Guyanatime 3 february 2018

Agri co-op societies to be formed in Ithaca, Buxton, BV, P15 Mocha Nationwide coverage from the best news team in Guyana guyanatimesgy.com

Issue No. 3470

THE BEACON OF TRUTH

Saturday, February 3, 2018

PRICE

‘Mo fyaah killing wave’

WHAT'S INSIDE:

PPP never gave operational instructions to Police – Teixeira …former Police Commissioner Winston Felix refuses to comment Page 3

Motorcyclist dies after crashing into utility pole Page 7

$80 vat included

Rural economies Page sabotaged, 10 unemployment soars – Ali

GECOM chair nominee P12 hijacked car recovered …found with serial hijacker

Overtopping results P11 in school shutdown at Vreed-enHoop

…criticises Govt’s reckless approach to restructuring industry

2000 acres of rice in danger as GuySuCo shuts off water Page 9

Councillor complains P12 about lack of transparency at City Hall

Guyanese running from crises in Venezuela meet tragedy in Guyana

…Region 2 officials order home be demolished

P12

Rice farmer Manoj Singh points to the cracked areas on his rice land as a result of the Guyana Sugar Corporation shutting off its water supply to farmers on the East Coast of Berbice, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne)

Rupununi Magisterial District Court Office opens Page 15

Damage to property lands woman in jail P12

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saturDAY, February 3, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

news

‘Mo fyaah killing wave’

BRIDGE OPENINGS The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Saturday, February 3 – 05:00h-06:30h and Sunday, February 4 – 08:30h-10:00h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Saturday, February 3 – 06:30h-08:00h and Sunday, February 4 – 07:10h-08:40h.

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

WEATHER TODAY

Light rain showers with sunny intervals can be expected throughout the day, with partly cloudy skies expected in the evening. Temperatures are expected to range between 24 degrees Celsius and 27 degrees Celsius.

Winds: North-easterly between 3.12 metres and 5.36 metres.

High Tide: 06:32h and 18:50h reaching maximum heights of 2.71 metres and 2.75 metres respectively.

Low Tide: 00:06h and 12:23h reaching minimum heights of 0.42 metre and 0.51 metres respectively.

wednesDAY, january 31, 2018

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FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2018

DAILY MILLIONS 06 07 08 12 13 LUCKY 3 4 5 3 Afternoon Draw DRAW DE LINE

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

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saturDAY, February 3, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

PPP never gave operational instructions to Police – Teixeira …former Police Commissioner Winston Felix refuses to comment

By Michael Younge

T

he People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) Administration has never given operational instructions to the Guyana Police Force, during the politically and ethnically motivated crime spree of the 2000s, which saw scores of persons losing their lives as the security forces faced off with criminal elements in a bid to restore law and order throughout the country.

This is the position of former Home Affairs Minister Gail Teixeira, who on Friday denied accusations and insinuations made by Head of State David Granger at a recent event where he confirmed that a Commission of Inquiry (CoI) is to be held into the crime wave which occurred during the 2000 and 2008 period.

President Granger had said that there were some eight massacres that occurred during the period of the “troubles” as he vowed that the inquiry could expose the authors behind that criminal enterprise that caused havoc throughout the country. He is even quoted as saying that “we feel that the way in which the investigation was handled indicated that there was a high level of collusion between the Governments of the day…”

That is the statement that the former Home Affairs Minister has out rightly rejected as it suggested that those, who held ministerial responsibility between 2000 and 2008, were somehow either colluding with criminal elements or giving political directives to the Police in order to achieve some desired outcome.

“That is not true. I have never given any directive outside of my remit and I certainly have never given any operational instructions to the Police during my tenure in office,” Teixeira said when asked for an invited comment.

Former Home Affairs Minister Gail Teixeira

She served as Guyana’s Home Affairs Minister from May 31, 2005 to September 8, 2006. The veteran politician insisted that none of her colleagues would have ventured outside of their core responsibilities which are clearly outlined to meddle in the work of the Police or lend support to anyone who breached the laws.

When contacted too, former Home Affairs Minister Clement Rohee asked for a response to the statements, noting that it was nothing new or surprising as this has been the position of the People’s National Congress (PNC) and its sympathisers for a long time.

“That’s an allegation he is making there… nothing more and nothing new…

I share the positions expressed by the PPP on the inquiry. Whatever we decide as a party is what I support. If I have any personal opinions, I will a medium to share them at the right time,” he related.

Rohee served as Home Affairs Minister from 2006 to 2015 while his colleague Ronald Gajraj served in the same post from 2001 to 2005. Gajraj could not be reached for comment.

Meanwhile, Police Commissioner Seelall Persaud, who was Crime Chief during a significant portion of the time span covered by the CoI declined to adopt a position on the

Government’s decision to investigate the actions of the Security Forces during that time and the crimes committed.

“Any of the actions that we take in relation to our duties will be tested at some time… the public will want to know… the authorities will want to know,” he said on Wednesday, as he refused to say definitively if he supported the CoI. But former Police Commissioner Winston Felix outright refused to comment in any definitive way on the quality and type of engagements he had with the two PPP Government Ministers under which he served between 2006 and 2008, thereby refusing to add credence to the seemingly declarative statements

by President Granger who now heads the PNC/APNU coalition of which Felix is an executive.

Felix appeared to have found himself in a bind as he also currently serves as the Citizenship Minister within the Cabinet of President David Granger.

“For me, once this process has commenced, it has certain judicial characteristics and I don’t want to be answering any questions in the media and I don’t want to preempt the inquiry in any manner or form.

I would keep my big mouth shut on any questions coming from anybody. I will answer no questions from anyone in the media during the inquiry,” he said in response to a direct question posed by Guyana Times on the matter.

Former Police Commissioner Winston Felix

“I don’t want to be talking on the one side and people going to testify on the other part. Even though it’s just a relationship question, I don’t want to talk about that because with Winston Felix there were two different sets of relationships between two different Ministers of Home Affairs… so I don’t want to touch that,” he continued.

Felix said if Guyana Times had posed that questions about whether he had ever been given political directives or operational directives by a sitting Home Affairs Minister while he was at the helm of the Police Force before the President’s statement, he may have cooperated and responded.

“I would have been inclined to make a few comments but now that the inquiry is constituted, my mouth is zipped,” Felix argued. He also said if he is properly summoned before the inquiry, he will attend even if he had not been a Minister of Government.

Turn to page 15

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guyanatimesgy.com

saturDAY, February 3, 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

Sexual violence against children

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ecently, a number of cases involving children being sexually assaulted engaged the attention of the courts here. During the hearings, in quite a few of them, the nation was shocked to learn of the details which emerged of how the victims were sexually and physically abused. In one of the cases, a logger was found guilty on two counts of sexual activity with a child family member by the jury at the High Court. A relative of the victim read out the girl’s statement in court where the child outlined that she lives in discomfort and harbours difficulty relating to males.

According to the victim, since the sexual abuse, she often has nightmares and bad dreams with constant flashbacks of the harrowing attacks inflicted upon her. She related that she does not play with friends and spends much time selfharming. She was quoted in the media as saying: “I feel messed up about what happened to me”.

Then there was another case in which a man appeared in court for a similar matter. He is currently serving a life sentence after being found guilty last year of raping a male family member, who was seven and eight years old when he was violated. These are just two of a long list of cases of our children being sexually violated. While life would never be the same again for the victims involved, it is good to see that the perpetrators are facing justice for these despicable and cruel acts. However, this might just be the tip of the iceberg, as it is highly believed that many child sexual abuse cases are deliberately hidden and go unreported due to varying reasons.

Sexual violence against children is considered to be a gross violation of children’s rights. According to UNICEF, sexual violence can take the form of sexual abuse, harassment, rape or sexual exploitation in prostitution or pornography. It can happen in homes, institutions, schools, workplaces, in travel and tourism facilities, within communities. Increasingly, the Internet and mobile phones also put children at risk of sexual violence, as some adults look to the Internet to pursue sexual relationships with children. There is also an increase in the number and circulation of images of child abuse.

The 2014 UNICEF study, Hidden in Plain Sight, estimates that worldwide, around 120 million girls under the age of 20 (about one in 10) have been subjected to forced sexual intercourse or other forced sexual acts at some point of their lives. Boys also report experiences of sexual violence, but they do so to a lesser extent than girls.

Evidence shows that sexual violence can have serious short- and long-term physical, psychological and social consequences not only for girls or boys, but also for their families and communities. This includes increased risks for illness, unwanted pregnancy, psychological distress, stigma, discrimination and difficulties at school.

In Guyana, the Childcare and Protection Agency (CC&PA) has been on the frontline in bringing some of these cases to light. The Agency must continue to work diligently to ensure that all such cases are brought to the fore where they could be properly investigated and prosecuted.

Stakeholders must seek to obtain empirical data about the incidences of these crimes against children, especially in the geographical areas in which it is known to occur and put systems in place to prosecute offenders to the fullest extent of the law.

The Guyana Police Force is also a key partner in the fight against child sexual violence. The Force must continue to provide the necessary training to its officers to properly investigate sexual crimes against children. Our children need to be assured that when violence against them is reported, the law will act quickly to prosecute the perpetrators and that our judicial system will function efficiently and equitably to bring such criminals to justice.

Importantly too is that all the necessary support systems must be put in place to ensure victims and their families are provided with the counseling, etc to overcome the trauma of sexual violence.

Children, irrespective of their ethnic, religious, cultural or social backgrounds, deserve to grow up in an environment where they feel safe and are part of loving and nurturing families.

As the countdown to Mashramani 2018 continues, the regional Children’s Mashramani Competition heated up with a splendid display in the costume competition at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall on Friday

Subsidising dismissed sugar workers

Dear Editor, I do strongly believe that the severed sugar workers must be given subsidised water and electricity due to the tremendous hardships they and their families have been facing. At this point in time, it is difficult for them to provide even the basic need of food for themselves and their families.

It would also be a great boost if the Government can focus its ‘Bus’ initiative in those areas affected.

It is now an accepted fact that the Government did not make any provision to support the dismissed sugar workers, even though it was planned long before the preparation and presentation of the 2018 Budget in Parliament. It is also a fact that even the payment of severance was not catered for in the Budget, even though the law stipulates that the payment must be made as soon as the worker is severed. There was fiscal space in the Budget to accommodate the severance, since there was an extra budgetary allocation of $4 billion for the GDF, the People’s Militia and National Service.

However, the Government now has an opportunity to make amends.

Let me be clear: this hardship of these sugar workers results from no fault of theirs. It is accepted that the profitability of the industry is severely

threated, and hence its viability; but it is the responsibility of the Government to ensure their survival. The EU has made that clear in its National Adaptation Strategy that the livelihood of the workers must be protected.

We must bear in mind that since Government took office in 2015, the sugar workers have not received a dollar in terms of increases in wages and salaries, even though ministers of Government have been given from 50 to 100% increases even though they had not actually started to work. Many incentives have been taken away from these sugar workers, and many have no savings, they live from paycheck to paycheck.

The Government has been ‘selling dreams’ to the sugar workers, such as their being trained to become entrepreneurs, their children will be trained to work in the oil and gas sector, the workers will be given loans from a fund of $100 million (this works out to $20 thousand dollars per worker), they will be given 1 acre of land each to cultivate, they will be trained to do other skilled jobs, and the list goes on. What we need to understand is that the Wales Estate was closed since December 2016, and the sugar workers and the surrounding areas are still reeling from the fallout.

It was reported in the press: ‘Closure of Wales Sugar Estate now taking

toll on surrounding communities’, and that as at December 2017, the dire situation has not changed.

In fact, it has gotten worse. Will Skeldon and Rose Hall be any better?

No, they will not be any better off!

Privatization is a long way off. The valuation by PricewaterhouseCoopers will take at least 8 months, according to the Government, and the submission of investment proposals from those investors who have shown interest in the purchase of Rose Hall and Skeldon will take another 8 months.

This may take us to the end of 2019. Therefore the eventual operation of these estates will take approximately 2 years. What will the redundant sugar workers do to survive in the meantime? Moreover, it is not assured that all of them will be re-employed.

It is submitted that by subsidizing the electricity and water bills of these workers, the economy as a whole will benefit, since the money saved from these bills will increase the spending on consumer goods in the economy, and it will have a multiplier effect. More jobs will be saved or created, and the economy will be able to withstand the shock of the negative effects of the redundancy, to some extent.

Some revenue from VAT and other taxation will go to the Government.

Furthermore, to give a paltry $10,000 subsidy to

all 5,000 workers made redundant in the industry would amount to only $600 million per annum.

Linden is given a subsidy of over $2 billion per annum, which they do deserve. So, to give all the redundant workers a subsidy for water and electricity will not bankrupt the Treasury. Both sugar workers and bauxite workers have made significant contributions to the economy in this country’s hour of need. In the past, the sugar workers have directly given more than $100 billion as sugar levy.

In addition, the provision of free transportation to the children of sugar workers in these affected areas such as Wales, Rose Hall and Skeldon will go a far way in alleviating the sufferings of these workers and their families.

The plight of the dismissed sugar workers is a test of our morals, whether we care or not for our fellowmen; and this is not about politics or race (in fact, all race is affected by this redundancy, and people from all political parties are affected) but it is about assisting our brothers and sisters and their children and their dependents in their hour of need.

I do sincerely ask the Government to carefully consider this request.

Sincerely, H Yusuf RDC Councillor Region Six

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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

PPP/C has no generational conflict

Dear Editor, I have noted the statements by Prime Minister Nagamootoo in the Guyana Chronicle with some amusement, where he expresses solidarity with, and mounts in his view a defense of, older comrades and leaders of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) – comrades he claims are the ones whom former President Bharrat Jagdeo wants to push out of the Party.

Does he believe that we are suffering from such short memories?

Moses Nagamootoo has always been the chameleon, much to the amusement of some of the older heads of the PPP who have known him all too well…unfortunately. He waxes and wanes, drifts wherever the winds blow, and dances to the piper’s call once his objective of personal aggrandizement is met.

Nagamootoo believes that we have forgotten how he has vilified the entire PPP and its leaders, calling the PPP “racist,” “fascist”,

“fat cats”, to name a few, at sittings in the National Assembly and at other public forums. Now he is pretending to ‘defend’ the older leaders of the PPP as a means to target once again his nemesis, Bharrat Jagdeo.

His obsession with Jagdeo is understandable, as he knows he is no match, nor could he ever be, with Jagdeo; or, in fact, any of several leaders of the PPP. Instead, he should be more concerned about whether his party, the AFC, will survive the 2020 elections, and whether it will be able to attract support to maintain its seats, or any seat for that matter. Surely he recognises that he is the one who will be pushed out; these are his ‘swan song’ months as Prime Minister.

