Guyanatimes 16 january 2018

Caricom’s unity P9 drives it to surmount challenges, says SG Nationwide coverage from the best news team in Guyana guyanatimesgy.com

Issue No. 3452

THE BEACON OF TRUTH

Tuesday, January 16, 2018

AFC agreed to 50% severance for sugar workers …says it was too difficult to find $5B at once

PRICE

$80 vat included

WHAT'S INSIDE:

$100M Revolving Fund now available to small P10 businesses

Page 2

Digicel launches Mash fit camp

AFC considering breakaway from APNU for LGE

P11

Man gets 45 years in jail for child rape

P15

Digicel Guyana launched its annual Mash fit workout sessions on Monday at the GCC Ground, Bourda with over 400 persons in attendance. This event is always highly anticipated since it is geared to get persons fit and ready for the road on February 23 – Guyana's Republic Day (Dexter Ceres photo)

Pomeroon execution

1 in custody, investigative team from Georgetown deployed …2 main suspects still at large

PwC begins valuation of GuySuCo Page assets 3 – despite int’l firm facing ban, fraud charge in India

Page 7

City Constabulary shooting

Family contemplating legal action against Constabulary Page 5 …PME confirms death as a result of gunshot injury

P2 Region 2 continues to experience continuous power outages

Bandit to serve 15 years for Agricola robberyP8 murder

2 News

tuesDAY, january 16, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

AFC agreed to 50% severance for sugar workers …says it was too difficult to find $5B at once

T

he Alliance For Change (AFC) has admitted to being fully aware that $500 million was budgeted for severance payments for sugar workers in 2018 when $5 billion was needed to pay all workers in full.

In an attempt to justify the reason behind this, Agriculture Minister Noel Holder said paying the entire severance amount was impossible, as it was too difficult to find all the monies at once.

“Finding the $4.5 billion in severance is a difficult thing to do and serious decisions had to be made with regards to what other areas of the economy will be denied funding to do this,” he said Monday at an AFC press conference.

Holder resorted to his old argument that the problem in the sugar industry started since the last Government was in office and only continued to grow as time went by.

He said the coalition was shocked to find out upon assuming office that the bailout for sugar was to the tune of billions of dollars, something it was not expecting.

AFC Leader Raphael Trotman also noted that the matter regarding severance pay for workers was discussed at length for several months before a final decision was made.

“This matter has been engaging Cabinet’s attention for months and it’s not that we are unaware that severance had to be paid. We were quite

Agriculture Minister Noel Holder

aware,” he asserted.

According to the party leader, the AFC was aware that only $500 million was set aside for severance.

Trotman recalled that

Finance Minister Winston Jordan had indicated to Cabinet last year that they would have to submit a supplementary paper to be able to pay the full severance.

“So it’s not that we were unaware or unmindful…

There were a number of imperatives which came out during 2017 that we were not aware of and that we had to face,” the Minister added.

He continued, “So it’s not that we were not prepared to find more; we knew we had to pay severance, but it’s just where it’s going to come from that we need to get a better understanding.”

Trotman reminded that the AFC was the first to call on Government to pay severance to workers when it is-

Region 2 continues to experience continuous power outages

R

esidents living in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) continue to experience constant power outages. Frustrated residents are, therefore, calling on the Guyana Power and Light (GPL) to extend the courtesy of saying why disruptions to the power supply continue.

Residents in the north and south of the coast are predominantly affected and according to several residents, the power company has not even issued an advisory to alert them of the outages. For the past two weeks, residents related, they have endured power outages day and night – something they were unprepared for.

Many persons living in the extreme

Residents are calling on the power company to provide information as it relates to the constant power outages as well as an advisory in the future

south of the coast related that they would get power outages in the night that would sometimes last for three hours. Apart from that, residents have been experiencing low voltage daily.

The fluctuation of electricity on the Essequibo Coast has become a worrying situation for residents as many persons usually have perishable items in their refrigerators.

“What I don’t understand, why isn’t the company issuing advisory to the public: let us be prepared, so we won’t stock up our fridge; when we get power outage we are left to wonder when it will come on,” one resident explained.

Residents are, therefore, calling on the power company to provide information as it relates to the constant power outages as well as an advisory in the future. Residents believe that GPL can act in a more professional manner, especially if it is conducting maintenance works.

sued a strongly-worded statement in December 2017 to this effect.

“We are very concerned as are all Guyanese …and I can say to you that…in Cabinet, we have made some very strong recommendations supporting the proposals that have come, the most recent being, of course, that we must find monies to pay severance and that was high on the AFC’s agenda last year.”

He said his party would continue to push to ensure that sugar workers were treated humanely, fairly and according to the laws of Guyana as it related to the Collective Bargaining Agreement.

“It is unfortunate that GuySuCo (Guyana Sugar Corporation) has been run down over the years; not starting in two years, not starting in five but for a long time, over a decade and it should have been that company that should have been paying the severance,” Trotman further stated.

President David Granger had announced that ministerial budgets would be slashed to ensure that sugar workers receive part of their severance pay this month-end and the remainder in mid-2018.

“The Government is committed to the welfare of sugar workers and their families.

It has…embarked on an extensive review of expenditure in every sector to the extent of reducing ministerial budgets in order to find funds to

enable sugar workers to receive their severance pay,” the President said.

The announcement was met with severe criticism.

Guyana General and Agricultural Workers Union (GAWU) President Komal Chand said that the Government’s move was in direct breach of the labour laws as the workers were entitled to their payment as soon as they were made redundant.

“The law requires you to do that; you are violating the law by not paying the severance pay at the end of the one month’s notice so you have completed an illegal act,” the GAWU President said.

The Guyana Trades Union Congress (GTUC) said President Granger’s commitment to paying affected sugar workers 50 per cent of their severance was “not good enough”, noting that addressing the workers’ concerns was not a priority of the Administration.

The GTUC said the fact that no budgetary allocation was made to cover the severance payments of the affected was indicative of no premium being placed on the concerns of the workers. As such, the GTUC sees this as a worrying sign and intensification of the Government’s attacks on workers’ rights, across the board.

Some 4000 sugar workers from Enmore, Rose Hall and Skeldon were dismissed from their jobs by December 29, 2017.

news

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tuesDAY, january 16, 2018 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

BRIDGE OPENINGS

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

Tuesday, January 16 – a night retraction at 04:00h and a day retraction from 14:30h-16:00h and Wednesday, January 17 – a night retraction at 04:30h and a day retraction from 14:30h-16:00h.

PwC begins valuation of GuySuCo assets – despite int’l firm facing ban, fraud charge in India

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Tuesday, January 16 – 16:00h-17:30h and Wednesday, January 17 –16:35h-18:05h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY Light to heavy showers throughout the day, with partly cloudy skies in the evening. Temperatures are expected to range between 23 degrees Celsius and 27 degrees Celsius.

Winds: East South-easterly to East North-easterly between 1.78 metres and 3.57 metres.

High Tide: 16:15h reaching a maximum height of 2.56 metres.

Low Tide: 09:50h and 22:15h reaching minimum heights of 0.78 metre and 0.64 metre respectively.

SATURDAY, january 13, 2018

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PwC Caribbean Partner Wilfred Baghaloo

D

espite being handed a two-year ban last week for allegedly overstating the earnings and assets of Indian software company Satyam Computer Services, the international audit firm Pricewaterhouse Coopers (PwC) on Monday commenced the process of evaluating the assets of the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo).

According to the Special Purpose Unit (SPU), which falls under the National Industrial & Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL), PwC was selected from a field of the top four international financial services’ providers, and has for the last seven years been ranked as the most prestigious accounting firm in the world.

The agreement between NICIL and PwC was signed on Friday, January 12, 2018, and work commenced on Monday with meetings held between PwC and the SPU team at its La Bonne Intention offices.

PwC will hold its first meeting with the CEO of GuySuCo today, in order to carry out the valuation of all assets. In addition to the valuation, PwC is expected to provide other advisory and financial services.

Having met with the sugar company, SPU Head Colvin Heath-London has said he is encouraged that the SPU was able to get the PwC team in Guyana speedily. “With the current developments in the sugarcane sector, we are working to bring stability to the industry and affected communities as quickly as possible,” he explained.

Heath-London has said, “The work of PwC, given their vast experience in this type of process, will help all decision-makers to arrive at the best decisions for the assets of GuySuCo; for other businesses that are in the GuySuCo supply chain; and, most importantly, for the workers, who are uncertain about their future.”

Meanwhile, PwC’s Caribbean partner, Wilfred Baghaloo, has said he looks forward to the opportunity of working with the Government and people of Guyana to find a practical economic solution to the privatisation of the three sugar estates on a timely basis.

While noting that this will be a challenging task, Baghaloo has said the PwC is equipped to ensure that the project is successful.

And while PwC will be tasked with ensuring a level playing field for all interest-

ed parties and stakeholders as the process goes forward, a report originating from international news agency Reuters and other news sites in India has claimed that PwC has been handed a two-year ban last week for allegedly overstating the earnings and assets of the Indian software company Satyam Computer Services.

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

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

In its defence, PricewaterhouseCoopers is quoted as saying it would appeal the regulator’s decision in court. It has defended itself by affirming that there was no “intentional” wrongdoing in the fraud at Satyam.

When asked about this issue on Monday, Baghaloo said, “I cannot comment too much on this as the matter is subject to an appeal. In summary, the matter relates to a 2009 event relating to a specific company and a specific stock exchange.

We continue to service our numerous clients in India, and we continue to enjoy their support and confidence. As it relates to the task at hand in Guyana, our long history of strong commitment to excellence, integrity, innovation and quality will continue.”

GuySuCo, which is saddled with billions of dollars in debt, is currently engaged in

divesting its assets to get cash to meet its operational and other expenses. At the same time, Government is forging ahead with downsizing the industry,

citing the economic feasibility of the sector.

At present, a Special Purpose Unit (SPU) is in charge of this process. That unit was first announced by Agriculture Minister Noel Holder when he presented to the National Assembly a policy paper on the future of the sugar industry. Some $130 million have been allocated “to provide for the establishment of a

Special Purpose Unit to manage the reform of the sugar industry”.

In July, the Government had presented a supplementary request to tap the national coffers. The National Assembly has since approved the monies for the Unit.

At the time that monies were being approved for the SPU, Finance Minister Winston Jordan had said Government was unclear as to what it was looking to earn from the sale of the GuySuCo assets, since those assets had still needed to be properly evaluated.

PwC, which was awarded the$60 million contract, will lead the divestment process, including updating valuations of the assets of GuySuCo. PwC’s work on the GuySuCo project is expected to last eight months.

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guyanatimesgy.com

tuesDAY, january 16, 2018

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

The Fourth Estate

O

n Sunday, Head of State, President David Granger, hosted media operatives at the annual Media Brunch held at State House in Georgetown. The President spoke eloquently about the need for the media to discipline their members who were out of line and were constantly breaching the ethics and standards which govern their profession.

President Granger lectured to the media operatives his concern over the broadcast and publication of ‘fake news’. The President also implored the newly elected executives of the Guyana Press Association to do more to ensure that their members were trained and schooled on the art of professional journalism and reporting, as he underscored its importance in a modern democracy, where objectivity in reporting was key.

While the President’s comments were on point, and appeared to be relevant given the dynamics in which the current media corps operates in Guyana, they must be taken with a bit of salt because of Mr Granger’s own track record since assuming the Presidency in May 2015.

Of particular importance are his comments related to “fake news”. Media operatives should be insulted by such an assertion by Mr Granger, as he is insinuating that some media houses here are deliberately publishing false or fake news. If anyone is familiar with the media corps in Guyana, they would know that it has most times demonstrated balance, accuracy, and truthfulness in its reportage of current affairs, politics, and human interest stories.

While the media here can be sensational and sometimes irresponsible, depending on a media house’s agenda, they do not publish fake news. Almost 90 per cent of the stories covered or reported by media houses here are based on truth or fact.

Sometimes, those facts are twisted for political and personal purposes, but that is the situation across the world.

President Granger should therefore have cited instances when there was deliberate publication of “fake” stories or something which never occurred, or has no truth or bearing. Had he done this, it would have been easy to digest his lecture on both media ethics and “fake news”.

On the other hand, any right-thinking and politically-aware citizen would understand why Mr Granger is concerned about the quality of news that is published and broadcast. When Mr Granger’s administration came to power in May 2015, it benefited from positive coverage from most of the media houses here, which turned a blind eye to many of its transgressions. Some media houses had even gone to the extent of justifying the wrongdoings and illegalities of this administration by pointing out that the Government was new, inexperienced, and still enjoying its honeymoon period.

As expected, Mr Granger’s concerns developed after those media houses could no longer justify his Government’s actions and transgressions, because they were being made too often and had become glaring by February 2016. Obviously, they had to change gear if they were interested in putting the country’s interest above their own personal agendas. As a result, the amount of negative coverage doubled, with all media houses reporting concern over the clandestine, secrecy, and lack of accountability as well as transparency that had by now become characteristic of Mr Granger’s government.

The media itself reassumed its rightful position as the watchdog for the nation, and continued each week with stories that exposed not only the political immaturity of the coalition Government, but its missteps when it came to policy formulation, articulation, implementation and evaluation.

Mr Granger’s administration, despite its establishment of the Department of Public Information and its recruitment of public relations as well as social media gurus, has not been able to change the media’s narrative by coercion, or the release of “alternative facts”. His Government is still being criticised for its underground politics and double standards, as well as corruption -- especially in the procurement and awarding of contracts for the provision of goods and services.

In short, the media here have censored themselves, and have returned to a point where they prefer to stand on the side of the people, as opposed to a Government that clearly demonstrates incompetence at the drop of a hat.

Media operatives therefore must guard themselves whenever they are part of events like those organised by political parties and presidents. They run the risk of becoming compromised whenever they do not understand the connotative and denotative meanings of the subliminal messages that politicians send, especially when the politicians’ rhetoric appear to be on point. They must reject politicians who seek to influence them for their own personal gain, and stand firmly behind the stories that they write and report daily, as they are the Fourth Estate and they know that they are defending the public’s interest. Without a responsible and professional media, the public cannot make informed decisions and hold their leaders responsible.

President Granger, who has held fewer press engagements than any President in Guyana’s history, has his own agenda with his rhetoric about “fake news”. He simply cannot secure a re-election if the media continues to expose the wrongs and failing of his coalition Government.

A Pegasus Airlines aircraft is pictured after it skidded off the runway at Trabzon airport by the Black Sea in Trabzon, Turkey, January 14, 2018 (Ihlas News Agency (IHA) via Reuters)

Perturbed and disappointed with Moses Nagamootoo Dear Editor, I am most perturbed and disappointed by the growing hypocrisy of our Prime Minister, Moses Nagamootoo.

