Guyanatimes november 14, 2017

Private Sector to P17 benefit from oil & gas consultation in Canada Nationwide coverage from the best news team in Guyana guyanatimesgy.com

THE BEACON OF TRUTH

Tuesday, November 14, 2017

Issue No. 3392

PRICE

Police to beef up security for Christmas …more patrols, roadblocks for city

$80 vat included

WHAT'S INSIDE: Border controversy

P9 Next meeting will determine outcome – Greenidge …says Venezuela not committed to amicable solution

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Deputy Mayor tears up over unpaid M&CC workers …as Mayor, Town Clerk on overseas trip

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Cashier, P8 guard in hot water over $1.4M theft P9 911 pranksters to be charged

Essequibians, RDC protest P16 REO’s “dictatorial” leadership City Hall workers on Monday protested the non-payment of their October salaries by the Mayor and City Council. The vexed workers lamented their dire need for money as they have bills and mortgages to pay (Carl Croker photo)

UGSS calls for rebate for poorly-executed graduation

Eco brings in Africa Oil for Guyana exploration

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Page 16

Guyana launches Sexual Offences Court Page 7

Money P7 changer robbed of $1.2M Notorious T&T con P14 artist strikes again

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BRIDGE OPENINGS

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

Tuesday, November 14 – a nighttime retraction at 01:30h and a daytime retraction at 14:30h-16:00h and Wednesday, November 15 – a nighttime retraction at 02:30h and a daytime retraction at 14:30h-16:00h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Tuesday, November 14 –14:00h-15:30h and Wednesday, November 15 – 14:40h-16:10h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY

Sunny conditions in the early morning are expected to be followed by thundery and heavy rain showers throughout the day, while thundery showers can be expected again in the evening. Temperatures are expected to range between 24 degrees Celsius and 29 degrees Celsius.

Winds: Ranging between South-easterly and East North-easterly between 1.34 metres and 4.02 metres.

High Tide: 13:51h reaching a maximum height of 2.42 metres.

Low Tide: 07:20h and 19:48h reaching minimum heights of 0.84 metre and 0.80 metre respectively.

saturDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2017

LOTTERY NUMBERS G

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26 Bonus Ball

FREE TICKET

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 2017

DAILY MILLIONS 03 07 08 13 22 LUCKY 3 3 6 2 Afternoon Draw

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

Police to beef up security for holiday season – as overall robberies increase 15% while robbery with violence surges 54%

By Shemuel Fanfair

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gainst the backdrop of a 15 per cent overall increase in robberies with a 54 per cent uptick in robberies with violence, coupled with other criminal activities, the Guyana Police Force (GPF) has announced several measures to beef up security during this year’s Christmas season.

Some of the measures include vehicle, foot and bicycle patrols; road blocks; “riverine postures” and parking arrangements to reduce traffic congestion.

These security initiatives were announced at a press conference at Police Headquarters, Eve Leary, on Monday.

The plans have already taken effect as Guyanese prepare for the annual traditions associated with the Christmas season where shopping late hours is expected. Special focus on implementing the measures will be placed in the capital city, Georgetown, where the majority of the country’s serious crimes is recorded. A Division (Georgetown and East Bank Demerara) Commander Marlon Chapman said that Police presence would be beefed up around several strategic areas, which include the seawall, Stabroek Market, banks, restaurants, and nightclubs.

Chapman added that the security presence would be increased at the Georgetown Prison; Dennis Street, Sophia, Robb and Regent Streets, Vlissengen Road, Homestretch Avenue and the East Bank Demerara Highway, with special focus on the Demerara Harbour Bridge. He added that the GPF would collaborate with the business community, entertainers, the City Constabulary and community policing groups, all with the aim of tackling increased criminal activity.

Traffic Chief Dion Moore noted that the security measures commenced Monday morning and would continue up to January 15, 2018.

It was related that in A Division, there will be security and traffic arrangements to facilitate commuters for late-night shopping on Christmas Eve Day and for the Old Year’s Night celebrations.

Increase in robberies

Police preliminary statistics presented by acting Crime Chief Paul Williams, during the press conference, revealed that in all Divisions (A-G), there was a 15 per cent increase in overall robberies, but a 17 per cent decrease in robbery under arms. These numbers were for the period January-October 2017 over

A Division Commander Marlon Chapman

the comparative period for 2016. The year-by-year comparison showed that robbery with violence surged 54 per cent (79 cases in 2016; 122 in 2017) and a similar uptick in robbery with aggravation at 38 per cent (52 cases vs 72 cases).

