Guyanatimes 17 may 2018

World Bank loan

Govt to access US$35M ‘soft loan’ P5

...to support balance of payment shortfalls

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

Issue No. 3566

THE BEACON OF TRUTH

Thursday, May 17, 2018

PRICE

Heavy borrowing from BoG a major concern – Jagdeo

WHAT'S INSIDE:

Page 3

Wanted bulletin issued for man accused of P13 defrauding Govt

…cites IMF report which recommends moderate spending

Armed bandits beat, rob Parfaite Harmonie family

…911 calls went unanswered

Page 7

$80 vat included

Crime threat in Guyana “critical” – US report Page 13

…says Govt agencies, Police are reportedly “paid off” by criminal elements

Lindo Creek CoI seems focused on clearing P9 "Fine Man"’s name – Jagdeo …dubs it an assault by Govt on the security forces

ETI senior staff arrested over sexual assault of 2 students

P12

President admits security P7 matters challenging for Govt …says Cabinet reviewing security sector reform report

Guyana’s timber products will be showcased this weekend, at a Timber Expo hosted by the Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC). The public-private venture aims to expand the market for Guyanese timber products through public education, awareness and sensitisation to promote a ‘Greener Guyana’. In photo, a worker building a house made of local timber for the exposition

Domestic violence victim commits P12 suicide

NA Prison

New video shows prisoners doing drugs, gambling in jail Page 9

Region 10 Chairman files complaint P12 against ranks at Timehri Police Station

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news

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BRIDGE OPENINGS

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

Wednesday, May 16 – 05:00h- 06:30h and Thursday, May 17 – 05:00h- 06:30h.

…cites IMF report which recommends moderate spending

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Thursday, May 17 – 05:15h-06:45h and Friday, May 18 – 05:15h-06:45h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY Light cloudy skies with light rain showers are expected in the morning and early afternoon, followed by thundery rain showers in the evening. Temperatures will range between 22 degrees Celsius and 29 degrees Celsius.

Winds: East North-easterly to North-easterly between 1.78 metres and 5.81 metres.

High Tide: 05:37h and 18:08h reaching maximum heights of 2.88 metres and 2.71 metres respectively.

Low Tide: 11:39h and 23:55h reaching minimum heights of 0.32 metre and 0.56 metre respectively.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 16, 2018

LOTTERY NUMBERS G

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28 Bonus Ball

FREE TICKET

DAILY MILLIONS 08 09 16 17

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LUCKY 3 4 9 5

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Afternoon Draw DRAW DE LINE

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Evening Draw

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Heavy borrowing from BoG a major concern – Jagdeo

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

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hile specific focus has been placed on the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) recent report following a visit here, where they predicted real economic growth of 3.4 per cent for 2018, Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo has said the report also highlights the dire state of affairs here.

Jagdeo made several references to the report, which was released on May 9. He said the heavy borrowing from the Bank of Guyana (BoG) is a major concern. The IMF has stated the importance of settling Government balances at the BoG, which will be achieved by the issuance of Treasury Bills.

“It probably is around $50 billion. It could be more…we (Government) are financing a significant part of our operation from borrowing from the banking system. Now that in the long-run will affect all our debt profile and once you borrow from the domestic and central banking system, it has implications for the macro economy,” he explained.

The financial institution also stated its support for prudent towards private external borrowing but has encouraged Government to rely to the extent possible on development banks, including non-concessional financing, and to follow-up on their plans to develop the domestic bond market.

The team met with Finance Minister Winston Jordan, Natural Resources Minister Raphael Trotman, Central Bank Governor Gobind Ganga, other senior officials, representatives from the Private Sector, the Opposition party, labour unions, and other key stakeholders during its visit here.

They reported that inflation remained subdued at 1.5 per cent at the end of 2017, largely driven by food items, while core inflation was close to zero and cautioned that scaling up public investment without addressing remaining shortcomings could undermine its effectiveness.

Another important observation made by Jagdeo was the fact that the IMF also recommended moderate spending increases and the consideration of an expenditure review which could provide opportunities for safety net reform and more effective action on inclusive growth.

He told a press conference on Wednesday that this same concern was raised when the IMF team met with him and other members of the Opposition. He said during that meeting it was emphasised that national budgets are increasing in size, but are not delivering growth or improving the welfare of Guyanese people.

He added that it is possible to reduce Government expenditure or reallocate monies in the 2018 Budget, without increasing the overall deficit, and ensure that there is economic growth and improvement.

Other comments made by the IMF, according to him, stresses the need for more to be done to address the local state of affairs. He noted that the actual growth rate for 2017 impacts on the calculation of macro-economic variables, used to

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo during the press conference on Wednesday

plan for the future, all of which will now have to be recalculated.

Initially, Government had projected that Guyana’s economy would have grown by a 3.8 per cent growth rate for 2017. This projection was reduced to 3.1 per cent. It was then revised downwards again to 2.9 per cent. The actual performance, 2.1 per cent, was recently disclosed.

In 2018, the IMF said Guyana’s deficit is projected to widen to 5.4 per cent of Gross Domestic Product due to the cost of restructuring the sugar industry, including severance payments to displaced workers, as well as an increase in infrastructure related capital expenditure. The IMF has warned that the financing of short-term deficits should be carefully managed due to debt sustainability concerns.

Declining economy

The Opposition Leader spared no effort in chastising Government for listing ‘continued economic growth’ as an achievement in a review of its three years in office. Jagdeo said the growth rate revealed

by Finance Minister Winston Jordan tells a very different story altogether.

“The economy is on the de-

cline and this Government has no idea how to arrest that decline. They have not outlined a plan for the future. They do not have a plan to stimulate job creation and investment flow,” he said, adding that the growth in the productive sectors have either declined or remained stagnant.

Further, Jagdeo highlighted that “The economy is in bad

shape.” He cited the performance of major sectors according to final 2017 figures, which were revised in February 2018, which show that: the agriculture sector only grew by 0.4 per cent, sugar contracted by 25.2 per cent, other crops only grew by 2.4 per cent and that the mining and quarrying sector contracted by 8.8 per cent.

Guyana’s last best growth rate was 5.2 per cent in 2013.

But since then, it never surpassed that figure. Records show growth rates in 2014 was 3.8 per cent, 2015 at 3.2 per cent, and 2016 at 3.3 per cent.

Opposition Leader and former President Jagdeo has repeatedly criticised Government for what he described as their lack of vision to present a substantial economic policy.

Jagdeo, an economist, had also warned Government against borrowing large loans which could put Guyana in greater debt. (Samuel Sukhnandan)

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

Perception of SARA impacts credibility

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few days ago, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the State Assets Recovery Agency (SARA), Aubrey Retmyer, was reported as saying that his known political loyalty would not affect his work. His response was in the context of perceived bias by SARA against members of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) who continue to be placed before the courts. The PPP has consistently labelled the charges as baseless and frivolous and more recently the Party’s General Secretary described them as a means of reputational damage.

To some, Retmyer’s statement can be seen as refreshing and as a hallmark of professionalism. To others, it would be mere defensive rhetoric. He accurately referenced Guyana being a small country and the difficulty of knowing persons who are not politically oriented. He also stated that he can have a political preference and still be unbiased in the execution of his duties.

Such comments are laudable, a reflection of people’s expectations and captures the manner in which someone at that level should execute his/her duties. While one may have no reason to doubt his ability to function professionally, the context of what has unfolded since the establishment of SARA, must be examined.

The Government, having promised their supporters during the 2015 election campaign to place PPP officials before the courts, has used SARA and the numerous forensic audits in that regard. Of importance is that during its three years thus far, some stakeholders have pointed out what they believed to be very questionable Government transactions including the Sussex Street Drug Bond, Jubilee Park and the $600 million plus drug purchase for the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC).

The stakeholders who brought attention to these situations are of the belief that State assets may have been compromised and that there is more than enough merit for each to be thoroughly investigated by SARA. The reality is that only officials from the PPP Administration have being charged and placed into the court docks. The perception by many is that SARA is deliberately ignoring everything that has been presented in relation to Government’s alleged wrongdoings. With time, perception tends to become a substitution for reality and it is therefore extremely challenging for people not to believe.

Perception or not, many are of the view that SARA, through its actions so far, is an entity solely to go after former PPP officials.

From its mandate, that clearly is not the case. However, strong words such as ‘witch-hunt’ and ‘persecution’ have been used by the PPP and its supporters to describe what is being meted out to them. In that context of what continues to unfold, the usage of such terms not only seems unavoidable, but factual.

This feeling is further fuelled by the lack appearance of any attempt by SARA to give similar priority to complaints raised in relation to alleged financial improprieties by Government officials in spite of necessary information reportedly provided.

Clearly, the ordinary people will be unaware if efforts are ongoing discretely. Even if that were the case, the lack of provision of minimal information stacks on the growing perception.

In this regard, some have questioned the Agency over what appears to be a reluctance to investigate the complaints alluded to. This therefore has potential to negatively impact its credibility which in turn can give credence to the belief of bias against one side. None can dispute that information first has to be verified. Then the credibility of that and potential evidence are determined to further an investigation.

By that, it implies that initial work has to be done. Was it?

If not, why? Therein may lie Retmyer’s dilemma. While as an individual he would want to ensure that his political allegiance does not cloud his professional judgement, the entirety of SARA’s operations has to be seen to be complying in tandem.

The belief by many is that the entity’s judgement may be clouded by alleged political loyalty. Even if it is not true, there is that strong perception which is driven by a belief of political direction.

In order for the Agency to have full acceptance from all on its national purpose, that perception has to change through impartiality and unfettered and holistic professionalism devoid of any political directive. It therefore becomes extremely challenging, again in the context noted, for any known political operative or affiliate at the helm to remove that perception despite good intentions.

However, he has an opportunity to influence the raising of the bar on expected fairness to mitigate the strong belief of partiality. A genuine quest in that direction would be welcomed and would boost credibility.

People watch as ash erupts from the Halemaumau crater near the community of Volcano during ongoing eruptions of the Kilauea Volcano in Hawaii (Reuters)

We cannot sit by and wait on our doom Dear Editor, Politics is a form of civil war. It is the civil war concerned with the acquisition and control of power or authority over a nation or group of individuals. Political parties engage themselves in civil war for the seat of Government. It is a battle of ideas between the contesting parties. In a fair fight, the party which has the best ideas, has failed the least, and promises and delivers the most, is usually victorious. Guyana is engaged in a civil war, and the major contestants have failed Guyanese miserably.

It seems that not a day goes by without the coalition Administration reminding Guyanese that we made a grave error at the 2015 elections. All of this is however necessary for us to mature intellectually as a nation, to accept the incurable faults of our previous Administrations.

The coalition Administration committed to returning to Burnham’s ideas almost immediately upon entering into office; an unthinkable proposition before the elections. Why?

Most probably because these ideas utilise oppression as a means of remaining in power. It also rejected the notion that it is responsible for creating employment and urged Guyanese to become entrepreneurs. Dialogue with the Private Sector on our economic development has been brought to a political standstill, with the Chairman of the Private Sector Commission only trying to make a show of engagement to allow its members who are betting on acquiring sugar estate lands to get better terms.

The Administration’s recent attempt to carry through with recovering our taxes and charging People’s Progressive Party (PPP) Government officials hit a snag as the PPP has rightly and thankfully brought to the fore the People’s National Congress’ (PNC) own involvement in corruption and waylaying State property, with no better examples than Carl Greenidge himself being the recipient of property transfers during the PNC years at below market value prices, and

the PNC benefiting from the transfer of State lands to itself at zero cost (Guyana Times; Apr 22). This while Guyanese today have to find as much as GY$1.2 million to pay for a house lot just more than one tenth of an acre. But these are very surely just some of the more flagrant transgression of the PNC during its earlier dictatorship.

This recent attempt at snagging some PPP officials who were involved in waylaying billions of dollars in our taxes was an attempt to overcome the negative publicity the Administration was receiving from its childish copying of the oil contract used by the PPP as a blueprint for its recent agreement with Exxon, and the slew of criticism it was receiving from mishandling the dismissal of sugar workers, in addition to the declining economic activity and the general disgruntled position of Guyanese with Government.

To crown all of this off, the Administration is set on pursuing efforts to include criticisms of its Administration via certain media as sedition, a hi-

larious and notoriously heretic position in this current enlightened state of our democracy.

If anything, this points to the absolute shallowness of the Administration’s politicians and policymakers, since this is a confession if any that they are unable or unwilling to correct their policy mistakes, and are instead intent on laying the foundations for dictatorship and Government bullying as the economy seems to continue to collapse under their recalcitrant backwardness.

The Administration’s recent purchase of what I can only describe as some 30-yearold hens for the Army is an obvious attempt to curry favour with the Army, and is the height of eye-pass. The heads of the Army need to pay close attention to our national politics and understand what is unfolding. Their first responsibility is not to any political party or Government in power, but to securing and defending Guyanese, even from their governments.

Yours faithfully, Craig Sylvester

Ramjattan incapable of carrying out responsibility for Prison Service Dear Editor, The Indian Action Committee (IAC) is outraged and deeply disturbed at the photographs published in the local media recording dangerous prisoners at the New Amsterdam Prison enjoying themselves and brandishing bottles of expensive foreign liquor while appearing to smoke cigarettes and marijuana.

The IAC is of the strongest opinion that this lawlessness must be brought to an end immediately and is calling on President David Granger to ensure that all those persons responsible for permitting this egregious lawlessness must either be called upon to resign or be dismissed.

The IAC also believes that Public Security Minister and Vice President Khemraj Ramjattan has proved himself to be incapable, inept and incompetent to carry out the political responsibility for the Guyana Prison Service and given the fact that 17 prisoners lost their lives at the Camp Street Prison in March 2017; the destruction of the Camp Street Prison with the loss of one Prison Officer in July 2017; the inadequate facilities followed by the escape of prisoners from the Lusignan Prison also in July 2017; and now this outrage at the New Amsterdam Prison in May 2018, all occurring under his watch, is enough basis for his

immediate removal from this crucial position pertaining to the nation’s security.

The, IAC, therefore, is calling upon President David Granger to immediately request Minister Ramjattan to resign or failing which to dismiss him.

The IAC also is of the belief that the Director of Prisons, Gladwin Samuels is also incapable, inept and incompetent to administer the prison system of Guyana and the organisation is calling on President Granger to request his resignation or failing which to dismiss him.

