituted to clean up that Augean Stable, by unilaterally appointing his hand-picked octogenarian nominee as head of the Guyana Elections Commission. That blow weighs heavier against the labyrinthine manoeuvrings to control the voter registration process in a manner reminiscent of the 1968 fiasco.

But it has been the PNC-led Administration’s stance against the judicial branch that has most undermined its legitimacy, even among some of its own supporters.

It is acknowledged in the Westminster structure of governance, the classical breakdown of the Government into the triumvirate of Executive, Legislature and Judiciary collapses into two, with the fusion of the Executive with its majority in the Legislature. The Judiciary, therefore becomes the ultimate bastion against an immanent dictatorship, through its mandate of Judicial Review to hold the other branches of Government to the strictures of the Constitution.

As such, the moves by the leader of the PNC as President of Guyana to unilaterally appoint the top officers of the Judiciary – in violation of the constitutional requirement – earlier this year generated seismic waves in the populace’s legitimisation quotient – especially when the President cavalierly referred to judgements by one of those top judicial officers as her “perception”. The follow-up blow came with the Attorney General’s quite transparent pressure on the constitutional office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) to halt the private criminal charges against two sitting Ministers while allowing identical charges against two ex-officials of the previous PPP Administration.

Quo vadis, Guyana?

A tour group looks at ‘The Golden Rule Mosaic’, a work based on a painting by Norman Rockwell as they visit United Nations Headquarters in New York City, New York (Reuters)

House to house registration: A ruse to steal (Pt 1) Dear Editor, The People’s National Congress (PNC)/A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) seems to be up to its old tricks again, as they try to prolong their stay in office. They are calling for a house to house registration to ‘cleanse’ the electoral list. This is the same tactic they used in the late 1980s to extend their stay in power.

Recall that in 1988/89 using the pretext that they were responding to the popular call to have a clean list when they ‘agreed’.

However, they so deliberately messed up the list that it could not have been used for any elections. The elections which were due in 1990 was then postponed it took two years to correct. Elections were held in

1992. It was another two years in which the Guyanese people had to endure the corruption, incompetence and abuse by the PNC regime. Now we have heard the General Secretary of the PNC, Amna Ally suddenly proposing a new house to house registration. The reason given is the same as in the late 1980s; a ‘clean list’. Earlier, in 1973, they had tried to use a popular call by the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) to facilitate the rigging of those elections.

After opposing voting at 18 since its formation, the PNC suddenly talked about giving the vote at 18. With their full control of the machinery they had planned to register huge numbers of under-aged persons.

The PPP foiled their plans.

That forced them to rig massively and exposed themselves by having to use the Army to seize the ballot boxes and changed the people’s votes. When we consider all the issues, one can only conclude that this is not being done for any good reason.

The PNC/APNU is up to its old crookedness. In the first place, the PNC/APNU already rejected such a call by the PPP/C after 2015 elections. They argued strongly that it was not necessary. At the budget debate of 2016, the PPP/Civic had asked why were they not voting funds for such an exercise. Their answer was that it was a very good list, not necessary.

Now we are close to Local Government Elections, only months away and suddenly, like a thunder-

bolt coming from a clear blue sky, Ally is talking about new registration. National and Regional Elections are about two years away and they have pulled this trick out of their hat again. This is confirming all the suspicions that the leopard has not changed its spot. The plan is to first delay while preparing the rigging machine.

The idea is for them to get their hands-on money from the oil industry. They intend to splurge it around and to use that to try to boost their flagging popularity and tarnish image.

That plan was inadvertently exposed.

Sincerely, Donald Ramotar Former President

Tit-for-tat politics is making us insane Dear Editor, Guyana is sinking deeper and deeper into destructive ‘tit for tat’ politics.

First, the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) came up with inexplicable charges against former Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh and former Chairman of NICIL, Winston Brassington, to appease certain diehard Government supporters who never cease bawling for the blood of the past Administration for perceived wrongdoings.

Now, the Opposition has taken the bait and jumped on the bandwagon by filing private criminal charges against Ministers Volda Lawrence, George Norton, Winston Jordan, David Patterson and Dr Rupert Roopnaraine, thereby joining the vicious cycle of charges and counter-charges.

I am not in the fold of any political party, but I am sufficiently politically conscious to know that this is just the start; much more tit-for-tat politics will come from both sides.

This brand of politics did not start yesterday. It began decades ago when there was a split in the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) leadership in 1955 between Forbes Burnham and Dr Cheddi

Jagan, partially because of ideological differences and partially because of the USA’s secret support for Burnham that was verified recently by Wikileaks revelations.

Returning to the point of the tit-for-tat politics, the move to charge the former Ministers is, in my opinion and that of sane society in Guyana, part of an attempt to destroy the Opposition PPP party.

I believe in giving credit to all Governments that served this country. Many despised Burnham as a dictator and an architect for the destruction of Guyana. But I would like to say very clearly that he was a genius in agriculture and one of the masterminds behind federalism of the Englishspeaking West Indies, including Guyana in South America.

However, he was also guilty of tit-for-tat politics, which was evident to anyone paying even the remotest attention. This was a reality of life.

I lived in the Upper Corentyne. I was a student at the Tagore Memorial High School in Number 63 Village and I witnessed the Burnham Administration’s manipulation of the electricity system to bypass an area in Berbice that was then known as ‘Little

Cuba’ because it was a hotbed of Progressive Youth Organisation (PYO) or PPP stalwarts.

They ran the electricity wires via posts way down by the beach and all the way up to the Corentyne then back out to the main highway just to bypass Number 63 to Number 69 Villages between which lay Little Cuba. There is no doubt that certain People’s National Congress people of that era were responsible. That was unadulterated political wickedness; I condemned it then and still condemn it now.

I am not a political person, I am just an observer and listener. Based on what I am seeing and hearing, I appeal to the President of Guyana, His Excellency David Arthur Granger and to the Minister of State, Honourable Joseph Harmon that the time has come for the nation to take a bold step in the direction of unity.

I also appeal to the Opposition Leader, former President Bharrat Jagdeo, former President Samuel Hinds and other PPP leaders to send into the universe their thoughts of peace into this country. The human mind is like a magnet. The thoughts you send out are the thoughts

you attract and the reality of your achievements.

I cry out to the PPP/C to understand that the power lies in the party that is in power today. It is a reality we must face. But those in power must also understand that the Opposition is also powerful in this country.

So, can these two powers just bury the hatchet, lay down the sabers, put the swords in the sheaths and lock them away so that we can talk peace and goodwill? Let us speak love and harmony.

Let us speak and look for common ground. We have more commonality and more similar needs than we have differences.

The peoples of Guyana are at each other’s jugular veins, albeit motionlessly until it’s time for elections, then the nails penetrate the veins and draw blood as the struggle begins for dominance by the supporters of the various parties.

Cast aside the recriminations and the attempts at destruction of careers and lives.

Let the past stay in the past and let us move onward and upward to build a great wonderful Guyana.

Sincerely, Roshan Khan

guyanatimesgy.com

thurSDAY, April 26, 2018

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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

Despicable Kissoon instigating an Shoestring budget insurrection against Jagdeo (Pt 2) on luxury trips

Dear Editor, As written in Freddie Kissoon’s column on Monday, April 23, 2018, “I have people that I call personal friends in the Alliance For Change’s leadership but my deeply honest opinion if they ask me is that the ground is shaky. I don’t know if the fulcrums could be strengthened before 2020 but I honestly doubt it. As for Indians voting for the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), that is not even a remote possibility. APNU is not a party for Guyana’s future. I don’t see leadership qualities in the APNU. The People’s National Congress (PNC) may get into trouble in 2020 for what it did to David Hinds and Lincoln Lewis. When you talk about stupidity then the ouster of those two men is an unadulterated act of stupidity… For the People’s Progressive Party (PPP), the closeness to victory will depend on who is their presidential candidate. Once it is Bharrat Jagdeo, the PPP will lose the game. The stakes are too high with oil and a rebirth of big power rivalry in international relations for the West to sit down and allow Jagdeo to govern again… My understanding is that there is an anti-Jagdeo group of planners working out from the Cheddi Jagan Research Library. If they are planning to make their move, if and when Jagdeo answers the question, then they are big fools. They are stupid to think Jagdeo is going to define his position before the Caribbean Court of Justice rules on the matter. Commonsense should dictate they organise against him ASAP!” Kissoon has repeatedly said while he will not be campaigning for the APNU/ AFC in 2020, he will do whatever it takes to prevent a PPP/ Civic victory. But this latest salvo aimed at instigating an insurrection against Jagdeo within the PPP/C should be viewed as another desperate attempt to propagate the lies being peddled by some in the Administration that the ABC countries have guaranteed the APNU/AFC another five years in Government.

Let me state categorically that I do not believe the ABC countries played any role in the defeat of the PPP/C at the 2015 General Election. It was a combination of PNC vote-rigging as evident by the discovery of fake Statements of Poll by the Guyana Elections Commission’s (GECOM) Chief Elections Officer, Keith Lowenfield; a sizable number of complacent PPP supporters who stayed home and did not vote; and the many sugar workers and rice farmers who were duped into voting for the APNU/AFC because they were promised a 20 per cent increase and $9000 a bag for paddy.

Had GECOM not declined the PPP/C request for a recount of votes in Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni), the APNU/ AFC would now be a minority Government. It is time for the courts to rule on the Elections Petition filed by the PPP/C on this matter.

Freddie’s personal attacks against Bharrat Jagdeo will not succeed, and certainly will not influence the outcome of our party’s Presidential Candidate.

That will be determined by the Executive Committee of the PPP. And despite the lies that are propagated by Freddie Kissoon and the APNU/AFC Administration, there is no ev-

idence that the ABC countries would risk their collective credibility to prop up an unpopular government that is corrupt; inept and undemocratic. By now, they too must be praying for a

PPP/C landslide in 2020.

Sincerely, Harry Gill PPP/C Member of Parliament

Miss Guyana Universe franchise owes Guyanese an explanation Dear Editor, Don't people ever understand that there are major consequences when we continue to kill off our tourism sector?

I was in total disbelief when I read the news via social media that Guyana was served with a penalty of a two-year ban from competing at the Miss Universe Pageant due to the fact of handpicking the last Miss Guyana Universe 2017 winner, Miss R Khan. I am still hoping that the Miss Universe Organisation will make an official statement in support of what I read via social media forums.

For many years I have being a private tourism advo-

cate, and trust me on this, Guyana is not an easy tourist destination to sell to the international market. The mere fact that Guyana to many is never heard of before and there is always the confusion between Ghana and Guyana.

You have to constantly keep educating persons of the difference in geographic locations.I always felt that Guyana's presence among the other Miss Universe delegates over the years is an ideal platform to showcase the Golden Arrowhead, especially with the introduction segment via global television and for the beauty ambassadors to pitch in and do their required duties in educating their fellow colleagues in competition and

the international media of our existence. Guyana may not always be fortunate to crack a final, but we need to continue to always have an ambassador present and to my mind, ‘marketing means mileage.'

Locally or overseas-based organisers have to be more responsible with their duties and create an impartial image when/during the selection process of any beauty ambassador. Failing to do so, we must take responsibility when a ban is imposed. I hope this is a learning process for Guyana and we use the time away from competition and clean ourselves.

Yours faithfully, T Pemberton

How dare the British High Commissioner lecture us on corruption Dear Editor, “Corruption matters because it corrodes the fabric of society. It undermines people’s trust in the systems of society and institutions of society; it is an obstacle to democracy and to the rule of law, it depletes national wealth and degrades the physical environment.” So said British High Commissioner to Guyana, Greg Quinn. He should know because he represents a country that sent privateers on a hot afternoon in September 1668 to raid the Spanish town of Portobelo, in Central America.

These British subjects working under the flag of England stole 25,000 pieces of silver

from the Spanish who had in turn stolen it from the native people of today’s Panama and Colombia. Leading this band of British brigands was none other than Sir Henry Morgan, a Welshman who made his living

by State-sponsored theft and violence. What Ambassador Quinn did not tell the nation is that men like Morgan were the founding fathers of today’s British wealth. Their modus operandi then was not in ruling other countries, but robbing them. So how dare the High Commissioner try to lecture Guyanese on corruption when his entire country was born in corruption and exist today because of corruption.