Notably, the number of murders recorded decreased 21 per cent, and recorded rape cases also decreased by nine per cent (218 vs 198).

Although break and enter cases decreased by 15 per cent to 906 cases; larceny from the person surged 14 per cent. There were no authentic reports of kidnapping as both 2016 and 2017 showed zero cases. According to the acting Crime Chief’s overall numbers, serious crime decreased by nine per cent with 2768 cases in 2016 vs 2525 cases in 2017 for the period January-October.

Table showing comparative crime statistics for the JanuaryOctober period in 2016 and 2017

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

Greater dignity for women

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nvesting in girls, developing their social and economic assets, ensuring they have access to education and health services, and ensuring that they can postpone marriage until they are ready; all this means greater dignity for women.

According to Executive Director of United Nations Fund for Population Activities (UNFPA), Dr Babatunde Osotimehin, it also means healthier families and higher levels of gender equality. This in turn makes for stronger societies and more vibrant economies.

Dr Babatunde, in a recent report released by the UNFPA, also indicated that “investment in later marriage for girls is investment in development for everyone”.

“No society can afford the lost opportunity, waste of talent, or personal exploitation that child marriage causes,” he stated.

The UNFPA report, in which Guyana was flagged for child marriages and low life expectancy, shows what the evidence of the study tells us about this harmful practice and to assist decision makers to sharpen their focus on the urgent protection of girls’ human rights. Respect for girls’ human rights requires that we prevent and end child marriage and demands that we actively support girls who are already married. Human rights realised for girls are simply the fulfilment of our duty to them. It is, as Dr Babatunde said, the only course by which we can avert what otherwise is the human tragedy of child marriage.

The UN report stressed the need for more attention to be placed on social welfare and protection for the average citizen in middle-income countries – among which Guyana numbers.

As published in Monday’s edition of this newspaper, the report places a focus on social protection services being offered by Governments throughout the world. It details that there is more work to be done when it comes to eradicating child marriage.

According to the report, up to last year, 30 per cent of children in Guyana got married by the age of 18. Haiti’s rate was listed as 18 per cent, while in St Lucia the prevalence of child marriage was recorded at 24 per cent. Data on this subject was missing from several other regional countries.

As of 2017, the report also pegged Guyana as having a life expectancy rate of 69 years for females and 65 for males.

It is a rate which does not compare well with the regional average. Trinidad and Tobago has a life expectancy of 74 for females and 67 for males, while Barbados’ rate stands at 78 years for females and 74 for males. French Guiana’s life expectancy rate stands at 83 for females and 77 for males.

Suriname’s rate is 75 years for females and 68 years for males.

Even Venezuela’s rate of 79 years for females and 71 years for males exceeds Guyana’s, despite the economic challenges the Spanish-speaking country is beset with.

One section of the report also ranks countries based on the rate of maternal deaths. It uses a Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) of deaths per 100,000 live births. According to the report, Guyana had an MMR of 229 deaths as of 2015.

This is a regional high, when compared to the rates in other countries. Jamaica had 89 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births. St Lucia and St Vincent and the Grenadines clocked in at 48 and 45 respectively. Trinidad has an MMR of 63, while Barbados stood at 27.

When it comes to women having access to antenatal care, the report paints a more favourable picture of Guyana. It notes that women in Guyana are afforded the same level of access to antenatal care irrespective of rural or urban residency.

In terms of the prevalence of contraceptive use in females aged 15 to 49, 41 per cent of Guyanese women were found to use modern methods while 42 per cent used any method at all. The report also noted that 86 per cent of all births in Guyana had been attended by skilled medical personnel.

While acknowledging that great strides have been made over the years, all stakeholders in Guyana need to take note of where we are stand, or are perceived to stand, currently, with regard to these crucial issues. We must pay heed to the advice that bold initiatives need to be undertaken in order to increase access to health care, and contraceptives; and to include as many households as possible in the social protection net. Central government must lead the way, with scope for civil society and the business community to get involved. Anything less, especially in efforts to restore pride and dignity to our girls and women, will be unacceptable.

A farmer spreads red chili to dry at a village in Huaibei, Anhui province, China (Reuters/Stringer)

Transparency needed for confidence in coalition Govt

Dear Editor, Another section of the media, ‘Politikles’ cartoon, on the heels of its report that Petroleum Advisor to the President, Dr Jan Mangal, said: “I believe that all contracts should be made public,” adequately sums up the current state of affairs: the Minister of Natural Resources is running from transparency and accountability. Why isn’t the coalition Government listening to the advisor it hired?