The IAC is calling upon President Granger to investigate this matter thoroughly

and identify all those prison officials culpable in allowing dangerous prisoners access to cellphones, alcohol, and narcotics and to place them before the courts.

The IAC recognises that the Guyana Prison Service needs new, strong, strict and stern management now since prisons are places that require stiff discipline and, therefore, it may be necessary for the military to be brought in to ensure that order be restored to the prisons until a new cadre of responsible prison officers are trained.

Yours sincerely, Indian Action Committee

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guyanatimesgy.com

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News

Judicial appointments

Granger to meet Jagdeo for further consultation ...reiterates desire to have Benjamin, Edwards confirmed

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overnment is optimistic that the agenda for an upcoming meeting between President David Granger and Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo will include getting persons for a number of key commissions and judicial posts, appointed.

President Granger on Wednesday revealed plans to meet with the Opposition Leader as soon as possible. He made the comments on the sidelines of a State House event on Wednesday.

Among the topics to be discussed, he said, will be filling vacancies on the Police and

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo and President David Granger during their meeting about the judicial appointments

Public Service Commissions.

“I expect that we will be

meeting the Leader of the Opposition very soon to deal

with a range of appointments and that is one of them. The Public Service Commission and the Police Service Commission,” Granger said.

Asked how soon the meeting would take place, Granger noted that he could not definitively say since they are awaiting the National Assembly’s Committee of Appointments to make nominations for at least one of these commissions.

“I cannot say. I have to wait on Parliament for the nominations. We already have the nominations for the Police Service Commission.

(They) have not nomi-

World Bank loan

Govt to access US$35M ‘soft loan’

– to support balance of payment shortfalls

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ith Guyana staring down the barrel of a deficit in its Balance of Payments, the Government has revealed its intentions to secure a US$35 million “soft loan” out of its US$90 million resource envelop with the World Bank.

According to Finance Minister Winston Jordan in an interview with the media on Wednesday, the money will go towards “support purposes” for the balance of payment, which has grown progressively worse over the past few years.

“They’re potentially going to make a loan of US$20 million available to us, of which US$1.7 million we can advance over the next couple of months. And they’ll be looking to capacity building, providing technical and legal assistance in critical areas that we have.”

“The petroleum commission, the department of energy, new laws as it relates petroleum taxation, governing PSAs (Production Sharing Agreements) and giving us bodies to put on the ground,” he said, adding that “on the other hand we’re expected to get, over the next two, three months, a $35 million soft loan for balance of payment support purposes… in the context of the US$90 million.”

Balance of Payments is statistical data on a country’s fiscal transactions, including imports and exports.

To therefore record a deficit, Guyana would have had to spend more on imports, among other things, that it derived from exports.

According to the 2017 macro-economic report, Guyana’s overall balance of payment in the 2017 fiscal year showed a deficit of US$69.5 million. This is a hike when compared to US$53.3 million the previous

Finance Minister Winston Jordan speaking with the media on Wednesday

year. And a breakdown of the figures shows stunning disparities.

On the one hand, the current account shows a deficit of US$287.4 million for the year 2017. But in the previous fiscal year, the report notes, this was just US$12.4 million. The report admits that this is because of a negative balance on the merchandise trade account.

“The further weakening was due to the negative balance on the merchandise trade account. Merchandise exports were slightly lower than projected, mainly on account of lower export earnings of gold and other exports in the last two months of the year,” the report states.

Oil and gas

According to Jordan, the bank’s support for the Balance of Payment is still under discussion.

Meanwhile, Jordan also spoke about the support being provided by the World Bank specifically in the areas of oil and gas and education.

“We’ve been discussing projects, specifically relating to oil and gas sector.

They’re actual reengagement in Guyana on a longer term, because what we’re doing right now is a two-year programme. But they’re discussing a five year for the emerg-

ing oil and gas.

“They’re also into education. As you know, they have two projects, actually three

in education. Cause one has just finished, the University of Guyana. So we have one to build two secondary schools.

And they’re into flood risk.

So those are some of the areas that we’re being looking at down the road, all in the context of the green state development strategy. We discussed a lot on that.”

According to Jordan, work on the two schools has started and the project is currently on going. He also noted that the President was invited, at his pleasure, to visit the World Bank to make a presentation on Guyana’s Green State Development Strategy.

nated a Public Service Commission. But as soon as the Parliament completes its work, I will ask the Leader of the Opposition.”

Granger was also asked for an update on the status of the Police Complaints Authority (PCA), headless since the resignation of retired Justice Cecil Kennard.

He noted that there is a nominee.

Chancellor and CJ

He also commented on the current impasse between himself and the Opposition Leader, as it pertains to the appointments of a substantive Chancellor and Chief Justice. While Granger noted that he had expected Jagdeo to submit a counter proposal, he conceded that this would form one of his topics with the Opposition Leader.

“Well you know where we stood. I went through every possible legitimate means. I got the best advice. I had offered him my advice and he has rejected it. He has not come up with an alternative.

So when we meet, I will raise the matter with him.”

Granger admitted that he did not ask Jagdeo to make counter proposals, but he noted that everyone knows, who his nominees are and he reiterated his desire to see the duo, Justice Kenneth Benjamin and Justice Yonette CummingsEdwards, confirmed.

“I would like to ensure that the two names to the top posts, Chancellor and Chief Justice, are confirmed to the positions. It is very unhealthy to have a Chancellor

and Chief Justice who are acting and I would like to have them confirmed.”

“The public knows my nominees and they are persons who have come through a process. And the advice I’ve received is that they’re fit and proper to be appointed,” the President insisted.

However, only recently, the President had said that there was nothing left to discuss on the matter.

Justice Kenneth Benjamin was nominated for the position of Chancellor of the Judiciary, while Justice Yonette CummingsEdwards, the current acting Chancellor, has been nominated for the position of Chief Justice.

Concerns had been raised by the Bar Association in Belize about Benjamin’s failure, up to recently, to clear a backlog of cases by writing his decisions.

Jagdeo, in a letter addressed to the President, had said after having duly considered the nominations of Justice Benjamin and Justice Cummings-Edwards under Article 127 (2) of the Constitution, he is unable to offer his agreement for their appointments.

However, the Opposition Leader has since indicated his willingness to further engage the President on substantive appointments to the top judicial positions.

To this end, Minister of State Joseph Harmon, subsequently said Government will be going ahead with “meaningful consultations” between the two sides, as provided for in the Constitution.

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Foundation

Are you making bad behaviour worse? …12 ways to turn around an angry, difficult, or defiant child

By Dona Matthews, PhD

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nger and defiance are normal responses to feeling threatened or afraid. That’s true for children as well as adults, whether the threat is real and outside ourselves, or inside, as happens when we’re deeply upset or overwhelmed with embarrassment, grief, or disappointment. Anger or defiance can relieve a sense of powerlessness, and temporarily numb the pain.

Young children don’t have the necessary tools for managing their upsets. They don’t have the brain capacity to put their disappointments into context, to soothe themselves, or regulate their responses. Punishing them for being difficult is not only unfair, but it’s also counter-productive. It just makes them feel more powerless, and angrier.

If punishment makes bad behaviour worse, what does work when children misbehave? What can you do when your child is angry, difficult, or defiant?

Be fully present, with calm, loving empathy

An angry or defiant child is suffering. They feel threatened. So, resist the urge to yell back or punish. Don’t let your own emotions be triggered by your child’s bad behaviour. If you speak harshly or punish them, you’ll be making their world scarier and increasing the likelihood of further explosions. Instead, be a grownup. Take a deep

breath and be fully present to your child’s pain. You’ll be modelling the emotional skills your child needs to calm themselves down.

Acknowledge the reason for the anger

By calmly showing your child you understand why they’re upset (whether or not it seems reasonable to you), they will feel safer, and better able to feel the vulnerable emotions driving the anger. That’s true whether they’re feeling grief over a broken toy, hurt over a harsh word, or fear of a bully.

Let them know all emotions are acceptable

Even “bad” emotions – anger, envy, hopelessness, sadness – are honest and real. Don’t tell your child to calm down or to act appropriately.

Instead, welcome their feelings, whatever they are, and be grateful they trust you enough to share their feelings with you. Your acceptance allows your child to accept their negative feelings, instead of trying to repress them, which never goes well.

Tell them they can’t act on their anger

Children should never be allowed to hit, bite, scratch, or kick others, including their parents. If your child does this, they are asking for you to set limits and help them contain their anger.

You might say “You can be as mad as you want, but I won’t let you hit me or anyone else. My job is to keep us all safe. You can tell me how mad you are without hurting me.”

Stay close and connected

An angry, difficult, or defiant child is frightened. They need a calm, strong adult to help them feel safe

enough to settle down and figure out how best to move on. Instead of a time-out, try a time-in, where you stay present and connected.

Do some role-playing, then reverse the roles

Take turns being your angry child, and being the villain of the piece who made your child angry. Feel free to exaggerate. Use props and costumes if you like. Watch tears turn into laughter and creative solutions arise, as your child feels listened to and understood.

Create a MAD list of healthy options for managing anger

This might include a few rounds of deep breathing, putting on some music, dancing, going to a happy quiet place, pushing the “Pause” button and counting to ten, going outside for a run, working on a hobby, creating an artistic product that expresses the anger, yelling at a stuffed animal, and lots more.

Help your child identify the warning signs

Help your child notice when they’re getting annoyed, before it escalates.

With a young child, prevention is your job: make sure they’re getting a good balance of nutrition, sleep, exercise, and cuddles. As your child gets older, help them see what’s happening before it becomes a problem. That’s a good time to go to the MAD list.

Do some collaborative problem-solving

Your goal is to help your child develop the coping mechanisms they need to navigate life’s challenges without getting angry or defiant. Once the storm has passed, find a quiet moment to discuss what happened, and different ways they might handle things in future. Help them feel more powerful, as they learn to prevent problems and gain control of their own reactions.

Take good care of yourself

You’re teaching your child how to behave every minute you spend with them. Do your best to have good health habits yourself

– sleep, nutrition, exercise, fresh air – so you can respond well when challenges occur. Do your best to be a good role model of positive emotional regulation, dealing calmly and kindly with life’s challenges.

Be patient

Self-regulation takes years of practice and experience. Many adults never get there, so be patient as your child learns to handle the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune.

Get help if you need it

Some people are more volatile than others, and require professional help. If you or your child is frequently aggressive, explosive, or oppositional, and these approaches don’t work, you might benefit from getting help.

By helping your child feel safe enough to express their anger and explore the feelings underneath, you will be giving them an essential tool for success with school and friendships, and, eventually, for building healthy adult relationships, succeeding in their work, and parenting their own children. (psychologytoday.com)

Parents’ Questions and Answers

My 13-year-old son is constantly teasing his younger brother, who is 10. I never know when to intervene. On the one hand, I want to let them work it out themselves. On the other, I worry that my older son is going to think it’s OK to be mean and my younger son is going to have some lasting emotional scars. What do I do?

– Janet

Squabbles between siblings are common and a natural part of family dynamics. Often, it’s wise to let children work out their differences themselves and not intervene unless there’s a possibility that one of them is going to get hurt.

If the teasing is done in a friendly, playful, and mutual way, and both children find it funny, then you probably don’t need to worry. But if it becomes relentless, hurtful, and unkind, with one kid always doing the teasing and the other always on the receiving end, it’s smart to address the issue. If the teasing continues unchecked, your older son may think such behaviour is OK at school and with friends — and it could take a toll on your younger son’s self-esteem.

If you’re concerned about the teasing, talk to your sons about it. Set ground rules for acceptable behaviour at home, and stick to them.(kidshealth.org)

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Armed bandits beat, rob Parfaite Harmonie family

…911 calls went unanswered

the authorities to seriously consider establishing a Police Outpost in the large housing scheme as they await the construction of a Police station. They reported that numerous

robberies are being committed on resident with very little action from the Police.

Following the robbery, the family called 911 but the phone rang out twice

forcing them to look for a number for the La Grange Police Station and making subsequent contact. No arrests have been made so far and the Police investigation is still ongoing.

President admits security matters challenging for Govt …says Cabinet reviewing security sector reform report

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The Persaud home

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Naresh Persaud

family of four is now counting their blessings for being alive after three armed bandits invaded their La Parfaite Harmonie, West Bank of Demerara home during the week hours of Wednesday morning.

Reports are at about 02:00h, the Persaud family of Lot 546 Recht Door Zee, Parfaite Harmonie Housing Scheme, WBD, was awakened by three armed men who began demanding cash and valuables while beating them.

Naresh Persaud, 43, and his wife Samantha Thakurdeen, 38, operates a general store in the housing scheme. Persaud reported that while sleeping he felt a hand around his throat and when he opened his eyes he was confronted by two men in his room.

He was gun butted to his head several times while his wife watched on and screamed in horror, resulting in one of the men hit-

ting her to the face. The men then began demanding cash and jewellery, but the family had very little valuables in the home.

Persaud’s son, 19-yearold Sachin, told Guyana Times that the entire ordeal lasted over one hour. The University of Guyana student related that one of the bandits went into his room, woke him and started demanding money and jewellery. He related that when he told them that there was not much valuables in the house, the gunmen became enraged.

“They ushered me to the room where my parents were and my father was lying on the ground, covered, like he was, I don’t know if they were beating him. My sister was on the bed looking on and my mother was on her knees with a big swell on her cheek,” Persaud recounted.

The teenager was then thrown to the ground and ordered to huddle near his family. Persaud said the gunmen then began to ransack the house and collected what little money they could find.

“They said you guys don’t

have any money. That’s all the money you have? Let’s beat them. Let’s torture them,” the young man narrated.

The men then proceeded to ransack the house and got away with a minimal amount of cash, cellphones, some jewellery, a laptop, colognes and other items from the shop. It is suspected that the men gained entry by cutting a hole in the roof of the shop and then prised open a grill door to gain access to the house.

“They told us to close our eyes because they don’t want us to see them…and we didn’t have any money, that’s why my dad was being harassed…they wore my clothes from the closet. They said ‘wow, you have nice clothes’. The guy [bandit] pull a shirt and pants on.

He took all of my colognes because I had a wide variety of perfume on my vanity and he was like ‘wow, do you have people overseas or something?” Sachin related.

The bandits then began to hurry each other up as they were all scattered in the house hunting for items of value.

The family called on

damant that there is nothing to hide, President David Granger has revealed that the Security Sector Reform report is currently before Cabinet, who are reviewing its findings and recommendations.