I am now a pensioner. I used to be an ardent follower of the politics of this country, and therefore would have heard enough from this man to draw such a conclusion.

I have heard him speaking up to the last elections campaign (2015), when he boasted about his frugal lifestyle, his penchant for a lean and clean government, and his dislike for extravagance. I have listened to him speaking about the sacrifices he made for sugar workers, and his attacks on the pension of the former President, Dr Jagdeo.

Even when he crossed

over to the AFC, I thought that those ingrained principles would make him an incorruptible beacon in that party. However, my confidence began to wane when I heard him extolling the virtues of the PNC, a party which he aggressively fought and wrote against. That was the first sign of his hypocrisy being manifested.

Unfortunately, as soon as the Coalition won the 2015 General Elections and he took office as the Prime Minister of this country, his principles took a landslide into the abyss of egocentricity.

He has focused all his efforts on self-aggrandizement and self-promotion.

Nowadays, his speeches are just centred on himself; anyone who lis-

tens to him can confirm this.

Now he is silent about the plight of the sugar workers.

Now, let us look at his extravagance: Apart from his numerous and costly first class trips abroad, which bring no benefit to this country; his costly fleet of vehicles and the costly refurbishing of his living quarters, on many occasions when the Prime Minister visits Berbice, he targets two places -- Courtland Village, where his wife was born; and Whim Village, where he was born.

But what is glaring is that the sirens of his entourage can be heard from a far distance. He is normally accompanied by a slew of staff and bodyguards. Imagine, a man who once could have roamed

freely in every nook and cranny in Berbice now feels that his life is under threat. But he just wants to massage his ego with the siren, the entourage and the security measures, which are just a waste of taxpayers’ dollars and are against what he had stood for.

I have witnessed that President Granger travels with far less staff and pretensions. I also have never seen the former PM, Mr Samuel Hinds, travel with such pomp and ceremony. It seems that this PM feels that the taxpayers’ dollars now belong to him.

Yours sincerely, Rohit Persaud

Business, financial, investment forums for ex-GuySuCo employees Dear Editor, The Guyana Sugar Corporation Inc (GuySuCo) and the Ministry of Business wish to inform members of the public that a partnership has been established to implement the ‘Economic Resilience’ component of its ‘Sustainable Communities Programme’ for the sugar–dependent communities in the vicinity of Skeldon, Rose Hall, Enmore and Wales estates.

GuySuCo and the Small Business Bureau of the Ministry of Business are jointly pursuing an Economic Resilience programme, of which the Alternative Livelihoods Initiative is a part. The aim of the Economic Resilience component of the Sustainable Communities Programme is to implement shock- counteraction and shock-absorption measures to support ex-employees of GuySuCo, as well as their families and residents

in these communities.

Activities under the Economic Resilience programme include two ‘Business, Financial and Investment Forums’ and four ‘Coaching Clinics’ for ex-employees of GuySuCo. The Guyana Sugar Corporation Inc and the Small Business Bureau of the Ministry of Business regard the severance payments as capital which could be used to foster economic growth for the ex-employees, hence the aim of the forums and clinics is to provide those ex-employees with business, financial, and investment advice on available opportunities within these areas.

The specific objectives of the forums and coaching clinics are to: Provide appropriate business, financial, and investment advice to ex-employees who will be receiving severance payment; establish a system for providing coach-

ing in business, financial and investment ventures for these ex-employees; create opportunities for them to access advice on insurance, medical and pension packages; establish a system for formalizing banking arrangements for those who are currently outside of the system but are interested in becoming entrepreneurs; and establish a process for assisting interested parties to fulfill banking requirements, such as referees and recommendations.

The targeted groups for the forums and coaching clinics will be coming from Skeldon, Rose Hall, East Demerara and Wales estates; they and their family members.

The forums will be held in the last week of January 2018. One will be held at the Enmore Community Centre for persons from East Demerara and Wales estates, and another will be held at

the Skeldon Community Centre for those from Rose Hall and Skeldon estates.

The following will be the focus for the forums and clinics: Opportunities in investment; to purchase bonds and shares; banking services such as fixed deposits; business ventures; insurance, medical and pension packages among others.

These activities will be coordinated by the Guyana Sugar Corporation Inc. and the Small Business Bureau of the Ministry of Business; while banking institutions, insurance companies, the Private Sector Commission and the Georgetown and Berbice Chambers of Commerce and Industry are invited to facilitate sessions on business, financial and investment opportunities.

Sincerely, Guyana Sugar Corporation Inc

tuesDAY, january 16, 2018

guyanatimesgy.com

5

News

City Constabulary shooting

Family contemplating legal action against Constabulary …PME confirms death as a result of gunshot injury

F

amily members of the late 34-year-old Marlon Fredericks, who was fatally shot by a City Constabulary Lance Corporal on Sunday, have said they are contemplating legal action against the Constabulary now that a post-mortem examination has confirmed that their loved one died as a result of the gunshot injury.

Government Pathologist Dr. Nehaul Singh conducted the autopsy and concluded that Fredericks’s death was because of complications to the lower back due to a gunshot wound.

Fredericks, of Georgetown’s Tiger Bay area, was wanted by the City

Killed: Marlon Fredericks

Constabulary for a number of simple larceny transgressions, and was apprehended at Robb and King streets,

Georgetown on Saturday.

However, during his apprehension, a Joint Services’ rank and the City Police brutally assaulted the man, kicking him several times to his head and stomach while he lay defenseless on the floor.

Because of the beating Fredericks had received, he was treated and detained at the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPHC) for observation, but was later released into the custody of the City Constabulary. While at that entity’s Bourda Outpost on Sunday, he attempted to flee custody and was shot as a result.

However, many eyewitnesses to that incident claim his death could have been

avoided, since he was in a weakened state and could not have run away, hence apprehending him was an easy task for the Lance Corporal. They have since called for a full investigation into the alleged murder, noting that the Lance Corporal had made no effort to apprehend the man, and had just shot at him.

Meanwhile, the dead man’s mother -- Claudette Fredericks -- has said her son had been a drug addict who had relapsed twice following stints at a rehabilitation facility. She said that seeing her son being brutally beaten while surrendering to the Police has been one of the most traumatis-

ing moments of her life.

“He always complained about the Police wrong him and so on. Yes, he was trying to escape when they shot at him, but he wasn’t running because he couldn’t.

His head was heavily bandaged and he was actually weak and stumbling, and the Lance Corporal was less than 8ft away from him when he shot him in the back. It is murder,” the grieving woman lamented.

She said that because of the beating, her son had not eaten since he was taken into custody, and family members feel his death could have been avoided.

“If the Lance Corporal was a bit more professional

and (had) tried to do his duties, the result would have been different. I am not saying that my son was not trying to get away, but when you have a man who feels like he was wronged and (is) in a weakened state, then be more cautious,” the woman admonished.

“If he (Lance Corporal) felt the need to use excessive force, then he could have at least tried to shoot on the lower body, like the leg or something; not the upper body,” the grieving mother further related.

The Lance Corporal has since been taken into custody, with his service weapon and 8 live rounds.

(Lakhram Bhagirat)

Shocked at what is happening to mining lands in Guyana Dear Editor, As a miner with over two decades’ experience, I am shocked at what is now happening with the mining lands in this country.

The Commissioner of GGMC has taken it upon himself to illegally convert prospecting licences into mining permits. This is a corrupt practice, the sole aim of which is to undermine the mining regulations with impunity and allow for persons with big money and big connections to pick and choose the best mining lands in this country.

When the PPP government converted prospecting licences into mining permits, we complained and pointed to the mining regulations. Experts highlighted the fact that it was illegal, and the PPP skirted the laws by saying the practice fell under the subject minister’s discretion, and was scarcely used under “special circumstances”. There was absolutely no transparency, and the practice became a big money business under the PPP. There were allegations of corruption and money laundering, favouritism,

and even the execution-style murder of a GGMC employee who was said to be tied to the practice.

This APNU-AFC government has now joined in the same illegal practice of the previous government; I do not believe any GGMC commissioner would be so bold as to blatantly attempt such mass illegality without government approval.

The GGDMA unsurprisingly fully supports this illicit act, and its president seems to be more informed on what is happening than the minister. What the

GGMDA president neglected to say, however, was that the members of his organisation are the main beneficiaries of this illicit practice.

What does the Guyana Revenue Authority have to say about these conversions? Did that agency give the tax concessions and forego billions in taxes and other government revenues to facilitate the prospecting licences? What about the tax concessions, import duty, customs duty, and VAT waivers the GRA gave these PL holders and the SUVS, ATVS, excavators, bulldoz-

We refute these allegations

Dear Editor, I am a police rank stationed at the Mackenzie Police Station – ‘E’ Division, Upper Demerara/Linden.

I read a recent letter published in one of the newspapers on 2018-01-10 under the caption, ‘Some junior ranks feel oppressed’, and the writer mentioned issues that are affecting other ranks in ‘E’ Division.

My surprise is: why would any rank want to condemn the commander they are faced with on a daily basis? Editor, I would not be wasting this newspaper’s time to publish my letter if it meant nothing. The commander of ‘E’ Division has created a difference in this region. Since he took that office, he is sharing a very good relationship with his ranks.

The letter I read is inclusive of utter lies. And it was not a concerned rank that wrote it, but an ex-police corporal who got dismissed

for his rogue and corrupt actions.

We have a commander who does not tolerate malpractice from ranks, and someone took the opportunity to say ill things about him because he is a no-nonsense person. Our commander is a person who would sit and listen to ranks’ concerns, and would on all occasions look into our welfare. He is a very kind- hearted person who supports his ranks, even arranging for us to do the LTI courses specially crafted to our particular needs. And he is also very approachable.

He even visits communities around Linden and interacts with residents to ensure law and order is maintained.

I wish the “concerned rank”, as stated, had mentioned that he got dismissed for obtaining monies from persons for issuing driver’s licences, among other acts of corruption.

Why batter the commander for practices that

matter not in Linden? As a serving member of the Police Force, the commander, to my mind and the minds of other ranks, is a very decent and straightforward person.

I have consulted with other ranks since the offending letter was publicized. We discussed the issues raised, and most of the ranks are very much upset over the situation, because what was published is not true; this person is only trying to embarrass and discredit our commander.

‘E’ Division had several other commanders, who did less to curb crime but sided with the ex-rank, so they were never exposed to the media.

My point is: If all this accusation is true, then please come forward with the evidence against our commander -- whom none of us ranks have a problem with -- and deal with this matter as an adult in a professional way.

My grandfather always

taught me that when we can condemn our leader, it is because we cannot compete or meet the standard of that individual.

Editor, on behalf of myself and ranks of ‘E’ Division, I boldly say we do not know about any malpractice involving our commander; and we will not, in any way, concur with anything contained in the recent letter published in that newspaper.

We are proud of our commander, and respect given is respect earned.

Finally, we would like to disassociate ourselves from the letter published against our commander. He is very good to us, and we love him and would like to continue working with him. We could not have gotten a better commander than him.

Thank you for the space afforded.

Respectfully, Ranks of ‘E’ Division

ers, land cruisers, pickup trucks, fuel etc? This agency’s silence is as deafening as it is suspicious.

Somebody needs to investigate though; whether it be the President of Guyana, who is responsible for all lands in this country; SARA, as these lands are state assets; the Ministry of Natural Resources, which is the subject Ministry; or the GRA, for tax evasion, fraud and money laundering.

Something smells very fishy. Where are TIGI, SOCU and the subject min-

ister? Why the silence?

Mr Jones (Only name supplied) Miner

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tuesDAY, january 16, 2018

Page

By Debbie Pincus, MS LMHC

H

ave you been looking back on the last year, reflecting on how things went with your

Foundation

out the way you’d hoped), if you can view last year with curiosity and observation rather than with regret and harsh judgments, you’ll have a better chance of im-

“Between your child’s action and your reaction, you have the space to decide how it is best to think, feel and respond. You have a choice.”

are some great dance moves, and some that have gotten a little old and need to be retired. Do a self-inventory by standing back and observing yourself as you interact with your children and other family members. Think about your dance moves, and ask yourself the following questions: What is my dance with

child? If so, perhaps you feel frustrated when you think about his or her behaviour – and your reaction to it. Maybe you feel like no matter what you do as a parent, nothing changes. But understand that positive change can happen in your family. You’re not stuck in those negative patterns – you really do have the power to improve things, starting today.

What is your dance with your child?

As you look back, it can be helpful to remember what you wished for last year around this time.

Maybe you wished for a year of less fighting with your children, or dreamed that your children would become more responsible and motivated. Perhaps you wished for your defiant teen to turn into a more cooperative one, or for your mate to stand up for you more. Maybe you longed to when things got chaotic, or hoped to parent from your principles instead of from anxiety. As difficult as it is to reflect at times (especially if things didn’t turn

guyanatimesgy.com

proving things now.

It’s important to realize that every relationship has elements of a dance within it. And as we all know, there

my child? Do we keep having the same fight?

Which steps in the dance do I need to change? Do I get caught in a power struggle and end up yelling or giving

in?

Even if it feels like the dance you do can’t be altered, know that you can start changing those negative patterns with your child right now. (I’ll tell you more about how you can do that in a moment.)

Repeat After Me: “I am not in control of my child’s behaviours, thoughts, and feelings – But I am in control of my own.”

When we as parents feel responsible for our child’s behaviours, thoughts, feelings and outcomes in life, we get highly invested in their behaviour. We tend to believe that who they are is a reflection of us. When parents feel this way, there is an expectation and pressure to shape their children into who they believe they need to be; otherwise we can’t calm down. We feel anxiety – which leads to reactivity – as we attempt to “shape them up”. In response, our children then react to us – usually with some form of defiance. That dynamic can contribute to a disappointing and frustrating dynamic in the family. Why is this kind of reactivity so destructive? Because it’s an emotional reaction that does not lead to learning, problem solving, resolution or self direction – let alone positive connection.

If last year was a rough one with your children, chances are it’s because you and your children were more reactive to each other.

Tough outside circumstances might have increased

your stress levels. Chronic anxiety along with stresses like a death, job changes or a move, aging parents, or sickness increase the chance for more reactivity in the family. But remember, while we

can’t control many things that happen to us, one thing you can take control over is how you learn to respond to stress and difficulty in your life. (Excerpt from empoweringparents.

com)

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

By Jeremiah Ruesch

Lesson 2: writing an e-book

The girls, like all children, to create, so we created an e-book.

They helped create a template to use and made a project list to keep track of their tasks: Write all the text for the spaces.

Find and correct all spelling and grammar mistakes.

Find matching photos for the text, not just fun, funny, or cute pictures. They could only add images to the picture boxes in the template. When they could read the text from cover to cover without finding any mistakes and were happy with their photo choices, we would publish.

