Guyana Times - Thursday, November 15, 2018

New schools’ curriculum to include oil P education 2

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

THE BEACON OF TRUTH

Issue No. 3747

Thursday, November 15, 2018

PRICE

President David Granger diagnosed with cancer

$80 vat included

WHAT'S INSIDE:

LGE process was smooth P2 – EU Ambassador …observers no provisions for differently abled

Page 7

…starts chemotherapy in Cuba

Linden Police PPP wins 52 of the 80 Local Authority probing rape Areas …tied in 5 others of 6-year-old Narrow escape LGE 2018

Page 3

Page 14

P9 “We’re watching you” – Traffic Chief warns …as CCTV cameras operational

Housewife, taxi driver allegedly beaten by P9 &14 Police

Fly Jamaica crash landing A teacher narrowly escaped death on Wednesday afternoon after his car slammed into a Guyana Power and Light pole and turned turtle at Zorg Village, Essequibo Coast, Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam)

Teachers warned against calling children “dunces” …CEO calls out UG on “breaking spirit”

Page 11

Public Servants still receiving “poverty pay” – GPSU Page 10

P11

US experts to analyse data, voice recorders

Region 3 to commence P13 boat rides on Demerara River

2 news

thursdAY, November 15, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

New schools’ curriculum LGE process was smooth to include oil education – EU Ambassador

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he Education Ministry is seeking to have learning in classrooms across the country be in keeping with the 21st century, and as such, a new curriculum is being developed for schools, which will seek to incorporate information on the oil sector as well as Guyana’s “unique experiences.”

This was related by a Senior Public Relations Officer of the Ministry, Brushell Blackman following the opening of a threeday workshop for teachers and other Ministry officials at Regency Hotel, Hadfield Street, Georgetown on Wednesday.

He said that new curriculum will include a number of broad areas, which he acknowledged the ministry previously overlooked.

According to him, the syllabus will be for nursery, primary and secondary schools, up to Grade Nine, as classes from there on utilise the Caribbean curriculum to prepare for the Caribbean Secondary Examination Certificate (CSEC).

Although Blackman was unable to say when the new curriculum would be ready, he noted that the Ministry is working on the framework.

He added that the Ministry promised not to drag their feet on the paperwork, as they are fully aware of its importance and vitality at this time.

Chief Education Officer Marcel Hutson during the opening ceremony of the workshop also pointed out how critical it is for the cur-

riculum to be updated.

“We are here today (Wednesday) to commemorate the writing of the curriculum which I think is very critical in terms of us moving forward. I think we have been showing good signs of moving forward but again I think a curriculum is essential to this process,” he said.

“This process cannot be a long and drawn out process.

I know curriculum writing take time, but it cannot be forever. We don’t have all the time in the world,” he told the teachers, University of Guyana students and other education officials at the session.

Meanwhile, Canadian Consultant, Joanne Thompkins who is working along with the Ministry to create the new paperwork said she was quite excited about the stage the curriculum is at.

Another Education Ministry official noted the importance of updating the syllabus. According to him, “We are here because the curriculum, as we agreed from day one, is in dire need of renewal… this renewal will not be a matter of tinkering but it will be a matter of really making some fundamental shifts”.

The last update to the curricula was done back in 1990. Education Minister Nicolette Henry first revealed plans to review the syllabus in 2017.

Back in June, discussions were held with nine Canadian consultants from the Saint Francis

Xavier University and the Mindbloom School, who have been collecting information from educators and schools from various regions across Guyana in a bid to update the system.

Talks held at the National Centre for Education Research Development featured three consultants – Paula Mackinnon, Joanne Thompkins and Jeffery Orr – and administrators from various specials schools where the concerns that surround the education of these children were raised.

While there, several teachers related that the standard school curriculum was used to teach children with disabilities while others informed that the current curriculum is too packed to reach the needs of every student. Additionally, it was noted that Guyana depends heavily on the assistance of outsiders, which is not as effective as an internal guide. To modify this, the curriculum will be modified to suit the needs of Guyana’s children.

One of the consultants, Paula Mackinnon, gave an insight on the expertise of the consultants that were directed to enhance Guyana’s current syllabus.

“We bring with us, expertise in curriculum development and curriculum reengineering and reform. And then some specific expertise in inclusive pedagogy [and] in subject areas to help explore views of how the curriculum might be enhanced in that regard,” Mackinnon informed.

…observes no provisions for differently abled

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mbassador of the European Union to Guyana, Jernej Videtič, who was an observer at this year’s Local Government Elections (LGE) says the process was a smooth one and all procedures were well organised.

This was related after he would have visited some of the polling stations across Guyana to check upon the pace at which ballots were cast. He noted that he would have stood as an observer two years ago during the previous LGE, but the method was “excellent” this time around.

“We went as observers and we had done it two years ago, so I think compared to what was [done] two years ago, it was even better prepared. We went to five local polling stations and in all the polling stations, the procedures were the same,” the Ambassador said.

He mentioned the fact that persons with disabilities also came out in their numbers despite the challenges to vote.

“The control was there, and it was running smoothly like it should work in a normal democracy. We had a good impression and we also see that disabled people came to vote and they’ve done their best to give them an opportunity to vote. I found it excellent.”

Monday saw a low turnout of voters throughout the country and there was a

Ambassador of the European Union to Guyana, Jernej Videtič

slower pace than expected.

The polling stations opened to a sluggish start but after a few hours, the number of voters was constant.

Villages like Den Amstel, Hague, Blankenburg, La Jalousie, Windsor Forest, Crane, Best and Vreed-enHoop recorded a small turnout and it was the same on the East Bank at Covent Garden, Providence and Peter’s Hall. Berbice and the Essequibo coast faced the same fate.

Other than that, it was heard that many persons were told that they were not allowed to vote because their names were not on the registered voters’ list.

However, upon checking, they were eligible to vote while others were referred to other polling stations.

Concerns also surfaced about the quality of ink used. Throughout the day,

voters complained about concentrated substance being easily washed off and it was difficult to tell if they had voted or not.

It also caught the attention of Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo who stated, “I have had numerous reports that it could be easily removed so what we have asked our polling agents now is to pay particular attention to people who have voted before may attempt to come back in and vote so that is one safeguard against ink being removed so we asked our polling agents to look at this.”

Upon inquiry, GECOM’s Public Relations Officer (PRO) Yolanda Warde told media operatives that the Commission had leftover ink from the 2016 Local Government Elections and this was reused.

news

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thursdAY, November 15, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

BRIDGE OPENINGS The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Thursday, November 15 – 10:30h-12:00h and Friday, November 16 – 12:00h-13:30h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Thursday, November 15 – 09:30h-11:00h and Friday, November 16 – 11:00h-12:30h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY Thundery to light rain showers are expected throughout the day, while light rain showers can be expected in the evening. Temperatures are expected to range between 22 degrees Celsius and 29 degrees Celsius.

Winds: Ranging from Easterly to East North-easterly between 2.23 metres and 5.36 metres.

High Tide: 09:41h and 22:04h reaching maximum heights of 2.09 metres and 2.12 respectively.

Low Tide: 03:03h and 15:34h reaching minimum heights of 1.01 metre and 1.18 metres respectively.

wednesDAY, novemBER 14, 2018

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LGE 2018

PPP wins 52 of the 80 Local Authority Areas …tied in 5 others T

he People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) on Wednesday announced that based on the preliminary results of the November 12 Local Government Elections (LGE), it has doubled the margin of votes, resulting in the Party willing 52 of the 80 Local Authority Areas (LAAs) and tying five.

The PPP/C said the margin of votes moved from about 24,000 at the 2016 LGE to over 45,000 in 2018. The difference of votes between the PPP/C and the Alliance For Change (AFC) was a whopping 113,000 votes, validating the Party’s position that the AFC is a spent political force. Between the PPP/C and the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), the difference of votes was over 50,000.

The Party said the win was despite the gerrymandering efforts by the APNU/ AFC Government. The Party has contended that the new LAAs as well as the reduction and merging of several constituencies was all a ploy by the Government to make sure they win that area.

“Notwithstanding this, the PPP/C increased its win from 48 LAAs in 2016 to 52 LAAs in 2018 Local Government Elections… It is public knowledge that coalition Government created nine new areas as part of the gerrymandering effort to improve its showing at the Local Government Elections.

Despite this, in two of the nine new LAAs, the PPP/C won control of the NDCs – the Nile/Cozier NDC, Region Two, and the Wyburg/ Caracas NDC, Region Six,” the Party said in a statement.

The PPP/C said that tied the Lamaha/Yarrowkabra and Moruca/Phoenix Park NDCs which are new ones created by the Government.

Additionally, changes were made to 14 LAAs via the reduction of 16 constituencies that were won by the PPP/C at the 2016 LGEs. In Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam), two of the LAAs where changes were made were the Evergreen/Paradise and Aberdeen/Zorg-en-Vlygt NDCs – in both of these LAAs the constituency seats were reduced from nine to eight, which resulted in the PPP/C winning four seats and APNU winning the other four. However, based on the PR votes, the PPP/C secured “convincing wins in these areas.” In Evergreen/Paradise, the vote totals show: PPP/C – 1094 (PR) votes; and APNU – 480. In Aberdeen/Zorg-enVlygt, the vote totals show: PPP/C – 1,059; and APNU – 390.

Changes were also made in the Bush Lot/Adventure

NDC – an area that the PPP/C won in 2016 – which has now resulted in a tie between the PPP/C and APNU. The changes at Malgre Tout/ Meer Zorgen NDC, which was tied in 2016, saw the PPP/C not being able to secure the majority seats.

Wins

Of the 10 towns in Guyana, the Opposition secured control of five of the towns winning all the seats in Anna Regina, Region Two; 12 of the 16 seats in Rose Hall, Berbice; 14 of the 16 seats in Corriverton, Berbice; six of the 10 seats in Lethem, Region Nine (Upper TakutuUpper Essequibo); and eight of the 12 seats Mabaruma, Region One. “The Party was successful in taking control of the Town Councils in Lethem and Mabaruma from the APNU/AFC coalition, despite the use of State resources (monies spent on chartered flights, distribution of sports gears, bicycles, etc) by the Government to campaign in these areas in an effort to maintain control of the Town Councils,” the PPP/C said.

In Georgetown, the PPP/C made significant inroads, securing a total of seven seats on the Town Council

– up from two seats previously held. At the 2016 LGE, the Party secured two seats based on the PR votes. This year, the Party, not only doubled its PR votes, coping four seats, but also won three of the 15 constituencies in Georgetown – bringing the total to seven, the Party added.

Over in Bartica, Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) the PPP/C recorded a 60 per cent vote increase as well as securing more seats in the municipalities of Linden, Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice) and New Amsterdam, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne). In Mahdia, the newly created town, the Party secured over 20 per cent of the PR votes and secured one seat on the Town Council.

“The Whim/Bloomfield

NDC, Region Six, was another notable win. It was none other than AFC’s Moses Nagamootoo who declared that “there is a straight contest” between the PPP/C and the AFC in this NDC, touted his participation in a ‘mini’ rally and talked up attendance at the AFC leaders at a meeting at Auchlyne School – claiming, in one of his many vacuous speeches in the National Assembly, that the space at the school was inadequate to accommodate the ‘huge’ crowds. The PPP/C secured almost 90 per cent of the votes and 13 out of 14 seats in the Whim/Bloomfield NDC. The AFC had less votes in the NDC than the number of candidates and individuals on the Nominators’ List (backers’ list) that they submitted to the Guyana Elections Commission, proving our point that they had to compile fraudulent lists,” the statement said.

Another notable win for the Party was that of the Buxton/Foulis NDC in Region Four (DemeraraMahaica).

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thursdAY, November 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

Jonestown 40 years after

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ovember 18, 2018 will mark 40 years since the infamous Jonestown mass murder-suicide deep in the jungles of Guyana. In that month of 1978, a majority of Guyanese were greeted with the grim news that over 900 American citizens lay dead, children included, after ingesting cyanide-laced Kool-Aid, either voluntary or forcibly.

To say it was shocking would be a gross understatement. Many locals were not even aware that the Jonestown-based People’s Temple existed on home soil. As they learnt about it, so did millions across the world, generally beyond the Western powers of the United States of America (USA) and the British Empire, about a country named Guyana.

Immediately, there was a media rush from international entities to this part of South America. After all, an American Congressman, Leo Ryan was among the dead. Guyana was catapulted into the international spotlight, albeit, for grim reasons. It dominated conversations for an extensive period and many questions were raised.

Those in government knew about the establishment. From reports, the People’s Temple was permitted to settle at the site which took its name from the group’s charismatic leader, Jim Jones.

It was described as a thriving and self-sufficient town and those who made the journey from the USA to experience the “paradise” were convinced of such, given the religious context that governed it. It was deemed a large family working towards the betterment of all within.

Those who knew of Jonestown spoke of it being a good example from a community development standpoint. They grew their own food, build their homes, and did everything else in the best interest of the town. Initially, a sense of collective euphoria must have existed and coupled with the magnetism of Jones, a paradise probably was created.

As it thrived, Guyanese, oblivious of its existence, were being oppressed and faced insurmountable economic woes as the economy rapidly declined. Despondency prevailed and many did the opposite to members of the People’s Temple: they left for the USA – their perceived paradise.

Naturally, when they learnt of Jonestown, what it represented, and the reported concessions it got from the then Government, the sentiments of many went beyond shock at the mass deaths and were consumed with discontent, convinced that their welfare was not seen as priority by their own who was in power.

Secrecy seemed to have surrounded the establishment of Jonestown, since reportedly only the Government and specific agencies knew. That gave rise then and even now to many allegations, including that some local officials personally benefited in the process. Some believed that the town may have been deliberately kept secret from the populace. Questions abound; why the secrecy? What would have been the outcome had the mass suicide not occurred?

Forty years after, those questions still seem relevant. In 1978, the incident not only gave the world a geography lesson about Guyana, but offered harsh and frightening lessons about a cult.

The international focus was on that and not on the plight of what plagued Guyanese. Even up to this day, Guyana is internationally known as a result of that horrific incident with annual reminders on every anniversary by some international media networks.

In the aftermath, discussions in particular circles may have been on what to do with the site given the international spotlight.

Many felt that should have been taken advantage of and the site be transformed into a memorial designed to attract relatives and friends in remembrance of their loves ones. This is similar to symbolic annual ceremonies at war memorials around the world and for the 911 bombings in New York.

It would have taken planning, creating the necessary infrastructure and other resources for which assistance could have been sought. Had that materialised, Jonestown today could have been a bustling place for tourists, both local and international. It would have boosted the economies there, the immediate environs and the country as a whole.

Others were not that enthused given the macabre nature. Maybe people’s preferences, regardless of how ghastly things may appear, were probably not factored in. It would be useful to know what the thinking was of officials then in relation to making Jonestown a memorial; if it was discussed and if so, why it wasn’t pursued. Focus on other national priorities could have been a possible explanation and probably understandably so. In retrospect, it may be seen as a great opportunity that was lost. There is a memorial in Oakland, California where some of the victims were from. Like the 911 memorial, people across the USA travel to these places for related reasons. The same could have been for Guyana. While the country has moved on and has become known internationally for other things, the Jonestown incident, as gruesome as it was, unfortunately seems synonymous with Guyana and cannot be erased from its history. One argument is to take advantage of it. Some four decades after, oil has thrust Guyana into the international spotlight and once again, the Americans are at the centre. Could this be an opportunity to explore the possibility of that memorial?