Minister Trotman is quoted in the media as saying that the oil contract cannot be released because “a number of extenuating and external issues are being attended to, some of which have foreign affairs, sovereignty and national security implications.”

First, in the media reports, maybe it was a ‘slip of the pen’, Minister Trotman

is quoted as saying: “I have said that often times; it is really a continuation of a 1999 contract, and it was tweaked in just a few places, and so there is nothing to hide.”

If the 1999 contract is already public, and only a few ‘tweaks’ have been made, why not release the contract?

Secondly, Minister Trotman is also quoted as saying: “We have released quite a few details in fact, and if persons are wise enough -and many are -- you can put pieces together to get a sense of what is the contract.”

If the case is that ‘wise persons’ can get a sense of what is in the contract with the details that are available, how can you justify the non-release of the contract by saying that “a number of extenuating and external issues are being attended to, some of which have foreign affairs, sovereignty and na-

tional security implications”?

If ‘any wise’ person can get a sense of what is in the contract with what information is available, would that not include persons who stand to benefit from the ‘external issues with foreign affairs, sovereignty and national security’ implications”?

Editor, Minister Trotman all by himself exposes that his new excuse for not releasing the contract is fluff. He says mere tweaks were made to the already public 1999 contract, but will not release the contract; and he says that ‘wise persons’ can get a sense of what is in the contract with information that is available, but will not release the contract.

The oil and gas sector is a massive emerging industry in Guyana, and there must be transparency and accountability, which is what APNU and AFC campaigned

for.

Minister Trotman is the leader of the AFC. Surely, he remembers what he stood for.

Guyanese need the release of the contract, and they need to know if a US$20million signing bonus was paid to this Government.

Transparency is the only way Guyanese will have confidence in the coalition Government’s handling of this new and important industry. Minister Trotman’s comment, that the “Government has taken a decision” not to answer these pressing questions, as reported in the Guyana Chronicle, implicates the entire coalition Government if wrong-doings are exposed in the future.

Sincerely, Baldeo Mathura

What gains come from M&CC’s overseas trips?

Dear Editor, It seems as though the Mayor and Councillors of the City of Georgetown have decided to discontinue a rather insipid weekly television programme that was titled ‘Georgetown on the move.’

Such a decision would make a lot of sense, as not only was the programme dull and senseless, but it was a waste of money and time. It was clearly a feeble attempt at political propaganda, and an attempt to divert attention from the mismanagement, corruption and unlawful activities on-

going at the Council.

However, one would have hoped that the programme would have morphed from ‘Georgetown on the move’ to ‘Georgetown City Councillors on the move overseas’.

Surely, the municipal employees who have to wait for weeks after the official pay date to receive their salaries, and the citizens whose garbage is overflowing without being picked up; those who have to pay increased property rates, and those without proper roads, street lights and good drainage,

would be thrilled to be updated weekly about the travels of the senior officials of the city and their large entourages.

Citizens would like to know if the Mayor, Councillors and Town Clerk are negotiating international security deals to make Georgetown a safer city, trade partnerships to improve opportunities for the business sector of our capital, and climate agreements.

Does Georgetown have its own foreign policy separate and apart from the national one?

Cities worldwide have been forming their own associations and networks to enable collaboration on issues such as the environment, transport, energy efficiency, and economic development; but for all the travel being undertaken by the M&CC officials here and others, we do not see Georgetown being a part of those, or anything for that matter; or are they just joyriding around the world on the backs of the poor citizens?

Sincerely, Magagula Jackson

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

Apparent anomaly with suicide figures Dear Editor, Recently, The Caribbean Voice received the following message from Dr Leslie Ramsammy, former PPP/C Minister of Health: “When I was Minister of Health, I openly disagreed with them (WHO) on suicide…We have averaged between 140 and 170 deaths in my time as minister (2001 to 2011).

The rate was between 18 and 25 per 100,000. I have argued that while Guyana has a troubling high rate, our rate is not nearly as high as what WHO used to say – 44 per 100,000. I used to challenge them to

find the extra 100 to 150 deaths they were claiming. Their justification is that they made adjustments to cater for the underreporting, which they could not verify. It is interesting that when our actual deaths in the 1980s were over 250, they were actually reporting less than 150.”