Using the numberless word problem and their Notice Wonder statements, they wrote an e-book, “Hungry Monkeys”, based on their work from Lesson 1, with characters who have a debate about the way to solve the question. They left it for the reader to resolve the conflict in the story.

As Lessing said, the girls blossomed in a hundred unexpected ways: They went from having little understanding to being capable of writing a scenario that showed an understanding of multiple representations of the problem.

They had a lot of fun, were fully engaged, and now see themselves as both mathematicians and authors as a result of working through this process. I feel it’s important to share this process so other students will have the opportunity to blossom too. (Excerpt from edutopia.org) like

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tuesDAY, january 16, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

Pomeroon execution

1 in custody, investigative team from Georgetown deployed

…2 main suspects still at large

F

ollowing the execution-style killing of two Lower Pomeroon residents on Sunday, the Police have reported that they have one farmer in custody while they seek the two main suspects.

The victims – 28-yearold Ambrose Baharally, called “Jadge” of Grant Stelling Hope and 23-yearold Martin Goddete of Friendship, Canal Lower, Pomeroon River were said to be imbibing when they were shot to the head by two men known to them.

The Police have since deployed a high-level investi-

gative team to the area to assist with investigations.

The man in custody is said to be a farmer who was at the scene, but the men accused of pulling the trigger are yet to be apprehended.

According to information, the incident occurred about 15:30h. Police from G Division are currently hunting for one suspect called “Wood” from Shell Beach, Essequibo.

Information reaching Guyana Times revealed that the two men, earlier in the day, made contact with Baharally and Goddete indicating that they were go-

ing to visit them during the day. The men reportedly visited the two now dead men around 15:00h and were armed at the time.

Baharally’s widow, Cilicia Williams told this publication that Goddete visited their home around 09:30h and after some time her husband and him began to drink “High Wine” on a culvert by the river.

The saddened woman disclosed to Police that around 15:10h on Sunday, she saw the suspects drive up in a boat and they subsequently shook her husband’s and his friend’s hands. She said the

Convict charged again for stealing motorcycle

A

man who previously spent 56 months in prison after being convicted for larceny on Monday appeared before the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts, this time for allegedly stealing a motorcycle.

Randy Joseph, 34, of Lot 24 Country Road, Buxton, East Coast Demerara, denied that on January 8, 2018 at Waterloo Street, Georgetown, he stole one motorcycle valued $245,000,

property of Godfrey Abel.

Police Prosecutor Dellon Sullivan objected to bail being granted to the accused based on the seriousness of the offence. He revealed that the Virtual Complainant (VC) went to Waterloo Street where he parked his motorcycle and went into a hotel.

However, when he returned, his motorcycle was nowhere to be found. As such, the matter was reported to the Police.

A number of days later, the defendant was stopped on the said motorcycle with registration number CJ 664 and he failed to provide the Police with the relevant documents.

As such, he was taken to the Vigilance Police Station where he was charged with the offence.

Magistrate Judy Latchman remanded the defendant to prison until January 29, 2018 when he would next appear in court.

The dead men: Ambrose Baharally and Martin Goddete

group of men were having a conversation and were in high spirits. Williams added that she then left the men and went to tend to her children when she heard two loud bangs and then discovered her husband and his friend falling to the ground.

“I heard two loud sounds, it was two gunshots; by the time I watched, out my husband… I was so helpless to see my husband in the pool of blood, I began to scream where persons rushed over,” Williams exclaimed.

The gunmen reportedly headed east on the river immediately after the horrendous act.

An alarm was raised; persons from the neighbourhood gathered on the scene and Police were summoned.

Many persons who were around told this newspaper they were shocked to see such a tragic incident.

“When we went, we saw two men shot to their heads; it was a clean shot, the bullets passed through, it was heart-wrenching to see such thing,” one person said.

Another resident said he passed earlier to go to his farm when he saw the two friends drinking. He said he did not know it was the last time he would have seen them.

When asked about the now deceased men, persons said that Baharally was a quiet person and he used to cultivate crops on a large scale. Persons were shocked to discover that he was shot.

Meanwhile, Police visited the scene where 9mm spent shells and 9 mm live rounds were found. Baharally’s and Goddete’s bodies were removed and taken to the Charity Oscar Joseph Hospital where they were pronounced dead on arrival. The bodies are currently at the Suddie Mortuary awaiting a post-mortem examination. (Indrawattie Natram)

8 news

tuesDAY, january 16, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

Bandit to serve 15 years for Agricola robbery-murder

Convicted killer Jermain Savory

T

wo weeks after being found guilty of murdering Melissa Payne during the course of a robbery at the Agricola Public Road on November 5, 2008, Jermain Savory was on Monday morning sentenced to 15 years in prison by High Court Judge James BovellDrakes.

Despite the accused proclaiming his innocence, the 12-member jury unanimously found the 30-year-old father of one guilty at the end

of the weeks-long trial in December.

The State’s case was that Savory – in the company of at least one other person –murdered Payne after the woman and her reputed husband, John Fraser, had stopped at Agricola, East Bank Demerara, on their way to Georgetown to correct a mechanical fault in the Canter truck, in which they were travelling.

Reports were that while Fraser was attending to the vehicle around 08:30h on the day in question, armed bandits approached them.

Fraser managed to escape, but 27-year-old Payne, from Den Amstel, West Coast Demerara, was eventually shot and killed after she held on to her bag that reportedly contained cash and valuables.

The court was told on Monday that the deceased woman loved gardening and that her relatives were still grieving the loss of their loved one. Meanwhile, in the probation report, the court heard that Savory, an Agricola native, exhibited

Dead: Melissa Payne

“strange” behaviour growing up and into his early adulthood. Prison officials also corroborated that the defendant’s behaviour was strange.

The probation report further highlighted that Savory came from a home which had both mother and father, but he dropped out of the Sophia Special School as a teenager.

He worked in masonry, as a fisheries labourer and as a Route 42 minibus conductor.

He also admitted that he

was a neighbourhood thief who smoked marijuana, but held out that he was innocent of committing Payne’s murder.

The former football player told the probation officer that he wanted to be reunited with his family.

However, the Judge noted that Savory’s crime was very serious and a strong signal needed to be sent.

He started the sentence at 33 years, but subtracted 10 years for the amount of time that Savory spent awaiting trial. The Judge then subtracted eight years from the sentence, which gave a total of 15 years that the killer will spend behind bars.

Savory thanked the Judge as he was led out of court by Police, but his relatives were saddened by the sentence, claiming that their relative was jailed for something he knew nothing about.

Savory was represented

by Attorney Maxwell McKay, while the Prosecutors for the State were Mandell Moore and Orinthia Schmidt.

(Shemuel Fanfair)

Teen slapped with robbery charge

A

17-year-old was on Monday afternoon in tears as he denied stealing a cellphone in the Stabroek Market area when he made an appearance before Magistrate Judy Latchman.

Shamrock King, a plumber of Lot 684 East Ruimveldt, Georgetown, denied that on January 12, 2018, while being in the company of others and being armed with a knife, he robbed Ajay Kumar

Chowdai of one cell phone valued $15,000, property of Joshna Kamla.

The plumber employed at a popular fishing company told the court that he committed no such act and claimed that he was a “hardworking youth who does work to take care of my family”.

However, Police Prosecutor Dellon Sullivan said that King, who was a known offender, attacked

the Virtual Complainant (VC) and held a knife to his neck before making off with the phone.

Police on patrol at the time were alerted and the defendant was captured

with the phone on his person.

As such, Magistrate Latchman remanded King to prison until January 29, 2018 when he would make his next court appearance.

Farmer on $175,000 bail for discharging firearm, wounding

A

Lindener was granted bail in the total sum of $175,000

by Magistrate Clive Nurse when he appeared at the Linden Magistrate’s Court, charged with the offences of discharging a firearm and unlawful wounding.

Curwin Estwick, a poultry farmer of Lot 943 South Amelia’s Ward, Mackenzie, Linden, denied both charges after they were read to him.

It is alleged that on August 10, 2017, he discharged a loaded firearm at Dillon Batson with intent to maim, disfigure, disable or cause grievous bodily harm.

Since there was no objection to bail by the prosecution, the defendant was released on $100,000 surety for that offence. For the unlawful wounding matter, Estwick was charged with co-defendants Leroy Nedd and Lennox Estwick, who were both charged in absentia. It is alleged that they unlawfully wounded Kent Austin, on August 31, 2017 at Amelia’s Ward. For the offence, the farmer was granted $75,000 bail. The case will continue on February 12.

A fair share…

E

…in oil profits ver since the oil bonus fiasco was uncovered, even partisans of the Government have been looking closer at the contract which was finally revealed. And what a can of worms has been revealed!

It all stems from Resource Minister Raphael Trotman’s “renegotiation” of the contract the PPP had signed back in 1999. Back then, Guyana had still been on its knees -- brought there by the PNC in its 28 years of destructive rule. Guyanese were hoping and praying for a turnaround in their fate. When the US geological survey claimed their mapping techniques from space indicated the presence of oil off our shores, ‘bending’ over for Exxon made sense, since, in over a hundred years of exploration, all wells had come up as dry as the proverbial bone.

But by 2016, when Trotman renegotiated the contract, that contract had built-in terms stating the agreement was up for a rewriting. And that’s where Trotman blew it. We won’t go into all the “I’s” he didn’t dot and the “t’s” he didn’t cross, but the biggest blunder has to be agreeing to pay the oil company’s taxes for its share of income -- which would amount to 30% of all those billions!!

One hears about tax holidays given to companies to attract them to one’s country; but those are for a limited duration, typically for ten years or so. But in this instance, Exxon can say with a straight face -- to the US IRS, for instance -- that its income was subject to foreign taxation; that the taxes were paid by the country’s government!! Have you ever heard such nonsense?

Anyhow, another issue has just been raised -- about whether we’ll get a fair shake even before the profits are declared. Now, it is not unusual for the oil company to be allowed to deduct the costs of exploration against the revenues as expenses; this was standard in all mineral exploitation agreements. But back in the day, Burnham had already made quite a stink about how the foreign mining companies were able to use all kinds of sleight of hand to inflate those expenses in bauxite and, of course, lower the profits. In fact, it was one of the main reasons he offered for nationalising bauxite in 1970.

And as an acolyte of Burnham, did Trotman completely forget to get a handle on the strategies the mining and oil companies use and head them off at the pass? Well, we know he didn’t, and we have to find out why?

Your Eyewitness, going by the experience of so many countries described by President Trump as “shitholes,” concluded that someone was playing footsies under the table! …for sugar workers Now that sugar workers have been brought to their knees by the APNU/AFC regime, PM Nagamootoo has been given the role of apologist. In his latest column in the Chronic, he claims that the Government did so much for sugar after taking office. And are these things -- you ask, dear reader -- supposed to placate sugar workers??

Well, Nagamootoo says Government pumped billions into the industry; had a Commission of Inquiry; a State Paper presented to Parliament; and formed a Special Purpose vehicle to get rid of the three estates that have been closed. Are the 5,700 workers thrown into the streets supposed to excuse his betrayal now?

Let’s start with the money injected. Has Nagamootoo forgotten the decades he railed against the PNC for scooping off the profits from the sugar industry by a draconian levy? And that this levy kept the country afloat for decades, since it provided foreign currency when there was no other source? The PPP, to their credit, tried to rescue the industry in recompense.

But since when have sugar workers ever been given their fair share by the PNC, now including Nagamootoo? …and fair shake And the CoI into sugar? Nagamootoo should say why its recommendation to keep the estates going for another three years was ignored!

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

News

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tuesDAY, january 16, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

Caricom’s unity drives it to surmount challenges, says SG

From left: Caricom Secretary General, Ambassador Irwin LaRocque; Haiti’s Foreign Minister and Chairman of the Council of Ministers, Antonio Rodrigue; and Caricom Deputy Secretary General, Ambassador Manorma Soeknandan

Members of the Community Council of Ministers at its 41st meeting held on Monday at Caricom Headquarters

he unified strength of the Caribbean Community (Caricom) has enabled it to surmount challenges posed over the past 44 years of regional integration.

This declaration was made by the Caricom Secretary-General, Ambassador Irwin LaRocque, while he urged the Community Council of Ministers to use those weapons to forge ahead.

Caricom’s second highest organ held its 41st meeting at its Liliendaal, Greater Georgetown Headquarters on Monday to discuss the provisional list of items for the agenda of the 29th Intersessional Meeting of Heads of Government, which will be held in Haiti on February 26-27. The meeting was

munity also made a sterling contribution,” he noted.

Ambassador LaRocque went on to quote Prime Minister Minnis of The Bahamas, who had stated, “Sadly, the economic, environmental, social and psychological damage will remain for quite some time”.

He added that the reality is that storms would be more frequent and intense as extreme climatic events become the new normal, as we are living with climate change.

The Community’s main focuses, therefore, he added, are rebuilding and, critically, “on preparing for the others that are sure to come.”

To this end, he noted that as a matter of urgency and as advocated in the Community’s Strategic

T

chaired by His Excellency Antonio Rodrigue, Minister of Foreign and Religious Affairs of Haiti.

“Let us once again engage those weapons as we strive to ensure that, in our 45th year, integration continues to be the vehicle to provide sustained development and a secure, prosperous and viable Caribbean Community for all our peoples,” Secretary-General LaRocque admonished.

He said the pressing issue of crime and violence -given the gravity of the situation faced by many member states -- as well as disaster management and preparedness are among the items proposed for the Heads’ Meeting agenda.

The SG reminded the Council that the discus-

sions were being undertaken against the background of recovery efforts within the countries that suffered the terrible devastation of hurricanes Irma and Maria. Unified strength, he said, was evident in the relief effort galvanised by the Governments and peoples of the region in response to those disasters.

“Our member states rallied around the stricken countries and rendered yeoman service in the aftermath of the disasters.

Our institutions, well led by the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA) in close collaboration with the Secretariat, also delivered in support of the recovery efforts. The international com-

Guyana to host CITUR conference in March

G

uyana is preparing to host the 24th Congress of Ministers and high officials of tourism in March.

Ministers from 34 countries that are part of the Organisation of American States (OAS) will meet for the Inter-American Committee on Tourism (CITUR).

This year’s Congress is being held under the theme

“Connecting the Americas Through Sustainable Tourism”. The focus of the meeting will be how to “connect our countries a little better through a common approach to sustainable tourism”, Business Minister Dominic Gaskin noted.

According to the Department of Public Information (DPI), Minister Gaskin, who has responsibility for tourism, said this

was the first-ever OAS ministerial conference to be held in Guyana.

“It’s very significant to host these international events. It raises the profile of our country. We, of course, have to ensure it comes off successfully so there is a lot of work to be done.”

“It puts us on the map. I think it is something we can be proud of,” he added.

Gaskin noted that over

the past two years, there has been increased interest in Guyana as a destination for the hosting of conferences.