President Granger made this disclosure on Wednesday on the sidelines of an event, when asked about the United Kingdomfunded programme. The President admitted that his Government has faced challenges with its handling of the security sector.

“The report was made available to the Cabinet.

And the Cabinet has approved of its recommendations. It is before Cabinet now and once Cabinet have completed its deliberations, it’s nothing to hide.”

“As you know, there are some issues with security challenges. Piracy, in terms of reports being made and the prison service,” Granger listed, adding that “the sooner we implement those reforms the better.”

In March, it had been

President David Granger speaking to the media on Wednesday

reported that Granger was studying the recommendations of the report.

The report was compiled

by British security expert Russell Combe. He first presented his final report in January.

There have been several training initiatives for locals where British specialists have been involved.

Last year, local immigration officers underwent the Risk and Liaison Overseas Network (RALON) train-

ing conducted by the UK’s Immigration Enforcement International.

The training covered three fundamental issues: the overview of human trafficking, the enhancing of interview skills when dealing with arriving passengers and overall increased awareness of the latest trends and concerns in the wider Caribbean.

The UK has done much of its security sector collaboration through the security reform project, which began in 2007. Government believes that, once implemented, Guyana’s security sector will be significantly strengthened.

President David Granger has also said there is need for a stronger Police Force; one that is better equipped with all tools necessary to function adequately. He has therefore expressed hope that the reform programme will lead to a reduction in the number of illicit activities that take place. turn to page 14

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Not getting it…

Y

…on sedition

our Eyewitness will have another go at this sedition business…because this is deadly serious business.

Deadly. He just read the account in the Chronic where Ramjattan informed Guyanese why they have NOTHING to fear from Article 18.1 of the Cyber Crimes Bill, which brings the 16th century Common Law charge of “seditious libel” into the 21st century. Before you could be charged if you spoke or wrote something to bring “disaffection” to the Government, now: “ a person can commit an offence of sedition through publication, transmission, online circulation or any other means such as a statement or words, either spoken or written, a text, video, image, sign, visible representation, or other thing.” And what’s Ramjattan’s assurance that this presents a clear and present danger to our freedom of expression? “I have written major pieces on freedom of expression within the press…and it is not in any way going to affect it.”!! Yes…that’s it!!

And this from a criminal lawyer who knows once a law is on the books, it WILL be used and then the onus is on the ACCUSED to prove he’s not guilty. In most cases in Guyana, political persecution of opponents rests not in the conviction on the charge – but in hauling them before the courts in handcuffs – like what’s happened to Singh and Brassington. In a divided society like Guyana…the charge is taken as a CONVICTION by the supporters of the Government. And this is what it’s all about – apart from humiliating the opponent. So frankly, my dear reader, Ramjattan’s assurance is as much use as a condom to a eunuch!!

According to the Chronic, Ramjattan then “dispelled myths that a sedition law is bad, stating that it is a “good tool to have in an Executive branch” “!! So giving the Executive a tool for hauling anyone who creates “disaffection” for them into the courts on a CRIMINAL charge, is DISPELLING “myths that a sedition law is bad”?? What next?? Inventing gas chambers in Germany during WWII dispelled the myth that genocide was bad because it gave a “good tool” to Hitler?? for Hitler??

But the worst was the following whopper: “Sedition… is an offence that goes to the heart of civil strife in your country and people publishing letters and all of that, to ensure that there is civil disorder. It’s a part of American law, it is a part of the law of most Commonwealth countries.” Where did this fella study law?

Does he know that “Brandenburg vs Ohio US Supreme Court” deguts the law by restricting it to an IMMINENT threat?? Why didn’t he insert that caveat in Article 18.1??

And the Commonwealth?? What’s “most”?? And how about their caveats??

…on campaign financing

Like pushing constitutional change to hive off powers from the President to the Prime Minister and National Assembly, the AFC used to be all hot and sweaty on campaign financing. Now, after sleeping a la Rip van Winkle, Ramjattan just woke up and decided the issue should now be moved to the front burner!! Of course, it’s got nothing to do with the AFC hoping for a play in the upcoming LGE!!

Ramjattan had the grace to admit the issue had been pushed by the late Sheila Holder – but couldn’t bring himself to admit it had been interred with her bones.

After all, had that good lady been alive, your Eyewitness is absolutely certain Ramjattan wouldn’t have been able to give a shout-out to the head of the pharma company IPA – for building their spanking new headquarters!! Even if Trotman called it “political investment”!!

So, with his newfound enthusiasm for campaign financing laws, is Ramjattan going to give back the building to Lloyd Singh?

After all he ain’t been getting many pharma contracts!!

…on headlines

Your Eyewitness was struck by a Muckraker’s headline: “Elderly Commission commences assessment of geriatric homes.”

Even if the aged Justice Trotman made it to Lindo Creek…will this “Elderly Commission” make it to all 21 geriatric homes??

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

News

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thursDAY, may 17, 2018 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Lindo Creek CoI seems focused on clearing “Fine Man’s” name – Jagdeo – dubs it an assault by the coalition on security forces

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo

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rom its onset, the parliamentary Opposition has criticised the way Government went about setting up the Lindo Creek Commission of Inquiry (CoI).

However, now that several persons including present and former security officials are taking the witness stand, and having listened to some of the testimonies, Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo is convinced that it is focused on clearing the name of a criminal.

He was referring to Rondell “Fine Man” Rawlins and his gang, who were all identified as the parties responsible for the murders of eight miners – Dax Arokium, Cedric Arokium, Compton Speirs, Horace Drakes, Clifton Wong, Lancelot Lee, Bonny Harry and Nigel Torres – in June 2008.

However, the blame was shifted to the security forces by Leonard Arokium, who discovered the burnt remains of the men.

“Lindo Creek from the very beginning, we knew it to be a political activity because (David) Granger said he wanted to find out the truth from the troubled period. We thought we would have gotten a comprehen-

sive CoI. Of course, he went and the part not where you had the Lusignan massacre and Bartica massacre and Agricola… but he went and pick Lindo Creek where there was an accusation that it wasn’t “Fine Man” but it was the Army who did it. So, he is more concerned about clearing “Fine Man’s” name,” Jagdeo told reporters on Wednesday at his Church Street, Georgetown office.

The Opposition Leader also made reference to statements made by the CoI Commissioner, retired Justice Donald Trotman, who he claimed has made public utterances that the Government of the day should take responsibility.

“He already concluded that it is a failure of Government… the reports are written for him….”

The former Head of State also gave his view on the recent hearings. He said, “What we are seeing is an assault on the security forces by this Granger Government… he (Justice Donald Trotman) seems more concerned with clearing “Fine Man’s” name…they (the PNC) were supporting him (Fine Man) materially.”

Jagdeo went as far as to

state that the Police have the tapes which are evidence to prove that. He hinted that the tapes may have either been tampered with or removed. However, he maintained that there is evidence to prove that the gang is responsible and that it is known by some individuals.

He claimed that members of the security forces are not getting a ‘fair shake.’

Instead, they are being put on trial after they served the Guyanese people by putting their lives on the line. He referred to the specific during

which the “Fine Man” gang operated, which saw one of the worst crime waves in Guyana.

President Granger had described Lindo Creek as a “massacre of the innocence”, saying that his Government believed the way the investigation was handled indicated that there was a high level of collusion. He had also rejected suggestions to extend the CoI’s focus to several years before 2008 when other major criminal activities had plagued the country.

“We are not going back-

wards, we are going forward,” he had observed.

Sometime between June 12, 2008 and June 24, 2008, miners Cecil Arokium, Dax Arokium, Compton Speirs, Horace Drakes, Clifton Wong, Lancelot Lee, Bonny Harry and Nigel Torres were shot and killed, and their bodies burnt at the Upper Berbice River mining camp which was being operated by Leonard Arokium.

Retired Justice Trotman is the father of Government Minister Raphael Trotman.

This is just one of the reasons why the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) has expressed scepticism about

participating and supporting the work of the Commission, as the Party believes that given the manner in which the CoI was dragged constituted and the commentary from senior Government officials, it is designed to achieve a political outcome and continue the Government’s programme of witch-hunting Opposition personalities.

The PPP/C has even said that the Inquiry should have started from the period 1998 when the real wave of ethno-political violence commenced, which would assist in addressing the root cause of the violence. (Samuel Sukhnandan)

New Amsterdam Prison

New video shows prisoners doing drugs, gambling in jail …President expresses concern …as IAC calls for Ramjattan's, Samuels’ resignations

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ew video evidence of prisoners at the New Amsterdam Prison, who are on remanded for serious offences surfaced on Wednesday, raising new concerns about the quality of supervision and security within the facility.

On Wednesday, Head of State David Granger expressed worry about the recent Mother’s Day ‘bash’ that featured prisoners sporting high-priced liquor and narcotics.

The video, which was secured and seen by Guyana Times, shows some of the same prisoners featured in photos shared on social media not only drinking alcoholic beverages but smoking marijuana and costing a significant amount of cash.

In one clip, a prisoner is filmed counting at least 12

Prisoners displaying drugs, money and cellphones

single $5000 bills as he places them on a plate that was filled with what appeared to be cannabis and other prohibited substances.

Another clip showed the prisoners boasting about the “sweet life” that they are enjoying despite the fact that many of these very men

were awaiting trial for grave breaches of the law, including rape, murder, robbery under arms, simply larceny and gun-related offences.

When contacted on Wednesday, Director of Prisons, Gladwin Samuels denied any knowledge of the new video, stating expressly

that he was only aware of the photos which had surfaced via Facebook.

He said he was at the time on a visit to the Mazaruni Prison but explained that contact could be made with the Public Security Ministry and its Public Relations Department for any update on the ongoing probe.

Despite this, Samuels told Guyana Times that he had already submitted an updated report to the Ministry based upon preliminary investigations, following the most recent prison fiasco. He said the probe was ongoing but so far no “substantial or sufficient evidence” to implicate other persons in the controversy which occurred over the Mother’s Day weekend was found.

Turn to page 14

10 news

thursDAY, may 17, 2018 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Vendor busted with 670 grams of ganja

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29-year-old vendor was on Tuesday busted with some 670 grams of cannabis when ranks of A Division (Georgetown-East Bank Demerara) swooped down on

the community of Kaneville, East Bank Demerara.

According to the Police, the ranks conducted a fourhour raid operation at Kaneville, which resulted in four men, along with the

vendor, being arrested.

The Police have also reported that three of the men arrested are wanted for questioning in connection with several criminal offences.

May 14, 2018, he attempted to commit a felony, that is simple larceny, on Harold Deonarine.

However, the teen explained to the court that he was catching birds on the day in question when he saw birdseed plants at the fence of the Virtual Complainant’s yard.

He claimed that he hopped off his bicycle and attempted to pick the bird

seed, but Deonarine rode up on a motorcycle and accused him of attempting to enter his property.

Hermanstyne claimed that he was beaten before being handed over to the Police.

As such, Magistrate Fabayo Azore entered a notguilty plea on his behalf and granted him bail in the sum of $25,000.

The teen is expected to return to court on June 6.

‘Bird catcher’ charged for attempt to commit felony

A

Success, East Coast Demerara (ECD) resident was on Wednesday released on bail after he denied attempting to jump into the yard of a policeman.

Seventeen-year-old Mark Hermanstyne, of Lot 280 Success, initially pleaded guilty with an explanation when the charge was read to him.

The charge states that on

Vryheid’s Lust resident jailed for illegal gun

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he Vryheid’s Lust, East Coast Demerara (ECD) resident caught by ranks on Sunday last at Plaisance carrying an illegal gun, along with matching ammunition and an improvised weapon, hidden in a haversack was on Wednesday jailed for four years.

Rayfield Pickering, 33, a labourer of Lot 113, South Vryheid’s Lust, ECD, admitted to the charge read to him by Magistrate Alicia George at the Sparendaam Magistrate’s Court.

Jailed: Rayfield Pickering

The charge stated that on May 13, 2018 at Victoria Road, Plaisance, ECD, he was found to be in possession of an unlicensed .32 revolver, along with two live rounds, a spent shell and an improvised pistol.

The prosecution’s case stated that Pickering was found with the revolver and ammunition hidden in his crotch upon being searched.

As such, he was arrested and questioned after which he was charged with the offence.

Labourer fined for stealing bicycle

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labourer on Wednesday morning narrowly escaped jailtime after he was fined $50,000 for stealing a bicycle and car battery.

Thirty-eight-year-old Troy David of Lot 129 Well Road, Sophia, Greater Georgetown appeared before Magistrate Fabayo

Azore and admitted to the offence, stating: “I ain’t want waste y’all time.”

He pleaded guilty to stealing the bicycle and battery, property of Joseph Innis, which are valued $50,000, on April 28, 2018 at Lamaha Springs.

David also told the court that he was previously

charged seven years ago for a similar offence.

When questioned by the Magistrate about the whereabouts of the stolen items, David simply responded: “I sell them.”

As such, he was fined.

Failure to pay the fine will result in him serving three months in prison.

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12 news

thursDAY, may 17, 2018 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

ETI senior staff arrested over Domestic violence sexual assault of 2 students victim commits suicide

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The Essequibo Technical Institute

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senior staff at the Essequibo Technical Institute (ETI), located at Anna Regina, Essequibo Coast, Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) has been taken into to Police custody following allegations of sexual assault against two female students.

The 41-year-old was arrested on Tuesday.

Commander of G Division (Essequibo Coast-Islands), Khali Parshram confirmed that two female students reported the sexual assault allegations against the man.

Both of the students re-

portedly reside out of the region and are staying in the institution’s dormitory. The Commander said the investigation is still ongoing.

On Tuesday last, Ceon Jackson, a teacher of the Bishops’ High School was committed to stand trial in the High Court for a similar offence.

Jackson, 39, who has been a teacher for the past 15 years, is accused of abusing his position of trust as a teacher after he began grooming female students for sexual activity.

He has vehemently de-

nied the accusations but did admit to having sexual relations with two former students who are now both in their early 20s.

The embattled teacher recently got married to one of his former students who is said to be in her early 20s.

According to him, their relationship has been ongoing for a number of years.

The prosecution’s case stated that between December 2010 and May 2011 at D’Urban Street, Lodge, Jackson raped one of his students.

22-year old woman of Bagotstown, East Bank Demerara (EBD), took her own life on Monday morning after reportedly being the victim of domestic abuse at the hands of her partner.

Dead is Tinesha (only name given), whose lifeless body was discovered hanging from the ceiling with her one-year-old child standing nearby.

