Guyanatimes 2 november 2017

GBTI supports cancer foundations P10

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

THE BEACON OF TRUTH

Thursday, November 2, 2017

Issue No. 3380

PRICE

Unilateral appointment

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WHAT'S INSIDE:

Mortimer Mingo elected Chairman of P10 LGC

“Let’s have constitutional compliance now” – Jagdeo Page 3

…condemns attempt to polarise Guyanese by making GECOM issue about race

Wakenaam farmers take President rice giant to court to address over unpaid monies Parliament today Page 2

Page 11

Above-average P12 rainfall expected in rainy season – Hydromet Office warns

Restricting hunting P12 highlighted at wildlife consultations

GTU wages, salaries negotiation

Early screening encouraged as GTT’s Pinktober concludes

High-level P9 task force established Page 13

As the curtains came down on GTT’s month-long "Pinktober" activities, several persons were honoured by the telecommunications giant at its Brickdam head office on Wednesday. In photo, volunteer Tiffany Warren, who assisted in the 5k/10k walk, which raised over $4 million, reminded persons that early screening for cancer can save their lives (Carl Croker photo)

First Lady urges citizens UG unions reject not to fall prey to opaque offer scholarship scam Page 7

Page 2

…accuse Vice Chancellor of being greedy …demand breakdown of increases

‘Hungry’ labourer P8 admits to snatching phone to buy food

2 news

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First Lady urges citizens not to fall prey to scholarship scam F

irst Lady Sandra Granger is again cautioning citizens to look out for persons purporting to be running a scholarship fund in her name, while calling for the scammers to be brought to justice.

Reports have surfaced that persons have been contacted via phone calls and text messages from telephone number (592) 6422236 with requests for payment in return for the opportunity to gain scholarships under the name of First Lady Sandra Granger.

Addressing the issue, First Lady Sandra Granger reiterated that no such

“There is a woman going around who is impersonating me, and this has been going on for months. She has an assistant and she is calling people and saying that she is me and duping them using Mobile Money” the First Lady explained.

According to Mrs Granger, hundreds of thousands of dollars have been lost by many and despite the publicity that this has been getting from the press, it still continues to happen.

“We have publicised this

First Lady Sandra Granger

scholarship fund exists and that persons should not

hand over any money to anyone claiming otherwise.

in the press, we have done it on social media but of recent about three days ago, a woman called because the scammer is allegedly now conning people telling them that she is able to grant visas and this is throughout the country, it started in the interior locations and now she is on the coast,” Granger said.

All Government scholarships are granted through the Public Service Ministry, and as such, the First Lady is calling on citizens to be

cautious not to fall prey of the fraudsters.

In one instance, a woman sent some $90,000 to the scammer in order to have her daughter and niece granted scholarships.

The First Lady is assuring that when the culpable persons are found, they will be brought to justice.

“Please tell everybody in plain language that this woman is a crook! And when caught, she will be brought to justice,” the First Lady said.

President to address Parliament today

F

ollowing a twomonth recess, the Parliament of Guyana will reopen today with a packed agenda including the customary address from the Head of State, President David Granger.

Today’s hearing will commence with the tabling of several reports to the National Assembly including: a Special Report on the Public Procurement Commission’s investigation into the procurement of emergency drugs by the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation; the Report of the Commission of Inquiry

established to probe the assassination plot against the President; and the Report of the Commission of Inquiry into the Camp Street Prison disturbances and resultant deaths.

Additionally, Finance Minister Winston Jordan will present his recommendations and comments on the annual budget proposals of the various constitutional agencies for 2018.

The 16 entities submitted proposals amounting to $10.3 billion.

Meanwhile, the Opposition tabled several questions to be answered by the subject Ministers in-

cluding: the rental of properties for Ministers and also on the many Commissions of Inquiry established by Government.

The National Assembly will also be considering the CoI report into GuySuCo by the Parliamentary Sectoral Committee on Economic Services; and the adoption of several reports, including the Standing Committee on Appointments regarding the nomination and appointment of members to the Ethnic Relations Commission as well as reports on visits to several major hospitals across the country.

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Unilateral appointment

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

Thursday, November 2 – a night retraction at 03:00h and a day retraction from 14:30h-16:00h and Friday, November 3 – a night retraction at 04:00h and a day retraction from 14:30h-16:00h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Thursday, November 2 – 14:50h-16:10h and Friday, November 3 – 15:30h-17:00h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY Early morning sunshine is expected to give way to heavy and light rain showers throughout the day, with partly cloudy to clear skies in the evening. Temperatures are expected to range between 25 degrees Celsius and 30 degrees Celsius.

Winds: Ranging from Easterly to East North-easterly and East South-easterly between 2.23 metre and 3.57 metres.

High Tide: 02:55h and 15:14h reaching maximum heights of 2.64 metres and 2.76 metres respectively.

Low Tide: 08:48h and 21:11h reaching minimum heights of 0.54 metre and 0.42 metre respectively.

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“Let’s have constitutional compliance now” – Jagdeo …condemns attempt to polarise Guyanese by making GECOM issue about race

A

mid calls to have the issue relating to the appointment of the Chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) addressed in the new Constitution, Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo strongly feels that there is need to have strong compliance with the current Constitution now.

Addressing members of the media on Wednesday, Jagdeo said the idea being pitched around by supporters of the current Administration is that the issue could be fixed later, because the unilateral appointment of a GECOM Chairman is a “done deal” and does not have any bearing.

“We need constitutional compliance now and I mentioned they are not very gun hoe on constitutional changes, but this is a convenient way to move us away from this issue to promise a new formula in the Constitution,” Jagdeo said.

The former Head of State reminded that the Carter Formula has worked for over 25 years and both parties had agreed with it. He also noted that the current formula is enshrined in the Constitution, and therefore there is need for constitutional compliance to take place now.

“We can change the system in the future but until we do that (David) Granger and the others have to act in accordance with our Constitution,” he asserted.

Asked whether he was prepared to submit a fourth list to the President, the Opposition Leader said he would have done so if the President had agreed to comply with the court’s ruling.

“I would have done it but this time he had to comply with the ruling of the Chief Justice (CJ). He would have had to give reasons to reject the names on the list,” he explained.

Chief Justice Roxane George ruled that the President is not obliged to select a person from the six names on the list unless he has determined that the persons are unacceptable as fit and proper for the appointment and that he cannot deem the entire list unacceptable if one or more nominees are not fit and proper.

Jagdeo maintained that the President acted in bad faith. He again accused the Head of State of being “untrustworthy”, pointing out that the move is unconstitutional in which he acted in defiance of a judgement.

impression that his list did not contain any person of Afro-Guyanese background, that idea is false and from reality. “I have seen a flurry of activities delegated in the public media to distorting the fact surrounding the matter of the appointment of Chairman of GECOM,” he added.

Court action

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo

“He renounced 25 years of common understanding and history between our parties and they are trying to polarise this country once again along the lines of race when this issue has nothing to do with this,” the Opposition Leader stated.

Responsible debate not race

Another issue of contention raised by the Opposition was the fact that some groups and individuals, who are closely associated to the current Government, have moved away from having responsible debate about the issue and are now actively engaged in making it a race issue.

Jagdeo reminded that the issue has nothing to do with race, noting that while some people wanted to create an

The People’s Progressive Party has already filed High Court proceedings to quash the appointment of Justice James Patterson as GECOM Chairman because he was not picked from among the 18 nominees and that he ap-

pears to be closely linked to the People’s National Congress Reform, the largest partner in the governing coalition.

Civil society, the business community and trade unions have come out in strong opposition and have slammed the decision taken by President Granger. The Private Sector Commission has since condemned the decision as “dangerous” and a threat to democracy.

The United States (US) has also issued a call for Guyana’s High Court to swiftly settle the ongoing controversy over the appointment of the new GECOM Chairman.

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

The older person in Guyana

“I

nternational Day of Older Persons” for this year was observed on October 1. The theme was “Stepping into the Future: Tapping the Talents, Contributions and Participation of Older Persons in Society.” But what is the status of older persons in Guyana? Five years ago, Guyana prepared a “National Report on Aging”, which was a “Report and Evaluation of the Brazilia Declaration” on the Rights of Older People. It declared if the strategies and actions proposed were implemented within “the next five years”, meaning this year, Guyana would have met, if not exceeded the goals of the Brazilia Declaration.

We could do worse than consider the Executive summary of the Report to discern how far we have moved towards that goal. “The population of older persons is steadily rising in Guyana. Demographic trends have shown changes from a predominantly young population to an increasingly older population over the past 20 years. This demographic shift has been precipitated by dropping fertility and mortality rates and improved free primary health care, nutrition and sanitation resulting in longevity among the ageing population.

During this same period, Guyana’s health programme has successfully combated infectious diseases, malnutrition and hunger, malaria that were the leading causes of high mortality in young children and have also contributed to longer life spans. Maternal and child health programmes have further played a crucial role in the reduction of death in early ages, even though communicable diseases such as the HIV/AIDS have given rise to relatively high death toll on economically active population. While improvements through the health system redound to better healthcare for all elderly; new health challenges have also emerged with an increase in degenerative diseases, particularly cancers among the ageing population, for which there are no immediate preventative or remedial cures.

Apart from the challenges of physical well-being, the quality of life for many older persons in Guyana is under threat due to alterations in the social network of the family and community. Internal and out-migration to developed countries in Europe, United States and the Caribbean have impacted on caregiving arrangements within families and changed realities of ageing gracefully for most grandparents.

It is not uncommon to find that due to death of parents, job-seeking pursuits in other regions within Guyana, and migration to foreign countries, grandparents are filling the protection gaps as guardians and caregivers of orphans and other vulnerable children. Oftentimes older persons are supporting the entire households with meagre incomes from charity, public assistance and Old Age Pensions. Since older citizens cannot rely on their grown children for consistent financial support, they also become vulnerable to poverty, unhealthy lifestyles and disadvantaged social conditions.

Recognition of the human rights of the elderly has not been well exploited or advanced; in fact the issues related their well-being could be enhanced by greater of investments from all of society. For instance, the number of NGOs working on issues related to the elderly is few and the programmes are limited in scope. Even though the religious organisations have played their roles in care of the elderly in their communities, much more needs to be done.

The media – both print and electronic – could do more to improve positive images of ageing across all cultural groups in Guyana. This lack of intergenerational celebration of the older persons has also given rise to isolation, loneliness and abandonment of older folks particularly those who have no surviving relatives and children. Consequently, the urgency of addressing is underscored by the demographic ageing projections that show trends of the older population growing faster than any other age group in Guyana.

It would appear the People’s National Congress-led A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change coalition was ahead of the United Nations on empowering older people since even though in their 2015 campaign they emphasised their commitment to “youth”, they tapped the “talents” of older persons in the society to an extraordinary 90 per cent in filling top Government positions. Appointing Justice Patterson as GECOM Chairman was only the latest move.

One of the many scenic sights in Linden

Is M&CC a runaway train?

Dear Editor, The paradoxes, contradictions and discrepancies of the Georgetown Municipality are just simply mind-boggling, unbelievable and outrageous. It is one thing for the Government to say that it is practicing a policy of non-interference, of allowing local democracy to thrive and to allow local organs to manage themselves, it is another thing to turn a Nelson’s eye to wanton graft, corruption, prodigalising, and incompetence.

The citizens of Georgetown did not vote for, did not expect and can do very little to stop this run-

away train that is called the Mayor and Councillors of the City of Georgetown. Is there nothing the Ministry of Communities, the Government of Guyana or the President of this land can do to bring a halt to this madness?

The City Council is so out of control. How can the Council be allowed to send off more than one delegation on trips to distant lands overseas at this time, for frolicsome travel when they are unable to even pay their workers their salaries for last month?

Do they ever report to the citizenry what they have

achieved on these trips? Why is it that municipal officials from other towns do not get to travel a fraction as much as those from Georgetown?

How is it that senior officers who are lazy and incompetent can refuse to proceed on years of accumulated leave and not have it forfeited?

How is it that Council’s financials have not been audited, qualified and made available for public scrutiny for decades and nothing has been done to the officers who are responsible for this gross fiscal violation?

How is it that senior officers could have withheld

information about statutory rape, a serious charge by one of their employees, from the Police and the Childcare and Protection Agency for two months and not be charged and prosecuted for it?

How is it possible that at least two members who were embroiled in dragging the Council into an illegal and despicable parking meter contract, could be placed on a renegotiating committee that will be discussing with the same dubious parking meter contractor modifications to the very contract.

Sincerely, Amber Valentine

Integrity in public life Dear Editor, The manner of the appointment of James Patterson as Chairman of one of the most important institutions in our country, the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), and subsequent revelations in relation to his statement on his CV have once more raised the issue of integrity in public life.

Justice Patterson was appointed unconstitutionally. Moreover, he and the President have misled the nation into believing he was the Chief Justice of Grenada. He never was.

Our public life needs to be cleaned up. People who hold high offices must demonstrate integrity. The consequences of having persons in high positions like Chairman of GECOM, whose statements are false, would prove disastrous.

This is an issue that has plagued Guyana for many decades.

It’s origin can be traced back to the mid and late 1960s when the People’s National Congress (PNC) made its move to convert itself into the majority party in Parliament. They did this, not by being popular and winning elections, but by bribery and corruption at the highest level.

They began to bribe Members of Parliament to cross the floor, first from the Opposition benches, and later from its coalition partner, the United Force (UF).

Recall that Moses Bhagwan, even though elected to Parliament on a Peopl’'s Progressive Party (PPP) ticket in 1964, decided to sit as an independent member and mostly supporting the PNC. When he resigned, his replacement

Zharudeen came in and immediately crossed the floor to the PNC/UF coalition. He was clearly enticed. Many felt then than Bhagwan facilitated the PNC and held his seat until the PNC brought over Zharudeen.

Then we had the case of Mohamed Kassim, the then Works Minister in the PNC/ UF coalition.

The then Finance Minister, Peter D’Aguair told the Assembly that Kassim could not account for $5 million, a princely sum in those days. He was charging Kassim with corruption, then the then Prime Minister Forbes Burnham, rose and told the Assembly that he had approved the spending.

Kassim crossed the coalition line and went to the PNC from the UF. D’Aguair resigned from the Government in pro-

test. However, that gave the PNC a majority in the Parliament to pass the laws and put itself in a position to rig the 1968 general elections.

That practice continued throughout the PNC period in office (1964-1992), and the impact on the society was devastating. Not only did it impact on the economy and on the lives of our people (by 1992 some 80 per cent of our people were under the poverty line) but morality went out of public life.

After the rigging of the elections, the morals of public life went further down.

Corruption became the order of the day, it gradually became a way of life, very entrenched.

With the return of democracy, the PPP/Civic Administration did a lot to try to clean-up public life. continued on page 5

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

Only the court can interpret the Constitution (Pt 1) Dear Editor, The letter from Communities Minister Ronald Bulkan, who, interestingly enough, signed it, not as a Government Minister, but on behalf of the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR), warrants a response.