So The Caribbean Voice did some digging, and this is what emerged: Clearly, the 2012 figure is an anomaly, especially given that the only adjustment actually made by the WHO is from crude rate to age-standardized suicide rate, to eliminate the ef-

Year

Rate – suicides per 100,000

2000

22.3

2003

27.2

2005

24.0

2006

26.4

2009

25.8

2012

44.2 – actual rate 32.15

2025

30.8

fect of differences in population age structures when comparing crude rates for different periods of time, different geographic areas and/or different pop-

ulation sub-groups. Thus the 2015 crude rate of 29.0 was adjusted to 30.6.

Whatever led to this apparent anomaly, it presents a skewed pic-

ture that makes the work of suicide prevention NGOs and activists that much more difficult, besides seeming to imply that with such a sig-

nificant rate reduction, the Government does not need to amp up resources to tackle suicide.

That PAHO rep Dr. Adu was quoted a number of times in certain sections of the media as stating that the 2015 rate was 20.6 is even more puzzling, and despite The Caribbean Voice’s suggestion that Dr Adu may have been misquoted, he has not, to date, provided any public clarifying statement.

Sincerely, Annan Boodram The Caribbean Voice

An import licence is in effect a technical barrier to trade Dear Editor, A news item in one of the daily newspapers headlined “Importers need permit for pinewood from January 1” attracted my attention as former Minister of Foreign Trade.

According to Minister Trotman in the article, “We find there is some degree of dumping of this foreign lumber coming in. It is crowding out local loggers.”

Notwithstanding his apparent lack of acquaintance with trade language, the vagaries of international trade (WTO) rules as well as Chapter Five Trade Policy of the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas, Trotman was referring to the alleged “dumping” of Canadian white pine on the local market.

When Mr Trotman

states that his Government will be imposing ‘restrictions’ on Canadian White Pine by way of import licences, and that ‘the restriction is not a ban’, he obviously is out of his league.

Legally, the product is banned from entering the local market unless an import licence is obtained from Government. An import licence is in effect a technical barrier to trade.

It would serve Mr Trotman well to refer to Article 2 of the WTO Agreement on Technical Barriers to Trade, the general principles for mandatory technical regulations, and the disciplines for introducing new regulations etc.

Incidentally, since we do not know whether the Canadian White Pine is

being imported from within the region or extra-regionally, it is nevertheless important that Article 91, Part Two of Chapter Five of Caricom’s Trade Policy, which treats expansively with qualitative restrictions, albeit among Caricom member states, and the role of COTED, be taken into consideration.

With respect to the claim of ‘dumping,’ so loosely referred to by Mr Trotman, WTO rules state very clearly that action against dumping can only be taken after an investigation has been held following the prescribed procedure.

Moreover, for action to be taken against dumping, Guyana, in keeping with WTO rules, will have to determine that: (i) dumping exists, (ii) there is material injury or threat of material injury to its domestic industry (collectively called injury) and (iii) a causal link exists between the dumping and the injury.

Mr Trotman must know that a product is said to be dumped if its export price is less than its normal value.

The amount by which the export price is lower than the normal value is called the ‘dumping margin.’

Therefore, there are

three elements involved in the determination of dumping: (i) the determination of the export price (ii) the determination of the normal value, and (iii) the comparison of the export price and the normal price.

In the final analysis, it appears that the Government of Guyana will be instituting quantitative restrictions on importation of a product which is not, and cannot be, produced nor manufactured in Guyana; and consequently is not competing with locally produced white pine.

This brings into question

the issue of competition.

In other words, the question is: is the imported Canadian White Pine competing with locally produced and manufactured Guyanese White Pine?

In the circumstances, Caricom’s Competition Commission will have to be brought into the dispute, but only if it is a dispute between Caricom member states.

If, however, it escalates to a dispute with two member states of the WTO, that is entirely a different matter.

Yours sincerely, Clement J Rohee

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Foundation friends, and she looks forward to graduation. Her transformation began on her first day of high school, when, just like before, Natalie didn’t know anyone. This time, however, another student, seeing that she looked lost, befriended her. “It saved my life,” Natalie reveals in her TEDx Teen talk.

Meet the teen who discovered the secret of social capital Continued from Monday

By Pamela B Paresky, PhD

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hildren and teens need friends. Friends aren’t just the “icing on the cake”.