Nagamootoo’s legacy in Guyana’s history will be one of the ‘whipping boy’ of the APNU to attack the Parliamentary Opposition with vile lies. Any time an assault has to be made on the PPP, it is Nagamootoo who is sent in by APNU

to do its dirty work. It is he who was sent to the estates after the dismissal of 5,000 sugar workers to try to convince them that sugar wasn’t dead, and that the Government cared. His usefulness to the APNU, however, will grow thin despite his loyal gymnastics.

No truer were the words written by our national poet, Martin Carter, that “the mouth is muzzled by the hand that feeds it”. Thus Nagamootoo’s recent public foray to appear to defend the older leaders of the PPP is nothing but “classic” Nagamootoo -- nakedly opportunistic, deceptive and self-serving.

Nevertheless, as an older member of the PPP leadership, and in fact the most senior female leader, I have no fear of being pushed aside by Jagdeo or anyone else. As a member of successive PPPC administrations, I have been a constant, and honestly served my Government and the nation to the best of my ability. As a member of the PPPC Parliamentary

Could someone else be given a chance to run the city?

Dear Editor, According to reports in the local press, the proposed date for the election of mayor, deputy mayor, chairpersons and vice chairpersons of committees of the Georgetown Municipality has been arbitrarily shifted from the end of last year to March 15th of this year.

Quite amusingly, the current mayor, who has served for the last two years as mayor, announced her availability for re-election for a third term on the sidelines of a community event in Alexander Village last Sunday. Indeed, even more hilarious was her suggestion that she did extremely well in her previous two terms, and thus deserves a third term.

Now, to get serious about a matter as significant as this, the Georgetown City Council needs to show the citizens of Georgetown where in the law a mayor is allowed to run for a third consecutive term. This is just simply proscribed, and someone needs to tell the mayor that.

But even if this were permissible, it would be an absolute travesty, a charade, a parody; and most of all, an affront to all the citizens of Georgetown for this lady to be returned to the political leadership of the City.

It is simply shocking that this lady would even consider running again. Among the 29 other souls there, is there no one else with any superior leadership skills to hers? That would be so sad; so sad.

Let us look at some of the wonderful achievements for a moment, which include the most scandalous and shameful parking meter contract, the luxury travels, the inhumane slaughter of animals at the abattoir during her two years, clear acts of nepotism and cronyism, complicity in an incident of a lance corporal who is accused of having sex with a ‘detained male juvenile’ at City Hall, and a member of the Human Resources Department, and the most recent scandal concerning the Bel Air Park ground which she is seeking to convert to upscale hous-

ing for herself and cohorts.

During her two terms, the Mayor and City Council of Georgetown became a cesspool of lawlessness.

Could someone else be given a chance to run our capital city?

Sincerely, Magagula Jackson

Opposition, l continue to serve and to carry my responsibilities with dignity and integrity. Yes, I am proud to be a part of the older leaders who have served and continue to loyally serve our party and nation.

My work continues to be hectic and challenging, and I watch with admiration other leaders like Dr. Roger Luncheon, Clinton Collymore and former Prime Minister Sam Hinds selflessly contribute their time, energy, experience and love to the Guyanese people from all walks of life, who are suffering in these trying APNU/ AFC times.

I believe that my role will keep changing as long as I have life. I am morally bound to help to groom and nurture the younger leaders of the party to be courageous, principled and resilient in the struggles of the future to regain our threatened democracy and save our nation from its spiralling decline under the APNU/AFC regime.

My sense of duty to the younger leaders is bolstered by the fact that, in the 1970s, older leaders of the party gave me, a young woman in her twenties, the guidance and opportunities to grow and be elevated in the PPP. Just as in 1997, when the party gave its support to young Bharrat Jagdeo to be the successor to Mrs Janet Jagan after those elections.

The PPP/C has no generational conflict, nor has it ever had. It began with youthful leaders in 1950, and has never been afraid of young people; but instead has embraced them and pushed them up, not out. They only have to work hard and serve with energy and courage, those that are “spent” – whether old and young – will not make it to the top.

Every PPPC govern-

ment from 1992 to 2015 has been characterized by young Ministers in the late 20s and those who were middle aged who brought experience to the table.

Maybe Nagamootoo is reflecting on the generational gap that exists in his government’s administration, where the very male senior citizens of urban upper middle class extraction reign supreme.

I do not need any Nagamootoo to defend my survival in the PPP; and in fact no one should. One’s inherent political instinct would tell you, if you listened, that he remains a ‘wolf in sheep’s clothing’.

Sincerely, Gail Teixeira, MP, PPP Executive and Central Committee Member

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Foundation

– how will parents manage their children’s screen time when there are no screens?

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oung Chetram Ramphal, of Bush Lot Village, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), was back in school on Wednesday after being unable to attend school for more than five months owing to financial difficulties.

Ramphal is the youngest of five children in a home rendered a single-parent home after the death of his father, Chetram Ramphal Sr in a tragic accident on the Corentyne highway seven years ago After a news feature on the family on January 28, Ramphal took the opportunity to appeal to the public to help him to reintegrate into school. The response he received was a general outpouring of generosity from the public. Donations were sent to the family by charitable individuals and donors.

Through the Support Education Campaign (SEC) of the Guyana Empowered Peoples Action Network (GEPAN), sponsorship was secured for supplies which would help the family to maintain Ramphal in school. When GEPAN visited the family, the organisation noted in a release, Ramphal’s mother,

GEPAN Founder and President Anna Correia delivering stationery to 13-year-old Chetram Ramphal

Bibi Sookram, explained that she had just returned from selling fish since this is what she does to gener-

ate an income. Sookram also explained that though her three older sons also fish for a living, she had placed her

hopes on Ramphal to elevate himself through education so that he would not have to live in the same state of poverty as the rest of his family.

Seeing him return to school filled her with a sense of gratitude and renewed hope for his future. She firmly expressed her belief that education is the solution to poverty and as a result she had high hopes for her youngest boy.

When Ramphal was asked how he felt about the support he received from well-wishers, he said he was happy to be given a second chance to go to school.

On behalf of donors (who wish to remain anonymous), GEPAN surprised him with a bicycle and stationery.

When he saw his presents, GEPAN related, he placed his hand over his mouth and quietly exclaimed “Oh my God…” Then excitement filled him and he listed ways in which he would use the bicycle. His mother received clothing and food supplies for the family.

Ramphal thanked donors who made this outreach possible and gave us his word that he would strive to do his best to be successful in school.

Part 2 “[In experiments] we discovered that kids under three won’t put on the headset,” says Ken Perlin at NYU’s Future Reality Lab. Preschoolers found it too strange, dark, heavy, and uncomfortable. But, he says, “those from four onward love it. By the age of eight or nine, the phrase that comes to mind is crack cocaine. They go nuts. They feel so completely at home.

They come up with their

especially relish this food.

So if we’re not all going to be inhabiting a virtual universe 24/7, what then is the real future of VR? Perlin likes to say, “The holodeck is other people.” (The holodeck is the fictional VR environment available to characters in Star Trek to do things like train for sports and play games.) The experiences he and his lab are creating generally allow two or more people to inter-

own activities the moment they put the thing on. At a conference recently someone said, ‘Maybe this stuff isn’t safe for under-13 year olds.’ I said, ‘Maybe it’s only suitable for under-13 year olds.’”

I pushed back. Crack cocaine is not something we think of as beneficial for children. But Perlin sees these technologies as a kind of fantastical dojo for the imagination: a place to build mental strength and flexibility by testing out possible and impossible worlds.

He makes the case by invoking our evolutionary destiny. “Our minds are protean. They’re a general-purpose mechanism for working through many possible realities. Human minds evolve to deal with whatever might show up by making this general-purpose coping mechanism.” And, Perlin argues, doing that feels really good.

“This is potentially a powerful way of experiencing what we know our minds are capable of.” So he amends his statement; virtual realities are a food for the mind, not a drug. And extra-flexible young minds

act, whether they’re physically standing in the same room or separated by thousands of miles. A lot of the ones they’ve built so far actually resemble stations in a Montessori classroom: allowing people to collaborate on a giant 3-D painting, or jam on imaginary musical instruments, or manipulate four-dimensional geometric shapes, or operate giant “puppets,” or play catch 5000 miles apart.

In some ways, the parenting challenges of VR are easier to conceptualise because they still exist within the frame of “media” – environments and narratives designed and engineered by other human minds that you switch on and off, enter and leave, and that you understand as not being “real”.

Artificial intelligence is more complex and harder to resist. Kids seem to love interacting with the first generation of voice-activated AI “assistants” like Amazon’s Alexa and the iPhone’s Siri.

AI is starting to blur the line between interacting with a computer program and with a person. (Excerpt from fastcompany.com)

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saturDAY, February 3, 2018 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Motorcyclist dies after crashing into utility pole

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n East Ruimveldt, Georgetown, resident was killed in the wee hours of Friday after he lost control of his motorcycle and slammed into a nearby lamp pole along the East Coast Highway.

Dead is 26-year-old Zahid Mohamed, a construction worker of Pineapple Street, East Ruimveldt, Georgetown.

According to reports, the accident occurred at about 01:50h as Mohamed was heading home after hanging out at the ‘Plaisance Line top’ on the railway embankment.

Based on reports received, Mohamed was riding West along the southern carriage way of the East Coast Public Road, allegedly at a fast rate, when he lost control of motorcycle CH 6696 in the vicinity of Atlantic Ville, and crashed into a utility pole that was in the median at the centre

ing after two o’clock from his friends that an accident occurred on the East Coast by Ogle bridge… that a motorbike crash and it was him.

When we do go there, he was lying motionless and the

Stolen pistol, ammo found in abandoned garbage truck

is currently at the GPHC Mortuary awaiting a post-mortem examination which is expected to be conducted on Monday.

Meanwhile, the motorcycle is currently lodged at the

A Dead: Zahid Mohamed

of the road.

As a result of the impact, the young man sustained injuries and was rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPHC), where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

Guyana Times spoke with the now dead man’s brother, Mark Jeffery, who explained that the family was informed of the accident

by Mohamed’s friends.

“We get a call this morn-

The motorcycle Mohamed was riding at the time of the accident

Police take him to the hospital,” the man recalled.

Jeffery said that upon arriving at the hospital, they were informed that his brother had died. He said he then went to identify his brother’s body.

The body of the 26-yearold construction worker

Security guard, woman robbed at gunpoint

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ecurity guard Godfrey Anthony and Kasika Benjamin, a resident of Sea Island Hotel at High and Princes Streets in Georgetown, were reportedly standing in front of the hotel conversing on Thursday evening when they were confronted by three men, one of whom was armed with a handgun.

The intruders demanded that Anthony and Benjamin hand over their valuables.

The security guard was relieved of one laptop computer, while the woman had her mobile phone confiscated.

After relieving the victims of the articles, the men escaped on foot, but the mat-

ter was reported, and an investigation has been launched, although no arrest has as yet been effected.

Police station as investigations continue.

Taurus pistol which was stolen from a popular East Coast Demerara (ECD) businessman by his son was on Friday afternoon retrieved in an abandoned garbage truck at Vryheid’s Lust, ECD. Based on reports reaching Guyana Times, after stealing the pistol with six live rounds of ammunition, the young man reportedly pawned it to someone who

subsequently pawned it to someone else. However, Police acting on information swooped down on the abandoned truck and retrieved the firearm.

The Police, Guyana Times understands, had received a tip-off from public-spirited citizens, and the Force is now treating this successful operation as testimony that it is regaining the public’s trust.

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saturDAY, February 3, 2018 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Landlord, tenant on bail for assault

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landlord and her tenant were on Friday arraigned for assaulting each other. It is alleged that on January 25, 2018, Cheryl Fraser at Tucville, Georgetown, unlawfully and maliciously

wounded Xua Zhang and Ging Li with intention to cause grievous bodily harm.

The woman pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Additionally, Xua Zhang was charged for using threatening behaviour

Campbellville man on $60,000 bail

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drian Cole of Lot 132 Fourth Street, Campbellville, Georgetown, was on Friday arraigned before Magistrate Leron Daly for simple larceny.

It is alleged that between November 18 and November 22, 2017, at Campbellville,

Cole stole a speaker valued $120,000; the property of Jeremiah Trim. The defendant pleaded not guilty to the charge.

The prosecution had no objection to bail and Cole was released on $60,000 bail. The case will continue on March 16.

towards Cheryl Fraser on January 28 at Tucville. He also pleaded not guilty.

The prosecution had no objection to the defendant’s pre-trial libery and Fraser was released on $30,000 bail for each of the charges. Xua Zhang

was granted $10,000 bail.

In court on Friday, Fraser pleaded with the court for an extended period to return to court since she has medical issues that need attention.

The case will continue on March 1.

Sparendaam man fined for larceny

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oy Alves of Sparendaam, East Coast Demerara was on Friday arraigned before Georgetown Magistrate Leron Daly on two charges of simple larceny.

The first charge alleged that, on January 24, he stole one green handbag containing keys and an undisclosed sum of Guyanese currency, property of Ms Chester (only name

given). The second charge stated that on February 1 he stole one pedal cycle, property of James Davidson.

Alves admitted to the first charge and was fined $60,000 with an alternative of six months’ imprisonment.

He, however, denied the second charge and was remanded to prison. The case will continue on March 13.

Gaslighting…

I

…Guyana on crime wave n the 1944 movie “Gaslight,” Ingrid Berman plays the role of a hapless housewife whose husband manipulates her into believing she’s crazy. One of his tricks was dimming the gas lights in the home then telling her she’s imagining things. The term stuck to describe all those narcissistic and psychotic manipulators who mess with peoples’ minds to make them doubt themselves -- and of course believe the manipulator, who’s pushing his own agenda.

And it’s not just a technique that’s used by men or women in abusive relationships; politicians use it all the time to make you cast aside even opinions you formed through personal experience. They frequently use “the big lie” so confidently you begin to wonder! Take PNC leader David Granger – who’s also the President of our Republic – who just announced he’s going to launch Commissions of Inquiry into crime spree!

Previously, he’d spoken about the crime wave and its mass killings in the first decade of the millennium as “the Troubles”, but suddenly he’s transformed that into the crime spree. This is an example of repeating the gaslighting Big Lie so often (and you can now see the phrase daily in the Chronic!) you begin to doubt what you know to be the truth.