A neighbour, who lives on the upper flat of the two-storey building, related that hours prior to the incident, a heated argument had ensued between the woman and her partner.

This resulted in several attempts by the Landlord to resolve the quarrels, the neighbour stated.

“I know Sunday morning they were rowing bad before I go to church. The Chinese lady in front come and talk

to them and then I heard that she come again because they had a bigger argument,” the neighbour said.

However, she recalled that upon returning home in the evening, the woman and her partner, known only as “Kumar,” were at home.

“Me ain’t really hear anything when I come home Sunday night. My daughter work and then she come home like around 12:30h.

I didn’t hear anything, but you would usually see that light on and know that they’re there. Just after that though, we heard crying like about one o’clock Monday morning.”

She noted that subsequently, cries were heard emanating from the house.

However, according the neighbour on Monday, Kumar, shouted out for neighbours, claiming that he heard the child crying

and when he went to check on the child, he saw his reputed wife handing from the ceiling. The neighbour said the couple moved into the house only six weeks ago.

According to the neighbour, Kumar then called Tinesha’s family, who did not believe that she was dead.

“He called her parents and they didn’t believe him, so he take a picture of her and send it to them and then they come with the Police.”

Guyana Times was told by a neighbour that Kumar was an employee of a nearby welding shop and was very abusive to his partner.

Another neighbour said that the woman faced daily abuse and they have since related this to the Police. A post-mortem examination is scheduled to be conducted today. Kumar is currently in Police custody.

REDD+ Readiness

Consultancy starts for stakeholder engagements

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ountrywide community engagements have started under the consultancy for stakeholder participation on Reduced Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (REDD+) and Readiness Activities in Guyana.

Commencing in early May, stakeholder engagements were held in Moruca, Region One (Barima-Waini); Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam); Region Four (DemeraraMahaica); Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice); and Georgetown.

In these ongoing engagements, stakeholders are drawn from

Indigenous and forest-dependent communities and representative groups such as the Amerindian People’s Association (APA), Indigenous People’s Commission, National Toshaos Council (NTC) and the National Steering Committee of Community Forestry Organisations.

At the engagements, the stakeholders are all involved in defining a REDD+ Communication Strategy and Action Plan for Guyana.

One of the stakeholder engagements on REDD+ Readiness at Mainstay Village in Region Two

They will also be assisting with identifying appropriate communication materials that would be used to enhance their understanding of REDD+ and Readiness Activities. These materials will be produced in local Indigenous languages and are intended to ready stakeholders for REDD+ implementation in Guyana.

Other stakeholders being consulted are drawn from agencies such as local development partners,

the Private and Public Sectors, non-governmental organisations, civil society and the media. This includes an international firm, Global CAD, which has been contracted by the Natural Resources Ministry to conduct the consultations under the Forest Carbon Partnership Facility Project (FCPF).

There will be further engagements in Bartica, Mahdia, Lethem and other regions of Guyana.

Region 10 Chairman files complaint against ranks at Timehri Police Station

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n the heels of concerns raised by residents of Linden and other parts of Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice) over difficulties they are facing in having bail money returned to them from the Timehri Police Station, the Region’s Chairman, Renis Morian said he has engaged the attention of the acting Police Commissioner on the matter.

The Chairman said affected residents have been complaining to him for a long time over the issue, as he called on Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan to get involved.

“Residents in Region 10 have been complaining for a long time, that whenever they’re stopped by the Police at Timehri (and) they have to pay bail, there’s a difficulty getting (back) the bail money.”

He added that based on complaints, he was forced to visit the station himself and he was told that the officer-in-charge was not available. According to the Regional Chairman, this is the exact situation residents of Region 10 have been com-

Region 10 Chairman Renis Morian

plaining about. He noted that residents are claiming that every time they go to have the money returned to them, they are told that the officer-in-charge is not available.

He added that in one case, he made inquiry for a resident but three weeks later, the resident was still unsuccessful in receiving the bail money.

The Regional Chairman said he subsequently made contact with the acting

Commissioner of Police, David Ramnarine, regarding the issue.

“Now I’ve sent an email to the acting [Police] Commissioner, he asked me to send him an email and outline the issue. I did send an email to him outlining the issue...the RDC in Region 10 wants this matter to be addressed. Too many residents aren’t getting back their bail money from the Timehri Police Station,” the Regional Chairman further stated. He claims that residents are being “pushed around” by the Police, whom he alleges give them lengthy dates to return.

“Then you’re hearing now, they got to go to Eve Leary. When they go to Eve Leary, Eve Leary telling them they got to wait...”, he said. Morian also threatened to picket the Police Commissioner’s Office if the matter is not addressed.

“Residents here need back their money. Or the next step we going to tek, we gonna picket the Commissioner of Police for the residents. That is what the people say,” he stated.

(Utamu Belle)

news

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thursDAY, may 17, 2018 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Crime threat in Guyana “critical” – US report …says drug trafficking “a serious concern” …Govt agencies, Police are reportedly “paid off” by criminal elements

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he US State Department has assessed the crime threat in the capital of the Guyana as being “critical.”

The assessment comes in the latest 2018 OSAC Guyana 2018 Crime and Safety Report, released by the Department on May 15.

The report’s authors say Guyana, with a population of just 750,000, has a general crime rate that “is above the US national average.”

It said criminal activity continues to be a major issue, with serious crimes, such as murder and armed robbery, being common. The

report added that “criminals regularly use weapons, despite a rigorous licensing requirement to own firearms.”

Handguns, knives, machetes, or cutlasses tend to be the weapons of choice, the report stated, adding that Police Officers have also been both victims and perpetrators of assaults and shootings.

Focusing on travel to Guyana, the US Government warned that hotel room break-ins were reported to the US Embassy by American citizens and warned travellers to use caution when open-

ing their hotel room doors in Georgetown and to safeguard valuables left there.

The US State Department is also advising travellers against walking alone outside after dark in the city, even in the immediate vicinity of their hotels, and advised visitors to exchange currency only at legitimate exchanges at hotels or airports.

However, travellers are still only directed to “exercise normal precautions” when travelling to Guyana.

Drug trafficking

The US, meanwhile, also

identified drug trafficking as “a serious concern” and “the biggest challenge to law enforcement in Guyana.”

The report stated that the Guyana Police Force, (GPF), has limited resource and manpower to deter or respond to criminal activity.

Focusing on the judicial system, the report said the court is strained by limited resources and often influenced by threats/bribes while defendants linked to drug organisation often use attorneys who are effective in getting cases dismissed or postponed and as a result, criminals go free on a regu-

Cabinet to decide fate of Cyber Crimes Bill – AG ...maintains support for Bill in current form

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ollowing much controversy, the contentious proposed cybercrime legislation will be sent back to Cabinet for Government to relook at the sedition clause, according to Legal Affairs Minister Basil Williams.

Attorney General Williams on Wednesday said that after there has been much controversy in relation to Section 18 (1) of the Cyber Crimes Bill of 2016, the Bill will be returned to Cabinet for it to decide the way forward. Section 18 (1) speaks to charging persons utilising cyberspace to register their dissatisfaction with the Government of the day.

Section 18 (1) states: “A person commits an offence of sedition if the person, whether in or out of Guyana, intentionally publishes, transmits or circulates by use of a computer system or any other means, a statement or words, either spoken or written, a text, video, image, sign, visible representation, or other thing that brings or attempts to bring into hatred or contempt, or excites or attempts to excite disaffection towards the Government established by law in Guyana; advocates the use, without authority of law, of force as a means of accomplishing a governmental change within Guyana,” among other things.

Williams first read the Bill on August 4, 2016, and it was sent to a Special Select Committee, where it stayed for two years and came back to the National Assembly unchanged. After it came back to the National Assembly, the contents created quite an uproar, since it was perceived that freedom of expression was being stifled by the legislation.

Since the controversy, Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan and Williams both signalled

the provision or that specific provision of the Bill, which was inserted in the Special Select Committee, is reminiscent of the old National Security Act that obtained in the period of undemocratic rule,” the Opposition Leader said.

lar basis.

Corruption

The OSAC report added that corruption is widely perceived to be commonplace within many

Government agencies and Police Officers often are reportedly paid off by criminal elements and are alleged to work with criminals by either assisting or protecting them. (newsamericasnow)

Wanted bulletin issued for man accused of defrauding Govt

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he Guyana Police Force has issued a wanted bulletin for 40-year-old Jadoo Datt of Sheriff Street, Campbellville, Georgetown, who is wanted for questioning in relation to a conspiracy to defraud the Government of Guyana.

Datt reportedly committed the frauds between December 2015 and April 2016.

Anyone with information that may lead to the arrest of Datt is asked to contact the Police on telephone numbers 226-2870, 2292655, 229-2289, 227-1149,

Wanted: Jadoo Datt

226-7065, 911 or the nearest Police station.

Diamond robbery

Legal Affairs Minister Basil Williams

their support for the clause saying it aimed to protect the State.

“I support the contentions of the Vice President Khemraj Ramjattan that the State has to protect itself…the law exists already and look at Clause 23 (of the Cyber Crimes Bill) it is a sweep-all clause; what it says is that all offences are offences if occasioned in cyber[space],” Williams said.

Meanwhile, President David Granger said he would adopt the position of Cabinet, but Alliance For Change (AFC) Leader Raphael Trotman outright declined to support the legislation in its current form. He stated that many within the party share his view, and revealed that if the section is not amended, then he, along with other AFC parliamentarians, would have to vote against it.

Speaking to this, Williams said Trotman was entitled to his opinion, but whatever Cabinet decided, they would have to abide by.

“I will take it to Cabinet and they will have a look at it. The matter was in the Special Select Committee and I think what happened is that Jagdeo is the only one in his party who is against that provision,” he said.

“We are in a coalition and we work out our difficulties and when you go

into Cabinet whatever decision [it] takes will have to suffice…Cabinet is Cabinet; it’s collective responsibility unless you want to leave the Cabinet; you can have your own opinion, you can say you are going against the Cabinet…is going all the time you going,” Williams added.

His colleague Ramjattan, who is also the Chairman of the AFC, last week told a news conference that, despite concerns raised by some members of the party’s leadership and the public uproar regarding Section 18 (1) of the Cyber Crimes Bill of 2016, he is leading the charge to keep the offence of sedition on the books.

“Unless we want to do a major overhaul of your Criminal Offences Act and abolish sedition, then that’s fine; but as I am advised, and I am leading the charge for maintaining it in our books for very good reasons,” Ramjattan said.

Meanwhile, Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo has said that Clause 18 was reminiscent of the old National Security Act, which was upheld during the Burnham era, but was repealed in the late 90s. “The insertion by the Government of Guyana of (this) provision in the cybercrime bill could mean or could have grave implications for freedom of speech in Guyana. In fact, looking at

Stolen car recovered

T

he Police have recovered a car which was stolen during a robbery at Block X Diamond, East Bank Demerara.

Reports are the car was stolen at about 01:30h when armed bandits invaded the Diamond property.

Ranks acting on information received, swooped

down at a location in North Ruimveldt at about 17:15h on Tuesday where they found the motorcar which bore fake registration plates. The car was parked on the public road.

However, no one was arrested.

Just recently, three men appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts charged for carjacking and aiding a

carjacking.

Edwin Angus along with Mahendra Lall and Munesh Persaud were all remanded to prison for the offences. They alleged stole the Allion motorcar belonging to Anthony Pickett from Princes Street, Georgetown.

The car was later found in Essequibo.

14 News

thursDAY, may 17, 2018 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Opposition gives Govt A grade for corruption

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo

A

lthough the Opposition has given the coalition Government a failing grade for its performance in almost all sectors, it said the Administration has earned an ‘A’ for corruption.

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo spared no effort in criticising the Government for its performance over the past three years. He also made a mockery of the 200-plus achievements that were listed in a supplement that appeared in a national newspaper this past weekend.

“There are tonnes of corrupt practices and incidents that we have pointed out, and they have refused to address. We no longer use our procurement laws because what has happened is direct sourcing,” he said.

In three short years, Jagdeo posited that the coalition Government has managed to completely bypass the public procurement process mandated by law, and has handed to its cronies and financiers, hundreds of contracts to the value of billions of dollars.

The former Head of State said that some 25,000 jobs were lost since the coalition took office. In addition to that, a slew of new taxes were imposed on Guyanese and the business community. But more than that, the economy has seen some of the worst growth rates in years.

“On the economy and their plans, they are failing there too. They are running down our reserves and

the economy is declining. In terms of competence, just look at Basil Williams and…

(Nicolette) Henry and that will tell you what we are talking about. And nothing for youths,” he added.

Jagdeo made reference to the Government listing plans for the oil and gas sector as an achievement, when in fact none of the draft bills have been completed or is nowhere close to completion. There is still much fine-tuning being done in preparation for the sector, but with limited consultation.

“So, competence F, economy F, corruption…they should get a grade A for corruption. That’s the only one they get a great chance.

Taxes F, jobs F, and crime F too.” He said these were far more important areas, rather than the amount of seminars hosted in Guyana.

Government has been facing much heat from the political Opposition as well as civil society. It has been criticised for the controversial Sussex Street bond, the Hope Wind Farm project, a $605 million sole-sourced drug contract, and the handpicking of a Dutch firm to conduct a feasibility analysis on a new Demerara Harbour Bridge, among other issues.

Additionally, Government has faced flak for collecting a US$18 million bonus from oil giant ExxonMobil last year.

Despite being asked repeatedly about it, Government did not come clean until proof of the transaction came to light.

Progress

Meanwhile, despite these criticisms, President David Granger said that the achievements of the coalition Government over the last three years in office were significant and could not be disputed.

These achievements, he said, range from increases in public servant wages and old age pensions to suppressing piracy and most importantly, getting the age-old border controversy with Venezuela to the International Court of

President David Granger

Justice for the first time since Independence.

Speaking to media operatives after an accreditation ceremony at State House, the Head of State said that even in those areas where there has been progress, Government recognised that there was still much more that needed to be done as he pointed out that “sometimes commentators tend to underestimate the difficulties we face in terms of our finance, international relations, and crime and security, but I think that sober analysts would see that we have made tremendous progress.”

Notwithstanding the progress made thus far, the President said there were still challenges to overcome in the economy and in the area of crime and security, including breaches in the prison system. Additionally, there are now new challenges on the horizon as the petroleum sector gets ready to take off.

Meanwhile, when asked about the possibility of further changes to the Cabinet, the Head of State responded that he did not envisage any addition to the Cabinet in terms of new ministries.