Friends aren’t even the cake. Friends are the vegetables. Having friends is socially and emotionally protective. Being told “you’ll never have any friends” can easily be shrugged off by a child who has friends – and a friend might even step in to prove it wrong.

But for a socially isolated child, there is no one to demonstrate that it isn't true; and that can feel like a death sentence. Without the social protection that children provide for their friends, a child without friends is an easy target; and a useful one. Unkind behaviour toward children without social status is rewarded with social capital and elevated social status – because it highlights the status differential.

Calling attention to this difference in status results in a depletion of social capital and a lowering of social status for the target of that unkindness, who has no one to intervene.

Defending a low-status child is like touching someone with “cooties”, so bystanders rarely step in. In contrast, allying with socially aggressive, high status children earns social capital without risking any – with no one to defend their low-status targets, there are no negative consequences for bystanders who laugh or join in. Even when they do nothing, bystanders encourage aggression because doing nothing further proves that the target has no one on their side.

As a result, a child at the bottom of the social ladder becomes “untouchable”.

Even if that child has a delightful personality and loads of friends elsewhere, in a social system in which she lacks social capital, she is not likely to acquire friends. Befriending an untouchable doesn't earn the higher status child any social capital, and the idea is so overwhelmingly unattractive that it is

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generally not even considered.

Science writer Amy Alkon coined the term “social greed” to describe the unwillingness to risk social capital without an anticipated return on investment.

Children with status erroneously believe that the reason untouchables have no social status is because they are repulsive, but in truth, it is precisely the reverse.

The lack of social status is what makes an untouchable appear repulsive. This is why the single most effective peer intervention for eliminating bullying is for children to befriend those who are targets. But out of fear that associating with an untouchable could result in their own fall down the social ladder, children manufacture reasons to dislike low-status children, and justify their refusal to spend social capital to help them.

This childhood game of social status plays out in adulthood. When Harvey Weinstein had power and status, everyone was “afraid to say anything about him other than ‘Thank you, thank you, Harvey’” says Peter Biskind, who wrote a book about the film industry. After the public revelations about Weinstein, director Quentin Tarantino admitted, “I knew enough to do more than I did.” Instead, however, he benefited for years from being associated with Weinstein, who is described as having been Tarantino’s “greatest champion”. Tarantino is not alone in choosing not to spend social capital to defend those

without much status. Going against someone at the top of the status hierarchy is risky. In those situations, although people may want to speak out, stand up, or fight back, they are often counselled not to. It rarely seems like a good idea. Even someone with as much status as Jane Fonda, although she knew, “didn't feel that it was [her] place”.

Parents teach this kind of thinking early.

They tell their children to “walk away” when they see a child being mean to another child.

“Don’t fight other people’s battles,” they advise.

“Avoid the drama” they say. As a rule, we don't teach children to tend, defend, and befriend those without social status – to spend social capital on them. While some mothers I’ve asked believe in bystander intervention in theory, in practice, no parent has ever told me that they actively encourage their children to stand up for or befriend socially isolated children. One mother of an especially high-status child (a “popular” girl) told me that while it’s not okay with her for her daughter to be “unkind” to anyone, she doesn’t believe in telling her daughter to befriend bullied children because she feels strongly that her daughter has the right to choose her own friends without parental interference.

After two years of hell at school and four separate physical attacks, Natalie Hampton finally escaped the school where no one defended her. Today, she's a vibrant, happy senior in high school. She has lots of

All it took was one person With one friend, she was no longer untouchable. She could make other friends – and she did.

For two years, Natalie Hampton ate lunch alone. So after she changed schools, whenever she saw someone eating lunch alone, she would invite them to join her friends at their table. She knew that by saying “sit with us”, she protected other children from becoming untouchable. “Each time, the person’s face would light up, and the look of relief would wash over [it],” she says.

“Some of those people have become some of my closest friends.” Natalie was willing to give up her social capital, but she discovered that when a person has friends, spending social capital by befriending those without it lifts people up without bringing anyone down. If “sit with us” became the ethos in middle

school, bullying would be a thing of the past.

Today, Natalie is famous for having created Sit With Us, the phone-based anti-bullying app that helps kids find a welcoming place to eat in their school cafeteria. It’s her way to encourage other children to befriend kids who don’t have social support at school.

She has been profiled in Seventeen Magazine, Teen Vogue, and the Washington Post; interviewed by NPR; won multiple awards; named one of “25 Women Changing the World”

by People Magazine, and she was honoured with the Outstanding Youth Delegate Award at the United Nations Youth Assembly.

