Guyanatimes 15 january 2018

Crop protection training to be introduced at UG’s Berbice campus

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

Issue No. 3451

THE BEACON OF TRUTH

Monday, January 15, 2018

Int’l firm selected to valuate GuySuCo blacklisted

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WHAT'S INSIDE:

AFC has lost its electoral support, influence in coalition P10 – Ramkarran

Page 7

– fined, handed 2-year ban by regulator for alleged fraud in India – NICIL says firm to commence work in Guyana shortly

GPA calls for more frequent interactions with President

Page 13

Motorcycle bandits captured P8 in La Penitence …1 identified as active Joint Services rank

Oil contract

Govt swapped multiple fees for US$1M annually P9 – Ram

…criticises less than 30 US cents per hectare “bargain”

President David Granger and some Government officials with members of the local media corps at the annual media brunch held at State House on Sunday

Payout for dismissed workers…

GAWU mulls taking GuySuCo to court …over part payment of severance

Man gets 6 months jail for assaulting Page 2 73-year-old pensioner

Page 3

Man shot dead by City Constable

Page 11

…1 day after he was detained

Killing of exboyfriend’s P8 mother

Accused had fight with victim on day of her murder

2 News

monDAY, january 15, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

Man gets 6 months jail for assaulting 73-year-old pensioner

– berates President Trump while in custody

By Shemuel Fanfair

I

t was a showcase of drama both in and outside of the Wales Magistrate’s Court when multiple Police ranks were forced to subdue Felix Thorman, who admitted that on January 2, 2018, at the Parika Stelling, he tossed 73-year-old Raymond Stephens out of a hammock before he assaulted the elderly man.

For this, he was sentenced to serve the next six months in jail while his wife was advised by Magistrate Annette Singh to allow Thorman to receive a psychiatric evaluation.

Prior to his court appearance, the defendant threw himself onto the road as he was being escorted from the Police ve-

Drama unfolded outside the Wales Magistrate’s Court before Felix Thorman admitted to assaulting a pensioner

hicle that transported him.

Thorman had to be physically removed and taken to

the prisoner’s holding area in court in a state of partial undress.

While in custody, the defendant was also heard screaming and crying out

as though he was in pain.

At the same time, he was heard making verbal utterances against American President Donald Trump, indicating his disdain for the US President.

“I don’t like Trump; I don’t like da man,” Thorman ranted in the courtroom.

His behaviour in the court was so disruptive that Magistrate Singh read the charge to him on the prisoner’s chute (court steps that prisoners go down).

According to the prosecution’s case, Stephens, a farmer, normally vends his produce at the Parika Stelling. On the day in question, the pensioner tied his hammock to watch his produce and await buyers.

Guyana Times understands that Thorman asked

the farmer if he owned the Stelling.

Thereafter, the defendant said that the elderly man cursed him and this was why he chopped down the hammock with the pensioner inside.

The prosecution contended that Stephens was dealt several kicks and punches about the body.

The farmer reported the matter at the Parika Police Station and sought medical attention.

After hearing the prosecution’s facts, Thorman admitted to what he had done and Magistrate Singh sentenced him to six months’ imprisonment for unlawfully assaulting Stephens and causing actual bodily harm. Thorman was then taken into Police custody and later transported to prison.

Ex-cop arrested for robbing gold miner at gunpoint

A

n ex-policeman of Unity Place, North Ruimveldt, Georgetown and his accomplice were on Friday last arrested after they were positively identified by a gold miner whom they robbed of his jewellery on Old Year’s Day. According to information received, the suspects attacked the victim at Republic Avenue, Mackenzie, Linden where they gunbutted him and relieved him of the said jewellery.

Guyana Times understands that the ex-cop and his accomplice were captured in Festival City, Georgetown.

However, further investigations carried out by ranks of the Criminal

Investigation Department (CID), in collaboration with detectives in Linden, revealed that the motor car in which the men were found during their arrest was identified as being stolen during a robbery at Better Hope, East Coast Demerara (ECD).

The Police, in a statement, disclosed that even though the victim’s vehicle engine and chassis numbers corresponded with his registration, a purportedly fake registration was produced by one of the suspects for the said vehicle.

The two suspects are scheduled to be placed on several identification parades within the next few days in relation to several carjackings.

Domestic worker denies stealing cellphone

T

wenty-oneyear-old Rameeza Sugdeo, of Parika Sea Dam, East Bank Essequibo, was earlier this month released on $15,000 bail on a charge that she stole Mohamed Farou’s Samsung Galaxy mobile phone.

The prosecution’s case was that Sugdeo, a domestic worker, stole the said item on November 29, 2017.

However, when the woman appeared before

Magistrate Annette Singh at the Wales Magistrate’s Court and the charge was read to her, she entered a not-guilty plea while appearing to be on the verge of tears.

“Me didn’t thief no cellphone,” Sugdeo told the Magistrate.

The woman was granted her pre-trial liberty and the simple larceny matter was transferred to the Leonora Magistrate’s Court to continue on March 13.

news

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monDAY, january 15, 2018 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

BRIDGE OPENINGS

Payout for dismissed workers

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

Monday, January 15 – a night retraction at 03:30h and a day retraction from 14:30h-16:00h and Tuesday, January 16 – 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: Monday, January 15 – 15:25h-16:55h and Tuesday, January 16 – 16:00h-17:30h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY Thundery showers throughout the day and evening are expected to be interrupted by heavy showers in the afternoon. Temperatures are expected to range between 23 degrees Celsius and 27 degrees Celsius.

Winds: East South-easterly to East North-easterly between 1.78 metres and 4.09 metres.

High Tide: 15:36h reaching a maximum height of 2.50 metres.

Low Tide: 09:11h and 21:38h reaching minimum heights of 0.84 metre and 0.70 metre respectively.

SATURDAY, january 13, 2018

LOTTERY NUMBERS H

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DAILY MILLIONS 03 04 06 10 24 LUCKY 3 7 7 0

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

GAWU mulls taking GuySuCo to court …over part payment of severance

By Michael Younge

T

he Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) is mulling taking the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) to court over its decision to pay thousands of dismissed and retrenched sugar workers part, and not all, of their severance purportedly this month end.

GAW President, Komal Chand, speaking with the Guyana Times on Sunday during an exclusive interview, said he has already prepared a brief for the case, and is in the process of recruiting an attorney-at-law who is familiar with industrial relations law to handle the matter.

Chand said there was no need for union members and executives to vote on whether to haul the Corporation before the courts on this particular matter, as the union’s rules and regulations are clear in this respect.

“We don’t need to vote on this…I have already prepared the brief, and tomorrow I will be looking to get a good lawyer to handle the matter”, he iterated.

Chand said GAWU is obligated to do all that is necessary to protect the workers’ interest and rights, as outlined in the union’s laws and the country’s national industrial relations laws.

“I am convinced that this Government and GuySuCo are disrespecting these workers and breaching the laws when you look at how they are going about paying them their severance,” Chand remarked.

He said workers were expecting, and should have been paid, their full severance at the time their services were discontinued, terminated, or made redundant.

He denied that GAWU or any of representatives

GAWU’s President, Komal Chand

were part of discussions with Government or GuySuCo ahead of the announcement

by President David Granger that the workers were going to be paid part of their severance this month-end and the other part in the second half of 2018.

“That is a total lie and the figment of somebody’s imagination,” he rebuffed, as he explained that if the union were part of any discussions in this respect, it would be displaying double-standards and hypocrisy whenever it called for protests and the payment of the full severance.

Asked whether GAWU or the Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Guyana (FITUG) had met with Government or GuySuCo since the workers were made redundant or dis-

missed at the beginning of the year, Chand responded in the negative. He said the union has already indicated its willingness to have dialogue with the Government and GuySuCo, but neither party has responded formally by moving forward or setting a date for discussion.

“We expect to meet with them very soon, as we have a number of important matters to discuss and address,” Chand disclosed, before explaining that the union was occupied with addressing the plight of the workers and their communities, caused by the sudden dismissal of thousands of persons.

Chand also dismissed assertions that the union was more concerned about its loss of r e v -

enue and membership because of the dismissal, as opposed to the welfare of the workers and the future of the industry.

“That’s another falsity and fabrication. We would not consider taking this matter to court if that were

the case. We have always had our workers’ and union members’ interest at heart.

Those who published that article had wicked intentions…,” he related.

The GAWU Head said, too, that the figures quoted are misleading, as he explained in detail under what circumstances monies are deducted from workers as dues, and when they stop paying.

Asked if the dismissals could cripple the union and drastically affect its membership, Chand conceded that it would have a negative impact, but denied that that impact could “cripple” GAWU or FITUG. He insisted that the Government has to be taught a lesson because it was violating the workers’ rights by embarking on a number of decisions and initiatives that would not result in the industry’s fortunes being turned around.

“We will take appropriate actions in the courts if GuySuCo and the Government do not change their course and deal fairly with those persons dismissed,” Chand declared.

Questioned whether the protest actions would continue ahead of the planned legal action, Chand said the union was working with the workers and those affected. turn to page 7

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monDAY, january 15, 2018

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

The right to dignity H

uman dignity is the basis of all fundamental human rights. The UN’s 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights enshrined this principle in its preamble: ‘recognition of the inherent dignity and of the equal and inalienable rights of all members of the human family is the foundation of freedom, justice and peace in the world’. The treatment accorded to the 5,700 sugar workers who, from Demerara to Berbice, have been fired in the past year has stripped them of their dignity, and all Guyana must now stand up and be counted in their corner. Today it is sugar workers; tomorrow it could be any one of us.

Human dignity demands that individuals not be humiliated; but this is exactly what had been inflicted on the fired sugar workers. Not only were they not treated as subjects who had agency and should be consulted, workers at Wales were not even INFORMED that they were going to lose their job at the end of 2016, when the estate would be shut down. To add insult to the wounds of humiliation, even after this newspaper revealed the callous plan, the Minister of Agriculture did not see fit to visit the location and address the fired workers face to face. This would have implied they were fit to be engaged, and it was denied.

As 2017 unfolded, the Administration even refused to follow the terms of the labour contract that had been extracted after over a century of struggle: that workers cannot be forced to be transferred to another work location more than ten miles from their residence. This demand had its origin from the days of slavery, when the “masters” owned human beings as chattel – property – and could do whatever they wanted to their bodies. No dignity was accorded to “beasts of burden”.

The announcement that three other estates would be closed was made early in 2017; but, soon afterwards, Government spokespersons announced it would be delayed until 2018. As that date approached, however, closure was abruptly announced, throwing 4,000 sugar workers into the streets without any alternative employment.

And this is where the humiliation by the Government via GuySuCo was deepened into degradation. Just before Christmas, the traditional period of joy in Guyana, The workers were simply given letters informing they were being fired. Unlike at Wales, where most of the workers were given their severance pay as demanded by the law (apart from the approximately 300 who were ordered transferred more than 20 miles from their home to Uitvlugt) and could therefore try to create some form of self-employment, these 4,000 workers were informed there was no money to give them their severance pay.

They were therefore presented, in the season of joy, with a situation of absolute degradation: not being able to provide even bread to their families, much less “holiday fare”. Out of shame, desperation and extreme humiliation, two of the fired workers committed suicide.

While the Government obviously does not see the workers as deserving of being treated with dignity, these workers – even though poor and downtrodden -- have an innate sense of dignity: that they could take care of their families. Once this was stripped away, their sense of self was eroded, and ending their lives was seen as the only way out.

Today, in the US, is Martin Luther King Day, and this great man’s legacy has always reverberated in Guyana, since his work for dignity for US blacks coincided with our own struggle for independence from Britain. We were exhorted then by our leaders that human dignity is inviolable and must be respected and protected from the depredations that started with slavery, lasted through indentureship, and culminated with non-recognition of sugar workers’ representatives. And this was what “independence” promised.

It is not merely ironic, but tragic that, fifty years after indentureship, a “Guyanese” Government has once again stripped sugar workers of their dignity. Our history has come a full circle back to slavery.

A slackliner walks a highline over Navagio Beach in Zakythos, Greece. Slacklining is a sport involving a flat rope strung between two points, often with less tension than a tightrope. Those who walk across wear harnesses connected to the slackline, to catch them in the event of a fall (Photograph by Aidan Williams, National Geographic Your Shot)

The symbolic lynching of sugar workers (Part 2) Dear Editor, What manner of people are we, to see the suffocation of our Guyanese brothers and sisters in the sugar industry as some of our writers and politicians exhale hot air in the form of words like praxis, uneconomical, impractical; and wax philosophical theorems while entire villages, communities and regions are economically choking -- symbolically, metaphorically, and literally -- with the unjust termination of sugar workers.

Two terminated sugar workers have suffocated themselves so far, evidently collapsing under the weight of poverty, enabled by quote/unquote kith and

kin, be it a Smith or a Singh in Guyanese parlance. How many more lives must be lost? How much more suffering must be endured by those whose livelihoods depend on the operations of the sugar industry before our Government acts in a righteous manner.

While the sufferation continues, our Government has set aside US$18 million in a “funds account” for some logically inexplicable and indefensible reason, while two terminated sugar workers commit suicide due to absence of funds.

Guyana -- with billions of barrels of oil reserves, and recording the largest oil find in the last decade -- has

leadership that has seemingly opted for the destruction of villages and communities in the sugar industry under the rubric of the sugar industry not being economically viable, instead of leveraging our assets and considering the plight of the sugar workers.

It is unfortunate that the administration does not think it fit and proper to be our brothers’ keeper and to create solidarity from our economic good fortune.

A good parent does not neglect one child and favour another because each child has a different father, or because one child seems to be a better economic investment at a particular moment in

time. Maybe Guyana’s seemingly new parent company, ExxonMobil Corporation, will show the heart needed to save the sugar industry by allowing for a fair Production Sharing Agreement.

Guyana is on the verge of quadrupling its economic value twice over and then some; yet, this politically racist, callous and calculating policy to terminate sugar workers, destroy the sugar industry and the kith and kin in the communities seems to have the full support of those in power.

Regards, Nigel Hinds

Projects that have political patronage written all over them Dear Editor, Recently, the President was seen assisting a toddler in the cutting of a ribbon to hand over a bus which is to be used for transportation of school children.

While this is a somewhat nice gesture, I can forthwith tell the President of a better way to help the poor; that is: the reinstatement of the $10,000 grant for each child in school. That gift by the previous PPP/C Administration was more lasting, and was of more economic benefit to the children of this great country.