This letter is the latest from the PNC and groups (and individuals) linked to the PNC and the PNC-led coalition Government, which seeks to defend President David Granger’s action.

What we have seen is a

breakaway from 25 years of established procedure. What we have also seen is a breach of the Constitution. There is no doubt, despite the many attempts by these ‘defenders’ that the Constitution was breached.

Bulkan attempts to defend President Granger’s action by saying, “independently-thinking legal scholars (agreed that) the President’s action was correct in law, and is consistent with the constitutional mandate and rightful expectation bestowed upon

him by virtue of his office.

Therefore, any assertion that President Granger acted outside the letter and spirit of the law has no merit.” Who are these “independently-thinking legal scholars” Minister Bulkan refers to? The recently matriculated retired Rear Admiral and Presidential Advisor, Gary Best? The Attorney General, Basil Williams, who has demonstrated his incompetence time and time again?

Editor, the fact is that it is only the court that has the

authority and mandate to interpret the Constitution.

In the case of Marcel Gaskin versus the Attorney General, in relation to the GECOM chairperson issue, the Chief Justice, Roxanne George, ruled that, “While the applicant (Gaskin) has not applied for a determination of this issue, it was raised by the Bar Association in its brief which was filed and served on all parties.… it does appear to me that failure to submit a list as provided for speaks to the provi-

GRC distances self from State media report Dear Editor, The Guyana Rastafari Council (GRC) writes this letter to distance itself from an article published by the State media on Friday, October 27, 2017 under the caption “Rastafari community commends President on appointment of GECOM Chairman”.

The premise of the article that the President’s action is justified in unilaterally choosing a black Guyanese because the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) had only chosen Indian Guyanese to be the chair of GECOM is utterly disgusting and shameful.

Moreover, for any Rastafari person or group to hold such

a position is a total violation of some of our main principles, such as Nyahbinghi, which pronounces death as the judgement for oppressors and their oppressive behaviours; whether it comes from whites or blacks; and the utterance of His Majesty who states that until the colour of a man’s skin is of no more significance than the colour of his eyes, then peace will continue to be a fleeting illusion to be pursued but never attained.

The Rastafari community knows very well the face of those who passed the draconian Narcotics Act that condemned us and a vast number of black youths to a life of prison and poverty, we know

too well the face of those who lied to us last elections by promising to review the Narcotics Act when they get into power, only to now say it is not a priority for them.

The GRC will not prostitute the interests and concerns of the Rastafari community and we will not allow a few “locksmen” to do it either.

Finally, our position on the GECOM chairperson issue is that it could have been handled differently by a President whom we chose to be different from what we’ve had before. If Jagdeo’s lists, after his consultations with stakeholders, were not acceptable to the President, he should have called his own round of stakeholders’

Integrity in public...

The PPP/C Administration created an Integrity Commission.

Auditor General reports began to reappear after an absence of a decade.

The PPP/C also re-introduced public tendering for public works and services.

This was unheard of during the time of the PNC (now APNU) regime was in power.

Our Public Accounts Committee in the Parliament began to work, and the Auditor General’s Office was given greater resources to perform its functions.

Surely, the PPP/C Government was making an impact. However, it was not able to eradicate that scourge of corruption from our society.

The appointment of Patterson, who has already

discredited himself by stating he was Chief Justice of Grenada; who has a partisan political position being in a Facebook group that promotes and defends the PNC is another sign that we are rapidly descending into a cesspool of corruption. History is repeating itself.

The sad fact is that this is being sponsored and promoted by the parties in power. They will, therefore, prove inadequate to the task of curbing it.

Guyanese of all political views, fair-minded people that still support the APNU regime must come out and join the fight to promote integrity in public life. The alternative is too serious to contemplate.

We must begin by having a credible Elections Commission. Patterson is

consultation then exercise his “constitutional right” to choose a new GECOM chair.

The PPP and the People’s National Congress are not the only stakeholders in this country. Even if the President’s action is constitutional, it has done more harm than good since unilateral decisions are not how we “share governance” and achieve “social cohesion”.

It has become clear that Guyanese will have to look elsewhere for the kind of leadership that will heal and not continue to hurt.

Sincerely, Ras Khafra General Secretary

from page 4

not fit and proper for this post.

Sincerely, Donald Ramotar Former President

sion of an acceptable list, as discussed earlier. If by not choosing any of the persons listed the President thereby find the list unacceptable, the proviso to Article 161 (2) would apply and the President should then go on to appoint a Judge or former Judge or person who would qualify for appointment as a Judge in Guyana or the Commonwealth to the post of Chairman of GECOM. But all of this in in effect academic because more than one list has been sought and provide.”

The Chief Justice is the only independently-think-

ing legal scholar whose opinion matters in this case. The President cannot rely on the proviso to Article 161 (2) of the Constitution, when the Chief Justice said any discussion about the use of the proviso is rendered “academic” in light of the fact that three lists of GECOM nominees have been submitted to the President by the Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo.

Sincerely, Nigel Dharamlall People’s Progressive Party/Civic Member of Parliament

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Foundation

Signs & symptoms

Talking to your child about drugs J

ust as you protect your children against illnesses like measles, you can help “immunise” them against drug use by giving them the facts before they’re in a risky situation.

When children don’t feel comfortable talking to parents, they’ll seek answers elsewhere, even if their sources are unreliable. And children who aren’t properly informed are at greater risk of engaging in unsafe behaviours and experimenting with drugs.

Parents who are educated about the effects of drug use and learn the facts can give their children correct information and clear up any misconceptions. You’re a role model for your children, and your views on alcohol, tobacco, and drugs can strongly influence how they think about them. So make talking about drugs a part of your general health and safety conversations.

Preschool to age 7

Before you get nervous about talking to young children, take heart.

You’ve probably already laid the groundwork for a discussion. For instance, whenever you give a fever medicine or an antibiotic to your child, you can discuss why and when these medicines should be given. This is also a time when your child is likely to pay attention to your behavior and guidance.

Take advantage of “teachable moments” now. If you see a character in a movie or on TV with a cigarette, talk about smoking, nicotine addiction,

and what smoking does to a person’s body. This can lead into a discussion about other drugs and how they could cause harm.

Keep the tone of these discussions calm and use terms that your child can understand. Be specific about the effects of the drugs: how they make a person feel, the risk of overdose, and the other long-term damage they can cause. To give your children these facts, you might have to do a little research.

Ages 8 to 12

As your children grow older, you can begin talks with them by asking them what they think about drugs.

By asking the questions in a nonjudgmental, open-ended way, you’re more likely to get an honest response.

Remember to show your children that you’re listening and really paying attention to their concerns and questions.

Children this age usually are still willing to talk openly to their parents about touchy subjects. Starting a dialogue now helps keep the door open as children get older and are less inclined to share their thoughts and feelings.

Even if your questions don’t immediately result in a discussion, you’ll get your children thinking about the issue. Show them that you’re willing to discuss the topic and hear what they have to say. Then, they might be more willing to come to you for help in the future.

News, such as steroid use in professional sports, can be springboards

for casual conversations about current events. Use these discussions to give your children information about the risks of drugs.

Ages 13 to 17

Children this age are likely to know other children who use alcohol or drugs, and to have friends who drive. Many are still willing to express their thoughts or concerns with parents about it. They may ask you more specific questions about drugs.

Use these conversations not only to understand your child’s thoughts and feelings, but also to talk about the dangers of driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Talk about the legal issues — jail time and fines — and the possibility that they or someone else might be killed or seriously injured.

Consider making a written or verbal contract on the rules about going out or using the car. You can promise to pick your children up at any time (even 2 am!), no questions asked, if they call you when the person responsible for driving has been drinking or using drugs.

The contract also can detail other situations: For example, if you find out that someone drank or used drugs in your car while your son or daughter was behind the wheel, you may want to suspend driving privileges for 6 months. By discussing all of this with your children from the start, you eliminate surprises and make your expectations clear. (Excerpt from Kidshealth.org) To be continued

of teen drinking and drug use

H

ow can you tell if your child is using drugs or alcohol? It is difficult because changes in mood or attitudes, unusual temper outbursts, changes in sleeping habits and changes in hobbies or other interests are common in teens.

What should you look for?

You can also look for signs of depression, withdrawal, carelessness with grooming or hostility. Also ask yourself, is your child doing well in school, getting along with friends, taking part in sports or other activities?

Watch list for parents

Changes in friends Negative changes in schoolwork, missing school, or declining grades Increased secrecy about possessions or activities Use of incense, room deodorant, or perfume to hide smoke or chemical odours Subtle changes in conversations with friends, eg more secretive, using “coded” language Change in clothing choices: new fascination with clothes that highlight drug use Increase in borrowing money Evidence of drug paraphernalia such as pipes, rolling papers, etc.

Evidence of use of inhalant products (such as hairspray, nail polish, correction fluid, common household products); Rags and paper bags are sometimes used as accessories Bottles of eye drops, which may be used to mask bloodshot eyes or dilated pupils New use of mouthwash or breath mints to cover up the smell of alcohol Missing prescription drugs – especially narcotics and mood stabilisers These changes often signal that something harmful is going on –and often that involves alcohol or drugs.

You may want to take your child to the doctor and ask him or her about screening your child for drugs and alcohol. This may involve the health professional asking your child a simple question, or it may involve a blood or urine drug screen.

However, some of these signs also indicate there may be a deeper problem with depression, gang involvement, or suicide.

Be on the watch for these signs so that you can spot trouble before it goes too far. (drugfreekidscanada.org)

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UG unions reject opaque offer …accuse Vice Chancellor of being greedy …demand breakdown of increases

U

niversity of Guyana Senior Staff Association (UGSSA) and the University of Guyana Workers’ Union (UGWU) have refused to sign the Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) put forward by the administration since it includes the non-submission of grades by lecturers as the sole performance issue.

In July 2016, the Vice Chancellor, Professor Ivelaw Griffith requested and was granted special powers (with immediate effect) by the Finance and General Purposes Committee of the University to deal with lecturers who fail to submit grades on time. These powers include disqualification from annual increment.

The unions on Wednesday said they now found it strange that the Vice Chancellor only now wanted to include that issue for the wages and salaries negotiation for 2017. They said that the issue of grades submission was not only limited to the lecturers, but that the administration controlled the majority of that process.

“We support the efficient operation of the entire assessment process; we cannot sign any agreement, which appears to make us responsible for that process. The unions are not the administration – we can only support what the administration does with regard to the process,” the unions said in

istration did not budge.

Vice Chancellor, Professor Ivelaw Griffith

a joint statement. The wording of the clause in the MoA appeared to transfer the administration’s responsibility to the unions, the two workers’ representative body noted.

“We asked for advice from recognised labour advocates and were told that the particular clause as worded could not be included in the Memorandum,” the unions added in a joint statement.

The unions said that they were in full support for the improvement of the grade submission process, but noted that the administration has ultimate responsibility for it, including any sanctions that must be implemented. They indicated that a suggestion was made to the administration that grade submission should be the second part of the negotiation process, but the admin-

Ultimatum and greed The administration issued an ultimatum of six and eight per cent to the unions, but refused to divulge the cost of the final offer, along with a breakdown when requested. This has caused the negotiations to become deadlocked with little or no effort on the part of the administration to budge.

The unions, from the inception, requested that senior members of the administration be excluded from the negotiations, since their salaries were above the maximum of the regular pay scales. However, the administration has been insistent that they would be paid as part of this process and it seems that they were willing to do anything to ensure that they were paid.

“The administration has repeatedly removed from the agreement any clause that made it absolutely clear that members of the senior administration cannot be paid any part of the increase. The Vice Chancellor has also refused to even discuss the possibility of including the breakdowns we requested.

He has said, after publicly touting his belief in “transparency”, that he will not be giving any more information about the details of the offer,” the statement said.

The unions maintained that the Vice Chancellor was attempting to use staff per-

UGSSA President Jewel Thomas and UGWU President Bruce Haynes

formance as a distraction to “cover up what appears to be the sheer greed of demanding the same percentage sal-

ary increase as persons earning far less than those senior members of administration”.

“We are deeply disap-

pointed that the University’s administration has persisted in stubborn and unhelpful postures that have prevented the signing of the agreement of the percentage increase to the wages and salaries of the University’s staff for 2017. The Guyana Trades Union Congress has become involved in the process of attempting to resolve the deadlock, but even here the administration has proven to be the stumbling block,” the unions added.

They said that they were remaining hopeful that there would be a settlement of the issue.

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IN THE COURTS Road Safety Month ‘Hungry’ labourer admits to launched in Berbice snatching phone to buy food A 37-year-old man of Plaisance, East Coast Demerara, claimed that an extreme state of hunger prompted him to “snatch” a cellular phone. He made this claim when he was brought before the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts on Wednesday to answer to the charge of simple larceny.

It is alleged that Simon Persaud stole from the person of Adia Agard, one Samsung smartphone valued $60,000 on October 30, 2017,

at Avenue of the Republic, in Georgetown.

Persaud readily admitted to the offence and told the court of presiding Magistrate Fabayo Azore that he was hungry and decided to try the “phone snatching thing” he had heard about. He said that after the Complainant alerted the Police in the area, he started to run “wild” – neither knowing what he was doing or where he was going when he was apprehended by the Police.

“I’m sorry, it’s the first time I try something like this and I get catch,” he said in an apology to the Virtual Complainant before the court.

Upon hearing his explanation, the Magistrate rhetorically questioned “What to do with you?” to which the accused suggested community service as he pleaded with the Magistrate not to send him to prison with hardened criminals.

Moreover, he indicated that he was a labourer by

trade and most of his family resides overseas with no one to pay his fine.

Having considered all mitigating factors in the circumstances – the remorse of the accused and the fact that the phone was recovered among other things – the Magistrate sentenced him to perform six months community service at the Brickdam Police Station every Friday.

Persaud thanked the Magistrate and vowed to be a law-abiding citizen.

Miner remanded for ganja in box A miner who reportedly had 599 grams of cannabis in his possession was remanded to prison when he appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts charged with traffick-

ing in narcotics. Theo Cave denied that on October 26, 2017 at Crabo Backdam in the Waini River, Region One (Barima-Waini), he had the prohibited substance in his possession for the purpose of

trafficking. Police Prosecutor Arvin Moore in his objection to bail told the court that Police swooped down on the miner’s camp where they conducted a thorough search.

The search, according to

the Prosecutor, led to the discovery of the suspected prohibited substance concealed in a wooden box. Bail was denied by Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan. The case will continue on December 19

The staged accident as part of Road Safety Month activities in Berbice

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lthough more punitive measures have been introduced by the Guyana Police Force to ensure drivers are attentive, drive within the speed limit and do not drive while under the influence of alcohol, those measures have not been working to reduce the carnage on the roads.