Isn't that hypocritical? I would gladly welcome a lecture on corruption from the Mexican Ambassador or the Indian High Commissioner, both countries that were plundered by the Spanish and British respectively, but never from a limey.

Regards, Albert Allen

Dear Editor, If the city were indeed running on a shoestring budget, why did they take a large entourage on a junket to the town of Linden recently to celebrate the official launch of the Linden Town Week 2018, costing the city a substantial sum? Would it not have been enough for this ‘poor’ city to have been represented by the Mayor alone? But no, the bigwigs at City Hall never miss an opportunity to fete.

Why would a city on a shoestring budget embark on luxury retreats at expensive resorts around the country? This money could have offset the wages of scores of sanitation workers.

Then in describing the City’s purported financial woes, it was suggested that they should look at new revenue earning avenues, since they are unable to undertake revaluation of properties in the city. Are these people for real? How could they have given away hundreds of millions of dollars in interest waivers and write offs, unlawfully I might add, as proper legal authority was never sought nor granted in many instances for this, and then turn around and place more financial burden on law-abiding tax paying citizens by increasing their property values?

But how did the Council’s administration which em-

ployed close to 200 new persons, many who are the kith and kin of senior officials at City Hall in the last two and a half years, not know that this would have been unsustainable? One can only hope that as they retrench, they do it in a last in first out basis rather than targeting the loyal hard-working staffers that have been committed to the municipality for decades.

But instead of just cutting costs by laying off workers, why is there no suggestion to lay off the contractors that are costing the city tens of millions per month, but which was not alluded to. And I am not referring to the garbage contractors that are providing a critical service, but those whom have obtained weeding and cleaning contracts without adherence to tender procedures.

But if the Mayor and Town Clerk are serious about cost cutting, why don’t they stop jaunting around the world on those frequent useless, unnecessary luxury overseas trips and why don’t they shed themselves of all of the superfluity such as sports utility vehicles, bodyguards, chauffeurs, static security at their residences, assistants, messengers, and other large amounts of office and support staff.

Sincerely, Melissa Chiu

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guyanatimesgy.com

thursDAY, april 26, 2018

News Guyana goes up 5 places on World Press Freedom Index

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uyana has been elevated five places on the Reporters With Borders (RSF) 2018 World Press Freedom Index, which the Guyana Press Association (GPA) said comes amidst “significant hurdles” yet to be overcome.

From among 180 countries, Index of Press Freedom ranking worldwide puts Guyana at 55 compared to 60 in 2017. The country was given zero under the category of “abuse score”; and 26.25 for “underlying situation score”.

Guyana’s position has placed it below its neighbour Suriname which was in spot 21, but above its other two bordering neighbours, Brazil and Venezuela, which were placed in the 102 and 143 positions, respectively.

The GPA on Wednesday said it welcomes this improved ranking but with some reservations.

According to the Association,

while this may seem somewhat of an achievement, there are still significant hurdles to be crossed before Guyanese can feel that an improved ranking really matters.

These include the removal of existing criminal defamation laws in line with globally accepted standards; the deletion of offending sections in the Cybercrime Bill that could result in further entrenchment of criminal defamation; the amendment to the Broadcasting Act to remove direct intervention in the programming schedule of radio and television stations, except in cases of emergencies; political interference in the State-owned and privately-owned media by Government and the Opposition.

In fact, the GPA went on to highlight the removal of the two outspoken columnists from the State-owned Guyana Chronicle; a situation, which it said, appears not to have bothered the

coalition Government and its professed commitment to press freedom and freedom of expression.

To this end, the Association is calling for remedial actions to be taken by the relevant authorities to further enhance Guyana’s ranking on the Reporters Without Borders’ World Press Freedom Index in 2019.

Meanwhile, the RSF said on

AG refuses to deny allegations...

Meanwhile, it was widely reported in the media that the judicial assistant to the current CCJ President, Sir Dennis Byron is the grandson of the Chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) and former advisor to the President, retired Justice James Patterson.

Asked whether he is concerned about this, Jagdeo responded in the affirmative. He said, “It does bother me for the same reasons

I gave about Ramjattan and Basil Williams who claim they know how the court will rule on this matter. It goes back to the credibility of the court.”

Pressed a bit further to state whether he would be willing to run for President if the CCJ upheld the ruling of the two lower courts, Jagdeo said, “Having to go to cocktail receptions and accrediting Ambassadors and having courtesy calls and a whole range of those

things that goes with the presidency like cutting ribbons and so, don’t attract me. I don’t have any desire to be part of them. What I have great desire to do, is to ensure that people’s lives, their welfare change…You figure out for yourself what I just said,” he told the media.

Jagdeo went on to state that his current and most important function is General Secretary of the PPP. His main objective in

Guyana’s profile in the World Press Freedom Index that while the country’s Constitution guarantees free speech and the right to information, officials often use its defamation laws – which provide for fines and up to two years in jail – to silence Opposition journalists.

“The members of the media regulatory authority are appointed directly by the President. This

restricts the freedom of certain media outlets, which are denied licences. Recent attempts to improve regulation of the broadcast industry involved no consultation with any broadcasters.

Journalists are still subjected to harassment that takes the form of prosecutions, suspensions, and intimidation. A draft Cybercrime Bill could penalise whistleblowers and media for publishing information collected ‘illegally’,” the RSF highlighted.

Back in August, the RSF had issued a statement urging President David Granger not to assent to the Broadcasting Bill that was adopted by Guyana’s National Assembly, and called for consultations with broadcasters in order to take into account their recommendations. The current bill, which was adopted without such consultation, raises multiple press freedom concerns.

from page 3

that position is to prepare the Party for Government, while broadening the ethnic composition of the PPP, which is predominantly Amerindian and IndoGuyanese.

In 2014, private citizen Cedric Richardson had filed the challenge, arguing that Act 17 of 2001, which was passed by a two-thirds majority of the National Assembly, unconstitutionally curtailed and restricted his sovereign and demo-

cratic right and freedom as a qualified elector to elect a former President as the Executive President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana.

Contending that the limit was unconstitutional and illegal, Richardson also wanted the court to determine whether a referendum should not have been held, instead of the two-thirds majority in the National Assembly having the power to decide to limit the num-

ber of terms.

The other restrictions were: to also declare unqualified to run for the presidency citizens of Guyana not resident in Guyana on Nomination Day; citizens of Guyana resident in Guyana on Nomination Day but who have not been continuously resident in Guyana for seven years prior to that date; and citizens of Guyana by registration.

After several months in the court, former Chief Justice (ag) Ian Chang ruled in favour of Richardson’s argument, saying that the term limit on presidents is unconstitutional without the approval of the people through a referendum.

However, the decision did not sit well with the Attorney General and former Speaker of the National Assembly Raphael Trotman, both of whom were named respondents in the court action. They asked that the ruling be “wholly set aside”, but the Appeals Court also upheld the High Court’s decision as it felt that a decision on the term limit rested with the people via a referendum, and not the National Assembly. It sought to impress the point that people should choose whom they “please to govern them,” and noted that this was essential to all other rights.

During the February 2017 decision, then Chief Justice (ag) Yonette Cummings-Edwards, who also sat on the panel, was the only one that had given a dissenting judgement.

The matter was then taken to the Trinidad-based CCJ, which heard the case on Monday, March 12. A decision could be made at some point during this year.

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thursDAY, april 26, 2018 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Govt to request review of new charges against Ministers – AG says DPP's decision to drop previous charges justified

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overnment will be moving to formally request a review of the private criminal charges recently made against three senior Ministers in the coalition in relation to the controversial D’Urban Park Project.

This is according to Attorney General Basil Williams while speaking on the sidelines of a conference on Monday. He explained that while a formal request was not made for the two previous charges, one would be made for these new charges.

He was referring to charges made against Finance Minister Winston Jordan; Public Infrastructure Minister David Patterson and Public Service Minister, Dr Rupert Roopnaraine.

“I think if that has not been done, we are in the process of doing that,” he explained.

The charges against the Ministers alleged a breach of the Procurement Act in relation to the expenditure of $906 million in public funds to Homestretch Development Inc for the construction of the

Park.

Jordan and Patterson have been jointly charged with misconduct and abuse of public trust for having allegedly authorised the payment. Dr Roopnaraine, on the other hand, who was a director of the company, has been charged with alleged misconduct and abuse of public trust.

Previous to that, Ministers Volda Lawrence and Dr George Norton were charged over the sole sourcing of over $600 million in drugs and other pharmaceuticals for the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation and the rental of a house in Sussex Street, Albouystown, Georgetown, to be utilised as a drug bond at a cost of $12 million monthly, respectively.

The charges were filed against the current and former Public Health Ministers on April 19, 2018, but were discontinued by Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Shalimar Ali-Hack. However, the Attorney General has admitted that no formal request was ever made to have these charges reviewed.

At a press conference held on Saturday, April 21, 2018, Williams stated that the Government expects” the DPP to review the private criminal charges filed against the Ministers.

The applicants’ Attorney, former Attorney General Anil Nandlall said given the quick action by the DPP, it was now apparent that even without a request, the Government’s expectations were met.

Nandlall highlighted that while charges were discontinued against the two Ministers, no consideration was given to the formal request made to have the charges dropped against former People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) senior functionaries, Dr Ashni Singh and Winston Brassington, who were charged with three counts of misconduct in public office contrary to common law.

In his response, Williams said, “I can’t be blamed for their lack of knowledge of the law. I…outlined the powers of the DPP, and the DPP had to be proactive. Why the

UG to see new Center for Behavioural Studies by September …funded by US$400,000 donation

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he University of Guyana (UG) was on Wednesday presented with a donation of US$400,000 by the Jay and Sylvia Sobhraj Foundation, for a new state-of-the-art Centre for Behavioural Studies and Research at its Turkeyen Campus, which will materialise through the refurbishment of its existing centre.

The donation was finalised at a signing ceremony in the presence of the Vice Chancellor of UG, Professor Ivelaw Griffith; founder of the organisation, Jay Sobhraj and other members of the foundation and University officials.

This project entails the refurbishment of the “Spicy

University and Jay and Sylvia Sobhraj Foundation officials and members upon the signing of the final documents

Dish” building and is expected to provide a boost to the newly-introduced psychology programmes, which include a diploma that was made available in March.

The renovated building will be renamed as the “Jay and Sylvia Sobhraj Centre for Behaviour Studies and

Research", and is estimated to house a constellation of programmes such as psychology, social work, criminology and psychiatry as well as a book store, food court, model counselling centre, an extended student gym, medic centre and prayer rooms. turn to page 11

Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister Basil Williams DPP has power over all prosecutions in the country? And those that she didn’t initiate, she could intervene in – continue or discontinue them.”

The DPP has not provided any updates on the request for the review of the charges against Dr Singh and Brassington, but did state her reasons for discontinuing those against Dr Norton and Lawrence.

According to a recent statement from her office, AliHack made the decision to discontinue the charges in the interest of good governance. She explained that such allegations ought first to have been reported to the Guyana Police Force for an investigation to be launched and the advice of the DPP sought.

Nandlall, representing Dr Singh, said there was nothing that conferred a power on the DPP to be responsible for “good governance in the State of Guyana, especially in Article 187 of the Constitution, which sets out the functions of the DPP”.

In this regard, he claimed that the DPP has clearly been

influenced by extraneous and irrelevant considerations, and has acted ultra vires and unconstitutionally by ascribing to her office functional responsibility with which it is not endowed. He also plans to challenge this decision in court.

The former Minister has pointed out that the institution of private criminal charges has been part of the local criminal jurisprudence for over a century. He reminded that it was always initiated by a private individual without the involvement of the Police and the DPP, and that there was absolutely no known legal requirement that the allegation must first be reported to the Police and the advice of the DPP sought.

In fact, Nandlall argued that in many instances, it is the failure of the Guyana Police Force to act, or to act professionally, that led to the evolution and practice of private criminal charges.

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thursDAY, april 26, 2018 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Carpet thief begs for freedom

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man who admitted to stealing a carpet begged City Magistrate Fabayo Azore to set him free when he appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts on Wednesday.

Leonard Shaw, 30, of Lot 109 Carmichael Street, Georgetown, admitted to stealing the black carpet

valued $25,000; the property of DaSilva Rodriguez on April 24, 2018, at Lot 172 Charlotte, Street, Georgetown.

Prosecutor Simone Payne told the court that at about 03:45h on April 24, the defendant jumped the Virtual Complainant’s fence and stole the carpet.