It made sense for this country’s peoples that are now going through the most depressing and pauperised

days.

You cannot tell me that ministers of this Government could have almost instantly filled their pockets with a 50% pay rise then, in their typical hypocritical reply, give out buses – yes, buses -- in other instances boats and bicycles, to its hapless citizens. If this does not reek of corruption and heartlessness by a sick regime, then what does?

But before I get carried away, let me get back to my main topic: Prior to the Coalition APNU/AFC taking office, the PPP/C had a programme of furnishing the family with a $10,000 gift for every child at school. It was a gift to families, especially

those single-parent families or families with delinquent fathers. Those families, most of them with large households, welcomed this gesture with open arms because it represented income or hard currency for those struggling to make ends meet.

Further, that $10,000 would have seen an increase of up to $50,000 per child had the PPP been in power.

That is a representation of a Government that has great care and concern for its peoples; not passing a bus or bicycle or boat when I do not have a meal on the table.

We were taught that, to get to the root causes of a child’s seeming boredom

or lack of interest in learning, that child may be having inherent problems, like being hungry or not having enough sleep at nights, because that child has to toil like a normal adult to earn a few hundred dollars (speaking in Guyanese terms) to exist. This is the reality of the situation in Guyana today -- the dire circumstances in eking out a living in the daily grind. So try telling me about learning and education when I am hungry.

The point I am making is boats, buses and bicycles are meaningless when the reality is I am too weak to enjoy these. 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

Citizens of Georgetown subjected to double taxation scam

Dear Editor, I am indeed very disappointed that the citizens of Georgetown -- particularly those in the legal profession and civil society groups -- have not come out against yet another attempt by the Mayor and Councillors of the City of Georgetown to unlawfully double-tax them.

The most recent attempt that I refer to is the declaration by the Council of their intention to charge residents a fee of two hundred dollars per barrel for the collection and disposal of their household waste.

Their declaration that the City Council is an autonomous body and must generate its own revenue is really an assertion that the Council is above the law and can gouge the pockets of its citizens.

First of all, just like the parking meter debacle, the Council is proceeding again in a high-handed manner,

without consultation with citizens, who are the stakeholders. This is unfettered bullyism at best.

But secondly, and more importantly, this action is illegal. The Council is obligated to provide refuse collection and disposal service from the property rates it collects. It can’t then turn around and charge another fee for providing the same refuse collection and disposal service that is already catered for in the property rates. This is double-taxation.

The Council first implemented this illegal scheme in the commercial district; and when it got away with the scam, decided to broaden the scam.

How would the Council go about implementing this system with more than 42,000 households in the city?

Best regards, Sambu Jacobus

‘Big Enchiladas’ at City Hall show pattern of greed, foolishness and disregard for the law Dear Editor, The recent disclosure in the press of an attempt by officials of the Mayor and Councillors of the City of Georgetown to illegally lease or sell reserved community lands in Bel Air Park to a private developer is yet another illustration of the level of venality, delinquency and ineptitude at City Hall.

With the full knowledge that there is a restriction on the transport of this property, located contiguous to Eping Avenue, for use as community purposes only, it is just unthinkable that municipal officials would even consider building town houses there.

$10,000 than free buses.

In fact with thousands losing their jobs every month, those buses are meaningless to those households with many mouths to feed. Try telling a sugar worker that a free bus is all this Government can offer when I do not know where the next income is coming from. That retrenched sugar worker having three, sometimes six, minor children to take care of: try convincing him that he should be satisfied with a free bus system and nothing else. Try convincing him that his existence would not be a miserable one. Try! Substituting free buses for direct income is indicative of an uncaring and vindictive regime.

Finally, my Bible tells me that anyone -- nay, any Government -- that would deny those little ones their right to lead a comfortable life would never experience success. The good book states it is better for you to tie a millstone around your neck and jump overboard. In Guyanese parlance, “if you rob children or take food out

nue of assistants. Already, they have had the Council provide for them luxury sports utility vehicles, dine at fancy restaurants, and pay themselves super salaries. Now they want to complement that with luxury accommodations in an upscale neighbourhood.

Even more disgusting than their inclination to break the law by voting at a council meeting to take community land for personal housing -- despite the existence of the covenant and despite the obvious conflict -- is their patent display of unrepressed greed. Some of these officials are owners of multiple properties which they recently acquired with

their new-found wealth, and yet they are still trying to acquire more real estate.

It is just so sordid.

What has happened to their much touted ‘Green City’ initiative? Or will they paint these townhouses green?

It should be noted that they have already confiscated other reserves in the south of the city, and constructed two model houses for other municipal officers, a situation that should also be challenged in the courts.

When will there be a Commission of Inquiry at City Hall?

Sincerely, Magagula Jackson

Forced to pay increased property rates despite poor service Dear Editor, I would like someone in the Georgetown Municipality to tell me why I should be paying property rates, let alone proposed increases, when very little, if any, services are being giv-

Projects that have...

So, what Minister Amna Ally said is pointless also: that the nation’s children’s education is enhanced by the free buses to take them to school. Utterly pointless in the idea I have put forward: that children cannot learn if there is nothing on the table at home to eat. A further indictment on their part is her sarcastic remarks that others would like to see these “free buses” transportation gesture fail; meaning that the Opposition would like this to happen. May I remind Minister Ally that she has exposed her Government by uttering those words, because those buses are “free gifts” given to them by party hacks? Those buses were not paid for by the national treasury, but were “freebies” from party supporters who are likely to be earmarked for huge kickbacks.

And may I add that political patronage will come from taxpayers’ hard earned taxes? So, I must say to this PNC-led Coalition that these gestures reek of corruption from the very start.

We would rather have

However, the intention to confiscate and build housing on this three-acre empty community reserve -known as R3 Bel Air Park -- for the ‘Big Enchiladas’ at City Hall fits right into the pattern of greed, foolishness, and disregard for the law by some of these officials at the Council.

It fits right into their current programme of living ‘a champagne and caviar’ lifestyle off of the backs of the poor citizens of Georgetown.

Already, they fly first class all around the world, and stay at five star hotels.

Already, they have surrounded themselves with chauffeurs, bodyguards, other security, and a reti-

From page 4

of their mouths”, you will not be blessed.

Members of this Government love to make scriptural quotes. I hope they take heed to the above terse warnings.

Respectfully, Neil Adams

en or provided by the municipality to the citizenry.

They are supposed to maintain in good order the approximately 645-mile drainage network necessary for effectual drainage in the city. They don’t even service a half; citizens have to weed their own parapets and dig their own drains.

They are supposed to eradicate mosquito breeding in the city, particularly in the approximately 103 miles of alleyways; but this is not done. The Ministry of Public Health has to do defogging in the city.

They are supposed to maintain in good condition

the approximately 311 miles of roads, and ensure that all main roads and streets are free from pot-holes, depressions, slippage, etc. They do no such thing, but sit and await the Government to take care of all of the roads in the city.

They are required to provide the 42,000 properties in the city with refuse collection service by removing waste regularly in the city’s 10 collection zones. They are instead proposing to charge an extra fee for that service.

They are required to provide early childhood development services to children in the city, catering to their

total development. Instead, they are closing their day care centres.

They are required to produce audited financial statements each year, and have them published. They never do; at least they never did in the last 20 years.

The main goal of the Council should be to provide core services to the more-than 180,000 citizens of Georgetown, not just tax them out of their brains, and lavishly spend the money on themselves.

With thanks, Riley Matthews

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guyanatimesgy.com

Foundation

Bringing wonder into

Mathematics …creatively combining the Notice Wonder strategy with a numberless word problem helps students see themselves as mathematicians

By Jeremiah Ruesch

D

oris Lessing once said, “Any human anywhere will blossom in a hundred unexpected talents and capacities simply by being given the opportunity to do so.”

My wife and I experienced what Lessing described through a process with our third-grade girls as they were struggling with a multiplication Maths standard. The girls were getting stuck in a couple of areas regarding the standard, and were developing negative feelings about Maths and about themselves as mathematicians. We felt some urgency to try something new, and the new thing we tried had to be engaging and fun, and provide ways for the girls to again see themselves as mathematicians.

problem with both a female lead character and monkeys – we love monkeys. I had found our problem:

can Molly feed?

Solution: ? × 4 = 24 Students might draw on the remembered product 6 × 4 = 24 to say that the related quotient is 6.

Lesson 1: a numberless word problem

Although the girls weren’t interested in learning the standard, I knew that if I found the right problem, I could pique their interest. I found an example

Molly the zookeeper has 24 bananas to feed the monkeys. Each monkey needs to eat 4 bananas. How many monkeys

Alternatively, they might draw on other known products—for exam-

ple, if 5 × 4 = 20 is known, then since 20 + 4 = 24, one more group of 4 will give the desired factor (5 + 1 = 6). Or, knowing that 3 × 4 = 12 and 12 + 12 = 24, students might reason that the desired factor is 3 + 3 = 6. Any of these methods (or others) might be supported by a representational drawing that shows the equal groups in the situation.

For the girls to access our problem, I used the Notice Wonder strategy, which asks a student to address these questions: “What do you notice? And what do you wonder?” A teacher will show a scenario or problem to students, and they answer those two questions (either in writing or in their heads). After a little wait time, students share their answers with a partner, allowing them to hear another’s thinking and to articulate their own observations.

Before the girls engaged in looking at the problem, I needed a few more supports

in place, so I modified a foldable sheet known as a diamond paper. To modify it, I added quadrant numbers and a Notice Wonder prompt in each quadrant. On the other side, I numbered the four quadrants and added four prompts. You can see what I did below.

Next I used a numberless word problem approach, in which you take a problem and break it down, first showing students a numberless version and then, one at a time, more complex versions. This process gives all learners multiple repetitions to access the content, calls out important details, and helps students formulate the same question the standard is asking them to solve. Here’s the breakdown for the problem at hand: Molly is a zookeeper. She has some hungry monkeys.

Molly is a zookeeper. She has some hungry monkeys and some bananas.

Molly is a zookeeper. She has some hungry monkeys and 24 bananas.

Molly is a zookeeper. She has some hungry monkeys and 24 bananas, and each monkey needs 4 bananas.

One of my daughters read the sentence 1 out loud, and they both wrote their Notice

Wonder statements about it. After a few moments, they shared with each other. Then my other daughter read the second sentence, and they wrote their next Notice Wonder statements and shared. Soon all four sentences had been shared. I had the girls write a question they wondered about regarding this situation in the diamond at the centre of the paper.

Once the girls had written their questions, I asked them to share with each other. Then they turned their diamond papers over. On the other side, they had to either create a new question, put their questions together to form a bigger question, or choose one of their diamond questions. The girls came up with this new question: How many monkeys is Molly not feeding? They then had four ways to work through the question as they answered it through these four prompts: What is the problem asking?

Create a visual model of the problem.

Solve the problem.

Write a complete sentence answering the question. (Excerpt from edutopia.org)

TO be continued

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monDAY, january 15, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

Int’l firm selected to valuate GuySuCo blacklisted – fined, handed 2-year ban by regulator for alleged fraud in India – NICIL says firm to commence work in Guyana shortly

By Jarryl Bryan

P

ricewaterhouseCoopers, the international audit firm selected by the coalition Government to valuate the multibillion-dollar assets of the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo), has actually been banned from auditing listed companies in India owing to its alleged involvement in fraud.

According to a report originating from international news agency Reuters, and other news sites in India, the company was handed the two-year ban last week for allegedly overstating earnings and assets for Indian software company Satyam Computer Services.

The report states that Pricewaterhouse was the audit firm at the time the more than US$1 billion fraud occurred. It was the founder of the company, Ramalinga Raju, who blew the whistle on the fraud in 2009, costing shareholders billions and shaking the industry.

Besides the ban, Reuters said the Securities and Exchange Board of India has handed down an order for Pricewaterhouse Bangalore and two of its former partners to pay 131 million rupees or US$2 million, plus interest, in forfeited funds. This must be done within 45 days, with the ban taking effect on March 31.

In its defence, Pricewaterhouse is quot-

PricewaterhouseCoopers

ed as saying it will appeal the regulator’s decision in court. It has defended itself by affirming that there was no “intentional” wrongdoing in the fraud at Satyam.

In Guyana

W h i l e PricewaterhouseCoopers is facing blacklisting and fines in India for its purported involvement in fraud, the firm may very well commence its work at GuySuCo as early as this week.

This is according to National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL) Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Horace James. During an interview with Guyana Times, he related that Expressions of Interest (EoIs) have been received from local and overseas bidders for the estates.

“Three companies submitted proposals. After a financial and technical review, we selected

PricewaterhouseCoopers as the persons to do the audits for the divestment. They should be on board by next week (this week). They will audit the three estates and they will also (evaluate) expressions of interest from all over the world, local and overseas, for the three estates.”

James also informed this publication that an assets register was currently being used as a baseline to determine what assets were in place on the estates.

Government has long made known its plans to close the Enmore and Rose Hall Sugar Estates, sell the Skeldon Sugar Factory, reduce the annual production of sugar, and take on the responsibility of managing the drainage and irrigation services offered by GuySuCo. GuySuCo, which is saddled with billions of dollars in debt, is currently engaged in divesting its

assets to get cash to meet its operational and other expenses. At the same time, Government is forging ahead with downsizing the industry, citing the economic feasibility of the sector. At present, a Special Purpose Unit (SPU) is in charge of this process.

That unit was first announced by Agriculture Minister Noel Holder when he presented a policy paper to the National Assembly on the future of the sugar industry. Some $130 million was allocated “to provide for the establishment of a Special Purpose Unit to manage the reform of the sugar industry”.

In July, the Government had presented a supplementary request to tap the national coffers. The National Assembly has since approved the monies for the Unit, headed by Colvin Keith-London, who will be based at the Kingston Headquarters of NICIL. At the time monies were being approved for the SPU, Finance Minister Winston Jordan had said that Government was unclear as to what it was looking to earn from the sale of the GuySuCo assets since they still needed to be properly evaluated.

As such, some $60 million was approved to hire an

NICIL CEO Horace James

accounting firm, in this case PricewaterhouseCoopers, in order to lead the divestment process, including updated valuations of the assets.

GAWU mulls taking...

“There are a number of activities planned, and we are monitoring the situation.