And what’s that truth? It’s all on the public record. The “troubles” began after the PNC – with Hoyte as the leader – refused to accept that the 1997 elections were won by the PPP, even though ALL overseas observers, including the Carter Center, had once again certified them as “free and fair”. The PNC launched massive protests in Georgetown to remove Janet Jagan as president as they “wuk pon she”.

Hoyte described his strategy as “Slow fyaah”, and it played out as periodic marches in Georgetown; then there were attacks and arson on Indian-Guyanese stores following a day of brutal beatings of ordinary members of that community on Jan 12th 1998. The PPP capitulated and had their president resign, cut their term of office by 2 years, altered the constitution to reduce the powers of the presidency, and increased the powers of the Opposition etc EVEN THOUGH THE PNC-DEMANDED “FORENSIC AUDIT” SHOWED NO BALLOT TAMPERING! Hoyte then ratcheted up his strategy and described it as “Mo’ fyaah”. Murder, kidnappings, robberies and banditry were added to the actions taken to oust the PPP government. The 2002 Mash Jailbreak by 5 convicted killers took matters to a whole new level after they holed up in Buxton, called themselves “Freedom Fighters” for African Guyanese, and launched attacks on the Police and Indian Guyanese.

Any other version is gaslighting! Screwing with your mind.

The “Troubles” should most correctly be dubbed “The Mo’ fyaah killings”! …on oil contract While the new PNC government – you really think the AFC, WPA and the other nonentities in the “coalition” have any influence?? – has refined gaslighting to a whole new level, Raphael Trotman has to be given pride of place with his defence of his Oil Contract! First there were all the Big Lies as to why the contract couldn’t be released; then, with the bonus, there were some dark hints about “national security” concerning our border. That queasy feeling you had all along? That’s a hint you were being gaslighted.

Since then, there hasn’t been a day passing when a new revelation on giveaways doesn’t get a gaslighting “explanation”. The latest one has to do with the Petroleum Commission which is supposed to be the REGULATOR of the sector, as well as monitoring of production etc.

The question is: why should such a body also collect revenues? Isn’t this a recipe for corruption? “I’ll report lower production and you put some cash in my overseas account”!!

And that’s why you’re queasy the GRA’s not collecting all revenues? …on Crime COIs You also know you’re being gaslighted when the Government insists on starting the “Mo fyaah killings” inquiry from the end.

It’s not that they just have it ass-backwards; they’re messing with your minds!

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

News

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saturDAY, february 3, 2018 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

PSC hails UN referral of Guyana/ Venezuela border controversy to ICJ

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he Private Sector Commission (PSC) is lauding the decision made by United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to send the Guyana/ Venezuela border controversy to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) for adjudication.

The body noted in a statement on Friday that referral of the controversy to the ICJ represents an opportunity to free Guyana of impediments to achieving its full potential. This is a reference to Guyana’s oil reserves which oil gain ExxonMobil discovered while exploring the Stabroek Block.

“In 1962, Venezuela laid claim to a major portion of Guyana’s territory on the ground that the 1899 Arbitral Award which delineated Guyana’s borders (with Venezuela) was null and void. Successive Governments of Guyana have since sought steadfastly to peacefully resolve this dispute, and, for the last

PSC Chairman Eddie Boyer

twenty-seven years, have relied upon the United Nations Good Offices process.

“The announcement that the matter will finally be referred to the International Court of Justice is long awaited and most welcome.

It is only appropriate that a dispute which hinges upon a claim that a legal judgement is invalid should be resolved

through a legal process,” the PSC has added. “The Private Sector Commission stands firmly behind the Government of Guyana in all matters relating to the sovereignty of Guyana.”

On Tuesday, the UN moved to send the on-going border controversy between Guyana and neighbouring Venezuela to the ICJ -- a move which Guyana has long been calling for.

According to the UN’s Spokesperson on the issue, Stephane Dujarric, the decision came after careful analysis of the good offices process.

Dujarric explained in a statement that enough progress has not been made towards a solution to the controversy. As a result, UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres has referred the matter to the ICJ. This is in accordance with the framework left by his predecessor, Ban Ki-moon.

However, Guterres did not rule out the continued

Good Offices process of the UN to complement court proceedings, and has also committed to accompanying both Guyana and Venezuela in the bid to settle their differences.

Welcomed move

In an address to the nation on the issue, President David Granger has welcomed the Guterres decision to refer the matter to the World Court. According to Granger, “Guyana remains confident in the correctness of its case, (and) looks forward to the reaffirmation of the validity of the 1899 Arbitral Award before the (ICJ).”

The Head of State reminded that Guyana’s position has always been that the basis of the controversy is a legal question, and should be resolved peacefully and conclusively through a legal process.

“Guyana will pursue the path ahead in furtherance of the preservation of its sov-

After the UN’s decision, Guyana will be headed to The Haguebased World Court

ereignty and territorial integrity with quiet confidence and with the assurance in ever improving relations with its neighbours: Brazil, Suriname and Venezuela,” he added.

However, Venezuelan President Nicholas Maduro has since said publicly that his Government did not agree with the decision, and that continued negotiations would have been preferable.

It is understood that now

that the matter has been referred to the ICJ, this referral is not contingent on Venezuela’s agreement.

In a previous statement on the matter, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs had noted that this referral does not require Venezuela’s approval beyond what is allotted in the 1966 Geneva agreement.

Guyana will now have to procure international lawyers to present its case on the international front.

2000 acres of rice in danger as GuySuCo shuts off water

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ome 20 farmers on the East Coast of Berbice, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) are in urgent need of water for their rice fields, which are now cracking.

Guyana Times has been informed that the farmers’ plight is as a result of the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) shutting off the water supply.

An estimated 2000 acres of rice are now threatened and some have already been lost. The farmers have been relying on rainfall to start the crop but now that the season has changed and GuySuCo has shut off the water it normally supplies them, they are in deep trouble to save their crop.

This publication was told by several farmers that they have an arrangement where they pay the sugar company $500 per acre to have water supplied to them.

Hugh cracks opening up in rice fields as a result of lack of water

However, three weeks ago, the canal which takes water to the East Coast Berbice farmers was closed

putting all of the crops between Bolam and Palmyra in jeopardy.

In desperation, many of the

farmers have sought to pump water from the canals into their rice fields but the canals have insufficient water. GuySuCo has locked in the water claiming that they need it for the cane fields.

Manoj Singh of Don Robin Farm, a village which depends heavily on rice cultivation, told Guyana Times that they have approached GuySuCo in the issue.

“Yesterday [Thursday] we went into a meeting and they promise to release the water yesterday and unto now no water,” he related on Friday afternoon.

Up to press time, there was no indication that GuySuCo had reopened the canal.

Singh, who cultivates 60 acres of rice, said they have also contacted the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) and was hoping that with their intervention the water would have

been released to the farmlands on Thursday but even with the agency’s intervention, GuySuCo continue to hold on to its water.

Meanwhile, the fields continue to dry up. Many of the farmers have already invested millions of dollars into the crop which started late December in the height of the rainy season.

They say at this stage, quick action by GuySuCo could save them millions if they are able to break even.

Cultivated rice is extremely sensitive to water shortages, especially at the flowering stage. A flooded field helps ensure plant survival and helps to control weeds. Flooding supposedly conserves soil organic elements and may receive nitrogen and other essential nutrients from biological sources. (Andrew Carmichael)

10 news

saturDAY, february 3, 2018 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Rural economies sabotaged, unemployment soars – Ali

…criticises Govt’s reckless approach to restructuring industry some cases, still owed their rightful severance payments and other benefits.

Ali said the decision to close several sugar estates over the past two and a half years has had a direct and indirect negative impact on the economies of several rural communities across the sugar belt. He said too that it has resulted in these, mostly poor families, facing unimaginable hardships and trials that threaten their survivability from an economic standpoint.

By Michael Younge

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ome 2020, sugar workers across Guyana will have the opportunity to express their dissatisfaction over the reckless, rash and insensitive manner in which the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Government has handled their livelihoods as it rushed to restructure the sugar industry.

These were the sentiments expressed by Opposition People’s Progressive Party (PPP) Member of Parliament Irfaan Ali as he expressed dismay over the alarming levels of insincerity and in-

PPP MP Irfaan Ali

sensitivity shown by the Government to the concerns being raised by thousands of sugar workers who are now on the breadline and in

Disposable income

The Opposition MP contended that persons could not send their children to school and were finding it harder as the days go by to

cover the expenses associated with the payment of basic utility bills, groceries and other household overheads.

He said rural communities in Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara) were particularly hard-hit by the closure of the estates and the dismissal of hundreds of hard working sugar workers.

Ali, a former PPP Government Minister with responsibility for the housing, tourism and business sector, argued that Region Three’s commercial sector is also feeling the squeeze as people’s disposable incomes have been reduced and therefore their spending ability significantly diminished.

Asked whether he is satisfied with the Government’s retraining and skills training initiatives following the closure of some of these estates, Ali responded in the negative, as he drove home the point that these initiatives are half-baked and ingenuine.

“What is also worrying is the promise of alternative livelihood programme.

The truth is nothing new and has been done over the last three years to improve the livelihoods of these dismissed workers. The promises of training them in the area of aquaculture…rice production and a host of other skills have not been kept,” he reported.

He was adamant that if the Government was really concerned about the welfare and future of sugar workers, alternative livelihood programmes would have been rolled out long before the

workers were severed in order to create a paradigm shift and prepare workers for what lies ahead.

Ali, a trained economist, criticised the Government’s lack of a structured policy and plan when it comes to making fundamental decisions about the future of the industry.

“The fact that this Government has failed to conduct the necessary social and economic impact assessments before closing the estates and sending home thousands is criminal. This exposes the fact too that there is no structured policy in place to reduce the negative debilitative impacts of such these decisions. They have not even assessed the skills of the workers so how can they serious talk about retraining and retooling them to enter new industries,” he remarked.

White Paper

Reminded that Agriculture Minister Noel Holder is holding out that the decisions taken by the Granger Administration are clearly outlined in its White Paper on the future of sugar industry, which was presented to Parliament in 2016, Ali responded, “We cannot take what the Minister of Agriculture is saying as the truth.”

He explained that there are still a lot of questions about the White Paper itself, its thrust and rationale. That aside, he insisted that the taxpayer- funded Commission of Inquiry into the sugar industry never recommended any closure of estates.

Questioned as to whether he agrees with the suggestions made by the Government that it has freed the sugar workers from political bondage and being used by the PPP, Ali immediately disagreed, explaining that sugar workers are sensible people and they understand the real underpinnings of the decision.

“If the sugar workers were under bondage, why did Mr Nagamootoo promise to keep sugar alive and to expand sugar… on many occasions, they promised to improve the livelihoods… check their manifestos…”, he retorted.

He branded both Nagamootoo and the APNU as dishonest as he said they were the ones using sugar workers ahead of the last elections.

“Sugar workers have the opportunity to judge who has been sincere, who has misled them and who has been lying to them… PPP has always found ways to keep the sugar industry alive and to keep their jobs while taking tough decisions which in the long-run led to all of positives for the industry. We would have weathered the storm because the welfare of our peoples are more important profits,” Ali surmised.

Ali charged that real power belongs to the people and come 2020 they will have their say and opportunity to exercise that democratic power based upon their assessments and experiences under this regime.

NEWS

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saturDAY, february 3, 2018 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Venezuela’s claim is a legal Overtopping results in school matter – Ambassador Joseph shutdown at Vreed-en-Hoop

Ambassador Cedric Joseph

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mbassador Cedric Joseph said Venezuela has to advance legal arguments to establish a case of nullity of the Arbitral Award of 1899.

“There is only one body that can deal with that, that is organised and established after 20 years of war and fighting and that is the ICJ [International Court of Justice],” Ambassador Joseph said speaking at a discussion on Guyana’s borders hosted by the University of Guyana (UG) on Thursday evening at the Theatre Guild.

Ambassador Joseph was asked by the audience to weigh in on the recent decision by the United Nations (UN) Secretary General (SG) to refer the settlement of the decades-old controversy between Guyana and Venezuela.

The Ambassador dismissed Venezuela’s recent criticism of the UN SG’s decision to have the ICJ re-

ECD man critical after being struck by pickup

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am Singh of Courbane Park, Annandale, East Coast Demerara is in critical condition at the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPHC), where he was admitted after being struck by a pickup on the Lusignan Public Road, ECD on Thursday evening.

The 55-year-old was reportedly standing in the path of the vehicle clad in dark-coloured clothing when he was struck. The driver, according to reports, attempted to avoid hitting the man, but the left front side of the vehicle nonetheless collided with Singh, resulting in him falling onto the roadway.

Singh was picked up in an unconscious state and rushed to the GPHC. A breathalyser test was conducted on the driver, but no trace of alcohol was found in his breath. Investigations are ongoing.

solve the controversy.

Venezuela, on Wednesday insisted that only the 1966 Geneva Agreement can settle the controversy.

However, Ambassador Joseph pointed out that the SG’s decision is in keeping with the Geneva Agreement.

“Those means of settlement really come from Article 33 of the UN Charter and the last means in Article 33 and in the Geneva Agreement is judicial settlement and when you speak of judicial settlement in the United Nations framework, you speak of the body established within the United Nations to facilitate a judicial settlement, and that is the ICJ,” he explained.

The Ambassador noted that Guyana has exhausted all the provisions for settlement in the Geneva Agreement. He also pointed out that Guyana could still present its case to the ICJ without Venezuela citing the recent ruling by the ICJ in favour of the Philippines vs China over the South Sea. “Only recently, two years ago the Philippines brought a case of the South Sea China against the powerful People’s Republic of China, who did not participate, and the court went ahead examined all the documents and issued a substantial judgement in support of the rights of Philippines,” Ambassador Joseph pointed out.

The controversy arose after Venezuela claimed that the Arbitral Award of 1899, which established the border it shares with Guyana, is null and void. The two countries, under the 1966 Geneva Agreement, turned to the UN Secretary General to resolve what became a controversy under the Charter of the UN. After years of attempts to resolve the controversy, including the use of the Good Offices Process, the UN Secretary General, António Guterres, on Tuesday announced he is referring the matter to the ICJ.

The Vreed-en-Hoop Secondary School was closed on Friday

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tudents of the Vreeden-Hoop Secondary School were surprised to find their school inundated with more than a foot of pungent, dirty floodwater when they turned up for classes on Friday morning, and had to return home because it was impossible to conduct tuition under those circumstances.

This newspaper was told that flooding at the facility had become a norm for a number of years, and students are usually sent home when the compound has been flooded.