Prince Charles – whom his mother, Queen Elizabeth called a “duchy original”— turned 70 on Wednesday and an official photograph showing three generations of royals: Prince Charles, his wife, children and their spouses, and grandchildren was released to mark the occasion (BBC News)

Turkey says rights groups should attend Khashoggi suspects’ trial

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senior Turkish official proposed on Wednesday that suspects in the killing of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi be tried in a Turkish court observed by international human rights groups.

Khashoggi, a critic of de facto Saudi ruler Prince Mohammed bin Salman, was killed in Saudi Arabia’s Istanbul consulate last month in a hit which Erdogan says was ordered at the “highest levels” of the Saudi Government.

Turkish authorities have prepared an extradition request for 18 suspects detained in Saudi Arabia, which includes a 15-man team that Turkey says arrived in Istanbul shortly before the killing and carried it out.

“Let the human rights units from all respected organisations, from the United Nations to the European Union, come and watch this trial,” said Omer Celik, spokesman for President Tayyip Erdogan’s AK Party.

“Let them judge whether the trial fits the standards of international law,” Celik, a former Minister, told a news conference.

Turkey says the suspects should be tried in a Turkish court because the crime occurred on its territory, even though it was inside a Saudi diplomatic mission. Riyadh has said the suspects will be prosecuted in Saudi Arabia.

Recordings

Khashoggi’s killing has provoked global outrage but little concrete action by world powers against Saudi Arabia, the world’s largest oil exporter and a supporter of Washington’s plans to contain Iranian influence across the

A demonstrator holds a poster with a picture of Saudi Journalist Jamal Khashoggi outside the Saudi Arabia Consulate in Istanbul, Turkey, October 25, 2018

Middle East.

Turkey has several audio recordings including the killing itself and conversations prior to the operation which Turkey subsequently uncovered, two sources with knowledge of the issue have told Reuters.

French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian on Monday questioned remarks by Erdogan that Turkey had given the recordings to Germany, France and Britain. “He has a political game to play in these circumstances,” Le Drian said, when asked if Erdogan was lying.

Celik condemned Le Drian’s response and questioned why the countries of the European Union did not

produce a common response to the killing.

“Rather than finding out who gave the order for this massacre, everyone is starting to evaluate what position to take in the next stage regarding the interests of their own country,” Celik said. “This is an extremely problematic situation.”

A senior French diplomat later said Le Drian was neither confirming nor denying whether French officials had listened to recordings. Germany has pledged to suspend arms exports to Saudi Arabia until the killing is explained, and has called for a common European response regarding arms sales to the Kingdom. (Reuters)

guyanatimesgy.com

thursdAY, November 15, 2018

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

Govt failed miserably to Guyana is on its own deliver on key policies Dear Editor, In a desperate attempt to deceive the electorate, leading up to the 2015 General Election, the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) coalition Government propounded one the most vacuous and misleading manifestos ever. Three years later, following a meticulous factcheck, finds reveal the coalition Government failed miserably to deliver on some of their key policies.

According to the 2015 APNU/AFC coalition manifesto, the following measures and policies were supposed to take effect once the party got into office, however, as outlined thereafter, the contrary was achieved.

Over the next few days I wish to examine each measure, so we can determine how faithful they have been to their promise.

1. Achieve rapid economic growth and development driven by the Private Sector in combination with the State and cooperatives Economic development has slowed significantly due to the underperformance of key traditional sectors such as rice, sugar, and timber.

Contemporary growth in

GDP is attributed mainly to high production level by the two major foreign mining companies.

With respect to the Private Sector, over the past three years, a slew of counterproductive policies has been unleashed by the Government in their unstoppable attempt to boost domestic revenue. More than 200 tax measures have been levied on consumers, precipitating of the sharpest decline in private consumption by more than $32 billion in 2017, when compared to 2014. Thus, from 2014 to 2017, aggregate private consumption contracted by more than $196 billion.

When compared to 2014, actual private consumption in 2017 is $32 billion less. What this tells us is that, on average, from 2014-2017, each household in Guyana has cut back on spending by more than $1.1 million or $30,500 monthly. With respect to domestic credit, Central Government increased their share by more than 259 per cent since taking up office, whilst the Public Sector got a mere 12 per cent increase.

The implication is a larger Government, which is ostensibly seen in the huge

increase in recurrent expenditure by more than $49 billion. Moreover, the Government continues to slumber in the development of the local content policy, a critical piece of legislation that is instrumental in insulating our future oil economy from the “resource curse”.

Finally, based on the latest report of prudential ratios for financial sectors by the Bank of Guyana, return on equity of the five major commercial banks, Republic Bank Limited, GBTI, Nova Scotia, Demerara Bank Limited, and Citizen Bank, contracted by 10 per cent, 6.5 per cent, nine per cent, 8.2 per cent and 5.1 per cent, respectively, during the first six months of 2018. Thus these are all signs of an emasculated financial sector, one that is rapidly deteriorating.

Given our burgeoning deficit, and forecasted low growth, Guyana may soon have to pursue restrictive fiscal policies: slashing of budgetary allocation to key sectors such as health, education and housing, et hoc genus omne.

Sincerely, Mohamed Irfaan Ali PPP/C MP

Dear Editor, Though this may be an obvious point to the analyst community, it is important that the wider Guyanese community understand that multinational companies such as Exxon, registers their investment vehicles in a low-corporation tax jurisdiction, and not in the country where their headquarters are situated for a specific reason; to cap their financial exposure per project.

The investment in Guyana is owned by Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (Esso) which was incorporated in the Bahamas. Similarly, the Chinese partner in this Guyana investment, CNOOC which is headquartered in Beijing, China is also not exposed because the vehicle fronting for them is called CNOOC Nexen Petroleum Guyana Limited, which was incorporated in Barbados. Same thing for Hess Corporation which is headquartered in New York City, but their Guyana vehicle is incorporated in the Cayman Islands.

So if this oil spill happens (the divine forbid), then the people of Guyana will be allowed to sue for restitution.

But from whom? They cannot sue these headquarters because legally they

A decentralisation of power Dear Editor, Now that the Local Government Elections have been completed I believe that many Guyanese are finally wising-up and recognising that the governing APNU/AFC and the opposition PPP/C does not singularly have the solutions to all of Guyana’s problems.

I believe that there are many Guyanese who would like to see the

Government and the main Opposition working closer together to chart a course for Guyana’s development.

It is time for them to put aside their political differences and work together for the Guyanese nation, as opposed to the winner-takes-all politics of the past.

How do we get two political parties, who have been fighting each other for 50 odd years, to end their fighting and

work together? Do we need to await a new generation of political leaders who are not tainted by the politics of the past?

Perhaps what is needed is a decentralisation of power, so that more power is vested in Local Authorities (which is what LGE is about).

Yours faithfully, Sean Ori

The inconspicuously obvious Dear Editor, The recent (2018/11/13) ruling of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) pertaining to the issue of cross dressing in Guyana is indicative of the trajectory of homosexuality in this nation.

The masquerade has to stop!

The inconspicuously obvious is hiding in plain sight!

SASOD and many sister organisations are riding the wave of human rights as they forward their advocacy against discrimination based on one’s sexual orientation. The not so obvious glaring fact, is that they are not dealing with sexual orientation in its widest sense- these folks and their supporters are, in essence, agitating for the legitimisation of same sex relationships; period! Consider the following: The laws of any society are intended to protect the citizenry. During SASOD’s press conference to inform

the nation of the relevant CCJ ruling, a most prominent local senior counsel alluded to the archaic nature of sections of the constitution which pertain to cross dressing and homosexuality.

What this learned individual and many in the legal fraternity is failing to address, is how these “antiquated” laws ended up on the books.

I began this paragraph, by highlighting the fundamental utility of the law.

So, if homosexuality is not serendipitously prohibited by the constitution, why is there an overwhelming effort to have it removed, while nothing is said about repealing the articles relating to incest, bestiality and other deviant sexual behaviour which are injurious to society? The answer is obvious. SASOD and their attorneys are quite aware of the grave potential societal dangers of incest, bestiality, homosexuality (particu-

larly man to man) and other deviant sexual orientations.

Hence, this facade about advocacy against discrimination based on one’s sexual orientation, is nothing but a smoke screen intended to hide the real agenda of SASOD--to promote and legitimise buggery. Had it not been so, there would have

been equal and parallel attention given to the repealing of sections of the constitution which criminalise incest and bestiality. Aren’t these sexual orientations also?

Sincerely, Errol London (Jr)

are ring fenced from the entire transaction. If Guyana sues in the US Courts, there is already a precedence set where the 2nd US Circuit Court of Appeal, in New York, in 2016, blocked the enforcement of an US$8.6 billion judgement against Chevron, over oil pollution in Ecuador. The bottom line remains that these multi-nationals have a template for avoiding legal accountability anywhere in the world.

The only parties Guyana can successfully sue and enforce against are the Bahamian, Barbadian and Cayman Island companies, but they are what you call shell companies with limited finite assets on their books.

The sole purpose of these shell companies is to pay the bills out of the earned income generated from the waters of Guyana. In short, if it happens, Guyana’s available oil profits will be paying for Guyana’s oil spill, and if it becomes zero at any point in time, then we are on our own.

Multinational companies usually just keep a small fraction of their profits in the local investment vehicle.

They use a mechanism in finance called transfer pricing to move significant portions of those profits out of the local books, and into other books that Guyana cannot, and will not be able to make a claim against. How do they do it? All sorts of high priced oil consultancies and oil services contracts will be signed between the Guyana investment vehicle and agents of the three respective headquarters for services rendered while keeping the legal entities separate and distinct (ring fenced). The disadvantage

to Guyana from such a situation, is that the headquarters of these three partners can pull cash out of the Guyana investment vehicle as they see fit, but the Guyana’s investment vehicle has no power to access any of the cash from these headquarters if things go wrong.

The bottom line, if one carefully reads this Petroleum Agreement between the Government of Guyana and these Investors, is that they will find enough clauses to support a position that if any mishap occurrs at the production site, Guyana is on its own. For emphasis, let me reiterate – Guyana is on its own if things go wrong in the oil operations.

Therefore, how prepared is Guyana at cleaning up its ocean front if an oil spill happens, the divine forbids? Is the EPA ready?

Is the Maritime Authority ready? Is there any institution in Guyana ready for this eventuality? Will they be ready by 2020? It is time for Guyana to plead its case to the Americans, British, Canadians, European Union, and any country who has the competence and skill to help so that we can properly fund, equip, train and establish a Coastal Environmental Unit in the EPA. This reality does not need a rocket scientist to fix, but time is of the essence.

The new Head of the EPA, Dr Vincent Adams is a very capable man who is exposed from his time in the US Department of Energy-- let us put him to work at sourcing these funds.

Sasenarine Singh, Maryland, USA

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By Brian D Johnson, PhD, and Laurie Berdahl, MD

M

arco (not his real name) was a star long-distance runner for a local high school, earned straight As, and excelled at Maths. He was polite, clean cut, very thin, and ambitious, wanting to be an engineer.

While on a hiking trip together, we stopped for breakfast before our climb up and down a mountain. We noted he talked extensively about his diet and he drank only water even though he hadn’t eaten much at the prior evening’s meal.

Continuing to excel in high school, Marco earned scholarships and went off to attend college. He told his parents about his favourite classes and excellent grades through his four years. He showed them letters about academic awards and honours he garnered. As his senior year was ending, he chose not to attend the graduation ceremony or “walk” for his diploma, but his proud family threw a party to celebrate his accomplishments.

Then something shocking happened. During his graduation party, Marcos informed his parents that he actually hadn’t graduated but had dropped out of college a couple years prior.

We can’t imagine his parents’ dismay that their son felt the need to lie about

Foundation

his life and didn’t know he was struggling. We recently heard he’s working various unstable jobs trying to support himself. His life is very different than what he had envisioned back in high school. Although no longer engaged in what in retrospect were likely perfectionistic goals, Marco’s life was difficult.

Many of us have a tradition of taking stock of our blessings on Thanksgiving, which is now just around the corner.

If

you’re a par- ent of a school-aged child, you may feel thankful that your children are excelling in academics and activities like clubs, music, or sports. You may feel proud of their straight As, getting a lead role in the school play, being elected to an office, or scoring on the varsity football team.

We all want our children

to succeed in school, activities, and eventual careers, but sometimes achievement expectations go overboard and cause more problems than benefits. These expectations can come from parents, schools, community members, and young people themselves. And sometimes parents are falsely reassured about their children’s well-being through achievements such as high grades and performance.

Involvement in supervised activities with other youth aids psychosocial development, and good grades are linked to desirable things such as career options. Including us, many experts believe that grades should be as good as a child can reasonably obtain without excessive pressure or distress, cheating, or losing the focus on long-term learning of material. But when achievement expectations gear towards unattainable, unrealistic perfection in terms of grades, wins, or awards, it reflects perfectionism, a mindset with detrimental consequences.

Studies show that about 3 in 10 teenagers have some problem with perfectionism, more commonly in girls than boys. There appears to be a rise in the number of youths who have a perfectionistic mindset, in which:

They think they must achieve at very high levels in at least one activity, or at multiple activities (such as grades and a sport) Achievement is tied to worth as a person – so if they don’t achieve what is expected or desired, they believe they are unworthy failures or losers Achievement is pursued at all costs, even when it causes psychological or physical harm Self-evaluation and self-criticism are prominent, with frequent doubts and concerns about performance The middle ground of being “good enough” is viewed as failure instead of a normal, realistic state of being human Perfectionism is linked to mental illnesses such as anxiety, depression, eating disorders, and obsessive-compulsive disorder, as well as self-harm and… wait for it…reduced academic performance. One would think that students who believe they must get top grades might do better, but the effect of perfectionistic thinking and pressure appears to have the opposite effect.

High expectations to achieve can also reduce the focus on more important character development and learning life-skills necessary for mental health, happiness, and resilience to adversity. (Excerpt from psychologytoday.com) To be continued

By Erin Leonard, PhD

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assion, emotion, empathy, and depth of thought and feeling are admirable characteristics. They fuel a human being’s ability to care deeply about others and to oppose cruelty and hate. Living a life without this intensity of emotion would be like living a life without love. However, there are situations when an individual’s ability to invest emotionally prevents him or her from maintaining a balanced perspective.

As a young psychotherapist, I was empathic and passionate about my work, so I struggled with this dilemma.

As I progressed through school, practicums, case consultations, and professional experiences, I developed the capacity to momentarily transition from a deep state of empathy to a more logical and theoretical stance. This ability to be extremely empathic, but briefly step back in order to consider the situation intellectually has proven to serve me well, not only as a psychotherapist, but as a mom, friend, partner, and human.

Professionally, I use every ounce of empathy I can muster. Authentically resonating with a client’s experience conveys sincere understanding. This provides relief, fosters trust, and allows the client to feel less alone.

After empathising, I emotionally detach for a second, in order to reflect on what I know about the client’s history, human development, attachment, trauma, and transference.

Synthesising this data, I formulate an understanding of the client’s experience which usually illuminates why they are stuck. Incorporating empathy when communicating this information helps the client immensely.

As a parent, the ability to be empathic, but also detach for an instant to contemplate the situation from a logical standpoint is helpful. Empathy allows children to feel understood and connected to their parent, and logic permits thoughtful advice. Empathy heals, comforts, and creates closeness. Logic provides the child with direction.

The other day, I discovered my 10-year-old daughter sitting on the bathroom floor, head in her hands, sobbing. She was embarrassed about the way her tummy looked in her bathing suit, and she was late for her friend’s pool party. I sat on the floor with her, stroked her back and empathised, “It hurts to feel different. I get it.” She snuggled closer to me.

I rubbed her back and told her a story about when I got my hair cut and the woman cut it so short everybody thought I was a boy. “I hid in my bathroom and cried for hours,” I explained. She hugged me tighter. Gently, I said, “It really hurts to not like the way you look. I understand.”