He said that the coalition Government has been working well with the 15 main Ministries and the focus going forward would be on overcoming existing challenges.

May 16 marked the third anniversary of the coalition Administration in office after winning the 2015 General and Regional Elections.

New video footage shows...

He said no arrests were made to date but anyone found culpable would be disciplined accordingly before requesting that if this newspaper was inclined it could share the videos with him so that an assessment could be made and action taken.

Guyana Times also managed to confirm that at least one prisoner who owned the cellphone that took the first set of photographs featured on social media has accepted responsibility for his actions.

His phone was seized.

Resignation

This newspaper was told that the alcohol and other illicit substances as well as the drugs were smuggled into the prison via a tractor owned by the Town Council.

Meanwhile, President

David Granger would only say that he is concerned over the security situation at the facility and the state of security in the country, given a number of other matters that would have been reported to him with respect to the conduct on law enforcement officials.

But the Indian Action Arrival Committee demanded much more from the President than just him expressing worry and concern.

The IAC said it is of the strongest opinion that this lawlessness must be brought to an end immediately as it called on President David Granger to ensure that all those persons responsible for permitting this egregious lawlessness must either be called upon to resign or be dismissed. “…Minister of Public Security and Vice President

from page 9

Khemraj Ramjattan has proved himself to be incapable, inept and incompetent to carry out the political responsibility for the prison service given the spate of unfortunate events which have taken place under his leadership of the sector,” the IAC stated.

The IAC also called on President David Granger to immediately request Minister Ramjattan’s resignation, failing which he should be dismissed.

“The IAC is also is of the belief that the Director of Prisons Gladwin Samuels is also incapable, inept and incompetent to administer the prison system of Guyana and the organisation is calling on President Granger to request his resignation or failing which to dismiss him.”

(Michael Younge)

Govt to go after lawyers withholding State’s cases

A

ttorney General Basil Williams said he would have to commence going after lawyers who have cases for the State, since he would have requested that they submit those cases; but to date, there has been little response.

Williams made the statement when he called a press conference on Wednesday to address the issue of several multimillion-dollar out of court settlements made by him.

He said since assuming the office of the Attorney General following the May 2015 General and Regional Elections, he would have had cause to write to several lawyers and even published public notices in the local newspapers requesting they provide all the cases they were engaged in on behalf of the State. However, with the exception of Attorneys Ashton Chase and Stephen Fraser, no one else even acknowledged the request.

Some of the lawyers that were written to include names such as Nigel Hughes,

Ralph Ramkarran, Ruben Stoby, Neil Boston, Bernard De Santos and Sase Gunraj.

Williams further stated that he would have also written to the courts to provide the Ministry with a list of cases but noted that the list was not “exhaustive”.

Out-of-court settlements

Additionally, after being criticised for a number of multimillion-dollars out of court settlements, the Attorney General said he would have inherited those cases when he assumed office and blamed his predecessor, Anil Nandlall, for them.

Since taking office, in addition to losing cases, Government has opted to enter into out-of-court settlements. Among those companies to benefit from these out-of-court settlements are BK International, which cashed in on US$5.7 million on a settlement, and more recently, a $226 million settlement with Guyana Tractor Equipment (Guytrac).

Additionally, local spirits

giant, Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL) would have also benefited from a $3.8 billion tax write-off in another out-of-court settlement.

These settlements includes Rudisha Beverages vs the Attorney General – $7.2 billion; NH International Ltd; Emile Elias vs the Attorney General – US$11 million, plus $403 million; Toolsie Persaud Ltd vs the Attorney General – $1.7 billion; the Communities Ministry vs BK Int’l – US$5.7 million and NDIA vs H Sugrim – $226.1 million.

“Cabinet gave its seal of approval. It is apposite to note that Nandlall failed to appreciate that his conduct in failing to act in the face of repeated breaches by BK amounted to a waiver of them,” Williams said.

Meanwhile, Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo posited the cases were settled because there appeared to be some sort of kickback for the Attorney General, but Williams rejected the comment.

Kissoon’s donates to the blind institute

Christina Dhaneshar making the donation to GSB President Cecil Morris

K

issoon’s Furniture Store, as part of its support to the Guyana Society for the Blind (GSB), on Wednesday made a contribution towards the development of the institution by equipping them with a new sofa suite and toiletry hampers.

The presentation was made by Christina Dhaneshar of the furniture store to some of the mem-

bers of the organisation.

“We’re very happy to be able to make this donation to the blind institute.

We did it because it’s something that we do every year.

As I look around, I definitely see that they’re in need of some more furniture and we will try to assist in whatever way we can.”

Meanwhile, members of the institute explained

that this gesture would provide some form of support to them.

“When they called to say that they were donating, we were very happy, and we very much appreciate it.

Kissoon’s has been one of the longest outstanding Private Sector companies that have been supporting us for decades,” GSB President Cecil Morris said.

President admits security...

But there have been a number of security breaches, including in the Camp Street Prison on July 9, 2017 when prisoners set that facility on fire, occasioning its complete destruction except for a newly built brick building which is still standing intact.

In the ensuing confusion, a number of prisoners managed to escape from lawful custody, including convicted murderers Mark Royden Durant, also called “Royden Williams”; Uree Varswyck; Stafrei Hopkinson Alexander and Cobena Stephens – all

deemed armed and dangerous. That incident resulted in the death of Prison Officer Odinga Wickham, who lost his life after he was shot by prisoners during the breakout.

Following that jailbreak, over 1000 prisoners were displaced. While some were moved to the correctional facility at Mazaruni, Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) or granted early release or bail, others had remained at another correctional facility at Lusignan, East Coast Demerara under straight-

from page 7

ened circumstances. It was then that another contingent escaped. Since these two jailbreaks, all but two prison escapees – Paul Goriah and Cobena Stephens have either been recaptured or killed.

It was only in March 2016 that another fire raged through the Camp Street Prison, claiming the lives of 17 prisoners. Afterwards, a Commission of Inquiry which cost the Treasury some $13 million was ordered by President David Granger.

thursDAY, MAY 17, 2018

guyanatimesgy.com

rate floral crowns. However, mugs with catchy slogans, twisted copper necklaces, and eccentric bridal bouquets are also on the list.

started when a friend desperately needed a floral crown for his girlfriend and she decided to help him. It was that first creation of hers that

just part of her school projects, which would reflect her imagination and personality.

Building on those memories, she continues to create for

R

enuka Tewari is a selftaught craftswoman, who hails from the county of Demerara. As a teenager who loves crafts and designing, she has managed to create a business in less than a year, which brings to life the needs of her customers.

CraftsCreations&Smiles, her online-based business, speaks volumes in bringing out the strange crafty demands of customers. What makes this enterprise a unique one is the fact that the items cannot be found in stores or on the Internet, since it customises items to fit the various occasions.

Some of the popular items in recent months include dream catchers and elabo-

“CraftsCreations&Smiles is an online craft store and my aim is to provide the customised creations. We also have items that are already made. We do items such as bouquets, floral arrangements, floral crowns, mugs, corsages, and basically anything crafty.”

Tewari recalled that it all

Market statistics

the 19-year-old has had the chance to showcase her products. Her creations have been showcased at Curl Fete and the recently-held Regional Agricultural and Commercial Exhibition at the Leonora

Business News

Calculated at 94% purity, May 16, 2018

Bank of Guyana Buying

her business even more astonishing pieces that capture the attention of strangers everywhere.

On numerous platforms,

Track and Field Centre.

In both cases, customers are thrilled at the quality of work being handcrafted

by Tewari and many of her items are sold immediately.

She explained that making other people happy is one of the things that drive the business forward, since she is always working to please the customers and meet their needs. This epitomises her favourite quote, “Keep smiling and brighten someone’s day” which she turns to for inspiration.

Bending copper into dazzling pieces is not just her way of making crafts, but it relieves stress and enables the mind to think beyond the norm.

Gold Prices – Guyana Gold Board

Cambio Rates Cur

sparked a latent aspiration to make craft-making an enterprise, rather than just a hobby.

“After creating that piece, I posted it on social media and it received tons of likes.

That’s when I decided that I can create even more amazing stuff and make a business out of it,” Tewari explained.

“The main aim behind the business is to have persons being able to have their designs come to life, so we work with various specifications,” she related.

She reminisced on the days when artsy ‘stuff’ was

15

Selling

USD

$1291.25

GBP

$280.38

$283.92

Gross

$253,837

CAN

$161.75

$163.62

Net

$233,530

USD

$207.98

$210.45

EURO

$244.94

$248.06

Indicators as on May 16, 2018 Indicators

US$ per barrel

Crude Oil

$78.43

Price

USD

Rough Rice

$276.10/ton

London Sugar

$322.40/ton

Live Spot Gold

Change %

+0.26 Change %

+0.86 +0.40 USD Per Ounce

Bid/Ask

$1291.20

$1292.20

Low/High

$1285.90

$1297.60

Change

+1.00

+0.08%

Business Concept – Liquidity 1. A measure of the extent to which a person or organisation has cash to meet immediate and short-term obligations, or assets that can be quickly converted to do this.

2. Accounting: The ability of current assets to meet current liabilities.

3. Investing: The ability to quickly convert an investment portfolio to cash with little or no loss in value. (Business Dictionary)

Students trained by the Digital Guyana Project. Project facilitator Dennon Lewis is far left

T

he Department of Youth, in collaboration with the MasterClass Institute, has embarked on an initiative to enhance digital awareness and skills development of Guyanese youths through the Digital Guyana Project.

The training programme was designed with two primary objectives: to educate youths on local, regional and international opportunities for virtual employment and entrepreneurship, and to develop the relevant digital skills to effectively leverage those opportunities.

The training sessions were delivered by Dennon Lewis, General Manager of the MasterClass Institute, which is pushing to help transform Guyana’s economic landscape.

Sessions were held in Linden on April 23 and 24 and in Berbice on April 26 and 27 for persons aged 17 to 27.

Some 50 students were given opportunities to gain firsthand experience on various software programmes and web platforms. They received training in the areas of graphic design, presentation creation, and online research among others. They were also exposed to the world of online employment through platforms such as Upwork – a global freelancing platform where businesses and independent professionals connect and collaborate remotely.

The Director of the Department of Youth, Melissa Carmichael said, “The feedback received from this initiative is inspiring. Students are telling us that the programme was both engaging and informative.

We encourage the students to ensure they practise the skills learned and to continue the conversation with their peers.

The Digital Guyana Project aims to build a solid foundation for

growing and developing a skilled workforce that can leverage local, regional, and global opportunities. These training sessions are merely the first step. The technology is here, and it is our aim to equip our youths with the necessary skills to apply that knowledge strategically.”

According to Lewis, who is the facilitator of the Project, “Digital skills are the currency of the digital economy and online freelancing is projected to add $2.7 trillion [US] to the global GDP. With 70 per cent of Guyana’s population under the age of 40, we expect more Guyanese youths to be a part of this digital movement.

The leadership shown by the Director of Youth is a great indicator that more focus will be placed on equipping Guyanese youth – to not only be a part of the movement but to ultimately become pioneers in a digital world.”

16

guyanatimesgy.com

thursDAY, may 17, 2018

Regional

Region urged to boost cyber Daniel Ortega called a ‘killer’ as talks open with protesters on Nicaragua crisis security as EU legislation

P

rotesters berated Nicaragua’s President, Daniel Ortega, on Wednesday and demanded his removal at the start of “peace” talks designed to defuse weeks of unrest and deadly repression in which scores have been killed.

Critics chanted “Asesino!” or “Killer!” as Ortega and his vice-president and first lady, Rosario Murillo, arrived at a seminary in the capital, Managua, for the talks, which come nearly a month after public rage over social security reforms erupted into the biggest political challenge to the former Marxist revolutionary since his return to power in 2007.

Initial demonstrations over that unpopular move swelled into a broader, nationwide revolt against

Nicaragua’s President Daniel Ortega speaks, as Vice President Rosario Murillo listens, during the first round of dialogue after violent protests against his Government in Managua on Wednesday

Ortega’s 11-year rule after they were met with lethal repression by pro-government forces. According to human rights groups, at least 65 people, many of

them student protesters, have been killed so far.

In an editorial marking the start of Wednesday’s talks, the Opposition broadsheet La Prensa urged

Ortega’s critics to give the dialogue a chance, despite fears the “cunning and unscrupulous” politician would outwit them. It called on Opposition representatives to demand an immediate suspension of government repression and a commitment that no more students would be killed.

There were angry scenes as the dialogue began at about 10am on Wednesday.

Protesters – many of whom are now adamant that their Sandinista president must go – said they were doubtful the dialogue would bring any lasting solution.

“People now want him out,” said Xilonem Vargas, a 27-year-old protester from Masaya, a city to the Southeast of Managua that suffered some of the most recent deadly violence on Saturday. (Excerpt from The Guardian)

comes on stream

A

n appeal has gone out to Barbados and the region to strengthen their cyber security, especially in light of the recent introduction of the cyber security legislation, the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), by the European Union.

It has come from Business Development Officer at the Caribbean Israel Centre for Cyber Defence (CICCD), Daidre Leacock.

The law, which takes effect May 25, 2018, elevates personnel data to the level of being an asset. Under the GDPR, any entity, government or private, that has the information of any EU citizen or business would be mandated to put measures in place to adequately protect the information.

Failure to do so would result in an organization or company being held liable for any information lost during a cyberattack, and fined up to four per cent of its global turnover, or up to 20 million Euros (US$23.6 million).

In addition, it stipulates that a breach must be reported, as well as the names of those affected, to the data protection authorities in the European Union within 72 hours. EU citizens also have the right to have their data erased from an entity’s database.

Leacock advised agencies and companies in Barbados, including those owned by Government, which conduct business with European businesses or citizens, to take steps to ensure their compliance, such as training.

(Excerpt from Caribbean360)

The Bahamas and China Guatemala opens Israel embassy in Jerusalem after US move sign housing MoU

G

T

he Bahamas has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with China to establish a framework for mutually beneficial cooperation in the area of modular construction.

The agreement was signed here between Bahamaren Limited managing director Latrae Rahming and Michael B Wei, the international manager of China Construction Modular Housing Company Limited.

Rahming said the MoU will allow for a comprehensive range and participation of industry stakeholders from both countries and is a significant step to address the problem of providing adequate, secure, and affordable housing in the Bahamas.