The matter was reported

to the Police and he was arrested after the carpet was found in his possession.

When questioned, Shaw told Magistrate Azore that he is pleading guilty “but I didn’t steal the carpet, I was only caught on the camera”.

Azore reminded the defendant that pleading guilty meant he did commit the crime; however, despite stat-

ing that he did not steal the carpet, Shaw maintained his guilty plea.

He begged the Magistrate, “Me glad if you can just set me free and let me go”.

Magistrate Azore fined Shaw $25,000. Failure to pay the fine will result in him serving three months in jail.

Clothes thief granted bail

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man who reportedly stole a quantity of clothing, as well as a table, found himself before the court on Wednesday.

Shawn Burch, 35, of Lot 9919 Princes Street,

Georgetown, denied he committed the offence put to him by Magistrate Fabayo Azore, whom he appeared before at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

The charge against him

alleged that on April 23, 2018, at Lot 122 Oronoque Street, Georgetown, he stole $10,000 worth of clothing, along with a table valued $11,000; property of Marcell Bandair.

Burch was placed on $10,000 and is expected to return to court on May 2, before Magistrate Annette Singh for trial to commence as the prosecution reported that the case file is complete.

Security officer charged for stealing from supermarket

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security officer, who was formerly attached to the Massy Stores, was on Wednesday before the court charged for stealing from the company.

Twenty-year-old Shequan Williams of Macaw, East Bank Demerara, denied the allegation put to him by Magistrate Fabayo Azore.

The charge against him

alleged that on April 20, 2018, at Lot O Ruimveldt, Georgetown, he stole some $434,900 from Massy Stores.

However, Police Prosecutor Simone Payne,

who did not disclose the facts of the case, had no objections to bail.

As such, bail was granted in the sum of $100,000.

The case will continue on May 30.

Different strokes…

I

…for Jagdeo t’s clear as a sunlit day in our tropical clime that this Government’s motto is “GET PPP!!”. Or more pointedly, “Get Jagdeo!” And they plan to “get” him by any means necessary. But from where your Eyewitness sits – and he sits as far from the political crowd as he possibly can!! – the PNC-led vendetta is not just a political one. Looks like it’s personal – especially now that Moses Nagamootoo’s now – for all intents and purposes – a card-carrying member of the PNC’s inner circle.

Nagamootoo’s got his big, fat pension in place – so he doesn’t have to chase ambulances (or displaced sugar workers) for a living – his one ambition in life is to stick it to Bharrat Jagdeo. The reason, of course, is he fervently believes he was denied the presidency as the PPP candidate because of Jagdeo. You would remember, dear reader, he used to go around collaring folks like the Ancient Mariner of yore, to tell them his tale of how Jagan – on a Rupununi campaign stage – had promised to pass the PPP baton to him.

No one else heard Jagan – even though the stage was crowded with political types. But those who knew Nagamootoo thought he’d “taken one too many” – as he was prone to do!! But sadly, he nursed that feeling of entitlement and denial until it not only consumed him – but defined him. Nowadays, there isn’t one of his public utterances that doesn’t have Jagdeo as the cynosure of his attention! And it ain’t pretty… especially in Parliament when he insists on Speaking after Jagdeo. It’s a shad, shad situation!! But Nagamootoo ain’t gonna let up!

For the PNC, at least they’re getting personal because of a political reason. When Jagdeo became President, like many others (like Nagamootoo in the PPP!!) the PNC thought they’d be able to push him around. But they should’ve known better. He was championed by Janet Jagan – who the PNC also hated personally because she was such a no-holds-barred political infighter. It’s very significant that she bypassed Nagamootoo – who worked decades with her at the Mirror – for Jagdeo. Everything Nagamootoo’s done since, has justified her judgement!!

Jagdeo stymied the PNC’s “slow-fyaah; mo’ fyaah” gambit; defeated their Buxton “Freedom Fighter” insurrection and nailed the pretentions of “multi-racial” support when they were forced to woo Nagamootoo and Ramjattan for “Indian” votes. Now that the latter’s been stripped and the AFC’s certified “dead meat”, their worst nightmare is facing Jagdeo directly as the PPP’s Presidential Candidate in 2010.

But hey!! The PPP supporters want him…and unless the CCJ follows Basil Williams’ denial about our Constitution’s “basic structure” – their worst nightmare’s about to come true!! …for different flights If the PNC keeps on with their corrupt practices the way they’re going, Nandlall’s gonna be kept so busy filing private criminal charges against their Ministers he wouldn’t need to grease his PR campaign!! Who’s next??

Mayor Chase Green and her faithful sidekick the Town Clown?? Ooops!! The Town Clerk!! That Parking Meter contract’s as crooked as barbed wire – to coin a phrase!!

– and she’s certifiably PNC and all that!!

Then there’s the CJIA expansion programme started by the PPP, so Nandlall should have the facts. It started out as having EIGHT walkways and now’s down to THREE – while the contract’s been increased from US$135 million to US$150 million!! Seems like Patterson pushed in his thumb and pulled out another plum – for himself!!

And the walkways are only the tip of a monster iceberg.

Your Eyewitness isn’t even holding his breath as to when the airport will be complete!!

The biggest enchilada, of course, is nailing Trotman for allowing Guyana to be cheated. Nandlall with have to take that matter to the International Criminal Court!! …for amnesty The GRA head just declared there will be no amnesty for Guyana Stores on their $3.8 billion tax bill. Shouldn’t they take their case to Amnesty International??

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

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thursDAY, april 26, 2018 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Administrative professionals urged to get tech-savvy, relevant …as Govt hosts annual training workshop

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inister of State Joseph Harmon on Wednesday challenged administrative professionals to advance their training and education and to make themselves relevant and indispensable in the 21st Century, where Information and Communication Technology (ICT) is rapidly replacing humans in various sectors. He was at the time delivering remarks at the opening of the 23rd annual Administrative Professionals Workshop, which was held

at the Pegasus Hotel in Georgetown.

The event was organised

by Zoywins Consultancy and Training, a company based in New York and owned by Guyanese, Mavis Benn, in observance of Administrative Professionals Day 2018, which was held under the theme “Become a valued Administrative Professional”.

Minister Harmon noted that the theme for this year’s observance is appropriate as the only way administrative professionals can remain rel-

evant and assets to their organisations is to engage in continuous training and capacity building and to acquaint themselves with new competencies.

“A question today may be asked, how relevant and important is the role of our administrative professionals in this age of Information and Communication Technology and automation? The answer, surprisingly, is that the role of administrative professionals remains relevant and critical to the efficient running of the

tivities we will get from midstream activities,” Statia added.

He made reference to reports about oil companies in neighbouring Trinidad and Tobago allegedly evading withholding taxes to the tune of US$200 million annually, through inter-company transfers within the Region. “I would like to say that if that occurs here, it would not be under my watch. It means that the tax officers were not doing their jobs properly,” Statia said, while emphasising the need for vigilance.

According to him, many oil companies have been part of inter-company transactions since the 1970s. He said it therefore requires a competent team of auditors to curtail these activities. While admitting that there is a limited pool of people who could go after additional taxes, the GRA plans to equip the staff to respond to this new sector in an efficient manner to find additional taxes.

The Commissioner General also revealed that based on certain estimates, Guyana could earn as much as US$700 in the first year of oil production. As such, he stressed the importance of having adequately-trained persons and the need for a technically diversed staff as well to work in the unit.

Some eight persons will be sent to England to pursue studies in oil and gas. Local training which starts on Monday will be facilitated by

a technical assistance group from the US which comprises retired Internal Revenue Service (IRS) officers. IRS is the revenue service of the US Feaderal Government.

“In the first instance, we are going to be training internal persons to give them a chance and so those internal persons would begin training from next week. There are certain technocratic positions that we cannot fill such as persons who are fully into petroleum audit and accounting,” he stated.

Furthermore, several GRA staff will be heading to Trinidad soon to be trained.

The Government has also set aside US$2 million for training in the area of oil and gas. This is in addition to the 10 GRA officers already being trained on board ExxonMobil’s vessels.

In a report done on the oil sector last year, the IMF had urged the Guyana

Minister of State, Joseph Harmon addressing the gathering at the opening of the 23rd Annual Administrative Professionals Workshop

office... I am therefore heartened to see the wide cross section of administrative professionals from both the Private and Public Sectors taking

GRA to audit ExxonMobil T

he Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) has announced plans to audit ExxonMobil’s operations and is making all the necessary preparations to ensure that Guyana gains its rightful share of taxes from the annual production of oil and gas, GRA Commissioner General, Godfrey Statia has said.

Statia revealed that this will happen soon, as the GRA is already in the process of establishing an oil and gas unit which will be staffed by over 100 persons from both here and abroad. According to him, the country is expected to earn millions of United States (US) dollars annually from oil production.

The Commissioner General said ExxonMobil has been duly informed of the plans. He said the audits would focus not only on revenues but also on expenses, assets and other issues as the need arises. “You don’t have to be on the well measuring barrel by barrel to do a proper audit on any oil company. There is adequate software and you could trace the funds all over the world,” he explained.

In addition to that, the GRA boss noted that the Authority plans to maximise the opportunity of gaining taxes. As such, audits would also be extended to ExxonMobil contractors.

“When we are looking at oil and what we get from oil, we don’t look to see the taxes that we are going to get from contractors, the economic ac-

Government to start as soon as possible auditing all exploration and development costs being racked up by ExxonMobil.

When he presented the 2018 Budget last year, Finance Minister Winston Jordan had alluded to the impending establishment of an oil and gas unit at the GRA. The IMF had said establishment of this unit should become a priority of the Government.

“It will be important for this unit to start verifying and undertaking audits of cost incurred during the exploration and development phase, which is getting underway now. It would be advantageous to establish close working relations between the GRA and the sector regulators, to ensure that the limited petroleum sector expertise in Government is applied most efficiently,” the IMF had stated in its report.

part in today’s training sessions. As administrative professionals, training is crucial for improving and upgrading your skills. The importance of regularly attending training courses is vital for your own confidence and motivation and it will prevent you from becoming stagnant in your respective careers,” he said.

The Minister of State noted that most administrative professionals do not pursue training regularly enough. He said in most cases, it is not that their organisations are unwilling to allow them but rather, there isn’t enough interest in their own personal development. As a result of this, Minister Harmon noted that they stymie their own development and the realisation of their true potential.

Minister Harmon said Government is fully cognisant of the importance of the public service in the transformation

of Guyana. He said the need for reform of the public service was also recognised since it was found that it lacked the required level of efficiency and that there were disparities in the quality of services delivered in the hinterland and on the coast.

Meanwhile, Social Protection Minister Amna Ally, in her remarks, said administrative professionals play a critical role in the effective functioning of any office, whether Government or Private Sector.

“I must say that it takes a truly special bunch of individuals with unique skills; skills to do your important job well. Most of you are the backbone of your organisation, hardworking and critical to team members who ensure that the day-to-day activities run smoothly and efficiently for others. Many days you are expected to be a mind reader, a miracle worker, and all the like. As the world grows even more connected, it’s essential to have smart, shrewd people keeping a close watch on the increasingly complex day-today operations of our offices.

And of course, senior management would be hapless without the admin staff working behind the scenes as planners, gate keepers and secret fixers,” she said. turn to page 14

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thursDAY, april 26, 2018 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Over $25M lost as fire destroys Data Sawmill at CWC

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fire on Monday destroyed a sawmill at Crabwood Creek, Corentyne, leaving millions of dollars in damages.

The fire was first seen coming from a generator at N and S Gumani, also referred to as ‘Data Sawmill’ situated at Lot 19 Grant 1651 Crabwood Creek.

There are reports that there was some sparking at the building earlier in the day.

Despite an initial response from workers on duty, they were forced to run to safety since a fuel tank was stationed next to the generator.

One of the workers, Michael Reece, said he was welding at the time the alarm was raised.

He said he had to leave the generator running as he fled to safety.

“You know when you working you dose be listening to hear if the engine make any funny sound but I din hear no funny sound; only when then boys call out. When I run and go I see the smoking and when I go to cut off the plan but I see fire and I get my finger burn and the heat was so much that I run out because I know that at the side get a

I am very grateful because we had five tractors, a combine, two trucks… so the community come and they help to get everything on the road.