This was the sentiment of Region Six Chairman David Armogan at the launch of National Road Safety Month activates in Berbice on Wednesday. Armogan is of the view that there is a need for our policymakers to go back to the drawing board.

According to the Regional Chairman, education and public awareness is what is needed. He is of the opinion that starting at the nursery level is best.

Addressing the road safety rally, Armogan pointed out that those who suffer the most are the dependents and loved ones of the injured or dead.

This year, road safety is being observed under the theme ‘Making the roads safer starts with you! Observe, think a second is all it takes to save a life’.

One of the highlights of the rally which was held at the Ebenezer Lutheran Church lawns in New Amsterdam was a staged accident which portrayed the dangers of driving while under the influence of alcohol.

Despite a pledge by Guyana to reduce road deaths by 50 per cent between 2010 and 2020, Armogan revealed that traffic statistics in Guyana have remained constant since the country subscribed to the United Nations.

He believes it is very difficult for Guyana to achieve that goal as set out by the United Nations.

The Decade of Action for Road Safety 2011–2020 was officially proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly in March 2010. Its goal is to stabilize and reduce the forecast level of road traffic deaths around the world.

It is estimated that five million lives could be saved on the world’s roads during the decade.

According to the global status report on road safety, road traffic crashes take the lives of nearly 1.3 million people every year and injure 20 to 50 million more.

More than 90 per cent of road traffic deaths and injuries occur in low-income and middle-income countries, which have only 48 per cent of the world’s registered vehicles. If no action is taken, road traffic crashes are predicted to result in the deaths of around

1.9 million people annually by 2020.

Meanwhile, in Guyana so far this year, 92 persons have lost their lives on our country’s roadways as a result of 79 fatal accidents. For the corresponding period last year, it was 99 fatal accidents resulting in 109 deaths.

Noting that there has been a 20 per cent decrease in fatal accidents and a 16 per cent decrease in road deaths so far this year when compared when corresponding period last year, Traffic Chief Dion Moore says this is unacceptable.

“Yes, there has been a significant decrease but it has not been as a result of the Police Force only but because of a collective effort of all stakeholders. For serious accidents, we had 286 last year as against 260 for the same period this year. It shows us that we had a nine per cent decrease for minor and damage accidents. Overall, we have a 14 per cent decrease in accidents but this in itself is unacceptable,” Moore said.

At this time last year, nine children had lost their lives on the country’s roads as compared with two so far this year.

Moore noted that the trend in Guyana shows that pedestrians are the leading category of road users who are killed on the roads. He said the trend has continued this year with motorcyclists being the second highest category of road users to die on the roads. Between January 1 and October 31, 2017, a total of 29 pedestrians and 18 motorcyclists died as a result of vehicular accidents on the country’s roads.

Explaining that speed and driving under the influence of alcohol has been the two major causes of road accidents in Guyana, the Traffic Chief pointed out that inattentiveness is also a major concern.

According to Moore, speeding was the cause for 50 fatal accidents this year while 13 were because the driver was under the influence of alcohol and 11 for inattentiveness.

“We are now recognising that many drivers are being engaged in some form of distraction while driving.”

Noting that much work has been done to promote traffic awareness, Moore said much can be done in that regard.

Vehicular traffic has been increasing in every country, including Guyana. As a result of this, drivers are being admonished to be even more careful when using the roads.

Throughout the month, there will be programmes geared at promoting traffic awareness.

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Jagdeo slams Jordan’s ‘no new taxes’ statement …urges him to tell it to already overtaxed citizens

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promise made by Finance Minister Winston Jordan that there will be no new taxes in Budget 2018 has received heavy criticism by Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo, who said the tax measures imposed in almost every productive sector by the coalition Government in 2015 is enough reasons not to introduce new taxes.

Jordan told the media in early October that support will instead be provided to small businesses, including miners and according to him, due consideration will be given to revising Value Added Tax (VAT) on education.

However, on Wednesday, Jagdeo recalled that before the new Government took office, miners did not have to pay Value Added tax (VAT) on ma-

chinery and equipment but now they have to. Their Tributors Tax was also increased by 100 per cent moving from 10 per cent to 20 per cent, and their final tax was increased by 40 per cent. Further, Jagdeo said also noted that miners have to pay $2500 for every ounce of gold they declare.

“So let Jordan look at the miners in their faces and tell them that there will be no new taxes and there hasn’t been in the past three budgets. Let Jordan look at the rice farmers and say to them that land and water payments will no longer be increased,” the former Head of State lamented.

The Opposition Leader also alluded to the fact that people in the forestry sector are also being taxed. In addition, home builders now have to pay VAT on building materials; some-

welfare and so how come hard time finding new taxes,” he added. While Jordan promised not to introduce any new taxes, Jagdeo said there is a possibility that there could be increases in the current pool of taxes, something he hopes is not implemented given the already severe burden facing people.

Economic policy

Finance Minister Winston Jordan

thing that did not exist under the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) Administration.

“But frankly speaking, the damage has already been done to the productive sectors and to

Shifting his attention to President David Granger’s economic policy, Jagdeo, a trained economist, said the President is far from reality in terms of what is taking place on the ground. According to Jagdeo if persons are to travel around the length and breathe of Guyana like has done, they will have a greater understanding of what is really taking place. He said having spoken to Guyanese from all

walks of life, regardless of political persuasion, race and religion, “you will find that there is a common worry about our future, the loss of welfare the loss of jobs and rising criminality and hopelessness.”

The Opposition has put forward a motion in Parliament seeking to have the Government reverse several tax measures. The motion calls for the restoration of the purchasing power of the people by removing the imposition of the Value Added Tax (VAT) on zero-rated items, new fees and licences, and an increase in taxes which were included in the 2016 and 2017 budgets.

The 3000-word long document extensively lists a number of measures that the parliamentary Opposition believes should be implemented to “stimulate the economy and

reduce poverty and hardships.”

In that document, the PPP made recommendations for improvements to the tax framework, the finance sector, the business sector, infrastructural development, energy sector, education social services, health, agricultural sector, Amerindian welfare, the sugar industry, the rice sector, the mining sector, the transportation and communication sectors, and the security sector.

PPP Member of Parliament Irfaan Ali in whose name the motion was submitted, argued that the implementation of the recommended policies is critical to the creation of an environment more conducive to the growth and expansion of the economy, the creation of jobs, sending the right signals to the Private Sector, and, improving the welfare of the people.

GTU wages, salaries negotiation

High-level task force established …ToRs to be completed within a week

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he high-level task force comprising representatives from the Ministries of Education, Finance, Communities, Public Service and the Presidency and, on the other hand, representatives from the Guyana Teachers’ Union (GTU), have been formed and met for the first time on Wednesday.

However, the work of the task force will commence within the next few weeks following the formulation of the Terms of Reference (TORs).

In a joint statement, the Government and the GTU said that the mandate of the task force is to examine outstanding problems with a view to their timely resolution and to propose a new, multiyear agreement between the Government and the Union.

The task force is expected to meet on a weekly basis.

The first meeting was

chaired by Education Minister Nicolette Henry and was attended by GTU’s President Mark Lyte; GTU General Secretary Coretta Mc Donald; GTU Treasurer Samanta Alleyene; and GTU Administrative Secretary Lancelot Baptiste. On the Government side was Chief Education Officer, Marcel Hutson; Education Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Adele Clarke; former Chief Education Officer Geneveive Whyte-Nedd; MoE Legal Officer, Kelly-ann Hercules; Ministry of Presidency’s Political Advisor, Frederick Mc Wilfred; Department of Public Service Senior Personnel Officer, Gail Williams; Finance Ministry Finance Secretary, Dr Hector Butts; Permanent Secretary of the Communities Ministry, Emil Mc Garrell.

All future meetings would

Education Minister Nicolette Henry with members of the high-level task force

be chaired by Whyte-Nedd.

The Union had accused Government of sidelining and disrespecting them, resulting in the Union threatening a countrywide strike if the Government failed to take decisive actions to address the concerns of the representative body. The strike was scheduled for today and tomorrow but was called off following a meeting with President David

Granger and Union representatives.

During the meeting, the two sides agreed to the establishment of a high-level task force and teachers will receive an interim salary increase ranging from six to eight per cent, retroactive to January 1, 2017.

President Granger proposed that the discussions take a holistic view on the

improvement of the education sector. The Task Force will therefore also take account of the findings of the Commission of Inquiry (COI) into the education sector in Guyana and other matters relating to the well-being of teachers and students. The intention is to have these issues addressed.

The issues of concern to the Union include the stag-

nated negotiations between the GTU and the Education Ministry. The negotiations focused on, among other things, increased teachers’ remuneration and outstanding payments.

Additionally, the Union had expressed concern about a memorandum that could see teachers having to work during their designated lunch period. Earlier this year, the GTU contended that teachers across the country were anxious to know when they would receive benefits of the proposed five-year agreement.

In the previous agreement, the GTU managed to get a five per cent increase over the course of five years for teachers countrywide, but is hoping to see implementation of 45 per cent in 2017 and 50 per cent for the following three years (2018-2020) for all categories of teachers.

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Mortimer Mingo elected Chairman of LGC

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he newly-appointed Local Government Commissioners met for the first time on Tuesday and unanimously elected former Chairman of Region 10 (Upper DemeraraBerbice), Mortimer Mingo, as Chairman and union leader Andrew Garnett as deputy chair.

The Local Government Commission (LGC) is now set for the execution of its constitutionally-mandated functions.

Just over a week ago, President David Granger swore in the first set of Commissioners for the Commission according to the Local Government Commission Act. Guyana’s first-ever Local Government Commissioners to oversee Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs) and municipalities

Chairman Mortimer Mingo

are Mingo; Garnett; former Region Four (DemeraraMahaica) Chairman, Clement Corlette; senior executive of the Alliance For Change (AFC), Marlon

Williams; educator Joan Ann Romascindo; former Town Clerk of Georgetown, Carol Sooba, and former Government Ministers Norman Whittaker and Clinton Collymore.

On Wednesday, Mingo said that the first task of the Commission was to identify a suitable location for the establishment of its office.

In addition, the Chairman said that they were in the process of working out their budget, since the national budget was to be presented in the National Assembly later this month.

“The first task of the Commission is to identify a suitable premises in which we are going to conduct our business. We are close into the budget cycle and we are required by the law to submit our budget to the

Minister of Finance to have those estimates included in the budgetary estimates of Guyana, which would be laid over in Parliament during the budgetary debate for approval,” he said.

He added that the Commission would be meeting again on Friday to further deliberate on the effective functioning of the constitutional body while addressing other issues such as staffing and the approval of a seal. He said that they were hoping to conclude those activities before the end of the year so that they would be in a better position to address the issues that they would encounter.

“No issues have been brought to the Commission as yet, and we are not going to go out there seeking for issues; once the issues are brought to us, we would look at those issues, deliberate on them and make a

pronouncement on them,” Mingo said. The Chairman noted that the first meeting was a cordial one with all the Commissioners committing to working to solve the issues plaguing the local government organs. “This Commission is tasked and empowered to deal with all matters in relation to the regulation of local government organs and staffing of local government organs, and dispute resolution within and between local government organs and in particular, we shall monitor and review the implementation of regulations and policies of all local government organs, including policies of taxation and protection of the environment,” the Chairman said.

In addition, the body is tasked with the monitoring, evaluation and making recommendations on the policies, procedures and prac-

tices of all local government organs. The body is also tasked with investigating any matter under its purview and proposing remedial action to the Communities Minister whenever and wherever necessary.

“I want to reassure that we intend to carry out our duties and responsibilities in keeping with the letter and the spirit of the law as enshrined under the Local Government Act. We intend to be transparent in our deliberations and we intend to keep the public fully informed of our work and what we intend to do in order to enhance accountability and transparency for good local governance,” the Chairman further added. The Commission was established after pressure from civil society and the Opposition following Local Government Elections in 2016.

GBTI supports cancer foundations T

he Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry Limited (GBTI) made a monetary donation to the Guyana Cancer Foundation and the Periwinkle Cancer Club to support the financing for women who are underinsured, so that they can access free cancer screening.

Receiving the donation on behalf of the Guyana Cancer Foundation was Bibi Hassan, who said GBTI has been a strong supporter of the cancer institution over the years.

She further noted that the Guyana Cancer Foundation is continually inspired by the dedication and generosity of donors like GBTI, that answer the call to give again and again.

“It is donors like GBTI who provide the much needed financial and moral support which fosters the Foundation’s mission”.

GBTI’s Public Relation Officer, Pamela Binda noted that the Bank will continue to raise awareness across the country and remains

Bibi Hassan of the Guyana Cancer Foundation collects a donation from GBTI’s Public Relations and Marketing Manager, Pamela Binda

committed towards same in the future.

Similar sentiments

were also expressed by the representatives from the Periwinkle Cancer Club.

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Wakenaam farmers take rice company to court over unpaid monies

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akenaam, Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara) rice farmers who are owed millions by rice giant Golden Grains Investments out of Dubai are now moving to the High Court to have the company stump up payments.

Golden Grains Investments reportedly owes a number of rice farmers some $10 million and has failed for months now to pay its outstanding debts.

This newspaper was told

that the company – which was previously Alesie Rice Group – has since informed farmers that it was encountering financial difficulties and was unable to make the payments.

A farmer revealed that an executive of the rice company following several promises to pay the farmers subsequently issued bounced cheques to them.

The money owed to the farmers is for paddy sold to the company last crop and as such, farmers on the is-

land are contending that their livelihood is being affected, causing challenges to

Thieves escape with cash after smashing vehicle window

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The busted passenger window of the Nissan Xtrail

hieves on Monday last broke into a parked Nissan Xtrail belonging to a 34-year-old woman in Area K, La Bonne Intention (LBI), East Coast Demerara (ECD) and stole cash and documents from the vehicle.

Speaking with Guyana Times on Wednesday, Sandy Persaud explained that she visited the location

to attend a wake at about 19:30h with her four-yearold daughter.

The woman explained that she parked the vehicle a short distance away from the wake house, locked the door and left. Persaud said she returned to her vehicle at around 20:15h to retrieve an item and realised that the front left passenger window to the car had been

shattered.

Upon inspection, the woman noticed several items were missing including $30,000, US$300, her identification card and bank cards.

The burglary was reported to the Beterverwagting Police Station, ECD. No one has been arrested but investigations are ongoing.

invest in the new crop.

Guyana Times was informed that following the meeting with the farmers a collective decision was made by them to take the rice company to court.

As such, their lawyers,

Anil Nandlall and Manoj Narayan, will be pursuing legal action against the company. Speaking with this publication, Narayan said that legal action has been filed. He noted that investigations have since revealed that the previous owner of the company is affiliated with Golden Grains Investments. He added that receipts given to the farmers following purchases by Golden Grain Investments show the name of another company – Guyana Rice Processor Inc – which is currently owned by the previous owner, Alesie Rice Group.