The MoU will facilitate the collaboration of best practices for the offsite construction of adequate housing that is resistant to climate change, improves energy efficiencies of building through solar energy, and decrease the green-

Michael B Wei (left) and Latrae Rahming, during the signing of the MoU agreement

house gas emissions.

It aims to assist the signatories’ individual efforts to introduce an alternative form of construction that guarantees a transformative improvement all-encompassing the asset lifecycle in time, cost, quality and health and safety.

To achieve the MoU’s objectives, the parties agree to

facilitate both public and private sector dialogue regarding procedures used to develop and adopt regulations to invest in and then unlock the value of offsite construction. Also, the parties will discuss best practices for greater transparency of offsite supplier capacity and product quality,” according to a statement issued here.

uatemala inaugurated its Israel embassy in Jerusalem on Wednesday, becoming the first country to follow in the footsteps of the United States’ deeply controversial move that was accompanied by deadly violence on the Gaza border.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Guatemalan President Jimmy Morales were among officials who attended a ceremony inaugurating the new embassy at an office park in the disputed city, which is at the heart of the IsraeliPalestinian conflict.

The US and Guatemalan moves break with decades of international consensus. US ambassador to Israel David Friedman also attended Wednesday’s ceremony.

Previously Guatemala’s embassy was in Herzliya, just north of Tel Aviv like that of Paraguay, so far the only other mission with immediate plans to move to Jerusalem.

Guatemalan President Jimmy Morales (left) speaks as he is received by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the latter’s office in Jerusalem on May 16, 2018

Paraguay’s embassy is expected to relocate before the end of the month.

Netanyahu profusely praised Guatemala for making the move and noted it came only two days after the United States opened its embassy in Jerusalem.

The Israeli premier spoke of Guatemala’s early recognition of the state of Israel after its creation in

1948 and said he would visit the country of 16 million on his next visit to Latin America.

Morales called it a “transcendental moment for future generations” who will “remember that friendly countries took courageous decisions in favour of Israel and we do this because you have a special place in our hearts.” (Excerpt from Jamaica Observer)

Cuba rights abuses, activist Venezuela reactivates Kellogg repression under fire at UN (Excerpt from Jamaica Observer)

plant after company pullout

V

enezuelan authorities said they were reactivating a Kellogg Co plant under worker control on Wednesday, a day after the US multinational food producer pulled out of the crisis-hit country.

Kellogg joined a host of other multinationals in exiting Venezuela and later confirmed President Nicolás Maduro’s leftist Government had taken over its manufacturing plant.

On Wednesday, Aragua state Governor Marco Torres

slammed Kellogg and guaranteed food production would continue. “With no notification, this US-based multinational decided to close its doors, leaving 570 workers hanging,” said Torres at the plant, in Maracay.

“Yet, we’re here – in less than 24 hours.” Millions in Venezuela suffer food and medicine shortages amid hyperinflation.

Maduro blames Venezuela’s crisis on an “economic war” that he says is being waged by Washington, greedy busi-

nessmen and coup-mongers.

He is expected to win Sunday’s presidential election, described by the Opposition as a sham.

Clorox, Kimberly-Clark, General Mills, General Motors and Harvest Natural Resources are the most recent big names to pull out of Venezuela in the face of economic conditions.

Opposition critics scoffed that the Government would quickly plunder the Kellogg plant and ruin its business.

(Reuters)

C

uba faced harsh criticism at a UN review of its rights record Wednesday, with diplomats slamming repression of activists in the country, including allegedly blocking them from travelling to meetings abroad.

Gathered at the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, many diplomats criticised restrictions imposed on the freedom of expression and assembly in Cuba, pointing to reports of arbitrary detention of journalists and rights defenders, and efforts to block many

from leaving the country.

But during the country’s so-called Universal Periodic Review (UPR) – which all 193 UN countries must undergo every four years – Cuban officials decried “manipulation” and “false allegations”.

“The guarantee of the exercise of human rights is a priority,” Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez told the assembly. The UN human rights office voiced deep concern last week at reports that Cuba had “prevented a number of human rights defenders and civil

society representatives from boarding flights to travel to meetings abroad”.

It said it had received direct information about at least 14 cases, and voiced concern that the stops may be used “deliberately as a form of intimidation, pressure and harassment”.

Meeting with journalists on the sidelines of Wednesday’s UPR, Rosa Maria Paya, daughter of the late opposition leader Oswaldo Paya and head of Cuba Decide, suggested the problem was much broader.

(Excerpt from Jamaica Observer)

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guyanatimesgy.com

17

Around the World

India calls ceasefire in Kashmir Donald Trump says ‘we’ll see’ on North Korea summit for holy month of Ramadan

I

U

nited States (US) President Donald Trump said “we will have to see” if his planned summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un will go ahead.

Trump told reporters on Wednesday the United States has not been officially notified about North Korea’s threat to pull out of the meeting.

“No decision, we haven’t been notified at all... We haven’t seen anything, we haven’t heard anything,” he said. Washington will still insist that North Korea gives up its nuclear weapons despite the threat to cancel the historic summit, said Trump.

North Korea threw the June 12 Trump-Kim meeting, to be held in Singapore, into doubt saying it might not attend if the US continues to demand that it unilat-

President Donald Trump said North Korea has not notified the US about pulling out of the planned summit

erally abandons its nuclear weapons.

“If the US is trying to drive us into a corner to force our unilateral nuclear abandonment, we will no longer be interested in such dialogue and cannot but reconsider our proceeding to the ... summit,” said a statement by Kim Kye-gwan, North Korea’s First Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs.

He also derided as “ab-

surd” comments by Trump’s top security adviser John Bolton who suggested discussions with North Korea should be similar to those that led to components of Libya’s nuclear programme being shipped to the US in 2004.

North Korea clashed with Bolton when he worked under the administration of former President George W Bush. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Facebook privacy: MEPs to press Zuckerberg

F

acebook has confirmed its chief executive will meet leading members of the European Parliament to discuss privacy concerns in Brussels.

The date of the meeting with Mark Zuckerberg has yet to be fixed but the President of the European Parliament said he hoped it would be next week.

The talks will be held behind closed doors at a meeting of the Conference of Presidents attended by leaders of the various political groups.

A follow-up public hearing is planned. But this later event, which is likely to be in June, will be attended by different Facebook executives.

The social network has

been embroiled in a data privacy scandal since it emerged that it had not checked that millions of users’ personal details had been deleted after being shared with Cambridge Analytica.

The London-based political consultancy announced it would shut earlier this month.

The French President is also set to meet Zuckerberg in Paris on May 23.

Emmanuel Macron’s office said the two men would have “frank” talks about data privacy and tax.

The leaders of Microsoft, Intel and IBM are also set to attend the one-day Tech for Good summit at the Elysee Palace. Zuckerberg will not, however, be visiting the UK.

He has refused a request to testify before Westminster’s Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Committee, which had complained that an earlier appearance by his chief technology officer had failed to yield enough detail.

A spokeswoman for Facebook was unable to say whom else Zuckerberg would meet or where he would travel while in Europe. But she gave the following statement: “We have accepted the Council of President’s proposal to meet with leaders of the European Parliament and appreciate the opportunity for dialogue, to listen to their views and show the steps we are taking to better protect people’s privacy.”

(Excerpt from BBC News)

ndia will suspend all military operations against rebels in Kashmir during the holy month of Ramadan for the first time in nearly two decades.

The move, which comes after months of intense fighting in the disputed Himalayan region, will “help peace-loving Muslims observe Ramzan [Ramadan] in a peaceful environment”, India’s home ministry said in a series of tweets on Wednesday.

However, Indian security forces, of which there are an estimated 500,000 in Kashmir, “reserve the right to retaliate if attacked”, the ministry added.

Mehbooba Mufti, chief minister of the Kashmir government, said on Wednesday he hoped India’s decision “will create a peaceful and amicable environment for sustained dialogue”.

There was no immediate response from rebel groups. The move marks the first ceasefire for Ramadan since Indian authorities and Hizbul Mujahideen, the largest rebel group, briefly stopped fighting in 2000.

India and Pakistan both claim the Himalayan region of Kashmir, which has been divided between the two nuclear powers since 1947 across the so-called Line of Control (LoC), in its entire-

ty.

Anti-India sentiment runs deep among Kashmir’s mostly Muslim population, a majority of whom either want the Indianadministered portion to become independent or merge with Pakistan.

Hostilities have flared between security forces and rebel groups in Indianadministered Kashmir during recent months. More than 270 rebels have been killed in operations led by the Indian army since last year, officials say. Tens of thousands of people have died in the decades-old conflict. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Kenya buries victims of rose farm dam burst

K

enya on Wednesday buried 41 people who were killed last week when a dam at a commercial farm broke its walls and unleashed water that swept away everything in its path.

The earthen dam on the farm, which grew roses for export to Europe, burst at night on May 9 after heavy rains, killing 47 people and displacing hundreds more.

“We are here to mourn with you and all other Kenyans who have lost loved ones due to the ongoing floods affecting Kenya,” President Uhuru Kenyatta said during a funeral mass.

After a severe drought last year, two months of heavy rain have affected nearly a million people in Kenya, Somalia, Ethiopia and Uganda. Bridges have been swept away and roads turned into rivers of mud.

More than 150 people have been killed and 300,000 displaced in Kenya, where the damage runs into millions of dollars. Six po-

Relatives carry the coffin of their kin before the burial of people killed when a dam burst its walls, overrunning nearby homes, in Solai town near Nakuru, Kenya, May 16, 2018

lice lorries ferried the 41 coffins of the victims who were buried in Solai, 190 km (120 miles) North-west of Nairobi, and then young men carried the caskets up the hills in the area to their graves.

Paul Mundia, who buried his wife and eight-year old son, recalled the tragic events of last week. “The wa-

ter washed them away four kilometers from where our house was,” he told Reuters.

Ten victims who owned land in the area were buried in a single grave.

Investigations into the dam disaster are continuing and Kenya’s water management agency has said the structure was built without necessary approvals. (Reuters)

India flyover collapse kills at least 18 in Varanasi Police raid home of ex-Malaysian PM over corruption scandal

P

A

A large crowd gathered at the scene in Varanasi. Several vehicles were only partly crushed beneath the tonnes of concrete

t least 18 people have been killed and dozens trapped in the Indian city of Varanasi after a flyover collapsed, crushing vehicles beneath it.

The flyover was still being built when portions of its cement structure fell on the road being used under it. Officials from the National Disaster Response Force said 18 bodies had been recovered so far.

A rescue operation is continuing for those believed to still be trapped, but their number and condition is unknown. Photographs

and video from the scene showed cars and a bus crushed beneath the weight of the concrete, many of which still held people inside.

Local media reported that a handful of people had been successfully rescued, as seven cranes attempted to lift the concrete pillar. A large crowd also gathered at the scene.

India’s NDTV also reported that many of those trapped are believed to be construction workers who had been building the flyover.

The cause of the collapse is not yet

known, and an inquiry has been ordered, NDTV added.

Major collapses of buildings and other infrastructure are not uncommon in India, where the enforcement of construction standards is weaker than many Western countries.

In September, 33 people died when a six-storey Mumbai building toppled and more than 20 people died in 2016 when a flyover collapsed in Kolkata.

Other collapses with smaller death tolls are frequent. (Excerpt from

BBC News)

olice have raided the home of former Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak, reportedly in order to search for documents connected to the US$3.2 billion 1MDB scandal. More than a dozen police cars turned up at Najib’s Kuala Lumpur residence late on Wednesday, shortly after he had returned from evening prayers a local mosque.

Four other locations were raided, including other condominiums in his name, and his prime ministerial office. Commercial crime director Amar Singh Ishar Singh told local media that police were searching for evidence in an ongoing probe.

Najib has been virtually under house arrest since he lost the election last week; Police have cordoned off access to his road, and the former prime minister and his

wife, Rosmah Mansor, have been placed on an immigration blacklist to prevent them from fleeing the country.

The raid indicates that Najib’s role in the 1MDB scandal is a key focus of the reopened investigation into the billions of embezzled funds. Mahathir Mohamad, the newly elected 92-year-old Prime Minister, has pledged that all those who are found to have committed any wrongdoing as part of 1MDB will be brought to justice.

Najib started the Government fund in 2009, but in 2015 it was hit by scandal when it was revealed that over US$4 billion had gone missing and been spent lavishly across the world. The sum of US$681million was allegedly transferred into Najib’s own bank account. (Excerpt from The Guardian)

18

guyanatimesgy.com

thursDAY, May 17, 2018

ARCHIE

You need a break. A day trip, change of scenery or (March 21get-together with someone April 19) you love to spend time with will lead to interesting information that will influence your future.

ARIES

Listen to the voice of reaTAURUS son. An expert or older as(April 20- sociate will be able to give May 20) you plenty of reasons to slow down and be more methodical in the way you bring about change.

dilbert

Don’t stop until you finGEMINI (May 21- ish what you start. Keeping June 20) busy will help you avoid getting into trouble or being criticised for not doing enough.

A romantic gesture will improve your love life.

A creative hobby or an unusual interest will take you (June 21- on a journey that will open July 22) your mind to all sorts of possibilities. Join forces with someone as dedicated as you.

CANCER

Peanuts

Getting involved in acLEO tivities that include friends, (July 23- youngsters or creative peoAug. 22) ple will push you to try something new. Before you begin, set a strict budget to avoid unwanted debt.

Calvin and Hobbes

Ask questions and offer inVIRGO formation. What you discover (Aug. 23will raise your awareness and Sept. 22) encourage you to pitch in and make a difference. A joint effort will lead to a unique partnership.

Make a personal change LIBRA (Sept. 23- that will ease stress, lift your Oct. 23) spirits and make you feel good about yourself. Love and romance should be priorities.

WORD GAME TODAY’S WORD — ANTEDATE (ANTEDATE: AN-tih-date: To precede in time.)

SUDOKU

An emotional situaSAGITTARIUS tion will escalate quickly (Nov. 23Dec. 21) if someone isn’t being honest regarding intentions or feelings. Do your best to clarify your position and ask for what you want.

Average mark 15 words Time limit 30 minutes Can you find 20 or more words in ANTEDATE? The list will be published tomorrow.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22Jan. 19)

YESTERDAY’S WORD — ALLOWANCE acne aeon allow aloe alone anew lace lance lane lawn lean leno

llano loan local locale lone ocean olla once wale wall wane weal

wean well noel call calla callow canal cane canoe canola cell cello

clan claw clean clew clone clown coal cola cole cone cowl elan

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

Consider what you can SCORPIO do to stabilise your life with(Oct. 24out giving up on your ultiNov. 22) mate dream. Balance, integrity and discipline combined will help you reach your destination of choice.