We will continue to stand in solidarity with our workers, because we understand their plight and the hardship that they are facing…,” the GAWU President related.

He maintained that the Government had no plan following the rash and brutish decision to downsize the industry, as he reiterated his call for the workers to be paid their full severance immediately.

Chand’s comments come on the heels of statements made by State Minister Joseph Harmon on Friday -that no worker would be receiving a million-dollar payout. He made it clear that

severance would be paid on a case-by-case basis after a careful analysis was done.

Harmon denied that Government made no budgetary allocations to meet the severance bill in the 2018 budget, and said over $500 million had been budgeted, even though the correct and final sum was not known until late December and early January.

His own statement contradicts comments made by President David Granger at his last press conference, where he related that discussions on the payment of severance were not finalised as he gave a commitment to ensure that the workers are paid.

Also, the Union last

from page 3

week exposed what it said was a systematic plot by the Department of Public Information to spread misinformation about the retrenched workers when it released a statement where it quoted Agriculture Minister Noel Holder saying that the Government acted responsibly because some 5,000 jobs were saved as those employees were transferred or reemployed in the public service.

GAWU has rejected the Minister’s statement, dubbing them “lies” as it explained that no assimilation plan was in place when the workers were dismissed, while it lambasted the Government for attempting to deceive the public.

8 news

monDAY, january 15, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

Killing of ex-boyfriend’s mother

Accused had fight with victim on day of her murder

By Shemuel Fanfair

A

s the murder trial of former Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Private Abiola Jacobs continued at the High Court, the daughter of murdered housewife Donna Taylor testified that the accused woman and her mother had a fight on the day of her mother’s demise.

Marcelle Collymore and her husband Charles Collymore, both of Diamond, East Bank Demerara, also recalled in their testimonies for High Court Justice James Bovell-Drakes that they were at home when the phone rang, at about 23:00 hrs. Marcelle recalled that she was watching television at the time she received the call informing that something happened at her parents’ Agricola, East Bank Demerara home.

After informing her hus-

Deceased Agricola housewife Donna Taylor

band, they both travelled to Agricola, where they met with a neighbour and her brother, who accompanied them to search for Taylor.

The 12-member jury later heard that in the backyard they discovered Taylor lying

on her back with her hands behind her. “Her shirt was wrapped around her neck,” Collymore told the court.

Collymore noted that she went upstairs to retrieve a sheet, which they used to place her mother’s body in. Marcelle and Charles Collymore further testified that they saw Taylor’s houseguest, Samantha Sabbatt, with a swollen jaw and with bruises about the body.

Abiola Jacobs is on trial for allegedly killing 55-yearold Donna Taylor on January 31, 2014. Taylor had been the mother of Jacobs’s estranged boyfriend. During last Thursday’s court hearing, Jacobs’s defence lawyer Adrian Thompson opted against cross-examining Marcelle Collymore, but briefly questioned her husband, Charles.

According to reports in 2014, Taylor was in bed at

some time around 23:00hrs when she was attacked.

Her throat was slit after she was dragged to the back of the Agricola house that she rented. Her hands were also bound, and she was found by a neighbour.

Taylor’s overseas-based friend Samatha Sabatt, who was staying in the upper flat, was injured when persons allegedly invaded the Lot 1617 Agricola property. Taylor’s cause of death has been given as shock and haemorrhage due to incised wounds compounded with blunt trauma to head. Jacobs, of 55 Evans Phillips Park, Agricola, was captured by Police a few days after Taylor had been killed, and was subsequently charged with her murder.

State Counsel Lisa Cave is assisting with the Prosecution’s case. The matter continues before Justice James Bovell-Drakes this week.

Motorcycle bandits captured in La Penitence

…1 identified as active Joint Services rank

T

wo motorcycle bandits, one identified as an active member of the Joint Services, who robbed a Providence resident of over $5 million were on Saturday night arrested by ranks of the Police A Division (Georgetown-East Bank Demerara).

According to reports, the men were apprehended at Middle Road, La Penitence, Georgetown around 23:30h.

Details surrounding the arrest revealed that acting on information, lawmen swooped down on the La Penitence home of the rank.

The man was, however, not at home at the time and a 67-year-old relative of his was taken into custody after an unlicensed pistol with nine live rounds, five cellular phones and a motorcycle were discovered at the premises.

The rank was later handed over by his superiors and has since confessed to the crime. He also named his accomplice to Police and that person was later apprehended.

The robbery was carried out on a 34-year-old woman of Perseverance, Providence, East Bank Demerara (EBD).

Enquiries disclosed that the victim was visiting a location in Pere Street, Kitty, Georgetown when two identifiable males rode up on a motorcycle.

The pillion rider reportedly dismounted and pointed a handgun towards the victim while ordering her to throw her brown leather bag, valued approximately $150,000, which contained $4.9 million in cash, one Samsung Galaxy S6 phone, her Identification Card, passport, bank cards, one gold band valued at $55,000 and one gold anklet valued at $100,000, among other valuables, towards him.

Out of fear, the woman reportedly complied. The perpetrator then picked up the bag, hopped back on to the waiting motorcycle and escaped. (Kizzy Coleman)

Self-hate…

P

…and insulting India

art of the problem with some Guyanese is: they’re so consumed with self-hate they just can’t imagine that folks who may look like them can achieve anything and are confident. They therefore put down their own and exalt ones who’re different who oppress them.

Just look at Nagamootoo’s -- in charge of “Information” in this Government -- Director of Public Information (DPI), I. Khan. He’s now broadened his attack from the Indian Ambassador to the entire Indian Government!

And the Government spokesmen -- including Ramjattan, Chairman of the AFC -- insist their DPI isn’t speaking for the Government; he’s speaking on his own personal behalf!!

This even though he’s posting his vituperations on his Facebook page that identifies him prominently as the DPI!!

Does anybody really believe the folks who follow Khan’s postings do so for his looks?

While “free speech” is protected, it does not cover a Government employee who’s OVERTLY in charge of the country’s PUBLIC information. It is disingenuous for the Government to hold up this fig leaf in defence of their official’s attack on a country that has been in Guyana’s corner even before its independence.

This Eyewitness is totally convinced PM Nagamootoo’s behind these attacks: HIS silence on his employee’s attacks speaks volumes.

When the President’s PR person made some outrageous remarks in a hacked “private” Facebook post, he didn’t defend the outburst on the basis of “free speech”. He investigated the incident, and said there was “no malice” when the statement was made. The President at least understood that public officials just can’t say whatever they want and get away with it under the “free speech” get-out-of-jail card!

But your Eyewitness returns to the self-hate of Nagamootoo that is fuelling his flunkey’s attack on a budding world power. The latter fact was acknowledged

by Khan, since he posted a news item saying just that!

People like Nagamootoo just can’t accept that India can amount to anything simply because THEY’VE never amounted to anything. Just look at how he’s allowed himself to become the doormat of APNU!! Where’s the self-respect? So while he’ll attack India, he’ll never order his flunkey to directly take on the President of the US for calling Haiti and several countries “shitholes”. He sees himself as one!!

The sad point of Khan’s attacks is that they’re based on “fake news”. First, he claimed India invited Jamaica’s AG, so why not Guyanese Ministers -- presumably like Nagamootoo. After being informed that in Jamaica the AG is NOT a Minister, he now asks if the PPP and UNC were in office, whether India would have impose the Ministerial bar!!

Does the DPI know that Mauritius has at least 14 PIO Ministers who were barred? Wanker!!

…and MLK’s answer

Today, the US commemorates “Martin Luther King’s Day” for many reasons. We usually hear about his struggle for civil rights for African Americans based on non-violence pioneered by Gandhi in South Africa. But that was a struggle against “negative freedom” -- to cast off chains on others from OUTSIDE. But MLK also preached the doctrine of “positive freedom” -- the need for those oppressed people to achieve their human potential through self-belief and selfdevelopment. In the year before his assassination, MLK gave one of his most powerful speeches on this subject to some black schoolchildren in the American South.

Nagamootoo and his lackey should listen to this speech and integrate the message into their lives.

While colonials invented racism to justify slavery of Africans, they conjured up a “chain of being” that placed all other “races” - Chinese, Indians, Amerindians etc in descending order -- with European whites, like Norwegians, at the top of the pinnacle.

MLK preached that non-whites -- like Nagamootoo and his lackey -- should reject that idea.

And they’ll see India and Africa in a new light!

…and anger

The most insidious element in self-hate in that the colonised subjects are the aforementioned projection of the hate to those who may be successful.

And it’s not confined to those in other countries!!

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

News

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monDAY, january 15, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

Oil contract

Govt swapped multiple fees for US$1M annually – Ram

…criticises less than 30 US cents per hectare “bargain”

W

hile the 1999 oil agreement between ExxonMobil and Guyana contained a regime of fees that the company had to pay, the renegotiated agreement has thrown away many of these revenue streams.

This observation was made by Chartered Accountant Christopher Ram, who, in his recent writings, noted that in the place of these fees, the lump sum payment of US$1 million per year has been added to the agreement.

The old agreement had included different rental fees for the initial period of the company’s prospecting or production licence. In similar vein, it would pay for the first and second renewal period of the licence.

“Article 10 has been amended to replace a number of annual charges with a US$1 million per year for annual rental charge,” Ram related. “This figure may sound high, but it works out at less than 30 US cents per annum per hectare…what a bargain!”

According to the Chartered Accountant, there is an additional provision where payments under Article 10 have to be paid directly into bank accounts held and controlled by the Government of Guyana.

“Contractor shall verify such bank accounts and the Minister agrees to cooperate, assist and provide Contractor any information it requires to conduct such verification.

In other words, (Minister of Natural Resources Raphael)

Chartered Accountant Christopher Ram

Trotman was central to this bank account,” Ram stated.

Missed opportunities

When the oil contract was released, analysts commented on the opportunities Guyana had missed to maximise on its oil – a non-renewable natural resource.

One example was that despite provisions in Guyana’s law, Government missed an opportunity to acquire a stake in Exxon’s venture.

The Petroleum Exploration and Production Act, Chapter 65:10 of Guyana, provides for the Government to work out terms and conditions with any oil company to acquire an interest in its venture in local waters.

Section 22 (2) of the Act states, “There may be included in a petroleum prospecting licence provision

with respect to the exercise by the State, or any agency thereof identified in the licence, of an option to acquire on stipulated terms, or on terms to be agreed, an interest in any venture for the production of petroleum which may be carried on in any block or blocks to which the licence relates.”

Section 36 (1, VI) reiterates that a petroleum production licence will not be granted unless the exercise of the State’s option is completed to satisfaction.

Exxon was granted a renegotiated agreement in 2016 and its production licence for the Liza project in June of last year, but the provision in the law was never applied. Nor is it unusual for a country to get directly involved in oil production.

While Guyana did not get this law enforced, ExxonMobil and its partners in the Stabroek block got exempted from paying Corporation, Excise or Value Added Tax on earnings from petroleum.

Article 15.4 of the renegotiated contract also provides for the Government itself to pay the company’s income tax. To facilitate this, the oil company has to submit tax returns to the Government.

That’s not all, Article 32 stipulates that Government cannot modify the contract or increase any fiscal obligation the company has.

This, therefore, puts a cap on the taxes, royalties, duties, fees or charges outlined in the contract. Government also has to compensate the operator if a change to existing laws causes loss of reve-

Exxon’s operation in the Stabroek Block

nue for the company.

According to Article 32.3, “If at any time after the signing of this agreement there is a change in the laws of Guyana… and such a change has a materially adverse effect on the economic benefits, including those resulting from the fiscal regime provided by this agreement… the Government

shall promptly take any and all affirmative actions to restore the lost or impaired economic benefits to contractor, so that contractor receives the same economic benefit under the agreement that it would have received prior to the change in law or its interpretation, application or interpretation.”

The contract goes on to say “the foregoing obligation shall include the obligation to resolve promptly by whatever means may be necessary any conflict or anomaly between this agreement and any such new or amended legislation, including by way of exemption, legislation, decree and/ or authoritative acts.”

10 news AFC has lost its electoral support, influence in coalition – Ramkarran N monDAY, january 15, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

ew possibilities now exist, as Guyana’s political landscape is changing, says former Speaker of the National Assembly, Attorney-atlaw Ralph Ramkarran, who, in his most recent Conversation Tree column, noted that there is enough room for a new political party to be established here.

According to him, the mixed middle class is now 19 percent, and it has within it a large contingent which is opposed to the ‘racial politics’ of the two main parties: A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) and the Peoples Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C).

It is this group, he said, together with disaffected

PPP/C and People’s National Congress (PNC) supporters, which gave the Alliance for Change (AFC) its oxygen.

However, the failure of the AFC to bridge the racial gap in politics as promised, or to influence APNU in any way, much less in implementing constitutional reform, has signalled the end of the AFC’s influence in the coa-

lition and its electoral support.

“Guyana now needs a new political party which will seek the support of the groups that the AFC has disappointed. It should have one of two objectives, namely, to win the support of the majority of the electorate; and if not, to bring the support of both of the main po-

Former Speaker of the National Assembly, Ralph Ramkarran

litical parties to below 50 percent.”

Ramkarran said if such a party gains an absolute majority, it will form a national unity Government. If not, it will never join a Government of either of the main parties, and will provide all the necessary guarantees to the public that it will not do so.

“It will, however, give its support to that party which supports constitutional reform to bring about the end of the culture of ethno-political dominance as well as other economic and social policies that have national consensus,” he added.

Further, the former Speaker said developments since the AFC’s abandonment of its agenda of bridging the racial gap has proved that there still exists a critical mass of voters who continue to be motivated by the desire to eradicate from Guyana’s politics the harmful effects of the culture of ethno-political domination.

This, he said, could be used as an opportunity for the rise of a new political movement.

While many Guyanese are under the impression that Guyana’s political parties are mainly responsible for promoting the culture of ethnic dominance, and without it Guyana’s politics would not be dominated by race and instability, Ramkarran said he has a different view on that issue.

“Guyana’s main political parties reflect the social, economic and political aspirations of the people of Guyana. The fundamental feature of Guyana which determines these aspirations is its ethnic composition and history. This has been characterized mainly by separate struggles against employers and the colonial state for survival,” he remarked.

An important lesson learnt from this is that whoever controls the state controls the distribution of its limited resources. The struggle for control of the State was a natural outcome of the nature of our main political parties and their fundamental, though unspoken political objective: ethno-political dominance, he added.