“People want to be in Guyana; they sense that there are exciting things happening in Guyana and so Guyana has now become an interesting place and that puts us in the running for hosting various conferences and events,” the Minister asserted.

Plan, efforts must be engineered to “build a resilient Community in all facets: economically, socially, environmentally and technologically.”

As the Community forg-

es ahead with reconstruction, the Secretary-General urged, regional and national programmes must be implemented to transform it into the world’s first climate-resilient region.

10 news

tuesDAY, january 16, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

$100M Revolving Norton denies Govt Fund now available withheld 2017 funding to small businesses Guyana Prize for Literature

…says event planned for 2018

By Lakhram Bhagirat

M

inister with responsibility for Culture, Youth and Sport, Dr George Norton, on Monday denied claims that the Government withheld funding from the Guyana Prize Committee for the Guyana Prize for Literature awards, which was supposed to be held in July of 2017.

Last week, Guyana Times reported that the coalition Government, in what has been described as an unprecedented move, was yet to provide funding for the prestigious Guyana Prize for Literature Awards.

However, Minister Norton – who was unclear as to why the award ceremony was not held – reiterated that he was “sure” Government would not deliberately withhold funding for the hosting of such an event. He added that he has a vested interest in the Guyana Prize and has been seeking information from both the Secretary to the Committee, Al Creighton and the Cultural Policy

Advisor, Ruel Johnson.

“I have written Mr Creighton and he is yet to respond and I am also seeking information from Mr Johnson, so if I am directly responsible for the Guyana Prize then we can ensure that it is held this year,” Norton said in an invited comment.

The prestigious award ceremony was supposed to be held in July of 2017, with March 31 being the deadline for submissions.

However, it is yet to be held since the Government has not released funding for the Guyana Prize Committee to go ahead with the awards.

Last week, Creighton noted that the procedures for the prize have been put over to 2018. “The activities that should have taken place have been put over to this year, 2018 so that the other procedures for the prize would be completed in 2018. Basically, everything to do with the completion of the judging and the announcements and so on (remains to be completed),” he stated.

He also refused to com-

Minister with responsibility for Culture, Dr George Norton

ment on the issue of funding and did commit to holding the event in 2018, but could not give a proposed date.

The Guyana Prize is awarded to writers of Guyanese nationality in several different categories. These categories include Best First Book of Poetry, Best First Book of Fiction, Best Book of Poetry, Best Book of Fiction and Best Book of Drama.

Additionally, the Guyana Prize also awards Books of Poetry, Fiction and Drama in separate categories for

Caribbean writers.

The Guyana Prize for Literature was established in 1987 to provide encouragement for the development of good creative writing among Guyanese in particular and Caribbean writers in general. The Prize is for published books and is open to works by citizens of Caribbean countries: Caricom States, the Commonwealth Caribbean, and the Netherland Antilles.

To be eligible for entry, a book must have been written and published in English and for Drama – entries must be full-length plays.

For Fiction and Poetry, the publishers must enter works. No more than one work by any author may be entered in each category.

Over the years, the Prize has attracted both praise and criticism and would have awarded to several established writers, aiding in the development of the literature sector in Guyana. The judges are pulled from both the foreign and local literary sectors with vast knowledge in literature.

A

ccess to financing for small businesses will now be less restrictive with the implementation of the new $100 million Revolving Fund project.

Business Minister Dominic Gaskin said the project would be executed by the Ministry’s semi-autonomous agency, the Small Business Bureau (SBB).

The initiative will help to finance micro and small businesses whose goods and services are sustainable and environmentally friendly.

The SBB currently invests in low carbon sectors to support the Government’s strategy to reduce carbon emissions, through loans, grants, and guaranteed collateral.

However, Minister Gaskin pointed out that “...it is restrictive, and we have found that many small businesses that would have liked to access financing through that programme were not allowed to do so, because of the specific terms of reference”.

The Business Minister explained the new initiative with its open terms of

Business Minister Dominic Gaskin

reference policy will differ from the ongoing access-to-finance programme, because “this $100 million Revolving Fund has no restrictions, in terms of what type of businesses can access it”.

The Revolving Fund also aims to provide small loans to persons leaving the sugar industry who are desirous of establishing individual business ventures.

In 2017, the SBB dispersed some 50 approved loans valued at $270 million to finance small businesses in the low-carbon sector across the country.

11 AFC considering breakaway from APNU for LGE T news

tuesDAY, january 16, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

he Alliance For Change (AFC) has announced that there is a possibility that the party may break away from the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) for this year’s Local Government Elections.

This announcement was made on Monday by AFC Leader Raphael Trotman during a press conference at the party’s head office, where several updates were provided to the media regarding its work.

Trotman said, “There is a strong opinion of body within the party that we should go alone.” However, in the same breath, he said that there was another view that the AFC should seek to enter a new accord.

The party leader explained that the Cummingsburg Accord that was signed between the

AFC and APNU in 2015 was just to facilitate the General Election and did not include local elections.

“We are currently assessing the views of the various party leaders here in Guyana and outside of Guyana, and we would have met with the APNU and other parties to get a sense…and make a decision well before the date is announced for Local Government Elections,” he added.

The AFC has, of recent, come under fire for the perceived submissive role it played when it joined forces with APNU. In mid-November 2017, the top leadership of the AFC had decided to revise its governing agreement with its coalition partner. This decision was taken after the AFC – the smaller of the two groups forming the Government – was accused

AFC Leader Raphael Trotman

of being coerced by its large partner.

Speaking about the discussions surrounding the review of this Accord, Trotman said that it was still on the party’s agenda and it has sought to get some other views to begin the process.

“We have, in fact, identified a team that will represent us in upcoming talks, because, like I said, the Accord has a lifespan of a minimum of three years and a maximum of five. And it was geared primarily towards national elections. It was very silent on Local Government Elections,” he explained.

The Cummingsburg Accord Review Committee (CARC) has eight members: Dr Vincent Adams, Dr Rohan Somar, Marlon Williams, David Patterson, Joel Edmond, Sherod Duncan and one representative each from the party’s Women for Change and Youth for Change arms.

The AFC’s National Executive Committee (NEC) has mandated the party leadership to formally write to APNU with regard to the review and revision of the

Cummingsburg Accord.

Trotman had committed to write to meet with APNU to initiate discussions with regard to the revision of the Accord, which was signed before the last General Election.

But several months have passed and Trotman is yet to write APNU. This was made clear by APNU Secretary Joseph Harmon, who said recently that to date, no correspondence was received.

This process must be completed by the third anniversary of the signing of the Accord, February 14, 2018.

There have been reports that the AFC was not too comfortable with the current Cummingsburg Accord which sets out how the two coalition partners would divide up the Ministries.

Under the current configuration of the Government,

the AFC received the portfolios of the Prime Minister, Public Security, Public Infrastructure, and the Agriculture Ministries, among others.

Commenting on whether the coalition between the AFC and APNU was working well, Trotman noted that the Cummingsburg Accord pact was working well. The AFC leader declined to discuss the contrary aspects of the coalition’s mechanisms, but said the AFC saw areas that should be strengthened.

Trotman said despite repeated concerns, the AFC’s membership has been growing and the party would be relying on both new media and face-to-face community outreaches.

The AFC is also in the process of raising funds to assist with its run for Local Government Elections.

Free Pap smears for Cervical Cancer Awareness Month

J

anuary is designated Cervical Cancer Awareness Month and President of the Guyana Cancer Foundation (GCF), Bibi Hassan is making a special appeal to women 21 years and older to have their Pap smears done, since ‘early detection saves lives’.

To create awareness the Foundation is hosting its annual “Wear It Teal Friday” event on Friday, January 19, 2018. Persons are asked to support the initiative by wearing the colour teal on that day to show support to cervical cancer survivors.

Hassan, through the GCF, has been providing free Pap smears to hundreds

of women in Guyana who fall into the low-income bracket.

Pap smears will be offered this Saturday, January 20, at the Giftland Mall.

The Pap test can detect abnormal cells that may develop into cancer if left untreated. It is recommended every three years for women aged 21-29. Women aged 3065 years are advised to have the smear every three years or the Pap test in addition to the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) test every five years.

In Guyana, steps are being taken to reduce the prevalence of cervical cancer cases. The national HPV vaccination campaign was launched on October 15,

2017, in Bartica, Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni).

Junior Minister of Public Health, Dr Karen Cummings said the campaign formed part of the Ministry’s plan to arrest the number of cervical cancer cases. The campaign targets girls aged 9 to 16, with the end goal being 90 per cent coverage of the target population.

According to global research, girls and boys have the best protection from HPV when they receive all doses of the vaccine as recommended before they are exposed to HPV. Locally, young girls in the targeted population will need to take two doses of the

vaccines which will take effect in about 10 to 20 years when they are adult women.

The vaccination campaign is being conducted under the purview of the Maternal and Child Health Department of the Ministry.

According to the Department of Public Information (DPI), Guyana will look to vaccinate boys in the future; however, it aims to immunise the girls with hopes of protecting boys as well. The vaccines can be

attained through the school programmes as well as local health centres across the regions.

The HPV vaccine arrived here in 2011 and was officially launched by the then Health Ministry in 2012.

It was relaunched in 2016 under the present Public Health Ministry in collaboration with Merck Sharp and Dhome (MSD).

In addition, for this month, the Guyana Cancer Institute is also administer-

ing free Pap smears.

The Pap smear is done seven days after a woman’s menstrual cycle and individuals desirous of having it done must abstain from sexual intercourse three days prior.

The use of tampons is discouraged before the appointment. Persons desirous of taking advantage of this offer are asked to make an appointment on telephone number 225-5701 or 225-5703.

tuesday, january 16, 2018 guyanatimesgy.com

P

rofessional Guard Service (PGS) comprises highly-motivated, dedicated, energetic professionals. We have our specially designed training course to meet the needs of our customers.

PGS was formed on April 14, 1983; its objective being to provide Guyana with a top-quality service, based on those already operating in Canada and the USA. Prospective ranks are thoroughly screened and once recruited, are provided with training in the various aspects of security provision. Security personnel attending training sessions are paid double time.

PGS runs a 24-hour monitoring operation and a 24-hour relay station, along with three separate Armed Emergency Response Units on each shift.

These Units are ready to lend critical support to any rank who calls for assistance in the event of a possible criminal attack, or if their site is on fire. All of the sites are inspected on a 24-hour basis.

In addition to all the various aspects of security provided, clients are also assured of the very best in service in the following critical areas: - Cash transport: PGS provides Armed Cash Transport (ACT) in Guyana. ACT teams are exposed to continuous training/refresher courses four times per year.

- Radio contact: Ranks are in constant contact with Radio Room Operatives (RRO) who provide a 24-hour service. These operatives are fully trained professionals.

- Armed/Unarmed guards: All guards are trained

and are exposed to continuous training. Ranks are supported by the RRO on a 24hour basis. RRO are on hand to deploy additional ranks if the need arises.

24-hour Armed Inspection Service (AIS): Armed teams are prepared to visit your site for inspection of the premises and your internal security. All irregularities are reported immediately to the client so that they may take corrective actions.

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W

e are an evolutionary Security Company with a driven focus on the development of Security, both Public and Private, through the use of Technology.

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tuesDAY, january 16, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

N

orth American Life Insurance Company (NALICO) commenced operations in April 1992, charted to write Life Insurance, Group Medical Insurance and Pension Plans.

Over the years, the company has expanded and in keeping with technology now provides real-time processing of transactions at all 15 branches countrywide.

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Q

ueensway Security Service Inc is pleased to introduce a premium service aimed at providing you with the peace of mind that you deserve. Security has become the number one concern for everyone, from the safety of our loved ones to the protection of our homes and businesses.

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14 news

tuesDAY, january 16, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

March deadline for completion of Kitty Market – $25M plus contract signed

Communities Minister Ronald Bulkan, along with Town Clerk Royston King (extreme right), contractor Baynard Lord (left) and two other officials from the Ministry

A

Municipal Market contract in excess of $25 million was on Monday signed between the Communities Ministry and BML Architects and Engineers for the continua-

tion of rehabilitative works on the Kitty Market.

Communities Minister Ronald Bulkan said the contract would see the construction of 15 external and 10 internal stalls, and com-

pletion of the sanitary block, the revenue collection section and an office for the Kitty Market clerk.

“We are pleased to be in a position to award this contract to the successful bid-

der …to allow for this project to go forward…to allow for occupation and use of this market by our vendors,” Minister Bulkan said.

The rehabilitation of the Market began in 2016 by the Mayor and City Council (M&CC), but was delayed after the Council experienced constraints.

Central Government stepped in providing the M&CC with $200 million in the 2018 National Budget of which $50 million has been dedicated by the Council for works on the Kitty Market.

Town Clerk Royston King said this was a demonstration of Government’s commitment to the M&CC’s efforts to sustainably develop the capital city.

“Stallholders, as well as residents of the Kitty community, would be very happy with this latest development,” King said. He expressed gratitude to the Government for the support in this venture.

Minister Ronald Bulkan hands over a copy of the contract to Town Clerk Royston King

BML Architects and Engineers is owned and operated by Baynard Lord.

Only recently, vendors protested the long wait for

the completion of the market. The M&CC is hoping for a March 2018 completion.

Arthur Chung Convention Centre repairs well underway

T

he rehabilitation of the Arthur Chung Convention Centre (ACCC) at Turkeyen, East Coast Demerara is progressing well. This was reported following a tour of the compound on Friday last by Minister of Public Telecommunications, Catherine Hughes, and members of the Project Monitoring Committee responsible for the repairs of the centre.

The tour was conducted by the engineering team from the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation that was contracted by the Government

Public Telecommunications Minister Cathy Hughes with contractors and members of the Project Monitoring Committee at the ACCC

of China to execute the rehabilitation of the Convention Centre.

General Manager of ACCC, Ramdial Nancoomar, disclosed the new sections and services that have been added to the complex. These include a fully equipped computer room, new equipment for the translation service, as well as new press (media) and translator booths in the main auditorium.

The main auditorium, also called “the Dome”, is being completely redesigned from floor to ceiling, and will now house 372 new seats affixed to the floor, the foundation for which was raised by approximately two feet. The flooring of the entire complex was similarly raised, and thousands of new granite tiles are being laid.

Minister Hughes has said she is anticipating handing the building back to the Guyanese public this May. She described the

Works inside the compound near the Dome

complex, constructed between 2004 and 2006, as an example of Guyana’s historically close bilateral relations with the People’s Republic of China, enjoyed for some 51 years.

The centre was closed on December 1, 2016 to facilitate major rehabilitation, which is expected to be completed on time in the 18-month schedule. The rehabilitation had been ca-

tered for in the 2004 agreements between the two countries; and similarly, like the construction of the facility, the rehabilitation project is being funded entirely with grant aid from the donor country.