According to Hilda Stephens, security at the school, the water started to rise at about 18:00h on Thursday evening. The flooding -- a result of the high tides coupled with the breakaway of part of the seawall and the removal of mangroves -- is a frequent occurrence.

However, Stephens revealed that the seawall has been in a dilapidated state

for over seven years now, despite pleas for it to be repaired. As a result, the flooding situation continues on a regular basis.

“I sit down by my verandah and I smelling this water really stinking, and when I saw the water, it was really black. However, when I come to work this morning, the place was flooded really bad,” Stephens explained.

She added that when the head teacher of the school arrived, she met the students standing on the roadway, uncertain as to their next move.

This newspaper was told that when the headteacher arrived, she informed the Education Ministry of the situation, and the students were duly send home.

Persons living in close proximity to the school have said that the stench of the water is influenced by the burial ground, where some of the tombs are currently opened.

“The burial ground is

right next door, and all the water from there does run over, and a whole lot of them tombs over there break open; so you could tell how it smell,” another security in the area explained.

When Guyana Times visited the area, residents were calling for immediate addressing of the situation by authorities.

Vreed-en-Hoop resident Karen William called on the Government to urgently look into the situation, which she said is getting worse with the passage of time.

“Presently, the water is really affecting us. Not only us, but the students at the school, and I think that the Government really need to do something about it; they need to come into the area and view it,” she said.

When this publication visited the offices of the Regional Democratic Council (RDC), no one was available to comment on the matter.

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saturDAY, february 3, 2018 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

GECOM chair nominee Guyanese running from crises in hijacked car recovered Venezuela meet tragedy in Guyana …found with serial hijacker

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he Guyana Police Force reportedly has in custody two suspects who allegedly had hijacked the car of GECOM chair nominee Ryhaan Shah; and significantly, the Force has since recovered the hijacked vehicle.

In a statement, the Police have said they have been making significant progress in recovering stolen vehicles and apprehending and prosecuting several alleged carjackers.

Shah was, on November 04, 2017, robbed of her Toyota Allion motorcar by three gunmen as she was about to enter her Irving Street, Queenstown, Georgetown home.

The Police on Friday said Shah’s vehicle was found in possession of a male who claimed ownership, and even produced a valid registration for the vehicle. However, investigators had their own suspicions, and impounded the vehicle pending further investigation. Their investigation led them to the alleged

…Region 2 officials order home be demolished

Recap

GECOM chair nominee Ryhaan Shah

mastermind and another suspect who has been implicated in a series of armed robberies during which some of the victims were relieved of their vehicles.

The Police note that the two suspects were charged and remanded for those offences, and are now facing additional charges.

Shah was able to positively identify her vehicle although its colour was changed, and has since matched the engine and chassis numbers with her registration certificate.

Shah had told this publication that at about 13:20h on Saturday, November 4, three gun-wielding men pounced upon her just as she had pulled up at her Irving Street, Georgetown residence. While she was opening the gates to her home, the gunmen attacked her and grabbed the keys to her silver grey Toyota Allion motor car, PLL 1127, and immediately drove off in the said vehicle.

A neighbour who witnessed the incident quickly reported it via the 911 emergency call system. However, that was to no avail, as ranks had failed to show up at the scene of the crime.

It was only after Shah had been taken to the Alberttown Police Station that she had discovered that officers had not been dispatched, as the Police had no vehicles at the time. As such, the much-needed prompt response was delayed, allowing the carjackers to make good their escape.

Damage to property lands woman in jail

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n aggravated woman was on Friday required to answer to charges of damage to property and assault before Georgetown Magistrate Leron Daly.

Shyconia Hilliman admitted that on August 13, 2017, at Baramita Street, South Ruimveldt Georgetown, she unlawfully

damaged clothing valued at $100,000, property of David Wilkinson.

Magistrate Daly read Hilliman another charge, which stated that there was a warrant for her arrest, and when apprehended by Police, she assaulted the arresting officer. Hilliman, in response to the charge, said: “I ain’t do nothing to no officer.”

She was sentenced to three months’ jail on the first charge, and was fined $80,000 with an alternative of six months’ imprisonment on the second charge.

The visibly upset woman then proceeded to shout, “Go to hell!” to the virtual complainant as she was being escorted out of the court room.

B

eing unable to deal with the economic crisis in neighbouring Venezuela, Haimwattie Sooknandan and her family returned home to Guyana in hope of being able to start a new chapter in life, but now they are on the verge of being homeless, because the Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) Authorities have ordered the demolition of a house they were constructing.

When Sooknandan returned from Venezuela, she was offered a plot of land at Jibb on the Essequibo Coast, to construct a house for her family. She explained that Balkarran Sooklall, the man who had been occupying the land for over 48 years, gave her family written permission to build on the property, and the Evergreen-Paradise Neighbourhood Democratic Council supported that decision.

The woman is contending that while in the process of constructing the building, Deputy Regional Executive Officer Roopkumar Persaud and Administrative Officer Morris Walcott stormed the site and ordered that construction cease, even as they began demolishing what was already constructed.

“When the house (was) almost complete, the REO sent the DREO and Morris Walcott, and them come and break down the house and carry away the material. Them just come and say that the REO sent them to break the house and carry (away) the material, because this is a squatting land,” Sooknandan related.

“It got like 40 houses in the land, and it have light and water. It have people here that

Workers demolishing the house

farming. The NDC does take care of this place, and they tell the DREO to stop breaking up the house, but he nah want to listen to nobody, and he say that he is he own boss,” she added.

She noted that the family has since met with Region Two Executive Officer Rupert Hopkinson, who initially said he did not order the house demolished, but did inform that should the family return to the location, the structure would be demolished.

Sooknandan has said she has run out of options, since she had borrowed money to make a down payment on the building materials, and she now owes the supplier over $500,000.

“They called me back for the material, and me tell them that me can’t accept that, because the material got serious damage and me can’t accept

that because them nah tek them time, them kick down the wood them. Them behave like hooligan. Them man this eye-passing to people. I want them fuh compensate meh fuh me time. Them got fuh compensate meh and build back meh house how them get um,” Sooknandan related.

The distraught woman has indicated that she would be exploring her legal options on the matter. She related that she is presently renting a house, but would have to vacate same, since both she and her husband are unemployed.

In an effort to bring closure to the incident, Regional Chairman Devanand Ramdatt met with Sooknandan, and has since engaged the REO. When this newspaper contacted the REO on this and other matters, he said he was busy and could not comment on the issue.

Councillor complains about lack of transparency at City Hall

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ouncillor Ron Persaud has written to Georgetown Mayor Patricia Chase Green, requesting a retreat of all Councillors to address the growing lack of transparency in financial matters at the Georgetown municipality.

Persaud, in a letter dated January 24, 2018, said that during the consideration of 2018’s revenue and expenditure, the Finance Committee had difficulty in obtaining information “in a timely and transparent manner.” In this case, he referred to the difficulties Councillors had in accessing the controversial Parking Meter Contract and notes that the information was only made available after several requests and debates.

Persaud pointed out in his letter that “The Liability Statement as at December 31, 2017, was only made available after several requests and debates. This statement showed a liability of close to three billion dollars.”

“What is worrying to Councillors is that we were asked to consider statements

Councillor Ron Persaud

without detailed notes. The unwillingness and sloth displayed by the Administration requires Council to respond deliberately and swiftly,” the letter added.

Persaud, a businessman himself, said the liability statement needs to be more detailed since most of the debt was incurred during the tenure of the current Council. He further related that at the commencement of their term, there was a positive bank balance of over $180 million and the liability statements indicates they

have expended that.

“This statement therefore tells me that we have expended more than around six million dollars per day above all incoming funds.

We are now at a point where we have to address how to close the gap and secure more funding to alleviate this backlog. Drastic measures must be taken so that we don’t preside over a failed Council term. My suggestion is we have a retreat of all Councillors with a view to addressing and arresting this situation,” Persaud said.

When contacted, Mayor Chase Green indicated that she is just the “political head” of the Council and that Town Clerk Royston King would be responsible for addressing the issue. However, she noted that the report from that meeting and all other meetings, for January, of the Finance Committee is yet to be presented to her.

However, efforts to contact King proved futile.

City Hall is in the process of fine-tuning their 2018 Budget for presentation at a date to be announced.

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saturDAY, february 3, 2018 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Children’s Mash Competition National Robotics Tournament STEM Guyana to excites audience certify over 50 new coaches picted Guyana’s flora and fauna. One of these was an entry themed ‘Guyana’s Arapaima’ that was submitted by Graham’s Hall Primary School.

At the end of the day, for the topical category, the winners were Graham’s Hall Primary, St Angela’s Primary, St Barnabas Special, St Sidwell’s Primary and School of the Nations. The winners of the individual fantasy category

Cliff Anderson Sports Hall but also at the National Cultural Centre.

However, Blackman noted that there can be difficulties since these costumes are very costly to produce.

Being a coordinator for the first time, he said there is still work to be done for 2019, which the department is hoping to start working on in the latter part of this year.

“For the costume com-

A most interesting tool

S Students of the Graham’s Hall Primary School displaying their submission entitled ‘Guyana’s Arapaima’

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he regional Children’s M a s h r a m a n i Competition continued on Friday, with the costume competition at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall.

The event, which saw a moderately good turnout, was divided into two main categories – topical and fantasy. Participating in the topical category was St Sidwell’s Primary, Graham’s Hall Primary, St Angela’s Primary, Ascension Secondary, St Barnabas Special, School of

the Nations and St John’s College while the fantasy category included participants from Bel Air Primary and St Stephen’s Primary.

The children, ages five to 17, who were all decked out in their shiny costumes, marvelled the audience as they danced and showcased the colourful works of art.

This had the audience in awe, as they were on their feet and cheering loudly for their respective schools.

Most of the costumes that were on display de-

Some of the other colourful displays at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall on Friday

were Bel Air Primary and St Stephen’s Primary.

Coordinator of the event, Sherwyn Blackman, related that there has been phenomenal response throughout the competitions in terms of spectators this year, not only from those held at the

New local security service launched

petition, we have had some support, but I know it can be a whole lot more but what we recognise is that it is really a hefty cost in terms of persons creating the types of costumes. So, there is definitely some more work that we can do for the next year,” he said.

The Georgetown leg of the competition will conclude on Monday with the physical display competition, which is also scheduled to be held at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall.

TEM Guyana, in association with the Public Telecommunications Ministry, has launched a series of certification sessions for technology buffs or school leaders who are interested in starting technology clubs in their communities.

A one-day training session is being held today, and STEM Guyana local Master Trainers will support the training sessions.

The STEM Guyana Program Committee includes Local Director Colin Sawh, who designed the sessions; co-founder Leon Caleb Christian; tech startup inclusion consultant Karen Abrams; and Ima Christian, who is studying Science, Technology and Society at Stanford University.

Coaches will learn details about the league, how to organize and lead a technology club, how to fundraise for their club, how to prepare young people to compete in a global marketplace, how to use the league competition

software, the basics of building and programming robots, and the fundamentals of MIT Scratch programming.

Certified coaches will be expected to create clubs and prepare teams for competition in the Scratch and Robotics nationwide leagues scheduled for launch during the last week of February.

More than 50 coaches are expected to participate, with Bartica alone sending 16 teachers for training.

The seminars began on Feb 1st with 13 coaches who signed up online, certified from across Guyana.

On Friday, STEM Guyana hosted 18 teachers from Guyana’s public schools, while the Bartica teachers along with some private school teachers will be trained today.

The program kicks off each day at 08:30am at the Public Telecommunications Ministry Conference Room.

The cost of the seminar will be $2000 per session.

LM&TC terminates franchise agreement with Right Start Foundation …sights breach of agreement Some of the vehicles and guards of the company at the launching on Friday

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ith affordability and accessibility as its main focus, the Delta Security Service Company on Friday launched its home security system, which is expected to provide security for families across Guyana.

Under the theme, “Home is where the heart is, protect it with Delta Security Services”, the system was launched on the premises of the Parc Rayne at Rahaman’s Park in Houston, EBD. The aim of the company is to protect the Guyanese dream by transforming security from a luxury to a necessity through affordability.

The system is presently available to residents of Central Georgetown, East Bank Demerara, West Bank Demerara and Berbice. It will soon be available on the West Coast of Demerara.

Delta Security’s Chief

Executive Officer (CEO), Eddie Deolall, has said this company is the first in Guyana that specialises in emergency response services.

“Delta Security presently has the medical shuttle which is now considered to be the ambulance service.

Very shortly, we will have our first fire truck, in addition to our 24/7 roadside assistance that is set up, as well as a 24/7 burglary response,” Deolall revealed.

He added, “Alarms systems in Guyana (are) not new, but (are) considered to be expensive and luxurious.

The idea (is) that you must be rich to be able to benefit from this. We have done research that is able to provide and reduce costs for security systems across Guyana.

These products are manufactured specifically for the Guyana market.”

Four elderly persons

lost their lives last year when bandits invaded their homes. Deolall says that with that in mind, the panic button was created mainly for the elderly.

Social Protection Minister Amna Ally, who was present at the launch, fully endorsed the services to be offered, especially the one provided for the elderly.

“When Mr Deolall visited my office and explained what is to be offered, I was highly impressed. And what caught on very much to me was the…service for our elderly people. You know, I have a passion for the safety of our elderly people. And so when Mr Deolall spoke to me about this panic button, it really caught on to me,” Minister Ally said.

The company’s monthly rate for the provision of security service is $4000, and a wide range of services is on offer.

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he Linden Mayor and Town Council (LM&TC) has moved to terminate the 2018 Linden Town Week ‘All Black’ concept party event franchisee agreement with Right Start Foundation, sighting breaches in the agreement.

In August 2017, the Council reserved the right to host Linden Town Week 2018 in honour of the town’s 48th anniversary, with the aim of stimulating economic activities.

In a press release on Friday, the LM&TC stated that it was on this premise that it moved to award event franchises – one being the Linden Town Week ‘All Black’ activity. This was awarded on December 30, 2017, by way of the highest bidder process to Right Start Foundation who won at the tune of $3,600,000.

The LM&TC noted that contrary to accepted bidding procedures, the winner was not required to make any payment on the day of bidding,

however was given time to review the Event Franchisee Agreement and to offer in writing proposed amendments to the Council for considerations. “Upon signing the Franchisee is then required to pay 60 per cent of the bided sum within one week and the remaining 40 per cent on or before 31st January, 2018.

Subsequently on January 12, 2018, after dispatching proposed amendments, the Council considered and Right Start Foundation proceeded to sign said agreement.”