Next, I helped her problem solve. I mentioned a cover-up, a water shirt, or perhaps she could borrow something from her older cousin’s collection of suits. She decided she’d wear her suit and make the best of it. I validated her inner beauty and her strength of character.

Emotional depth and empathy are powerful tools. Ensuring they are followed with calm, critical thinking enhances the healing nature of empathy.

Together, empathy and intellect create resilience. (psychologytoday.com)

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thursdAY, November 15, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

President David Granger diagnosed with cancer – sources …starts chemotherapy in Cuba

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resident David Granger has been diagnosed with cancer and will undergo chemotherapy in Cuba. This was confirmed in a statement issued by the Embassy of Guyana in Cuba late Wednesday.

The President left with his wife, First Lady Sandra Granger for Cuba around two weeks ago. A statement issued by the Ministry of the Presidency on October 29, 2018, confirmed his travel. It said that the President and the First Lady will spend one week in Cuba.

Subsequently, another update was provided by the Government which stated that Granger, 73, was resting comfortably at an official residence in Cuba following an intensive series of tests by specialist doctors.

According to the statement, he was receiving treatment at the Centro de Investigaciones Medico Quirugicas (CIMEQ) in Havana. At that time, clinical analyses were still incomplete.

“The Head of State has responded satisfactorily to medical interventions over the

President David Granger

past week… and is recovering well. President Granger wishes to assure all citizens that he is receiving the best possible medical advice and attention. The President wishes to thank Guyanese for their expressions of concern,” the statement said.

However, suspicions were raised when the President and his wife did not return for the Local Government Elections (LGE). It was confirmed that he was not given clearance by

his doctor to travel.

Deputy Director of Press Affairs at the Ministry of the Presidency, Ariana Gordon, was reported in the press as saying that the President would not have been back in time for LGEs.

Diagnosis

However, on Wednesday, the Guyana Embassy in Cuba confirmed that President Granger was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma,

which is a type of cancer that develops in the lymphatic system.

The lymphatic system is part of your immune system.

Clear fluid, called lymph, flows through the lymphatic vessels and contains infection-fighting white blood cells, known as lymphocytes.

The statement said that on Tuesday, November 6, 2018, the President, was discharged from CIMEQ and returned to his official accommodation.

“The President’s medical personnel has now begun the second phase of treatment today, (Wednesday) and he is likely to be placed in CIMEQ for a short period of two to three days,” the statement added. He has already undergone a surgical procedure.

During this time, the Embassy said the President has been working and resting in accordance with the advice he has been receiving from his doctors. It said, “He is in fine form and a good frame of mind. He is expected to fully recover under the supervision of his doctors.”

The statement also stated that the President ex-

tended his deep gratitude to Guyanese at home and in the Diaspora, to the various Prime Ministers and Presidents, to the Caribbean Community Diplomatic Caucus in Cuba, to his friends and colleagues, and all those who sent their best wishes for his full and complete recovery.

“Above all, the President would like to publicly thank the President of the Republic of Cuba, the Government of Cuba, and the medical staff of CIMEQ for the special care and attention he has received while in Havana; and, indeed, for the excellent facilities in which he is being accommodated.”

The Embassy promised to issue another statement prior to his departure from Cuba.

In May of this year, Granger and the First Lady had travelled to Trinidad and Tobago to undergo what was referred to as their annual medical check-up.

At the time, and in response to reports in the press, the Government had revealed that the couple did their examinations under a Caribbean medical insurance scheme at the Good Health

Medical Centre. Those results, Government had said, indicated a clean bill of health.

According to WebMD, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma is cancer that starts in your body's lymph system.

Lymphoma occurs when the lymph node cells or the lymphocytes begin to multiply uncontrollably, producing cancerous cells that have the abnormal capacity to invade other tissues throughout the body.

WebMD states that the two main types of lymphoma are Hodgkin’s lymphoma and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.

Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma is further classified into a variety of subtypes based on the cell of origin (B-cell or T-cell), and the cell characteristics.

The subtype of Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma predicts the necessity of early treatment, the response to treatment, the type of treatment required, and the prognosis. The risk of developing non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma increases with age.

The management and staff of Guyana Times wishes President David Granger a speedy recovery.

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thursdAY, November 15, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

Sophia man slapped with 2nd murder charge

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ell-known character Travis Evans, called “Short Boss”, who was among the prisoners that escaped from the Lusignan Prison while on remand for murder, was on Wednesday hauled before the courts for another murder charge.

The 23-year-old man of C Field Sophia, Greater Georgetown stood before Magistrate Judy Latchman at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts, where the charge was read. The charge stated that between July 31 and August 2, 2018 at Kuru Kururu, Linden-

Murder accused: Travis Evans

Soesdyke Highway during the course of a robbery and in the company of others, he murdered 46-year-old Gregory Frank.

Murdered: Gregory Frank

According to reports, Frank was found lying face down in a pool of blood in the sitting room of his home at Lot 686 Kuru Kururu.

The gruesome discovery was made by Frank’s father after he suspected something was amiss and decided to check on his son.

The accused was remanded and was expected to make his next court appearance on November 27, 2018.

The accused was previously slapped with a murder charge and was remanded

by Magistrate Zamilla AllySeepaul at the Sparendaam Magistrate’s Court. He is accused of killing 21-year-old Ronslay Clarke. It is alleged that he fatally shot Clarke at a party on August 2, 2018.

Logger granted bail for ammo possession

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45-year-old logger of Alliance Road, Timehri, East Bank Demerara (EBD) on Wednesday found himself before the court, slapped with a charge of possession of unlicensed ammunition after reportedly being bust-

ed during a Police roadblock.

Sunil Roopnarine appeared before Principal Magistrate Judy Latchman and denied the charge which stated that on November 10, 2018 at Bamia, LindenSoesdyke Highway, he had in his possession 10 live

12-gauge cartridges without being a licensed firearm holder.

The prosecution contended that on November 10, the defendant was a passenger in a bus destined for Mahdia, Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni) which was

searched, and the ammunition was found.

Magistrate Latchman released the defendant on $60,000 bail. Roopnarine is expected to make his next court appearance at the Linden Magistrate’s Court on November 21, 2018.

The morning after…

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…the LGE storm ow that the LGE results are out, there’s a lotta folks out there getting “belly-wuk”– all from the AFC and PNC camps. The PPP’s grinning from ear to ear!! The AFC, of course, were left to hang out to dry by the PNC – some would say, “thrown under the bus” – and now that they’ve been exposed as the “dead meat” they were since 2015, their gastrointestinal travails gotta be excruciating!!

One of their members wrote to the Chronic claiming the “AFC still holds the balance” between the PNC and PPP!! Really? But the AFC leadership would know that, when using a balance, there’s a rounding off necessity that makes weights below a certain amount, irrelevant.

In the numbers that the LGE threw up, the votes accumulated by the AFC guarantees their irrelevance!

They’re wiped out by the “rounding off” necessity!!

While PNC chair Volda Lawrence stepped up to the podium to field questions about the performance of her party, the AFC sent out a lowly Executive member.

Leader Trotman, Chairman Ramjattan and “Elder” Nagamootoo were nowhere to be seen. Belly wuk too bad!! The hapless AFC flunkey had to put on a brave face and claimed “voter apathy” was the reason they did so miserably!! So how come the PPP voters weren’t “apathetic”??

The fella also volunteered that his party’s abysmal performance at the LGE won’t have any effect on its coalition with APNU for the 2020 elections!! Clearly, he must’ve thought marijuana was already legalised and had smoked a spliff!! Why’d he think Granger untied them from his apron strings? Right after the 2015 elections, there was a wave of PNC dissention about the AFC getting 40 per cent of the Cabinet – even if diluted! – when they didn’t deliver the promised votes. With them now exposed in all their nakedness, they’ll be lucky is the PNC makes them dogcatcher!!

And that brings us to the PNC. Lawrence can talk all she wants about “not seeing the result as a loss”, but for just 28 per cent of the City voters to show up and exercise their franchise, it means they’re pi55ed off at the PNC. This was plain and simple passive aggression from the PNC’s traditional supporters: they mightn’t have voted for the PPP but – by golly! – they weren’t going to leave their homes for a Government that’s left them in the lurch since 2015!

The PNC can also see the WPA has no pull in Buxton any longer: even they couldn’t get them out in enough numbers to match the PPP numbers from the other villages in the Buxton-Foulis NDC. So, the headline crowed, “PPP won Buxton!!”

Imagine that!

Big Belly wuk!! …the PPP victories LGEs in most places are about local issues like fixing streets and collecting garbage and such like. But not in Guyana! No matter how you cut it; slice it or dice it, none of the parties can deny that the LGE was seen by them as a dress rehearsal for 2020. If the US has its “midterms” which reminds the incumbent President as to how the political winds are blowing, with the return of LGE in 2016, this will now serve that purpose henceforth!

And with that in mind, the PPP sure came up smelling roses!! In every section of the country they did better – which made their overall PR numbers over the PNC/ APNU from 2016 swell from 25,000 to over 45,000! As mentioned before, the PPP under their General Secretary Jagdeo was able to rally his troops and get their votes out! But if the truth be told, the PNC has been their own worst enemy since 2016 and has insisted on shooting itself in the foot at the drop of a hat.

By 2020 they might be just out of feet!! …and worrying about the President The collapse in turnout by traditional PNC supporters have exacerbated concerns about the health of President Granger.

Political uncertainly increases political risks for multinationals. Not good for Guyana!

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

News

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thursdAY, November 15, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

Corentyne woman allegedly beaten by Police give him the cellphone.

The woman is also claiming that her teenage son was questioned without her being present. More so, she said her son was slapped by an officer.

According to Jugnanand, the officer took her bag and began to search it. She said she had $100,000 in the bag and the officer took the money and told her that had to be the cash she received after selling the phone.

Takurdai Jugnanand

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Corentyne, Berbice, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) housewife is alleging she was beaten with a baton

by Police at the Number 51 Police Station on Tuesday night. She is also accusing the officers of stealing $100,000 from her.

Takurdai Jugnanand told Guyana Times on Wednesday that a group of Police Officers went to her Lot 73 Number 52 Village home on Tuesday and requested that she go to the Springlands Police Station.

She said she did not leave with them but rather made her own way to the station with her 15-year-old son.

According to Jugnanand, when she arrived at the station, there was a report by a driver of the car that she travelled in earlier in the day, stating that he left a cellphone in the back seat of the car and she picked it up. According

to the woman, she was not given a chance to say anything, but she was told to stand against a wall. This, she told Guyana Times, was after she and her son were made to sit on a bench for two hours.

The mother of four explained that after being told to stand and face the wall she thought that the officer was going to carry out a body search to see if she had the cellular phone on her person.

“I feel one lash on my shoulder and I start to holla and when I go to turn around I feel another lash on the other and I turn around and ask him “why you beating me, I aint do you anything,” and then he take the baton and lash me on my right knee and then lash me again on the knee…”

In recounting the ordea,l Jagnanand said the Police Officer asked her to

However, according to the housewife, the officer put the money into his pocket and promised to give it back to her when she was leaving. Jugnanand said she was made to sign two blank pieces of paper in order to secure her release.

According to her, one of the officers at the station assisted her to take the teenager out of the station compound and she took a car home.

At home she telephoned

the Whim Police Station and asked for the officer in charge to make a report but was told that she would have to go to the station.

She said on Wednesday morning she was there at 08:00h and after waiting until 12:30h, she left to seek medical attention.

The 45-year-old woman said officers at the Whim Police Station refused to give her a medical form to take to the hospital. She said one was however giv-

en to her when she went to Central Police Station.

The woman has since been seen by a doctor at the New Amsterdam Hospital.

In tears, Jugnanand told Guyana Times that she wants to get her money back which the family saved for her husband’s eye surgery but was going to be used instead for her son’s urgent medical bills.

(Andrew Carmichael)

“We’re watching you” – Traffic Chief warns …as CCTV cameras operational

Traffic Chief, Superintendent Linden Isles

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ll of the ClosedCircuit Television (CCTV) cameras at key city intersections are functioning, Traffic Chief, Superintendent Linden Isles confirmed while warning that drivers will continue to be prosecuted.

Isles, during a recent interview at Eve Leary, said despite some misconceptions, “all the cameras are working” and are constantly monitored and the subsequent images stored.

He also confirmed that there were, and continues to be, successful prosecutions of errant motorists, who commit traffic offences.

“Footage from some of these cameras has led to convictions of hundreds of careless driving and dangerous driving cases,” Isles is quoted by the Department of Public Information as saying.

The CCTV usage has also boosted crime-fighting efforts by enabling law enforcement ranks to track and intercept criminals, he added. Installed over seven years ago and constant-

ly upgraded, the closed-circuit camera system was initiated under the previous Administration. At least 130 cameras were installed initially.

The Government has also started a Citizens Security Programme (CSP), funded with support from the Inter-American Development Bank. Phase Two of the CSP will see an

“emergency smart street safe city proposal” that will see the installation of over 100 CCTV cameras in and around the city, where over 50 per cent of crimes are committed. The proposal also includes the construction of a command centre, where the footage would be monitored day and night.

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thursdAY, November 15, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

Public servants still receiving “poverty pay” – GPSU Head

By Shemuel Fanfair

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resident of the Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU), Patrick Yarde is once again expressing great disgust over the current salaries and benefits public servants are receiving, as he disclosed on Wednesday that the body’s executive council will soon meet for discussions on charting the way forward for improved wages.

This comes weeks after the Guyana Teachers’ Union (GTU) inked a deal with Government for retroactive salary increases and benefits between eight and 12 per cent. In Yarde’s view, public servants are receiving “poverty payments” for salaries.

Speaking to reporters at the GPSU’s headquarters, the executive noted that he is prepared to go as high as the sky – percentage wise – a position he will emphasise when the Executive Council meets later this week. While being tightlipped on the proposed numbers, Yarde observed that the meeting will include discussions on whether there will be changes to the GPSU’s 2015 threeyear proposal given the outcome of Government’s multi-year deal with teach-

ers. “[It will] be determined by the constitutional body if there is evidence for us to consider higher or lower; we could go to the sky for the limit. Lots of public servants receive poverty payments; lots of their ends can’t meet with what they’re getting.

There is no question with whether we will pursue the best we will get,” the GPSU head detailed.

The long-time union President also said despite the assurances given, the negotiations would usually drag out to the end of the year, a practice he expected would cease after 2015. He in fact noted that he wrote President David Granger after the GPSU could not schedule ready meetings with the Department of Public Service’s Permanent Secretary but since then, the position is now vacant, according to Yarde.

“When it became vacant, I wrote the President another letter saying that there was now nobody there to speak to for the situation to be remedied. There was a series of things that was happening and now he is ill so at our Executive Council meeting on Friday, we will determine how to proceed to deal

GPSU President Patrick Yarde

with this matter,” Yarde outlined.

He told the press that when the Union submitted its three-year proposal in 2015, benefits for 2018 were included. He claimed that the Union is currently in a “peculiar situation” as the talks are dragging on. He expressed that union members are calling on the GPSU to conduct more workplace visits which the body will soon commence.

“I am not going to arbitrarily determine anything that is being done; this is a democratic union, it is transparent and I will weigh the outcome of those decisions,” Yarde expressed.

Final offer In October 2017, Minister of State Joseph Harmon had announced Government’s final offer which outlined an eight per cent increase for public service employees earning between $55,000 and $99,999. He had disclosed that public servants earning between $100,000 and $299,999 would have received an increase of six per cent, while workers earning between $300,000 and $500,000 were offered a five per cent increase.