The attorney believes that a large section of the

Guyanese electorate reflects a desire for ethnic security in their electoral choices.

They see policies which are designed to ensure that security by the political party holding office, if they do not support it, as ‘discrimination’ and ‘marginalisation’.

When one party loses office and the other succeeds, the cycle is obviously repeated.

“After 60 years of this pattern, aggravated by undemocratic rule, violence, corruption and economic stagnation, it is no surprise that strong and persistent voices have emerged which are opposed to ‘racial voting.’

“Guyana may have seen some temporary alleviation of ‘racial voting,’ but no fundamental departure from its hold on the major part of the electorate, which appears quite comfortable in supporting parties which it believes will protect its ethnic interest,” he further added.

Ramkarran said while there is public discourse in regard to how to fashion a political system that accepts the will of the electorate, whichever political party may win at any one time will have to, at the same time, minimise the impact of the culture of ethno-political dominance.

“There are three problems to resolve; namely, persuading the parties to negotiate an end to the culture of ethno-political dominance; if they refuse, carrying out a political struggle to encourage them to accept such a course; agreeing to the constitutional formulations that will be put into effect.”

At present, both main political parties formally reject the politics of ethno-political dominance, but in practise recognise its importance to their political survival.

Ramkarran asserted that most times these same parties pay lip service to constitutional reform, but do nothing about it.

“It appears therefore that for those who believe that the end of the culture of ethno-political dominance is a pre-requisite for Guyana’s progress, then a political struggle would have to be carried out to encourage the political parties to accept such a course,” he added.

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monDAY, january 15, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

Man shot dead by City Constable …1 day after he was detained

M

arlon Fredericks, who was arrested on Saturday afternoon on Robb Street, Georgetown following a high drama chase by officers attached to the City Constabulary, was on Sunday shot dead, reportedly in front of his mother.

A City Constabulary Lance Corporal has been taken into Police custody following the fatal shooting of the 34-year-old man from Tiger Bay, Georgetown.

According to the Guyana Police Force, the incident occurred at around 13:15hrs outside of the City Constabulary Outpost located on Regent Street, Georgetown.

Reports indicate that Fredricks was shot by the City Constabulary Lance

sons who witnessed the incident flocked the scene and accused the Lance Corporal of murder, revealing that excessive force was used.

“Is murder! That man could have been apprehended. If you see the condition that he was already in.

The man whole head had bandage up because of the beating he get yesterday (Saturday) when they arrest he. Them murder that man!” one angry eyewitness declared at the crime scene.

“After they shoot he the man was still alive, and nobody made any attempt to call for an ambulance; he just get left right there to dead!” another person said.

Some of the angry onlookers broke out in a moving rendition of the song ‘How many more Jah!’ as they called for justice for Frederick.

This newspaper previously reported of Frederick’s arrest by Lance Corporal Adam Hoyte, who pursued the man wanted for questioning in a simple larceny matter.

It was reported that after he was apprehended, Fredrick began to fight Hoyte for his service pistol a 9mm Tauras - which was in his holster at his waist.

In that process, the firearm discharged one round; however, no one was shot.

Both men received injuries to their heads as a result of

Prison unrest motion

Marlon Fredericks after he was apprehended on Saturday

“We have a Cabinet of wimps” – Edghill …says Govt’s rejection of motion questionable

By Samuel Sukhnandan

M

The body of the dead man

Corporal as he was attempting to escape from the said Outpost.

The Guyana Times understands that the dead man allegedly forced his way outside of the lockup when it was opened to let out another prisoner to use the toilet.

the scuffle.

Fredericks was later subdued, but a video seen by this publication shows a random man walking up to Fredrick as he was left lying on the ground and dealing him several kicks to his head.

The injured man was then escorted to the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPHC), where he was treated and was being kept for observation.

The body is presently at the Lyken Funeral Home awaiting a post-mortem today. The weapon, along with eight live rounds and a spent shell, has been lodged as investigations continue.

(Kizzy Coleman)

A struggle reportedly ensued between the victim and the Lance Corporal who tried to restrain him, and in the process the prisoner (victim) ran out the Outpost and was fatally shot once in the lower back by the Lance Corporal who was armed with a service pistol.

This publication was informed that Fredricks was shot in the presence of his mother, Claudette Fredricks – who is the Editor of the First Look morning programme aired daily on Channel 9 television.

However, following the man’s killing, scores of per-

embers of the Cabinet of the coalition Government have been described as “wimps” for rejecting in the National Assembly a motion submitted by the Opposition calling on the Administration to take collective responsibility for the 2017 Camp Street Prison fire and unrest, and to launch an investigation.

People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Member of Parliament (MP) Juan Edghill, in whose name this motion was submitted, told Guyana Times that the Government did not merely debate the motion, but at-

Opposition MP Juan Edghill

tempted to do damage control against the very pointed arguments put forward by the Opposition.

The lone speaker from the Government side of the house

was Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan, who defended the Government’s handling of the situation.

But Edghill maintained that Government members had already made a decision to vote against the motion even before they sought to analyse and respond to it.

“If the Government (had) read and understood the motion, they would have realised that the motion had merit, in that it was calling for specific actions which any responsible Government would have taken,” the PPP MP said, while noting that many important points were made by his colleagues. turn to page 14

12 news

monDAY, january 15, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

Crop protection training to be introduced at UG’s Berbice campus

Witness protection bills for next sitting of National Assembly

By Jarryl Bryan

T

University of Guyana Berbice Campus

F

armers from across Berbice will now be provided with the opportunity to be trained and certified in crop protection.

According to the Director of the University of Guyana Berbice Campus, Gomathinayagam Subramanian, a special certification programme has been drafted to engage farmers in Berbice with mostly practical training on crop protection.

“The certification programme is only for farmers, and it does not contain much reading or writing. It is designed in a way that farmers can do the practicals, which are expected to start this academic year in September,” Subramanian explained.

The Department of Public Information has said

Gomathinayagam Subramanian, Director of the University of Guyana Berbice Campus

that registration for the programme will soon commence, and will cost farm-

ers $50,000 each. The director noted that persons who are not farmers are also welcome to join.

“Maybe in the future we will expand to (UG’s Turkeyen Campus), but this is what the Berbice Campus is going to offer. I already submitted everything to my faculty, and they will take almost two months to confirm everything. But if other persons want to join, they are free to do so; but it’s for mostly farmers,” the director clarified.

This exercise is expected to last for six weeks, and Subramanian noted that the certificate that farmers will receive on completion of the course will be recognised similarly as any other certificate received from the University of Guyana.

he sitting of the National Assembly slated for Thursday, January 18th, will see further delay of several motions coming from the Parliamentary Opposition.

Instead, the draft Witness Protection and Protected Disclosures bills will feature.

According to the Order Paper, these pieces of legislation will be moved by Attorney General Basil Williams. It states that the Protected Disclosures Bill 2017 will create a Protected Disclosures Commission that will be tasked with receiving and investigating claims made by whistle-blowers in regard to improper conduct by public officials.

The document states that the Protected Disclosures Bill will “combat corruption and other wrongdoings by encouraging and facilitating disclosures of improper conduct in the public and private sectors, to protect persons making those disclosures from detrimental action.”

The draft Witness Protection Bill, on the other hand, had contained a slew of new measures designed to deter the leaking of information which compromises those the Witness Protection Programme protects. Those measures include stiff penalties -- such as 10 years in jail for bribery.

Part VI of the bill also binds anyone, including participants or former participants of the programme, from disclosing information in relation to the programme; or face the penalty of a one million dollars’ fine and 10 years in prison.

According to Section 20 (1), this law applies to anyone who, without lawful authority, reveals information about the identity or location of someone who participated in the Witness Protection Programme, which can compromise their safety.

Anyone who discloses in-

Attorney General Basil Williams

Change (APNU/AFC).

The nurse had complained that the councillor had been going to the hospital for an excessive daily dose of the painkiller ‘Pethidine’. The nurse had said she was targeted by the regional administration.

The nurse, who filed complaints twice in 2016, said she refused to administer the 100 ml dose to the councillor, who would turn up daily to receive it. She claimed she received a letter of transfer after she was scolded for going to the media with her complaints.

Parliament Building

formation which compromises the integrity of the programme also commits an offence. In the case of participants, one does not even have to be part of the programme for the proviso to apply.

Section 20 (2) stipulates that someone who underwent assessment to be considered for inclusion into the programme is barred from revealing his/her participation. He/she also cannot provide information as to the modus operandi of the programme.

Witness protection

But the coalition Government’s commitment to witness protection has been under fire in recent times. A nurse who was attached to the West Coast Berbice hospital was transferred with immediate effect in 2016 after she made complaints against a councillor from A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For

Some two days later, the councillor also reportedly resigned from her post and the party.

Late last year, it was reported in sections of the media that the nurse still remained in a transferred status, despite the brouhaha in the media and the first reading of the Witness Protection Bill.

And while this bill will be read, Opposition motions to revoke Value Added Tax (VAT) on education, for the Auditor General’s office to conduct a forensic audit on the Georgetown Municipal Council, and on the controversial parking meter contract remain in limbo.

They have, in fact, been in that status for so long that the 2018 budget was in the meantime read, and VAT on education removed. In addition, the parking meter contract is in the process of being renegotiated by a special committee at City Hall.

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monDAY, january 15, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

GPA calls for more frequent interactions with President

Media practitioners of Guyana Times/TVG with President David Granger

By Samuel Sukhnandan

W

hile making a commitment to continue professionalising the local media corps, the Guyana Press Association (GPA) called on President David Granger to facilitate more frequent interactions with the press apart from informal gathering like the annual media brunch held at State House on Sunday.

This call was made on Sunday by GPA Vice President Zoisa Fraser at the same event. She said in light of the theme for World Press Freedom Day 2018, “Keeping Power in Check: Media, Justice and the Rule of Law”, the GPA would like to have more frequent interactions with the President.

In addition to this, the GPA also used the opportunity to request the as-

sistance of the President to facilitate familiarisation trips for media practitioners to understand Guyana’s borders. Fraser said the Guyanese media needed to benefit increasingly from more exposure to issues about our borders.

“In this regard, the Guyana Press Association seeks the support of the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces in facilitating greater understanding and appreciation of our border locations, especially the one to our west. We specifically ask that you use your esteemed office to have the Guyana Defence Force facilitate visits by groups of media personnel to that border area during this year,” she said.

This, according to her, will undoubtedly aid in

nity to visit the area.

Besides that, the GPA said it would remain committed to initiating programmes of training for its members. Fraser said the organisation would also widen its mandate and training capacity in the coming years to ensure that a professional media corps became a permanent feature in Guyana. It also plans to expand training, especially on oil and gas in the coming years.

In delivering his address at the media brunch on Sunday, the President said the annual event, which was held for the third consecutive year was an acknowledgement of the important role of the media in society and an expression of the Administration’s respect for professionalism of the

GPA Vice President Zoisa Fraser

Administration, if nothing else to help it develop its professionalism. This government, no government, could work with a docile media. It needs vigilance, critical analysis and this is why I promised hard

President David Granger addressing members of the media on Sunday

creating a better understanding by media practitioners and the wider Guyanese community who may never get an opportu-

press corps.

“The media is an important profession and must be supported by the

money…and will continue to support the education of members of the Guyanese media, especially those in

the GPA,” he asserted.

The Head of State stressed the need for a professional press corps, which should be able to deliver on professional standards and ethics, and social responsibility.

While he acknowledged that every person has a bias, the President noted that this bias must sometimes be suppressed to allow for more objective, professional and responsible journalism to prevail.

He also noted that the GPA must take on the responsibility of being able to discipline its members who step out of line.

Making reference to other associations like the Bar Association and the Engineers’ Association, he said the GPA should have the authority to discipline its members.

“There should be no need for the courts or Government intervention.

A professional media corps must have the ability to discipline its own members when they go out of line or breach media ethics. That’s the responsibility of the corps itself. That is why we need a strong Guyana Press Association and that is why I continue to support the Guyana Press Association,” the President added.

The annual media brunch held at State House on Sunday saw media practitioners from every media entity in the country taking part. The event was attended by several senior and junior Government Ministers, editors, broadcasters, journalists, videographers and photojournalists.

14 news NICIL’s takeover of sugar estates raises uncertainty for unions T monDAY, january 15, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

he recent takeover of the divested sugar estates by the State-owned National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL) has caused some uncertainty in light of the numerous legal disputes to which the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) is party.

This was related by Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) President Komal Chand, who told Guyana Times that many issues involving the rights of workers remain unresolved.

“What is clear is that they (NICIL) won’t take over GuySuCo’s debt, but there are workers’ issues which are pending; who will have them addressed and resolved?” Chand questioned.

“We have issues like the wages issues; the Annual Production Incentive which we are still discussing which is gone to the Ministry of Labour for conciliation. We have to get clarification for all of this,” Chand further queried.

He further observed that GAWU is embarking upon

consultations with its legal team to determine the legal ramifications of last December’s takeover.

“We have to check the Gazette to see what they have available to see what they took over and what they didn’t take over,” GAWU’s longtime President stressed.

Under the Public Corporations Act, Chapter 19:05, Finance Minister Winston Jordan made an order on December 29, 2017 for NICIL to take over the assets of three estates, namely Skeldon, East Demerara and Wales. The order gave NICIL authority over “all the moveable and immovable property owned, used, leased or licensed

by GuySuCo or the State, save and except for Albion Estate, Blairmont Estate, and Uitvlugt Estate”.

A section of the Finance Minister’s order, however, stipulated that the transfer from GuySuCo to NICIL is “absolutely free and clear from all claims and liabilities”. This stipulation has left the workers’ representative bodies with questions that the organisations preferred answered.

must exhaust all local avenues before taking the case there. Chand later vowed that GAWU would petition the local courts to ensure that workers receive adequate compensation for their loss of employment and lack of benefits.

Another case before the court relates to the non-payment of severance to 375 workers who refused to take up employment at Uitvlugt,

matter was likely to come up before a judge by March or early April in 2018.

Meanwhile, as the many battles continue between the union bodies and various State entities, many retrenched workers say that they are finding much difficulty in garnering consistent employment which is affecting their ability to provide for themselves and their families. The Wales

West Coast Demerara, and remain without their benefits. The matter was taken by GAWU to the High Court in March 2017, but after nearly one year, Guyana Times reported that the

Sugar Estate was closed in December 2016 while almost 4000 Rose Hall, Skeldon and East Demerara Estates’ employees were similarly let go

by December 29, 2017.