As guided by Clause 4 (Franchise fee) of the Event Franchisee agreement, the first instalment should have been paid within one week of signing but was not upheld by the Franchisee. This led to the Linden Town Week Secretariat serving calls and letters as reminder of the party’s obligations, but went unanswered. This forced the Linden Mayor and Town Council during its January 24, 2018 statutory meeting to

amend the clause that stipulated the 60 per cent and 40 per cent payment method to now reflect 100 per cent of full payment be made by already established January 31, 2018 deadline across the board, the release stated.

It added that in a recent turn of events, one day before the deadline, Right Start Foundation proceeded to collect its copy of the Agreement (despite being reminded in writing of its availability) which followed with a correspondence highlighting corrections and additional proposed amendments to the agreement with the absence of payment.

“To date, the Linden Mayor and Town Council has exhausted all options to amicably resolve this situation and was forced to terminate Right Start Foundation’s ‘All Black’ Concept Party Event Franchisee Agreement effective 1st February, 2018...”, the release said.

14 news

saturDAY, february 3, 2018 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

FCPF-REDD+ consultations for Indigenous, Body of mentally unstable man forest-dependent communities recovered T he Natural Resources Ministry has hired a communications firm to engage and consult with Indigenous peoples, forest-dependent communities and other key stakeholders of the programme to Reduce Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (REDD+).

Over the next 24 months, the Spain-based Centre of Partnerships for Development (CAD) will carry out consultations and outreach activities to support REDD+ readiness in Guyana.

The aim is to ensure stakeholders clearly understand and are equipped with the knowledge to allow for their active participation in REDD+ activities including development of a REDD+ Strategy for Guyana.

Ministry and CAD representatives officially inked the US$768,138 contracts on Thursday, January 25, 2018, in Georgetown. Already, a CAD team comprising local experts, has started

T FCPF Project Coordinator Clayton Hall and CAD, Fernando Casado officially formalise the contract in the presence of other PEU team members and CAD experts

mobilising for their work programme here.

The consultant is mandated to identify the most appropriate approach for the engagements including development of a REDD+ Communication and Outreach Strategy and Action Plan and related support materials for conducting the engagement sessions.

The activities and materials will reflect the na-

tive language translations to ensure inclusivity, understanding, transparency and accountability in REDD+.

The consultancy is part of the Forest Carbon Partnership Facility (FCPF-REDD+) Project being executed by the Ministry’s Project Execution Unit (PEU) with the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) as the local donor partner.

FCPF supports Guyana’s readiness of institutions, policies and framework for implementation and future REDD+ programmes.

CAD has worked on REDD+ with governments, communities and donors such as the World Bank, developing communication materials and documenting initiatives in various countries, including Ghana, Cameroon, Ethiopia and Liberia.

German firm wants stake in Guyana’s health sector

he body of 53-yearold Jeffrey McEwan of Norton Street, Lodge was recovered from a trench at Hadfield Street and Mandela Avenue, Georgetown after it was spotted floating therein by passers-by at about 13:50h on Friday. He is suspected to have died by drowning.

An allegedly mentally ill man, McEwan once resided in Sophia, Greater Georgetown, and was described by family members as an alcoholic who did odd jobs for a living.

A relative told Guyana

Times that the man had been mentally unstable for quite some time, and had even set his Sophia house on fire a few years ago.

McEwan was last seen on Friday morning wandering in the Hadfield Street area.

While the Police suspect he might have drowned, foul play has not been ruled out, since several marks of violence were observed about his body. An investigation has been launched into this man’s death.

His body is at the Lyken Funeral Home awaiting a post-mortem examination.

Kissoon’s Furniture donates bookshelves to Tagore Memorial High School

Seated: Minister Volda Lawrence is flanked by Dr Karen Cummings and Daniel Fernandez. Standing (from left) are: Glendon Fogenay, Phillip Bryan, Ministerial Advisor John Adams, Karen Yaw, Denroy Tudor, Mike Singh, and Roberto Tovar

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hree representatives of Siemens have recently met with Public Health Minister Volda Lawrence to discuss adding Guyana to the 75 different countries in which that company already holds permanent residence.

Promising a “positive future”, the company has said it wishes to accelerate the modernisation plans for the country’s current public health system.

Business Partner Manager at Siemens Healthcare, Roberto Tovar, assured that the company has no intention of opportunistically angling to maximize profits from the financial fortunes of Guyana’s much-anticipated transition to a petro-based econo-

my due to the recent discovery of oil in Guyana.

“Our purpose is to make healthcare providers succeed, (and to) do more with less,” he said during the meeting at the Lot 1, Brickdam, Georgetown headquarters of the MoPH. Siemens’ CEO of South America (excluding Brazil), Daniel Fernandez, added that, in Colombia, over 300,000 citizens were able to have access to potable water because of the company. Siemens has also worked in the education system to help make Science and Technology more attractive to learners, since these fields of study were deemed unattractive globally.

On this particular issue,

Minister within the Public Health Ministry, Dr Karen Cummings, Suggested that the organisation familiarise itself with the University of Guyana (UG), especially its Natural Sciences Department, to help strengthen the programmes like it had done in Colombia.

Minister Lawrence has explained that the Government wants to “push the leasing and, where appropriate, retrofitting of equipment to improve health sector services”.

Among some of the ambitious plans outlined by Minister Lawrence were construction of large, newly built hospitals in Barima Waini (Region One) and East Berbice/Corentyne

(Region Six); and the “leasing of an entire laboratory… to bring (improved) service to our people.”

Lawrence also stated the likely alliance with Siemens would prioritise fighting cancers, cardiovascular ailments, and non-communicable diseases (NCDs); and is part of a wider longterm vision, which includes upgrading systems in the sprawling hinterland. That “is our priority for 2018”, she explained.

While in Guyana, the Siemens team also had discussions with Minister of State, Joseph Harmon; Public Infrastructure Ministers David Patterson and Annette Ferguson, and Natural Resources Minister Raphael Trotman.

A staff of Kissoon’s Furniture along with Tagore High School headmistress, Ms Johnson, during the donation ceremony

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he Corriverton branch of Kissoon’s Furniture Store has made a donation of four brand new bookshelves to Tagore Memorial High School at #63 Village, Corentyne, Berbice.

Late last week, the items were handed over to the headmistress of the secondary

school, Ms Johnson, by the manager of Kissoon’s, Hillary DeAndrade.

The Tagore Memorial High School is grateful for the donation received from the Kissoon Group of Companies, a distinct and prestigious conglomerate with a long history of operations in Guyana.

news

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saturDAY, february 3, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

EBD shop owner assaulted, robbed F

Agri co-op societies to be formed in Ithaca, Buxton, BV, Mocha

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n elderly East Bank Demerara (EBD) shop owner was on Friday morning assaulted and robbed by two armed bandits, who posed as customers.

The incident occurred at about 11:20h at the man’s Friendship, EBD, residence where he operates a shop.

According to reports, the 60-year-old businessman was in his shop when the two suspects approached and ordered two beverages.

Shortly after, they both pulled out handguns and forcefully entered the secured area of the shop. The perpetrators then proceeded to assault the elderly man before relieving him of an undisclosed sum of cash and a quantity of jewellery.

After carrying out the daring daylight robbery, the two bandits fled the scene in a waiting silver Toyota Blue Bird motor car.

The matter was reported and the sexagenarian was

taken to seek medical attention at a hospital, where he was treated and sent away.

Meanwhile, law enforcement officers are making diligent efforts to apprehend the two robbery suspects.

our communities -- Ithaca, Buxton, Beterverwagting (BV) and Mocha -- will receive support to form co-operative societies to assist in pushing their agriculture drive.

This was announced by Minister within the Social Protection Ministry, Keith Scott, whilst delivering remarks at the launch of the Guyana National Cooperative Union Limited’s (GNCUL’s) Train-theTrainers programme on Friday.

Minister Scott explained that his office will be collaborating with the Agriculture Ministry and the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) to provide technical support and supply equipment to these four communities and their residents.

In order for this pilot project to be successful, the Guyana National Co-

Minister within the Social Protection Ministry, Keith Scott

operative Union Limited (GNCUL) needs to be on the ground providing support to the people, he explained.

“They need to have that push-start so that they can move forward… But in order for that to succeed and for it

to be an example to other villages, you have to be on the ground and become au-fait with what is happening,” Minister Scott is quoted by the Department of Public Information as saying.

Minister Scott has said it is time Guyana begin producing and exporting its quality products to the rest of the world, and the co-operative societies have a great role to play in this regard.

Cooperative societies are self-generated, voluntary, and self-sufficient organisations, democratically controlled by their members.

In Guyana, co-ops are governed by the Co-operative Societies Act of 1998 and are supported by the respective co-operative regulations and policies. The Government is tasked with the responsibility of maintaining order and effectiveness in the movement.

Rupununi Magisterial District Court Office opens …President says access to justice integral to equality

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esidents of the Rupununi region will now enjoy improved access to justice with the opening of the Rupununi Magisterial District Court Office and Courts at Annai, Aishalton and Karasabai.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, where resident Magistrate Allan Wilson will preside, President David Granger emphasised the importance of all Guyanese having equal access to the law regardless of geographic location, socio-economic status, ethnicity or educational level.

President Granger noted that ensuring equal access to justice under the law in the Rupununi has always presented a challenge, with residents being forced to travel from farflung communities in the region to the Magistrates’ Court Office in Georgetown; some 425km away. Acting Chancellor of the Judiciary, Justice Yonette CummingsEdwards described the difficulties residents faced as

President David Granger and Chancellor of the Judiciary (ag), Justice Yonette Cummings-Edwards assisting a student of the St Ignatius Secondary School to cut the ceremonial ribbon to declare the Rupununi Magisterial District Court Office officially open

a result of those challenges and noted that it was critical that justice be brought to the doorsteps of the residents of the 89 communities in the Rupununi.

“Prior to this office… court was held occasionally and I’m being modest. For the Lethem area, court was held once every three months, once quarter-

PPP never gave...

Felix said he welcomes the inquiry as lots of families have suffered and need answers, so they can have closure.

On Thursday, former President and Prime Minister Samuel Hinds had cause to upbraid President Granger for some of his callous remarks regarding the inquiry and crime waves of the 2000s.

Hinds said that it was regrettable that the President sought to describe the killings by using the name of former President Bharrat Jagdeo.

He also reminded that

ly, maybe two weeks within the quarter… Justice is not one-sided. Justice has to be for both sides. For residents of the region, persons coming all the way from Karasabai or even Aishalton, most of the time the court will be held here in Lethem and they will have to travel sometimes two days just to get to court.

From page 3

those killings were never supported or encouraged by the PPP but it was the then Opposition that labelled a parallel group of people who clashed with this country’s Security Forces as “freedom fighters”.

He even highlighted the role played by Winston Felix and Basil Williams – who is Guyana’s current Attorney General – in the ‘Mo fyaah killings’ after a recording surfaced where Williams was thanking Felix for distracting the Police from the Agricola killings.

Hinds, like Opposition

Leader Bharrat Jagdeo, called for the inquiry to take on a more comprehensive and independent flavour that would date back to 1998 and the violence which ensued after the PPP won the 1997 elections. They both feel that the President’s PNC party, headed by Desmond Hoyte and Robert Corbin, played a major role in encouraging the lawlessness and killing which took place as they were pushing a secret ethnic agenda and warfare aimed at ousting the democratically elected PPP from office.

And if water is high, you’re familiar with that phrase, it would take even longer for them to get to this court. We in the Supreme Court, we do not sit in an ivory tower.

We are in tune with what is going on on the ground and we care,” she said.

The Chancellor also described the challenges faced by the Guyana Police Force as a result of infrequent court sittings. “This project also will bring enormous benefits for the Police because out of that system, if someone who was charged with and offence, if it was a serious offence or a non-bailable offence, the Guyana Police Force had to find money to take that prisoner out to Georgetown before Her Worship, the Chief Magistrate, who would take the plea and commit that person on remand to prison or put that person on bail,” she added.

Also, apart from that, the Chancellor noted if someone wanted to take advantage of the system, they would have known that court will not be sitting in for the next three months “so they can fight and do all they wanted to do and know very well that the Police cannot do anything much but just give them a warning because court would not be there anyway and the maximum time the Police could hold them is 72 hours,” she explained.

Quoting Article 149 D (1) of the Constitution, the Chancellor stated “…

The State shall not deny to any person, equality before the law or equal protection and benefit of the law.”

Equality before the law is the essential element of justice. It ensures that all citizens enjoy “…equal protection and benefit of the law,” President Granger said ac-

cess to justice is a public good and the State has the responsibility to ensure it is available to every citizen.

“Residents – including victims of domestic abuse trapped in loveless relationships with their abusers; mothers denied access to their children because they cannot take their hus-

and eventually in the villages of Annai, Aishalton and Karasabai. On the days in which these courts sit, filing of documents and all other transactions will be facilitated... Therefore, from today residents of the Rupununi will no longer be required to travel to Georgetown to file doc-

Members of the Kumu Group performing a dance

bands and children-fathers to court a hundred kilometres away; small miners and businessmen facing bankruptcy because they cannot reach the court to claim unpaid debts or wages – should not be ignored.

Access to justice, including ease of access, is every citizen’s legitimate expectation. Residents should not have to travel long distances to access public services, including legal services in other regions. They should enjoy these services in their respective regions,” he said.

Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan told residents gathered at the ceremony that their complaints never fell on deaf ears.

Magistrate McLennan said the opening is intended to improve court operations and services to court users.

“There will also be weekly court sittings at Lethem

uments; instead filing will take place right here in this district,” she said, adding that the proposed schedule for court in the region is a sitting the first week of the month in Lethem, the second week in Annai, third week in Aishalton and the fourth week at Karasabai.

Former Chancellor Carl Singh was recognised for the role he played in ensuring the construction of the court building at Lethem. Among the special invitees were Director of Public Prosecutions Shalimar Ali Hack; Deputy Crime Chief Michael Kingston; Commander of F Division, Superintendent Ravindradat Budhram; and UN Resident Coordinator Mikiko Tanaka.

Other members of the Judiciary, residents and school children also attended the event.

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guyanatimesgy.com

saturDAY, february 3, 2018

Regional

Socialist Party officially Cuba: Fidel Castro’s Venezuela’s taps Maduro for re-election son ‘takes own life’ V

T

he 68-year-old son of Cuba’s former leader Fidel Castro has killed himself in Havana, according to Cuban state media. Fidel Ángel Castro Díaz-Balart was found on Thursday morning and is said to have suffered from depression.

The first-born son of the late president was nicknamed “Fidelito”, or Little Fidel, after his father. He was a nuclear physicist, trained by the former Soviet Union.