He added that those earning between $500,000 and $699,999 have been offered a four per cent increase while those earning $700,000 to $799,999 are being offered a two per cent increase.

Employees earning between $800,000 and $1 million were proposed a 0.5 per cent increase while those earning above $1 million have been ‘red circled and will benefit from no increases’.

At that time, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of the Presidency, Reginald Brotherson had indicated that the increases were expected to account for some $3.6 billion to the national wages bill. Speaking on these differentiated salary increases on Wednesday, the Union President reminded that Minister Harmon’s proposals were in keeping with the recommendations as outlined in the Commission of Inquiry into the public service. Yarde told reporters that this was one of the principal recommendations with which the Union was not in agreement as it remains to be seen if public service advocates will be able to clinch a similar or more lucrative deal than what was obtained by teachers.

Annihilated!!

S

atiricus was devastated as he trundled towards the Back Street Bar. There was only so much punishment a fella can take, he moaned to himself. All night long he’d scoured the news outlets hoping against all odds his leader Nagga Man would be proven right. The first titbit he got wasn’t encouraging: the leader’s own sister, his flesh and blood, had been soundly beaten in the village she and her brother had been born in – by a rank unknown!!

“Sato!” yelled Bungi, as he spied Satiricus slouching towards their table. “Come tell abee wha’ ‘guh ‘laang wid yuh KFC party!”

“C’mon guys,” said Satiricus morosely, as he took a swig from his beer bottle. “I’m trying to deal with our defeat, you know.”

“Defeat?! Defeat?!” asked Cappo, his voice rising in disbelief. “Da na wan ‘defeat’; da a wan massacar!!”

“So tell me Sato,” asked Hari. “What came into Nagga Man head to promise he would beat PPCEE in his village?”

“Well, most of the people are his family, you know,” answered Satiricus. “His sister, his Cha Cha; his Poowah and Poppa, and his Daabit all have very large families!”

“Suh now abee know even Nagga Man fambly na vote fuh am!” chortles Bungi. “Wha’ ‘e guh do now?”

“I don’t know about him,” said Satiricus quietly.

“I have to decide what I will do.”

All eyes at the table swivelled towards Satiricus.

“Wha’ yuh mean budday?” asked Cappo in a worried tone. “Na do nuttin schupid yuh know!”

“Naah,” said Satiricus with a wry smile, as he reached for another bottle of beer. “I think it’s time I quit the KFC party.”

“You don’t mean that, do you?” said Hari. “Look how much you gave to the KFC!” “Na fuh men-shan all dem tantalise fram abee!” laughed Cappo.

“That’s not it fellas,” said Satiricus. “Nagga Man’s boast was the last straw! How could he give us supporters hope, when even his blood wouldn’t vote for him?”

“Me t’ing da bes’,” said Bungi. “Dead Meat can mek yuh sick!”

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thursdAY, November 15, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

Teachers warned against Fly Jamaica crash landing calling children “dunces” US experts to analyse data, …CEO calls out UG on “breaking spirit”

“Y

ou cannot be a teacher, you cannot be an educator and you see people as no good, misfit and dunces,” said a passionate Chief Education Officer (CEO) at the opening ceremony for a three-day workshop, which will focus on the new curriculum at Regency Hotel, Georgetown on Wednesday.

The CEO, Marcel Hutson, said he believed that too many teachers these days adopted the posture of being judgmental and tended to say things to children that could lower their self-esteem and affect their learning ability for good.

According to him, teachers should be more considerate of their students and develop lesson plans, along with other teaching resources that will benefit all of their students, regardless how of fast or slow they may learn.

“It has to do with the methodologies, the strategies and all of that, and I hope that even as we write we would consider these methodologies and strategies and so we have to move away from abstract teaching and teaching that is done in a vacuum and, therefore , our children are not learning,” he said.

Chief Education Officer Marcel Hutson

Hutson added that teachers too must be in love with their jobs as otherwise the drive to see children succeed would not be there, resulting in children not being encouraged to excel in their studies. It was on this note that the CEO shared details on his recent visit to Jamaica, where he learnt that in Finland and Singapore, persons are not given the position of a teacher merely because of their educational achievements. In fact, he said that interested persons there are screened to see whether or not the individual’s attitude, personality, and character are fit for the job.

He explained that he per-

sonally heard educators calling their students “dunce” among other hurtful things and reminded teachers that “we have to be facilitators and the creators of learning”. It was because of the hurtful things that are said to students, even at the tertiary level, persons could be scared away from pursuing their studies, he said.

“One person said to me, and I say this without any apology, it was a person who completed a doctoral degree, said I did not go to UWI (University of the West Indies) because I did not want people to fatigue me …

I have done a masters with people at Nova University in the United States and in conjunction with the University of Guyana (UG) and I could tell you that there was a difference in the approach of the two groups’,” he related.

According to the CEO, the lecturers at the US university were “creators and facilitators of learning”.

While not saying much about the local University, he just pointed out that “if a person enters an institution and the first thing is that somebody will greet you and say “you see you with that attitude you will never graduate from here”, right away the spirit is broken”.

voice recorders

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ollowing last week’s crash-landing of a Boeing 757 aircraft operated by Fly Jamaica at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport, investigators will finally be able to fully assess what exactly went wrong as the Fly Data Recorder (Black Box) and Cockpit Voice Recorder (Pink Box) will be sent to the United States via air travel today.

When contacted by Guyana Times on Wednesday evening, Director General of the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) Egbert Field confirmed that a National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) official will deliver the two pieces of equipment in Washington, DC, United States today.

NTSB is an independent US Government agency that overlooks investigations into air transportation accidents.

hydraulic issues, the pilot acted quickly and returned to the CJIA where it crash-landed at about 02:53h.

On Saturday last, the NTSB investigator arrived in Guyana and worked with GCAA and other stakeholders at the crash site on Monday and Tuesday as the investigation was carried out. The GCAA Director stated that Wednesday was used to ensure that all of the necessary paperwork was filed and sent off as the probe both in Guyana and in the US continues.

“We spent the day going over documentation at the office so [the official] is leaving and taking the Fly Data Recorder and the Cockpit Voice Recorder with him. Two Boeing engineers who came in on Monday and are presently here have been at the crash site evaluating the entire situ-

The plane after the crash

The flight, OJ256 left Guyana for Toronto, Canada at about 02:10h on Friday last but after reportedly encountering

ation to analysing data,” Field told this newspaper.

The owner of the airline, Roxanne Reece and other exec-

GCAA Director General Egbert Field

utives had visited the injured people at hospital on Sunday.

Although the Guyana Fire Service (GFS) was the first responders to the crash site, several fire fighters caused embarrassment to themselves and the GFS for their alleged acts of theft. At least 14 of the fire fighters who were implicated in removing several devices belonging to the crew and passengers were believed to have taken the items as they had exclusive access to the plane.

One of the firemen had reportedly returned some of the stolen items while some were found at the Timehri Fire Service. The airline had opened their call centres around the clock and was contacting passengers with flight reservations through November 14 (Wednesday). Arrangements were made with Caribbean Airlines to have the passengers transported to their destinations.

12news

thursdAY, November 15, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

Battle with credit union continues

GPSU calls meeting with aggrieved members today

T

he back and forth between the Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU) and the Interim Management Committee (IMC) managing the Guyana Public Service Co-operative Credit Union Limited (GPSCCUL) is continuing with the GPSU saying that some its members are having to wait several days just to make withdrawals from their accounts with the credit union.

In June 2018 the High Court issued an order that re-instated the Governmentinstalled IMC. GPSU First Vice-President Dawn Gardner revealed that the union received numerous complaints from credit union members who are also members of GPSU. “The GPSU considers the complaints to be serious given that the challenges faced by members affect them eco-

GPSU executives at a press conference at the Union’s Georgetown headquarters. In the centre of the photo is GPSU First Vice President Dawn Gardner. To her right, President Patrick Yarde and left, Executive Assistant Indira Thakudin, along with other officials

nomically because of the onerous measures imposed by them an IMC installed by the purported Chief Cooperative Development Officer (CCDO) of the Ministry of Social Protection,” the executive explained.

Gardener told reporters at GPSU’s press conference that some GPSCCUL members have to wait around three days to receive their withdrawals from special

savings, while members out of Georgetown have to make several trips to the city when applying for and accessing loans. She observed that some in the end are denied those very loans.

“These experiences have resulted from backward actions taken, which apart from being unenlightened are also insensitive to the circumstances of members,” she stressed.

Narco-possession charge lands man in jail

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fter reportedly being busted with a quantity of cannabis during a roadblock operation along the Linden-Soesdyke Highway on Saturday, 26-year-old Peter Patterson was on Wednesday placed before the courts to answer to the offence.

Patterson, of Laluni Creek, Linden-Soesdyke Highway, stood before Principal Magistrate Judy

Latchman and denied the charge which stated that on November 10, 2018 at Bamia, Linden- Soesdyke Highway, he had in his possession 16 grams of cannabis for the purpose of trafficking.

According to the prosecution’s case, Patterson was a passenger in a car and during a Police roadblock, a search was conducted on his person and the illegal drug

was found in his boots.

Police Prosecutor Arvin Moore objected to bail, citing the prevalence of the offence along with the penalty the charge attracts.

Magistrate Latchman upheld the prosecution’s submission, and remanded the defendant to prison.

The case will continue on November 21, 2018 at the Linden Magistrate’s Court.

The union’s head, Patrick Yarde, will this afternoon lead a meeting at GPSU’s

headquarters in Georgetown to address the complaints its members made. The GPSU reaching out to credit union members comes months after the old management at the credit union called in to police to prevent the interim committee taking over. It has been reported that the credit union had an undue payment of more than $49 million to the Audit and Supervision Fund for the years 2002-2013.

Many of the issues that surrounded the GPSCCUL stemmed from allegations of financial improprieties

whereby officials were accused of excessive spending for bonuses and travel which were tuned to the sum of $32 million. Some even alleged that a senior official at the Guyana Public Service Union (GSPU) paid out some $700,000 in bonuses to himself. There were numerous picketing exercises earlier this year by shareholders, who had called for greater transparency at the body as one member had claimed that he received no dividends for the five years which he contributed to the credit union.

Matthews Ridge without stable power after generator turbocharger theft

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he Hinterland Electrification Company Inc, an agency within the Public Infrastructure Ministry, issued a report to the Ministry of the theft of a turbocharger from the generator at Matthews Ridge, Region One (BarimaWaini).

As a result of the stolen turbocharger, residents within Matthews Ridge are currently experiencing power outages. The matter has been reported to the relevant authority and the Ministry in a statement said it is working prudently to recover the stolen turbocharger or to have it replaced.

According to the Ministry, last weekend,

as the mechanical engineer conducted maintenance work on the generators, he observed several parts were missing from the 156VA Cummins generator.

An investigation was immediately launched at the power station to find the missing equipment.

Moreover, the Ministry

outlined that it was upon this investigation that the station operator allegedly confessed that he had removed the turbocharger from the generator and sold it to a miner.

The station operator is currently in custody at the Matthews Ridge Police Station as the investigation continues.

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thursdAY, November 15, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

World Diabetes Day

Eliminating diabetes through prevention, control

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he Guyana Diabetic Association, in collaboration with the Public Health Ministry and private stakeholders, on Wednesday organised a small health fair at the Stabroek Square, attracting hundreds who took advantage of the services being offered.

The event was organised in celebration of World Diabetes Day and sought to provide a medium for which citizens could be exposed to information that could save lives. It is known that many are sceptical about joining lengthy lines or paying hefty sums for healthcare ser-

Diabetes testing is offered to a passer-by

vices; this event eliminated such inconveniences.

Services provided during the fair included blood testing, provision of information

on preventing diabetes from skilled medical personnel and medications that could control the disease.

Elizabeth Ram of the

Region 3 to commence boat rides on Demerara River

Speedboats at the Vreed-en-Hoop Stelling that will be used for the tourism project

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n promoting tourism in Guyana during Tourism Awareness Month 2018, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara) is looking at utilising the ferry stellings and some water taxis to provide boat rides along the Demerara River.

Chamber President Halim Khan spoke to <<<Guyana Times>>> on Wednesday, noting the efforts to establish this system. In the coming week, some of the speedboats that are normally used to transport commuters to the Stabroek Ferry Stelling will be marked to indicate they will be providing this new service. Khan revealed that by the end of November, all systems should be in place to open this new service.

“A development which we will have by next week is the speedboats, which will be marked according to the tourism authority of Region Three. We will have markings on these boats so when any tourists come into the country; they can use the boats along the Demerara River. That will be put in place from the week coming,” Khan said.

“There is bird watching at the Harbour Bridge where thousands of birds are always present throughout the river.

Persons can also choose to see the city at night. Those who are going in at the mouth of the river can also do so either in the day or the evening,” he explained,

in listing some of the activities the new service will facilitate.

Khan insisted that locals should also take advantage of this opportunity to view Guyana from a different perspective. In the coming weeks, contact numbers for bookings will be made available and additional details will be provided.

“This is for everyone, because we need to start tourism somewhere and we want to make the Region one of the best in terms of tourism, so local persons can surely enjoy that ride because it will bring in revenue.”

The Chamber of Commerce and Industry

is looking at its tourism development project, but funding is needed to complete such. The flagship project for the modification of the Vreed-en-Hoop Stelling includes advanced facilities for tourists with the inclusion of a souvenir and artisan centre, food courts and two adjoining boardwalks that will lead to the water-taxi hub.

Tourism Awareness Month this year is themed, “Promoting Sustainability, Celebrating Diversity”, and is aimed at showcasing primarily the natural characteristics of Guyana, while placing emphasis on the adventure and cultural experiences which one can experience during their stay.

New GPC was among those in attendance, delivering medications produced by the pharmaceutical company which were effective in controlling diabetes. There was also a display of high- quality medicines sold at reduced prices.

“We’re displaying the products that are more suitable for diabetics. We have some very prominent products like Nutrophos which is very good for specifically diabetics and those ailments.

We’re offering some products at a very low discounted price,” said Ram. Other products manufactured by the company include Ferrol, Limacol, the extended range of Whizz tablets, and the newly-introduced Phanadyl Children’s Multi-symptom Cold and Flu. Meanwhile, the Lions Club of Ruimveldt was among the groups to supply first-hand information on the disease.

One of its members, Dillon Thompson explained, “We are collaborating with the Guyana Diabetic Association to hold this exhibition on World’s Diabetes Day, where we want to showcase some of the problems that people might encounter and we’re hoping that the visitors can be taught how to prevent it.” <<<Guyana Times>>> was also joined by Carlos Farley of the Public Health Ministry who highlight-

Blood pressure testing being done at another booth ed the possibility of diabetes-induced blindness. At that booth, special attention was placed on eye testing for diabetics by trained ophthalmologists.

Farley said, “We’re doing some eye tests [on persons] who are suffering from diabetes. Diabetes is the leading cause of blindness in Guyana. We’re doing some eye screening for patients and telling them what they need to do. This includes checking their eyesight every two years, because there

can be bleeding behind the eye.”

ANSA McAL was among the private stakeholders, and tasked healthcare professionals to conduct free diabetes testing on the spot.

This service was utilised by many persons.

The 2018 World Diabetes Day theme, “The Family and Diabetes” indicates that a different approach should be taken to eradicate diabetes and all should get involved in health education and testing.

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thursdAY, November 15, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

Taxi driver’s rib broken Linden Police probing during alleged Police beating rape of 6-year-old

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Corentyne, Berbice taxi driver is seeking justice after he was allegedly by Police Officers at the Springlands Police Station.

Baldeo Budhram, 33, a taxi driver, of Lot 50 Princetown, Corriverton, told Guyana Times on Wednesday that he was beaten by Police Officers attached to the Springlands Police Station on October 7.