Wales Estate

Before the recent takeover, the two unions – GAWU and NAACIE (National Association of Agricultural, Commercial and Industrial Employees) had appealed acting Chief Justice Roxane George’s November 10, 2017 denial of their application to quash the GuySuCo and Cabinet decision to close the East Demerara and Rose Hall Estates. The organisations contended that the closure decisions were improper and there were insufficient consultations among the Government and GuySuCo, and GAWU and NAACIE. The union bodies went

Skeldon Estate

as far as the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) to have the matter called up at the Appeal Court before December 31, but the CCJ denied this request, contending that the unions

“We have a Cabinet of...

He said the arguments presented by the Opposition were far stronger, and zeroed in on the crime and security situation in Guyana as well as the alleged mishandling of citizens’ security. “They (Opposition) provided a case that our country was worse off today, and that citizen and public security was a concern.

What we saw was a knee-jerk reaction to this entire situation,” he posited.

Edghill also observed that although it was clear that Minister Ramjattan had some “slippage”, he was nevertheless supported by his colleagues.

He said, “It would appear that no one in Government could say to their colleagues their slip is showing. If there is a Cabinet of ministers where the Constitution speaks about collective responsibility, are you trying to tell me there is no one in the Cabinet who understand the views, feelings and frustration of the citizens?” he questioned.

“Is it that no one can speak to the Cabinet about their shortcomings, or is there no environment created for such a collective responsibility? I am surprised that the PM can’t say to the Minister that there are problems. I am also surprised that none of his colleagues can point that out,” he further added.

This, according to Edghill, is a clear indication that members of Cabinet lack the will and the guts to speak up and critique each other.

And on this basis, the MP said he feels that members of Cabinet are “wimps” who cannot speak up for themselves or defend what is right.

Opposition Chief Whip Gail Teixeira

Another concern raised by the MP is that the Minister is still maintaining that Government will stick to its words: that a Commission of Inquiry (CoI) would be launched only upon the recapture of the two remaining prison escapees. Edghill said he finds no basis for this argument, as this CoI could have helped to highlight the issues that led to the prison break and unrest, and help to find a solution to the problem.

Opposition Chief Whip, Gail Teixeira, who moved a motion in the National Assembly on Wednesday last, claimed that the law enforcement officials were unprepared and ill-advised. “The issue is leadership and acting responsibly. You give leadership, and you didn’t on that day. None of you! And I am not going to blame the prison and army and Police. I am not!” she told the Government MPs in the House.

Teixeira, a former Home Affairs Minister, said law enforcement officers are not to be blamed for this incident, since the buck stops at the Public Security Minister,

from page 11

Khemraj Ramjattan.

The Opposition Chief Whip said that as head of the country’s security sector, Ramjattan had ignored numerous warnings and signs before the unrest, and had essentially failed to act to prevent the disaster from happening.

“The situation was completely unavoidable…You (Ramjattan) sat on your laurels and did nothing!” she posited, noting that the matter could have been handled in a much safer and efficient manner. Teixeira contended that the Minister should have been made to resign since the first disaster at the Camp Street Prison in 2016. But even more so, preventative measures should have been put in place following the unrest that killed 17 prisoners at the same Camp Street penitentiary.

The Opposition feels that this incident highlights the Government’s incompetence in handling matters of national security, and, as such, wants the administration to take full responsibility for the incident.

The motion wanted the National Assembly to call on the Government to accept collective responsibility to the House for the repeated events at the prisons of Guyana.

It also sought to have the Government declare what actions have been and are being taken to reduce the opportunities for such situations from recurring, and for the National Assembly to support the disciplined service in its efforts to ensure public safety, the protection of citizens, and the recapture of all the escapees.

15

monDAY, JANUARY 15, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

VOX POPULI

What the people say about

I SAY...

Developmental projects in 2018 A

few randomly selected persons from communities across Guyana were asked what are some of the developmental projects they would like to see undertaken and advanced in 2018. Below are their brief responses: Robin Medas “I want to see more initiatives for job creation in Guyana for 2018. Last year was swamped with crime and most of these were committed by youths. Why? Because there are no jobs; the struggle is real. So, create jobs for the youths and we will also see a reduction in crimes committed in Guyana, especially by youths.”

Leslyn Thompson “Honestly, all I want to see are more projects geared at making our streets safer.

More street lights, and the maintenance of these street lights as well. Roads need to be built and maintained as well. Just all-round safety initiatives.”

Jermain Dehaarte “The youth society is strangled in the sports arena, and little attention is placed on swimming as a sport, for instance. The last time I checked, there isn’t a public facility to encourage such since the swimming facility at Liliendaal isn’t available to the general public.”

Rafael Alfred “What we need at the moment is a new harbour bridge to go to Region 3. They say it’s coming, but the question is, when? The chaotic traffic situation in the mornings can be a nightmare for motorists and commuters. What I think we also need is some play grounds that would be open to the public. Yes, we have the National Park, but should one travel from Diamond to go there? No. They have built overpasses at various places, so I believe they can also build some recreational facilities at various places for our youths.”

Radha Ramlall “For the new year 2018, I would very much like to see the streets in Region Two rehabilitated and the huge pot holes fixed. Also, I would like for more services to be offered at the Suddie Public Hospital, such as surgeries. This will ease the burden of persons being forced to travel the long distance from the Essequibo Coast to Georgetown. Also, our roadways need to be made a lot safer.”

Jamal McBeem “I think they should renovate the main City Hall building; also the High Court needs renovation and the Stabroek Market Wharf.”

Karran Ramsammy “I would like to see the Government focus more on our education system and not just public infrastructure... I would also like to see better security to address our spiralling crime situation.”

Pooja Dhanpaul “I will like to see that there are improvements in the school system, especially renovation of toilet facilities.

The toilets in most schools are in a deplorable condition and students are forced to use same….for the new year I think there should be proper toilet facilities in schools.”

Cheryl Cox “The St George’s Cathedral needs redoing badly. It is a landmark building, but it’s looking shabby.”

Manuel Barnwell “I would like to see the construction of a synthetic track in Region 10. It has been at the implementation phase for too long and I think it’s time for one to be constructed in Linden.”

Inter-agency approach to resolve issues affecting agriculture in Coomacka

R

esidents of Coomacka and surrounding areas were Friday assured of an inter-agency approach to resolving several difficulties facing agricultural ventures within the Region 10 communities.

At an outreach at the Coomacka Community Centre, Agriculture Minister, Noel Holder and team engaged the Region 10 residents, on concerns in relation to drainage and irrigation, pest control and markets for their produce. Responding to these, Minister Holder advised that the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA), the Guyana Livestock Development Authority (GLDA), the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI), and the Guyana Marketing Corporation (GMC) will work jointly to provide solutions to the identified problems.

Recognising the importance of Region 10 as a gateway to several interior and hinterland communities, the

Head of NAREI, Dr Oudho Homenauth distributing ant bait

Minister stressed that with climate change and the threats presented to the nation’s food sources on the coastland, the Government has decided to focus on the development of the Rupununi and the Intermediate Savannahs as new agricultural areas.

“Region 10 becomes a

very critical and strategic region because if you think of it, Region 10 is connected to six of the 10 regions of this country. It is also the main area through which anyone moving inland through Guyana has to pass. You must pass through the Linden community to cross the Demerara

river to get down to the south, to get to Brazil and other places,” the minister is quoted by the Department of Public Information as saying.

Minister Holder said Brazil is an important potential market for Guyana. He explained that Manaus, with approximately 2.3M people,

is a big area of export production for Brazil that is looking to get their produce to the European and other markets.

“Currently, they have to travel 1,500 miles before a port. Linden is closer and therefore it’s in their interest to export things through Guyana and if they do that there is potential for a deep-water harbour and Linden is identified for that.

Apart from the employment they will provide, they will also need supplies so they will import our rice, pork and many things that we will produce,” Minister Holder said Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the NAREI, Dr Oudho Homenauth, outlined the various services available to the region through the agency’s local offices. He stressed the importance of seeking the right advice about the suitability of soils in the area for crop cultivation.

Meanwhile, Head of the GLDA, Nigel Cumberbatch shared information on the opportunities available for live-

stock production in the region.

“Given the kinds of livestock we have, I’m sure in a couple of years we can say to the mining camps that we can supply the quality of meat they currently import or purchase from Georgetown.”

Referencing the ‘Topigs 40,’ swine breed imported by the Guyana Swine Producers’ Association with aid from the Ministry of Communities, Cumberbatch committed to having regional livestock personnel work with farmers to aid their swine and other production.

In addition, the GLDA head noted that the nearby Coomacka Primary School was not conducting agriculture practical and promised to present the school with 100 chickens and feed, with the understanding that the school will be responsible for building the chicken coop. This offer was readily accepted by the Community Development Council Chairman, Dexter Harding and residents present.

16

guyanatimesgy.com

MONDAY, january 15, 2018

Regional

Huge quake rattles Peru’s Colombia's ELN rebels kidnap oil worker Pacific Coast

A

A

huge earthquake off south-western Peru's Pacific coast has killed at least one person and injured at least 65, as buildings collapsed.

The magnitude 7.1 tremor struck at 04:18 local time (09:18 GMT), at a depth of 36 kilometres (22 miles), 40km south-west of Acari (population 4445).

President Pedro Pablo Kuczynski said rescue teams were on their way to verify the extent of the damage.

The areas affected are mainly rural and blocked roads are slowing down aid.

Early reports that 17 people were missing at a collapsed mine were later discounted.

The area between the South America and Nazca plates, where the tremor occurred, is prone to earthquakes, with 13 above magnitude 6.5 occurring over the past century, the US Geological Survey says.

The regions of Arequipa, Ica and

Houses in Arequipa province were damaged by the quake

Ayacucho have been affected.

Falling rock crushed a man to death in the town of Yauca, in Arequipa, officials confirmed.

Arequipa Governor Yamila Osorio said adobe houses had collapsed in some areas and landslides were blocking some roads. Power cuts were also

reported.

President Kuczynski said he was heading for Acari and Chala to assess the damage and needs of local people.

Tents, blankets and humanitarian aid were being delivered by air, Osorio said, tweeting photos of a military plane being loaded. (BBC News)

Colombian oil worker was kidnapped by the country's last rebel group, the ELN, after peace talks with the Government broke down and a truce expired.

Police said the man was abducted from an office in Saravena near the border with Venezuela.

The incident took place as the United Nations chief, Antonio Guterres, arrived in the country.

Peace talks with the ELN were suspended last week because of other attacks.

UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres was due to meet President Juan Manuel Santos and members of the UN mission in Colombia.

The talks with the ELN had been set to resume in

neighbouring Ecuador, but there has been no agreement to extend the ceasefire and the Government pulled out because of an ELN attack on a pipeline and a naval base.

Experts say international input from the UN is unlikely to be enough to prompt a return to the negotiating table or any changes in position.

An agreement with the ELN would end conflict in Colombia after the accord struck in November 2016 with the much larger Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC).

Under that deal brokered by President Santos, the FARC has disarmed and demobilised its fighters and transformed into a political party. (Excerpt from BBC News)

St Lucian Opposition Leader defends UWI Vice Chancellor says the Caribbean, Haiti must be respected decision to boycott GG's swearing-in ceremony

V

ice Chancellor of the University of the West Indies (UWI), Professor Hilary Beckles says the United States needs to respect the Caribbean and Haiti in particular.

Beckles made the statement as the fallout continues over US President Donald Trump’s reported remarks about Haiti, El Salvador and African nations.

“The democratic, nation-building debt the American nation owes the Caribbean, and the Haitian nation in particular, that resides at its core, is not expected to be repaid but must be respected,” said Sir Hilary in a statement on the weekend.

“Any nation without a nominal notion of its own making can never comprehend the forces that fashion it origins,” he said, adding that Haiti’s Caribbean vi-

UWI Vice Chancellor, Professor Hilary Beckles

sion “illuminated America’s way out of its colonial darkness”.

“This is the debt President Trump’s America owes Toussaint L’Ouverture’s Haiti,” he said. “It’s a debt of

philosophical clarity and political maturity. It’s a debt of how to rise to its best human potential. It’s a debt of exposure to higher standards.

Haiti is really America’s Statue of Liberty.

“The President’s truth making troops might not know, and probably care little for the fact that Haitian people were first in this modern world to build a nation completely free of the human scourge of slavery and native genocide,” the UWI Vice Chancellor stated.

“It might be worthless in their world view that Haiti’s leadership made the Caribbean the first civilisation in modernity to criminalise and constitutionally uproot such crimes against humanity and to proceed with sustainability to build a nation upon the basis of universal freedom,” he continued. (Excerpt from CMC)

L

eader of the main Opposition St Lucia Labour Party (SLP), Phillip Pierre has defended the decision of Opposition legislators to boycott Friday’s swearing-in ceremony for new Governor General, Sir Neville Cenac, saying he does not have the full confidence of the population.

Sir Neville, 82, was sworn in Friday at the House of Assembly replacing Dame Pearlette Louisy, who had been in the position for 20 years.

The SLP has been at odds with the manner in which the Allen Chastenent Government went about replacing her.

According to Pierre, the Prime Minister disregarded a principle or convention which urged consultation be-

tween the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition on the appointment of a Governor General.

“Had the Prime Minister followed the convention and good governance practices, he should have consulted the Leader of the Opposition on the appointment of the Governor General. Had he done so, he would have been cautioned against the risk of potentially bringing the office into disrepute and derision given the unprecedented election events of 1987.”

“As it turned out, he did not, and failed to follow the precedent set by the St Lucia Labour Party Government in 1997 in consulting the then Leader of the Opposition before the appointment of Dame Pearlette Louisy. The result of his high-handed approach to governing the

Leader of the main Opposition St Lucia Labour Party (SLP), Phillip Pierre

country is now bearing fruit.

The country is divided and polarised on an issue that should be acceptable to the majority,” Pierre said.

Former Governor General Dame Pearlette Louisy demitted office, under a cloud of controversy on whether she was forced out.

(Excerpt from CMC)

CCRIF disbursed over US$100M Activists, ICE face off over detained during 10-year period Trinidadian community leader

T

he Director of Projects at the Caribbean D e v e l o p m e n t Bank (CDB), Daniel Best says between 2007 and September 2017, Caribbean Catastrophe Risk Insurance Facility (CCRIF) disbursed approximately US$119 million to Caribbean countries.