Narayan added that contrary to what was re-

ported by Golden Grain Investments to the farmers, the General Manager of the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB), Allison Peters has since revealed that the company was unable to acquire an export licence to export rice, which might be the reason for it being unable to pay outstanding debts. The investors of the two companies announced back in April of this year that they had reached a purchase agreement and Golden Grain Investments had acquired all of the Alesie Group’s assets in Ruimzeigt, Vreeden-Hoop, Wakenaam, and Corriverton.

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Restricting hunting highlighted at wildlife consultations W

ith the aim of sustaining the country’s wildlife resources and to curb hunting activities, the Wildlife Conservation and Management Commission held a one-day consultation with stakeholders to highlight regulations within the industry.

This comes 14 months after the passage of the Wildlife Conservation and Management Act and issues surrounding the hunting and illegal exportation of birds and other exotic and endangered animals, which still plague the wildlife sector in Guyana.

The consultation exercise at the Everest Cricket Club sought to examine regulations on hunting, trapping, protection, conservation, management and the sustainable use of wildlife.

Director of the Department of Environment, Ndibi Schwiers told stakeholders that the consultations were not only geared at observing the stipulations of

the Wildlife Act but that it would ensure the people benefit from the preservation of wildlife resources.

“With the onset of climate change and more human activities in wildlife areas, these consultations are not only necessary but represent a critical step in the process for all stakeholders to take action to ensure the sustainability of these resources in light of their broader contribution to the wellbeing

of the of not only the country but its people,” Schwiers outlined.

The wildlife Act provides for the establishment of a Wildlife Import and Export Authority, which will be tasked with the management of the international trade of wildlife in Guyana. Minister of State Joseph Harmon while observing the merits of the President’s green state agenda, told stakeholders that the country’s natu-

ral resources should provide the greatest economic, social and environmental benefits to citizens, noting that international obligations must be observed.

“Full consideration must also be given to the fulfilment of the requirements of our obligations as a party to the convention on international trade in endangered species of wild flora and fauna,” he pointed out.

Meanwhile, legal consultant Teni Housty facilitated presentations on legal framework that govern the

Wildlife Act while there were presentations by the Wildlife Scientific Committee.

Wildlife trafficking is a criminal enterprise that reaps profits in the billions of dollars and is widely known to cause challenges in security and also cause instability in a country’s economy. There are regulations for penalties for harvesting prohibited species of wildlife, exporting, re-exporting or importing wildlife without permits and the use of prohibited devices and methods to hunt wildlife.

Above-average rainfall expected in rainy season – Hydromet Office warns

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he local Hydromet Office is reporting that 85-95 per cent of rainfall is expected as the northern part of the country enters the wet or rainy season expected to start in mid-November and lasts until mid-February 2018.

However, southern Guyana’s dry season is expected to continue until midApril 2018.

According to the Hydromet Office, the change in weather is because of cooler than average sea-surface temperatures, which have been recorded in the eastern Equatorial Pacific.

The output from the Seasonal Climate Outlook

model for November 2017 to January 2018 suggests higher chances (85-90 per cent) of above-average rainfall across Guyana. The highest rainfall totals are expected in Regions One to Six, Seven and 10; Region Nine will continue to be relatively dry.

Usually, northern Guyana would experience 40 to 64 rain days (days with more than one millilitre (mm) of rainfall) from November to January. The Seasonal Climate Outlook model suggests there will be between 46 to 65 rain days in the upcoming rainfall season.

The forecasted higher chances of above-average rainfall are expected to re-

charge reservoirs, conservancies and aquifers, limiting local concerns of drought in northern Guyana. Water accumulation in poorly drained area is expected; this can lead to localised flooding, an upsurge in mosquito breeding, and other moisture-related pests.

Additionally, farmers are advised to keep their drains clear in order to prevent flooding, especially on farms located in flood-prone areas.

Further, special attention should be given to short-range forecasts provided by the Hydrometeorological Service in order to plan daily farm activities such as fertiliser and pesticide application.

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Early screening encouraged as GTT’s Pinktober concludes T

he Guyana Telephone and Telegraph (GTT) on Wednesday concluded its month-long ‘Pinktober’ activities, honouring participants who assisted the organisation in spreading cancer awareness.

Hosted at GTT’s head office, Brickdam, Georgetown, the event saw Guyana Cancer Foundation Chief Executive Office, Bibi Hassan, volunteers and donors being appreciated for their awareness work throughout the month of October.

Hassan was also presented with a cheque from GTT

First Lady Sandra Granger honoured for her participation by GTT ambassadors

Bibi Hassan presented with the cheque from GTT

of over $4 million – proceeds from the 5K/10 walk-run held in October, which saw over 5000 persons participating.

In her remarks, Hassan thanked GTT and pledged to continue supporting the telephone giant in its efforts to the cause.

“This was an activity that I have fought for for 12 years now. And finally I have had success, whatever I had visualised materialised for me. After working with another organisation, for years I wanted to be able to let off those balloons, over 2000 of them into the air and because of GTT, I was able to

Business prospects in Guyana see a decline – World Bank

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espite the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) projected 3.6 per cent growth rate for Guyana’s economy next year, another key international indicator, the World Bank has highlighted a decline for conducting business in Guyana.

The report for World Bank’s Ease of Doing Business ranking for 2018 showed that Guyana slipped two places – from 124 in 2017 to 126 for next year.

Doing Business measures regulations that affect various areas regarding the life of a business or in setting up new businesses. Some of the categories considered to determine ‘the ease of doing businesses were “starting a business, dealing with construction permits, getting electricity, registering property, getting credit, protecting minority investors, paying taxes, and trading across borders. The assessment uses

various indicators to analyse economic outcomes and identify the appropriate reforms for business regulation.

Under the category of registering property, Doing Business 2018 found that Guyana has made it easier to transfer property by decreasing the time to transfer a property by allocating higher resources in infrastructure and personnel. The assessment further found that Guyana made enforcing contracts easier by adopting a new code of civil procedures regulating time standards for key court events.

Assessing how the country stacks up to its regional counterparts, Guyana was behind Jamaica, which ranked 70; followed by St Lucia, 91; Dominica, 98; and Trinidad and Tobago, 102.

The Bahamas was ranked 119 while Belize placed just ahead of Guyana at 121.

While, ranking much higher on the Human Development

Index than Guyana, Doing Business contends, by way of its ranking, that tourist giant Barbados is a less favourble nation to conduct business than Guyana. Barbados’ ranking was 132 followed be fellow Caribbean island nation, St Kitts and Nevis at 134.

The highest placed country for the 2018 rankings was New Zealand which was even with last year’s placement. Asian economic powerhouse Singapore ranked second while the United States came in sixth and the United Kingdom, seventh. The bottom three nations were Guyana’s western neighbour embroiled in economic turmoil, Venezuela; Eritrea; and Somalia. Doing Business is a World Bank Group publication and this year’s report is the 15th in a series of annual reports that measures regulations that enhance business activity and those that constrain it.

Candles lit in memory of those who lost the battle to cancer

do that and I thank them,” the CEO said Hassan also revealed her vision for 2018 and that is to start the fight against prostate cancer in Guyana. Following her remarks, Kerwin Bollers of Hit and Jams Entertainment, Robbie Singh of Pulse Entertainment and others were honoured for their support. Meanwhile, First Lady Sandra Granger in brief remarks reiterated calls for early screening, highlighting the importance.

“To especially our younger people, you need to start having early annual checkups because that is how you capture all the infirmities that you might have at an early stage. Very often, when people go to the cancer centre and or are diagnosed, they are at stage three or four and that is because they have waited until they cannot bear the pain anymore,” Granger cautioned.

She further cautioned women in particular, who ac-

cording to her always strive to put people first, to put themselves first and to be screened.

“I urge you women, especially when it comes to breast and cervical cancer to put yourself first!”

The event concluded with the attendees blowing out candles in memories of those lost to cancer and a mini concert of what is to be expected from GTT’s Mega Gospel concert to be held at the National Stadium on November 3.

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Municipalities urged to submit 2016 financial statements

Auditor General Deodat Sharma addressing the officials from various municipalities

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n keeping with the need for good governance, accountability, and transparency, officials from the various municipalities across Guyana were reminded to submit their 2016 financial statements so that they could be audited by Auditor General (AG) Deodat Sharma on Wednesday.

Sharma made this call while addressing the opening of a one-day roundtable discussion on municipal financial management hosted by the Communities Ministry at Tower Hotel.

The AG said many of the municipalities have not submitted financial statements for 2016, but they must ensure they do.

“2016 accounts should have been submitted and we know a lot have not done so. According to the Act, you have four months to prepare these statements and

with new members having problems with the arrears, but let us get at least 2016 financial statements and backwards to 10-8 years’ arrears,” he said.

Sharma said in looking at the financial status of municipalities, “you’ll get a serious headache because some of them have not been audited for years”. However, he is hoping that trend changes because audited statements will help to bring some level of accountability and better financial management.

“Municipalities get a grant from the Central Government, and the AG audits those expenses, including expenses in terms of rates and taxes…It is very important you account for those expenditure. If you want good governance and proper accountability you have to produce your accounts,” he remarked.

Speaking about the

Prison survey report under review

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he prison survey, which is being facilitated by the Citizen Security Strengthening Programme’s (CSSP) Component Three and the University of Guyana, has been submitted. This was disclosed by CSSP’s Project Manager, Clement Henry during an interview with the Department of Public Information.

Henry said the report was submitted on October 27, 2017, and is currently being reviewed by the Guyana Prison Service and CSSP’s project team. He explained that before the report’s recommendations can be taken on board, they must fit all Terms of Reference and be carefully analysed by the stakeholders. He pointed out, however, that the recommendations and findings of the survey will soon be made public.

The sum of US$74,200 has been allocated for the survey. Faculty members from UG’s Turkeyen and Tain campuses, including medical and legal personnel, mathematicians, criminologist and social workers comprised the core team that led the survey. Additionally, 30 students from the university were trained in data collection to assist the team in conducting the survey.

The survey is part of

Citizen Security Strengthening Project Manager, Clement Henry

Component Three of the CSSP, which seeks to finance sustainable re-entry initiatives by assessing rehabilitation and reintegration needs across the prison system; develop a rehabilitation and reintegration model based on the needs assessments and the outputs of the survey; develop a case management programme to support and track inmate progress and offer training to Guyana Prison Service (GPS) staff on delivering rehabilitation and reintegration services.

The CSSP is a five-year programme that aims to contribute to a reduction in crime and violence in Guyana, especially in targeted communities and among youths, by increasing their human and social capacity.

Fiscal Management and Accountability Act, Finance Secretary Hector Butts said the law identified the nature of how appropriations are made and the expectations in terms of how those appropriations should be spent, hence the need for accountability.

“At the Ministry of Finance, we stand ready to assist and to give guidance and support. The AG identified the use of public funds.

We need to understand the importance of strategic financial management,” he stated.

He pointed out that several municipalities would like to stand on their own feet. “We know that municipalities would like to be standing on their own legs in terms of evolution, free, to some extent, from Central Government and identify taxes and fees, and gathering revenue.”

However, Butts explained that the responsibilities of municipalities were still tied into those of Central Government, especially in terms of the vision.

He said it was, therefore, important that municipalities got acquainted with what Central Government

A section of leaders of various municipalities in Guyana at the roundtable discussion on Wednesday

has as its vision.

This, he said, will help these institutions to plan projects and programmes in keeping with that vision.

“You will need to identify with some objectives playing around with scarce resources to make these decisions on infrastructural needs,” he added.

Butts asserted that financial management required “that one keeps one’s eyes on deficit; as you look at your budget you need to consider deficits and to identify that deficits don’t come

about because persons get caught up in discretionary spending, which tend to surface more from a day-to-day perspective as a planned perspective.”

Meanwhile, Communities Minister Ronald Bulkan noted that the discussions were aimed at advancing accountability and transparency at these local organs. He said they would set the stage for greater advancement and independence of these institutions that would help to expand on community development.

He said institutional strengthening and capacity building of the municipalities were priorities of the Administration. Guyana Association of Municipalities Chairman Carwyn Holland said the forum provided municipalities with the opportunity to practice sound financial management, which is essential for the long-term sustainability of towns. The Linden Mayor said that weak financial management resulted in misuse of resources and increased the risk of corruption.

Miss Universe T&T stripped

T

rinidad’s Miss Universe T&T pageant first runner-up Martrecia Alleyne is now being considered to replace stripped delegate Yvonne Clarke.

The local franchise holder for the pageant, Jenny Douglas, was weighing this option after she stripped Clarke of her title over an alleged breach of contract nine days before she was due to leave for the international event in Las Vegas.

Less than two weeks after winning the title, Clarke was told via email from Douglas that she would no longer be able to represent the country.

But during a press conference at the St James stu-

Yvonne Clarke, who was disqualified from representing T&T at the Miss Universe 2017 Pageant, responds to questions from the media during a press conference. At left is soca artiste Fay-Ann Lyons (Picture Shirley Bahadur)

dio of soca artiste Fay Ann Lyons on Tuesday, Clarke demanded an apology from Douglas, saying she did nothing wrong in seeking

sponsorship on her own, including from Lyons. She claimed she was left with no choice after all she received from Douglas was an “old

black dress” and an admittance they did not have “all the resources” to get her to the competition.

In a statement on Tuesday, Douglas said, “The Miss Universe T&T committee has voted unanimously to disqualify Miss Yvonne Clarke from representing Trinidad and Tobago in this year’s Miss Universe 2017 Pageant competition.

“We are saddened by this turn of events, however, we have to maintain our strict contractual agreements. We will, however, make sure another suitable representative will go and who will abide by the Miss Universe T&T rules and regulations under their contractual agreement.” (Excerpt from Trinidad

Guardian)

New York truck attack: Trump backs Guantanamo for ‘animal’

U

S President Donald Trump has said he is open to sending the New York truck attack suspect to Guantanamo Bay. “I would certainly consider that,” he told reporters at a cabinet meeting. “Send him to Gitmo,” the president added, using the prison’s nickname.

Mr Trump said “these animals” need to face “far greater” US punishment.

He also pledged to end the green card lottery under which the man suspected of killing eight people in Manhattan on Tuesday entered the US. The Department of

US President Donald Trump

Homeland Security confirmed the suspect, Uzbek immigrant Sayfullo Saipov, 29, came to the US in 2010

under the diversity visa programme.

The popular 1990 scheme awards US permanent resi-

dent visas to around 50,000 applicants from around the world each year.

Speaking at the White House, the President said: “I am today starting the process of terminating the diversity lottery programme.

“I’m going to ask Congress to immediately initiate work to get rid of this programme.”

Of the diversity green card, Trump said: “Sounds nice, it’s not nice, it’s not good – we’ve been against it.” Two hawkish Republican senators – John McCain and Lindsey Graham – are advocating holding Saipov as an “enemy combatant”. (Excerpt from

BBC News)

thursDAY, october 26, 2017

guyanatimesgy.com

R

osamund Benn, the brain behind Pomeroon Rose, a new agro-processing startup which manufactures virgin coconut oil and coconut cassareep, believes in the power of perseverance and consistency.