According to Minister Catherine Hughes, the media will be invited to tour the upgraded facility in February.

9 more Venezuelan women deported

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ine more Venezuelan women were on Monday deported when they appeared before Chief Magistrate Ann

McLennan.

Marlinez Sanchez, 25; Zulibe Grando, 25; Verenez Moreno, 35; Martha Lizboa, 48; Ocerez Navas Gracia,

23; Carlyn Lomas, 25; Creys Martinez, 20; Franics Tovar, 20; and Vanessa Martinez all made their appearance at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

They were all charged for entering Guyana at Eteringbang, Cuyuni River and disembarking without consulting an Immigration Officer.

The women bemoaned the harsh life in their homeland of crisis-hit Venezuela and revealed that passports were being issued for some US$500 when they were only being paid some US$10 per month.

They were all fined $30,000 with a default sentence of four weeks in prison, and were expected to be deported.

news

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tuesDAY, january 16, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

Govt mulls partnership with Brazil’s health sector – to aid communities on the border

Minister of Public Health, Volda Lawrence, embracing a young mother of Paramakatoi who made a passionate plea for better transportation, especially for persons who need emergency care

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ravelling to the capital city of Georgetown in times of emergency can be somewhat frustrating for some residents of indigenous communities. As such, the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) is considering partnering with neighbouring Brazil to have Guyanese access medical care there instead.

The possible implementation of this plan should not face too many challenges, since residents of contiguous communities already utilise the health services of the Portuguese-speaking nation.

It takes residents of Region Eight just about

four hours of travel to access the closest hospital in Brazil, located in the town of Uiramuta. In cases when that hospital cannot handle specific cases, patients are referred to the hospital in Boa Vista.

Minister of Public Health, Volda Lawrence, has said this arrangement could ease the painstaking efforts patients expend to get to the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPHC). She put the idea to the residents of Paramakatoi, Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni) during a meeting at one of the primary schools there on Sunday.

According to the Department of Public

Information, the minister is scheduled to meet with her Brazilian counterpart later this week, and will raise the proposal.

The issue of transportation and medical service was brought to the fore during the minister’s outreach to the village. After hearing the plight of a young mother who was unable to bear the cost of flying her sick child to the city for medical checkups, and similar cries from residents, Minister Lawrence made the suggestion.

“Sometimes we have to look at economies of scale; we have to look at time, and we have to look at some

HEYS programme to be replaced

…with a more holistic training programme targeting youths

F

ollowing a successful run, the Hinterland Employment and Youth Service (HEYS) initiative will be replaced with a more holistic training programme targeting youths across the country.

This was according to Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs Minister Sydney Allicock.

According to the Department of Public Information (DPI), Minister Allicock explained that while the current HEYS initiative has accomplished much, it would be restructured to incorporate other training programmes for youths in the various sectors. This will be achieved through a collaboration between the Ministries of Education and Social Cohesion.

“This will be done to create a more holistic training package for youths throughout Guyana. Currently, the first cohort of the HEYS programme is being reviewed and from that information, we will be guided. The aim is to incorporate all the other programmes and to create an aggressive package for the youths in Guyana,” Minister Allicock explained.

of those issues that you brought up -- of persons who will accompany the person who is ill,” she said.

According to Minister Lawrence, each year, money is usually allocated for the medical evacuation of persons. However, in many instances, before the end of the quarter, the budget is exhausted. It is clear, she said, that the needs of the various communities utilising this service outstrip the resources that are available.

“That is why I’m asking about Brazil, because sometimes we have to think outside the box. And if it means us entering into an agree-

ment with the Brazilian Government to ensure that instead of us medivacking over the mountain, certain patients we can send to Brazil…that will help all of us.” She billed this idea as the best possible solution to the current problem.

Meanwhile, in response to calls for a district hospital, Minister Lawrence said it is something that Government would have to work towards accomplishing. She said that is the ideal, since many other services could be offered there to ease the high incidents of medivacking, while at the same time providing employment.

In the meantime, the minister said, the Government will work to further upgrade the Mahdia Hospital, where residents of Paramakatoi also go to receive emergency treatment. According to Minister Lawrence, the Mahdia Hospital has trained doctors and facilities that should meet the needs of patients.

The Health Minister has said she would also speak to her counterpart in Brazil regarding whether the services could be extended in Brazil, and the possibility of getting assistance to construct the district hospital.

Final consultations on Amerindian Act slated for this year

T

he Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs will be conducting its final rounds of consultations on the proposed amendments to the Amerindian Act of 2006, by the end of 2018.

This was according to Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs Minister Sydney Allicock, who explained that the Ministry was currently awaiting advice from its technical staff regarding the format the consultations would take this year.

The Minister is quoted by the Department of Public Information (DPI) as saying that while the process is taking longer than expected, this year it will be con-

ducted in a more structured manner.

Minister Allicock pointed out that the Ministry is very keen on respecting the process of Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC), which is enshrined in the Act. Additionally, Minister Allicock noted that his office would also be reviewing some of those recommendations made prior to the 2006 Act. “There were lots of ideas, proposals, and suggestions that we can review, to see what might be adequate or relevant to today,” he further explained.

The Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs Minister said that the intention was to have

all the communities involved in the process. The National Toshaos Council (NTC) and the South Rupununi District Council (SRDC) will also play critical roles in the process.

Amending the 2006 Act is expected to resolve many issues within Indigenous communities, especially those regarding land and mining.

The Amerindian Act of 2006 was intended to protect the fundamental rights and freedoms of the Indigenous peoples, including the right to life, liberty, expression, movement, protection from slavery and forced labour, culture, and tradition.

Man gets 45 years in jail for child rape

I

t was a moment of tension at the High Court on Monday afternoon when Omadatt Persaud was handed a 45-year jail sentence for engaging in ‘sexual activity’ with a child family member.

Those sexual acts, which involved penetration, occurred between August 1st and 31st in the year 2015, when the child was only five years old.

The jury returned with the unanimous guilty verdict after a little more than Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs Minister Sydney Allicock two hours of deliberation, and sentence was handed The Education Ministry construction of the facility. down by Sexual Offences Some 1872 Indigenous has been tasked with developing a paper for the new youths received training Court Judge Justice Simone programme. Additionally, through the Indigenous Morris-Ramlall, who was the Green Enterprise Peoples’ Affairs Ministry in forced to upbraid Persaud’s Development Centre that a number of skilled areas. lawyer, Darren Wade, for will be established at Bina Another 1958 youths are his outbursts berating the Hill, Region Nine (Upper nearing completion of their jury’s verdict. The attorney’s Takutu-Upper Essequibo), training, making it a total outburst described the deciwill further prepare of 3830 trained over a two- sion of the 12-member panIndigenous youths for the year period. el as wrong, while adding anticipated developments The Government’s vi- that “the journey does not expected to accrue from the sion is to develop and im- end here,” and that he would plement a plan for a uni- go as far as the Caribbean oil and gas sector.

The flagship initiative is versalising programme of Court of Justice to appeal expected to serve 120 stu- technical and vocational the decision. When Justice dents from Regions One, training, through the creindicated Seven, Eight, Nine and Ten. ation of skills training cen- Morris-Ramlall The sum of $79 million has tres and programmes in ev- that Wayne had displayed unprofessional behaviour in been allocated in the 2018 ery region. his address to the court, the Budget to commence the

Omadatt Persaud has to serve 35 years before he is eligible for parole

lawyer swiftly apologised and took his seat.

Justice Morris-Ramlall explained that she did not impose on the convict life imprisonment -- the maximum penalty -- because he had been ill-advised by his lawyer. However, she said she took into consideration the nature of the acts; the fact that it involved a child relative; involved penetration; and because Persaud had breached a position of trust.

Justice Morris-Ramlall also noted the prevalence of this type of offence, the public’s concern over such acts,

and that Persaud had displayed a “lack of remorse” and disregard for the jury’s verdict.

“Perhaps you were ill-advised; you are not being sentenced to life imprisonment, on the conduct of your counsel,” the judge stressed.

She said that the convict must serve 35 calendar years before he becomes eligible for parole.

A tearful Persaud was escorted out of the courtroom moments after proclaiming his innocence. State Counsel Orinthia Schmidt had presented the prosecution’s case.

16

guyanatimesgy.com

tuesDAY, january 16, 2018

Regional

Chile complains of World T&T Govt investigating reports of Bank’s unfair treatment Trinidadians being held in Iraq

C

hilean officials have accused the World Bank of treating the country unfairly for several years.

Foreign Minister Heraldo Muñoz, tweeted "fake news was becoming fake statistics".

He was responding to an interview given by the Bank's chief economist, Paul Romer, who said indicators for Chile may have been manipulated for political reasons to show a decline in Chile's business conditions.

The World Bank has ordered an inquiry.

In an interview given to the Chilean newspaper El Mercurio, the World Bank economist who had been responsible for the rankings, Augusto Lopez-Claros, said changes in methodology "took place in a transparent and open context", denying any political bias.

Chile currently ranks

Paul Romer is the World Bank’s chief economist

55th out of 190 countries on the World Bank's closely watched annual "Doing Business" competitiveness rankings.

It had been 34th in 2014, the year socialist President Michelle Bachelet took office.

"What happened with the World Bank's competitiveness rankings is very concerning, "said President Bachelet, whose four-year term ends in March.

"Rankings that international institutions conduct should be trustworthy, since they impact on investment and a country's development." she said, asking for a formal investigation.

Muñoz called on Twitter for the Bank to "calculate the possible loss in foreign investment because of the doubts caused by a lower competitiveness ranking during the administration of President Bachelet".

Chile's presidential elections last month were won by the conservative business tycoon, Sebastián Piñera against Bachelet's preferred candidate, Alejandro Guillier, in part on promises to slash red tape and boost investment.

The World Bank's "Doing Business" rankings weigh factors such as the ease of starting a business, obtaining credit, paying taxes and getting construction permits.

(Excerpt from BBC News)

R

T&T National Security Minister Edmund Dillon

eports of Trinidadians being held at a detention camp in Iraq are being investigated by the Government.

In Parliament on Friday, National Security Minister Edmund Dillon said the investigation is being done, “through diplomatic channels and other agencies.”

Dillion was responding to a comment made by a legislator who said that based on reports, Trinidadians are being held in Iraq and the Iraqi Government wanted to repatriate them.

Dillon said that while there has been no confirmation of nationals being held, the reports are being investigated.

Concerning local immigration matters, Dillion disclosed that over 14,000 visitors overstayed their time in the twin-island republic between January 1 and November 30, 2017.

The National Security Minister disclosed that based on information from the Counter Trafficking Unit (CTU),four people were smuggled into Trinidad and Tobago from Venezuela in the period January 1 to December 30, 2017.

He said the Immigration Division continues to effectively monitor and control the movements of people in and out of the country.

Dillon also identified a memorandum of intent signed last April between the country and the United States for the establishment of a personal identification secure comparison and evaluation system among other initiatives being pursued by Government to deal with illegal migrants in the twin-island republic.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

Sexual offences model court Venezuela’s Govt, Opposition conclude to be set up in Antigua talks without agreement

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ntigua and Barbuda will have a Sexual Offences Model Court this year.

It is being established by the Judicial Reform and Institutional Strengthening (JURIST) Project in collaboration with the Government of Antigua and Barbuda and the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court (ECSC).

According to JURIST Project Director Dr Penny Reedie, it is intended “to provide a timely, gender responsive and coordinated response to complainants and vulnerable witnesses involved in sexual offence cases”.

The establishment of the court forms part of JURIST’s comprehensive approach to the management of sexual assault cases and the provision of support for complainants and witnesses, including children.

Antigua and Barbuda’s

Attorney General Steadroy Benjamin welcomed the initiative and pledged Government’s support. “We are very pleased that Antigua and Barbuda was selected as the country to establish the Sexual Offences Model Court. The Government recognises the need to have effective systems in place to deal with sexual violence,” he said.

Benjamin added that the Government was committed to reducing and eliminating sexual violence in their country and to this end a number of projects were being implemented.

He pointed out that the establishment of the Region’s first Support and Referral Centre (SARC) by the Directorate of Gender Affairs (DoGA) for victims of gender-based and sexual violence (GBSV) was one example of how the Government was treating with sexual violence. (Excerpt from Caribbean360)

Cayman authorities warn of supposed Jamaican job scam

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ayman authorities have warned citizens not to send money or engage with “con artists” from Jamaica as a new employment scam has surfaced in recent months targeting people in the Cayman Islands.

According to Cayman reports, the online job scam, which Police believe is being run from Jamaica and targeting expat workers, has expanded its con base from the hospitality to the health sector.

The Financial Crime Unit of the Royal Cayman Islands Police Service advised people to contact the police if they have fallen victim or have any information about the culprits as the scam is similar to those the unit investigated last year

but the scammers are now targeting nurses as well as hospitality staff.

The FCU added that job seekers are still responding to these false advertisements on social media, which solicit resumes for the non-existent jobs, promising assistance with plane fare, but asking people to send cash towards the processing cost of the work permits.

“The scammers use social network sites, such as Facebook, Tagged, Tango and Badoo, to engage people under false pretexts and ask them to use their bank account to facilitate the transaction or attend Western Union or other remittance services," the FCU explained. (Excerpt from CMC)

M

embers of Venezuela’s leftist Government and Opposition Leaders concluded a round of talks in the Dominican Republic on Saturday, failing to reach a deal to address the country’s political and economic crisis.

Saying they had made strides but needed more time, the parties announced another round of talks to begin in the Dominican Republic on January 18.

The result prolongs the standoff between

the Government and the Opposition, who have tried and failed for years to strike a pact. The two sides last met for talks in December.

Nevertheless, Dominican President Danilo Medina, who led the negotiations, expressed optimism about the progress made during the round.

“Although we have made extremely important advances, we still have pending matters that must be discussed,” he said at a press conference following the end of the talks.

Representatives from Bolivia, Chile, Mexico and Nicaragua also participated in the discussions.

The parties did not detail where they had made progress.

As millions of Venezuelans grapple with shortages of food and basic goods, the Opposition Leaders are demanding that Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro accept humanitarian assistance from abroad, in addition to releasing several hundred jailed political activists.

“These days and hours of intense work are not enough to achieve what our people, the Venezuelan people, need to have – an avenue, a path of hope,” said Julio Borges, former President of the country’s Opposition-controlled National Assembly, at the press conference.

For its part, the Government wants the Opposition’s help in pushing for the elimination of sanctions levied last year by US President Donald Trump’s Administration. (Excerpt from Reuters)

St Vincent: Opposition Leader says citizens must benefit from medical marijuana industry

L

eader of the main Opposition New Democratic Party (NDP), Godwin Friday, says the Ralph Gonsalves Government must ensure that any medical marijuana industry established in St Vincent and the Grenadines benefits citizens.