According to Budhram, he was outside his home waiting for his wife to open the gate when Police ranks on patrol pulled up alongside him.

Budhram told this publication that a Policeman walked up to him and instructed that he step out of the car. According to him, he became scared after the officer told him to go into the passenger seat and another jumped in the back seat of the car. He said he began asking questions and the officer in the backseat put his arm around his neck and choked him. He alleged that he was then told that he will find out all that he wanted to know when he gets to the station.

At the Springlands Police Station, the taxi driver claimed he was told to take a breathalyser test, but he refused since the pipe he was being asked to blow into was a used one. After searching for a new one, the officers told him that they did not have any and he had to use that very one. He said he then told the officers that he was aware of his rights and was not going to put the used pipe into his mouth.

“They told me since I know my rights let me go

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olice in Linden, Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice) are probing the rape of a sixyear-old child.

Guyana Times understands that a 44-year-old man of Wisroc, Wismar, Linden, has been arrested and questioned in relation to the incident. This newspaper was told that he has since been released on $50,000 station bail pending the probe.

A Police source confirmed that as a condition for the station bail,

the man is required to report daily at the Police station. E Division (LindenKwakwani) Commander, Linden Lord has indicated that legal advice has since been sought on the way forward.

Region 10 recorded the highest cases of child abuse in Guyana in 2017, with a 22.1 per cent of the country's total. Director of the Child Care and Protection Agency (CCPA), Ann Greene, had confirmed that most of the reported cases in the region came from Linden.

According to information from the Agency, the overall rate of child abuse for Guyana in 2017 is 15.8 children per 1000 of the national population of children.

Greene had stressed the importance of understanding "rates" in terms of population size when looking at the number of children being abused, as she pointed out that according to the rates, Region 10 had the highest. She also indicated that Region 10 had the highest rate of child neglect and sexual abuse.

ECD collision

Baldeo Budhram displaying his X-ray

and lock up my car. When I go outside one of them start to cuss me and I cuss he back and then one of them take a gun and lash me behind my head and I go down to the ground and then start to kick me all over in my back, head, jaw, mouth and in my ribs.”

The taxi driver said he was later placed in the lock ups and the following morning taken to the Skeldon Hospital for medical treatment and then released.

The matter has since been reported to the Police and Budhram was told that an officer will visit him to take a statement. He said he waited for three days and then returned to the station. He was subsequently asked to make a report with the Office of Professional Responsibility. He is of the view that he is being pushed around by Police in Berbice.

When Guyana Times

reached out for a comment on the matter, the Police claimed that the taxi driver fell and injured himself.

However, Bhudram told this publication that he did not fall. He also said the ground is flat and covered with sand.

Following the lack of what Budhram calls an unsatisfactory response, he took his concerns to the Office of the Prime Minister in Berbice and met with the regional representative, Gobin Harbhajan.

Speaking with this newspaper, Harbhajan said he spoke with the SubDivisional Officer who said the Divisional Commander has been asked to investigate the matter. After an entire month of back and forth and still awaiting justice in the matter, Bhudram reached out to the media on Wednesday and told his story. (Andrew Carmichael)

Motorcyclist to undergo surgery

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ollowing a late night collision on the East Coast of Demerara (ECD) on Sunday between a minibus and a motorcyclist, the injured man is expected to undergo surgery while the minibus driver was released on bail. According to information reaching Guyana Times, the driver of the minibus – a Blossom Housing Scheme, Enmore, ECD resident – was released on $40,000 bail on Monday evening while the motorcyclist, Eon Persaud, 35, owner of motorcycle CF 222, is still hospitalised at the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPHC).

This publication was told that Persaud is expected to undergo surgery for the injuries he sustained to his leg.

The injured man after regaining consciousness after the accident told investigators that he was proceeding West on the northern side of Industry Railway Embankment, ECD, around 23:30h when the minibus driver swerved out

The minibus involved in the accident

of his lane to overtake another vehicle, thus colliding with his motorcycle and throwing him into the air.

The bus driver’s story however differed, as he told Police that he was proceeding West on the southern side of Industry Railway Embankment when the motorcycle “came out of nowhere” and collided with the right side of his bus.

As a result of the collision, the cyclist fell to the roadway but was picked up and rushed to the GPHC in an unconscious state.

Based on information received, the man sustained injuries to his right leg and hand. Meanwhile, the driver of the minibus who passed a breathalyser test is continuing to assist with the investigations.

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New substation for Kingston, Region 2 pushing tourism sector upgrade to Vreed-en-Hoop T

he Guyana Power and Light (GPL) Inc is working to construct a new substation at Sophia, Greater Georgetown and upgrade the one at Vreeden-Hoop as part of efforts to reduce power loss and outages. The new substation and upgrades will be funded through a more than $4.1 billion (US$20 million) loan agreement signed with the Islamic Development Bank (IDB) last month, to support GPL’s Power Utility Upgrade Programme (PUUP).

Public Infrastructure Minister David Patterson told the Department of Public Information (DPI) that this venture, together with new wiring and infrastructure under the PUUP, is aimed at addressing the frequent blackouts.

“This loan will not only be looking at the transmission and distribution, but it will be looking at constructing a new substation at Kingston and upgrading one in Vreeden-Hoop. You know because of how the system is configured: any simple flaw trips the entire system. So, with the new substation, we will have different feeds coming in; therefore, one line going down will not bring the en-

tire system down. We will be putting a breaker in front of the generators in both areas,” Minister Patterson explained.

The PUUP is a component of GPL’s development and expansion plans for 2014 to 2021. The plan incorporates necessary reforms and upgrades to reduce losses and improve the quality and reliability of electricity supply, while helping to transform Guyana’s infrastructural landscape, boost the manufacturing sector and improve the quality of life for citizens. Under the PUUP, there will be approximately 900 kilometres of wiring countrywide and the installation of 25,000 smart meters. The upgrade will improve efficiency, lower losses, and lower costs to the consumers. Minister Patterson reaffirmed that the frequent power outages

experienced during the year will soon be a thing of the past.

“We lose about 30 per cent of the electricity we generate to either technical losses; losses due to poor infrastructure and wiring and commercial losses which are theft. It is anticipated that when the PUUP is finished that the technical losses will reduce to five per cent.

Therefore, naturally, we’ll have more power available to the grid because we’re recouping five per cent of our generating power.”

The PUUP project will also include rehabilitation of 153km of medium and low-voltage distribution network, the upgrade of the associated metering infrastructure, and consultancy services for the supervision of the works and project management support among others.

Members of the Region Two Tourism Association along with Regional Chairman Devanand Ramdatt

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he President and members of the Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam) Tourism Association, in collaboration with the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) met on Wednesday with the Regional Chairman Devanand Ramdatt to discuss plans for the Region's tourism sector.

This is a part of Tourism Awareness Month 2018.

According to the Regional Chairman, to attract tourism to the Region, there must be a clean environment; courteous and reliable transportation; accommodations; stable electricity, water and communication and

easy access to places of interest.

The Region Two Tourism Association President Maria Lords-Lewis said that plans were in place to start a tourism awareness drive in the Region by reaching out to the schools, business sector, service providers, and residents so as to get all involved, prepared and ready.

A general clean-up campaign is expected to start this weekend in Charity, the northern end of the Coast, where all garbage will be collected and disposed of at the garbage dumpsite in Charity. The clean-up campaign will then move to Supenaam next weekend.

The team will also be meeting with the key service providers in the transportation, communication, accommodation and other sectors as well as restaurants, cook shops, vendors, entertainment spots and other key stakeholders. Region Two has the potential for a vibrant tourism sector, and boasts many natural attractions such as rivers, lakes, resorts, wildlife, as well as Amerindian Communities, historic sites, and even a small waterfalls in the Amerindian Community of Tapakuma, if promoted, can be one of the most successful sectors in the Region.

California wildfire victims sue utility company V

ictims of California’s deadliest wildfire have filed a lawsuit against PG&E Corp alleging negligence and health and safety code violations by the utility company in the blaze that has killed at least 48 people.

The lawsuit seeking damages against California’s largest public utility was filed on Tuesday in San Francisco County Superior Court by three law firms, which refer to themselves as Northern California Fire Lawyers.

“It’s important to remember that the cause (of the “Camp Fire”) has yet to

be determined,” PG&E said in a statement. “Right now, our primary focus is on the communities, supporting first responders and getting our crews positioned and ready to respond when we get access, so that we can safely restore gas and electricity to our customers.”

The Camp Fire, which began last Thursday, has all but wiped out the Sierra foothills town of Paradise in Butte County, about 175 miles (280 kilometres) north of San Francisco, that was overrun by flames and largely incinerated. But both PG&E and Southern California Edison have re-

File Photo: Damaged power pole following the deadly Camp Fire blocks a path in Paradise, California, U.S., November 13, 2018.

REUTERS/Terray Sylvester/File Photo

ported to regulators that they experienced problems with transmission lines or substations in areas around the time the blazes were first reported.

The lawsuit alleged that PG&E failed to properly maintain, repair and replace its equipment and that “its inexcusable behaviour contributed to the cause of the ‘Camp Fire.’”

The lawsuit alleges that prior to the Camp Fire, PG&E began warning customers it might turn off power because of the high risk of wildfires.

“Despite its own recognition of these impending

hazardous conditions, on the day of the Camp Fire’s ignition, PG&E ultimately made the decision not to proceed with its plans for a power shutoff,” the lawsuit stated.

Last month PG&E cut off electric power to about 60,000 customers to prevent wildfires as high winds threatened to topple trees and power lines.

Searchers looking for the remains of victims in the charred ruins of Paradise were set to expand their operation on Wednesday as firefighters stepped up efforts to contain the blaze.

(Reuters)

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Regional

Migrant caravan: Hundreds reach Tijuana on US border

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undreds of Central American migrants travelling through Mexico to seek asylum in the US have reached the Mexican border city of Tijuana. The group of 400, who include LGBTQ migrants, broke away from the larger caravan of 5000 people in Mexico City.

US Defence Secretary James Mattis said he would go to the US-Mexico border on Wednesday, his first visit since thousands of troops were deployed.

Larger groups are expected to arrive at the border in the coming days.

The 5000 migrants, who say they are fleeing persecution, poverty and violence

in their home countries of Honduras, Guatemala and El Salvador, have largely been making their journey on foot.

The splinter group, which reached Tijuana on Tuesday, did so aboard a fleet of buses. They joined a smaller group of about 80 migrants who reached the border city on Sunday.

Many of the smaller group are LGBTQ, media reported, who say they parted ways with the main caravan after weeks of what they call discriminatory treatment by local residents and fellow travellers.

Undeterred by a harder US stance against them, the migrants have said they will continue the journey so

that they can claim asylum.

The journey began from the city of San Pedro Sula in Honduras on October 13 – about 4350km (2700 miles) away from Tijuana.

Because the route poses a host of dangers, such as attack by criminal gangs, many of the migrants say they feel safer travelling in numbers. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Cuba to withdraw doctors from Brazil after Bolsonaro snub

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uba said on Wednesday it would pull thousands of its doctors from Brazil after the South American nation’s President-elect Jair Bolsonaro questioned their training and demanded changes to their contracts.

The far-right Bolsonaro, who takes office on January 1, said in an interview this month that the 11,420 Cuban doctors working in poor and remote parts of Brazil could only stay if they

received 100 percent of their pay and their families could join them.

Under the terms of the agreement with Cuba, brokered via the Pan-American Health Organisation, Havana receives the bulk of the doctors’ wages.

Bolsonaro threatened to break off diplomatic relations with Havana over the program, saying it trampled on the rights of the doctors by handing the Cuban government 75 percent of their

pay and denying mothers the right to have their children with them.

“That is just torture for a mother,” Bolsonaro said in the November 2 interview with Brasilia’s Correio Braziliense newspaper. He also questioned the qualifications of the Cuban doctors and said they would have to renew their licenses in Brazil.

Cuba’s Health Ministry rejected Bolsonaro’s comments as “contemptuous

and threatening” to the presence of our doctors” in a statement announcing its withdrawal from the programme.

Cuban doctors work in dozens of countries, some without cost to their hosts and others where Cuba charges a fee per doctor, most of which it claims goes to keep the free national health system in Cuba functioning. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Caribbean looks to protect its seafood from mercury

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our Caribbean countries have done an inventory of the major sources of mercury contamination in their islands, but a great deal of work still needs to be done to determine where and what impact this mercury is having on the region’s seafood chain.

Trinidad and Tobago, St Kitts and Nevis, Jamaica and St Lucia recently concluded a Minamata Initial Assessment project, funded by the Global Environment Facility, that enabled them to identify their top mercury polluters. The assessment represents a major step for the countries, all of which share the global concern over mercury contamination of the seafood chain that led to the ratification in August

The fisheries sector in the Caribbean Community is an important source of income. Four Caribbean countries have done an inventory of the major sources of mercury contamination in their islands

2017 of the United Nation’s Minamata Convention on Mercury.

Public education on the issue is vital, said Tahlia Ali

Shah, the assessment’s project execution officer. “When mercury is released it eventually enters the land or soil or waterways. It becomes a

problem when it enters the waterways and it moves up the food chain. Mercury tends to bioaccumulate up the food chain,” she said.

Ali Shah works for the regional project’s implementing agency, the Basel Convention Regional Centre for the Caribbean (BCRC), which held a seminar in Trinidad in early October to apprise members of the public about the dangers posed by mercury. The seminar also shared with participants some of the results of the initial assessment and what citizens can do to help reduce mercury in the environment. The four countries plan to roll out public awareness campaigns on the issue, Ali Shah said. (Excerpt from

Caribbean News Now)

St Vincent and the Grenadines says it’s poised to become leading producer of medical marijuana

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t Vincent and the Grenadines says it’s is on the brink of becoming a globally leading producer of organically certified medicinal cannabis, rivalling any other producer in the entire Western Hemisphere.

It says the expected passing of legislation this month, ensuring tightly regulated guidelines, positions the nation as a powerful Caribbean hub for global medicinal cannabis innovation.

Minister of Agriculture, Industry, Fisheries, Forestry, Labour and Rural Transformation Saboto Caesar said the industry had the potential to positively transform rural livelihoods and communities while changing the lives of patients who suffer from medical conditions that are unresponsive to other treatments.

Minister Caesar said the Government would have more to say with the passing of the legislation, but was now put-

ting the world’s investors on notice of the top 30 benefits for investing in the country.

These include: a tropical climate ideal for extra lowcost ‘outdoor’ cannabis production; over 50 years of experience in cannabis cultivation; more than 2,000 traditional cannabis farmers; availability of arable lands; unique strains of domestically produced cannabis available for scientific research and development; the likelihood of cannabis being VAT exempted since it is an agricultural commodity; an established national bio-pesticide, bio-fertilizer production platform to support organic cannabis production; accessibility to medicinal cannabis healthcare products and services; international air and sea port connections; and an exotic tourism location, with 32 islands and cays, and over a quarter million cruise ship passenger visits forecast for 2019. (Excerpt

from Caribbean360)

Islamic Bank to open regional office in Suriname amid growing ties

Pictured at left are Islamic Development Bank Vice President (Operations), Dr Mansur Muhtar, and Minister of Finance, Gillmore Hoefdraad, in Jeddah. At right, Director General of the OPEC Fund for International Development, Dr Abdulhamid Al Khalifa, and Finance Minister Gillmore Hoefdraad, in Vienna

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ollowing his tour of the Persian Gulf States of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the Finance Minister of Suriname, Gillmore Hoefdraad, revealed this week that the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) will open a regional office in Suriname that will serve as a hub within Latin America and the Caribbean and will also contribute to increased efficiency and cooperation.