The Pomeroon River resident earlier this year branched out from a local women’s agro-processing group to establish her own registered business, a concrete demonstration of her belief that we should stretch ourselves and look for ways to expand and being unique.

“I want to let women know that they need to look at business not as something just for today, but to look beyond tomorrow and know your business can be that which you dream it to be.”

Benn, who was born in Pomeroon but grew up in Moruca, Region One (BarimaWaini), stressed, “Consistency is key. You give them a good product; let it remain a good product all the time. Stick to your product. I look at it as a relationship (the business), and just as you would in a relationship, give your dedication and commitment.”

She is so particular about ensuring the high quality of her products that, while she accepts help to prepare the dry five-year coconuts she uses for both the oil (the coconut meat) and cassareep (the coconut water), she is the only person actually making the product. Waxing eloquent about the versatility of the coconut tree – with myriad uses for

the nuts, branches and other parts of the plant, Benn noted that many persons looked down on the coconut, but now we have the science to prove its many health bene-

what advice she would give would-be entrepreneurs, adding that patience and honesty were the most crucial qualities needed by businesspeople. She also called on au-

“When you fall, do you just lay there with people saying ‘oh look, that woman fell’?” she asked quizzically. “No, you pick yourself up, dust yourself off and go

school. Once that task is accomplished and her housework done, she begins the procedure of turning the prepped coconut into the highly beneficial oil using a

fits. Coconut oil has powerful medicinal, fat-burning, antiseptic and moisturising properties, many of which it shares with coconut water, the main ingredient in the delicious cassareep Benn created that many are coming to prefer.

“If you have a dream, I think you should follow it,” she declared when asked

thorities to simplify the process of operating a business to help entrepreneurs grow.

The homemaker and businesswoman noted that sometimes there are challenges –“ not one, not two, sometimes it’s like a storm, but if you’re prepared to weather that storm, success will come…Never ever think you can’t make it”.

again.”

Benn acknowledged that running a home and a business was a challenge in of itself. Her day starts early, as she awakens and prepares breakfast for the family and sees her grandchildren off to

solar (UV) heater. She said planning your work and working the plan was essential to juggling family life and business.

“You need to be focused; have a plan, prepare, careful planning and prepara-

Market statistics Gold Prices – Guyana Gold Board

Bank of Guyana Cur

Buying

Calculated at 94% purity, November 1, 2017

Selling

GBP

$273.90

$277.37

CAN

$159.97

$161.83

USD

$205.98

$208.44

EURO

$ 239.66

$242.72

USD

$1277.05

Gross

$250,145

Net

$232,635

Indicators as on November 1, 2017 Indicators

US$ per barrel

Crude Oil

$61.29

Price

USD

Change %

-0.13 Change %

Rough Rice

$252.74/ton

-0.45

London Sugar

$382.40/ton

-0.52

Live Spot Gold

USD Per Ounce

Bid/Ask

$1277.10

$1278.10

Low/High

$1268.70

$1281.50

Change

+2.80

+0.22%

Business Concept – Arbitrage Profiting from differences in prices or yields in different markets. ‘Arbitrageurs’ buy a commodity, currency, security or any other financial instrument in one place and immediately sell it at a higher price to a ready buyer at another place completing both ends of the transaction usually within a few seconds. Arbitrage is a sophisticated form of non-speculative, risk-free betting because it involves dealings where returns and prices are definite, fixed, and known. (Business Dictionary)

tion. Don’t wake up today and say I want to do this, wake and say today I will do this and plan how you will achieve it,” she counselled, before thanking her husband and children for their support in her achieving business success.

The Women’s Agro-Processors Development Network (WADN) member, who says success is about seeing the business deliver on time and meet demand, has her sights set on expansion. “I plan to expand my business into the Caribbean.

I have persons (interested buyers) in Trinidad and I am working to export.”

Benn has already applied for her licences from the Food and Drug Department and is ready to repeat the feat she accomplished as part of the women’s group of exporting 50 gallons to Antigua, thanks in part to the Guyana Marketing Corporation (GMC) and the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA).

Contact: Grant Wide Garden, Pomeroon River, Guyana; 683-0762/6145024; rosamundbenn@ gmail.com

Do you use proactive or reactive language in the workplace?

By Rosh Khan

Cambio Rates

15

T

ake a moment to analyse the language you use at work. Do you primarily use words like ‘need’, ‘must’, and ‘can’t’?

If so, you may be using reactive language. If you use words like ‘want’, ‘prefer’, and ‘choose’, you are using proactive language.

If we are being reactive, Dr Stephen Covey (author of The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People) explains that we often use language that removes a level of personal responsibility.

Instead, we see ourselves as the victim with no other options. Over time, and without even realising it, this leads to damaged relationships and loss of credibility.

Let’s look at some examples of reactive language: “That’s me. That’s just the way I am.”

What You Really Mean: I feel there’s nothing I can do about it.

“I can’t do that. I just don’t have the time.”

What You Really Mean: I believe something external is limiting me.

“If only my boss / spouse / partner was more patient.”

What You Really Mean: I think someone else’s behaviour is holding me back.

The truth is, we have the ability to change situations by merely changing our approach with the usage of proactive language.

For example, instead of “I need”, we can use, “I’d like”.

Instead of “I must,” we can use “I prefer”. Instead of “I can’t” we can use, “I choose”.

Not only is it personally empowering, but it makes a big difference to the listener and their level of response.

Other examples of reactive language include: “There’s nothing I can do.” ;“That’s just the way I am.”; “S/he makes me so mad.”; “They won’t allow that.”; “I have to do that.”; “I can’t.”; “I must.”; “If only.”

Notice the trend? They’re all responsibility deflectors.

Alternatively, proactive language includes phrases like: “Let’s look at our alternatives.”; “I can choose a different approach.”; “I control my own feelings.”; “I can create an effective presentation.”; “I will choose an appropriate response.”; “I choose.”; “I prefer.”; “I will.”

These are empowering, positive, and results-oriented.

So the next time you are ready to respond to situation, think to yourself: Are the words I’m about to use reactive or proactive? Those words will either help or hinder the long-term effectiveness and growth of your organisation.

Dr Rosh Khan is an international business and marketing consultant and the CEO of FranklinCovey Guyana, the Masterclass Institute, and SocialRank Media – Guyana’s leading digital marketing agency.

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thursDAY, november 2, 2017

Regional

UN calls again for end of US embargo on Cuba T

he United Nations General Assembly on Wednesday adopted a resolution calling for an end to the US economic embargo on Cuba, with the United States voting against it after abstaining last year for the first time in 25 years.

The 193-member General Assembly passed the resolution with 191 votes in favour. Israel, as it has done in the past, voted in line with its top ally. The non-binding resolution urges the United States to repeal the embargo on Cuba as soon as possible. The UN vote can carry political weight, but only the US Congress can lift the full embargo, put in place more

than 50 years ago.

US Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley called the plenary meeting on this subject “political theatre.” “The Cuban re-

gime is sending the warped message to the world that the sad state of its economy, the oppression of its people, and the export of its destructive ideology is not its fault,”

Haley told the General Assembly.

The US position had been announced on Tuesday at the State Department.

Cuba’s Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez said Haley and the United States lack “the slightest moral authority to criticize Cuba,” calling her remarks “disrespectful” against Cuba and its Government.

Tensions have flared recently between Washington and Havana, which forged a closer relationship under former US President Barack Obama and reopened embassies in both countries in 2015. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Surinamese Foreign Minister begins visits to Russia and Morocco

Surinamese Foreign Minister Yldiz Pollack-Beighle (left) in Russia

T

he Foreign Minister of Suriname, Yldiz Pollack-Beighle, on Sunday became the first Foreign Minister from her country to visit Russia, and on Tuesday she held a bilateral meeting with Russian Foreign Minister, Sergey Lavrov.

After Russia, Pollack-

Beighle was due to arrive in Morocco on Tuesday. This will also be the first visit by a Suriname Foreign Minister to the Kingdom of Morocco.

On Tuesday, talks with Lavrov focused on a wide range of bilateral, international and regional issues.

“This is the first ever visit

Haiti’s 1st femaledirected movie bids for Oscars

H

aiti is still reeling from the 2010 earthquake that killed more than 220,000 people, but from the debris of its devastated towns, a nascent film industry has begun to emerge.

At its forefront is Guetty Felin, whose “Ayiti Mon Amour,” a portrait of a postquake nation mourning its dead, was recently announced as the Caribbean country’s first ever entry for the foreign film category at the Oscars.

Haitian-born Felin, who journeyed to Port-au-Prince on a relief airplane 10 days after the disaster, recalls the scenes that met her as she landed, images that have stayed with her as she has pursued a career in filmmaking.

Laying waste to most

of the Caribbean nation’s schools, hospitals and infrastructure, the magnitude 7.0 quake injured some 300,000 people and left another 1.5 million homeless in what was already the poorest nation in the Americas.

Seven years on, “Ayiti Mon Amour” marks not only the emergence of a distinct new voice in Haitian filmmaking but a milestone in the country’s cultural recovery, as the first ever locally-shot narrative feature directed by a woman.

Tapping into her past work in documentary, Felin infuses the realities of modern-day Haiti — the power and water shortages, the looming threat of climate change — with a lyricism that plays up its mystical side. (Excerpt from Jamaica Observer)

by the head of the Suriname Foreign Ministry to Russia, which will be a milestone in promoting Russia-Suriname interaction, and is indicative of the fact that our ties with Latin America and the Caribbean region are gradually expanding,” the Russian foreign ministry said.

During the talks, the

Ministers were due to sign several bilateral agreements to “promote political dialogue, interaction in the material sphere and cultural and humanitarian exchanges”. The military and visa waiver agreements that were mentioned in the media were not signed during Pollack-Beighle’s meeting with Lavrov on Tuesday.

The visa agreement is being finalised according to a statement from Moscow.

Russia also sees “other prospective areas of cooperation including renewable energy sources, agriculture, shipbuilding and repair.

There’s a good potential in exploration, fishing, building a tourist infrastructure,” Lavrov said. (Excerpt from Caribbean News

E

P

rime Minister, Dr Keith Mitchell, who has led his ruling New National Party (NNP) to a clean sweep of all the seats in the Parliament on two occasions, is predicting a similar result in the upcoming general election.

Addressing supporters at the presentation of the party’s candidate for one of the four constituencies in the parish of St Andrew, Mitchell predicted that the party will win all 15 seats in the election that political observers say could be held later this year, even though it is constitutionally due in 2018.

He said the party has no intention of losing any of the 15 seats it won in the 2013 poll to the main oppo-

sition National Democratic Congress (NDC), saying “they will have to work to earn it”.

Mitchell said that the NNP has being governing the country “very well” without a formal Opposition, so “the NNP is going for all the seats [again].

The party presented Kate Lewis, who is one of the four women contesting the four constituencies in the parish of St Andrew. She is replacing Roland Bhola who has won the seat for the past three general elections.

Reminding supporters that they need to register in order to vote, Mitchell said that many supporters attend public meetings and yet are not registered to vote. (Excerpt from Jamaica Observer)

China to help Barbados fund reduction of food import bill

Now)

Ecuador’s President Lenín Moreno faces party revolt cuador’s President Lenín Moreno has been removed from his post of leader of the governing Alianza País party by the party’s National Leadership Committee.

Moreno’s position as the country’s President is not affected but the Committee said that Alianza País would now be led by the former Foreign Minister, Ricardo Patiño.

Supporters of Moreno said they did not accept the Committee’s decision.

The move highlights the deep divisions inside the governing party.

Alianza Pais’ Leadership Committee accused Moreno of not following the party’s political line.

The move by the committee came after former party leader Rafael Correa called Moreno a “traitor” to the “citizens’ revolution” led by

Confident Grenada PM predicts another clean sweep at general election

Correa when he was president of Ecuador from 2007 to 2017. The committee also called on Correa to return from Belgium to “lead the restructuring of the Alianza País movement”.

Correa moved to Belgium, where his wife is from, after serving his third term in office. The former President has been fiercely critical of his successor in office, who he has labelled a “wolf in sheep’s clothing”.

He has accused Moreno, who served as Correa’s vice-president from 2007 to 2013, of pretending for years to be a close political ally only to change his political colours once he came to power.

Moreno has struck a more conciliatory note with the country’s opposition and has also backed investigations into alleged corruption during Correa’s Administration.

(Excerpt from BBC News)

Charge d’ Affaires of the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China Zou XI (left) making a presentation to Education Minister Ronald Jones

C

hina is funding Barbados’ efforts to reduce its $800 million annual food import bill with a $40 million donation to develop agriculture and agro-businesses at the Hope Plantation in St Lucy and Duke’s Plantation in St Thomas.

Education Minister Ronald Jones and Charge d’ Affaires of the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China Zou XI signed the agreement on behalf of the two countries on Tuesday in the conference room of the Education Ministry.

Jones said the two projects were expected to come on stream in another 18 months, and would help cut the food import bill.

Speaking on the Duke Plantation project Professor Leonard O’ Garro of the University of the West Indies told reporters the university hoped to devel-

op the 30-acre site into a comprehensive science and agro-business park.

“We will provide significant training. We intend it to become a training area for the entire Caricom area with respect to agri-business development and entrepreneurship. It essentially would be almost equivalent to another campus in Barbados, but will be customized specifically for agribusiness development and entrepreneurship.

In that process too, we have provided significant infrastructure for agribusiness development,” O’Garro said.

The UWI official said some local companies that produce iconic Barbadian products had been invited “to become residents on site so that we can assist in bringing all of the assets required for them to become the world beaters we expect them to become”. (Excerpt from

Barbados Today)

thursDAY, november 2, 2017

guyanatimesgy.com

17

Around the World

2nd man sought in connection with Blast kills 13 at wedding in India New York attack as driver is charged A t least 13 people including a pregnant woman were killed when an electricity transformer exploded outside a wedding ceremony in western India, police said on Wednesday. Dozens of guests had assembled for the ceremony outside a family home in the western state of Rajasthan when the transformer exploded, spewing hot oil and metal shards.

“Four people died on the spot,” local police superintendent Rameshwar Singh told AFP. “We are ascertaining

The attacker rented the truck from a New Jersey branch of retailer Home Depot on Tuesday afternoon before driving to New York City and entering the bike lane, Police said

T

he FBI announced on Wednesday that it was seeking information about a second Uzbek man in connection with the truck attack that killed eight persons Tuesday in Lower Manhattan, as Prosecutors charged the driver, Sayfullo Saipov, with carrying out the attack in the name of the Islamic State.

The federal charges in civilian court, which detail how Saipov said he drew inspiration from ISIS videos that questioned the killing of Muslims in Iraq, contradicted calls from President Trump to try Saipov in military court

at the American prison at Guantánamo Bay, Cuba.