Stabilise a situation you face at home or with one of your peers by discussing what you’d like to see happen. Offer sound advice to get the same in return.

solution AQUARIUS (Jan. 20Feb. 19)

PISCES (Feb. 20March 20)

Stop pussyfooting around and get down to business.

Monitor your expenses and concentrate on the changes you want to see happen.

Personal gains are within reach.

Take a closer interest in paperwork that concerns someone else. Settlements must be handled carefully if you want to avoid being taken advantage of emotionally, physically and financially.

thursDAY, may 17, 2018

M

19

Bumrah, Pollard keep Mumbai alive to defend and gave t h e m j u s t enough room for error.

umbai

Indians had so much to overcome. First, they were asked to bat in favourable chasing conditions. Then, Andrew Tye claimed his third fourfor in four games, his 4 for 16 limiting Mumbai t o 1 8 6 .

And then a n other excellently paced chase from KL Rahul put Mumbai on the brink of elimination. Faced with all that adversity, Mumbai needed both skill and luck. They were blessed to have two key players, Jasprit Bumrah and Kieron Pollard, performing at their best.

Bumrah finished with 3 for 15, but the coup de grace came in his final over, the penultimate of the game. With 22 runs to defend off 12 balls, he conceded just six and had Rahul caught at long-off. Mitchell McClenaghan did just enough in the final over to ensure a three-run win, carrying Mumbai’s fight into the final weekend of the regular season.

But it was Pollard, brought back into Mumbai’s side, that stunned Kings XI with a 23-ball 50. He ensured Mumbai had enough

Aiming for above par

After l o s i n g the toss, M u m b a i may have reset their target, aiming for more than par

to make up for favourable chasing conditions: small boundaries and the plausibility of dew in the second innings. That may have forced their top order to not only attack from the outset, but remain aggressive irrespective of the start. With a strong middle order, it was the right decision in a must-win game.

Even though Evin Lewis was bowled for 9, Suryakumar Yadav and Ishan Kishan’s attacking intent ensured the run rate didn’t slip. Together, they

SCOREBOARD Mumbai Indians Innings (20 overs maximum) SA Yadav c †Rahul b Tye 27 E Lewis b Tye 9 Ishan Kishan † c Stoinis b Tye 20 RG Sharma (c) c Yuvraj Singh b Rajpoot 6 KH Pandya c Rajpoot b Stoinis 32 KA Pollard c Finch b Ashwin 50 HH Pandya c Ashwin b Tye 9 BCJ Cutting c Patel b Ashwin 4 MJ McClenaghan not out 11 M Markande not out 7 Extras (lb 5, nb 1, w 5) 11 TOTAL (20 Overs, RR: 9.3) 186-8 Did not bat: JJ Bumrah Fall of wickets: 1-37 (E Lewis, 3.1 ov), 2-59 (Ishan Kishan, 5.3 ov), 3-59 (SA Yadav, 5.4 ov), 4-71 (RG Sharma, 8.2 ov), 5-136 (KH Pandya, 14.2 ov), 6-152 (KA Pollard, 15.3 ov), 7-160 (BCJ Cutting, 17.4 ov), 8-170 (HH Pandya, 18.2 ov) BOWLING: AS Rajpoot (4-046-1), MM Sharma (3-0-340), AJ Tye (4-0-16-4), AR Patel (3-0-24-0), R Ashwin (3-0-18-

2), MP Stoinis (3-0-43-1) Kings XI Punjab Innings (target: 187 runs from 20 overs) KL Rahul † c Cutting b Bumrah 94 CH Gayle c Cutting b McClenaghan 18 AJ Finch c HH Pandya b Bumrah 46 MP Stoinis c †Ishan Kishan b Bumrah 1 AR Patel not out 10 Yuvraj Singh c Lewis b McClenaghan 1 MK Tiwary not out 4 Extras (b 2, lb 2, w 5) 9 TOTAL (20 Overs, RR: 9.15) 183-5 Yet to bat: R Ashwin (c), AJ Tye, MM Sharma, AS Rajpoot Fall of wickets: 1-34 (CH Gayle, 3.5 ov), 2-145 (AJ Finch, 16.1 ov), 3-149 (MP Stoinis, 16.5 ov), 4-167 (KL Rahul, 18.3 ov), 5-172 (Yuvraj Singh, 19.3 ov) BOWLING: MJ McClenaghan (4-0-37-2), JJ Bumrah (4-0-153), HH Pandya (4-0-42-0), KH Pandya (4-0-36-0), M Markande (3-0-34-0), BCJ Cutting (1-0-15-0)

Jasprit Bumrah was the star of the show with the ball for MI

faced 27 balls and hit four fours and four sixes, putting Mumbai on course.

But there was always the chance of additional risk resulting in wickets.

Kishan was caught at mid-on, attempting to heave Tye across the line.

Suryakumar was caught behind off the thigh pad off the next ball. And when Rohit Sharma’s mistimed pull found mid-on, Mumbai were caught in an awkward position at 71 for 4 in the ninth over. Most of Mumbai’s problems were down to Tye’s unique skill - swerving knuckle balls which forced them to reassess their innings.

modus operandi, Krunal Pandya and Pollard too showed no inclination to take their innings deep. After a five-minute delay due to a floodlight failure and a six-run 11th over, Krunal chipped a six over fine leg.

Nine boundaries followed in 22 balls and Mumbai were back on track again.

Again, at no point did Mumbai change tactics.

That approach, however, resulted in four wickets in five overs and a significant loss of momentum.

Eventually, Mumbai scored just 35 runs in the last five overs, but with 186, they were above par anyway.

Keep going

This season, Rahul has shown his ability to pace a

Keeping with Mumbai’s

A chase that slipped away

T20 chase. Aware of Kings XI’s depleted resources in the middle order, Aaron Finch and Rahul didn’t go all-out in the middle overs, taking only calculated risks or capitalising on errant deliveries to keep Kings XI alive. Their tactic worked.

With 60 required off the last five overs, Kings XI had a fair chance.

Rahul and Finch took Mayank Markande’s third over, the 16th of the innings, for 18 runs. Suddenly, an equation of 42 off 24 gave Kings XI more than fair chance. But Bumrah’s excellent final spell, 2-0-103, and wickets at inopportune moments meant Kings XI’s playoffs chances took a heavy beating. (ESPNcricinfo)

West Ham manager departs after 6 months in charge M

anager David Moyes has left West Ham after just over six months in charge despite guiding the club to Premier League survival.

Moyes, 55, took over from Slaven Bilic on a short-term contract in November with the club in the relegation zone.

West Ham secured safety with two games to spare and finished 13th. Moyes met senior figures at the club on Monday.

The former Everton and Manchester United boss recorded nine wins and 10 draws from 31 games as West Ham boss.

“When David and his team arrived, it was the wish of both parties that the focus be only on the six months until the end of the season, at which point a decision would be made with regards to the future,” said West Ham joint-chairman David Sullivan.

“We feel that it is right to move in a different direction. We aim to appoint a high-calibre fig-

David Moyes recorded nine wins and 10 draws from 31 games as West Ham boss

ure who we feel will lead the club into an exciting future for our loyal supporters within the next

10 days.”

Moyes’ assistants Alan Irvine, Stuart Pearce and Billy

McKinlay have also left with immediate effect.

David Moyes took over at

West Ham from Slaven Bilic in November with the club in the relegation zone West Ham finished nine points clear of the drop zone, after earning seven points out of the last nine.

Moyes’ last game in charge was a 3-1 win over Everton on Sunday, after which he suggested his preference was to stay beyond this season.

“Everybody always thinks the grass is greener and there’s something better out there. I would say more often than not I bet you it’s proved wrong,” said Moyes.

“We’ve shown we’re trying to improve. I don’t know if anybody can come and make that big a difference in six months. Even Pep Guardiola took a bit of time to get his team right.

“I’d think you’d need to give a bit longer. But every manager now is in transit. I don’t think there is a long period.” (BBCSport)

20

GUYANATIMESgy.COM

thursDAY, may 17, 2018

Team Guyana ready to defend titles next week – Coach Slowe H

Team Guyana, the defending Long and Short Range champions of Caribbean shooting, on day one of the GuyanaNRA 150th anniversary in October 2017

ead Coach of the Guyana National Rifle Association (GuyanaNRA) Paul Slowe says he is confident that the team is well prepared, focused and ready to defend its Short, Long range and individual titles at next week’s West Indies Fullbore Shooting Council (WIFBSC) Championships set for the Paragon Ranges, Barbados.

Set to depart Guyana on Saturday, 11 of the local based members would be joined in Barbados by two USA based shooters, John Fraser and Sigmund

Douglas. Captain of the team is Dylan Fields who has taken over the reins since regular Captain Mahendra Persaud is still recuperating overseas from illness.

Fields would have as his Vice Captain, Dane Blair; the rest of the team reads: Caribbean Individual Champion Lennox Braithwaite, Ransford Goodluck, Leo Romalho, Ryan Sampson, Sherwin Felicien, Peter Persaud, Terrance Stuart and Paul Slowe (Head Wind Coach).

Commenting on how practice sessions went at the Timehri Rifle Ranges over

the past weeks, Slowe informed that conditions were very difficult, “But it provided the type of challenge that the team needed“ Leading Guyana’s charge would be the defending WIFBSC Individual Champion Lennox Braithwaite who was also the Caribbean’s leading marksman at the just concluded Commonwealth Games held in Australia.

Braithwaite’s shooting partner in Australia, Ransford Goodluck, the two combining to ensure that Guyana finished as the top Caribbean side down under,

would be once again aiming with Atheir teammates to ensure that the marksmen from eth Land of Many Waters continue to conquer all and sundry in this part of the shooting world.

Slowe, who accompanied the duo to Australia, believes that apart from Braithwaite, the likes of Goodluck, Fields and Romahlo can all hold their own in the individuals and will combine to deliver the goods for Guyana in the team championships.

“I expect the team to do well as individuals and as a team. The younger shooters, Tiwarie and Felicien

did well during the practice.

Peter Persaud had some issues with his rifle, which are now sorted out and Sampson seems to be coming into form. All in all, the morale of the team is high.”

At the GuyanaNRA 150th Anniversary Shoot held here last October which also doubled as the WIFBSC Championships, Team Guyana successfully defended both the Short and Long Range titles ending as the top Caribbean in the WIFBSC Short Range battle to England and Ireland in that order had placed first and second as special guests

of the GuyanaNRA for the championships; Canada (4th) also competed along with Trinidad and Tobago (5th), Barbados (6th) and Antigua & Barbuda (7th).

In the Milex/Crown Mining Long Range championship Guyana (36) won on Vs from the surprise package of the championship, Barbados (27) which also ended on 712 points as the home team.

Third was Ireland (701/28), followed by England (668/25), Antigua & Barbuda (646/22), Canada (609/24) and Trinidad & Tobago (599/23).

World Cup referee Boston Celtics shrug

BANNED for match-fix bid

A

Fahad Al Mirdasi refereed at the 2017 Confederations Cup in Russia and took charge of the third place play-off between Portugal and Mexico

World Cup-bound referee has been banned for life for a match-fixing attempt in Saudi Arabia just weeks before he was due to fly to Russia, says the country's football federation.

The Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF) says Fahad Al Mirdasi confessed to offering to fix the King's Cup final between Al Ittihad and Al Faisaly.

According to the SAFF,

32-year-old Al Mirdasi contacted an Al Ittihad official, who handed the messages over. Fifa has requested more information.

"Fifa notes the information that referee Fahad Al Mirdasi has allegedly been banned from all football-related activities by the Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF)," the world governing body told BBC Sport.

The SAFF added that Al

Mirdasi, who has been a Fifa referee since 2011, admitted soliciting the corrupt payment after being taken into police custody.

British former Premier League referee Mark Clattenburg - who became Saudi Arabia's head of referees in February 2017 - replaced Al Mirdasi for Saturday's King's Cup final, which Al Ittihad won 3-1 after extra time. (BBCSport)

off Lue’s talk of them “gooning” in series T

he Boston Celtics’ 107-94 win against the Cleveland Cavaliers gave them a 2-0 lead in the Eastern Conference finals. In the aftermath of it, it also provided them with some potential fuel for the rest of the series, courtesy of Cavs coach Tyronn Lue. Tensions were already high between the teams as Game 2 wound down. That was because of a play with 3 minutes, 37 seconds left in the fourth quarter when JR Smith shoved an airborne Al Horford in the back.

That resulted in a flagrant foul 1 o n Smith, who has a history of some physical plays against the Celtics in playoffs series past. He was whistled for a flagrant foul in the 2015 Cavs-Celtics series for his hit on Jae Crowder.

After last night’s Game 2, Lue accused the Celtics of “gooning the game up,” words that did not particularly seem to concern Boston.

Celtics guard Marcus Smart had some pointed words for Smith in his postgame news conference, calling Smith’s foul on Horford “dirty” and citing the past the team and Smith share with each other.

“Oh, man, we’re out there to play basketball,” Smart said. “You know,

and I just looked at it: Al is a defenseless person. He’s in the air. He can’t control how his body goes, and he’s not even looking.

And you go and take two hands to the back; that’s a dirty shot. You just can’t allow that to keep happening.

“That’s not the first time JR has done some dirty stuff, especially playing against us. He’s known for it, especially playing against us. We know that. So, you know, it’s like a bully: You keep letting a bully keep picking on you, he’s going to pick on you until you finally stand up, and that’s what I tried to do. One of my guys was down, and I took offense to it.”

While there were some other physical incidents in Game 2 -- a shoving match between the Cavs’ Tristan Thompson and Morris in the third quarter in particular -what seemed to irk the Cavs more was their response (or lack thereof) to the Celtics’ physical style.

“They’re going to play physical,” Thompson told reporters after Game 2. “They got to. That gets them going, and they’ve got players that are gritty players that play hard. That’s their edge, that’s what they bring to the table. Guys got to be ready for that. And if you’re not ready, then you can’t play.”

Tyronn Lue

(BBCSport)

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Lamichhane added to World XI for charity match ̶ Shakib withdraws

N

epal’s teenage legspinner Sandeep Lamichhane’s career will feature another milestone at the end of May. The 17-year-old, who played a major role in Nepal gaining ODI status and recently became the first Nepal player to play in the IPL, has been named in the World XI squad that will take on West Indies at Lord’s on May 31, in the Hurricane Relief T20 Challenge match.