In Jeddah, he held talks with Dr Mansur Muhtar, Vice President of the Islamic Development Bank.

Both Suriname and neighbouring Guyana are members of the IsDB. In addition, the IsDB reiterated its willingness to support and finance the construction of the new Paramaribo University Hospital (AZP), which had a setback. The expansion and modernisation

of the hospital will be funded by the IsDB, OPEC, Kuwait Fund, Abu Dhabi Fund and the Government of Suriname.

Hoefdraad also had a meeting with the Director General of the OPEC Fund for International Development, Dr Abdulhamid Al Khalifa, at the OPEC regional office in Vienna, Austria, last week about the hospital project.

The OPEC Fund for International Development (OFID) will contribute US$26.5 million to the project. In January 2019, a consultation of all the parties involved in the project will meet in Paramaribo and the blueprint of the project is expected to be completed by this time. While in Jeddah, Hoefdraad praised the Islamic Bank’s reverse linkage projects, which involves financing from the IsDB and technical assistance from member states.

(Excerpt from Caribbean News Now)

Colombia investigates death of key corruption case witness

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he Attorney General’s office in Colombia has opened an investigation into the death of Jorge Enrique Pizano. Pizano was a key witness in a corruption investigation involving Brazilian construction giant Odebrecht. He died on

Thursday of what forensic experts originally described as a heart attack. But investigators became suspicious when Pizano’s son died three days later of poisoning after drinking from a bottle left at his father’s home. Alejandro Pizano had travelled from Barcelona,

where he works as an architect, to Colombia to attend his father’s funeral. While at the family home north of the capital, Bogotá, he took a swig from a bottle of flavoured water which was standing on his father’s desk. Witnesses said he immediately became

violently ill and died on the way to hospital. Doctors diagnosed cyanide poisoning.

His poisoning has led investigators to re-examine the forensic tests carried out on his father’s body. The possibility that Jorge Enrique Pizano’s death may not have been due

to natural causes has caused a stir in Colombia with many speculating about who could have wanted to silence the engineer.

Pizano worked as an auditor for the Ruta del Sol (Sun Route), one of Colombia’s biggest infrastructure projects aimed at con-

structing roads to link up the centre of the country with the Caribbean coast. The contract to build much of the 1000km (620 miles) stretch of motorway was awarded to Brazilian construction giant Odebrecht and its local partners. (Excerpt

from BBC News)

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guyanatimesgy.com

Around the World

Israel Defence Minister Lieberman China postpones lifting ban on resigns over Gaza ceasefire rhino and tiger parts after outcry

Avigdor Lieberman said Israel was doing "serious damage to national security in the long term"

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srael's defence minister has resigned over the Cabinet's decision to accept a ceasefire ending two days of fighting with Palestinian militants in Gaza.

Avigdor Lieberman denounced the move as "surrendering to terror". He said his right-wing Yisrael Beiteinu party would leave the ruling coalition, which could lead to an early elec-

tion.

Eight people were killed on Monday and Tuesday as militants fired 460 rockets towards Israel and Israeli forces bombed 160 targets in Gaza. The ceasefire was largely holding on Wednesday and schools and businesses in southern Israel reopened after no rocket attacks were reported overnight.

However, Israel's mili-

tary said it had shot at and captured a Palestinian man who tried to breach the Israel-Gaza border fence while hurling grenades.

Palestinian health officials later said a fisherman had been killed by Israeli fire in northern Gaza. The Israeli military said soldiers had shot the man because he was advancing towards the border fence.

The fighting – the most intense since the 50-day war in 2014 – began after an Israeli special forces undercover operation in Gaza was exposed on Sunday, triggering clashes that left seven Palestinian militants and one Israeli soldier dead.

Late on Monday, militants launched a barrage of rockets and mortars at Israel.

One of the rockets hit a block of flats in the town of Ashkelon, killing a Palestinian man who was working in Israel. (Excerpt from

BBC News)

Rhinos and tigers are both endangered in the wild

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hina has said it is postponing its easing of a ban on the trade of tiger bones and rhino horn, following a wave of protests from environmental groups. Rhinos and tigers are both endangered in the wild and China had prohibited their trade in 1993.

But in late October, it announced it would permit the animal parts to be used for scientific, medical and cultural purposes. Officials have now said the move was "postponed after study".

Tiger and rhino parts are

highly valued in traditional Chinese medicine. They are prescribed to treat a large variety of ailments including fever, gout, insomnia and meningitis, though any benefits have not been proven.

Ding did not give a reason for the postponement or say how long it might last, but said that in the meantime, the old ban would remain in force. "The Chinese government has long been dedicated to the cause of wildlife protection and has made achievements rec-

ognised by the world," he said.

In a statement on October 29, 2018, China's state council said it would allow powdered forms of rhino horn and bones from dead tigers to be used in "qualified hospitals by qualified doctors".

Conservation groups reacted with outrage. The World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) said it would have "devastating consequences".

WWF said the new development "signalled a positive response to international reaction". (Excerpt from BBC News)

UK Ministers back May on Brexit Eritrea sanctions lifted but she faces battle in Parliament after 9 years

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ritish Prime Minister Theresa May won the backing of her senior ministers for a draft European Union divorce deal on Wednesday, freeing her to tackle the much more perilous struggle of getting Parliament to approve the agreement.

More than two years after the United Kingdom voted to leave the EU in a referendum, May told reporters outside her Downing Street residence that she had won over her divided cabinet, which includes some senior Brexiteers.

“The collective decision of cabinet was that the Government should agree the draft withdrawal agreement

and the outline political declaration,” May said outside her Downing Street residence after a five-hour cabinet meeting.

“I firmly believe that the draft withdrawal agreement is the best that could be negotiated,” May said as protesters shouted anti-Brexit slogans from the end of the street. It was not immediately clear whether any ministers had resigned over the deal, which May hopes will satisfy both Brexit voters and EU supporters by ensuring close ties with the bloc after Britain leaves on March 29.

But May, the weakest British leader in a generation,

now faces the ordeal of trying to push her deal through a vote in the British Parliament, where opponents lined up to castigate the agreement, even before reading it.

It is not yet clear when Parliament might vote on a deal. To get it approved, May needs the votes of about 320 of Parliament’s 650 lawmakers.

The ultimate outcome for the United Kingdom remains uncertain: scenarios range from a calm divorce to rejection of May’s deal, potentially sinking her premiership and leaving the bloc with no agreement, or another referendum. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh: India waits for Bollywood wedding

Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh

I

ndia was counting down the hours until Bollywood superstars Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh tie the knot in a plush Italian resort on Wednesday. The couple's names are trending on Twitter and social media is filled with good wishes ahead of their big day.

The actors have starred in three films together, including blockbusters Bajirao Mastani and Padmaavat.

Forbes Magazine reports that the couple made an estimated US$21 million (£16 million) in combined earnings last year.

The wedding is happening on the anniversary of the 2013 release of their first film together – Goliyon Ki Rasleela Ram-Leela. Although reporters have not been invited for the event, images of the pre-wedding ceremonies have made their way to entertainment magazines and newspa-

pers. People are also keeping a sharp eye out for pictures that may be shared by careless guests on their social media accounts – the couple have reportedly banned guests from posting anything about their wedding. One image – shared by singer Harshdeep Kaur was briefly up on Instagram.

She deleted it, but not fast enough for screenshots to start circulating among an information-starved public.

Details – such as the fact that Singh got on one knee and made an impassioned speech to his future wife, and that the couple have asked guests to donate to Padukone's mental wellness foundation in lieu of wedding gifts - are also being passed around frantically.

Rumours that the actors were dating each other were circulating for six years, but they did not officially confirm their relationship until earlier this year. (BBC News)

Ethiopia's Abiy Ahmed (left) and Eritrea's Isaias Afwerki (right) have ended travel restrictions between the two countries

T

he UN Security Council has unanimously agreed to lift sanctions against Eritrea after nine years. An arms embargo, asset freeze, and travel ban were imposed in 2009 amid claims Eritrea supported al-Shabab militants in Somalia. Eritrea always denied the accusations.

The resolution, drafted by the UK, was backed by

the US and its allies. The UN vote comes amid a thaw in relations between Eritrea and its neighbours following years of conflict. Eritrea agreed a peace deal with Ethiopia in June following two decades of animosity, while the leader of Eritrea and the UN-backed government in Somalia recently signed a joint cooperation agreement.

The resolution, backed by 13 votes in favour, was passed after the UN Security Council accused Eritrea of arming, training and equipping armed groups including al-Shabab.

The UN had frequently expressed concern about the flow of weapons into Somalia, where Islamist militants were battling government forces for control of the capital Mogadishu.

Eritrea has also been criticised for human rights abuses and mandatory national service conscription, which has led to tens of thousands of young Eritreans fleeing the country for Europe.

The asset freezes and travel ban affected individuals and businesses, as well as the Eritrean leadership.

However, the Council members now quote experts as saying there was no proof Eritrea backed al-Shabab.

(Excerpt from BBC News)

Rohingya repatriation to Myanmar will not begin on Thursday

T

he repatriation of Rohingya Muslims back to Myanmar will not begin on Thursday as planned, two sources directly briefed about the matter said late on Wednesday.

Bangladesh had begun preparations to repatriate an initial batch of Rohingya Muslims to Myanmar on Thursday, in line with a bilateral plan agreed on by the two governments in October.

The plan has been opposed by the United Nations’ refugee agency and aid groups, who fear for the safety of the Rohingya in Myanmar.

Bangladesh has vowed not to force anyone to return and it has asked the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) to make sure those short-listed to return really want to go back. “It is not happening tomorrow as nobody wants to go back,” said one of the sources. The sources, who spoke on condition on anonymity due to the sensitivity of the matter, said an official announcement from the Bangladesh government confirming that was likely to come on Thursday. The Bangladesh government was not immediately reachable for comment.

The repatriation of a first group of 2200 refugees was to officially begin on Thursday, and officials in Myanmar had said they were ready for them.

More than 700,000 Rohingya fled a sweeping army crackdown in Myanmar’s Rakhine state last year, according to UN agencies. The Rohingya refugees say soldiers and local Buddhists massacred families, burned hundreds of villages and carried out gang rapes. UN-mandated investigators have accused the Myanmar Army of “genocidal intent” and ethnic cleansing.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

18

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thursdAY, november 15, 2018

ARCHIE

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Money, health and legal matters should be your prime concern. A partnership will help you bring about positive changes and a new beginning. Romance will enhance your life.

Look at what others are doing and consider what's in your best interest. You don't have to give in to the majority. Set your own pace and follow the most suitable path.

Don't get angry when you can get busy. Your accomplishments will be what separate you from the competition. Dig in and make a name for yourself, and everything else will fall into place.

It's OK to go against the grain. Follow the path that intrigues you and learn something new. Do your own thing and give others the freedom to do so as well.

Expand your interests and circle of friends. Dealing with children or making changes at home or to your workspace will give you a new lease on life.

Set a budget, a standard and a time limit, and then proceed. Preparation will make the difference when it comes to accomplishing what you set out to do.

Live in the moment and learn LIBRA (Sept. 23- all you can. Don't let anyone stiOct. 23) fle your plans or stand in your way. Focus on whatever inspires you and work on positive physical change.

WORD GAME TODAY’S WORD — ROBOTICS

SUDOKU

Average mark 20 words Time limit 35 minutes Can you find 30 or more words in ROBOTICS? The list will be published tomorrow.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22Jan. 19)

YESTERDAY’S WORD — FOURFOLD four

luff

floor

furl

doff

flour

odor

dolor

fold

rood

door

food

roof

dour

fool

ruff

drool

ford

lord

duff

foul

loud

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

Focus on fitness, health and personal growth. Being happy with who you are and where you are headed will make a huge difference to the outcome of an emotional matter.

Be open to suggestions SAGITTARIUS and keep conversations am(Nov. 23- icable. If you overreact or Dec. 21) share information that you were supposed to keep secret, you'll end up in an emotional squabble.

(ROBOTICS: ro-BOT-iks: The science of the technology associated with robots.)

flood

SCORPIO (Oct. 24Nov. 22)

solution for LAST PUBLISHED puzzle AQUARIUS (Jan. 20Feb. 19)

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Putting pressure on someone isn't likely to help. Rethink your approach and consider lending a helping hand. How you handle others will reflect on your leadership potential.

You don't have to convince anyone of anything. Make a point to do your own thing and look out for your interests. A physical change will lift your spirits.

Keep your eye on what's important to you, not on what someone else is doing or saying.

Trust in yourself and what you know to be the truth. Don't give in to bad habits.

thursdAY, november 15, 2018

19

Akshaya Persaud Redman lands contract to play in Trinidad continues H impressive form G

uyana Jaguars middle-order batsman Akshaya Persaud following up his unbeaten half-century, stroked 81 to lead Cornelia Ida Cricket Club (CICC) to victory over Meten-Meer-Zorg A (MMZ A) Cricket Club in the West Demerara Cricket Board’s 50-over competition at Joe Vieira Park.

Winning the toss, CICC elected to bat first on a pitch that suited the batsmen as they intended to post a big total. Persaud and Richie Looknauth continued their excellent form as they scored 81 and 33 respectively. The side eventually got to 156 in 23.2 overs. Persaud’s score consisted of six fours and five sixes while Looknauth’s 33 included three fours and a six. Both batsmen picked the gaps and ran hard between the wickets along with strict punishment of bad balls.

MMZ A’s Kevin Coleman and Levi Miggins shared 10 wickets. Coleman bowled excellently to finish with 6-17 while Miggins supported with 4-23.

Having to make 157 for victory in 50 overs, MMZ A

Akshaya Persaud

were bowled out for 92 in 22.5 overs as the MMZ A batsmen found it difficult to score since the Cornelia Ida bowlers executed their plans well on a quick pitch.

Top-scoring for MMZ

A were Coleman with 33 and Miggins with 18 while Looknauth claimed 5-46, Harinarine Bissondyal bagged 3-14 and Persaud 2-11.

aving had a successful 2017-2018 season in the New Building Society (NBS) 40over Second-Division tournament and being awarded one of the best fielders in the tournament, Akeem Redman is expecting that his 2018/2019 season will be fruitful as well, since he has been contracted with BIA Sports Agency in Trinidad.

Speaking with Guyana Times Sport, the 21-year-old all-rounder from Transport Sports Club, a right-hander that bowls medium pace, stated that he was looking forward to taking a next step in his career.

Redman further went on to state his motivation for playing comes from his mom, Onika Jordan, who always encouraged him to reach for the highest heights and his brother who also played for Transport, wicketkeeper Devon Allen, who basically coaches.

In this year’s NBS Tournament, Redman recently took six wickets in two games, which included his first-ever hat-trick.

When asked why his form has improved so drastically, Redman said, “I’ve been doing a lot of work internally and externally when it comes to training, especially on my fitness. I’m looking to be selected in one of the teams for the three-day franchise, but, nevertheless,

Akeem Redman celebrates a wicket

I’ll keep working to achieve bigger goals.”

Redman went on to express heartfelt thanks to Shaun Massiah and Kevin Ross, who were responsible for helping him to land a contract with BIA Sports Agency which will see him be selected for Evergreen Sports Club in the 2019 season.

“To land the contract I had to send my stats to someone and the person who

is really and truly behind it and who is pushing for me to progress is Travis Blyden.

He is doing most of the work behind the scenes for me, but I would like to point out that I am not the only one he is doing it for.”

Redman will continue to train and focus on his game as he aims to be selected for the Evergreen Sports Club for the 2019 season.