The news that the authorities were interested in a second person significantly expanded an inquiry into the deadliest terror attack on New York City since September 11. The FBI released an alert saying they were seeking information about the man, Mukhammadzoir Kadirov, 32, an Uzbek, in connection with the attack.

The criminal complaint against Saipov said he began planning the attack a year ago and decided to use a truck about two months ago. They

said he chose Halloween for the attack, because he believed there would be more people on the street.

Police officials said earlier on Wednesday that Saipov appeared to have connections to people who were the subjects of terrorism investigations.

As counterterrorism investigators drilled into whether Saipov had meaningful ties to terrorist organisations, it also became clear that some of those close to the attacker had feared for years that he was heading down the path of extremism.

(Excerpt from New York Times)

Catalonia: Puigdemont "will not return" to Spain for questioning

S

acked Catalan leader Carles Puigdemont will not return to Spain to answer charges including rebellion, his Belgian lawyer has said.

Speaking to the Associated Press, Paul Bekaert suggested Mr Puigdemont should instead be questioned in Belgium where he has been since Monday.

He has been summoned to court in Madrid on Thursday, alongside 13 deputies.

They face charges including sedition and misuse of public funds over last month’s banned indepen-

dence referendum.

Spanish prosecutors could order their arrest if they fail to appear in court for questioning. But Bekaert told Dutch and Belgian media that his client would “wait and see” further reaction from the Spanish authorities before returning because of the “high” risk of detention.

He also suggested he would fight any extradition ordered by the Spanish national Government. The Catalan government said that of the 43% of potential voters who took part, 90 per cent were in favour of inde-

pendence.

After the regional parliament declared independence, Spain’s took direct control and sacked the Government, including Puigdemont.

On Monday, Spain’s chief prosecutor said the Catalan leaders were accused of rebellion – which carries a maximum 30 year jail term – as well as sedition and misuse of funds.

The leaders are yet to be formally charged but are due to testify at the Audiencia National (National Court) on Thursday and Friday.

(Excerpt from BBC News)

the cause of the blast.” Singh said several others were being treated for severe burns after the disaster, which triggered protests against the electricity department.

Locals said they had raised concerns about the maintenance of the transformer with officials, but nothing had been done. They also said a circuit-breaker failed to work after the blast, exacerbating the disaster as live wires fell onto the crowd late Tuesday in the state capital, Jaipur.

Transformers are part of

Liberian court halts presidential runoff amid fraud allegations

Former warlord Prince Johnson (centre right) waves to supporters on the top of a car with George Weah (centre left)

L

iberia’s Supreme Court has ordered a halt to preparations for next week’s runoff election amid allegations of fraud in the first round.

The former footballer George Weah was to go head to head with Joseph Boakai, the country’s deputy president, next Wednesday, both vying to take over from Ellen Johnson Sirleaf as her

12 years in power come to an end.

But after the first round, one of the losing parties lodged a complaint with the national elections commission, saying there had been late opening of polls and lack of queue control as well as outright fraud. The Supreme Court has issued a temporary injunction to delay the runoff while it looks

A

More than 10,000 Yemenis have been killed since Saudi Arabia intervened in the country’s war

into the allegations.

Officials of the National Elections Commission (NEC) were ordered to appear at the court on Thursday morning to respond to the complaint. “The high court of the land has spoken and we will act accordingly in keeping with the laws of the country,” said the NEC spokesman, Henry Flomo.

The capital, Monrovia, was unusually quiet on Wednesday morning as Liberians woke up to the news. Police patrolled street corners across the city.

There was a heavy Police presence outside the court.

Police spokesman Sam Kingsford Collins said the deployments were just pre-emptive measures.

“Especially when the supreme court is hearing matters tied to the conduct of the elections, it is good that we be there to respond,” he said. (Excerpt from The Guardian)

Dustin Hoffman accused of sexual harassment against 17-year-old

D

ustin Hoffman has been accused of sexual harassment against a 17-year-old intern in 1985. Writer Anna Graham Hunter alleges that the actor, now 80, groped her on the set of TV movie Death of a Salesman and

spoke inappropriately about sex with her.

Hunter detailed Hoffman’s alleged treatment of her over her five weeks on set in a diary that she mailed to her sister at the time. “Today, when I was walking Dustin to his limo,

Saudi-led air strike kills 29 Yemenis, decimates market t least 29 Yemeni civilians have been killed after a Saudi-led air strike “decimated” a busy market in the impoverished north of the country, witnesses and rebel media say.

Local residents told Al Jazeera the raid targeted the Alaf market in the northern province of Saada shortly after midnight on Wednesday, killing 29 men and wounding at least nine others as they slept.

Rescue workers were continuing to search for seven missing people late into the evening, but videos from the scene showed the area completely destroyed by the attack with fires still burning from the charred frames of the shops.

the electricity distribution system and help maintain a uniform current. India’s power distribution system is prone to accidents, mostly because of poor maintainance and underfunding in rural areas.

Nearly 10,000 people died due to electrocution in India in 2015, according to the most recent data available from the national crimes records bureau.

Rajasthan chief minister Vasundhara Raje has ordered a high-level inquiry into the incident. (Excerpt from MSN)

The bodies of the victims, many of their faces disfigured beyond recognition, were laid out on white body bags for families to identify in the courtyard of a hospital morgue.

Al Masirah, a TV channel run by the Houthis - a group of rebels who control Saada province, the capital Sanaa, as well as other parts of central Yemen – confirmed the death toll. Abdulrahman, who declined to give his surname, said there were no Houthi fighters in the area when the attack happened.

Saada, a Houthi stronghold, has been repeatedly targeted by Saudiled aerial bombardment since a coalition of Arab states joined the war in March 2015. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

he felt my ass four times,” she wrote. “I hit him each time, hard, and told him he was a dirty old man.”

She claims that on set, she was told to put up with his behaviour by a supervisor who told her to “sacrifice” some of her values for the sake of the production.

Hoffman has responded to the article with an apology: “I have the utmost respect for women and feel terrible that anything I might have done could have put her in an uncomfortable situation. I am sorry. It is not reflective of who I am.”

The story comes after a deluge of similar stories of sexual harassment within Hollywood against producer Harvey Weinstein, film-maker James Toback and actor Kevin Spacey.

Today has also seen six women accuse director Brett Ratner of sexual harassment, including actors Natasha Henstridge and Olivia Munn. (Excerpt from The Guardian)

18

guyanatimesgy.com

thursDAY, november 2, 2017

ARCHIE

Keep the peace. Offer kindness, compassion and reason(March 21able suggestions. A partnerApril 19) ship can flourish if you are willing to compromise and lay down some ground rules.

Romance is encouraged.

ARIES

An unexpected turn of events

TAURUS will leave you wondering what (April 20- to do next. Don’t share personal May 20) data or passwords. If you gath-

dilbert

er the available information, you will realize you have nothing to worry about.

Make a big splash if you GEMINI (May 21- want to be noticed. Your abiliJune 20) ty to adapt to whatever comes your way will give you a competitive edge. Romance is in the stars.

CANCER (June 21July 22)

Peanuts

LEO (July 23Aug. 22)

A steady pace will get you where you want to go.

Discipline, hard work and the willingness to help others will help you counter any negativity you feel or face.

Don’t let an opportunity pass you by just because you are being stubborn or you don’t agree with someone. Work around your differences. A personal change will be rewarding.

Romance is highlighted.

Don’t bend if someone VIRGO tries to goad you into making (Aug. 23a donation or signing a deal.

Sept. 22) Negotiate on your own behalf.

Time is on your side. Ask pertinent questions before you proceed.

Calvin and Hobbes

Change is inevitable.

LIBRA (Sept. 23- Discipline will be required to Oct. 23) manipulate a situation to your

liking. Relationships, when handled properly, will stabilize.

Keep the peace and offer love over criticism.

WORD GAME

SUDOKU

Push hard to bring about SCORPIO the changes that will help you (Oct. 24get ahead at work or where Nov. 22) your personal finances are concerned. Persistence will pay off in the end.

Home improvements, SAGITTARIUS physical alterations and sta(Nov. 23- bilizing personal elements are Dec. 21) favored. Make love and romance a priority. Pitch in and help a cause you care about.

An emotional disturbance CAPRICORN could result in problems with (Dec. 22- a friend, relative or neighbor.

Jan. 19) Don’t do something you’ll regret when you should be concentrating on getting ahead.

YESTERDAY’S WORD — PANATELLA

solution for LAST PUBLISHED Puzzle If you love someone, share AQUARIUS your feelings. A joint venture (Jan. 20- can change the way you earn Feb. 19) your keep. Embrace new beginnings and partnerships that offer greater stability.

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

An unexpected change will PISCES turn out to be a blessing in dis(Feb. 20- guise. Embrace whatever comes March 20) your way and see where it leads.

Going against the current will cause a stalemate.

thursDAY, november 2, 2017

India captain, Virat Kohli wishes Ashish Nehra (right) well as he (Nehra) says goodbye to the game after a career of almost 18 years

GCB/DMLAS/NSC/National Secondary Schools Cricket League

Bush Lot beat Ash Secondary by 223 runs T

Records shattered in Nehra’s farewell

– India capitalised on sloppy Kiwis fielding

I

ndia gave retiring fast bowler Ashish Nehra a winning farewell with a comprehensive 53-run victory over New Zealand in the first Twenty20 International on Wednesday.

The hosts capitalised on a blistering start to post a commanding 202-3 before restricting New Zealand to 149-8 to go 1-0 up in the three-match series.

Left-arm paceman Nehra, 38, ended his international career at his home ground nearly 18 years after his 1999 test debut against Sri Lanka.

Put into bat by a New Zealand side wary of the

dew factor, the hosts got off to a flying start with openers Shikhar Dhawan and Rohit Sharma featuring in India’s highest Twenty20 partnership.

The left-right duo toyed with the Kiwi attack to plunder 158 runs for the first wicket, aided by sloppy catching by a New Zealand side usually renowned for their high fielding standards.

Dropped on eight by Mitchell Santner at point, Dhawan smashed 80 off 52 balls, hitting two sixes and 10 boundaries in his scintillating knock.

Sharma, whom Tim

SCOREBOARD

India Innings (20 overs maximum) RG Sharma c †Latham b Boult 80 S Dhawan c †Latham b Sodhi 80 HH Pandya c †Latham b Sodhi 0 V Kohli* not out 26 MS Dhoni† not out 7 Extras (b-5, lb-1, nb-2, w-1) 9 Total (For 3 wickets; 20 Overs) 202 Did not bat: SS Iyer, AR Patel, B Kumar, A Nehra, YS Chahal, JJ Bumrah Fall of wickets: 1-158, 2-158, 3-185 Bowling Santner 4-0-30-0, Boult 4-0-49-1, Southee 4-0-44-0 (w-1), de Grandhomme 3-0-34-0 (nb-2), Sodhi 4-025-2, Munro 1-0-14-0 New Zealand Innings (target: 203 runs from 20 overs) MJ Guptill c Pandya b Chahal 4 C Munro b Kumar 7 KS Williamson* c †Dhoni b Pandya 28 TWM Latham† st †Dhoni b

19

Chahal 39 TC Bruce c Sharma b Patel 10 C de Grandhomme c Dhawan b Patel 0 HM Nicholls run out (Kohli) 6 MJ Santner not out 27 TG Southee c †Dhoni b Bumrah 8 IS Sodhi not out 11 Extras (lb-3, nb-1, w-5) 9 Total (For 8 wickets; 20 Overs) 149 Did not bat: TA Boult Fall of wickets: 1-6, 2-18, 3-54, 4-83, 5-84, 6-94, 7-99, 8-111 Bowling Nehra 4-0-29-0 (w-3, nb-1), Chahal 4-0-262, Kumar 3-0-23-1, Bumrah 4-0-37-1 (w-2), Patel 4-020-2, Pandya 1-0-11-1 Result: India won by 53 runs Player of the Match: Shikhar Dhawan (India Series result: India lead the 3-match series 1-0

Southee spilled at long-off when on 16, also scored 80, clobbering four sixes and six fours.

Virat Kohli (26 not out) also got a reprieve when Martin Guptill floored a catch in the deep and the India captain smacked three sixes in his 11-ball cameo.

Leg-spinner Ish Sodhi dismissed Dhawan and Hardik Pandya in the same over but could not stop India passing 200.

New Zealand lost both openers inside four overs with Pandya sprinting from long-off and diving full length to take a stunning catch near the sightscreen to dismiss Guptill.

Tom Latham top-scored with 39 and Santner made 27 not out but New Zealand never really got going.

Rajkot hosts the second Twenty20 match on Saturday. (Reuters)

he 2017/2018 Guyana Cricket Board/ Demerara Mutual Life Assurance Society Limited/ National Sports Commission/National Secondary School Cricket League (GCB/DMLAS/NSC/NSSCL) continued with matches being played in West Berbice and on the West Bank of Demerara on Wednesday.

At the Bush Lot ground in West Berbice, Number 8 Secondary beat Fort Wellington Secondary by 9 wickets. Fort Wellington won the toss and elected to bat first, but struggled against the Number 8 Secondary bowling and were bowled out for 112 in 28.3 overs of their allotted 30 overs. Number 8 Secondary’s Daniel Mosses produced a destructive spell of bowling to finish with the impressive figures of 4 for 19 from 6 overs. Budhram Lakram supported well with 2 for 6.

In reply, Number 8 Secondary displayed great levels of maturity with the bat, to reach 114 for one off 15 of their allotted 30 overs.

Wazim Inshan made an attacking 53 while Noel Deodat stroked a mature unbeaten 50. Number 8 Secondary won by 9 wickets.

In the other match played at Bush Lot ground, Bush Lot Secondary trashed Ash Secondary by 223 runs. Batting first Bush lot Secondary rattled up a massive 267 for 7 in their allotted 30 overs. Adrian Samroo slammed 109 (19x4’s; 1x6) He was supported by Marvan Prashad and Lamesh Persaud who chipped in with 37 and 31 respectively. Bowling for Ash Secondary, Saeed Baksh snatched up 3 for 31.

In reply, Ash Secondary batsmen appeared somewhat overwhelmed by the mammoth task, as they seemingly sought to surpass Bush lot Secondary score with a flurry of aggressive stroke play. However, their approach proved somewhat unstructured and reckless, as they inevitably crashed to 44 all out off 11.3 overs. Adrian Samroo returned with the ball to take 2 for 3 off 2

overs and Lamesh Persaud 2 for 12. Bush Lot Secondary won by 223 runs.

In action at the Bellevue ground in West Demerara, Goed Fourtuin won the toss and took first strike, but were bowled out for 70 in 15 overs. Viraj Harris showed batting pedigree with a composed knock of 25 runs. Bowling for La Grange, Asif Sameer took 2 for 7 and Mark Adams 2 for 4 who had thoughts of an early day but eventually folded for a meagre 26. Bowling for Goed Fortuin, Nick Adams grabbed 6 for 7. Goed Fortuin won by 44 runs.