“Whatever happens with the developments with respect to medical marijuana . . . or those persons here in St Vincent and the Grenadines who are engaged in providing products to the people who may make medicine and so on, whatever we do has to benefit our people,” Friday said on his weekly appearance on his party’s radio programme New Times on the weekend.

“It can’t be a situation where you’re simply inviting multinational pharmaceutical corporations to essentially come and dominate an industry that our local people here can benefit from.”

Friday said that over the last three years, the situation with respect to medical and recreational marijuana, and marijuana in general, has changed dramatically in terms of public opinion in St Vincent, the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) and also in North America.

Opposition Leader Godwin Friday said that over the last three years, the situation with respect to medical and recreational marijuana, and marijuana in general, has changed dramatically in terms of public opinion in St Vincent, the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) and also in North America

He noted that Canada is expected to pass legislation this year to legalise marijuana for medicinal and recreational use.

He said that in 2015, the party had an internal discussion about the matter and had formed the opinion then

that “medicinal marijuana, the use of it, is something that really we cannot, as a country and as a party oppose.

“If it is going to be a matter for beneficial use by persons, then what is the reason for opposing the beneficial use for medicinal purposes.” (Excerpt from nationnews.com)

tuesDAY, january 16, 2018

guyanatimesgy.com

Around the World

Erdogan: US trying to form 'terror army' in Syria

The US views the YPG as a highly effective fighting force in the fight against ISIL [Reuters]

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urkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said that the United States was working to form a "terror army" on his country's southern border by training a new force in Syria that includes Kurdish fighters.

"What we are supposed to do is to drown this terror army before it comes into being," he said in an address in the capi-

tal Ankara on Monday, calling the Kurdish fighters "backstabbers" who will point their weapons to the US in the future.

His comments came after reports revealed the US plan to establish a 30,000-strong new border security force with the involvement of Kurdish fighters in northern Syria.

According to media reports quoting US officials, the US-led

coalition fighting the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL, also known as ISIS) will recruit around half of the new force from the Syrian Defence Forces (SDF), an umbrella group of fighters dominated by the People's Protection Units (YPG).

Ankara considers Kurdish YPG fighters as a "terrorist" organisation with links to the Kurdish fighters within Turkey that seek more autonomy. The US views the YPG as a highly effective fighting force against ISIL. Erdogan said that Turkey's armed forces had completed preparations for an operation against the Kurdishcontrolled region of Afrin in northwest Syria and the town of Manbij.

He warned Turkey's allies against helping "terrorists" in Syria and said: "We won't be responsible for consequences."

The Turkish Foreign Ministry made a statement in the same line late on Sunday, saying that it was "wrong and objectionable" to cooperate with the YPG. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

More than 1000 young people charged for sharing sex video in Denmark

A police superintendent said the charges young people to never share sex videos

More than 1000 young people have been charged by Police in Denmark with distributing sexually explicit material.

They are accused of using Facebook Messenger to share indecent video clips of two 15-year-olds having sex.

Police said it could amount to distribution of indecent images of children, as the two people filmed are under 18.

Facebook tipped off the US authorities, who notified Police in Denmark.

One thousand and four young peo-

ple from across the country are facing charges after allegedly circulating the material via the messaging app in autumn last year.

Some suspects are over 18 and were called to Police Stations to be interviewed.

Suspects under 18 were contacted through their parcome as a warning to ents.

A Danish police superintendent said the charges come as a warning to young people never to share sex videos.

Anyone found guilty of these charges faces a possible conditional prison sentence of about 20 days.

If found guilty of distributing indecent images of children, they would be listed for 10 years on a register of child pornography offenders.

There have been calls in Denmark for more to be done to prevent so-called revenge porn. (BBC News)

Russia will not support Pope warns world Huge oil spill left is one step away after burning tanker US bid to change Iran nuclear deal – Lavrov from nuclear war sinks off China

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ope Francis said on Monday he was really afraid about the danger of nuclear war and that the world now stood at “the very limit”.

His comment, made as he flew off for a visit to Chile and Peru, came after Hawaii issued a false missile alert that provoked panic in the US state and highlighted the risk of possible unintended nuclear war with North Korea.

Asked if he was worried about the possibility of nuclear war, Pope Francis said: “I think we are at the very limit. I am really afraid of this. One accident is enough to precipitate things.”

He did not mention Hawaii or North Korea.

Pope Francis has often flagged the danger of nuclear warfare and in November he appeared to harden the Catholic Church’s teaching against nuclear weapons, saying countries should not stockpile them even for the purpose of deterrence.

As reporters boarded his plane bound for Chile, Vatican officials handed out a photograph taken in 1945 that shows a young Japanese boy carrying his dead brother on his shoulders following the US nuclear attack on Nagasaki. “I was moved when I saw this.

The only thing I could think of adding were the words ‘the fruit of war’,” Francis said, referring to a caption put on the back of the image. (Excerpt from Reuters)

C

hinese ships are racing to clean up a giant oil spill after an Iranian tanker sank in the East China Sea. The 120 square-kilometre (46 square-mile) oil slick is thought to be made up of heavy fuel that was used to power the vessel.

The Sanchi oil tanker sank on Sunday and officials say all its crew members are dead.

It was carrying 136,000 tonnes of ultra-light crude oil from Iran which generates a toxic underwater slick that would be invisible from the surface.

Both the fuel and the ultra-light oil could cause devastating damage to marine life.

The Sanchi and a cargo ship collided 260km (160 miles) off Shanghai on January 6, with the tanker then drifting south-east towards Japan.

It caught fire after the collision and burnt for more than a week before sinking off China's east coast.

Iranian officials now say all 32 crew members – 30 Iranians and two Bangladeshis – on the tanker were killed.

On Monday, China Central Television said a search and rescue operation had been cancelled and a clean-up operation had begun after a fire on the surface was extinguished. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov

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ussian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on Monday Moscow will not support attempts by Washington to modify the Iran nuclear deal, arguing such a move could also complicate diplomacy over North Korea’s nuclear weap-

ons programme.

Lavrov spoke days after US President Donald Trump said he would waive nuclear sanctions against Iran for the last time to give Washington and its European allies a chance to fix the “terrible flaws” of the 2015 nuclear deal.

“We will not support what the United States is trying to do, changing the wording of the agreement, incorporating things that will be absolutely unacceptable for Iran,” Lavrov told a news conference in Moscow.

Russia’s top diplomat, who stressed that Russia would work to preserve the existing Iran nuclear deal, also warned that the agreement’s collapse could be detrimental to dialogue with North Korea. (Excerpt from Reuters)

North Korean orchestra to perform in South New Boko Haram video during Olympics amid easing tensions purports to show Chibok girls

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orth Korea agreed during rare talks on Monday to send a 140-strong orchestra to perform during the Winter Olympics in South Korea next month, Seoul said, amid easing tensions after a monthslong standoff over the North’s weapons programmes.

Officials from the two Koreas, technically still at war after their 1950-53 conflict ended in a truce, not a treaty, met on the North side of the border truce village of Panmunjom to discuss North Korea sending performers – for the first time in 18

Kwon Hyok Bong, Director of the Arts and Performance Bureau in North Korea's Culture Ministry, shakes hands with Lee Woo-sung, head of the Culture and Arts Policy Office at the Culture Ministry, after their meeting at Tongilgak, the North's building in the truce village of Panmunjom, North Korea, January 15, 2018

years – to the Olympics in Pyeongchang.

The two sides agreed that the orchestra would stage performances in the capital, Seoul, and at Gangneung, near Pyeongchang, the South’s Unification Ministry said in a statement.

Lee Woo-sung, Seoul’s chief negotiator, said the North had asked that the art troupe cross the border by foot via Panmunjom, located in the demilitarised zone where a North Korean soldier staged a daring defection to the South in November. (Excerpt from Reuters)

B

oko Haram has put out a video that it says shows some of the girls kidnapped from a town in north-eastern Nigeria nearly four years ago.

The armed group seized 276 pupils from the Government Girls Secondary School in Chibok in April 2014.

Fifty-seven of them managed to escape in the immediate aftermath of the abduction. Some of the schoolgirls have since been released, while others managed to escape. Around 100 are still

believed to be held by Boko Haram.

"We are the Chibok girls, you have been crying we should be released. But by the grace of Allah, we will not return home," one of the girls said in the undated footage, which was released on Monday. "These people are taking care of us and we are grateful to them. We are happy here – we have found our faith," she added.

A group of about 12 girls and young women, some of whom are holding babies, are reportedly seen in the video.

(Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

18

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tuesDAY, january 16, 2018

ARCHIE

Emotional responses will ARIES leave you in an awkward (March 21- position. Listen and assess April 19) what others have to say and contribute. Protect against theft, and stay away from unpredictable people.

Learn from the past and TAURUS take advantage of what’s be(April 20- ing offered. Put more energy May 20) into any task you are responsible for. Your input and enthusiasm will encourage others to pitch in and help.

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Use your imagination GEMINI when dealing with your (May 21peers or helping others. Look June 20) for cost-efficient ways to get things done. A business meeting will broaden your prospects.

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Fixing up your surroundLEO ings or investing in some(July 23- thing that you want but don’t Aug. 22) need will leave you in a financial mess. Moderation should be practiced. Only buy what you need.

Spend more time on yourVIRGO self. A healthy lifestyle, bit (Aug. 23of relaxation or an update to Sept. 22) your look will give you the boost you need to step into the future with optimism.

Partnerships look promising.

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Start a hobby, join a gym LIBRA (Sept. 23- or do whatever it takes to Oct. 23) ease everyday stress. Keep the peace at home and protect against physical, emotional or verbal abuse. Take precautions.

WORD GAME

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Put some muscle behind SCORPIO your goals. Intelligence and (Oct. 24fortitude will bring about the Nov. 22) changes you desire. If you live your dream, you won’t be disappointed. Romance is highlighted.

A change to the way you SAGITTARIUS earn your keep may be de(Nov. 23sired, but before you leave Dec. 21) one position, make sure you have a better job to go to.

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If you share your feelCAPRICORN ings, you will get more ac(Dec. 22complished. No one can help Jan. 19) you if you aren’t open about what you need others to contribute. Ask and you shall receive.

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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

Your insight will lead PISCES (Feb. 20- to wise choices. Financial March 20) gain is heading your way.

Negotiate on your own behalf. Don’t be afraid to ask for more; it will change your life.

tuesDAY, january 16, 2018

19

Minister underscores support for sports in 2018 – signals heightened interest on boxing and athletics

By Michelangelo Jacobus

W

ith 2017 quickly fading in the past, the Minister of Social Cohesion with responsibility for Sport, Dr George Norton has revealed that in 2018 his ministry will be throwing their full support behind sports in Guyana.

In an exclusive sit down with Guyana Times Sport Minister Norton pointed out that the government’s initiative of developing and renovating community grounds and facilities across the country signals their intent of pushing the development of athletes and sports as a whole in Guyana.

With two new Synthetic tracks set to be completed later this year in Regions 10 and 6, athletes in those respective regions will welcome that initiative as they will now be exposed to competing on tracks of international standards. Both regions are known for producing

outstanding athletes on the track and in field events.

Out of region 10 in the past couple of years, the likes of Compton Caesar, Chantoba Bright, Daniel Williams and Deshana Skeete have emerged while in Berbice Jermain King and a few others have risen to prominence also.

However, as athletics has seen huge success along with boxing, the Minister noted that the two disciplines will receive an added push from government as the two areas are the most likely to produce Guyana’s next Olympic medal.

This does not mean that other areas of sport will not receive the government’s backing but the main focus will be on the two aforementioned sport disciplines.

Minister Norton reasoned that “boxing is not doing too badly and in athletics, last year we saw an incredible year where our athletes exceeded expectations.”

Keevin Allicock (blue) is widely regarded as the future of boxing in Guyana

Daniel Williams, Chantoba Bright and Compton Caesar are just a few of the brightest discoveries in athletics last year; Williams, Bright and Caesar all produced medal winning performances in the historic South American U-20 Championships which was hosted by the AAG at the National Track and Field Centre (NTFC), Leonora.

At the Championships, Williams copped 400m silver, 4x100m silver and high jump silver while Bright claimed Gold in the long jump and triple jump events with Caesar copping 100m Gold and 200m Silver.

Meanwhile, Guyana’s dominance in the Caribbean with the gloves in the ‘squared circle’ has been led largely by the younger generation of pugilists.

“Lightening” Keevin Allicock immediately springs to mind when this topic comes up, he has been dubbed and anointed by GBA boxing execu-

tives and fans as the next Olympian to bring home a medal for Guyana; he won Junior Commonwealth silver just last year in the Bahamas. Allicock along with countrymen Colin “Superman” Lewis, Joel “Stone” Williamson and Desmond Amsterdam ensured that Guyana was well represented in December at the Caribbean Developmental Boxing (CBC) Championships where they punched their way to second overall despite their team being the smallest at the tournament.

Keevin Allicock and Daniel Williams will no doubt be the front runners for 2018 as they both have major international events coming up; they will be sternly tested at the Commonwealth Games in Australia, the CAC Games and Williams will be looking to be present at the World Junior Championships in Finland, he also has the CARIFTA Games in April.

Man City end Sanchez pursuit M anchester City have decided not to pursue their interest in signing Arsenal forward Alexis Sanchez.

The club have decided the cost of pursuing the 29-year-old would be prohibitively expensive.

Manager Pep Guardiola, the club’s owner Khaldoon al Mubarak and other senior officials are all in agreement.

It is understood the wages being demanded by Sanchez would have put him ahead of all City’s star men, something the club decided they would not do.

Manchester United are favourites to sign the Chile international after indicating they are willing to meet the Gunners’ £35 million asking price for the forward.

Sources with knowledge of the situation say they understand Chelsea are also interested in the

player.

They claim the overall package being negotiated is higher than the £60m for which Arsenal agreed to sell Sanchez to City in the summer.

City still believe Sanchez would prefer to join them, given his past relationship with Guardiola and the fact he pushed t o

Alexis Sanchez joined Arsenal in 2014 for £31.7 million join

them in the summer.

However, they view it as highly unlikely Sanchez will drop his financial demands to a level that would allow them to re-

sume talks.

Speaking after his side’s 3-0 victory over

United thump Stoke amid Sanchez talk Anthony Martial doubled United’s lead

Stoke on M o n d a y night, United manager Jose M o u r i n h o said: “There is no news on Sanchez. He is an Arsenal player; if he stays it’s great for Arsenal, if he comes to us, great for us, if he goes to another club, great for them.

“There are probably other clubs also interested and trying and I shouldn’t talk about a player who is an Arsenal player.” (BBC)

T

he thoughts of Manchester United’s fans may have been on the possible arrival of Alexis Sanchez from Arsenal but the players stayed focussed to beat Stoke City 3-0 in the Premier League at a rainy Old Trafford on Monday.