Gamandi estimates losses in excess of $25 million, noting that the two generators which were destroyed in the fire cost $8 million, while two other en-

What remained of the sawmill big tank full with diesel and so the fire just start walking through and then with the breeze we could do nothing.”

He added that he then focused his attention on removing some of the vehicles which were in close proximity to the sawmill.

The initial smoke was seen at about 10:30h. Reece, who has been working at the sawmill for the past five months, said the Skeldon Fire Service was contacted and responded but by the time they did it was too late.

Guyana Times understands that there was a storeroom situated next to the generator which contains lu-

bricants. The lubricants and spare parts were for the 12 heavy-duty vehicles, a boat which was docked and for the sawmill. They all assisted with providing fuel for the blaze which was already quickly consuming the piles of wood at the mill. The sawdust that was around also made it difficult for firefighters to extinguish the blaze.

Meanwhile, Seeta Gamandi, was high in her praise for the community, noting that they were able to save several vehicles which were around the burning sawmill.

“The whole community came out and I must say that

gines for a tug valued at $1 million each were also burnt.

However, she explained that they are still in the process of calculating the amount of wood which was destroyed.

The sawmill was not insured, however, all of the safety regulations were in place. According to Gamandi,

several agencies including the Environment Protection Agency (EPA) made frequent checks to the operations, the most recent being last week.

All six of the workers are now attached to the lumber yard which is another business operated by the Gamandi’s.

UG students commission North Ruimveldt playground

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esidents of the North Ruimveldt constituency now have access to a playground, which was made possible through developmental projects by students of the University of Guyana (UG).

The new playground, which is located between Kaikan Street and Well Road, was established as part of a community development project that was assigned by the University to students pursuing a public management degree.

As such, upon completion of the assignment, the playground was commissioned on Wednesday by the students in the presence of the Mayor of Georgetown, Patricia Chase Green; Director of Sports, Christopher Jones; UG lecturer Donna Mc Kennon and residents of the community.

During brief remarks, Mayor Chase Green noted that there was need for such projects in the communities which tie in with the City Council’s mission to modify community spaces for the benefit of the younger generation.

“It’s in keeping with the policy of the Council to have all open spaces available for the young people. There were numerous children here this afternoon within the age of

A swing that was constructed at the playground

three to ten, so I could understand the need for this particular playfield that is enclosed,” the Mayor stated.

She also noted that she was aware of the various students who are conducting different types of community projects in a number of areas in Guyana.

“Whatever you do in your community is how you expect your community to develop,” she asserted.

However, the Director of Sports highlighted that emphasis must also be placed on providing a place for youths not just during the day, but also at sundown. In this regard, streetlights were positioned at nearby locations to illuminate the play park at night.

“There are many other things that could be added to benefit the residents of the

area and the young people. It is important that young people have an opportunity to play or gather beyond sundown. One of the commitments that we (the Sports Commission) have made to the students and that we’ve fulfilled yesterday is the donation of lights,” Jones said.

As part of their assigned tasks, the students were given the opportunity to conduct a project in a community of their choice and consequently, North Ruimveldt was enhanced by fencing the deserted area and equipping the ground with a swing and other equipment for the benefit of the children of the community. No official name has yet been given to the playground, but residents have expressed interest in the name Cabaca Square.

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thursDAY, april 26, 2018 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

ICTs could create more opportunities for women and girls – Minister Hughes

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s the Public Telecommunications Ministry continues to highlight the importance of women and girls in the growing field of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) across Guyana through several initiatives, a ‘Professional women in ICT’ luncheon was on Wednesday hosted at Cara Lodge, Georgetown.

Minister Cathy Hughes speaking prior to the luncheon said it was conceptualised with the aim of providing an avenue for the women to network and look at areas of collaboration on future projects involving women and girls. It is her belief that more girls need to be encouraged to get in-

Marcia Thomas, head of Information and Communication Technology, NCERD

volved in the careers that will become available in the ICT area.

“By 2025, they are saying 70 per cent of all jobs are

going to be in Information Communication Technology and we [Government] just want to make sure that we are ready, so the Ministry is working on creating opportunities where we are connecting people to the Internet in schools and the Hinterland,” she noted.

The Minister said the focus is being placed on training and education, hence the Public Telecommunications Ministry continues to collaborate with the Education Ministry and the National Centre for Educational Resource Development (NCERD).

The event precedes the ‘Girls in ICT’ day being observed today.

Minister Hughes said interaction with

UG to see new Centre..

However, the book store and cafeteria will be the significant and sustainable revenue earners for the institution.

Funding was also provided by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) for the psychology development programme, which will be featured when the project is completed. As such, both physical and educational aspects of the programme will be synchronised.

Professor Griffith, during his address, noted that the aim of these projects was to foster the development of students in all dimensions.

“This is not only a ‘signally’ important milestone along

the journey of rebranding and rebuilding, but it testifies to our recognition of the essential purpose of our being, to enhance the abilities of our students to come in and get some experiences in and out of the classroom,” Professor Griffith stated.

Meanwhile, Jay and Sylvia Sobhraj Foundation member Nardeo Singh also shared his remarks on the works that were accomplished over the years to assist in the development of various institutions in Guyana, a prominent one being the Guyana Police Force (GPF).

“We have a spin to what we do. We don’t come to Guyana without a plan and without a

from page 7

solution,” he stated.

The project, which has been in the making for approximately 12 months, is expected to be completed in time for the beginning of the next academic year in September.

Co-Founder, SheLeadsIt, Nicole Pitter Patterson will allow the women to get a sense of how Guyana is connecting with what is happening regionally.

The SheLeadsIt, CoFounder said her organisation aims at empowering women enterprises globally and has been partnering with local organisations. For this year, the organisation has reached over 800 girls in Guyana and across the Caribbean.

Marcia Thomas, Head of Information and Communication Technology at NCERD, said contrary to perceptions, ICT has always been an integral part in terms of meeting the needs of children with learning disabilities through the use of learning software to improve their performances.

Echoing similar sentiments as the Minister, Thomas said within five years, especially with the emerging oil and gas sector, there will be a plethora of jobs available directly related to ICT, therefore the Education Ministry is in

Public Telecommunications Minister Cathy Hughes interacting with women at a luncheon hosted at Cara Lodge

preparation mode.

“Guyana is poised to be able to provide those specialists, those technologically savvy people because contrary to what people believe our children are using ICTs, we are using ICTs every day so we have to think ICT now, we have to live it,” Thomas emphasised.

Reference was made to the ‘Guyana Girl Code’ programme and the STEM Guyana Robotics clubs across Guyana as some of the initiatives being promoted by NCERD and the

Education Ministry, specifically aimed at empowering girls in the field.

In Guyana, an ICT Tech lab will be developed led

by Geotech Vision, which will see 55 girls from 11 schools and the University of Guyana engaged in web development activities. This will be followed by the hosting of a hackathon in July 2018, which will be larger and feature more “hands-on” activities.

‘Girls in ICT’ will kick off today with an exhibition at Duke Lodge, Kingston.

12 news

thursDAY, april 26, 2018 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

WBD man kills lover, slits own throat in suicide bid

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he West Bank Demerara (WBD) village of Good Intent was plunged into a state of shock on Wednesday morning when it woke to news that a resident allegedly murdered his lover before attempting suicide by slitting his throat.

Dead is Diane Hernandez, a 48-yearold housewife of RechtDoor-Zee, WBD. She reportedly shared a visiting relationship with the suspect, Nigel Glasgow, 40, of Murphy Street, Good Intent Squatting Area.

Guyana Times understands that the duo arrived at Glasgow’s house late Tuesday night, but just about 02:30h on Wednesday morning, screams and shouts were heard emanating from the house.

According to information received from Police sources, the gruesome discovery was made by two relatives of the mother of Glasgow’s children, who is a pump attendant. This newspaper was told that the pump at-

tendant reportedly received a phone call from the suspect, requesting that she took care of their children.

Realising that something was amiss, the attendant contacted her relatives and instructed them to go to the house.

Upon arriving at Glasgow’s residence, the relatives had to break in to the locked house where they reportedly found the couple lying on a bed. Hernandez’s body was on the bed, but her head was propped up with what appeared to be a cable wrapped around her neck while her hands were bound. The alleged suspect, on the other hand, was lying alongside her, bleeding from his throat.

In the wee hours of the morning when screams had erupted, the man’s two dogs started to bark and in an attempt to silence them, the animals were allegedly killed by the suspect.

During this commotion, the neighbours were awakened and as such, Glasgow reportedly attempted to

Dead: Diane Hernandez

burn down their house. “He eyes pass me, why he didn’t burn the one he got… what me do he mek he wan burn me house?” the owner of the house, Nigam Blackman, questioned at the scene.

The elderly woman told this publication that she was never close to the alleged suspect and only shared pleasantries with him occasionally.

“We never had any problems… I don’t know why he wan burn me house,” the woman related. According to Blackman, she was sleep-

ing and unaware of what transpired until her granddaughter, Simone Farley, informed her.

However, the granddaughter, whose apartment was scorched, recalled smelling gasoline before seeing the fire.

“When I heard the commotion, I though is me uncle get up to bathe but after I lie down and smelling this gasoline, I say no, man, something wrong. So when I decide to get up and pull the bedroom blind, there is the big fire at the side of the chair (in the house),” Farley related.

According to the woman, a few ornaments were destroyed and a corner of her apartment was scorched.

However, she managed to put out the fire before it caused any major damage.

She went on to point out to Guyana Times two bottles containing a suspected flammable substance which the suspect allegedly used to start the fire.

Farley further related to this newspaper that while

Police detectives at the scene Wednesday morning

she and Glasgow stopped speaking to each other about four months ago, she was clueless as to why he would want to destroy her house.

“He was a quiet person; he does always deh easy and cool… I don’t know what happened; I don’t know if he woman give he problem or what, I cannot say. But like the devil went in he and make he do such thing,” Farley posited.

According to the neighbours, after killing the dogs and starting a fire at their house, Glasgow reportedly padlocked his front door

from the outside and gained entry into his house through a window, which he then secured once on the inside.

The two persons who made the discovery had to break the window to get into the house. The Police were then summoned to the scene and some time after they were seen removing the alleged suspect and rushing him to the West Demerara Regional Hospital.

Up to press time, Glasgow, a former cane harvester, remained a patient at the medical institution under guard.

City Hall owes GRA over $100M

T

he Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) has confirmed that the Mayor and City Council (M&CC) of Georgetown owes over $100 million in taxes and unless a practical plan is proposed to begin these payments, the Authority has no interest in meeting with officials of that Local Government body.

GRA Commissioner General Godfrey Statia said Tuesday that the M&CC has responded to the Authority on the matter and has made it clear that the collection of these taxes should not affect its employees. He emphasised that City Hall would be held liable and not its employees.

“It would be unfair for the employees to be held liable. Don’t forget that if the GRA does not zealously proceed to collect its outstanding taxes, they (employees) will also be negligent in their affairs,” Statia said.

Further, the GRA boss asserted that ordinary taxpayers should not be the ones to suffer owing to negligence either on the part of the GRA or the M&CC. He continued, “City Hall has written us and has asked to meet, but I don’t want to meet with any taxpayer unless they decide

and they come with a plan as to how they will liquidate their liabilities.”

The M&CC also owes Guyana Power and Light (GPL); the National Insurance Scheme (NIS) and the credit unions.

In light of this, the Commissioner General said because street lighting was a function of national security, he would recommend to the M&CC to work with the appropriate ministry so as to come up with a suitable plan to share the responsibility of paying for these services that are provided to the public.

City Hall has a debt in excess of $3 billion for critical services provided by GPL; the Guyana Water Inc (GWI), and GTT. Additionally, as of December 31, 2017, City Hall had an outstanding sum of $28.4 million for refuse disposal contractors; $302.5 million outstanding for wage and salary deductions; $449.5 million for contractors who executed drainage works; $240,000 for rental of vehicle and equipment, and $112.062 million for creditors. A number of contractors who were hired to weed, clean and desilt were owed a collective sum of $449.5 million.

news

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thursDAY, april 26, 2018 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

PPP to boycott parliamentary visit to CJIA expansion project

T

he Opposition People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) has refused to participate in a parliamentary tour of the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) expansion project, saying that it will not be part of any charade put up by the coalition Government to show any semblance of transparency.

This comes on the heels of an invitation, under the signature of the Clerk of the National Assembly, being directed by the Speaker at the behest of the Public Infrastructure Minister, to a tour of the CJIA expansion project site, scheduled for this Friday.