In the other match played at the Bellevue ground, Patentia Secondary won the toss and elected to bat, posting a competitive score of 137 all out off 20 of their allotted 30 overs. Satesh Basdeo made 42 and Emmanuel Benn 26. Bowling L'Aventure, Vishal John took 3-35, Prince Mc Farlen 2-24 and Edward Cox 2-2.

In reply, La Venture only manage to muster up 28 before being all out off a mere 8.1 overs. None of the batsmen reached double figures. Bowling for Patentia Secondary, Wazim Rahaman grabbed 5 for 13 and Chetram Rajroop 2 for 4. Patentia Secondary won by 109 runs.

Matches in the GCB/DMLAS/ NSC/NSSCL continues today with matches in Georgetown. Freeburg Secondary will do battle with Central High School at MYO ground, St. Joseph’s High will oppose Queenstown Community High at GYO, while North Georgetown will compete with Tutorial High at the GNIC ground. All matches start at 11:00h.

Scorpions opener fined for breaching code of conduct

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ricket West Indies (CWI) have confirmed that Jamaica Scorpions opener Garth Garvey was fined for a breach of the Code of Conduct in the Digicel 4-Day Tournament during the first round of matches which ended on Sunday.

Garvey was reported by on-field umpires Nigel Duguid and Danesh Ramdhanie, along with reserve umpire Nandkumar

Shivsankar, for a Level 1 breach of the Code of Conduct during the match between the Jamaica Scorpions and Guyana Jaguars at the Guyana National Stadium.

Match referee Colin Stuart imposed a fine of 10 per cent of Garvey’s match fee, after he breached paragraph 1.2 of the Code of Conduct by showing dissent at the umpire’s decision by delaying his departure from the wicket, when he was ad-

judged lbw off the fourth delivery of the first over in the Scorpions’ first innings.

Garvey, who was making his First Class debut, admitted to the offence and accepted the imposition of the proposed sanction, so there was no need for a formal hearing.

Garth Garvey

Wasim Rahaman claimed 5 for 13 to bowl out L'Aventure Secondary for a miserable 28

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thursDAY, november 2, 2017

Convert starts to bigger scores – Johnson …as Jaguars face Volcanoes today in St Lucia

Captain Leon Johnson himself was among the runs and valued the time in the middle

By Akeem Greene

G

uyana Jaguars captain Leon Johnson is adamant that his batsmen need to convert their starts into bigger scores ahead of their second round match against the Windward Volcanoes in the 2017/2018 Cricket West Indies (CWI) Digicel

Regional 4-Day match at the Darren Sammy Cricket Stadium in St Lucia, today.

“There is always room from improvement; batsmen converting their start into bigger scores is one of the areas we need to improve.

Some batmen got into their 30s and they need to kickon,” Johnson told Guyana Times Sport prior to de-

parture for the Windward Island.

“Also, there needs to be a bit more consistency with the bowling at times even though we bowled them [Jamaica Scorpions] out for 99 [in the first innings], I thought in the second innings were impatient and we bowled some loose deliveries and let them off the hook quite easily,” he added.

The Test batsman had scores of 20 and 50 in the 263-run route of Jamaica Scorpions at Providence on Sunday, time in the middle which he felt gave him confidence ahead for the remaining matches.

“Having not played this kind of cricket in a while. I played three-day cricket but it is obviously not the same so I was looking to spend some time in the middle and I felt well at the crease. The guys bowled decent areas and I stuck it out and didn’t give them opportunities. I need to covert that fifty into a century next time and look to get runs every time I go out to bat.”

The skipper was also in high praises for the per-

formances from the youngsters of the squad, Keemo Paul (scored only century of match), Chandrapaul Hemraj (60), Anthony Bramble (62) and Sherfane Rutherford (45), all of whom he felt took their opportunities in the absence of the older players.

Meanwhile, Jaguars enter today’s meeting as strong favourites having not lost to their opponents in the last six encounters.

When the two played last season at the same venue, their day/night match was limited to a draw.

The inclusion of Vishaul Singh and Keon Joseph, after their recent West Indies ‘A’ team duties should be another boost on a surface which should provide assistance to the faster men.

More so, Jaguars and Scorpions clash at Providence was the only match of the weekend which produced a result other than draw which meant the three-time defending champions acquired 18.4 points and currently hold a 7.6-point lead over Leeward Island Hurricanes.

In third place is 2016/2017 runners up Barbados Pride on 10.4 points while Trinidad and Tobago Red Force (10.2),

Jaguars will hope Keemo Paul can continue his good form with bat and ball

Windward Island Volcanoes (5.8) and Scorpions (4.2) round off of the table.

The full squad reads: Tagenarine C h a n d e r p a u l , Rajendra Chandrika, Chandrapaul Hemraj, Leon Johnson (captain), Vishaul Singh, Anthony Bramble (wicketkeeper), Keemo Paul, Romario Shepherd, Veerasammy Permaul (vice-captain) Gudakesh Motie, Keon Joesph, Sherfane Rutherford and Akshaya Persaud.

Match time is 10:00h.

Jaguars focused on developing Bushlot United future Windies players BCB/2nd Division 40-Over Competition

turn back Rising Stars …Port Mourant, Cut & Load, CWC & #70 MYO win also

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he Berbice Cricket Board’s Second Division competition continued last weekend at various grounds across the county, as second division teams battle for supremacy in this 40 over round robin competition.

At the Block 4 cricket Club ground in Tain, Port Mourant Cricket Club defeated Block 4 by 7 wickets in their 40 over encounter. Batting first, Block 4 scored 134 all out as J. Nunes and K Balgobin top scored with 23 runs each as Joel Sietaram took 4 for 27, Dorasammi Mahadeo took 3 for 18, and George Hughes 2 for 12.

In the run chase, Port Mourant reached 135 in 24 overs as Emmanuel Seecharran top scored with an unbeaten 40, M. Hemraj 32, Joel Sietaram 20 and Daniel Samaroo not out on 12.

Over at Bushlot, Bushlot United defeated Bushlot Rising Stars by 186 runs.

Bushlot United batted first and scored a massive 297 but restricted their opponents Bushlot Rising Stars for 111.

For Bushlot United, Asgar Matabeek top scored with 64, Joel Dilchand 45, Christopher Bissoon 45 and Ryan Thakurram 41 as Joel

Dilchand wreaked havoc with 4 for 135 and Navindra Persaud 2 for 17.

In Rising Stars’ innings J. Saywack scored 29, K Fordyce 21, N Shivrattan 12 and Z Khan 12 as the Bushlot United bowlers prove too much for them to deal with.

In the Upper Corentyne Area, at the # 72 Ground, Cut & Load defeated Bomb Squad by 8 wickets. Batting first, Bomb Squad scored 90 runs all out. Cut & Load replied by scoring 91 for 2.

At Skeldon Community Center, rain affected play between Skeldon Titans and # 77 Cricket Club. Points for that washed out game will be split between the two teams.

At # 70 Village, # 70 MYO defeated # 70 Cricket Club by 9 runs. Batting first, # 70 MYO scored 224 while in their reply # 70 CC fell short by 9 runs.

At # 71 Ground, Crabwood Creek defeated # 71 by 6 wickets in their 35 over encounter. Batting first # 71 scored 160 while Crabwood Creek achieved the target in just 19 overs.

The competition continues on Sunday November 5, 2017 at venues across the county.

Vishaul Singh

Shimron Hetmer

S

ince the commencement of Cricket West Indies (CWI) Professional Cricket League (PCL) for the 2014/2015 Regional 4-Day season, Guyana Jaguars have been ‘team consistent, winning three successive titles.

However, in that period, they have only successfully seen the elevation of Rajendra Chandrika, Vishaul Singh and Shimron Hetmyer to the senior West Indies Test team. Barbadianborn Raymon Reifer is currently part of the Test squad while Keon Joseph has become a consistent face in the West Indies ‘A’ teams.

Ronsford Beaton who was part of the “A” t e a m h a s been included in the Windies T 2 0 squad recently but is yet to wear an international cap.

Guyana have Keon Joseph

not only won titles but they have dominated oppositions both at home and away. Despite this encouraging fact, captain Leon Johnson revealed that they are more focused on developing future stars for the West Indies.

“Our assistant coach, always stresses to the players that he doesn’t want to see them just play for Guyana their goal must only be performing for Guyana and then playing for West indies and also doing well for West Indies,” Johnson said.

The first season of the PCL Regional 4-Days be-

gan in November 2014 just two months after Johnson made his Test debut against Bangladesh. The stylish left-handed batsman has since played eight additional matches, a disappointing stat for a batsman with enormous potential.

“The focus is not always on winning a championship, we don’t set out at the start of a season to win a championship, that more comes down to the end of the season when we realise we have done well and is to push for the title.”

He added, “We always encourage each other to do well go on to play for the West Indies.”

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Enmore flatten Strathavon in historic T20 final

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large, colourful and vibrant crowd couldn’t ask for a better Sunday evening as Enmore Community Centre Cricket Club (ECCCC) produced a clinical bowling effort to stun Strathavon in the final of the club’s anniversary T20 Cricket Festival.

Playing at the Enmore Community Centre ground, ECCCC bowlers stoutly defended a total of 103 made in 17.2 overs, by dismissing Strathavon for a paltry 57 with two overs to spare.

The 46-run victory for ECCCC meant the Bheemraj Ramkelawan-led side had exacted revenge on Strathavon, who won a T20 final between the two sides in 2016 at the Fairfield ground.

The victory was perfect for the occasion, as it was the first time in the club’s history that floodlight hardball cricket was being played at the venue.

Ramkelawan called correctly at the toss and swiftly decided to take first strike, a decision that paid immediate dividends as ECCCC raced to 44 off the first five overs. Openers Ramkelawan (21) and Imran Hassan (14) were particularly severe on anything remotely loose, giving their team a flying start.

However, with both falling in quick succession, the innings went into decline, and had it not been for a quick-fire 22 from Navindra Gobin down the order ECCCC faced the danger of being dismissed for a double-figure total.

Kevin Latiff and Naresh Samaroo bagged 3-17

The victorious Enmore Community Centre Cricket Club with their symbols of supremacy last Sunday night

and 3-19 respectively for Strathavon, whose batsmen were harbouring thoughts of an early night with such a small target to chase.

The difficulty with batting under the light however, didn’t escape Strathavon and their batsmen made a mess of a run-chase that never really got started.

Wickets tumbled like rolling pins in the face of some disciplined bowling from the ECCCC bowlers, led by spinner Christopher Surat, who claimed 3-10 off four overs.

Satesh Jainarine kept a stranglehold on proceedings, conceding just six runs from his four overs and also claiming two wickets. For his superb bowling effort, Surat was named Man-ofthe-Match.

Strathavon had earlier qualified for the final following a 117-run whipping

of Helena Number One and Two in the opening match of the day. Batting first, Strathavon took full advantage of a superb batting wicket and lightning fast outfield to pile up 205-4 from the allotted 20 overs.

The nature of the pitch was demonstrated by the high number of sixes in the innings- 12 in total. Skipper Gobindram Hemraj, the elder brother of Guyana Jaguars batsman Chandrapaul Hemraj, led the way with a classy innings of 61, the left-hander cracking six fours and two sixes.

Sewchand Budhu bludgeoned five maximums in a shot-filled 55, while opener Richard Chatura contributed 34 (3x4s, 2x6s). Ganesh Sugrim (22) and Zaki Salim (18*) did the finishing touches towards the back-end of

the innings.

K. Seedyal took 2-31 for Helena Number One and Two, who just couldn’t find momentum in the runchase, falling for 88 in 19 overs. Mohan Ronald, who was eventually named Manof-the-Match, was outstanding with the ball, claiming 5-18 from four overs. R. Ramkission made 20 and J. Persaud 19.

In the other game of the day, Lower East Coast outplayed Upper East Coast by 61 runs in a 15-over contest.

Man-of-the-Match Ryan Hemraj smashed a belligerent 52 (5x6s, 2x4s) to set up Lower East Coast’s total of 186-6, with Sunil Singh chipping in with 35 (3x4s, 2x6s), J. Wilson (26*) and C. McPherson (22).

Ferron Kadir took 2-17 for Upper East Coast, who finished on 125-3 at the

completion of the overs. D. Persaud made 43 (3x4s, 3x6s) and M. Bameswari 32 (4x6s), while S. Budhu had 2-11 off three overs.

Regrettably, the other planned game between Enmore Masters and Everest Masters had to be called off due to unforeseen circumstances. Funds garnered from the event will go towards cricket development at ECCCC and the club’s upcoming trip to Trinidad and Tobago.

The event was sponsored by Rajin Auto Paint, Nexa Autocolor, R.Kissoon Construction Service, Motor Trend Auto Spares and Repairs, Radesh Furniture Est. D&E Tent Rental, Trophy Stall, Cone Island, Banks DIH, SE Auto Sales and Auto Spares, Cricket Zone USA and Young Takers Sound System.

Support pouring in for Guyana Softball Cup VII W

ith one day to go before the bowloff of the seventh edition of the Guyana Softball Cup which is set for November 3 to 5 Stag beer has thrown their support for the international three-day event.

At a simple function at its Beterverwagting, East Coast Demerara, office on Tuesday, the company presented the sponsorship package to officials of the organising body, the Guyana Floodlights Softball Cricket Association (GFSCA).

Stag Beer Brand Manager, Lindon Henry, was on hand to make the presentation to officials of the GFSCA, including vicepresident Jailall Deodass, founder Ricky Deonarain and organising secretary Wayne Jones.

Henry said Ansa McAl Trading is delighted to once again partner with the GFSCA, noting that the organisation has been very proficient in executing the tournament

Lindon Henry (second from right) hands over the sponsorship to Jailall Deodass in the presence of Ricky Deonarine (left) and Wayne Jones

every year. He also alluded to the body’s ability to consistently fill the ground on ‘Finals Day.’ The tournament, which will feature teams from Guyana, Canada, Florida and New York, will run from Friday to Sunday with matches spread

across Police, Guyana Defence Force, Demerara Cricket Club, Malteenoes and Georgetown Cricket Club grounds in the Open and Masters categories.

On the final day, November 5, three lucky patrons and a partner each will have an

opportunity to win trips to local resorts Arrowpoint, Aruwai and Baganara compliments of Survival Travel Service.

Action will bowl off at 10:00h with the female 10/10 final, followed by the final of the Under-13 20/20 hardball

competition between Blairmont and GCC at 11:45h. The Masters final will start at 15:00h and the Open final at 18:00h.

The champion team in the Open category will receive $800,000, while winner of the Masters division is assured of $600,000. Player-of-the-Series in both categories will each receive a gold bat pendant, sponsored by Steve’s Jewellery.