Full-back Antonio Valencia blasted United into a ninth minute lead after cutting inside on to his unfavoured - but still potent - left foot before Anthony Martial and Romelu Lukaku wrapped up the victory for Jose Mourinho’s side.

The result leaves second placed United 12 points behind leaders Manchester City who suffered their first league defeat this season in a thrilling 4-3 reverse at Liverpool on Sunday.

Stoke’s new manager Paul Lambert, appointed earlier on Monday to replace the recently sacked Mark Hughes, watched from the stands as Valencia put United ahead.

Stoke’s Stephen Ireland, making his first start since May 2016, then missed two good chances as the visitors showed plenty of attacking intent.

But seven minutes before the interval, United’s French winger Martial made it 2-0 with a sweet first-time finish after being set up by Paul Pogba.

Lukaku rounded off the win with a 72nd minute goal, wriggling to find enough space for a shot into the bottom corner after good work from Martial.

Mourinho omitted winger Henrikh Mkhitaryan from the squad amid reports that Arsenal were interested in taking him to The Emirates as part of a swap deal for their Chile forward Sanchez. (Reuters)

20

GUYANATIMESgy.COM

tuesDAY, january 16, 2018

ICC World Cup Qualifier 2018…

Windies begin campaign March 6

H

osts Zimbabwe to feature on the opening day on 4 March in Bulawayo; Windies to start campaign in Harare on 6 March.

Ten teams to fight out for two available places in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019, which is now 500 days away as of Monday January, 15 2018.

Netherlands plus three highest finishing Associate Member sides to earn ODI status till 2022.

Two-time world champions the Windies will be the star attraction when 10 sides converge on Zimbabwe next month for the ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifier 2018, to battle it out for the two remaining places in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019. The announcement marks 500 days to the ICC’s pinnacle 50-over tournament, which will be staged in the United Kingdom from 30 May to 15 July.

Queen’s Sports Club and Bulawayo Athletic Club in Bulawayo, Harare Sports Club and Old Hararians Sports Club in Harare

and Kwekwe Sports Club, Kwekwe, will share 34 matches between them from 4 to 25 March, with Harare Sports Club staging the final.

The Windies, along with Afghanistan, Ireland and Zimbabwe, had missed out on automatic qualification for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 by finishing outside the top eight on the MRF Tyres ICC ODI Team Rankings at the 30 September 2017 cut-off date.

These four sides have been joined by Hong Kong, the Netherlands, Scotland and Papua New Guinea, who finished in the top four of the ICC World Cricket League Championship.

The remaining two sides for the Zimbabwe tournament will be confirmed in Namibia from 8-15 February when Canada, Kenya, Namibia, Nepal, Oman and the United Arab Emirates will fight it out in the ICC World Cricket League Division 2, with the finalists getting a step closer to cherishing their dreams of playing in the ICC Cricket

UCCA rolls out packed year on and off the field T he Upper Corentyne Cricket Association (UCCA) held a General Members Meeting on Thursday December 28, 2017, at the Riverton Suite at which the Cricket Programme for 2018 was discussed and approved.

The Programme will start with School Cricket. The Inter-Primary School Softball Competition will commence of Friday January 26. It will involve all Primary Schools in the Upper Corentyne f r o m Crabwood Creek to No. 43 Village.

The InterSecondary School Hardball Competition will commence at the end of the InterPrimary School Competition and will involve the following Secondary Schools: “Line Path Secondary, Skeldon Secondary, Tagore Secondary, Central Corentyne Secondary and Black Bush Secondary”.

It was agreed that all of the school matches will be played on Friday afternoon.

Approval has already been given for the playing of these matches. The Under-15, Under-17 and Under-19 will be played after the Competition of the Primary and Secondary Schools Competition. These matches will be played on Saturdays.

The first T/20 competition of the year is proposed to start on Sunday January 28

World Cup. Eighty-three teams had embarked on the road to the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 way back in 2013 through the ICC World Cricket League, introduced to give the teams outside the top 12 meaningful competition as part of the World Cup qualification.

The 10 teams taking part in the ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifier 2018 are split into two groups of five teams.

The Windies, Ireland, the Netherlands, Papua New Guinea and winners of the ICC World Cricket League Division 2 make up Group A, while Afghanistan, Zimbabwe, Scotland, Hong Kong and runners-up of the ICC World Cricket League Division 2 form Group B. Each side will play the other teams in their group once with the top three from the groups progressing to the Super Six stage. The teams each play three Super Six matches against the sides they did not meet in the group stage. All points won in the groups will be carried over to the Super

which will be sponsored by Tulshi of No. 48 Village, in memory of his father. It is expected to be completed by the end of February, 2018. This will be closely followed by another T/20 Competition.

A 40-Over Competition is also planned for later in the year. The purpose is to encourage our batsmen to bat for longer periods and to help them to build bigger innings. After a lengthy discussion, it was agreed that all matches will be played in White clothes and to play with red balls.

It was also agreed that the Upper Corentyne C r i c k e t Association will organize a training Seminar for Umpires and each Club has been asked to identify an interested person.

It was also suggested that a Camp/Cricket Academy for young cricketers will be held during the August holidays.

Teams or Clubs interested in taking part in the Tulshi T/20 Competition are asked to make contact with the following persons: President - Dennis De Andrade on mobile number 621-0014, Secretary - Winston Roberts on 619 6516 or the Chairman of the Competitions Committee as early as possible.

Six stage apart from those gained against the bottom two from each group.

The finalists will both progress to the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019, whilst the Netherlands (ICC World Cricket League Championship winners) and the three highest finishing Associate Members will earn ODI status till 2022 upon the conclusion of the event.

As such, only matches between Afghanistan, Ireland, Hong Kong, Papua New Guinea, Scotland, the Windies, Zimbabwe and potentially the United Arab Emirates (if they qualify) will have ODI status in the ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifier 2018.

Hosts Zimbabwe will feature on the opening day of the tournament on 4 March when they will take on the runners-up from the Namibia tournament at the Queen’s Sports Club, Bulawayo, while the Windies will square-off against the winners of the Namibia tournament on 6 March at Old Hararians

Cricket Club in Harare.

Scotland will defend the title they had won at Bert Sutcliffe, Lincoln, New Zealand, in February 2014 when they defeated the United Arab Emirates by 41

runs.

Preston Mommsen had won the player of the final for his unbeaten 139.

Groups:

Saturday, March 10 – Windies v Ireland, HSC; PNG v Netherlands, OH; Zimbabwe v Hong Kong, QSC; Afghanistan v WCL Div.2 (runners-up), BAC Monday, March 12 – Windies v Netherlands, HSC; Ireland v WCL Div.2 (winners), OH; Hong Kong v WCL Div.2 (runners-up), QSC; Zimbabwe v Scotland, BAC

Fixtures First round:

Thursday, March 15 – A1 v B1, HSC; A3 v B3, QSC; A5 v B4 (playoff), OH; A4 v B5 (play-off), KK Friday, March 16 – A2 v B2, HSC Saturday, March 17 – 9th/10th position play-off, OH; 7th/8th position play-off, KK Sunday, March 18 – A2 v B3, HSC Monday, March 19 – A1 v B2, HSC Tuesday, March 20 – A3 v B1, HSC Thursday, March 22 – A1 v B3, HSC; A3 v B2, OH Friday, March 23 – A2 v B1, HSC Sunday, March 25 – FINAL, HSC

Group A: Windies (A1); Ireland (A2); Netherlands (A3); Papua New Guinea (A4); ICC World Cricket League Division 2 (WCL Div.2) winner (A5) Group B: Afghanistan (B1); Zimbabwe (B2); Scotland (B3); Hong Kong (B4); ICC World Cricket League Division 2 (WCL Div.2) runners-up (B5)

Sunday, March 4 – PNG v WCL Div.2 winner, HSC; Ireland v Netherlands, OH; Zimbabwe v WCL Div.2 (runners-up), Queens Sports Club (QSC); Afghanistan v Scotland, BAC Tuesday, March 6 – PNG v Ireland, HSC; Windies v WCL Div.2 (winner), OH; Zimbabwe v Afghanistan, QSC; Scotland v Hong Kong, BAC Thursday, March 8 – Netherlands v WCL Div.2 (winner), HSC; Windies v PNG, OH; Scotland v WCL Div.2 (runners-up), QSC; Afghanistan v Hong Kong, BAC

Super Sixes

Windies have formula for World Cup qualifier – Holder W

indies captain Jason Holder said his team is not taking their participation in the ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifier 2018 lightly. The finalists of the tournament will both progress to the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019, and Holder is well aware that this is the only remaining opportunity for the two-time champions to make it to the big dance.

The Windies last won the ICC World Cup in 1979, 39 years ago.

The tournament that will be held in Zimbabwe begins on March 4 with the Windies opening its campaign on March 6.

The Barbadian all-rounder admitted that even though the Windies are top seeds for the tournament they will have to play well to get to the final.

“We see this as a very important tournament. We all know the magnitude and importance of this event as we look to qualify for the World Cup in the United Kingdom next year,” he said. “It will be a challenge and we sat down and have formulated plans as to how best to approach the tournament.

“It will be short and we will treat every match as a must-win game — with three teams from each group moving into the Super Sixes, and the top two moving to the final — thereby earning a spot

Windies Captain Jason Holder

at the World Cup, there is all to play for.”

The Windies, along with Afghanistan, Ireland and Zimbabwe, had missed out on automatic qualification for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 by finishing outside the top eight on the MRF Tyres ICC ODI Team Rankings at the September 30, 2017, cut-off date.

These four sides have been joined by Hong Kong, the Netherlands, Scotland and Papua New Guinea, who finished in the top four of the ICC World Cricket League Championship.

The remaining two sides for the Zimbabwe tournament will be confirmed in Namibia from 8-15

February when Canada, Kenya, Namibia, Nepal, Oman and the United Arab Emirates will fight it out in the ICC World Cricket League Division 2, with the finalists getting a step closer to cherishing their dreams of playing in the ICC Cricket World Cup. The tournament that will be held in Zimbabwe begins on March 4 with the Windies opening its campaign on March 6.

The Netherlands (ICC World Cricket League Championship winners) and the three highest finishing Associate Members will earn ODI status till 2022 upon the conclusion of the event.

(Sportsmax)

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The tournament’s Most Valuable Player is Ricky “Pacer” Persaud (left) who accepts his prize from organiser Samuel Kingston

egal Masters started off the year in fine fashion when they defeated Fishermen XI by seven wickets to win the final of the Champion of Champions softball competition which was contested on Sunday at Everest Cricket Club.

In the final, Fishermen XI batted first and got to 83-4 off their allotted 10 overs with Ramo Malone top scoring with 28 which included two fours and two sixes. Troy Ramsaywack made 18 and Unnis Yusuf 13. Ricky Persaud claimed 2-15. Regal Masters responded with 84-3 in six overs. Mahase Chunilall hit two fours and three sixes in

a brisk 32, Eon Abel made 17 while Eric Thomas and Troy Kippins were both unbeaten on 13 when victory was achieved. Malone had 2-5.

Earlier, Regal Masters thumped HS Masters by 113 runs. Regal Masters took first strike and posted 1226 in 10 overs. Eric Thomas stroked 34 and Raymond Harper 22. Oslyn Batson had 2-22. HS Masters were skittled for nine in seven overs in response. Ricky Persaud bagged 5-4 and Tony Singh 2-0.

Regal Masters overcame Ariel Masters by 40 runs. Regal Masters batted first and scored 122-4 in 10

overs. David Harper struck 40; David Harper made 38 and Mahase Chunilall 21.

Ariel Masters were limited to 82-5 in reply. Kenneth Dindyal got 35; Tony Singh captured 4-8 and Ricky Persaud 3-18.

HS Masters beat Fishermen XI by 26 runs.

HS Masters took first turn in the middle and got to 166-5. Suresh Ramdeen slammed 103. Fishermen XI were dismissed for 140 in reply.

Ricky Persaud was named man-of-the-match in the final and most valuable player of the tournament.

The competition was organised by Samuel Kingston.

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T

he young people of Aranaputa, Region Nine will now have the opportunity to participate in sporting activities at night as several floodlights and sport gear were handed over to Chairman of their Community Development Council (CDC), Adon Jacobus.

The lights were presented to Jacobus by Director of Sport, Christopher Jones in the compound of the National Sports Commission on Friday last.

The distribution of the lights to the community forms part of the Sports Commission’s ‘Light It up Campaign’ which seeks to ensure that all sport grounds countrywide are equipped with adequate lighting.

Sport Director Jones said that the donation also forms part of the Sports Commission’s mandate to ensure that they decentralize sports. Jones added that despite the hinterland possessing an abundance of raw talent, in the past, much of the equipment has been donated to coastland communities.

“Recognising that Aranaputa valley in the North Rupununi is some distance away from Lethem, we wanted to ensure that the young people in that part of the region have the opportunity as those in Lethem. This is part of the start because essentially the community has been

Director of Sport Christopher Jones handing over flood lights and sports gear to Chairman of Aranaputa CDC, Adon Jacobus

doing some development on their ground … we wanted those athletes to have the opportunity to practice under floodlights hence we make this donation,” Jones stated.

The youths within the community will be appreciative of the equipment donated according to Chairman Jacobus, who expressed that the distribution was a dream come through since the community has been attempting to acquire lights and other sporting gear for several years.

“Within Region Nine, we have talented players; we have persons who can do well in the line of athletics and sports in

general and one of our major downfalls of these athletes in the Rupununi is that they were never exposed to running and playing under lights,” Jacobus explained.

He added that “when you bring these athletes to Georgetown and they have to run under lights it poses a problem for them… now that we are developing such move in the Rupununi, I believe that it will boost sports.”

Over the past two years, the government has been heavily investing in sports in the hinterland regions countrywide in an effort to find and nurture the hidden talents the lie in those far-flung areas.

22

GUYANATIMESgy.COM

tuesDAY, january 16, 2018

Williams running to new heights in 2018 – World Junior Championships main focus

By Michelangelo Jacobus

A

fter a hugely gratifying 2017, Guyana’s most promising track star Daniel Williams got his 2018 off to a solid start on Sunday at the Athletics Association of Guyana’s (AAG) first developmental meet of the year at the National Track and Field Centre (NTFC), Leonora.

Guyana Times Sport caught up with the 17-yearold Lindener and he revealed that his main goals for this year is to qualify for the World Junior Championships set for July in Tampere, Finland and to work on his speed on the track.

In addition, Guyanese and sport enthusiasts will be heartened by Daniel’s decision to pursue studies at home; he has taken up the National Sports Commission’s (NSC) Financial Programme which entails them paying his tuition fees at the University of Guyana (UG).

The 400m specialist will be pursuing a Bachelor’s

World Junior 400m Silver medalist Daniel Williams will be blazing the track in 2018 with his eyes set on more success

Degree in Computer Science at Guyana’s premier tertiary institute. Williams will be the first athlete to join the NSC’s programme and study at home.