According to the correspondence, the purpose of this tour is to provide all Members of Parliament (MPs) with relative information so that a more informed discourse on the project may occur in the future.

However, in a statement on Wednesday, the Opposition’s Parliamentary Spokesperson

Opposition MP Juan Edghill

“We remind all Guyanese of the hostile diatribe [against] and near sabotage of this project by the then Opposition AFC [Alliance For Change] and APNU [A Partnership for National Unity] jointly. This was supposed to have been, according to their interpretation, a corrupt underhand deal by the then Jagdeo Administration,”

A Cabinet tour of the CJIA expansion works back in January

on Public Infrastructure, Juan Edghill, asserted that the Party would not participate in any charade, of any kind and at any time, to lend any semblance of legitimacy and to provide any appearance of transparency to this unaccountable Administration.

Edghill asserted.

He went on to point out that the CJIA expansion project, which is expected to be completed by the end of this year, was part of a number of transformative projects, which included the Marriott Hotel, that were initiated under the PPP regime to bring in a new sector, mainly

the eco-aspect of tourism.

“Guyana was being poised to become a hub for air traffic to facilitate regional and international traffic, with one of the main effects being lower airfares and lower freight, which would have resulted in a ‘big boom’ for the export of non-traditional projects, not forgetting the Specialty Hospital with a view to provide for medical tourism. The development of the synthetic track and other world-class facilities to encourage sports tourism,” Edghill noted.

According to the Opposition’s Parliamentary Spokesperson on Public Infrastructure, the contract for the airport expansion that was entered into under the PPP/C Administration was a fixed price design and build contract, which clearly detailed and defined the works that were to be done. This, he added, included: the expansion and lengthening of the runway; the new size of the tarmac; the number of boarding gates – that is eight according to the document, and the square footage of the building. Edghill maintained that it was clearly understood that all the risks, including the geo-technical risk, were to be borne by the contractor in this arrangement.

“We are aware that significant alterations and changes have been made to the design. It is our intention, and we will at the appropriate time, call for a performance audit of this project, to ensure that the Guyanese people got value for their money and what was paid for was delivered. The Minister of Public Infrastructure, on numerous occasions in the National Assembly, failed to answer questions or deliver information promised in regards to this project. His usual style of much rhetoric is now common

Public Infrastructure Minister David Patterson

place with very little to show,” he asserted.

Nevertheless, Edghill said he believed this move to hold a parliamentary tour of the country’s main airport facility was a deliberately orchestrated one, aimed at seeking additional funds from the nation’s purse.

“I suspect the reason that we have had the entire Cabinet visit this PPP/C project (back in January) and now an invitation to the entire Parliament, is that the environment is being prepared for supplementary request and approval for more monies for this fixed price project,” he posited, while adding that the Opposition would address this at the appropriate time in the National Assembly.

Furthermore, the Opposition’s Parliamentary Spokesperson on Public

Infrastructure outlined that in its three years in office, the coalition Administration did not have a single project of a developmental nature to show.

As such, Edghill questioned whether this move for a parliamentary tour was now an act of desperation for some media coverage to show that things were happening.

Moreover, he went on to wonder whether the “now embattled Minister, who is facing private criminal charges for Misconduct in Public Office,” through the Speaker, may soon invite the entire Parliament to visit two other PPP/C projects – the East Coast Highway expansion and the West Coast Demerara Road expansion and upgrade projects.

14 News

thursDAY, april 26, 2018 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Education Ministry takes autism awareness to West Demerara

A

s the interest in autism grows around Guyana, the Special Education Needs Unit (SEN); the National Centre for Educational Resource Development (NCERD) and the Region Three Education Department on Tuesday held an awareness campaign in West Demerara to enlighten residents about the realities of children living with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

According to a release issued by the Education

Ministry of, the event was facilitated at the Vreed-enHoop Primary School, West Coast Demerara.

SEN Education Officer Akeshia Benjamin said autism awareness was very important as it helped persons to know the warning signs and symptoms and importantly, how to treat those persons to avoid discrimination and mental illness.

She noted, "It is a category of disability, however; while it has been on the back

A section of the persons who attended the sensitisation forum

burner for quite some time, efforts are in train to make it

a front-burner issue as autistic children are also important and should not be seen as less than any child. This is because children with special needs also deserve a chance to realise their true and full potential through the education sector."

The release stated, “As is, the Ministry via each educational district has officers engaged in a process of assessing and identifying children

with all other forms of disability, including autism.

“Following the assessment, we are able to not only identify but fashion programmes to support those with special needs.

“Autism is one of a group of serious developmental problems called Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). ASD is a diagnosis that describes significant social, communicative and behavioural challenges which appear in early childhood (usually before three years old)”.

Region Three Regional Education Officer Anesta Douglas expressed gratitude for the forum that offered awareness about children in the Region who are autistic. Douglas also urged persons to embrace autistic people and not discriminate.

United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) represen-

tative Audrey Rodrigues reminded that the organisation advocated for children's rights and noted that every child had a right to an education.

"Every child is a child no matter what and we are making sure that every child has and continues to be catered for through empowering of women and girls with autism everywhere," Rodrigues noted.

Education Officer Keon Cheong shared an overview of the constraints associated with treating and caring for autistic children among others.

The Education Ministry, in addition to Tuesday’s sensitisation forum, has also planned several other activities for the Region to boost awareness on the issue. Some of the activities include a Parent-Teachers Association awareness forum and staff development sessions.

Administrative professionals urged...

from page 9

Minister Ally said the Government of Guyana intends to equip the workforce with the skills required for the jobs of today and those of tomorrow that will contribute to the national growth and the sustainable development outlooks for Guyana and will therefore, continue to make substantial investments to ensure that it’s human capital, especially employees within the public service, possess the skills, knowledge and resources they are required to perform their functions with the highest level of professionalism, integrity and the delivery of superior client service within the

public service.

Meanwhile, Zoywins Chief Executive Officer, Mavis Benn, who once served as the Mayor of Georgetown, said the workshop is designed to allow participants to have fun, while at the same time learning how to maximise their skills, to communicate with respect, remain calm when dealing with difficult situations or people and how to maintain healthy lifestyles. The seminar touches on topics such as the mindset for success, the ability to communicate effectively, being ethical, service-focused and practicing wellness in the workplace.

Administrative Professionals Day was observed internationally on Wednesday of the last week of April each year (the last week of April is designated Administrative Professionals Week). This annual observance was first held in the United States in 1952 as National Secretary’s Week and National Secretary’s Day. In the year 2000, the names were changed to Administrative Professionals Week and Administrative Professionals Day to reflect the changing titles and expanding responsibilities of the modern administrative workforce.

15

thursDAY, april 26, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

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guyanatimesgy.com

thurSDAY, april 26, 2018

News

Guyana receives US$1.7M from GPE …to improve childhood education in remote areas

G

uyana has received a grant from Global Partnership for Education (GPE) to the tune of US$1.7 million to improve the Early Childhood Education Programme in Regions One (Barima-Waini), Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni), Eight (Potaro-Siparuni), Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) and remote riverine communities over a threeyear period.

The contribution came after the independent consultancy group tasked with evaluation and strengthening national education systems concluded their Guyana Country Mission.

During their engagement with Education Minister Nicolette Henry, the consultants heaped praises on Guyana for its use of the grant received. Though small by world standards, it was dubbed as "impactful" to im-

Education Minister Nicolette Henry meets with several stakeholders to review the education plan

prove early childhood development particularly, for communities out of Georgetown.

Furthermore, the project has been effective through the delivery of resource learning kits which have been deemed as "impressive and impactful".

Minister Henry in expressing gratitude spoke of

Government's emphasis on the importance of the gains and the sustainability of such interventions. The sustainability is already in progress as this year's budget has made provision for kits to be made available to schools on the coastland.

The Education Minister also noted that multi-stake-

holder engagements are community-based with a partnership approach via initiatives such as town hall meetings with parents and local partners which have been very useful.

"We (Government) are looking at reviewing the education sector plan for the year towards 2019 when the infor-

mation collected would inform the forward thrust of the education sector. We are also engaged and continue to interface with key sectors that don't always have to be a formal setting to address the needs of all Guyanese to gather relevant information to inform decision-making."

The Minister was informed that the GPE also offers grants to fund consultations which could be tapped into, to which Minister Henry expressed elation that the team has engaged the senior officers and other stakeholders. I believe that it will be beneficial to aid the process of Education advancement from the coast to the Hinterland.

Prior to the Minister's debriefing, a team of education officials, including Chief Education Officer Marcel Hutson and the Chief of the Planning Unit Evelyn Hamilton were part of a summative evaluation of Global Partnership for Education's (GPE) contribution to strengthening national edu-

cation systems.

The mission in Guyana was conducted from April 9-18, 2018.

The purpose of the evaluation is not intended to assess whether Guyana has achieved the outcomes outlined in the 2014-2018 Education Sector plan (ESP). It is aimed at determining the extent to which GPE support has been relevant, effective and efficient in helping to strengthen Guyana's Education sector.

The meeting focused on key messages that emerged from the interviews conducted during the team's visit.

These interviews are only one part of the team's data collection. These are being completed by a systematic review of relevant documents, sector data and literature.

Stakeholders engaged included officials from the Education Ministry, the Finance Ministry, and the Teaching Service Commission, development partners, civil society and the Private Sector.

Caribbean still facing many challenges in eradicating HIV/AIDS

G

uyana’s Education Minister, Nicolette Henry says the late diagnosis of people, particularly men, living with HIV/AIDS continues to pose a challenge for the efforts aimed at drastically reducing the spread of the virus in the Caribbean.

Speaking at a two-day Pan-Caribbean Partnership against HIV and AIDS (PANCAP) conference, Henry, who is also the Chair of the PANCAP Regional Coordinating Mechanism, urged continued collaboration among regional stakeholders on the many challenges still faced by the Caribbean in ending AIDS, such as the number of new infections among adults each year.

She said that the figures had remained static for the past six years at an estimated 17,000.

But she told the Joint Regional Dialogue with Faith Leaders, Parliamentarians, Civil Society Leaders, National AIDS Programme (NAP) Managers and Youth Leaders that one-third of Caribbean people living with HIV on treatment were not virally suppressed in 2016.

“Additionally, retaining people on treatment has proven challenging for most countries in the Region,” she said, adding “of all people living with HIV in the Caribbean, 36 per cent were unaware of their HIV status in 2016. And late diagnosis is still a challenge, particularly for men”.

“If we are to ensure sustainability of the regional response and for ending AIDS, many countries in the Region have to do more to make AIDS and health a financial priority,” she said.

“Let me say also that sustainability is not just about resources.

“It is also about ensuring that our responses are the most effective, based on science and epidemiology, and targeting those most in need.

Sustainability is also about partnership”.

The Minister of State in the Office of the Prime Minister in Trinidad, Ayanna Webster-Roy emphasised at the conference, which ended later on Wednesday, the need for continued collaboration in dealing with the epidemic.

“As I look into the audience, I see a gathering of likeminded individuals who share a common interest for improving and sustaining the HIV and AIDS response within the Region” she stated, noting “it is through meetings like these that the realisation of our future goal of ending AIDS by 2030 will be achieved”.

She said while the Region has made significant progress in reducing the number of new infections among adults between 2000 and 2014, “our work is far from complete, as we have existing and new challenges to address”.

The meeting, which was attended by more than 60 delegates, came two years ahead of the 2020 deadline for reaching the 90-90-90 targets – 90 per cent of people living with HIV diagnosed, 90 per cent of diagnosed people on treatment and 90 per cent of those on treatment virally suppressed.

PANCAP Director Dereck Springer said the meeting sought to affirm the work done in response to HIV by stakeholder groups and individual organisations across the Region. (Jamaica Observer)

thurSDAY, april 26, 2018

guyanatimesgy.com

17

News

Trotman, Broomes rush to aid of distressed Rusal workers T

he coalition Government has established a task force to ensure workers of the Bauxite Company of Guyana Incorporated (BCGI) are not adversely affected by recent sanctions affecting parent company Russia Aluminum (Rusal).

Natural Resources Minister Raphael Trotman on Wednesday visited Rusal (Guyana operations), located in Kwakwani, Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice) to deliver the assurances first-hand to workers. Rusal Guyana is a majority shareholder in BCGI and a subsidiary of Rusal.