“Fidel Castro DíazBalart, who had been treated by a group of doctors for several months due to deep depression, took his life this morning,” Cuba’s official newspaper Granma reported – little more than a year after his father. State television said he had been receiving medical treatment as an outpatient in recent months, following a hospital stay.

“Fidelito” (right) lived in his famous father’s shadow

At the time of his death, he was a scientific adviser for the Cuban Council of State and he served as vice president of Cuba’s Academy of Sciences. He headed the island’s nuclear programme from 1980 to 1992, before it was suspended after the Soviet Union’s collapse.

He was married to María Victoria Barreiro and had three children from his previous marriage – Fidel Antonio Castro

Smirnov, Mirta María Castro Smirnova and Jos­ é Raúl Castro Smirnov. Fidel Castro Díaz-Balart was born in 1949, during his father’s brief first marriage to Mirta Díaz-Balart, the daughter of a prominent pre-revolution politician.

His father went on to overthrow the US-backed dictator, Fulgencio Batista, in 1959 – when his mother’s family fled the island and went to Florida. (Excerpt from BBC

News)

T&T teenager rescued from abusive home

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rimacing from the knife wound a female relative had dealt him a mere three days before, 14-year-old John (not his real name) still tried to keep a smile as journalists walked through the bedroom he is forced to sleep in, next to a duck pen.

The smell of faeces was overbearing at his Tabaquite home, but it is where the epileptic outpatient now spends his nights after his relatives kicked him out of the habitable part of the house.

His neighbours were emotional on Thursday as they spoke about the unclean conditions he lived in, but more so the abuse he

suffers at the hands of a female relative. Their neighbour Faith Ramcharan, whose photos and video of John’s injuries and accommodation went viral on social media on Wednesday, said since the teen moved in with the female relative and her common-law husband six months ago, he has been constantly abused.

An officer from the Children’s Authority visited on Thursday but said he could not give any information to the media. John was taken into the care of the authority.

In a release, the Authority said when John’s case was brought to its attention, the Emergency

Response Team (ERT) was dispatched to locate him to determine the necessary intervention. On another issue, the authority said while it welcomes efforts in highlighting cases of child abuse the public should refrain from sharing posts that reveal children’s faces and identity via the internet, since this can cause further trauma to the child.

Ramcharan agreed that when she reported the abuse to the Children’s Authority on previous occasions they visited last December and in January, but said they failed to assess the living conditions of the child. (Excerpt from Trinidad Guardian)

Full steam ahead: Geothermal energy can fuel the future of the Eastern Caribbean

T

hough geothermal energy is a more involved and expensive undertaking than other renewables, its significant benefits make it an ideal way for the Eastern Caribbean to gain greater energy independence, reduce energy costs, and achieve sustainable development.

The islands of the Eastern Caribbean are renowned for their natural beauty and rich culture. But the volcanic origin of these islands has not only creat-

ed breath-taking scenery, it could soon provide the solution to the region’s quest for clean, renewable, and affordable energy.

Like most small island developing states (SIDS), the countries of the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) spend a large part of their earnings on imported fossil fuels to meet their energy needs, yet they also boast high levels of solar radiation, good wind regimes, and impressive geothermal po-

tential.

Across the world, the cost of energy has a major influence on quality of life. Energy represents a significant cost to households, businesses, and states. Reductions in the cost of technologies such as solar have led to promising growth in the renewable energy sector, but to make this sector a significant contributor to electricity generation in the OECS, efforts must include geothermal energy development. (Excerpt from Caribbean360)

enezuela’s ruling Socialist Party has formally selected President Nicolás Maduro to run for re-election in the upcoming presidential election, party Vice President Diosdado Cabello said during a televised party gathering on Friday.

Maduro, 55, who narrowly won election in 2013 to replace Hugo Chávez, is the favourite to win the presidential vote, due before the end of April, as his leading opponents are barred from standing. (Reuters)

President Nicolás Maduro

Jamaican business in venture with US company to produce cannabis-based medicinals

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Jamaican manufacturing company has entered a joint venture with USbased biotechnology company United Cannabis Corporation (UCANN) and Cannabinoid Research and its local subsidiary company, Cannabinoid Research and Development Company Limited (CRD), to produce cannabis-infused water and other cannabis-based products.

Under the limited partnership, LASCO Manufacturing Limited will produce UCANN’s cannabidiol water and other medicinals such as capsules, sub-

linguals, roll-ons and balms for export to the Englishspeaking Caribbean and Central America, excluding Mexico.

For this venture, LASCO has formed a new company, Lasvac, which is in the final stage of receiving approval from the Cannabis Licensing Authority (CLA) to grow, manufacture, transport, research and export cannabis products. Once it gets approved, Lasvac will be importing the raw material for the water and medicinals from Europe.

LASCO has earmarked US$100 million for the manufacture and distribution of

the products, and another US$3 million will be provided by UCANN. CRD will be responsible for growing the cannabis locally.

Founder and executive chairman of the LASCO Group, Lascelles Chin, said he has already received “visits from potential customers from Australia interested in placing large orders, as well as inquiries from territories including Canada, Italy, Europe, and Ukraine wanting information on timing of production and distribution”.

“We are eager to begin this new venture,” he said.

(Excerpt from Caribbean360)

Sprawling Maya network discovered under Guatemala jungle

The Maya city of Tikal was found to be just a fraction of an immense hidden metropolis

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esearchers have found more than 60,000 hidden Maya ruins in Guatemala in a major archaeological breakthrough. Laser technology was used to survey digitally beneath the forest canopy, revealing houses, palaces, elevated highways, and defensive fortifications.

The landscape, near already-known Maya cities, is thought to have been home to millions more people than other research had previously suggested.

The researchers mapped over 810 square miles (2100 sq km) in northern Peten.

Archaeologists believe the cutting-edge technology will change the way the world will see the Maya civilisation. “I think this is one of the greatest advances in over 150 years of Maya archaeology,” said Stephen Houston, Professor of Archaeology and Anthropology at Brown University.

Houston told the BBC that after decades of work in the archaeological field, he found the magnitude of the recent survey “breathtaking”. He added, “I know it sounds hyperbolic but when I saw the [Lidar] imagery, it did bring tears to my eyes.”

Results from the research using Lidar technology, which is short for “light detection and ranging”, suggest that Central America supported an advanced civilisation more akin to sophisticated cultures like ancient Greece or China.

“Everything is turned on its head,” Ithaca College archaeologist Thomas Garrison told the BBC. He believes the scale and population density has been “grossly underestimated and could in fact be three or four times greater than previously thought”. (Excerpt from BBC

News)

saturDAY, february 3, 2018

guyanatimesgy.com

Around the World

Trump-Russia: Republican memo accuses FBI of abusing power

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he US Congress has released a memo accusing the FBI of abusing its power in its investigations into Donald Trump’s presidential campaign. The memo, written

by Republicans, alleges the FBI used unsubstantiated evidence to spy on a Trump aide.

The FBI had warned against the memo’s release and said key facts had been omitted. Democrats said it was aimed at derailing ongoing investigations into the Trump campaign’s links with Russia.

The memo has become a flashpoint in the bitter dispute between Republicans and Democrats over investigations into whether Russia colluded with the Trump campaign in the 2016 elec-

17

“I think it’s terrible...I think it’s a disgrace”, Trump said of the controversial memo

tion.

It centres on court-ap-

proved wiretapping of Carter Page, a foreign pol-

icy adviser to the Trump campaign who was put under electronic surveillance by the FBI. But the memo accuses the FBI and the justice department of using an unsubstantiated and Democratic-funded report to obtain the October 2016 warrant that gave permission to spy on Page.

It says that they did not tell the authorities their claim to the warrant was partially based on a dossier funded in part by the rival Hillary Clinton campaign. It also says that the author of that dossier, a former British intelligence agent called Christopher Steele, told a senior justice department official that he was “desperate” that Donald Trump not win the vote. (Excerpt

from BBC News)

Migrant boat capsizes off Libya, 90 feared dead, mostly Pakistanis

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n estimated 90 migrants are feared to have drowned off the coast of Libya after a smuggler’s boat capsized early on Friday, leaving three known survivors and 10 bodies washed up on shore, the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) said.

Survivors told aid workers that most of the migrants on board were Pakistanis, who make up a growing number of those attempting the hazardous voyage across the Mediterranean to Italy from North Africa, IOM spokeswoman Olivia Headon said.

“They have given an estimate of 90 people who drowned during the capsize, but we still need to verify the exact number of people who lost their lives during the

tragedy,” Headon, speaking from Tunis, told a Geneva news briefing.

“What has been reported to us is that it’s mostly Pakistanis who were on board the boat, but we still need to verify the nationalities and how many from what country,” she said.

Ten bodies have washed up on Libyan shores so far, two of them Libyans and the rest Pakistanis, she said.

“I believe the Libyan coastguard is looking for other survivors off the coast,” Headon added.

Another IOM spokesman, Leonard Doyle, told Reuters Television that the boat was believed to have left shore on Thursday before capsizing early on Friday morning. (Excerpt from Reuters)

German parties edge closer to World leaders unite in US$2B drive coalition with migration deal to tackle ‘global learning crisis’

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hancellor Angela Merkel said her conservatives and their would-be partners, the Social Democrats (SPD), had much to do before agreeing to form a government, with the parties haggling over labour rights and healthcare though they put aside an argument over migration.

The parties became embroiled in another dispute over migration on Friday, with some SPD members saying they wanted to revisit January’s coalition blueprint that said the parties did not

expect annual migration to exceed 220,000 per year because they were annoyed that Merkel’s CSU Bavarian allies seemed to be considering this as an upper limit.

But SPD deputy Ralf Stegner later said the parties had reached a deal. In an apparent defeat for the SPD, the wording of that migration prediction remained the same – as pushed for by the CSU, which calls for a migrant cap.

Stegner said the figure described “expected migration numbers” and beyond

that the parties stood by the right to asylum enshrined in Germany’s Constitution.

He said the SPD had had to make compromises: “We can’t make progress on our issues without giving something in return.” But he trumpeted an agreement on a “modern and transparent immigration law” as a success for the migrant-friendly SPD. The parties agreed to encourage skilled migrants to go to Germany by considering criteria such as qualifications, age and language skills. (Excerpt from Reuters)

After 24 surgeries, Bangladesh ‘tree man’ relapses

Bajandar suffers from epidermodysplasia verruciformis, an extremely rare genetic condition known as “tree-man disease”

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year ago Abul Bajandar, a Bangladeshi rickshaw-puller dubbed “treeman” for the bark-like growths that once covered his body, appeared to have made a full recovery from the rare condition that has afflicted him for a decade.

But 12 months after doctors declared him all but cured following 24 surgeries, Bajandar’s hands are once again covered in the growths that characterise his rare condition.

Surgeon Samanta Lal Sen, who last year hailed his cure as a milestone in medical history, now ad-

mits Bajandar’s case may be more complicated than first thought.

His patient, who has been unable to work for years and whose young family lives in the hospital, says he fears he will never be cured.

Bajandar suffers from epidermodysplasia verruciformis, an extremely rare genetic condition known as “tree-man disease”. Intrigued by his condition, doctors at the Dhaka Medical College Hospital treated him for free, surgically removing more than five kilos (11 pounds) of growths from his hands and feet. He has been there ever

since with his wife and family, who live together in a small room in the hospital.

This week Bajandar underwent his 25th surgery to remove some of the growths from his hands. For his wife Halima Khatun, life is on hold as she tends to her husband and looks after their four-year-old daughter.

“We’re grateful for the free treatment, we couldn’t have afforded to pay for it,” said Khatun, who passes her time in the ward making jewellery for a little cash.

Fewer than half a dozen people worldwide have epidermodysplasia verruciformis, according to Sen.

(Excerpt from Jamaica Observer)

L

ow-income countries have increased their commitment to tackling a “global learning crisis” as world leaders promised to spend US$2.3 billion on education over the next three years.

A host of dignitaries, including six African heads of state and the singer Rihanna, descended on Dakar to attend a high-level financing conference in Senegal.

But pledges fell far short of the US$3 billion (£2.1 billion) that the Global Partnership for Education had hoped for following a warning by the World Bank that more than 260 million children worldwide are out of school and that half of those in school were not learning.

The Senegalese President, Macky Sall, hosting the conference, pledged US$2 million, making the

West African nation the first recipient country to contribute to the fund.

“If Senegal, with its limited needs, can mobilise that amount over three years, I bet that the international community can leverage that number and more to fund education,” Sall said.

China, which is heavily invested in Africa, sent a representative who stood up in a pledging session and promised nothing.

In all, donors pledged US$2.3 billion, with the EU, UK, Norway, France and Denmark leading the efforts. The total represents a significant increase on the US$1.3 billion pledged in 2015.

Meanwhile, 53 developing countries pledged to spend US$110 billion on their own education systems over the next two years. (Excerpt

from The Guardian)

North Korea supplied arms to Syria and Myanmar, UN sanctions report finds

N

orth Korea has supplied weapons to Syria and Myanmar, according to a confidential report by independent United Nations monitors which also said Pyongyang violated UN sanctions to earn nearly $200m in 2017.

The report to a UN security council sanctions committee, seen by Reuters on Friday, said monitors had investigated ongoing ballistic missile cooperation between Syria and Myanmar, including more than 40 previously unreported North Korea shipments between 2012 and 2017 to Syria’s

Scientific Studies and Research Centre, which oversees the country’s chemical weapons programme.

The investigation has shown “further evidence of arms embargo and other violations, including through the transfer of items with utility in ballistic missile and chemical weapons programs”, the UN monitors wrote.

They also inspected cargo from two North Korea shipments intercepted by unidentified countries en route to Syria. Both contained acid-resistant tiles that could cover an area equal to a

large-scale industrial project, the monitors reported.

One country, which was not identified, told the monitors the seized shipments could “be used to build bricks for the interior wall of a chemical factory”. Syria agreed to destroy its chemical weapons in 2013. However, diplomats and weapons inspectors suspect Syria may have secretly maintained or developed a new chemical weapons capability.

The Syrian mission to the United Nations did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the UN report. (Excerpt from The Guardian)

18

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saturDAY, February 3, 2018

ARCHIE

Good fortune and opportuARIES nity will be dependent on how (March 21- hard you work. Call in favors April 19) if it will help you secure your position or ensure that you are dealt with fairly.

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Take care of your work VIRGO responsibilities and do your (Aug. 23best to get along with your Sept. 22) peers. An energetic approach to home improvement projects will encourage you to host a party.