Of that amount, approximately US$62 million was disbursed to seven countries during the 2017 hurricane season.

According to Best, the funds are being used by Governments to finance the rebuilding of critical infrastructure.

“CCRIF SPC is now regarded as a cost-effective way to pre-finance shortterm liquidity so that recovery efforts can get underway quickly,” he pointed

out of the facility that offers Caribbean States a shield against extreme weather through the purchase of catastrophe risk insurance at 40 to 50 per cent less than the cost they would incur, had they approached the insurance market individually.

However, he said that as CCRIF enters its second decade of operations, additional financing and capital injection are required to support growth and to facilitate scaling up, in terms of offering new products and increasing coverage levels.

Moreover, currently CCRIF covers only about 2.5 per cent of the recommended 25 per cent coverage of the overall Government exposure to earthquake and hurricane risks (excluding ex-

cess rainfall).

“This limited coverage is constrained purely by the amount of premium that the borrowing member country can afford,” Best explained.

“During the recently concluded United Nations Climate Change Conference, COP23, the Caribbean called on the international community to seriously address issues of loss reduction and to support the recapitalising of institutions like CCRIF. We know that risk transfer mechanisms are tangible means by which developed countries can contribute short to medium-term funding. These investments are critical, and can improve the capacity of SIDS to adapt to climate change.” (Excerpt from

CMC)

A

n escalating legal battle played out on Friday in the case of Trinidadian Ravi Ragbir, an immigrant rights activist whose detention on Thursday by US federal immigration authorities sparked protests that led to the arrest of 18 people, including members of the New York City Council.

Ragbir, 53, the executive director of the New Sanctuary Coalition of New York City, had shown up for a check-in with the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency on Thursday morning, at the Jacob K Javits Federal Building in Lower Manhattan.

According to his wife, Amy Gottlieb, when offi-

cials told him that he was going to be detained and deported, Ragbir fainted.

Then events turned chaotic. Ragbir’s lawyer from New York University Immigrant Rights Clinic, Alina Das, said that, as he was regaining consciousness, she argued that she was still pursuing legal remedies for Ragbir.

The Attorney stated that Scott Mechkowski, the assistant field office director for ICE, dismissed her arguments and had officers handcuff Ragbir.

The Police report that an ambulance called for Ragbir was met with angry protesters as it left the federal building. The protest extended onto Broadway and toward City Hall and

Council Members Ydanis Rodriguez and Caribbean American Jumaane D Williams were among the 18 arrested.

Late Thursday in response to a lawsuit brought

by Ragbir’s lawyers, a Federal District Court Judge in Manhattan granted him a temporary stay of removal and a hearing on January 19 to determine whether the agents were right to detain him.

The Judge, Katherine B Forrest, ordered Ragbir to be detained in the New York area so that he could be near his lawyer and family; however, on Friday, the Government contested the order, according to reports.

(Excerpt from CMC)

monDAY, january 15, 2018

guyanatimesgy.com

17

Around the World

Hawaii told to fix its China’s absence looms over Canada meeting on how to pressure North Korea alert system after false missile alarm

F

oreign Ministers from around 20 nations will gather on Tuesday to discuss how to curb North Korea’s nuclear ambitions through diplomatic and financial pressure, but China, seen as a key player in any longterm solution, will be absent. Beijing is Pyongyang’s only ally and its chief trading partner.

The Vancouver meeting, co-hosted by Canada and the United States, comes amid signs that tensions on the peninsula have eased, at least temporarily. North and South Korea held talks for the first time in two years last week and Pyongyang says it will send athletes across the border to the Pyeongchang Winter Olympics.

But the United States and others say the international community must look at ways of expanding a broad range of sanctions aimed at North Korea’s nuclear programme.

“There is growing evidence that our maximum pressure campaign is being felt in North Korea. They are feeling the strain,” said Brian Hook, the State Department’s director of policy planning.

Hook told a briefing in Washington that participants, including US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, would examine how to boost maritime security around North Korea to intercept

T

Head of North Korean delegation Ri Son Gwon, Chairman of the Committee for the Peaceful Reunification of the Country (CPRC) of DPRK, reaches out to shake hands with a South Korean official as he crosses a concrete border to attend their meeting at the truce village of Panmunjom in the demilitarised zone separating the two Koreas, South Korea, January 9, 2018

ships trying to defy sanctions as well as “disrupting funding and disrupting resources”.

The 17-nation Proliferation Security Initiative, which aims to prevent the trafficking of weapons of mass destruction, on Friday said “it is imperative for us to redouble our efforts

to put maximum pressure on North Korea”.

But North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has shown no sign of willingness to give in to US demands and negotiate away a weapons programme he sees as vital to his survival. (Excerpt from Reuters)

he US state of Hawaii has been told it did not have “reasonable” safeguards in place to prevent the false missile alert that caused panic on Saturday.

Ajit Pai, chairman of America’s media regulator, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), said the error was “absolutely unacceptable”.

The 38-minute delay in issuing the correction made it worse, he added.

He called for officials at all levels throughout the US to work together to rectify any vulnerabilities.

Residents and visitors to Hawaii were shocked to receive the false alert of an incoming ballistic missile, sent to their mobile phones

early on Saturday morning.

Apologising afterwards, Hawaii’s Governor David Ige said a member of staff had pressed the wrong button, releasing the alert which was also broadcast on TV and radio stations.

The alert system is in place because of the potential proximity of Hawaii to North Korean missiles.

In a statement, Pai said the alert had caused a “wave of panic across the state – worsened by the 38-minute delay before a correction alert was issued”.

“False alerts undermine public confidence in the alerting system and thus reduce their effectiveness during real emergencies,” he said. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Jerusalem embassy: Abbas says Trump plan Merkel could join Macron in Davos for ‘slap of the century’

epic clash with Trump

G

erman Chancellor Angela Merkel is considering joining French President Emmanuel Macron at the World Economic Forum in Davos next week in what could turn into an epic clash of competing world views with US President Donald Trump.

Merkel, who has been struggling to put together a government since a German election in September, had been expected to skip the annual gathering of leaders, CEOs, bankers and celebrities in the Swiss Alps for a third straight year.

But after clinching a preliminary coalition agreement with the centre-left

French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Angela Merkel give a joint news conference after the EU summit in Brussels, Belgium, December 15, 2017

Social Democrats (SPD) on Friday, German officials said Merkel could travel to

Davos after all, possibly setting up a major confrontation with Trump, who is ex-

pected to speak on the final day of the forum.

An appearance would signal Merkel’s return to the world stage after months of political limbo in which she has avoided the limelight and been dismissed by some in the German and international media as a spent force.

It would also allow her and Macron, who is scheduled to speak at the forum on January 24, two days before Trump, to reaffirm their commitment to reforming the European Union after Britain’s decision to leave, and to defend liberal democratic values in the face of Trump’s “America First” policies. (Excerpt from Reuters)

P

alestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has described US President Donald Trump’s Middle East peace efforts as the “slap of the century”.

At a meeting of Palestinian leaders, he stressed he would not accept any peace plan from the US after it recognised Jerusalem as Israel’s capital.

He also accused Israel itself of putting an end to the Oslo Accords, which began the peace process in 1995.

Trump has threatened to cut aid if the Palestinians reject peace talks.

Speaking earlier this month, Trump insisted recognition of Jerusalem took the hugely divisive issue “off the table” for new peace

talks.

Palestinians argue the move shows the US cannot be a neutral broker.

Palestinian leaders are meeting for two days in Ramallah to come up with a concrete Palestinian response to Trump’s move.

Abbas had already rejected Trump’s proposals last month, after the UN General Assembly voted to express regret at US recognition of Jerusalem.

Speaking to Palestinian faction leaders in Ramallah on Sunday, he said: “The deal of the century is the slap of the century and we will not accept it.”

“I am saying that Oslo, there is no Oslo,” he added.

“Israel ended Oslo.” (Excerpt from

BBC News)

Panic as jet skids off runway in Turkey Qatari royal “held against his

P

anic broke out on a passenger jet when it skidded off the runway at a Turkish airport and plunged down the side of a cliff overlooking the sea.

The Pegasus Airlines Boeing 737-800 with 168 passengers and crew had flown from Ankara and landed at Trabzon on the Black Sea coast late on Saturday.

Everyone on board was evacuated safely, provincial governor Yucel Yavuz said.

No injuries were reported.

The cause of the accident is being investigated, officials said.

State-run Anadolu news agency said there was panic on board as the plane went out of control.

Pictures show the jet lying nose down on a muddy

will in the UAE”

A It is not yet clear why the plane careered off the runway

slope just metres from the water’s edge.

“We tilted to the side.

The front was down while the plane’s rear was up.

There was panic, people shouting, screaming,” passenger Fatma Gordu was quoted as saying.

Yavuz said the airport was closed for several hours while investigations took place.

In a statement Pegasus Airlines said the plane “had a runway excursion incident” as it landed at Trabzon. (BBC News)

member of the Qatari royal family says he is being held against his will in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Sheikh Abdullah bin Ali Al Thani released on Sunday a video statement saying he was “a prisoner” in the UAE capital, Abu Dhabi, and that if anything happened to him, “Sheikh Mohammed” is responsible.

While he did not specify, Sheikh Abdullah appeared to be referring to Abu Dhabi’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Zayed.

“I am currently in Abu Dhabi. I was a guest of Sheikh Mohammed. I am no longer a guest; I am a pris-

Sheikh Abdullah bin Ali Al Thani appeared in a video circulated on social media, saying he is being held against his will in the UAE [Screengrab/Twitter]

oner,” he said in the video, which was widely circulated on social media.

“They told me not to leave. I am afraid that anything could happen to me, and the people of Qatar

would be blamed. So I just wanted to inform you that if anything happens to me, the people of Qatar are innocent,” added Sheikh Abdullah. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

18

guyanatimesgy.com

monDAY, january 15, 2018

ARCHIE

Haste makes waste. Slow ARIES down, get your facts straight (March 21- and protect your position and April 19) reputation. You’ll face opposition from someone threatened by your skills, knowledge and experience.

Size up your situation TAURUS and make things happen.

(April 20- Don’t hesitate to speak up or May 20) demonstrate what you have to offer. Discipline and added responsibilities will give you a sense of accomplishment.

dilbert

A serious attitude regardGEMINI ing money, medical or legal (May 21affairs will be necessary if June 20) you want to avoid complications. An unpredictable situation will need to be handled with care.

Step out on a limb and dare to try something differ(June 21- ent. You’ll be surprised by July 22) how inspired you become if you participate in events that offer something you know little about.

CANCER

Peanuts

Don’t let the desire for LEO change lead you to make fool(July 23- ish decisions. It’s important Aug. 22) not to go overboard or take on more than you can handle.

Physical changes are best put on hold.

Participation will help you VIRGO appreciate your life and the (Aug. 23people you love. Spending Sept. 22) time working alongside others will encourage closer bonds and greater opportunities.

Romance is favored.

Calvin and Hobbes

You’ll be tempted to make a LIBRA (Sept. 23- last-minute change. Consider Oct. 23) what effect your actions will have on those around you.

Problems at home and with important relationships will develop. Show compassion.

WORD GAME

SUDOKU

Make travel plans or arSCORPIO rangements to get together (Oct. 24with people you haven’t seen Nov. 22) in some time. Communication will spark new ideas and prompt you to follow your dreams.

Refuse to get involved in SAGITTARIUS gossip or to reveal informa(Nov. 23tion that someone wants kept Dec. 21) a secret. Sharing personal information can lead to loss or ruin your reputation.

solution for LAST PUBLISHED Puzzle

Don’t feel the need to CAPRICORN act in haste. Having a care(Dec. 22fully considered plan will Jan. 19) serve you better than throwing something together and hoping for the best. It’s OK to do things differently.

Don’t get wrapped up in

AQUARIUS what others are doing. Making (Jan. 20- a hasty decision or taking part Feb. 19) in something that is questionable should be monitored closely. Invest in yourself, not in someone else.

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

Round up your friends PISCES (Feb. 20- and people you’ve helped in March 20) the past. It’s your turn to get a little assistance. Say the word and you will be able to make things happen.

monDAY, january 15, 2018

19

2017/18 CWI/Digicel 4-Day Championship

Damion Jacobs

A

Volcanoes, Scorpions secure thumping wins

lready following on 194 behind after weak batting in the first innings, Red Force needed a huge effort to avoid their third straight defeat, but it never came in the ninth round of the 2017/18 Cricket West Indies/ Digicel 4-day championship in Grenada on Sunday.

Resuming the final day on 93 for two and requir-

ing a further 101 to avoid an innings defeat, Red Force were bowled out about 15 minutes after lunch.

They were ripped apart

by Sherman Lewis with 3-20 from 10.4 overs and Shillingford with 3-52 from 35 overs, while left-arm spinner Larry Edward ended with 2-26 from 11 overs.

Opener Amir Jangoo, unbeaten on 58 overnight, added just 11 and no other bats-

man showed any enterprise – all failing to reach 20.

Volcanoes batsman Kavem Hodge was named Player-of-the-Match for his first-innings hundred – the second of his first-class career.

Volcanoes are not unbeaten in their last four matches, which has included a historic first-ever tie in the Championship (with Jaguars), two wins

Deo looking to play crucial role in UG coaching clinic

Students going through their routines during their golf training session

By Clifton Ross

Local golfer Joaan Deo said she’s happy to be one of the coaches involved in the Lusignan Golf Club’s (LGC) weekly sessions with students of the University of Guyana, in their drive to expand the sport.

As part of their Physical Education itinerary, the University’s Sports Faculty recently formed a golf team who was adopted by the LGC as part of their driver to widen the horizon of golf while targeting the academically active.

The team teed off 2018 with its first session staged near the University’s Sports faculty but will continue their weekly training at the Course in the weeks ahead.

Deo told Guyana Times Sport prior to the afternoon session which commenced at 16:00hs, which the main objective was to fuse golf with academics.

The former Guyana Cup champ said that the project which began last year will

Getting tips from a pro! Joaan Deo working closely with one of the University students during the first training session of 2018 held at the UG campus

not only tackle the university, but other institutions as the request to join the fraternity has been on a significant increase as of late. She noted that it was a no-brainer when asked to help teach the art of golf to those willing to learn; more so in the quest to reintroduce the sport to Guyana.