“We are here to assure you that we are not going to see your jobs just go aside.

We are going to be fighting,” Minister Trotman told workers.

He announced that a task force headed by Minister within the Natural Resources Ministry, Simona Broomes, will be leading this effort.

A proposal was made to

Minister Raphael Trotman addressing Rusal workers

Cabinet on Tuesday to establish the task force which would address the “crisis that could come” and address general company workers’ relations.

Last week, the United States Treasury Department announced sanctions against Rusal which would effectively ban the company from conducting business in American currency. The sanctions were to take effect in June but this week the Treasury Department an-

nounced it is pushing back the deadline to October 23, 2018, to give American companies time to wind down business with Rusal.

The task force is a cautionary measure and includes Finance Minister Winston Jordan, Members of Parliament Jermaine Figueira and Audwin Rutherford, General Secretary of the Guyana Bauxite and General Workers Union (GBGWU) Lincoln Lewis, and the

Department of Labour.

“Rusal, the company, the management and its workers have to find a way to work together to save this industry. The Government of Guyana has a duty to stand and work with you to save your jobs,” Minister Trotman said.

Minister Broomes also gave assurances to workers that the task force will work in their best interest. “Just know the reason for the task force is not to sit down and take information but to come up with solutions,” Minister Broomes said.

GBGWU’s General Secretary, Lewis, echoed the Minister’s sentiments and called for collaboration between workers and the company to further the task force’s work. “It is for you to give the Government the mandate as to the way forward. The Government representatives … have made the point that the Government is not prepared to leave you in the wilder-

GEA seizes over 9000 gallons of illegal fuel this year

F

ollowing last week’s seizure of some 200,000 gallons of suspected smuggled fuel, the Guyana Energy Agency (GEA) has announced it has seized in excess of 9000 gallons of gasoline and diesel thus far for the year as part of its anti-smuggling campaign.

This was revealed by the Agency on Wednesday in a statement, which detailed that GEA Inspectors have visited 3191 sites and collected 8339 fuel samples in the first quarter of the year.

“This represents an achievement of 22 per cent and 24 per cent respectively for its annual target.

Additionally, seven discoveries of illegal fuel were recorded and over 9000 gallons of gasoline and diesel seized for this period. There were two convictions so far and three matters are ongoing,” the GEA noted.

Meanwhile, the petroleum regulatory body highlighted that a total of 11,000 gallons of illegal gasoline and diesel were seized from 29 discoveries in 2017 following 12,882 sites and 33,891 samples collected. This resulted in six convictions, while compensation was accepted from four individuals under GEA legislation in the sum of $1,237,000.

According to the Agency, its work is supported by the Guyana Police Force (GPF), Guyana Defence Force Coast Guard (GDFCG) and the Guyana Revenue Authority’s (GRA) Customs Department.

The GEA went on to note that the percentage of sites found with significant dilution in at least one tank continues to be no more than

The Jubliee

three per cent since 2010, with two per cent being recorded in 2017. Apart from Georgetown, the statement added, the Agency continues to operate out of bases on the Essequibo Coast, Bartica and Linden; while routine and intelligence based operations continue to be done in various areas across the country as needed.

Moreover, the petroleum regulatory body said its Legal and Licensing Division continues its ‘monitoring the performance of the energy sector in Guyana, including the production, importation, distribution and utilisation of petroleum and petroleum products’ in accordance with Section 5(2) (c) of the GEA Act Chapter 56:05 as well as the provisions of the Petroleum and Petroleum Products Regulations 2014, which deals with permitting the issuance of licences of the various categories (import, wholesale, retail, bulk transportation carrier, storage, export, consumer installation) and site and vehicle inspections.

These licences are required for the conduct of different types of activities concerning petroleum and petroleum products, which include diesel, gasoline, ker-

osene, aviation fuel, lubricants and LPG. To this end, the Energy Agency disclosed that as of December 31, 2017, there were 13 Import and Importing Wholesale Licences for importation of fuel – that is, diesel, gasoline, kerosene, and aviation fuel; 22 Import and Importing Wholesale Licences issued for the importation of either lubricants and/or LPG only; one Export Licence; 14 Wholesale Licences; 113 Retail Licences; petrol filling stations; 464 Retail Licences; others – LPG, kerosene, lubricants etc; 230 Consumer Installation Licences, and 630 Bulk Transportation Carrier Licences, issued.

These issued licences are published annually in the Gazette. On this note, the GEA is reminding all licence-holders in the business of transporting, storing, retail, wholesale or importation of petroleum and petroleum products of their licensing obligations and requirements for timely renewal through submission of requisite documentation.

“The obligation of conformity through the licensing process supports the

GEA’s rigid stance in stamping out illegal fuel smuggling through proper monitoring, enforcement and compliance,” the petroleum regulatory body said in a statement on Wednesday.

The missive comes on the heels of a shipping vessel Jubliee being discovered with over 200,000 gallons of suspected smuggled fuel, when it entered the Georgetown port on Friday and its officials failed to disclose that it had fuel to customs officials until checks were made.

Commissioner General of the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA), Godfrey Statia, said on Tuesday that directors of the company that owns the vessel will have to pay some $36 million in taxes to the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA).

He noted that the vessel was not seized, but has been impounded until the dues are paid.

According to records, the fuel transported on the vessel was purchased in Trinidad with Suriname as the destination port. After that arrangement fell through, however, the vessel reportedly docked here. Reports indicate that Guyana Energy Agency (GEA) agents boarded the vessel, which was carrying fuel tanks and pumps after the crew was unable to provide the requisite documentation.

Information also suggests that a senior Government official and a local sports official have direct links to the vessel, which is owned by a company incorporated in Guyana under the Companies Act in 2016. These individuals are said to be shareholders of the company since 2017.

ness but to stand with you,” he said.

Managing Director of BCGI, Valerii Vinokurov, explained that the mining operations had halted operations following the announcement of the sanc-

the company.

Additionally, BCGI is working with the Bank of Guyana to open accounts in Euro currency to continue operations, “I want to assure you there is nothing to be afraid of. Rusal company

Rusal workers listening to officials

tions. Rusal Guyana will now resume work after being stalled for some 10 days.

He added that contractor, Oldendorff Carriers, will also continue its work with

is not going anywhere, we will continue to work and produce here in Guyana,” Vinokurov assured through a translator.

Soesdyke NDC Chairman attempts to evict Kwame McCoy from meeting

A

n attempt was made by the Chairman of the Soesdyke Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC), Leslie Glasgow, to evict political activist Kwame McCoy from a regular Council meeting on Wednesday.

However, the Chairman failed to succeed on his plan when McCoy refused to leave the meeting and explained that as a member of the public, he has every right to sit in, unless it’s sensitive in nature.

The People’s Progressive Party (PPP) activist told Guyana Times that upon a formal request by Glasgow to leave the meeting, he informed him that he was acting in contravention of the laws of Guyana.

McCoy said he quoted Chapter 28:02 of the law, which speaks directly to the issue which explains that any member of the public is allowed to attend a Council meeting as long as there is accommodation.

It was further explained to the NDC Chairman that a member of the public could

also be excluded from the meeting if he or she interrupts the proceedings, but only after a warning.

McCoy claimed that it was the second time since attending the NDC meeting that the Chairman requested for him to leave without cause. He said at first, he was not equipped with the law, so he opted to leave.

During the attempt the evict him, Glasgow referred to an archaic and irrelevant paper from 1980 that addresses meetings. But McCoy maintained that the law is superior to a standing order.

However, he views the Chairman’s decision to target him as an attempt to presumably hide from public scrutiny, especially since the Council has allegedly been implicated in serious financial irregularities. McCoy also thinks that Glasgow was being ‘politically vindictive’ towards him.

He said based on this experience, he is hoping that all local organs across the country educate themselves on local laws, particularly as it relates to their organisation.

18

guyanatimesgy.com

thurSDAY, april 26, 2018

ARCHIE

Problems with older individuals will surface. Don’t (March 21let anyone put pressure on April 19) you or cause you to miss out on something you are looking forward to.

ARIES

Your changing attitude TAURUS must be monitored closely. If (April 20- you make a rash decision, you May 20) will have regrets and possibly suffer losses. Stick to what you know and do best.

dilbert

Get physical and get GEMINI (May 21- things done. It’s up to you to June 20) initiate change if you want to move forward with your plans. Don’t settle for less when you can have so much more.

If you look for a window of opportunity, you will find ex(June 21- actly what’s required to put July 22) your ideas into play. Don’t fear being different or following the road less traveled.

CANCER

Peanuts

Erratic behavior on your or LEO someone else’s part will put you (July 23- in a difficult situation. Avoid arAug. 22) guments, unnecessary changes and emotional outbursts. Keep your head down and take care of your responsibilities.

Calvin and Hobbes

Explore and discover. Open VIRGO your mind to what others have (Aug. 23to offer, and disclose what you Sept. 22) have to contribute. Change will be productive and will enhance your life mentally, physically and emotionally.

Take it upon yourself to LIBRA (Sept. 23- finish what you start and to Oct. 23) live up to what’s expected of you. Complaints and criticism will come your way if you procrastinate or are lazy.

WORD GAME TODAY’S WORD — CIPHERS (CIPHERS: SYE-fers: Zeros.)

SUDOKU

Keep your life simple SAGITTARIUS and don’t take everything (Nov. 23you hear to heart. Someone Dec. 21) will stretch the truth to grab your attention and persuade you to get involved in something risky.

Average mark 21 words Time limit 30 minutes Can you find 29 or more words in CIPHERS? The list will be published tomorrow.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22Jan. 19)

YESTERDAY’S WORD — BIRETTA

bait baiter bare bate batt batter bear beat beta betta bier bite

biter bitt bitter brat brit irate rate rite tare tart tear teat

tetra tier tire titer trait treat tribe trite abet attire

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

Explore what life has to ofSCORPIO fer.

Taking a day trip, visiting (Oct. 24someone who has something Nov. 22) unique to offer or attending a retreat that will give you greater insight into personal growth is encouraged.

solution AQUARIUS (Jan. 20Feb. 19)

PISCES (Feb. 20March 20)

Talks will solve any pending personal problems.

Explore your options and make your position clear.

Much can be accomplished if you offer suggestions and are willing to compromise.

Money matters should be looked at carefully. Go over contracts, settlements or medical options and you’ll come up with a plan that will bring positive results.

Make personal changes that will update your image and make you feel good about the way you look. Plan something special for yourself and someone you love.

thursDAY, april 26, 2018

19

Madrid snatch 2-1 comeback win at Bayern H

olders Real Madrid came from a goal down to snatch a precious 2-1 victory at wasteful Bayern Munich on Wednesday and carry a considerable advantage into their Champions League semi-final second leg in Spain.

Real, eyeing a third straight title, needed a 44th-minute equaliser by Marcelo against the run of play to cancel out Joshua Kimmich’s opener after Bayern, chasing three trophies this

seas o n , h a d missed a hatful of chances.

A quick break allowed Real substitute Marco Asensio to beat Sven Ulreich

with a fine effort and grab the winner in the 57th minute.

There was more bad news for Bayern with Germany defender Jerome Boateng suffering a suspected adductor muscle injury that could rule him out for the final part of the season and the World Cup. The result was ident i - cal to last year’s quarter-final first leg between the teams before Real won the return game as well on the way to the first successful Champions League title defence.

“We are satisfied with the result but this

does not count for much,” Real coach Zinedine Zidane told reporters. “You can never feel absolutely safe in football.

“We won tonight and I think we played well, we got a good result after a hard game.”

Liverpool crushed AS Roma 5-2 in the other semi-final first leg on Tuesday.

Bayern, who had lost only one of their last 22 home games in the competition, had only themselves to blame and were punished for their profligacy.

They almost scored after 25 seconds when Real defender Dani Carvajal failed to clear properly in a furious and physical start to the match.

The hosts’ game plan seemed to go out the window after eight minutes with speedy winger Arjen Robben

was forced off with an ankle injury.

Pressing game They were undeterred by Real’s early tight pressing game, however, taking the lead when Kimmich slotted home after a superb through ball from former Real player James Rodriguez.

The Bavarians should have scored again even after another setback when Jerome Boateng went off with a thigh muscle injury, with chances falling to Franck Ribery, Mats Hummels and Thomas Mueller.

But it was Real who struck against the run of play with a low drive from Marcelo a minute before the break as the Brazilian full back added to his goals against Paris St Germain and Juventus in previous rounds.