(Timothy Jaikarran)

Rock-solid Djokovic dismantles Zverev at ATP Finals

N

ovak Djokovic has 834 Tour match wins in his storied career and the latest, a 6-4 6-1 rout of young German Alexander Zverev at the ATP Finals on Wednesday, will not be one for his scrapbook.

Yet despite him not feeling 100 percent, it illustrated just how the Serb has become one of the all-time greats, mastering the ability to churn out victories in third gear.

Zverev provided some fierce resistance in the opening set of their round-robin match, but as he so often does Djokovic played the percentages.

Djokovic, who will end the year as world number one for the fifth time, struck only three winners in the opening set but relied on his rock-solid ‘middle game’ to take the opener.

A demoralized Zverev then fell apart, losing the last five games of a match that petered out into another one-sided affair — the pat-

Novak Djokovic (right) is congratulated by Alexander Zverev

tern so far at the O2 Arena this year where the opening seven matches have not provided a single three-setter.

“I guess winning the first set really counts this year.

Then, I guess, you have mentally quite an edge,”

Djokovic said.

Djokovic has now won 33 of his last 35 matches and looks unstoppable as he seeks a sixth ATP Finals title.

With two easy wins so far in the Gustavo Kuerten

group, he will advance into the last four of the season-ending tournament for the eighth time if American John Isner beats Marin Cilic in the battle of the big servers later. The top seed will also reach the semis if Cilic

beats Isner in three sets.

“It wasn’t a great quality tennis match, to be honest, at least from the court,” Djokovic, who was coughing occasionally and grabbing a tissue from his pocket, told reporters.

“Somehow I managed to gather the strength when I needed it. I think also it seemed like Sascha was not feeling really great, definitely not playing well, especially from the back of the court.

He made a lot of errors.”

For a while at the start of the match it seemed ticket holders might be in for a treat.

Zverev, who has a Tourleading 55 match wins this year, went toe-to-toe with Djokovic from the baseline and looked to have the baseline firepower to worry his opponent, striking 15 winners in the opening set.

Djokovic netted a routine forehand when serving at 4-4 30-30, offering Zverev a break point that he did not convert.

Djokovic then double-faulted to give Zverev another chance to serve for the set but this time the German went just wide with an attempted lob after the Serb ventured into the net.

The next game always looked dangerous for Zverev and so it proved as he double-faulted to concede the set.

Zverev looked deflated and despite holding serve for 1-1 he offered no more resistance as Djokovic won five games in a row.

It is not all over for Zverev who can still reach the semi-finals for the first time if he beats Isner on Friday.

“I think I’ll take it as a normal quarter-final match at a normal tournament,” said the German, who beat Cilic in his opening match on Monday.

“To be in the semi-finals here would mean a lot to me.

For that, I have to play good tennis.” (Reuters)

20

GUYANATIMESgy.COM

thursdAY, november 15, 2018

Stand-alone Women’s World T20 tournament…

Bangladesh suffer 3rd consecutive defeat

B

angladesh’s batting woes continued in the Women’s World T20 tournament as they were blown away for 72 in pursuit of Sri Lanka’s 97-8 in 20 overs.

S h a s h i k a l a Siriwardenetop scored in an ordinary Sri Lankan batting display with 31 and claimed 2-10 to help her team win their first match of the tournament.

Under clear skies at the Darren Sammy National Cricket Stadium in Gros Islet, St Lucia, the Bangladesh women opted to bowl first desperately looking to overcome ,fellow Asian counter-parts, Sri Lanka. The ever-consistent Bangladesh star fast bowler Jahanara Alam drew first blood with the very first ball of the innings when she removed Sri Lankan opening batter Mendis for a golden duck. Bangladesh bowlers continue to maintain a consistent line and length conceding 23 runs in the power play. After the mandatory six overs, Bangladesh bowl-

Team Sri Lanka

ers made inroads into the Sri Lankan batting order, picking up wickets in the eighth, ninth and thirteenth overs.

Fahima Khatun bagged the prize wicket of Sri Lankan Captain Chamari Athapaththu for 12. Shashikala Siriwardene was the only batter to contribute significantly with a 33-ball 31 with two fours and one maximum off leg-spinner Rumana Ahmed in the

19th over. Jahanara Alam was Bangladesh’s most successful bowler with 3-21 in her four overs. Tul Kubra, Ahmed and Fahima Khatun picked up one wicket each to restrict Sri Lanka to a below-par 97-7 in 20 overs.

The target of 98 seemed out of Bangladesh’s reach with opening batter Islam out for the golden duck when she was trapped in front by the Sri Lankan

left-arm quickie, Udeshika Prabodhani. Bangladesh’s nightmare first over continued with Fargana Hoque out leg before for a duck to the same Sri Lankan bowler. Ayasha Rahman and Sultana started to rebuild, but wickets continued to tumble regularly. The Bangladesh batters continued to struggle as the Sri Lankan bowlers believed that bowling dot balls would build pressure and the wickets would follow. At the halfway stage of the Bangladesh innings, they were reeling at 28-4, requiring another 70 with six wickets in hand.

The game was evenly poised at that stage, but wickets tumbled throughout the innings.

The Sri Lanka Captain was the best Sri Lankan bowler with 3-17 while Siriwardene continued to have a brilliant game as she returned with the ball claiming 2-10 in four overs.

The Bangladesh team have not recovered since the battering they received from Deandra Dottin

and her West Indies teammates in their first match

at Providence. (Brandon Corlette)

SCOREBOARD

Sri Lanka Innings Y Mendis b Alam 0 H Perera c Khatun b Khadija 9 D Manodara (wk) run out (Alam/ Khadija/ Ahmed) 16 C Athapaththu (c) c & b Khatun 12 S Siriwardene b Alam 31 E Lokusuriyage c Rahman b Ahmed 9 N de Silva c Rahman b Alam 12 S Weerakkody not out 1 Extras (b 2, lb 0, w 5, nb 0, p 0) 7 Total (7 wkts, 20 Ov) 97 FOW: 0-1 (Mendis, 0.1), 23-2 (Perera, 7.1), 30-3 (Manodara, 9), 49-4 (Athapaththu, 12.1), 65-5 (Lokusuriyage, 16.2), 96-6 (Siriwardene, 19.4), 97-7 (de Silva, 19.6) Bowling: Jahanara Alam (40-21-3), Salma Khatun (c) (40-12-0), Khadija Tul Kubra (4-0-15-1), Rumana Ahmed (4-0-26-1), Fahima Khatun (30-16-1), Ritu Moni (1-0-6-0) Bangladesh Innings S Islam lbw b Prabodhani A Rahman c Athapaththu b

0

Ranasinghe 11 F Hoque lbw b Prabodhani 0 N Sultana run out (Manodara) 20 R Ahmed c Lokusuriyage b Siriwardene 1 S Sultana (wk) b Priyadharshani 5 J Alam lbw b Athapaththu 1 S Khatun (c) c de Silva b Siriwardene 6 F Khatun lbw b Athapaththu 2 R Moni b Athapaththu 11 K Tul Kubra not out 4 Extras (w 11) 11 Total (10 wkts, 20 Ov) 72 FOW: 0-1 (Islam, 0.1), 0-2 (Hoque, 0.4), 20-3 (Rahman, 6.2), 23-4 (Ahmed, 7.4), 36-5 (Sultana, 13.3), 44-6 (Alam, 14.2), 47-7 (Sultana, 15.1), 51-8 (Khatun, 16.1), 60-9 (Khatun, 17.6), 72-10 (Moni, 19.6) Bowling: Udeshika Prabodhani (2.5-1-6-2), Sripali Weerakkody (2-0-9-0), Inoshi Priyadharshani (4-0-17-1), Nilakshi de Silva (0.1-0-4-0), Oshadi Ranasinghe (4-0-9-1), Shashikala Siriwardene (4-0-10-2), Chamari Athapaththu (c) (3-0-17-3)

90 karatekas pass grading exams T

his past Sunday, head of the International Karate Daigaku, Ninth Dan Shuseki Shihan Frank Woon-A-Tai, Eighth Dan Shihan Maureen Woon-ATai (IKD Vice Chief Instructor) and Eighth Dan Shihan Bernice Hughes, along with Amir Khouri (Seventh Dan), Tejram Harichand (Six Dan) & Roger Peroune (Fourth Dan), conducted a high-level threeprong karate examination at the YMCA, Thomas Lands.

As per norm, the day saw ASK-G students and parents awaiting the commencement of the examination whereby the White, Yellow, Orange, Green, Blue, Purple, third and second kyu Brown Belts were conducted.

Examinations then resumed with the commencing of the Dan levels, which started off with the two youngest females and males followed by two teens who presented their abilities in front of a packed audience. The intensity in the room then changed when the competition for Third Dan arose. It was a heated exchange of fists and feet from both parties equally competent. What really blew it was

Students take a photo op following the conclusion of the grading exams

when Malcolm Francis had to face off against Trevon Miller and two other opponents at the same time; then, Miller had to do the same with Francis and the other two opponents. There was non-stop action as well as some humour that had the audience in awe over the performances.

Miller, Francis and Shakeem

The instructors who participated in the tournament

Walcott were all promoted to Third Dan black belt while Emily Santana, Danielle Persaud, Jamar Pile, Shamar Francis, Andes Roberts, and D’Andre DaSilva stepped up to First Dan. The Association Shotokan Karate Guyana would like to express its heartfelt gratitude to all the students who were success-

ful and instructors Roger Peroune; Malcolm Francis; Keith Beaton; Patrick Gurahoo; Wanda Agdomar; Clinton Moriah (New Amsterdam); Hazrat Ali (Albion & Blairmont); Parmeshwar Persaud (Canaan) and Mahadeo Ramotar (GFK) for their commitment to the development of karate and the karatekas.

The full list of competitors is as follows: 6 to Yellow Belt: Isaiah Browne, Donte Garraway, Anthony Angle, Chris Hicks, Stephen Buchana, Vijay Tiwari.

18 to Orange Belt: Ravindra Lalbachan, Joel Harry, Yuvraj Beharry, Giada Agdomar, Bethany Agdomar, Tyrone Niles, Mia Singh, Saif Tulla, Keith Williams, Darius Lamaison, Isaiah Anderson, Ethan Rosine, Elijah Rosine, Sahira Ali, Jasmine Ramdas, Ajit Dehaan, Saskia Dyasindoo, and Nelicia Higgins.

16 to Green Belt: Brian Small, Shawn Campbell, Xavier Lambert, Junxi Yang, Tyler Bess, Tyshaun Bess, Izaiah Abrams, Kyra Soares, Joshua Daniels, Shemar Fortune, Antol Griffin, Shaquan Stewart,

Gurav Ram, Basdeo Bissessar, Rahman Yakub, and Joshua Rampersaud.

9 to Blue Belt: Matthew Salim, Anuvani Gunpat, Kristen Samaroo, Romario Jaisingh, Thamishwar Dyasindoo, Micah Narine, Isaiyah Proctor, Joshua Nimar, and Christian Rampersaud.

6 to Purple Belt: Yam Chan Chu, Nicholas Rampersaud, Luke Seabra, Malini Jainarain, Gabriel Looch, and Nicolai Adolph.

11 to Brown (3): Nathan Narine, Anastassia Seabra, Oudesh Ram, Brandon Foo, Obinna Utoh, Jasmine West, Akeem Mcpherson, Leandre Holder, Bhaskar Jaipersaud, Zac Hussain, and Shinessa Boyce.

8 to Brown (2): Kevin Fraser, Christopher James, Andre Sookram, Bradley Fenty, Jared Rambissoon, Nalini Arjoon, Keyshawn Grant, and Navindra Deonarine.

7 to Brown (1): Bohan Cao, Piya Parasram, Amara Nandan, Budhdave Singh, Angelo Harris, Bevon Jordan, and Krisendat Phagoo.

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21

Li Ning BWF World Junior Championships…

Guyanese Juniors off to rocky start A

fter an outstanding run in the Li Ning BWF World Junior Mixed Teams Championship last week, the Guyanese junior badminton team are showing steady improvements in their competitiveness on the International level.

The team comprising Priyanna Ramdhani, Jayde Da Silva, Tyrese Jeffrey and Akili Haynes are now engaged in the Li Ning BWF World Junior Championships, where they are now taking on their international opponents individually.

The competition began on Monday in Markham, Canada and will run until Sunday, November 18.

The Guyanese team have so far gotten off to a rough start in the individual competition as they faced tough opponents who are ranked much higher.

The 16-year-old Ramdhani, in the women’s singles division, found herself pitted against Fatima Rio of Mexico. In the early stages of the game, Ramdhani proved to be equally skilled, but Rio’s experience prevailed in the

Priyanna Ramdhani, Akili Haynes and Tyrese Jeffrey

Mexican’s 13-21, 14-21 win.

Over in the men’s singles category, both Haynes and Jeffrey represented Guyana.

Haynes was drafted to take on Slovakia’s Andrej

Antoska, and he made light work of the Guyanese in two straight sets 8-21, 7-21.

On the other hand, Jeffrey suffered a similar fate with an almost match-

Rooney to be captain during farewell appearance E

ngland’s record goalscorer Wayne Rooney will captain the side and wear the number 10 shirt when he comes on to make his farewell appearance.

Rooney, 33, retired from international football in 2017 but will win his 120th and final cap in a friendly against the United States at Wembley on Thursday.

Fabian Delph will start the match as captain but will hand the armband to Rooney when the DC United striker comes on as a substitute in the second half.

Rooney will also get a guard of honour.

The former Manchester United and Everton forward initially ended his international career with 119 caps and a record 53 goals.

But the Football Association sees Thursday’s match as an opportunity to “honour” his “record-breaking international career”.

Rooney will leave the squad before they face Croatia in the Nations League at Wembley on Sunday.

Manchester City player Delph said: “When I first came into the England set-up, Wayne was captain. He welcomed me and put his arm around and made me feel at home.

“As soon as he comes on, I will give him the armband back.

“It is going to be a huge night for Wayne and it is important we honour him for all of his achievements.”

Manager Gareth Southgate added: “I don’t want to pin an exact time on when Wayne comes on because you don’t know how the flow of the game will go.

“We will give him enough so that it is fitting but we also want to make sure we get the balance of looking at younger players and making sure our preparation for Sunday is another priority.

ing scorecard when he met with Chinese Taipei’s Cheng Shiau Chen for their encounter. The match finished with Chen recording a commanding win over the Guyanese 21-7, 21-5.

The Guyanese males later paired up for the men’s doubles, where they were unable to match skill with Yichen Shang and Weikeng Liang of China. The Chinese pair had an easy win 5-21, 4-21.

Another pairing of Guyanese players saw Ramdhani and Jeffrey becoming a duo for the mixed doubles category. There, they met Chong Leong and Teng Cheong of Macau. It was a hard-fought battle between the two teams, but the Guyanese were unable to pull through in a 12-21, 18-21 battle.

The four-member Guyanese team’s participation in the mixed team championships resulted in Guyana’s rankings climbing to 32 out of over 175 countries that play badminton.

Additionally, the tournament has been a great platform for Guyanese players to test their skills against international competition.

“It’s important for all of us as a group that he gets a good sendoff.”

Rooney’s inclusion was criticised by England’s record appearance-maker Peter Shilton, who said caps should not be “given out like gifts”.

Former goalkeeper Shilton, who made 125 international appearances, said he was “surprised” Southgate had allowed the one-off return.

Rooney said he would not have agreed to play had it impacted the legacy of others, such as by “taking the record off Shilton”.

Southgate, who won 57 caps, said: “It’s been disappointing to see him have to defend his inclusion.

“He is very different to run-ofthe-mill players like me who played for England. I spoke to the under-15s last week and they are so early in their development but he was around the senior squad when he was 17.