Lamichhane took 13 wickets in the recently concluded ICC World Cup Qualifier, where Nepal finished eighth and consequently earned ODI status. He joins a team - led

by Eoin Morgan - that features the likes of Shahid Afridi, Hardik Pandya and Rashid Khan, who will come together to raise funds to rebuild and restore five cricket venues in the Caribbean that were damaged by Hurricanes Irma and Maria last year.

“I am privileged to have been chosen to be part of the ICC World XI against the Windies. It is an honour for the entire country and passionate followers of Nepal cricket, as well as an indicator that we are making our mark on the i n ter-

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21

national game,” Lamichhane said.

“Training, sharing the dressing room and playing with some of the trendsetters who we saw on television while growing up is something I look forward to.”

This won’t, however, be Lamichhane’s debut at Lord’s. He Sandeep Lamichhane

had been part of the Nepal team that defended 217 against MCC in 2016.

“What can I say about Lord’s, it’s the home of cricket, it’s a complete history of cricket and a dream venue for any cricketer,” Lamichhane said. “To play there in 2016 was a memorable occasion, which I look forward to reliving later this month.”

Meanwhile, Bangladesh

allrounder Shakib Al Hasan has withdrawn from the squad for personal reasons.

His replacement hasn’t been announced.

World XI squad: Eoin Morgan (capt.), Dinesh Karthik, Mitchell McClenaghan, Hardik Pandya, Thisara Perera, Rashid Khan, Luke Ronchi, Shahid Afridi, Shoaib Malik, Tamim Iqbal, Sandeep Lamichhane

Nadal,Djokovic ease into 3rd round T

op seed Rafael Nadal made an impressive start to the final pre-French Open event with a 6-1 6-0 win over Bosnia’s Damir Dzumhur in Rome.

The 31-year-old, whose 21-match unbeaten run on clay ended last week, had a first-round bye and will play Denis Shapovalov or Robin Haase next.

Elsewhere, Fabio Fognini was roared to victory by a partisan Italian crowd as he upset sixth seed Dominic Thiem.

Great Britain’s Kyle Edmund plays France’s Lucas Pouille after 18:00 BST. Former world number one Novak Djokovic who has sunk to a ranking of 18th after six defeats in his 12 tour matches this year - eased past Georgia’s Nikoloz Basilashvili 6-4 6-2.

However Nadal, who is aiming for an eighth title in the Italian capital, looked in imperious form as he saw off Dzumhur in just 61 minutes.

If t h e Spaniard justifies his status as favourite by lifting the trophy, he will reclaim the world n u m b e r

one ranking from Roger Federer after slipping to second at the start of this week.

Fognini’s victory was far less straightforward, but the 30-year-old eventually prevailed 6-4 1-6 6-3 against last year’s semi-finalist.

“It was a good match, actually, from both of us,” said Austrian Thiem.

“It was a very intense fight, basically from the beginning to the end. So I’m disappointed that I lost, obviously.

But game-wise, I’m not really disappointed.” (BBCSport) Rafael Nadal

22

GUYANATIMESgy.COM

thursDAY, may 17, 2018

Thuraia Thomas on a quest to Powerade 11race cycling make a “lasting impression” returns Saturday

A

t 13 years old, Thuraia Thomas is forging an uncharted course into senior competition when she plays at this weekend’s national senior table tennis championships, organised by the Guyana Table Tennis Association (GTTA).

It is quite a bold step for the young racket-wielder, who has shown promising signs as a national junior player by winning on two occasions the bronze medal at the Caribbean championships, for both individual and team competition.

A quick glimpse at Thomas and you would quickly think she has always

Eyes on the prize! An attacking right-handed player, Thuraia Thomas has shown she has a bright future ahead, and one of the many tests begins this weekend at the senior championships (Akeem Greene photo)

been around sports, given that she is tall and lean, but only gives a few words.

Her loudspeaker comes in the form of her racket and in a recent interview with Guyana Times Sport, she confidently stated she wanted so to make an impact at the seniors, highlighting the possibility of a third-place finish or at least reaching the quarter-finals.

Training four times per week at her Titans Table Tennis Club, the second form Marian Academy student was high in praise for the work of Coach Dwain Dick, who has helped mould her mind to understand the

true intricacies of the sport.

For these reasons and others, Thomas contends a good showing at the nationals would mean she can have a stranglehold on the junior championships.

“In terms of trainings, we have been [going through] a lot of game situations and he [Dwain Dick] helps to build my confidence and get me ready for the matches.”

Just three days ago, GTTA announced senior female champion Chelsea Edghill, who was currently on a scholarship in the United States, was awarded a one-month training stint in Portugal.

In light of such, the right-handed attacking player knows when the opportunities come, they must be taken with both hands.

“It is a big deal to represent your club or country.

For me it is a lot of stress, but when you go out there you feel the adrenaline and you know what is needed.”

Thomas can keep her cards close since given there is no Edghill or Trenace Lowe, a duo who usually dominate the seniors, the possibilities are open to whom may take the title this weekend at the National Gymnasium.

(Akeem Greene)

Griezmann stars as Atletico Madrid win Europa League final

A

ntoine Griezmann scored twice as Atletico Madrid swept aside Marseille in Lyon to win the Europa League for the third time in

ferent had Marseille forward Valere Germain taken an early chance, before Griezmann’s lethal finishing allowed Atletico to take control.

most consistent teams in recent seasons, breaking Barcelona and Real Madrid’s stranglehold on La Liga by claiming the title in 2013-14.

Atletico Madrid have won the Europa League three times, the joint-most with Sevilla

nine years.

France forward Griezmann opened the scoring by punishing Andre Zambo Anguissa’s poor touch to coolly slot home, then casually dinked in a second.

Captain Gabi drilled in the third goal late on as Atletico again lifted the trophy they also won in 2010 and 2012.

The outcome could have been dif-

Marseille skipper Dimitri Payet, an injury-doubt before the game, lasted just half an hour before hobbling off in tears.

Without their inspirational midfielder, the French side caused Atletico just one major scare as ex-Fulham striker Kostas Mitroglou headed against the post.

Atletico have been one of Europe’s

Second in the Spanish top flight with one match remaining, they are on course for a top-three finish for the sixth straight season and have appeared in two Champions League finals in that period, losing on both occasions to city rivals

Warren “40” McKay will look to defend his title on Saturday

T

he inner circuit of the National Park will once again be filled by great excitement on Saturday with the seventh Banks DIH-sponsored Powerade 11-race cycling programme organised by national cycling coach Hassan Mohamed.

The programme is set to showcase some of the best young talent and possibly the next generation of Guyanese cycling. Young boys and girls will compete in the BMX 6-9, 9-12, 12-14, Open and BMX Boys and Girls.

The more experienced riders will then take centre stage in the Juniors/ Juveniles, Veterans Under and Over-50 and Mountain Bikes. Fresh off the WS United 3-Stage meet, the feature 35-lap School Boys and Invitational race should attract some of the big names in the sport, the likes

Real.

With manager Diego Simeone in the stands - serving a four-game ban for being sent off in the semi-final against Arsenal Atletico repelled Marseille’s early thrusts and pro-

of: Jamual John (Cocos); Paul Denobrega (Evolution); Curtis Dey (Trojan PSL); Alanzo Ambrose (Team Alanis); Deeraj Garbarran (WS United); Walter Grant Stuart (Continental CC); Andrew Hicks (WS United); Ajay Gopilall (Trojan PSL); Christopher Griffith (Evolution); Junior Niles (Cocos); Briton John (WS United); Paul Chooweenam (Team Alanis); Michael Anthony; Orville Hinds (Continental CC); Andre Padlock Greene (Flying Ace); Jaikarran Sukhai (Carlton Wheelers); Adealie Hodge; Kemuel Moses (Team Alanis); Enzo Matthews (Continental CC) and Stephano Husbands (Team Cocos).

Last year, Warren “40” McKay registered one hour, 21 minutes, 45 seconds in winning the event ahead of DeNobrega, John, Griffith, Alonzo, Ambrose and Mario King, respectively.

duced a performance which has become a trademark under the Argentine.

Griezmann’s clinical double took his tally for the club this season to 30 before Gabi added the third as the Ligue 1 club tried in vain to breach a backline that has conceded just 33 goals in 58 games all campaign.

Atletico conclude their league season against Eibar on Sunday, and it remains to be seen if that is Griezmann’s last game for the club as he has been heavily linked with Barcelona.

guyanatimesgy.com

thursDAY, may 17, 2018

GABF shortlists teams for CBC C'ships

I

n preparation for the Caribbean Basketball Confederation (CBC) Championships, set for Suriname from June 15-30, 2018, the Guyana Amateur Basketball Federation (GABF) has shortlisted female and male players for participation in the flagship basketball event for the Caribbean Region.

On the female side, the Federation is focusing on the development of young players and using their participation in the Basketball Championships as an opportunity for exposure to basketball competition at the highe s t

level in the Region.

The women’s squad has one overseas-based player – Mariam McKenzie and the following Guyanabased players, namely: Kennesha Leacock, Tandika Bouyea, Annalisa Barclay, Jade Mohan, Saffiya Greene, Jenelle Belle, Lydya Roberts, Kelian Sauers, Roshelle Campbell, Makeida Rogers, Caron Bobb-Semple, Jahrier Young, Nia Wilson, Sonia Rodney, Ginelle Ifill, Cliffanna Hunter, Aypdele Roache, Jamacia Blair, Ashley Khan, Ruth Sanmogan, Demelza Nicholas, Kesann Charles, Shania Sears, Tamara Hunter and Annaliza Barker.

The Guyanese men squad will include a number of overseas-based players, led by Gordon James: Shawn James, Delroy James, Anthony Moe, Ray Victor, Kevin Mickle, Kevon Wiggins, Richard Mohandatt,

overseas-based players are under consideration.

Daily practice sessions for the women squad commence on Sunday, June 20, 2018 from 19:00h and for the men squad, daily training starts on Sunday, June

21, and return date June 22. For the men, departure date is June 22, with game dates June 24-30, and return date July 1.

The Guyanese women are in Group B, with Suriname, Barbados, and the Dominican Republic.

While Group A includes: The Bahamas, Cuba, and St Vincent and the Grenadines.

The Guyanese men are in Group A, with Suriname, St

Shelroy Thomas

Nikon McGregor and Juon Nicholson. The Guyanabased basketball stars being called for trials are: Shaine Webster, Timothy Thompson, Shelroy Thomas, Stanton Rose, Harold Adams, Orlando Glasgow, Terron Welch, Chris Williams, Travis Burnett, Dominique Vincente, Nathan Saul, Dave Causeway, Travis Belgrave, Akeem Crandon, Nikkoloi Smith, Domair Gladstone and Curt English. Other

Tamara Hunter

27, 2018 from 20:00h; all training sessions will be held at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall.

Departure date for the women’s team is June 15, with game dates June 17-

Gordon James

23

Lucia, Grenada, St Vincent and the Grenadines; while Group B comprises Barbados, Bermuda, Antigua and Barbuda, Haiti and Montserrat.

Guyana is investing heavily in the CBC Championship, with the expectation that the Guyana Men Team will win the Male Championship for the first time; and the GABF is confident that we will succeed in this venture. The Guyanese women won the CBC in Trinidad in 1996.

The coaching and management panel for the women team includes Lugard Mohan, Ann Gordon and Troy Greene; while the coaching and management panel for the men will comprise Willon Cameron, Junior Hercules, Kenny Avent and Jim Carr, Assistant Coach at the University of Rhode Island. Jonas Anastal is the Physical Conditioner and Physiotherapist for both teams.

Youth cricketers benefit from RHTY&SC Patron’s Fund

“E

ach one of you should be very proud to be a member of the most dynamic youth and sports organisation that has ever existed in Guyana and even prouder of the fact that your club is investing heavily in your cricket career as well as your educational background.”

Those were the words of Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club (RHTY&SC) Vice President Mark Papannah as he addressed members of the Club.

The RHTY&SC is currently undertaking a special project to assist its junior members with cricket gear and white cricket uniforms.

Over 50 players from the male and female cricket teams have benefited from the “Dare to Dream Programme” and Patron’s Fund. In 2018, the Club has so far handed over 15 cricket balls, five pairs of batting pads and six pairs of batting gloves to its junior players.

Ten junior players also received white cricket uniforms as the RHTY&SC strives to follow the rules of the Berbice Cricket Board, which state that all players shall be attired in whites at the junior level. Among the players benefiting are Shamar Scott, Jonathan De Viera, Kimmone Thomas, Joshua Wilson, Angelinao Ramdihal, Vishal Gopilall, and Farook Mohamed.

Club Secretary/Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Hilbert Foster, at the presentation ceremony, stated that the Club has a proud tradition of success to uphold and as such, it was important that its young mem-

Former Guyana and West Indies all-rounder Roger Harper poses with the young cricketers

bers understand their roles as early as possible.

The RHTY&SC is the only youth and sports club in Guyana to receive a National Award – the Medal of Service, while it is also a five-time Guyana Cricket Club-of-the-Year Awardee in 2004, 2005, 2009, 2010 and 2016.

The investment in its players is a worthy one as it would encourage them to fo-

cus more on the game and to develop a culture of loyalty to the RHTY&SC, Foster said.

Foster, who is also the President of the Berbice Cricket Board, disclosed that another batch of cricketers would benefit before the end of the year,

while all members attending school would receive educationalmaterials for

year

the n e w school beginning

early September.

Meanwhile, applications to be RHTY&SC members have been placed on hold as Foster stated that the Club’s membership is already large.

The RHTY&SC has 10 cricket teams, namely King Solomon Logistics Under-12, Poonai Pharmacy Under-13, Farfan and Mendes Under-15, Bakewell Under-17 and Second

Division, Pepsi Under-19 and Intermediate, Metro Females, Gizmos and Gadgets Under-21 and First Division.

The gear donations were made possible with assistance from Food For The Poor (FFTP) and funding from the Patron’s Fund. The Patron’s Fund is financed by an annual donation from the RHTY&SC Patron, President David Granger.

thursDAY, may 17, 2018

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

guyanatimesgy.com

GABF shortlists teams for CBC C'ships Pg 23

Point Guard Mariam McKenzie (22) playing for the Loyola University female Basketball team

Bumrah,Pollard keep Mumbai alive

Pg 19

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