The Spanish side, who

have had a disappointing domestic campaign, then caught the Germans napping after a defensive blunder as Asensio raced clear to score their second goal.

“It was a curious game,” Bayern coach Jupp Heynckes said. “We gifted Madrid two goals through our mistakes. We had really good chances and we did not use them. One should not be surprised that we lost.

“When you have that many chances and you don’t score then you cannot win.”

Bayern struggled to recover from the blow and despite having nearly 60% of possession they could not find an equaliser.

The defeat snapped Heynckes’s 12-game winning streak in the competition stretching back to 2013.

(Reuters)

Timing of Arsenal Salah threatens Ronaldo- departure not really Messi grip on Ballon d’Or my decision – Wenger

“World class” L

iverpool forward Mohamed Salah’s virtuoso display in the 5-2 win over AS Roma on Tuesday brought his side to the brink of the Champions League final and posed a serious threat to Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo’s grip on the Ballon d’Or award.

The Egyptian scored two brilliant goals in the first half against his former club to set Juergen Klopp’s side on their way to victory in the semi-final first leg at Anfield.

He set up two more in the second half to cap a thrilling evening.

Salah’s importance was further demonstrated by the fact Roma scored the two goals that give them a slither of hope of turning the tie around after he had been substituted.

The Egyptian’s strikes brought him to a remarkable 43 goals in all competitions this season, keeping him at the front of the list of top scorers in Europe, one ahead of Real Madrid’s talisman Ronaldo and two ahead of Barcelona’s Messi.

The Spain-based duo have had a stranglehold on the prestigious Ballon d’Or award since 2008, each winning the trophy for the world’s best player five times.

But Salah’s decisive performances are threatening to break that hegemony.

Since signing from Roma last season, the 25-year-old has already equalled the Premier League record for goals in a 38-game season with 31. He also recently pipped Kevin de Bruyne, Leroy Sane and David Silva of runaway champions Manchester City to the PFA Player of the Year award.

World class

His manager Klopp encouraged reporters to stake Salah’s claim as the best in the world while admitting he faces serious competition.

“If you think he’s the best in the world, write it or

say it,” said Klopp.

“He is in outstandingly good shape, in world-class shape, 100 percent. To be the best in the world you need to do that over a longer period, I think. There are a few others who are not too bad.”

The Ballon d’Or has gone to a winner of the Champions League for the last four years and Liverpool may have to lift a sixth European Cup in Kiev if Salah is to usurp double holder Ronaldo, whose Real side face Bayern Munich in the other semi-final.

Messi could also stake his claim to win the award for a sixth time with an influential performance for Argentina at the World Cup. But Salah will also be in Russia, the

leading light of an Egypt team making their first appearance in the tournament for 28 years.

If Salah leads Egypt out of Group A and steers them towards the quarter-finals, he will be able to make an even stronger case to prise the highly coveted individual award from the two greats of the game. (Reuters)

Mohamed Salah

Arsenal have won three Premier League titles and seven FA Cups, including the Double in 1998 and 2002, under Arsene Wenger

A

rsenal manager Arsene Wenger says the timing of his departure from the club after nearly 22 years “was not really my decision”.

It was announced on Friday that the 68-year-old Frenchman will leave the club at the end of the season, despite having a year left on his contract.

Speaking before Thursday’s Europa League semi-final first leg against Atletico Madrid, Wenger said: “I focus on what I have to do every day.

“At the moment, I work like ever.”

Wenger said he would continue to work “for sure” in the future, but was not ready to commit to anything else “at the moment”.

Arsenal have won three Premier League titles and seven FA Cups, including the Double in 1998 and 2002, under Wenger.

A number of managers have been linked with replacing Wenger,

including former Gunners captain Patrick Vieira and ex-Barcelona manager Luis Enrique.

Asked about the latter, Wenger said: “I don’t want to influence the next manager, but of course I have a high opinion of Luis Enrique.”

Arsenal have said a replacement will be announced as soon as possible, while chief executive Ivan Gazidis said the club must be bold in their search for a new manager.

Thursday’s match will be the final time Wenger takes charge of the Gunners for a home European tie.

Their hopes of reaching the Champions League next season rest on winning the Europa League.

“Is there a perfect goodbye? I don’t know. I just want to do as well as I can,” Wenger said.

“This group of players deserve something special and I want to do it for them, to achieve something with them.

“My biggest satisfaction would be to be successful with the players we have.” (BBC)

20

GUYANATIMESgy.COM

thursDAY, april 26, 2018

Indian Premier League 2018…

Dhoni, Rayudu raze down 206 in blaze of sixes

A

mbati Rayudu and MS Dhoni starred as Chennai Super Kings produced a thrilling run-chase to defeat Royal Challengers Bangalore by five wickets in the Indian Premier League.

AB de Villiers’ electric 30-ball 68, as part of a century stand with Quinton de Kock (53) helped RCB to an imposing 205-8.

The Super Kings were reeling in reply at 74-4, but Rayudu (82) and Dhoni (70) launched a stunning counter-attack to reduce the required run rate.

It looked as though they would fall short when Rayudu was run out

at the end of the 18th over, but some poor death bowling from Mohammed Siraj – including three straight wides – left the visitors needing 16 off the last over.

Dwayne Bravo landed 11 of those before the ice cool Dhoni launched the final six in what was a record for maximums in a n

MS Dhoni took a special liking to Pawan Negi's loopy left-arm spin (BCCI)

IPL match to seal the most dramatic of wins and put the Super Kings top of the table.

Devastating de Villiers, Bravo, Dwayne!

De Villiers was certainly in the mood, launching eight sixes in his knock including three in a row off Shardul Thakur in the 13th over, as he and De Kock put on 103 for the second wicket.

Bravo eventually broke the stand, perplexing De Kock with a slower ball that was chipped back into the bowler’s hands.

And then Imran Tahir removed the dangerman, De Villiers tempted into a leading edge to sweeper cover, before snaffling Corey Anderson (2) with the next

ball.

Bravo had the ball in hand for the last over when Colin de Grandhomme (11) and Pawan Negi (0) were run out, before the West Indies star forced Umesh Yadav (0) to hole out to Sam Billings at deep midwicket.

Rayudu and Dhoni lead the chase

A tall order was made even more difficult when Shane Watson (7), Suresh Raina (11), Billings (9) and Ravindra Jadeja (3) failed to make an impact.

But Dhoni played with typical class, while Rayudu anchored a sublime century stand with eight sixes and three fours.

Rayudu’s knock came to an end with a brilliant run out from Umesh Yadav despite a desperate dive.

However, Siraj’s jitters at the end hampered RCB

Djokovic beaten in 2nd round by Klizan

F

ormer world number one Novak Djokovic fell to a surprise defeat by Slovakian qualifier Martin Klizan in the second round of the Barcelona Open.

Klizan, ranked 140th in the world, beat 12th-ranked Djokovic 6-2 1-6 6-3.

The Serb hit 19 winners but struggled with his backhand, notching 22 unforced errors and winning just eight of 13 points at the net.

Defending champion Rafael Nadal plays fellow Spaniard Roberto Carballes Baena later on Wednesday.

Djokovic, a 12-time Grand Slam champion, has failed to reach the last eight in any of his five tournament appearances since making his return from an elbow injury.

Earlier, Japan’s Kei Nishikori retired from his second-round match against

Spaniard Guillermo GarciaLopez.

Nishikori, who lost to Nadal in the Monte Carlo Masters final on Sunday, was trailing 6-3 before retiring with pain in his right thigh.

Bulgarian second seed Grigor Dimitrov beat France’s Gilles Simon 6-2 6-1, while Australia’s Dominic Thiem beat Spaniard Jaume Munar 7-6 (10-8) 6-1. (BBC)

and in the final over B r a v o e d g e d Anderson for four and lofted one over the covers for six, before Dhoni put the finishing touch on the win with a smack straight over the cow corner ropes. (Sportsmax) AB de Villiers is a picture of poise as he lofts insideout over long-off (BCCI)

SCOREBOARD Royal Challengers Bangalore Innings (20 overs maximum) Q de Kock † c & b Bravo 53 V Kohli (c) c Jadeja b Thakur 18 AB de Villiers c Billings b Tahir 68 C Anderson c H Singh b I Tahir 2 M Singh c Jadeja b Thakur 32 C de Grandhomme run out (†Dhoni) 11 P Negi run out (Jadeja/†Dhoni) 0 W Sundar not out 13 U Yadav c Billings b Bravo 0 M Siraj not out 0 Extras (b 4, w 4) 8 Total (8 wickets;20 Overs) 205 Did not bat: Y Chahal Fall of wickets: 1-35 (Kohli, 4.2 ov), 2-138 (de Kock, 13.1 ov), 3-142 (de Villiers, 14.5 ov), 4-142 ( Anderson, 14.6 ov), 5-191 ( Singh, 18.6 ov), 6-191 (C de Grandhomme, 19.1 ov), 7-192 (Negi, 19.2 ov), 8-193 (Yadav, 19.3 ov) Bowling: Chahar 2-0-200, Thakur 4-1-46-2, H Singh

2-0-24-0, Jadeja 2-0-220, Watson 2-0-21-0, Tahir 4-0-35-2, Bravo 4-1-33-2 Chennai Supers Kings Innings (target: 206 runs from 20 overs) S Watson c Siraj b Negi 7 A Rayudu run out (Yadav) 82 S Raina c M Singh b Yadav 11 S Billings st †de Kock b Chahal 9 R Jadeja b Chahal 3 M Dhoni (c) † not out 70 D Bravo not out 14 Extras (lb 2, nb 1, w 8) 11 Total (5 wickets; 19.4 Overs) 207 Did not bat: H Singh, D Chahar, S Thakur, I Tahir Fall of wickets: 1-8 (Watson, 0.6 ov), 2-50 (Raina, 5.1 ov), 3-59 (Billings, 6.2 ov), 4-74 (Jadeja, 8.6 ov), 5-175 (Rayudu, 17.5 ov) Bowling: Negi 3-0-36-1, Yadav 4-0-23-1, Sundar 1-0-14-0, Siraj 4-0-48-0), Chahal 4-026-2, Anderson 3.4-0-58-0

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Abel blasts Regal Masters to Malone birthday cup title Regal Masters played unbeaten to win the title

T

he most decorated masters softball team in the country, Regal Masters added more silverware to their collection when they won the Ramo Malone birthday trophy on Sunday, April 15.

In the final of the sixteam one-day tournament played at the Demerara Cricket Club (DCC) Ground in Queenstown, Georgetown, Regal Masters beat Wellman by 30 runs after some powerful hitting from their top-order batsmen.

B

uttercup won the Senior Citizens Bocce Tournament, which was sponsored by the National Sports Commission (NSC) and organised by Wilton Spencer, at the National Gymnasium last Saturday.

Team Buttercup, captained by Norris Fullington and assisted by Eluan Vanolten, Brenda Phill, and Leona Brotherson emerged champions defeating rivals Sunflower 16-9 points after completing 17 frames (frame: when both teams have exhausted four balls

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On their way to the final, Regal Masters beat Fishermen Masters by the wide margin of 58 runs in their semi-final. In their turn at the crease, Regal Masters tallied 131 for 6 from their 15 overs with Mahesh Chunilall hitting the top score of 36 (2x4; 2x6) while Baker with 25 not out (3x6) and Mohendra Arjune 21 (4x4) supported nicely to put up the winning total.

For the Fishermen, Unis Yusuf snared 2 for 16 from

his three overs before coming back with the bat to top score with 29 (2x4; 3x6) in the run chase. In the end, it was Regal Master’s bowling that came to the party.

Kippins led with 4 for 16 with support from Laurie Singh (3 for 12) and Saheed Mohamed (1 for 8).

The other teams that were part of the day’s action were Savage Masters and Ariel Masters, who were knocked out at the preliminary stage of the competition.

each).

In the preliminary rounds, Team Buttercup got past Team Hibiscus 16-6 after playing 12 frames while Team Sunflower won against Team Rose in a closely-contested match, 16-13, after completing 16 frames.

The day’s final game saw Buttercup and Sunflower play to determine the champion.

Following the event, the organiser presented trophies and medals to the winning team while the runner-up had to settle for only medals.