“I know a big regret for him was that the team didn’t get to where he wanted but when you look at the pressure he had to deal with individually, it is an incredible career.

“Hopefully he has felt that warmth from all of us and I know the reaction of the supporters will be very special to him.” (BBC Sport)

Wayne Rooney

22

GUYANATIMESgy.COM

thursdAY, november 15, 2018

Injured Holder out of Bangladesh tour – K Brathwaite to lead in Tests

W

est Indies will be without their captain Jason Holder because of a shoulder injury for the entire tour of Bangladesh, starting November 22. They will be led by vice-captain Kraigg Brathwaite for the twoTest series in Chittagong and Dhaka.

Holder was replaced in the 15man squad by Guyana J a g u a r s S u p e r 5 0 all-rounder Raymon Reifer, the only change from the squad that toured India last month. Reifer made his Test debut against New Zealand in Hamilton last year for a total of 52 runs and two wickets in the match. He had played two patient innings at No. 8 in the Test West Indies lost: an unbeaten 23 in the first innings and a

109-ball 29 in the second. He has not played a n -

Jason Holder

other Test since then.

Holder has a partial thickness tear of the subscapularis tendon in his shoulder and will undergo physiotherapy and rehabilitation in Barbados, according to a CWI release.

He will be reassessed in four weeks’ time, according to CWI chief executive Johnny Grave.

“The medical panel were concerned that if Jason was to bowl in

Bangladesh, the partial tear may become a full tear which may involve the need for surgery and/ or a significant break from cricket,” Grave told BCAcricket.org. “It was, therefore, then recommended for Jason not to travel to Bangladesh and instead undergo physiotherapy and rehab in Barbados.”

Holder said that he had been troubled with the injury since the World Cup Qualifiers in March. “I am definitely disappointed not being able to make the tour to Bangladesh,” he said. “But based on the advice from the medical team, we felt this was the best course of action to deal with the ongoing issues I have been having with my shoulder and prevent further damage.

“I’ve been having issues with my shoulder since the World Cup Qualifiers in Zimbabwe in March. Since then I have been trying to manage it and the pain levels, but it has got to a point now where I’ve got to take time to correct it so that going forward I have no fur-

ther issues. Obviously I am disappointed to miss the tour but I know the boys are capable of beating Bangladesh.”

Ten members of the side will arrive in Chittagong on Wednesday, while the rest are scheduled to arrive in three groups on Thursday.

West Indies’ first on-field action in Bangladesh is a two-day practice match in Chittagong.

The two Test series will be followed by three ODIs and as many T20Is in December to be played in Dhaka and Sylhet.

Test squad: Kraigg Brathwaite (capt), Sunil Ambris, Devendra Bishoo, Roston Chase, Shane Dowrich, Shannon Gabriel, Jahmar Hamilton, Shimron Hetmyer, Shai Hope, Shermon Lewis, Keemo Paul, Kieran Powell, Raymon Reifer, Kemar Roach, Jomel Warrican

squad that will take on West Indies for the two-day match in

Raymon Reifer

16-year-old Rishad Hossain picked in BCB XI squad

Bangladesh have picked Under-19 legspinner Rishad Hossain in the 13-man BCB XI

Chittagong.

Rishad has been in good form for Bangladesh Under-19s this year.

From the current Bangladesh Test squad, the selectors have included Mohammad Mithun, Nazmul Hossain Shanto and Shafiul Islam. Among this season’s performers from the NCL, highest run-scorer Shadman Islam, top wicket taker Nayeem Hasan, Mizanur Rahman, Robiul Haque and Soumya Sarkar were also picked.

Fazle Mahmud was also given an opportunity, after he had made two ducks in the ODIs against Zimbabwe.

The match is scheduled for November 18 and 19 at the MA Aziz Stadium in central Chittagong.

Squad: Rubel Hossain (capt), Soumya Sarkar, Zakir Hasan, Mizanur Rahman, Fazle Mahmud, Ebadat Hossain, Shadman Islam, Nazmul Islam Shanto, Nayeem Hasan, Shafiul Islam, Robiul Haque, Mohammad Mithun, Rishad Hossain

Stand-alone ICC Women’s World T20 tournament…

Team Australia delight East Ruimveldt students A ture. The school’s outreach programme had three different categories: Cultural displays, friendly-cricket matches and samples of Guyanese dishes. In the cultural displays, students and some teachers were engaged in dances, plays, poetry among other cultural items. Additionally, the international cricketers who visited each school played windball cricket matches against the local school’s cricket team. Since Guyana is also known for its secondto-none dishes, the international cricketers were given the opportunity to taste the wide variety of food and drink.

The versatile Australian

By Brandon Corlette

s Australia marched into the Women’s World T20 semi-finals after winning their first three group matches, the entire team took time off their busy schedule to visit the East Ruimveldt Secondary School on Mandela Avenue Wednesday last.

The school’s outreach programme is an International Cricket Council (ICC)-driven initiative that is embraced by Cricket West Indies (CWI) to bring the students closer to international players and raise awareness of women’s cricket. The school outreach has also inspired the young

players witnessed the rich and diverse culture as the East Ruimveldt students and teachers displayed cultural items in a planned programme. The administration and students of the East Ruimveldt School received tickets to witness the Australians take on the mighty Indian team on Saturday at the National Stadium Providence, East Bank Demerara, Guyana.

Captain Meg Lanning received a significant piece of artwork from the headteacher of the East Ruimveldt Secondary School which produced one of the great West Indies batsmen, Ramnaresh Sarwan.

The tournament’s leading run scorer, Alyssa Healy sharing a light moment with students (Brandon Corlette photos)

potential female cricketers to reach for greater heights in the cricketing world.

Australia are the fourth team to visit schools in Guyana: India visited West Demerara Secondary School, New Zealand visited Diamond Secondary School and Pakistan visited President’s College.

Speaking to local media, CWI Senior Project Officer KJ Singh explained that the international teams had a great experience visiting the schools across Guyana since they were exposed to the rich and diverse Guyanese cul-

Australian players view items showcased by the East Ruimveldt School

guyanatimesgy.com

thursdAY, november 15, 2018

Stand-alone Women’s World T20 tournament…

23

Terrific Taylor leads Windies past SA in another low-scoring thriller

– Knight shines with the bat again

By Brandon Corlette

W

est Indies bowlers responded once more after they bowled out South Africa for an embarrassing 76 in 18.4 overs.

Player of the match Stafanie Taylor had mesmerising figures of 4-12 in 3.4 overs to lead her team to a 31-run win against South Africa.

The matches played at the Darren Sammy National Cricket Stadium, Gros Islet, St Lucia, have been low-scoring thrillers.

In the big clash between West Indies and South Africa, the trend continued when West Indies batted first and posted 107-7 in 20 overs.

South Africa, fresh from a victory in their first match at the same venue, opted to bowl first, inserting the West Indies team in to bat first.

The formidable opening pair of Hayley Matthews and Deandra Dottin took first strike hoping to lay a solid foundation for the middle-order batters. Marizanne Kapp and Shabnim Ismail continued where they left off in the first match with their deadly bowling spells.

Vice Captain Matthews (8) was the first to be dismissed after striking a dangerous shot over the third-man ropes for six.

Ismail did not stop her wicket-taking abilities flowing throughout her adrenaline as she picked up the prized scalp of Taylor, the West Indies Captain, for a golden duck. The 30-year

old South African pace queen removed Dottin as the Windies supporters were left in shock. With the score on 22-3, the Caribbean side were left in all sorts of bother as their top three batters failed to lay a solid foundation. Guyanese middle-order batter Shemaine Campbell continued to waste her opportunities as she tried to cut a straight ball that went past her inside edge and disturbed her

Natasha McLean

stumps for only seven runs.

The West Indies team were in need of a rescue from a dark night at 29-4 in the eighth over. Ironically, it was exciting prospect Kaciya Knight and Natasha McLean, who put together a 45-run partnership to help the defending champions recover.

South Africa’s bowle r s bowled with control and removed McLean for 28 off 24 balls, which included three fours.

Knight, who was desperately trying to up the scoring rate, perished in the 19th over for the top-score of 32 from 36 deliveries, inclusive of two fours and two maximums. Chinelle Henry struggled to time the ball to perfection and ended with a 15-ball 8 and Afy Fletcher (3) saw the West Indies team crawling to a defendable 107-7 in 20 overs.

South Africa’s opening bowlers bowled one maiden each; Kapp created the opportunity with a number of dot balls and Ismail bowling from the other end was the better bowler with 3-12 in four overs and one maiden.

The Proteas captain, Dane van Niekerk bowled three overs and picked up two wickets to restrict the explosive West Indies batting line-up.

The swashbuckling South African opener Lizelle Lee and Laura Wolvaardt began in cautious fashion with only 17 on the board

in the fifth over. Wolvaardt was removed by Shakera Sekman in the fifth over for 8.

Opening bowler Kapp, batting at number three for South Africa, joined Lee and the pair batted together until Lee was removed by Dottin for 24 in the 11th over. The South Africans found difficulties chasing 108 as Dottin effected a run-out fielding at cover point with a direct hit. Taylor introduced herself and ripped the heart out of the South African middle order. The West Indies Captain removed Sune Luus and Mignon du Preez.

Then, South African required 49 off the final six overs as Kapp was standing between the West Indies and victory at that stage.

The Caribbean bowlers kept coming at their opponents as the match came down to the wire. Taylor, bowling the 17th over, hit the timber dismissing Chloe Tyron for six, leaving South Africa reeling at 75-6.

Connell returned for her final spell and struck with her first ball on her return, removing Kapp for 26. The South Africans’ only hope of winning was lost when Henry completed a brilliant catch to remove Kapp. The defending champions West Indies were sharp in the field completing three runouts as Taylor finished with four wickets and opening bowlers Selman and Connell had one wicket each as South Africa lost their last nine wickets for 28 runs.

Shabnim Ismail

3

SCOREBOARD

West Indies Women Innings (20 overs maximum) HK Matthews c van Niekerk b Ismail 8 DJS Dottin c Luus b Ismail 12 SR Taylor (c) c †Lee b Ismail 0 SA Campbelle b Daniels 7 Kycia A Knight † c Tryon b van Niekerk 32 NY McLean c Sekhukhune b Luus 28 B Cooper c Luus b van Niekerk 0 CA Henry not out 8 ASS Fletcher not out 3 Extras: (b 1, lb 3, w 5) 9 Total: (7 wickets, 20 Overs, RR: 5.35) 107 Did not bat: SC Selman, SS Connell FOW: 1-9 (HK Matthews, 1.4 ov), 2-9 (SR Taylor, 1.5 ov), 3-22 (DJS Dottin, 3.6 ov), 4-29 (SA Campbelle, 7.1 ov), 5-74 (NY McLean, 14.6 ov), 6-74 (B Cooper, 15.3 ov), 7-97 (Kycia A Knight, 18.1 ov) BOWLING: M Kapp (4-1-200), S Ismail (4-1-12-3), M Daniels (4-0-23-1), M Klaas (2-0-12-0), TS Sekhukhune (1-0-15-0), D van Niekerk (30-8-2), S Luus (2-0-13-1)

SA Women Innings (target: 108 runs from 20 overs) L Lee † c Cooper b Dottin 24 L Wolvaardt c Henry b Selman 8 M Kapp c Henry b Connell 26 D van Niekerk (c) run out (Dottin) 1 S Luus c Connell b Taylor 2 M du Preez c McLean b Taylor 7 CL Tryon b Taylor 6 S Ismail c Matthews b Taylor 1 M Klass runout Fletcher TS Sekhukhune runout (Selman/Taylor) M Daniels not out 0 Extras (w 1) 1 TOTAL (all out, 18.4 Overs, RR: 4.

07) 76 Fall of wickets: 1-17 (L Wolvaardt, 4.1 ov), 2-48 (L Lee, 10.6 ov), 3-50 (D van Niekerk, 11.4 ov), 4-53 (S Luus, 12.4 ov), 5-64 (M du Preez, 14.4 ov), 6-75 (CL Tryon, 16.5 ov), 7-75 (M Kapp, 17.1 ov), 8-76 (S Ismail, 18.1 ov), 9-76 (M Klaas, 18.3 ov), 10-76 (TS Sekhukhune, 18.4 ov) BOWLING: SC Selman (4-019-1), SS Connell (4-0-9-1), CA Henry (3-0-9-0), DJS Dottin (2-0-15-1), SR Taylor (2-0-94), ASS Fletcher (2-0-12-0)

Farfan & Mendes Junior Squash Skill Tourney…

Muniram, Cadogan outstanding on opening night

T

he Farfan and Mendes Junior Skill tournament got off to an electrifying start on Tuesday evening as Abosaide Cadogan and Romero Muniram were among those who showed their worth on the courts.

The Georgetown Club courts were a buzz of activity on the opening night of the tournament, as junior squash players got into competition mode, participating in Groups A to H. Muniram lit up Group G, as he recorded three comfortable wins for the night. The youngster first secured a comeback win over Brenno Da Silva.

After losing the first set 1012, Muniram returned to

take the next two sets and the game, 11-4, 11-4. Later on, Muniram quickly dispatched Tristan Seereeram 11-2, 11-2 in commanding style. The youngster finished off the night with an easy does it 11-3, 11-2 win over Tiana Gomes.

Another highlight of the first evening of competition came when Cadogan met with Lucas Jonas for their Group B match. The long-winded but exciting encounter saw Cadogan winning the first set 11-7, but fell short in the second which Jonas won 9-11. The young lady bounced back to take the third 11-6, but her opponent would not go down without a fight.

Jonas pushed Cadogan to

the edge registering a 1412 win in the fourth set.

The game was left up to the last set, in which experience prevailed and Cadogan won easily 11-4.

Group D saw action between Joshua Verwey and Lujua Munroe in a match that Verwey won 11-4, 119, 11-5. On the other hand, Teija Edwards was the winner of a five-set battle against Deau Fernandes 3-2. The sets swung between each contender with Fernandes winning the first and third, 7-11, 12-14. But Edwards resisted taking three sets, 11-6, , 11-6, 118.

In Group E, Aishani

8.

Persaud upset Arvin Seelall in their encounter 8-11, 116, 12-10, and Angel Rahaman overcame Lucas Persaud 11-5, 11-

Additionally, Safirah Sumner edged past Noah Rahaman 11-5, 11-6 and Kaden Pynaendy, outplayed Matthew Spooner 11-4, 11-8 to take wins in Group F. Also in the winner’s row on Tuesday evening was Demetrius De Abreau after he emerged victorious from a long four-set battle with Mohryan Baksh.

De Abreau won the close first set 11-9, but lost the second 6-11. The youngster came back with a ven-

geance taking the last two sets 11-7, 11-7 to win the game.

Malia Maikoo did not have the best of nights as she first lost to Christiana Fernandes.

Fernandes took the first set 11-6, but Maikoo put up a challenge to win the second 6-11.

However, Fernandes got the better of Maikoo in the third 11-3 to take the win.

Later on, Grant Fernandes made light work of Maikoo to win their encounter 118, 11-3.

The competition is scheduled to continue this evening and will run for the remainder of the week with the finals being staged on Sunday, November 18.

thursdAY, november 15, 2018

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

guyanatimesgy.com

Stand-alone Women’s World T20 tournament…

Stafanie Taylor

Terrific Taylor leads Windies past SA in another low-scoring thriller

Deandra Dottin

Page 23

– Knight shines with the bat again

Stand-alone Women’s World T20 tournament…

Team Australia delight East Ruimveldt students

Page 22 East Ruimveldt students and the Australia cricket team sharing a priceless moment (Brandon Corlette Photo)

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