The NSC’s offer came after Daniel’s scintillating run last year at the World Junior Championships in Nairobi, Kenya where he

won silver behind Jamaica’s Antonio Watson in the Boys’ 400m. Williams clocked his personal best of 46.72s just 0.13s behind Watson who crossed the finish line in 46.59s.

Williams reasoned that while he would have had more exposure had he taken up an offer from a

National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) College in the United States of America (USA), with the AAG’s introduction of several “Grand Prix” meets this year, he will be exposed to international completion as the “Grand Prix” meets will see athletes from South America and the Caribbean

Stokes charged with affray ...but keen to clear name

Following the fight last September, Stokes is set to appear before Bristol Magistrates’ Court on a date to be fixed in relation to this charge

Ben Stokes

E

ngland cricketer Ben Stokes has been charged with affray after a fight outside a Bristol nightclub.

The 26-year-old and two men from Bristol are due to appear before magistrates at a future date.

Police investigated the incident and sent their findings to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) in November.

Stokes missed the Ashes series, with the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) saying he would not be considered for England “until further notice”.

After being charged, he said: “I am keen to have the opportunity to clear my name.”

A statement from the CPS said it received further material in late December.

“Following a review of all the available evidence, the CPS has today authorised the

police to charge three men with affray in connection with the incident,” it said.

“Ben Stokes, 26, Ryan Ali, 28, and Ryan Hale, 26, are all due to appear before Bristol Magistrates’ Court on a date to be fixed in relation to this charge.”

The ECB says it will convene within 48 hours to decide on Stokes’ availability to represent England.

Affray is a triable eitherway charge, which means the case can ultimately be heard in either the magistrates’ court or the crown court.

It carries a maximum penalty when tried summarily - in the magistrates’ court - of a fine and/or up to six months in prison, and when tried on indictment - in the crown court - of up to three years in prison.

Stokes played six domestic matches in New Zealand in

December.

He appeared in three oneday games and three T20s for Canterbury Kings after being cleared to play by the ECB. The Durham all-rounder returned to the UK to spend Christmas with his family and has been given permission to take part in the Indian Premier League, which starts in April.

He was initially named in England’s squad for the Ashes but did not travel to Australia for the series, which the hosts won 4-0.

Despite the ECB’s reluctance to pick Stokes while the CPS decided whether to charge him, he was also included in the oneday squad for the five-match series against Australia but again missed out.

He was also named in the England Test squad to tour New Zealand in March, although any potential involvement remained subject to legal or

disciplinary developments.

Ben Stokes’ statement “I want to thank all those who have continued to support me in relation to the Bristol incident, not least my family, friends, fans and teammates.

“I gave a full and detailed account of my actions to the police on day one - the same day as the incident - and have cooperated at each step of the police inquiry.

“I am keen to have an opportunity to clear my name but, on advice, the appropriate time to do this is when the case comes to trial.

“The CPS’ decision to charge me, as well as Ryan Ali and Ryan Hale, at least means that my account of what happened that night can come out in court and be made public.

“Until then, my focus is very much on cricket.” (BBC Sport)

coming to compete. These meets will also give him more than enough track time to meet the qualifying times for the World Junior Championships.

His first challenge of 2018 will be at the CARIFTA Games in Nassau, Bahamas come April. The CARIFTA Games are slated for March 30-April 2.

It was at the same competition that Williams first rose to prominence after he finished second to Jamaica’s ‘next Usain Bolt’ Christopher Taylor in the 400M at the CARIFTA Games, but was disqualified for stepping on the line, coming off the turn on the final straight. Despite that setback which would have badly gutted anyone, Daniel persevered and continued putting in work on the track and went on to have a terrific year.

His last two years on the track reaped the following accolades: 2016 South American U18 Championships in Athletics – Argentina (400M Silver, 200M Bronze, High Jump silver. He was the only

athlete at the games to win three medals). 2017 South American U20 Championships in Athletics – Guyana (400M Silver, High Jump Silver, 4X100M silver), 2017 IAAF World U18 Championships, Nairobi, Kenya (400M Silver).

At last year’s National Schools Cycling, Swimming and Track and Field Championships Daniel also became the most decorated athlete in the history of the championships; he owns records in the High Jump, 100M, 200M and 400M, competing in the U12, U14, U16 and U18 categories.

The fact that Daniel has decided to remain at home and study as well as train bodes well for the future of athletics in Guyana, with the support of the government and the AAG Daniel will be a certain contender for a medal the Olympic Games in 2020. Under the guidance and watchful eye of his coach Johnny Gravesande who is an unsung hero, Williams’ ascension to the senior level should go smoothly.

Hurricanes look to enlist Bravo W

hile Darren Bravo will not play for the Trinidad and Tobago Red Force in the Cricket West Indies Regional Super50 tournament, he may yet feature when the competition kicks off at the end of this month.

The Leeward Islands Hurricanes have taken the opportunity of a mixup between the Trinidad and Tobago Cricket Board’s (TTCB) selection panel and Bravo regarding his availability, which ultimately saw the left hander left out of the twin-island republic’s squad for the tournament, to reach out.

According to an article, in the Trinidad and Tobago Guardian, a highranking Leeward Islands official has said leaving Bravo out of the squad is cruel because it will mean he cannot play for the Windies in upcoming World Cup qualifiers this year.

The Trinidad and Tobago Cricket selectors can’t be serious in excluding this man. I don’t care what people are saying in terms of a communication breakdown, this is your best batsman and you treat with him carefully,” the official is quoted as saying.

“Knowing now that he is available for selection, they should make every effort to get him on board.

Do they understand that by not having this man involved in the Super50 means that he cannot play for the West Indies in ODI cricket this year?” the official questioned?

“We will definitely look to have this man in the Leewards set up if the Trinidad board fails to correct this. We need this man playing the regional tournament.

“If he comes to the Leewards he will assist our cricket in a big way because he would be able to work with the young batsmen in the team. He will be a major plus for us, so we are looking at the situation from afar and waiting to see what the Trinidad board is going to do.”

Should Bravo make the switch to the Hurricanes he will join fellow T&T cricketer Kevon Cooper, who the Leewards have already confirmed.

TTCB president, Azim Bassarath, has promised to probe the circumstances that led to Bravo’s exclusion, but has not suggested that a change in the position of the selectors was on the cards. (Sportsmax)

Darren Bravo

tuesDAY, january 16, 2018

Reifer hungry for more international exposure

By Akeem Greene

D

ecember 9, 2017 in Hamilton, New Zealand will forever be etched into the memory of Raymon Anton Reifer as it was the day he made his Test debut for the Windies.

It was the sweetening taste of the pie which has now left the all-rounder yearning for more opportunities to play at the highest level.

After initially being picked in the squad for the three-Test tour to England, Reifer also booked the trip to Africa where the Caribbean side played Zimbabwe in a two-Test series before meeting the black caps.

The momentous occasion came after regular skipper, Jason Holder had to sit out the final Test after he was suspended for a slow-overate offence. His nippy leftarm medium pace was the first piece of his puzzle to be showcased. He got the scalp of Henry Nicholls and ended with figures of 1-36.

With Windies’ back

pressed against the wall he displayed great prowess with a gritty and most importantly unbeaten 23, spending a minute shy of two hours at the crease. The second stanza was as improvement to the first, with another battling innings, this time over two hours in the middle.

It is those series of events which has left the Barbadian feeling he can survive and be consistent at the highest level.

“I’m very hungry to play a lot more international cricket and be successful at it. It’s a huge honour to play test cricket obviously something I’m very proud of. I was a bit nervous but once I cross the line all of those nerves went away,” he revealed to <<Guyana Times Sport>> on Monday.

Since joining the Guyana Jaguars when the regional First-Class circuit became a professional league in the 2014/15 season, the father of one from Wanders Cricket Club in Christ Church

which has produced the notable likes of Ian Bradshaw, Kraigg Brathwaite and Holder among other Windies player, Reifer has been a key figure in the four consecutive titles for the franchise.

His stats speak for itself as in the 28 matches to date he has scored over 1,000 runs and taken 71 wickets.

A deeper look into his performances will see since the 2014/15 season, his numbers are always on the upward move.

“I have to thank the Guyana franchise for the opportunities they’ve given me over the past 4 years and I’m very thankful for that. The team environment is good and everyone gets along well and since we play as one.

[Captain] Leon [Johnson] has been doing a really good job for us and leading from the front throughout the years.”

In examining the adjustments he needs to apply to his game in order to adapt to international cricket, he outlined discipline as criti-

23

guyanatimesgy.com

cal.

“In international cricket you have to be a lot more discipline because there’s not much margin for error.

You have to be constantly improving if you want to be good and be able to work out things quickly,” the 26 yearold contended.

Winning series against top ranked opponents have become non-existent by the once world dominating men in maroon. The said debut series for the man from St. Lucy proved to be another

Raymon Reifer showed tremendous resolve during the course of his stay at the crease in New Zealand ©Getty Images

catastrophe, being served an empty plate after two one-side Tests. It begged the question, is there any light at the end of tunnel for Windies? According to Reifer building team synergy is the first step at a spark.

“The more games we play together we will start to get the results we’re looking for and it is just a matter of time before that happens.”

The season’s final round commences on Thursday and the player plans on using it as another opportunity to continue fine-tuning his technique.

“I haven’t got the returns I’ve be looking for in the first 2 matches [since I’ve returned] but I will continue working a lot on the areas I see the need for improvement.”

Looking ahead to the

Super50 which begins January 30, he plans on playing his role in helping the Jaguars win a title after coming up empty handed since 2005.

“We need to keep it simple and play the cricket we know how to play. My Plan for the Super50 is to better my performance at the previous tournament as I continue to develop as a professional.”

Angel comes to ICC Under-19 World Cup the aid of Linden’s boxing gym

Familiar opponents breed positivity for Windies W

indies under-19 once again find themselves with their backs against the wall in an ICC Youth World Cup, needing to secure a win against South Africa to have a solid chance of progressing to the next phase of the tournament.

U

scoring 218 runs at average of 43.6 runs per innings.

The attacking batsman only managed 11 in his first match in the World Cup but will have to come good in this match given he is one of the more seasoned players due to his First-Class experience.

Opener Keagan Simmons

Caryll Boxing Gym Coach Floyd Grant (left) collects mouth guards form Ashmar Angel

nited-States based former Guyana Amateur Boxing Association (GABA) official and Coach Ashton ‘Ahes’ Angel (Sr.) has made a donation of groin protectors and mouth guards to the Carryll Boxing Gym of Linden.

The donations were made

by Ashton Angel (Jr.) who said his father wanted to give back to the fistic sport in the Mining Town since he remembers the days when Linden produced boxers like former world rated Terrence Alli, and national champions like Walter Smith, Conrad Wilson, Terrence Bristol, Mortimer Cornell and Donsford Browne among others to name a few.

Ashton Angel (Jr.) said that his father has been following the difficulties associated with the sport in Linden where there are two gyms Carryll and Pocket Rocket and wants to see boxing become one of the strong points from the town of Linden.

Junior Angel’s son Ashmar, handed over the mouth guards and protective cups to coach of the Carryall Gym of Greenheart Street, Mackenzie Floyd Grant.

Grant after receiving the donation at the Mackenzie Sports Club said he was grateful for the assistance which would encourage many boxers to don gloves and enter the ring knowing that those critical pieces which are necessities to boxing are in supply.

Junior Angel said that his family was willing to do what it can to push boxing as his brother Lynden ‘Birdy’ Angel was also once involved in the sport and they will continue to give back whenever possible.

Witnessing the handing over was professional boxer Seon Corbin as boxing official Kilroy Mckinnon was also thankful for the effort given by the Angel family and said it should assist the sport of boxing to once again become popular through this gesture.

Keagan Simmons

The defending champions went down to the hosts New Zealand by eight wickets on Saturday’s opener, an identical situation occurred in 2016 when they lost to England in their first match but clearly rebounded well enough.

They now face a familiar opposition whom they have had success in a closely contested bilateral series just last July in South Africa where they won 3-2.

During that series, all-rounder Bhaskar Yadram was instrumental in the regional side reaping success

who has a century against South Africa, carried his bat during the opener making 92 but had a below par strike rate.

Fellow opener, Kimani Melius who smoked 78 in their stand of 123 for the opening wicket saw their team lose regular wickets which hampered the momentum towards the backend of the tournament.

Captain Emmanuel Stewart and deputy Kirstan Kallicharan, who were apart of the victorious 2016 squad added just three between them and will need to come

Bhaskar Yadram

of the age in producing the goods.

There is option of drafting in the stylish Joshua Persaud in the top order or even dashing Raymond Perez and pushing Stewart and company down the order. Though that seems a slim possibility given the signs shown in the first match, it helps in bringing greater dynamics to the batting.

It was the bowling which would have let them down as left-arm spinner Ashmead Nedd who is known for greedy spells with the ball did not had the best of matches. It was much surprising that seamer Ronaldo Alimohamed who got the first wicket did not finish his spell event though he was generating an appreciable amount of bounce.

With the odds stacked in their favour, the region’s young brigade knows the importance of tonight’s match which is commences at 21:00h.

Meanwhile, their oppo-

nents began their campaign on a winning note when they met neighbours, Kenya three days ago. In the one-sided match, South Africa won by 169 runs with captain Raynard van Tonder leading the way with a masterful 143 from 121 balls while Jiveshan Pillay blasted a half century.

Squad: Emmanuel Stewart (cpt), Kirstan Kallicharan, Ronaldo Alimohamed, Alick Athanaze, Cephas Cooper, Jarion Hoyte, Kimani Melius, Ashmead Nedd, Kian Pemberton, Raymond Perez, Joshua Persaud, Jeavor Royal, Keagan Simmons, Bhaskar Yadram and Nyeem Young.

South Africa: Raynard van Tonder (cpt) Matthew Breetzke, Gerald Coetzee, Jade de Klerk, Jean du Plessis, Fraser Jones, Wandile Makwetu, Akhona Mnyaka, Andile Mokgakane, Kgaudisa Molefe, Jason Niemand, Thando Ntini, Jiveshan Pillay, Hermann Rolfes and Kenan Smith.

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

tuesDAY, january 16, 2018

guyanatimesgy.com

Williams running to new heights in 2018

Pg 22

- World Junior Championships main focus Daniel Williams is the first athlete to take up NSC’s Financial Programme to study at home

Reifer hungry for more international exposure Pg 23

Raymon Reifer's proven success with both bat and ball makes him a great asset to any team (©CWI Media Photo/Philip Spooner)

ICC World Cup Qualifier 2018…

Windies begin campaign March 6 Pg 20

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Former world champions, Windies had a terrible showing in the most recent World Cup in New Zealand and Australia