Sidelined Windies players angered by World XI snub – Bravo

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Masters in their semi-final, had a crack at the target and the title, but were turned back by some good bowling from the eventual champions. Saheed Mohamed picked up 2 for 16 from his three overs and was supported by Mahendra Hardyal (1-13); Kippins (1-23) and Parsram Persaud (1-19) to restrict Wellman to 115 for 5 from their 15 overs. Only Lloyd Ruplall with 41 (3x4; 2x6) and Eon Lovell 21 (1x4; 2x6) showed any fight to the good bowling in good conditions for

Buttercup win Bocce Tournament

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Regal Masters took first strike and got to 145-8 from their allotted 15 overs, with Eon Abel striking six fours in his 34 at the top of the order that set up the winning total. He was supported by a Throy Kippins cameo of 33 (6x4s) and a flamboyant 21 (2x4; 1x6) from Rudolph Baker. All of the Wellman bowlers were roughed up, but Latchman Kallicharran with 2 for 24 and Greg DeFranca with 1 for 24 were the most successful.

Wellman, who beat Albion

Dwayne Bravo

O

ut-of-favour Windies all-rounder Dwayne Bravo has claimed a number of former players have been victimized by not being allowed to contribute to the region’s hurricane relief effort.

According to the 34-yearold, himself, brother Darren Bravo, Sunil Narine a n d

Kieron Pollard all hoped to participate in the West Indies vs World XI match scheduled for Lord’s Cricket Ground in May but were not considered by selection for the match.

The players have been at odds with Cricket West Indies in recent times with Darren Bravo, Narine and Pollard all turning down the chance to represent the team at the ICC World Cup qualifiers for various reasons, with a conflict with the Pakistan Super League (PSL) listed among them.

“We were denied the opportunity to be a part of something to help Caribbean people in a charity game we wanted to play in and were looking forward to being a part of,” Bravo told ESPNcricinfo.

“We weren’t contacted or selected, so we just want people to know that we were fully available for the game and

are seeking answers behind our non-selection,” he added.

“They’ve given the public the false impressions we don’t want to play in the World Cup qualifiers because we went to play for money, but now we’re available for free for a good cause and they don’t pick us.”

Bravo who claimed the players had also asked for an account number in order to be able to contribute to the cause anyway had also attempted to play on the World XI team. CWI CEO Johnny Graves explained that such a move would not have been possible.

“It’s a Rest of the World XI not a World XI,” CWI chief executive Johnny Grave said.

“And it’s a fully accredited T20I so counts for stats, hence why Caribbean players can’t play for opposition team.”

(Sportsmax)

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GUYANATIMESgy.COM

thursDAY, april 26, 2018

Windies open World Cup campaign against Pakistan W

indies will play their first match of the ICC World Cup 2019 on May 31 against Pakistan in England, in the return of the 1992 format which essentially means all ten teams play each other and the top four progressing to

the knock-out phase.

After facing the Asian giants, they move to play Australia on June 6; four days later they come against South Africa, then host England on June 14.

They then play Bangladesh and New Zealand on June 17 and 22. On June 27, they face India and their final two matches will be on July 1 and July 4 against Sri Lanka and Afghanistan.

Meanwhile, two years after clashing in the Champions Trophy final, India and Pakistan will meet at Old Trafford in the marquee contest of the 2019

World Cup. England will meet South Africa to unveil the most prestigious event in cricket at The Oval on May 30.

The tournament will be played at 11 venues across England and Wales with Lord’s hosting its fifth World Cup final on July 14.

E v e n though the

The big Chris Gayle wants to play at the 2019 World Cup

World C u p will be played during the first h a l f of the English summer,

the ICC has insured the knockout matches - both semi-finals and the final - by having reserve days for the three games. Old Trafford will host the first semi-final (No. 1 v No. 4) on July 9 with the action shifting to

Edgbaston two days later for the other semi between the second and thirdplaced teams on the league table.

The eleven venues that will host the tournament are Lord’s, the Oval, Edgbaston, Trent Bridge, Headingley, Old Trafford, T a u n t o n , B r i s t o l , Chesterle-Street, Southampton

and Cardiff.

Defending champions Australia will play qualifiers Afghanistan in Bristol on June 2 under lights. That match is one of seven daynight contests scheduled for the tournament, including the June 29 clash between 2015 finalists Australia and New Zealand at Lord’s.

In all, the tournament compris-

es 48 matches to be played across 46 days.

The India-

Pakistan contest, at the same venue that hosted their Super Six clash in the 1999 edition of the tournament, is expected to once again attract record eyeballs, as was the case during both their meetings during last year’s Champions Trophy.

By the time India play their first match of the tournament - against South Africa on June 5, in Southampton - some of

Jason Holder will have another monumental task on his shoulders

the other teams will already have played two matches. This is the result of a request from the BCCI, who wanted India’s first match pushed back to comply with the Lodha Committee’s recommendation that there needed to be a 15-day window between the IPL and India’s participation in any international series or

tournament. Next year’s IPL is scheduled to take place between March 29 and May 19.

According to the first draft of the schedule, India were supposed to play in the first few days of the tournament, but the ICC accepted the BCCI’s request and pushed back the date of their first match.

The return to the 1992 format, and the schedule, were approved by the ICC’ chief executives committee (CEC) during the ICC’s quarterly meetings on Monday and Tuesday. The ICC Board, which meets on Thursday, is yet to ratify the CEC’s decisions.

Along with hosts England, seven other countries - Australia, Bangladesh, India, New Zealand, Pakistan, South Africa and Sri Lanka - secured a direct entry to the World Cup last September.

In March, Afghanistan and Windies booked the final two slots after finishing as the top two teams in the World Cup Qualifier.

Mercy Wings impress at SS Windball Competition

M

Participants of the NSC/AL Sport & Tour Promotions’ inaugural Special Schools Windball Cricket Competition pose for a photograph following the conclusion

ercy Wings claimed both male and female titles of the National Sports Commission (NSC)/AL Sport & Tour Promotionssponsored inaugural Special Schools Windball

Cricket Competition.

In the female category, Wings contested the final against Saint Barnabus at the Jubilee Park where the latter were invited to bat after losing the toss.

Saint Barnabus posted

38-1 off their five overs as Faithie King topscored with 16.

Mercy Wings lost no wickets in their reply as they reached 41-0, with Tramaine Trotz leading the way with 23.

Meanwhile, Mercy Wings Boys took on Sophia Special School in the final and prevailed with a solid run chase.

Sophia set 41 for victory after making 40-3 when their overs had ex-

pired, but the opposition easily reached 42-1, with Denelison Sealey contributing 20.

It was Mercy Wings’ second match against Sophia; the first saw the tournament winners make 96-3

before restricting the opposition to 75-6. Sophia defeated Saints Barnabus’ male side to have another opportunity at Wings, but still managed to come out on the losing end.

Curling team earn 3rd victory S

ession 23 of the World Mixed Doubles Curling championship being held in Sweden saw curling history made, when two Member Associations from South America faced each other on the ice on Wednesday.

Guyana played Brazil and when the post-match handshakes took place, Guyana had won by a score of 6-3 and picked up their third victory in a row.

After recording 9-6 and 11-4 victories over Austria

and Ireland respectively on Tuesday, the Guyanese pair of Rayad Hussain and Farzana Hussain teamed up to defeat Brazil’s Aline Goncalves and Marcio Cerquinho 6-3 in Group E round-robin action.

They play Czech Republic today, and are fourth on the table with three wins and three defeats after six outings; however, according to Rayad, they will not progress to the play-offs ahead of Czech due to their opponents having more victories.

Brazil and Guyana prepare to make history (WCF/ Richard Gray photo)

thursDAY, april 26, 2018

guyanatimesgy.com

23

– talented player plotting course to professional circuit She has swept most of the accolades as a junior, now it’s time to replicate the same success in the senior field

By Akeem Greene

E

ighteen-year-old table tennis player Priscilla Greaves got a rude but gainful awakening to senior international competition when she competed in the recent

Commonwealth Games in Australia.

In an interview with Guyana Times Sport at her home on Wednesday, the young prodigy revealed competing at the 21st edition of the Games held on the Gold Coast allowed her

to fully grasp the true reality of being in the ‘lion’s den’.

“Playing in the Caribbean, I always felt you could do good, you could have a solid space, but now when you go out in the bigger world of tennis, it is like wow, it’s even hard to make it out of your group.”

She added, “Now you have to train harder and keeping training and try to train abroad, because Guyana does not have the training we need to get to get to a further level; that is why I try to go abroad to improve myself.”

Greaves was a part of the winning end of the indifferent showing by the national racket-wielders; in partnering with another budding star, Shemar Britton, she moved out of the round of 64 of the mixed doubles as they defeated Vanuatu 3-0, but stumbled in the next round to Singapore.

For the former Marian Academy student, who is currently studying for the Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT) at Nations University, hard work extends to both on and off the field as she en-

Tenacity has been one of her greatest attributes (The Xercise photo)

sures there is life after what she hopes to be a prolonged professional career.

“Academics are very important. In case, you get an injury you can always turn to academics. It is really hard to balance the two, but you have to put a lot of work in both studies and table tennis,” she noted.

Golden inspiration

Olympian Troy Doris’s leap to a momentous gold for Guyana in the triple jump sent shock waves of congratulatory messages to the United States-based athlete, including Greaves’.

“I really wanted him to win. I was there at the sta-

GCB/Hand-in-Hand U-19 50-Over…

dium, but I was watching and cheering him on. To see one Guyanese do it by going past all the odds and get a gold, it means that every other Guyanese can do it; once they work hard enough, they will be able to do the same,” she posited.

Her work has just begun as she plots a course into the college realm and a professional career. But for those illustrious goals to occur, it would mean Greaves has to be given the necessary exposure on a consistent basis.

Last July, she went to China for a training stint, but only could stay for three weeks owing to financial constraints. Greaves, who is appreciative of sponsors such as Hand-in-Hand, which played a substantial role in her trip to Asia, firmly believes with more support for exposure to high-level training, she can become a force to reckon with worldwide.

Supporting the young star, who is bursting with overwhelming talent, could mean investing in stardom on the world stage for the former Caribbean bronze medallist.

Chance for Demerara to “save face”

Joshua Persaud

I

t has just not been Demerara’s time to shine in the ongoing Guyana Cricket Board (GCB)/Hand-in-Hand Insurance Under-19 50Over Inter-County tournament.

Arguably, one of the strong sides on paper, they certainly showed to their demise that it was not about names but who showed up

to play on the day.

After failing to get any play in their opening match of the 50-Over segment, and gifting their three-day title to a well-oiled Berbice unit, they got hammered by the boys from the Ancient County.

Today, they will have to quickly rebound from the 119-run defeat and not underestimate the National

Select U-17 team at Everest Cricket Ground.

Windies Youth player Joshua Persaud, who missed most of the three-day segment, needs to hit top peak with the bat. Young Adrian Hinds has looked quite impressive at the top of the order and maybe has enough to squeeze a spot in the national team.

With uncertainty over

Bhaskar Yadram due to an ankle injury, Persaud, another Windies youth player, is ultimately the man to deliver the goods.

With ball in hand, Demerara have been quite superb led by the talented Ashmead Nedd and Dwain Dick while pacer Qumar Torrington is finding his groove.

For the U-17s, easing the burden off the shoulders of marquee batsman Sachin Singh would only do wonders for them in a bid to pull off an upset victory. Marvin Prashad, who made a gritty 63, will want to cash in on another good score.

For Berbice, who, based on form, should easily complete the double, they will have to face Essequibo at Tuschen. Kevlon Anderson will want to continue pilling on the runs so will Captain Kevin Sinclair and his cousin, Junior Sinclair. Opening the batting, Alex Algoo has made some dashing starts and will want to carry on to a big score, while with the ball, Kevin

Umroa has simply been a magician.

The hosts, on the other hand, have been indifferent, but have the arsenal to do well. Kurt Lovell, who has been around the national youth level for quite some time now, has to produce a meaningful score to lend support to Captain Kevin Christian.

Both matches are slated to commence from 09:00h.

Sachin Singh

thursDAY, april 26, 2018

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

guyanatimesgy.com

Pg 22

Windies open World Cup campaign against Pakistan Windies were knocked out in the quarter-finals of the 2015 World Cup but the new format can allow them to possibly make the final four

Priscilla Greaves is hoping to gather the necessary support to help Guyana stamp their authority as a tabletennis playing country

Commonwealth Games a step above the rest for Greaves

Pg 23

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