The tournament has received corporate support from Stag Beer, Rubis Guyana, Trophy Stall, Steve’s Jewellery, Clear Waters, Busta, Rohan Auto Spares, A&R Jiwanram Printery, WJ Enterprise, Mike’s Pharmacy, Ramchand’s Auto Spares and Survival Group of Business.

Speedboat who recently won the Prime Minister’s T20 Softball Cup are the defending All-Star champions while Floodlights Masters beat Fisherman’s XI to win the Masters title in 2016.

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GUYANATIMESgy.COM

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U-13 final added to Guyana Softball Cup VII

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radition will be broken during the finals day of the seventh edition of the annual Guyana Softball Cup scheduled for this Sunday at the Demerara Cricket Club (DCC) ground.

The exciting softball tournament will be contested in two categories; Male Masters and Male All-Stars beginning on Friday November 3 at venues across the city.

In addition to the finals in those two categories, the final of the female 4-team exhibition tournament will also be staged and for the first time at the major softball tournament; a hardball match will be played when Blairmont and Georgetown Cricket Club U13 teams battle for supremacy.

In previous editions of the Guyana Softball Cup, there were two female semi-finals and the final to go along with the two male finals but the first ever the Well-Teen, Trophy Stall, Tropical Springs and Nauth Motor Spares under 13 finals will be played taking the number of finals to four.

The first final of the day will be between the top female teams beginning at 10:00h followed by the U13 final at 11:45h which will make way for the Masters final at 15:00h.

The All-Stars final will begin at 18:00h followed by the presentation ceremony to bring the curtains down on the tournament.

Admission to the finals is $1,000 for adults while children 14 years and under will be admitted free. Spectators are urged to keep their half ticket and listen for their numbers to be called while at the ground.

The 2017 tournament has attracted corporate from the following sponsors;

Campton Sancho

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Four trophies, four finals! Devi Sunich proudly hands over the championship silverware to Jailall Deodass while from left; Ramesh Sunich, Ricky Deonarain and Wayne Jones lend support

Stag Beer, Rubis (Guyana), Trophy Stall, WJ Enterprise, Clear Waters, Busta, Survival Group of Business,

Ramchand’s Auto Spares, Rohan Auto Spares, A&R Jiwanram Printery, Steve Jewelery and Mikes Pharmacy.

The victorious United All-Stars after their victory over Everest Masters last Thursday

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he Everest Masters were enjoying an unbeaten run until they ran into the United AllStars out of Miami Florida last Thursday at the Everest Cricket Club.

In the feature 25 overs a-side match, United All Stars took first knock and slogged their way to 226 for 6 with Vivian Gooniah hitting eight big sixes and two fours in 76 to really knock

the wind out of the Everest Masters’ sail in good conditions. Devin Baldeo weighed in with 57 runs (3x4’s; 1x6) and Munesh Lalu made 49 (6x4’s; 2x6’s) to take the score past the 200-run mark.

Rakesh Gangaram claimed 2 for 35 while Imtiaz Sadik was expensive in picking up 2 for 51 for the home team who replied with 188 for 8 off their 25 overs. Only Shaheed Mohamed with a

fighting half century of 52 (2x4’s; 4x6’s) showed determination but got little support from the rest of the Everest line up who fell short in the run chase by 38 runs.

N a n d k i s h o r e Phanisnaraine picked up 3 for 38 for the victors but it was the pugnacious Vivian Gooniah who copped the Man of the match award.

Everest Masters presented the visiting United All

Star team with a plaque in recognition of their visit to Camp road and Carifesta avenue club.

The trophies for the game and the plaque were donated by Ramesh Sunich of the Trophy Stall n Bourda Market.

The Everest Masters next game is against a Touring UK team billed for Friday November 10 at Everest.

ll roads lead to the Kennard’s Memorial Turf Club (KMTC) at Bushlot Farm this Sunday for an exhilarating day of horse racing which is organized by Eon, Quaicy and Keyno in collaboration with the number 28 Bushlot/ Adventure in Action Group.

Turfites will be jumping with excitement during the six events that are scheduled for the day that promises to be nothing short of stiff competition.

The feature event has $450,000 at stake and will bring together horses classified ‘H’ and Lower covering a distance of seven furlongs with a whopping $240,000 going to the winner. The second place finisher will pocket $120,000 while the third and fourth place finishers are guaranteed $60,000 and $30,000 respectively.

The battle lines have been drawn with horse owners rushing for registration.

Some of the horses that will be on show are Red Fire, Red Jet, Red Region, Little Star, Plane Land, Short Man, Princess Saria, Flow Joe, Southern Flight, Daddy’s Dollar, Mary Ann, T and T, Wise Thom, King Stanley, Slim Shady, Black Beauty, Little Kevin, Miss Angalie, Blue Lightening, Royal Pay Master, Royal Progressive, Massaupequea Doctor, Red Weasel, Country Boy, Easy Lion, Perfect Return, Release the Heat, and Kodciusqko!

Speaking to Guyana Times Sport on behalf of the organizers, Keyno Henry said that it is the second year for the event with proceeds going to a good cause.

“The Bushlot/ Adventure in Action Group is a NonGovernmental Organization (NGO) and the event is a charity event with the proceeds set to go towards the ongoing school feeding programme and to pull off a huge Christmas party for the children within the community next month,” Henry said.

When asked why the committee chose horse racing as their main fundraiser, Henry said “Horse racing is really big on the Corentyne and after last year’s successful debut we decided to give the fans what they want and we expect the ususl support,” Henry stated.

To this end, he was grateful to Ansa McAl Trading, Nazrudeen Mohammed Jr of Jumbo Jet Auto Sales, Collin Elcock, Rumours Racing Stables, the National Sports Commission (NSC), Nand Persaud and Company Limited, Golden Gloves Speed Boat Service, Kris Jagdeo, Punai’s Pharmacy, Guinness Bar (Rose Hall), Touch of Class Boutique (Rose Hall), Trophy Stall (Bourda Market), Fazal Habibullah and jockeys Kumar Singh and Wayne Nelson of New York City for their assistance in making the event a success.

Longstanding horse-

Keyno Henry

race commentator, Compton Sancho also weighed in on the event. Sancho said that the track is in tremendous shape and he expects records to be shattered. “The weather on the Corentyne has been very favourable to the track which is already in good shape and we will welcome fast lap times from some of the best horses in Guyana,” Sancho commented.

The ‘J’ Class race will see the horses running a distance of six furlongs with the winner set to ride away with $170,000 while the second place finisher will get $85,000 and third and fourth place winners will pocket $42,500 and $21,250 respectively.

The other races will all cover a distance of five furlongs with the ‘K’ and Lower class fetching an overall purse of $225,000; the winner of the ‘L1’ and Lower class race will get $100,000 and the ‘L2’and Lower class will see the battle for $150,000 in total up for grabs.

The unclassified event usually provides lots of excitement with reputation and bragging rights at stake and will see the winner becoming $40,000 richer.

The races will run under the rules of the Guyana Horse Racing Authority with the first event set for 13:00h.

Turfites are required to pay a $1,000 admission fee which entitles them to a race programme. Junior turfites will pay $500 and may also enjoy side attractions including bouncy castle, trampoline and merry-go-round.

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thursDAY, november 2, 2017

23

Zimbabwe fighting back but Windies on course – Dowrich, Holder put on record stand

T

he fourth day of the second Test in Bulawayo drew tenacious performances from batsmen on both sides, but West Indies will still go into the final day as firm favourites. Record contributions from Jason Holder and Shane Dowrich and quick wickets in Zimbabwe’s second innings put them in a virtually unassailable position. It took a battling unbeaten 94-runstand from Sikandar Raza and PJ Moor to stretch the match into a fifth day.

While Raza and Moor’s efforts stalled West Indies’ push for victory, the day belonged to Holder and Dowrich, who added 212, the most by an eighth-wicket pair for West Indies.

Holder’s century was his second in Tests, and the first by a West Indies No. 9, while Dowrich’s joy at reaching his own maiden Test hundred was plainly evident.

Not since 1908 have both a no. 8 and no. 9 made centuries in the same innings of a Test. Clem Hill and

SCOREBOARD Stumps on Day 4 Zimbabwe 1st Innings 326 (Masakadza 147, Raza 80; Roach 3/44) West Indies 1st Innings (Overnight 374/7; Dowrich 75*, Holder 71*) KC Brathwaite c Masakadza b Cremer 32 KOA Powell c Ervine b Mpofu 90 D Bishoo c & b Sikandar Raza 23 KA Hope lbw b Sikandar Raza 1 SD Hope b Sikandar Raza 40 RL Chase lbw b Sikandar Raza 32 J Blackwood c Cremer b Sikandar Raza 5 SO Dowrich† lbw b Chisoro 103 JO Holder* b Chisoro 110 KAJ Roach lbw b Chisoro 0 ST Gabriel not out 5 Extras (b-3, lb-3, nb-1) 7 Total (All Out, 178.2 Overs) 448 Fall of wickets: 1-76, 2-131, 3-135, 4-163, 5-219, 6-225, 7-230, 8-442, 9-443, 10-448 Bowling Mpofu 28-10-55-1,

Mire 5-2-5-0 (nb-1), Cremer 52-8-161-1, Sikandar Raza 48-12-99-5, Chisoro 41.2-9113-3, Masakadza 4-1-9-0

Zimbabwe 2nd Innings H Masakadza b Roach 5 SF Mire lbw b Roach 0 CR Ervine b Bishoo 22 BRM Taylor lbw b Gabriel 10 PJ Moor not out 39 Sikandar Raza not out 58 Extras (b-1, lb-5) 6 Total (For 4 wickets; 67 Overs) 140 Yet to bat: MN Waller, RW Chakabva †, AG Cremer (c), TS Chisoro, CB Mpofu Fall of wickets: 1-5, 2-8, 3-23, 4-46 Bowling Gabriel 13-6-16-1, Roach 12-7-14-2, Brathwaite 9-1-19-0, Holder 12-2-29-0, Bishoo 13-3-38-1, Chase 2-07-0, Blackwood 6-3-11-0 Position: Zimbabwe lead by 18 runs with 6 wickets remaining

Roger Hartigan did it for Australia against England at the Adelaide Oval, and Holder and Dowrich repeated that achievement against Zimbabwe to put their team in a winning position. Their efforts took West Indies to 448, a lead of 122, before the bowlers increased their advantage even further in keeping Zimbabwe to 140 for 4 at the close.

Holder and Dowrich mixed studied defense with daring strokes, and the arrival of the third new ball provided few alarms.

Zimbabwe quickly reverted from pace to spin, and both men progressed steadily through the 90s. Holder was first to his ton, crunching Chisoro extravagantly through the covers for his ninth boundary.

Dowrich reached his landmark in even more emphatic style, stepping out to dispatch Cremer high over long off. Holder added another six - his second - as West Indies went on the charge, but the increase in tempo was quickly followed by the end of the innings. Chisoro trapped Dowrich lbw, playing back to one that rushed on, for his maiden Test wicket, and then bowled Holder around his legs. The spinner grabbed a third wicket, removing Roach lbw, to bring the innings to an end half an hour before lunch.

Though he failed with the bat, Roach excelled at

The Jason Holder-led regional side are closing in on a Test series victory

his primary role as senior seamer. Operating from the City End, he got the better of Masakadza with a canny piece of Test fast bowling to draw first blood.

Mire then aimed an illjudged pull at a length delivery in the final over before lunch, the ball keeping low to strike him in front of middle and leg. A pumped-up Roach gave Mire a rollicking send-off, earning a demerit point in the process.

The lunch session allowed West Indies’ new ball bowlers to freshen up and, essentially, have two gos at the wilting Zimbabweans,

and Shannon Gabriel bowled with vim and vigour after the interval. He hit Taylor on the glove with a bouncer that skidded through low, and between times maintained a testing line outside off stump. That line, along with pace and inward movement, eventually proved Taylor’s undoing, an indipper beating his flat-footed defense and pinging him right in front of middle.

With that, Zimbabwe were teetering at 23 for 3, and the pace bowlers continued to give PJ Moor and Craig Ervine a torrid time.

They survived the burst,

T

he Guyana Football Federation (GFF) on Sunday October 29, concluded a two-day training workshop for Technical Instructors/Referee Development Officers (RDO) at the Ministry of Education’s Music School on Brickdam.

The purpose of the workshop was to enhance the knowledge and skills of prospective Referee Instructors and Assessors by updating them the new materials and information gleaned from our attendance at a recent FUTURO III course in Jamaica. Present at the event were GFF President, Wayne Forde, GFF Head of Refereeing Department, Stanley Lancaster and Member Association (MA) Instructors, Ingram Johnson and Roy Mc Arthur.

In invited comments, Johnson stated: “This workshop is necessary so that the development of football can be enhanced in our Member Associations. From the referees’ point of view in deal-

Participants at the workshop along with GFF President Wayne Forde (second from left, front row)

ing with the modern game the referees have to be up to speed with all the laws and necessary information to manage the game in ac-

cordance with the laws of the game. As an Instructor, I was mandated in Jamaica to develop referees to the extent of making sure there is a

refereeing team that attends or participates in the World Cup in 2022 in Qatar. So my intention is to try our utmost to instill as much as possible

and to guide the referees in order to achieve that particular goal.”

Meanwhile Lancaster said: “Ingram who has re-

Holder replacing Roach from the City End, but what Roach couldn’t do, Bishoo soon did. With his second delivery, he rushed a legbreak through Ervine’s defense to bowl him for 22.

Moor and Raza took Zimbabwe to tea still 57 runs shy of making West Indies bat again, and amid lengthening shadows in the afternoon they chipped steadily away at the deficit.

The batting pair took Zimbabwe beyond parity, ensuring West Indies will at least have to bat again today. (ESPN Cricinfo)

cently returned from Jamaica, will be enlightening our Instructors on the new amendments and interpretations of the laws of the game and they in turn, just like our previous Fitness Instructor Workshop, will in turn teach the Referees.

The prime objective of this workshop is for the MA Instructor to teach the teachers, who are the RDOs/ Instructors, who will in turn teach the Referees. Once we would have completed both Technical and Fitness Instructors workshops, we will be targeting the Elite Referees in an upgraded course. We’re projecting to have this done before the start of the Elite League after which we’ll have a national recruitment drive to double or triple the number of officials we currently have.”

The RDOs are scheduled to conduct training sessions in their respective RMAs in an effort to build capacity in the regions.

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

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2017

guyanatimesgy.com

Zimbabwe fighting back but Windies on course – Dowrich, Holder put on record stand

Pg 23

Windies speedster Shannon Gabriel clocked up to 150 kph in the afternoon session after Shane Dowrich brought up his maiden Test century (Photos courtesy of Windies Media)

Convert starts to bigger scores – Johnson …as Jaguars face Volcanoes today in St Lucia

Pg 20

Chandrapaul Hemraj certainly looked fluent from ball one

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