The female star said that with the club providing free gears, lessons from some

of the country’s golfers and more importantly the allround support from the fraternity; should help to build the next generation of players.

With a class of 15-20 students, Deo said the feedback has been goo so far despite most of them being new to the sport. She noted that the entire experience from a professional standpoint is one of a kind as the sport is

geared towards relaxing the mind and easing stress; an ideal recipe for students.

She exclaimed that since the introduction lessons were being held on a weekly basis, some 15 newbies have so far improved their techniques. Deo believed that the dedication shown by the students was the reason behind their vast progression.

Among the areas taught were; putting, long and short driving, chipping among other basics areas of the sport which the students were asked to demonstrate. Apart from Deo, LGC President and a local pro Aleem Hussain were also a part of the action along with two local golfers and members of the club.

Deo explained that with the club now becoming integrated with the various learning institutions, she hopes that more youngsters, especially those in school will come out and be a part of the golf revolution and keep Guyana on the map.

Shane Shillingford

(over Scorpions and now Red Force) and a draw with Pride.

Scorpions (197) & (235) beat Hurricanes (171) & (204) by 57 runs in Kingston, Jamaica Chasing 262 for victory, Leewards resumed the final day on 159 for six needing a further 103, but were dismissed on the stroke of the first hour of play.

Jacobs grabbed three of the four remaining Hurricanes wickets to end with 5-83 from 29.3 overs and finished with match fig-

ures of 12 for 157, making him a shoo-in for the Playerof-the-Match award.

Part-time off-spinner John Campbell, whose three quick wickets late on Saturday’s penultimate day turned the game in Scorpions’ favour, added another scalp to his column to finish with 4-40 from 18 overs.

Only Jeremiah Louis, with an unbeaten 34, offered any resistance as the last four Hurricanes wickets tumbled for 45 runs.

Liverpool end Man City’s unbeaten run in 7-goal thriller

L

iverpool scored three times in nine minutes on the way to a dramatic 4-3 win over Manchester City on Sunday which ended the Premier League leaders’ unbeaten start to the season. Liverpool struck after less than 10 minutes when Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain surged forward from midfield to collect a neat layoff from Roberto Firmino and send a low shot past City keeper Ederson.

Leroy Sane equalised shortly before the interval, but Liverpool blew City away after halftime with Firmino chipping Ederson to restore the home side’s lead and Sadio Mane striking from the edge of the box.

Egypt international Mohamed Salah looked to have completed the rout when he collected Ederson’s clearance and sent the ball sailing back over the stranded keeper’s head, but City substitute Bernardo Silva grabbed one back and midfielder Ilkay Gundogan prodded home in stoppagetime.

City’s first league defeat in 23 games this season left them 15 points clear at the top, ahead of Manchester United, Liverpool and Chelsea.

“Congratulations to Liverpool for the victory,” City manager Pep Guardiola told Sky Sports. ”The game was in our hands at 1-1 but our finishing was not good and then it went suddenly to 4-1. You have to live this kind of situation in the season.

“The reality is we lose the game, we have a week to recover and prepare for the Newcastle game. All credit to the opponent, we know how difficult it is against a Juergen Klopp team, so aggressive, at Anfield too. We did a good performance apart from a few minutes.” (Reuters)

20

Virat Kohli leaps to play the ball (BCCI)

A

superb captain’s knock from Virat Kohli kept India’s hopes alive in Centurion, but it is South Africa who hold the upper hand.

India captain Virat Kohli held firm with an unbeaten 85 to prevent South Africa from fully seizing control on day two of the second Test in Centurion.

Aaron Finch was in terrific touch from the first ball of his innings (Getty Images)

E

GUYANATIMESgy.COM

monDAY, january 15, 2018

ngland got the post-Ashes boost they were hoping for in Melbourne as Jason Roy put Australia to the sword with a stunning 180.

Jason Roy compiled a sensational, record-breaking 180 to lead England to an emphatic five-wicket victory over Australia in the first one-day international at the

Classy Kohli keeps South Africa’s attack at bay

After dismissing their hosts for 335 in the morning session on Sunday, India reached the close in a spot of bother on 183-5, having managed only one partnership of significant substance.

Yet the tourists’ position would have been far weaker if not for their captain, who faced 130 deliveries and will resume on Monday in the company of Hardik Pandya (11 not out).

Batting with greater fluency than anyone else in this match to date, Kohli shared 79 for the third wicket with Murali Vijay (46) after the Proteas had claimed two scalps in as many balls to gain the upper hand.

Vijay’s dismissal in the evening session was followed by Rohit Sharma and Parthiv Patel falling cheaply, but Kohli would not be shifted and the match is intriguingly poised as a result.

There was one major scare for India’s skipper on 71 when he looked to have been trapped plumb lbw by debutant Lungi Ngidi, only for the thinnest of inside edges to save the batsman

MCG. England were thumped 4-0 in the recent Ashes series, but a change of format brought a welcome upturn in fortune for the tourists on Sunday as Roy blasted Australia’s bowlers to all parts in a magnificent 151-ball innings and recorded his country’s highest individual score in one-day internationals.

In addition to surpassing Alex Hales’ benchmark of 171, made against Pakistan 17 months earlier, Roy also set a new record for the most substantial innings at the MCG, going past Mark Waugh’s 173 for Australia against West Indies in 2001.

Joe Root (91 not out) played a fine supporting role in a mammoth third-wicket partnership of 221 as England pulled off the highest ODI chase in Melbourne with ease, comfortably overhauling their opponents’ total of 304-8 with seven balls to spare.

Australia’s innings featured 107 from Aaron Finch, together with fifties from Mitch Marsh and Marcus Stoinis, but those contributions were soon made to look insignificant as Roy took cen-

Morne Morkel holed out to the off-side sweeper.

It was Morkel who made the first breakthrough in India’s reply, taking a return catch to account for KL Rahul, and India were in big trouble at 28-2 when Cheteshwar Pujara was needlessly run out first ball thanks to Ngidi’s direct hit from mid-on.

A counter-attacking Kohli and the more patient Vijay looked comfortable as they rebuilt either side of tea, but the latter was unable to kick on to a big score. Vijay fell

Faf du Plessis was bowled by Ishant Sharma(Associated Press )

four short of 50, caught behind looking to cut a Maharaj delivery that bounced more than he expected.

Rohit could only manage 10 before he was trapped in front during a fine spell from Rabada, while the impressive Ngidi had Parthiv (19) caught behind for his maiden Test wicket.

South Africa could not claim the wicket they craved most, though, as Kohli survived his late scare at the hands of Ngidi and crucially batted out the day’s remaining overs with Pandya. (Sportsmax)

SCOREBOARD

when South Africa called for a review.

While a first-innings lead remains achievable for India, they will rue a sloppy showing in the field in Sunday’s first session.

Three chances went to ground as South Africa added 66 to their overnight score of 269-6, with Kagiso Rabada put down off successive balls from

Ravichandran Ashwin.

The hosts were nevertheless unable to take full advantage, Ishant Sharma picking up the wickets of Rabada (11) and key man Faf du Plessis (63) to finish with 3-46.

Mohammed Shami had earlier ousted Keshav Maharaj, while Ashwin finally claimed his fourth wicket of the innings when

South Africa 1st innings D Elgar c Vijay b R Ashwin 31 A Markram c P Patel b Ashwin 94 H Amla run out H Pandya 82 AB de Villiers b ISharma 20 Faf du Plessis b I Sharma 63 Q de Kock c Kohli b Ashwin 0 V Philander run out P Patel 0 K Maharaj c P Patel b Shami 18 K Rabada c H Pandya b I Sharma 11 M Morkel c Vijay b Ashwin 6 L Ngidi not out 1 Extras (0b 8lb 1nb 0pen 0w) 9 Total (113.5 overs; all out) 335 FoW: 1-85 Elgar, 2-148 Markram, 3-199 de Villiers, 4-246 Amla, 5-250 de Kock, 6-251 Philander, 7-282 Maharaj, 8-324 Rabada, 9-333 du Plessis, 10-335 Morkel Bowling: Bumrah 22-6 -60- 0, Shami 15-2-58-1, I Sharma 224-46-3, H Pandya 16-4-50-

0, Ashwin 38.5-10-113-4 India 1st innings M Vijay c Kock b Maharaj 46 L Rahul c&b Morne Morkel 10 C Pujara run out Ngidi 0 V Kohli not out 85 R Sharma lbw Rabada 10 P Patel c de Kock b Ngidi 19 H Pandya Not Out 11 Extras: (0b 1lb 0nb 0pen 1w) 2 Total (61.0 overs) 183-5 FoW: 1-28 Rahul, 2-28 Pujara, 3-107 Vijay, 4-132 Sharma, 5-164 Patel To Bat : Ashwin, Shami, Bumrah, Sharma Bowling: Maharaj 16-153-1, Morkel 15-3-47-1, Philander 9-3-23-0, Rabada 12-0-33-1, Ngidi 9-2-26-1

Roy’s record-breaking 180 leads England to handsome victory tre stage.

The opener had made 84 and 96 in his previous two ODI innings after being restored to England’s team when Hales was dropped for disciplinary reasons.

Yet on this occasion he made an even bigger impact, clubbing 16 fours and five sixes in a stunning performance.

Roy got his side’s chase off to a flying start with a succession of boundaries off Mitchell

Starc and Pat Cummins, although both bowlers were able to claim early wickets as the departures of Jonny Bairstow (14) and Hales who made four after being restored to the team at number three - left England 60-2 from just 5.5 overs.

Australia eventually stemmed the flow of boundaries, with debutant Andrew Tye impressing, but Roy was still able to score freely as

SCOREBOARD

Australia 1st innings A Finch c Bairstow b Ali 107 D Warner c Root b Wood 2 S Smith c Buttler b Rashid 23 T Head b Plunkett 5 M Marsh b Rashid 50 M Stoinis c Root b Woakes 60 T Paine c Ali b Plunkett 27 P Cummins c Roy b Plunkett 12 Andrew Tye not out 4 Extras (0b 7lb 0nb 0pen 7w) 14 Total (50 overs) 304-8 FoW: 1-10 Warner, 2-58 Smith, 3-78 Head, 4-196 Finch, 5-205 Marsh, 6-285 Stoinis, 7-296 Paine, 8-300 Cummins Did Not Bat : Starc, Zampa Bowling: Woakes 10-065-1, Wood 10-0-49-1, Plunkett 10-0-71-3, Rashid 10-0-73-2, Ali 10-0-39-1

England 1st innings J Roy c (Sub) b Starc 180 J Bairstow c Paine b Starc 14 A Hales c Stoinis b Cummins 4 J Root not out 91 E Morgan c Smith b Pat Cummins 1 J Buttler c Starc b Stoinis 4 M Ali not out 5 Extras (0b 5lb 0nb 0pen 4w) 9 Total (48.5 overs) 308-5 FoW: 1-53 Bairstow, 2-60 Hales, 3-281 Roy, 4-288 Morgan, 5-302 Buttler Did Not Bat : Woakes, Rashid, Plunkett, Wood Bowling: Starc 10-0-712, Cummins 10-0-63-2 , Tye 10-0-43-0, Stoinis 6-0-331, Zampa 10-0-72-0, Marsh 2-0-15-0, Head 0.5-0-6-0

Root ticked over with comfort at the other end.

There was a scare for Roy on 91 when he was given out lbw to Adam Zampa, but the decision was overturned on review and the next ball just about cleared long-on for a maximum before Roy reached three figures by taking three off Tye. England had victory in the bag by the time Roy was eventually caught on the leg side off Starc and the cheap dismissals of Eoin Morgan and Jos Buttler only delayed the inevitable.

Mark Wood and spinners Moeen Ali and Adil Rashid had impressed with the ball earlier in the day, the former operating at a brisk pace on his return to international action.

Moeen, who endured a dismal Ashes, gave up just 39 in his 10 overs and Australia’s total was insufficient despite Finch’s ninth ODI hundred.

Stoinis hit 60 from 40 balls in the closing overs after Marsh had contributed a more patient 50, while Liam Plunkett struck twice in the

50th over to finish with 3-71. (Sportsmax) Jason Roy progressed after reaching a 32ball fifty (Associated Press)

sports

monDAY, january 15, 2018 | www.guyanatimesgy.com

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Campbell, Downes outstanding lawn players of 2017 T

he Guyana Lawn Tennis Association time by winning the male title. The for(GLTA) recognized three of their top mer thanked all her supporters and coaches athletes during Friday’s Award cere- for being the driving force behind her sucmony held at the National Racquet Center cess while Downes was unable to accept the on Woolford Avenue. award in person as he’s currentAmong those recogly in Brazil training. nized for their outstandGLTA President Jamal ing 2017 on the court; Goodluck hailed his associawere Cristy Campbell tion for overcoming numerous and Anthony Downes challenges, including limited facility access as they still who copped the top Female/Male semanaged to give good nior awards accounts of themselves while Queens during their overseas assignments. Those College’s J o s h u a in attendance included President of the Kalekyezi b a g g e d Guyana Olympic the Junior Association (GOA) Male playK.A. Juman Yassin, Dr. Steve er of the year trophy.

Surujbally along with National Campbell picked up her Sports Commission award for a sec(NSC), assistant ond consecutive year director of Sport Brian Smith.

Downes repeated for a fourth Cristy Campbell and Anthony Downes

Diamond FC hails growth of Under-11 team

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Diamond Upsetters FC U-11 player’s show off their Ralph Green/EBFA medals in the presence of Club executives. The League’s Best Goalkeeper, Joshua Dias is at right with his trophy and backpack

T

he Diamond Upsetters Football Club (DUFC), a new affiliate East Bank Football Association (EBFA) on Saturday afternoon last at the Diamond Community Centre recognised the efforts of their Under-11 team which ended fourth in the just concluded Ralph Green/EBFA Under-11 League.

In its first year of competition since being formed, the club has announced its presence in no uncertain manner as a real contender in the EBFA but more importantly, is striving to ensure that the youths in the Diamond area are guided in the right way and in this instance, through football.

The awards ceremony which saw Coach Kevin Padmore Snr., being complimented for his efforts in guiding the team also saw the players being presented with their participatory medals for the U-11 tournament.