Calvin and Hobbes

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WORD GAME

SUDOKU

TODAY’S WORD — INTENDS (INTENDS: in-TENDS: Has as one’s aim or plan.)

Average mark 18 words Time limit 30 minutes Can you find 24 or more words in INTENDS? The list will be published Monday.

Keep your personal SAGITTARIUS thoughts and information (Nov. 23Dec. 21) a secret. Someone will take advantage of you if you are too open about your feelings.

Don’t give in to emotional blackmail.

YESTERDAY’S WORD — FEARFUL fare fear feral flare flea flue fuel

furl earful earl raffle rale real ruff

ruffle rule urea leaf luff lure

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

Honesty will be required SCORPIO when dealing with your view (Oct. 24of yourself and your capabilNov. 22) ities. Ask a trusted friend to evaluate your skills.

solution for LAST PUBLISHED Puzzle

If you put more energy CAPRICORN into establishing your per(Dec. 22sonal and professional poJan. 19) sitions, you will find a path that will ensure that you reach your goals.

If you want to help someAQUARIUS one, take on physical, not fi(Jan. 20nancial, responsibilities. A Feb. 19) practical approach when dealing with others will help you avoid being roped into something you don’t want to do.

A financial opportunity PISCES (Feb. 20- will not live up to your expecMarch 20) tations. Dig deep and you’ll discover any flaws that could alter your progress. Consider the pros and cons before moving forward.

saturDAY, February 3, 2018

19

Zidane shrugs off Madrid sack talk R

eal Madrid's trying season has left Zinedine Zidane's future under the microscope but the head coach is simply focused on facing Levante.

Zinedine Zidane accepts other coaches being linked to his job comes with the territory of being Real Madrid boss.

The Spanish and European champions made it back-to-back wins in LaLiga with an impressive 4-1 triumph at Valencia last weekend but remain 19 points shy of leaders and bitter rivals Barcelona.

But a humbling Copa del Rey exit at the hands of Leganes still lingers and Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino is among those being talked of as a potential

successor to Zidane, who has won the Champions League twice in two years at the helm.

"It's like that. Not just here, not just in Madrid. It's the daily work of any coach," the France great told reporters ahead of Saturday's trip to Levante.

"When things are difficult they talk about and a change and those who could come in.

"It doesn't affect me. It doesn't stop me doing my work and fighting and looking for what I want to do each day – improving things.

"I am not thinking at all about what will happen next year, I don't care [for the moment]."

A mouth-watering last16 clash against Paris SaintGermain in the Champions

League is on the horizon, with Madrid's remaining hope of winning major silverware this season on the line to further raise the stakes.

Nevertheless, Zidane maintains his players are focused upon more immediate tasks against Levante and Real Sociedad in LaLiga, where he is refusing to concede the title just yet.

"No, it's straightforward.

If we think about the PSG game that's a mistake. The players don't think that," he said.

"The players think that we have to get our confidence back, as we have been doing.

We've scored 11 goals in two league games, so just keep thinking about that.

"If we do things well, we

will

ha ve a lot of possibilities to win the game. If we don't then it is going to be tougher.

"We have to do well in the league, finish as high up in the league as possible and think the league isn't over.

That's all."

Zidane reported playmaker Isco and captain Sergio Ramos will be available to face Levante after overcoming respective thigh and calf complaints. (Sportsmax)

Zinedine Zidane

Father lunges at disgraced US gymnastics doctor

A

father whose three daughters were abused by disgraced US gymnastics doctor Larry Nassar has tried to attack him in a Michigan courtroom.

Randall Margraves had to be restrained by three court security officers.

Before rushing to the table where Nassar was sitting, the man had asked to have "five minutes in a locked room with that demon".

Judge Janice Cunningham said she could not allow that.

Mr Margraves then asked the judge for just one minute, to awkward laughter from the courtroom.

The judge repeated her refusal - and shouts and gasps were heard as the furious father bolted towards Nassar, who was present in an orange prison jumpsuit.

The dramatic intervention brought Nassar's final sentencing hearing on sexual abuse charges to an abrupt halt.

"I want that son of a bitch!"

Mr Margraves shouted as he was wrestled to the ground and handcuffed.

"What if this happened to you guys?" he demanded of the officers who escorted him from the courtroom.

Two of the Margraves daughters, Madison and Lauren, had just testified about their abuse at the hands of the doctor.

Randall Margraves was tackled by three guards

The incident came as dozens of women waited for their turn to face Nassar in court and outline the abuse they suffered at his hands.

Mr Margraves later came back in to the court to apologise for his actions, and was told he would not face charges.

Nassar, a former US Olympic gymnastics team doctor, was sentenced to up to 175 years in prison a week ago after testimony from nearly 160 of his victims.

In handing down that sentence,

Judge Rosemarie Aquilina told Nassar: "Sir, you do not deserve to walk outside of a prison ever again."

The 54-year-old was already serving 60 years in prison for possession of child sex abuse images.

Gymnasts and Olympic gold medallists Aly Raisman and Jordyn Wieber were among those the doctor molested.

Other victims were taken to be treated by him at Michigan State University (MSU), where he worked as a sports doctor between

1997 and 2016.

The entire board of directors for USA Gymnastics agreed to resign in the wake of Nassar's earlier sentencing on 24 January. The president and athletic director of MSU also stood down. At his current sentencing hearing this week, Judge Cunningham said the number of known victims had grown to 265.

On Thursday, Michigan police offered a public apology to a woman whose complaint against the child abuser was ignored in 2004.

Brianne Randall-Gay was 17 years old when she reported Nassar, but police closed the case after he said he was using a medical technique.

Despite the disruption, Friday's sentencing hearing continued after a short break.

Judge Janice Cunningham called the situation "scary", but added: "I recognise that Mr Margraves had three daughters that he has had to watch go through the pain and the hurt. I can't imagine what it is like for a parent."

The distraught father was later brought before the judge in handcuffs, and apologised to everyone in the courtroom, saying he was "embarrassed".

"I'm not here to upstage my daughters, I'm here to help them heal," he said.

He explained that he had not known in advance what his children were going to say.

"I got to hear that, and I got to see Larry Nassar over here shaking his head 'no,' like it didn't happen," Mr Margraves said.

The judge accepted his apology, and confirmed he will not face contempt of court charges.

"There is no way that this court is going to issue any type of punishment, given the circumstances of this case," Judge Cunningham said. (BCC)

20

saturDAY, February 3, 2018

GUYANATIMESgy.COM

Sri Lanka pile on the runs and eye big lead

A

Dhananjaya de Silva drives elegantly © Associated Press

second-wicket stand of 308 between Kusal Mendis and Dhananjaya de Silva before Sri Lanka closed on 504-3 in reply to 513.

Kusal Mendis and Dhananjaya de Silva made their highest Test scores on a gruelling day three for Bangladesh as Sri Lanka took charge of the series opener in Chittagong.

The Sri Lanka selectors dropped Kusal for the series against India late last year, but he made a magnificent 196 and Dhananjaya a superb 173 on a punishing day in the field for the Tigers.

Kusal fell in the 190s for the second time in his fledgling career after he and Dhananjaya - who became the joint-fastest Sri Lanka batsman to 1,000 Test runs - had put on 308 for the second wicket, the tourists' eighth-best partnership in Tests.

Roshen Silva (82 not out) and captain

Dinesh Chandimal (37no) also cashed in on a flat track to take Sri Lanka on to 504-3 in reply to Bangladesh's 513 all out on Friday.

Dhananjaya joined Kusal at the crease on day two with Sri Lanka 0-1 following Dimuth Karunaratne's dismissal and they continued to make the Bangladesh bowlers toil in the morning session on the third day after resuming on 187-1.

Kusal brought up his fourth Test hundred in a wicketless opening session, Sri Lanka moving on to 295-1 at lunch with no sign of spin or movement off the seam.

The Bangladesh attack continued to toil without reward, Dhananjaya showing his repertoire of strokes as he coasted past 150 but finally fell after top-edging Mustafizur Rahman and wicketkeeper Liton Das took the catch.

Dhananjaya struck 21 fours and a six in his marathon knock, while Kusal was increasingly positive after a scratchy start to his innings, runs flowing through the leg side as he milked the spinners.

Kusal made 194 against the Tigers last year and was on his way again when on the verge of a double-hundred, Mushfiqur Rahim taking a fine catch running back from mid-

wicket when the opener tried to dispatch Taijul Islam to the boundary, ending a stand of 107 with Roshin.

Liton failed to stump Roshen for one when he missed a Mehidy Hasan delivery down the leg side and he was only 13 shy of a maiden Test hundred at stumps, Chandimal also seeing it through to the close as his side look set to take a healthy first-innings lead.

(Sportsmax)

SCOREBOARD Sri Lanka 1st innings (overnight 187-1) D Karunaratne c Kayes b Has an 0 K Mendis c Rahim b T Islam196 D de Silva c Liton Das b Mustafizur Rahman 173 R Silva not out 87 D Chandimal not out 37 Extras (7b 3lb 0nb 0pen 1w)11 Total (138 overs)504-3 Fall of Wickets : 1-0 Karunaratne, 2-308 de Silva, 3-415 Mendis To Bat : Dickwella, Perera, Herath, Lakmal, Sandakan, Kumara Bowling : Rahman 25-5-88-1, S Islam 37-2-1280, Hasan 19-0-97-1, T Islam 51-13-144-1, Hossain 3-0-24-0, Haque 2-0-6-0, Mahmudullah 1-0-7-0

Du Plessis out of India series with fractured finger

Khan targeting top welterweights S by end of year

E

rrol Spence, Keith Thurman, Danny Garcia and Kell Brook are within Amir Khan's sights for the end of 2018.

Amir Khan is targeting a fight with one of the world's top welterweights by the end of 2018 as he gets set to make his return to the ring.

The former unified light welterweight world champion has not fought since his defeat to Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez in May 2016.

He will make his comeback on April 21 with a bout against Phil Lo Greco, and has his sights set on the likes of Errol Spence, Keith Thurman, Danny Garcia and Kell Brook.

IBF champion Errol Spence followed up his victory over Brook last May by defeating Lamont Peterson - a victor over Khan in 2011 - in seven rounds.

Keith Thurman beat Garcia to add the WBA strap to his WBC belt with a split decision win in March last year and is scheduled to fight again on May 19.

Garcia knocked out Khan in four rounds in 2012 and, while a fight with Brook has long been mooted, the fact his British compatriot is facing Sergey Rabchenko at light middleweight next month may temper hopes of that fight taking place.

But Khan told Omnisport: "We'll get this fight out of the way and then fight again in August, September time.

"Then we'll probably get a big one in December. The Brook fight is out there, there's Spence, Thurman, the rematch with Danny Garcia.

"There are some big fights out there for me so it's all about being smart in there."

On Spence, Khan added: "He was very impressive, he's a very good fighter.

"He's probably one of the best welterweights out there. I definitely respect him.

"You've also got Thurman, who's really good. The welterweight division has got big names in and I respect them all." (Sportsmax)

outh Africa captain Faf du Plessis has been ruled out of the remaining ODIs against India and the T20s that follow due to a fractured finger. He did damage to the finger - his right index digit - during the first ODI on February 1. He is likely to require three to six weeks' time to recover, a Cricket South Africa (CSA) statement said, putting him in danger of missing the start of the four-Test series against Australia that starts on March 1.

Faf du Plessis

Batsman Farhaan Behardien has been added to South Africa's squad as a replacement, while Heinrich Klaasen comes in as a back-up wicketkeeper given AB de Villiers is also sidelined by injury - incidentally, also a finger issue.

Both du Plessis and de Villiers sustained their finger injuries trying to catch out Virat Kohli and while India still have their captain, South Africa will now be scrambling for one. Hashim Amla is the first name that comes to mind, even though he has been reluctant to lead in the past; in an emergency, he remains the go-to but JP Duminy could be in contention for a leadership role as well.

Duminy captained the Cobras in the domestic one-day cup, in which they reached the semi-finals, and has led South Africa in T20s, most recently against Bangladesh in October last year.

Behardien was a surprise omission from the original ODI squad, which was named for the first three matches last week, especially after his form in the domestic oneday cup. Behardien finished fourth on the run-scorers' list with 437 runs at 48.55 and a strike rate of 92.58 but Khaya Zondo, who only scored 275 runs at 39.28 at a strike rate of 65.53, was given an opportunity as part of

South Africa's "vision 2019".

Speaking to the media when the squad was announced, convener of selectors Linda Zondi explained that the plan was to cast the net as widely as possible to assess which players may be in contention for World Cup places, and said Behardien had been provided reassurance that his World Cup dream was not over. It was thought than that Behardien would only have to wait until the second half of the India series to play again but his turn has come much sooner.

The same applies to Klaasen, who was third on the one-day cup run-scorers' list with 522 runs at 52.20 and a strike rate of 94.05. Klaasen also presents the first real challenge to Quinton de Kock, who has yet to score more than 43 in the ongoing tour against India. Though du Plessis and coach Ottis Gibson insisted de Kock need not fear for his place and hoped he would find form in shorter formats, Klaasen's call-up suggests patience in de Kock is not limitless and he does have someone chasing him.

All this has thrown South Africa's plans to use this series as a starting point for their World Cup campaign a little off track. Without the captain and one of their most effective batsmen, planning for a major tournament will be tough. South Africa were even willing to let results take a back seat to their planning, but that may change given the position they now find themselves in.

South Africa lost the first ODI in Durban, despite a century from du Plessis. Five more ODIs follow, with three T20s after that, and de Villiers is expected to come back for at least some of that. Then, South Africa host Australia for four Tests and will hope all of de Villiers, du Plessis and the recovering Dale Steyn, who has a heel injury, will be fit. (cricinfo)

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Webb given more time to pay debt to US Government

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mbattled former CONCACAF President Jeffrey Webb has been given more time to pay on debts owed to the United States government stemming from an asset forfeiture agreement.

As part of a plea with US authorities in the much publicised FIFA corruption case Webb was expected to complete another US$1.7 million repayment to authorities by the end of this month.

The majority of the amount, around US$1.43 million was deposited into the U.S. government’s Seized Asset Deposit Fund last June, leaving another US$270,000 outstanding.

The amounts have been garnered from the sale of Webb’s properties in Georgia, however, according to documents presented in court earlier this week the former CONCACAF boss’ attorney pointed to two failed deals as responsible for a further payment delay.

“While Mr. Webb’s realtor located serious buyers for three of these four properties in Georgia last year, only one of these properties remains in sale negotiations,” Webb’s attorney Ernie Gao told the court.