DUFC’s Joshua Dias ended the league as the Best Goalkeeper and was presented with his trophy and backpack, one of five individual awardees for the league; the others being Most Disciplined, Most Promising, Most Valuable Player and Highest Goal Scorer.

President of the EBFA Franklin Wilson was on hand to present Dias with his prize as well as the medals to the other beaming and proud players. Wilson commended players, club executive and coach for joining the EBFA fray and for their commendable showing in the competition.

The club was encouraged to keep up the good work and to encourage parents to become more involved in its operations whilst ensuring that the players make their education a priority to ensure that balance with their footballing pursuits.

DUFC’s President, Andre Fortune also complimented his players for showing that they will be a force to reckon with in

Diamond Upsetters Youth Coach Kevin Padmore (left) and Dr Gerald Forde

East Bank football in the coming months and years. Fortune thanked Coach Kevin Padmore for his exemplary work in guiding the youths and ensuring that they are rounded up almost daily to train and play.

Assistant Coach Troy December was also singled out for special mention and for his support to Coach Padmore. Medals were presented to Dias, Amin “I would like to urge the other players at the various levels of this still fledgling club to emulate the example set by our U-11 players and work very hard to build this club into one that is competitive. I applaud your commitment and dedication and look forward to a successful 2018.” Fortune concluded.

Dr. Gerald Forde and Club Secretary, Ms. Hazel Fernandes were also on hand along with Under-15 and Senior players at Saturday’s function.

The club will now focus their attention on the GFF/Pele Alumini Frank Watson U15 Intra Association League which will start this Saturday with the March Pass and a double header at the Grove Playfield.

22

GUYANATIMESgy.COM

monDAY, january 15, 2018

AAG’s 2018 off to solid start Shantay George finishes first in the Girls 150m ahead of Chantoba Bright (left) and Toyan Raymond (right)

By Michelangelo Jacobus

T

he Athletics Association of Guyana (AAG) got its 2018 calendar of activities off to a solid start on Sunday at the National Track and Field Centre (NTFC), Leonora with its first development meet.

With a fair turn out of athletes and a smattering of spectators, the track came to life with some solid performances from the usual suspects as Daniel Williams continued his rich vein of form.

Williams told Guyana

L

Times Sport that he “is still shaking off some rust, my first meet of the year so I’m still a bit green, training has just resumed and I’m feeling comfortable.”

The Lindener representing the Upper Demerara Cub clocked 35.57s in the Boys 17-19 300m finishing first as has become the norm. Loneil Marks from Hopetown Flames was second in 36.72s while Christianburg’s Jennis Benjamin came in third (36.99s).

In the 80m event Williams strode to the finish line in a time of 8.48s while Benjamin was second

(8.60s) and Shimar Velloza came in third in 9.04s.

In the 150m Daniel won comfortably with a pacey time of 15.35s as Loneil Marks came in behind with 15.73s on the clock.

On the distaff side Kezia Moore was consistent in her events placing in the top three on each occasion.

She was first across the finish line in the Girls 14-16 80m finishing with 10.30s while Annalisa Barclay came in second (10.53s) and Dominique Semple third (11.60s).

In the 150m race, Shantay George prevailed

to claim first place with the clock at 18.34s while

Brianna Charles was second in 18.40s with Moore closing out the top three with a time of 19.38s.

In the Girls 17-19 300m NARSUR athlete Cassie Small pipped Chantoba Bright for first place clocking 41.71s while Bright finished in 41.79s. Tonya Rawlins took third place in a time of 44.60s.

Meanwhile in the Girls 14-16 300m Deshana Skeete blazed her way to first place in 41.87s while Shantay George was second in 42.62s and Keliza Smith third with 42.86s.

In the distance events Maria Urquhart to the Girls 17-19 600m while Shaquka claimed first place in the Girls 14-16 100m. Police athlete Kezra Murray was

NSC throws support behind AllGuyanese Horse racing meet

LGC to host Shiv Chanderpaul Golf Classic

usignan Golf Club (LGC) President like Barbados having the Sir Garfield Sobers confirmed for the first time that the Festival of Golf, it’s safe to say that a tourclub in partnership with West Indies nament featuring and named off of the West batting legend Shivnarine Chanderpaul will Indies most capped Test player and second be hosting a “Shiv Chanderpaul” Classic leading run-scorer of all time; will rake in numerous high-profile cricketers both localOpen set for summer for 2018.

The ground-breaking news is set to juice ly and abroad.

Also, the LGC president said up the usual yearly events as Hussain told that with the golf on the rise, it Guyana Times Sport on Sunday that is important to remember that the club has decided to make the promost athletes turn to golf as a posed Shiv Chanderpaul Classic means of relaxation; yet still one of their 4 major events billed competitiveness. He also for 2018. noted that it was great for Hussain said the event is set to the fraternity to have such target cricketers from across the friendly rivalries between Caribbean who will come to the the two genres of sport; Lusignan Course for a summer as cricketers can weekend and tackle some of try to upset the Guyana’s best as well seasoned pros as reliving old riin their own valries against game. teammates with The coma club in the petition is hand instead of set for July a cricket bat. or August T h e 2018 and President bewill be a lieved that two day with golf beevent. ing a past time sport of most cricketers worldwide and country’s Shivnarine Chanderpaul

the winner of the Girls 1719 1000m.

Daniel Melville looked sharp on his way to winning the Boys 17-19 600m clocking 1:24.69s while Devau Barrington claimed the Boys 20+ event.

Winston Missigher had some competition from Cleveland Thomas in the Boys 20+ 1200m race but copped first place in 3 minutes 13.94s, Thomas clocked 3 minutes 14.81s and Wayne De Freitas was third with 3 minutes 20.54s.

Sunday’s developmental meet was one of the first of many to come as the AAG looks to assess and identify athletes who could potentially represent the country at international events.

Director of Sport Christopher Jones presenting the National Sports Commission’s contribution to Steven Cheefoon, co-founder of the Caribbean Nations Group

L

ocal jockeys will be competing for a $5M purse when the Caribbean Nations Group hosts its first all –local horse racing event on January 28, at the Rising Sun Turf Club,

West Coast Berbice.

Director of Sport Christopher Jones pointed out that the event which boasts seven categories will be one with a difference since it is specifically de-

signed for locally bred horses.

During a press conference on Thursday, Jones noted that in past years horse racing has largely been a loosely organised arrangement.

The Director congratulated the Caribbean Nations Group for attempting to elevate the standard of horse racing in Guyana, hence the Commission’s decision to be a part of the event.

“The Sports Commission is proud to be a part-sponsor of the event. We hope that 2018 will not only see three or four events being hosted or organised by the Caribbean Nations but that it becomes an annual feature of the calendar of activities in term of sport in Guyana,” Jones said.

Caribbean Nations Group was established in the latter part of 2017 by a group of sporting enthusiasts. Co-founder Steven Cheefoon disclosed that all the races will be run under the rules and regulations of the Guyana Horse Racing Authority. He shared that the feature race on the card is the Corona classic, which will see the winner walking away with $1M in cash and a trophy.

The Marketing representative of Top Brands, Marvin Wray, also said his company is pleased to be associated with Caribbean Nations Group and is looking forward to supporting other ventures in the future.

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…move to 49 in world rugby rankings

he Senior National fifteens men’s rugby team, commonly called Green Machine productive 2017 has seen them have an upward movement on the World Rugby rankings from 60 to 49, which is now the highest ranked Caribbean territory.

With the rise in rankings, the Green Machine will be engaged in a test series with Mexico (ranked 55), Colombia (ranked 41) and Paraguay (ranked 40) which begins in August.

“We will be joining the top two in the console b in South America along with Mexico as the most promising marketing development country to represent RAN [Rugby

America North], north versus two of the best in South, Colombia, Paraguay in a test series which is supposed to be in August”, Guyana Rugby Football Union (GRFU) President Peter Green told Guyana Times Sport.

Guyana has been a dominant force in RAN at both the 15s and 7s level and though they suffered some upset defeats to USA South Panthers and Jamaica, they still have made steadies progress, which is a pleasing sight for Green.

“This is a tremendous improvement and not only that world rugby has been paying more attention to this side of the region and real-

ize that were are advocating every year, we are playing the same teams and not really improving so now they are rewarding Guyana for being the number one ranked team”.

Only the USA South is higher rank but it is understood they are not a country or nation and rather just a team that is used a bench mark to see how the Caribbean has progressed.

The move to the test series with two of their South American counterparts sees Guyana now not having to participate in this year’s RAN championship.

Green explained “We have been exempt from playing in this year’s

RAN championships which means that whoever wins the RAN championship (north) will be playing off against the second rank team, Guyana or Mexico, depending on the upcoming test in August for promotion and relegation which is the new format”.

The outgoing further expressed his enthusiasm over the future of Guyana’s rugby on the basis of a talented crop of youth players. Green explained that the GRFU will close all of their outstanding matches from 2017 and then seek to have their first tournament in February.

GRFU President Peter Green

2017/18 CWI/Digicel 4-Day Championship

Little ‘Shiv’ goes big …scores maiden ton in Jaguars’ tame draw

Permaul eventually found the right length and pace and got the wicket of captain Shamar Brooks sweeping, which stand-in keeper Vishaul Singh took a delightful catch.

The four-time champions began sensing a miraculous heist in the final session as Paul who returned to the field with the same hostility got Carter nicking a rising delivery on his off-stump.

However, Test batmen Roston Chase and Shane Dowrich had other plans and weathered the attacking bursts by the visitors and took Pride to safety on 208-4 at the close of play.

Jaguars will now return home where they play Trinidad and Tobago Red Force in the final round starting on Thursday at Providence while Pride host Jamaica Scorpions in a battle for second place.

Anthony Bramble Tagenarine Chanderpaul

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a g e n a r i n e Chanderpaul recorded his maiden FirstClass century in Guyana Jaguars’ tame draw with Barbados Pride in the penultimate round of the 2017/18 Cricket West Indies/ Digicel Four-day championship at the Kensington Oval on Sunday.

Chanderpaul whose previous best was 84 made a determined 101 not out after starting the final day on 66. He grafted the remaining 35 runs in fine style and struck consecutive boundaries off the bowling of Jonathon Cater to his reach his landmark. The compact

l e f t hander spent 391 minutes at the crease, striking nine fours.

His innings helped Jaguars move from their overnight total of 154-4 to 263-4 declare, which left Pride an unlikely target of 362 with just over two sessions reaming in the day’s play.

Anthony Bramble who was unable to do the glove work in the second innings due to an injury scored an enterprising 74 from 78 deliveries, sharing a productive stand of 115 for the fourth wicket with Chanderpaul.

Bramble’s assault at the mecca of cricket in the Caribbean saw him smash

four fours and five sixes as his team pressed for an early deceleration.

In response, Pride started positively reaching 44 without loss at lunch as Test batsman Kraigg Brathwaite and Shane Mosley played their strokes with authority.

Experienced left-arm spinner Veerasammy Permaul leaked 13 runs before the interval in a counter-attack by the left-handed Mosley.

After the interval, the duo continued to make it an unpleasant afternoon for the visitors but young Mosley’s innings came to end by Wanders club mate Raymon Reifer who bowled a ‘top seed’ to disturb the batsman’s stumps.

Brathwaite continued to show his powers of concen-

tration reaching his 41st First-Class half century.

With no Romario Shepherd who took 5-40 in the first innings due to injury, Keemo Paul took up the mantle of leading the attack on a pitch which was offering an appreciable amount of pace and bounce.

Paul produced an aggressive spell of short-pitch bowling from the Joel Garner end to the Test batsman who eventually was caught in two minds edging down the leg side for well played 54 inclusive of eight fours.

The seamer soon left the field and with both substitutes already on the field, head coach Esuan Crandon had to do some fielding duties in the 39th over much to the amusement to his players.

SCOREBOARD

Guyana Jaguars 1st innings 297 Barbados Pride 1st innings 199 Guyana 2nd innings (overnight 154-4) T Chanderpaul not out 101 C Hemraj c (sub) b Holder 21 L Johnson* c Greaves b Holder 6 V Singh stp Dowrich+ b Warrican 43 S Chanderpaul c Dowrich+ b Holder 0 A Bramble+ c Warrican b Carter 74 R Reifer not out 1 Extras ( b 5, lb 2, w 4, nb 6) 17 Total (For 5 wickets; 89.2 Overs) 263 dec DnB: K Paul, S Rutherford, R Shepherd, V Permaul FoW: 1-44 (C Hemraj, 14.3 ov), 2-64 (L Johnson, 22.6 ov), 3-137 (V Singh, 55.2 ov), 4-138 (S Chanderpaul (56.4 ov), 2-253 (Bramble 87.1 ov) Bowling: Cummins 15-3-430, Holder 23-3-72-3, Greaves

11-1-25-0, Chase 18-9-49-0, Carter 10.2-3-29-1, Warrican 11-3-36-1, Brathwaite 1-0-2-0 Barbados Pride 2nd innings K Brathwaite c Singh+ b Paul 54 S Mosley b Reifer 28 S Brooks* c Singh+ b Permaul 40 J Carter c Singh+ b Paul 20 R Chase not out 23 S Dowrich+ not out 17 Extras (b4, lb7, w4,nb 11) 26 Total (4 wickets; 58 overs) 208 FoW: 1-60 (Mosley, 12.6 ov), 2-136 (Brathwaite, 35.2 ov), 3-143 (Brooks, 38.3 ov), 4-172 (Carter, 45.2 ov) DnB: J Greaves, J Warrican, K Roach, M Cummins, C Holder Bowling: Paul 16-1-76-2, Reifer 12-3-23-1, Permaul 20-5-62-1, Shepherd 1-0-20, Rutherford 7-1-30-0, T Chanderpaul 1-0-3-0, Johnson 1-0-1-0

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

monDAY, january 15, 2018

guyanatimesgy.com

2017/18 CWI/ Digicel 4-Day Championship

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Little ‘Shiv’ goes big

…scores maiden ton in Jaguars’ tame draw

AAG’s 2018 off to solid start Pg 22

Special moment!

Young Tagenarine Chanderpaul celebrates his maiden FirstClass century with Raymon Reifer at the Kensington Oval on Sunday

Daniel Williams showed early signs of a dominant 2018 as he crosses the finish line without another athlete in sight at the National Track and Field Facility on Sunday

Green Machine on the rise …move to 49 in world rugby rankings Guyana’s Green Machine are now the highest ranked Caribbean team (Delano Williams Photo)

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