“Sale negotiations for the other two properties fell through in December 2017, due to certain unforeseen circumstances; one buyer was unable to obtain bank financing to fund the purchase, while the sale of the other property could not close after conditions were discovered that needed to be modified.”

The prosecution did not object to giving Webb until July 23 to complete the payment.

As part of his November 2015 guilty plea in the FIFA investigation, Webb agreed to forfeit a total of US$6.7 million in cash assets and property, which included a 9,851-square-foot home in Loganville, Georgia. His sentencing date is currently set for March 7.

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Organiser Wayne Jones (left) hands over the winning trophy to Jai Deodass of Floodlights while Ricky Deonarine shares the moment

F

loodlights continued to wreak havoc on the softball scene after beating Wellman easily by 30 runs in the Finals of their Trophy Stall sponsored competition, played the Demerara Cricket Club Ground (DCC) on Sunday.

MVP Yunis Yusuf scored an even 50 as Floodlight made 121-9 in 20 overs with Anil Beharry supporting with 22. Jagdesh Persaud took 3-21 with Latchman Kallicharran supporting with 2-11 bolwing for

Wellman.

Imitaz Mohamed, Robindra Singh and Beharrythen snapped up two wickets apiece to keep Wellman to 91-8 when their 20 overs expired. Nandram Samall was the top-scorer with 22 not out.

In the semi-finals played earlier, Floodlights advanced to the finals by netting Fishermen XI by 39 runs while Wellman disposed of Savage by 9 wickets to progress to the final round.

Willey hits 34 off one over in Twenty20 warm-up win

D

avid Willey almost became the first England player to hit six sixes in an over as they charged to a Twenty20 win over a Prime Minister's XI in Canberra.

Willey hit Australia Test spinner Nathan Lyon, captaining the hosts, for 34 off the sixth over as they cruised to an eight-wicket victory.

Needing 137 to win, England eased to their target in 12.4 overs as makeshift opener Willey hit 79 from 36 balls.

A T20 tri-series co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand begins on Saturday.

All-rounder Willey, 27, has often opened for Yorkshire and his former county Northamptonshire in limited-overs cricket, but has never batted above number seven for England in a full international.

With Jason Roy and Alex Hales sidelined by injury, Willey opened with James Vince, adding 87 for the first wicket in six-and-a-half overs.

Willey cleared the ropes with the first five deliveries of Lyon's second over before hitting a sweetly struck four through the covers from the final delivery, which led to ironic boos from the 8,000 crowd.

Lyon took 21 wickets during Australia's Ashes victory and is their regular Test spinner, but has not played a limited-overs international since August 2016.

While this warm-up wear the shirt and, whatevmatch does not hold official er role, I try to do the best status, Willey now holds the I can.

On missing out on the record for hitting the most runs in an over while in an sixth six, he added: "I probEngland shirt. ably was disappointed, espeEarlier, Willey had tak- cially in an England shirt. It en 3-32 with the new ball would have been nicer to get at Manuka Oval, while the final one too but if you're Hampshire spinner Liam hitting 34 off an over you Dawson took a miserly 3-16 can't complain." (BBC) from his four overs.

Test batsman Peter Handscomb t o p scored for the Prime Minister's XI with 43 as they were restricted to 136-8.

"I got a chance at the top of the order with a couple of niggles and I had nothing to lose," Willey said. "I went out with a bit of a free rein and managed to clear the ropes a few times.

"I think I'll be sliding back down to nine or 10 for the first game, that was my one chance.

I don't think I can walk in there and say I should be batting higher up the order. I do that job back home and my job with England is different.

David Willey hit 79 off 36 balls in "I'm just England’s warm-up match in Canberra honoured to

22

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saturDAY, february 3, 2018

Gruelling 125 miles set for cyclists

Marlon Williams

L

ocal cyclists will have a huge test of fitness when they engaged in what is expected to be a gruelling 125-mile race to Linden on Sunday. The event is organised by top

cyclist and Team Evolution rider Marlon ‘Fishy’ Williams and will begin at DSL (on the back road) from 05:30 hrs.

The race will proceed to Linden where a warm meal

will be provided and then the group will return to the point of origin. The riders plan to ride controlled speeds of 18- 20 mph. There will be food and beverages for all cyclists, also mechanical support and spares free of cost.

According to Williams, the event should last for approximately seven and half hours which will give the riders great test since it is the early part of the season and he is expecting close to 70 riders to attend.

The race comes on the heels of Sunday’s blistering test which began from just outside the National Sports Commission (NSC) headquarters on Homestretch Avenue, preceded to Long Creek on the Linden/ Soesdyke Highway and then back to the point of origin for the finish.

That event saw Cortis “Chappy” Dey, Romello Crawford hold-off 2017’s top cyclist Jamual John on the back stretch to cross the finish line and claim first place and 15 points in the Guyana Cycling Federation’s (GCF) first ‘Points’ race of 2018.

Williams expressed immense appreciation for the assistance of Land of Canaan’s Doolie’s Bakery and NK’s Eatery and Smoothie Café in Linden.

GSSF AMG set for February 16

T

he Guyana Sport Shooting Federation (GSSF) will be hosting its Annual General Meeting (AGM) and elections for 2018 on February 16 at the Grand Coastal Hotel, East Coast Demerara.

The association has been making strides over recent years as they continue to push for the growth of the highly fun and skilled sport. As customary, the GSSF like other sport organizations will now look to elect the most suitable persons to fulfill the executive roles associated with the fraternity.

Current President and top-female shooter Vidushi Persaud-Mc Kinnon will not be eligible for presidential candidacy after serving two consecutive terms as head. This automatically results in the GSSF certain about having a new leader for 2018 going forward.

The positions which will be contested for include; President, Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer, Assistant Secretary/ Treasurer, Internal Auditor, Committee Member (Practical Shooting), Committee Member (Steel Challenge), Committee Member (Archery) and Committee Member (Trapshooting).

Current President and top-female shooter Vidushi Persaud-Mc Kinnon will not be eligible for presidential candidacy

No more "Grid girls"

G

rid girls' will no longer be used by Formula 1 from the start of the 2018 World Championship season.

Sean Bratches, managing director of commercial operations, said the change would be made "so as to be more in tune with our vision for this great sport".

F1 managing director of motorsports Ross Brawn told BBC Radio 5 live in December that the use of female promotional models was "under review".

The new F1 season begins on 25 March.

"While the practice of employing grid girls has been a staple of Formula 1 grands prix for decades, we feel this custom does not resonate with our brand values and clearly is at odds with modern day societal norms," Bratches added.

"We don't believe the practice is appropriate or relevant to Formula 1 and its fans, old and new, across the world."

Stuart Pringle, managing director of British circuit Silverstone, said: "We wholeheartedly support

There have been mixed views on the use of ‘Grid Girls’

the decision by F1 to drop the use of grid girls - it is an outdated practice that no longer has a place in sport."

Last week, the Professional Darts Corporation said walkon girls will no longer be used at events.

The Women's Sport Trust said in a statement: "We strongly encourage sports such as cycling, boxing and UFC to follow darts and Formula 1 and reconsider the use of podium girls, ring girls and octagon girls.

"This is not a matter of feminists versus models, which seems to be the way many people want to portray this story.

"These changes are taking place because global businesses are making a considered choice about how women should be valued and portrayed in their sports in 2018. They deserve significant credit for doing so."

In December, BBC Sport carried out a vote on whether 'grid girls' should be part of Formula 1, with 60% saying that they should be. (BBC Sport)

saturDAY, february 3, 2018

guyanatimesgy.com

23

CWI Super50 Cup 2018

Hetmyer hammers

United States with blistering ton W

indies batsman Shimron Hetmyer smashed a whirlwind 103 from 69 balls which cruised Guyana Jaguars to their second win as many matches when Cricket West Indies (CWI) Super50 Cup continued on Friday.

Playing at the Sir Vivian Richards Cricket Ground, in Antigua, Jaguars pounced on the inexperienced United States, ravaging them by eight wickets and 17.4 overs to spear in pursuit of 189.

Entering at 1-19 in the seventh over due to the dismissal of Chandrapaul Hemraj for seven, Hetmyer who just had 19 in his previous match against Kent, took a liking to all the bowlers in his attractive innings which gave him his first List A century.

The left-hander smashed eight fours and seven sixes, sharing a 118-run partnership with captain Leon Johnson which came off 96 balls for the second wicket.

Johnson who failed to trouble the scores in the previous match, seemed busy at the crease in his unbeaten 50 (4x4s; 1x6) which came off 63 balls. When the Berbician departed in the 28th over, Raymon Reifer spent little time in smashing a boundary to secure the comfortable victory.

Earlier, United States captain Ibrahim Khaleel called right at the toss but it went wrong from then by

losing wickets in a cluster.

They slumped to 3-10 until former Windies batsman Xavier Marshall and Timil

Christopher Barnwell

Mrunal P a t e l and Elmore Hutchinson helped their team to the respectable total against a well-rounded bowling output by the Jaguars.

Meanwhile, the Guyana Cricket Board via a release on Friday afternoon revealed that all-rounder Christopher

Barnwell will replace Reifer who leaves the squad after their match on Sunday for Windies ‘A’ team duties.

On Sunday, Jaguars play L e e w a r d Hurricanes in day/night affair at the Coolidge C r i c k e t Ground, commencing from 14:00 hrs.

SCOREBOARD

Leon Johnson

Veerasammy Permaul Patel added 60 for the fourth wicket.

T h e right-handed Marshall had to be patient for 51 which came off 83 balls and just had five fours and one maximum. Patel too failed to get

going as his score of 16 came from 41 deliveries. The lack of scoring was attributed to tight bowling especially by spin twins Veerasammy Permaul and Devendra Bishoo who combined to bowl 20 overs for 34 runs and three wickets.

Lower-order hitting by

Golfers gear up for LGC/Unique Open

L

ocal golfers will take to the Greens for the 4th straight weekend as the Lusignan Golf Club (LGC) hosts its Unique Open Tournament today.

This specific tourney is set to have a twist with a new method of rearranged Hole numbering being introduced. At an Executive Meeting held on Tuesday which based on review of the request of some members, it was decided that the Hole Numbering would be rearranged so that what has been Hole 8 would now become Hole 1, and what was previously Hole 7 would now be Hole 9.

Also, the new Hole 1 will be from the traditional Back Nine tee-box, which is nearer to the Club House. The rationale behind the changes is to breed greater competitiveness offered from having a 9th or 18th Hole that is Par 5, as well as the great view these two Holes still offer spectators of the starting Tee-box and finishing Green for a round.

Today’s Medal Play Club Tournament will see prizes from 1st to 3rd Best Net, Nearest the Pin and Longest Drive being up for grabs. Also, Tee-off will commence as early as 7:30am and will run up until 11:30am.

Golfers will Tee-off in groups of 4, and so can choose convenient start time between 7:30 hrs up to 11:30 hrs. The Executive has also decided to have an Annual Champ which will be the golfer with the most points in Club Tournaments during the year. That player will then be honored as the LGC Club Champion for the year.

Lusignan Golf Club continues its actionpacked year today

United States innings S Sohal c Bramble+ b Paul 0 J Malhotra c Hetmyer b Reifer 0 X Marshall c Hetmyer b Permaul 51 I Khaleel*+ c Hetmyer b Reifer 0 T Patel b Pestano 16 R Silva c Hetmyer b Permaul M Patel not out 43 U Rafiq lbw Bishoo E Hutchinson c Chanderpaul b Paul Extras (b 2, lb 6, w 21, nb 1) 30 Total (50 Overs) 188 for 8 FoW: 1 - 0(Sohal, 0.2 ov), 2 1( Malhotra, 1.3 ov) ,3 - 10( Khaleel, 3.5 ov) , 4 - 70(TIMIL Patel, 18.3 ov) ,5 - 79(Silva, 21.4 ov) , 6 - 96(Marshall, 27.3 ov) ,7 - 99(Rafiq, 30.5 ov) ,8 - 188(Hutchinson, 49.6 ov) DnB: S Netravalkar , N Kenjige Bowling: Paul 8-1-32-2, Reifer

8-1-43-2, Pestano 7-1-19-1, Rutherford 7-1-42-0, Permaul 10-1-29-2, Bishoo 10-1-15-1 Guyana Jaguars innings (target 189 from 50 overs) C Hemraj c Silva b Hutchinson 7 S Chanderpaul retired hurt 8 S Hetmyer c Marshall b Netravalkar 103 L Johnson* not out 50 R Reifer not out 11 Extras (b 1, lb 7, w 3, nb 1) 12 Total (32.2 overs) 191 for 2 FoW: 1 - 19(Hemraj, 6.2 ov), 2 - 167(Hetmyer, 27.5 ov) DnB: A Bramble+, S Rutherford, K Paul C Pestano, V Permaul, D Bishoo Bowling: Hutchinson 6-0-141, Netravalkar 10-0-46-1, Rafiq 6.2-0-38-0, 4-023-0, Patel 4-0-30-0, Kenjige 2-0-32-0

Hamilton Green Inter-Ward Football tournament

Action billed for Sunday at Den Amstel Ground T

he Hamilton Green 83rd Birth Anniversary InterWard Football Cup kicks off its quarterfinal rounds on Sunday at the Den Amstel Community Centre ground.

The 9-a-side will see Poudeoryen FC tackling Plaisance from 14:00hs while Pit Crane battle Soesdyke in game two which is set for 14:30hs. Uitvlugt will then lock horns with Sara Lodge from 15:00hs as Crane Rovers and Tigerbay duke it out from 15:30hs in the fourth game.

The semi-finals followed by the finals will follow upon conclusion of the opening matches. Meanwhile an exhibition encounter will see four teams doing battle for the Brian Tiwari Trophy and $20,000 in a straight knockout fixture.

Bagotville and Wales will start things off from

13:00hs while home team Den Amstel plays Zeelugt from 13:30hs, followed by the finals. The winner and runner-up cash prizes of $70,000 and $30,000 respectively were donated compliments of Banks DIH Limited.

Meanwhile, the Highest Goal Scorer will receive a table set compliments of China Trading, while runner-up will pocket a ‘Lazy boy Chair’ from A.H.& L. Kissoon with all trophies donated by Trophy Stall.

SATURDAY, February 3, 2018

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

guyanatimesgy.com

Gruelling 125 miles set for cyclists

Pg 22

Cyclists will be tested on all fronts come Sunday along the East Bank Demerara corridor

CWI Super50 Cup 2018 Pg 23

Hetmyer hammers United States with blistering ton

Shimron Hetmyer

Guyana Jaguars have won two on the trot in this year’s Regional Super50 (file photo)

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