When Natalie invited to her lunch table a girl who would later become one of her best friends, she had no way of knowing that until that day, that girl had felt so lonely and hopeless that she had contemplated suicide.

Being welcomed into a group of friends saved her life.

All it takes is one person to make a world of difference. ? * Here is the answer to the riddle: The child who continued to be bullied is the one no one befriended. (Excerpt from psychologytoday.

com)

Bully proofing Y

ou can do your part at home, too. Here are five smart strategies to keep kids from becoming targets — and stop bullying that has already started: Talk about it. Talk about bullying with your kids and have other family members share their experiences.

If one of your kids opens up about being bullied, praise him or her for being brave enough to discuss it and offer unconditional support. Consult with the school to learn its policies and find out how staff and teachers can address the situation.

Remove the bait.

If it's lunch money or gadgets that the school bully is after, you can help neutralise the situation by encouraging your child to pack a lunch or go to school gadget-free.

Buddy up for safety.

Two or more friends standing at their lockers are less likely to be picked on than a child who is all alone. Remind your child to use the buddy system when on the school bus, in the bathroom, or wherever bullies may lurk.

Keep calm and carry on. If a bully strikes, a kid's best defence may be to remain calm, ignore hurtful remarks, tell the bully to stop, and simply walk away.

Bullies thrive on hurting others.

A child who isn't easily ruffled has a better chance of staying off a bully's radar.

Don't try to fight the battle yourself.

S o m e t i m e s talking to a bully's parents can be constructive, but it's generally best to do so in a setting where a school official, such as a counsellor, can mediate.(Kidshealth.org)

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Guyana launches Sexual Offences Court …plans to take model to Berbice, Essequibo

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fter years of extensive discussion and planning among stakeholders, the Supreme Court of Judicature (High Court) on Monday launched the Sexual Offences Court with hopes to take this same model to the other two counties – Berbice and Essequibo – in an effort to reduce the increased incidence of such cases.

In declaring the court open, acting Chancellor of the Judiciary, Justice Yonette Cummings-Edwards said that the specialist court was properly staffed and would see the rotation of criminal judges. The Chancellor also noted that the courtroom was properly equipped and would include a victim support unit.

“We have a panel of eminent judges and witnesses, a special room to testify and a panel of support staff and an energetic chief justice… there will be no shortage of personnel to do the work.

We wish to take this model to Berbice and Essequibo, where we have Supreme Courts,” she announced.

Justice CummingsEdwards told a gathering of members of the local Bar Association, several prominent lawyers and other guests that training for personnel working for this specific court would also be provided. She said that two categories of persons from Trinidad were willing to provide the necessary training.

“They are willing to come on board to train – one is a sexual abuse specialist (children), a psychologist and as well as criminal law judge involved with sexual offence

Acting Chancellor of the Judiciary, Justice Yonette Cummings-Edwards addressing the launch of the Sexual Offences Court on Monday

matters that helped to shape our guidelines and legislation,” the acting Chancellor explained, noting that this would be extended to the other courts.

While reminding people that the Sexual Offences Court will be victim-centred, she said this did not mean that the constitutional rights of the accused person would be disregarded. She stated that the presumption of innocence and equal protection would be remembered in these matters.

Justice CummingsEdwards drew reference to statistics which have shown that sexual offences have been on the rise, both regionally and locally. “And we know that sexual offences do have a far-reaching impact on the victims whether they be adults or children, vulner-

able groups…”

She continued, “When we look at statistics, more than 50 per cent of the cases for the Demerara Assizes over the last two sessions showed us that sexual offences comprised half of the list. So if half of the list comprised sexual offences, it meant that the other indictable offences like robbery and rape took second place…that is something we have to address.”

The acting Chancellor reminded that sexual offences affect victims emotionally, psychologically, and physically and those effects could be long term, short term, and it could also affect the development of the victims. And these victims require specialist treatment on the part of everyone concerned, be it the Police, investigators, medical practitioners, NGOs, prosecution, the court.

She emphasised that the entire process from investigation to the final adjudication and the entire criminal justice system as a whole must be careful how they approach this work. She believes if caution is not taken, secondary trauma or secondary victimisation could be inflicted on victims and witnesses of sexual offences and this is something that should be avoided.

Meanwhile, acting Chief Justice Roxane George noted that the judiciary was cognisant of the concerns that have been expressed as regards the implementation of the Sexual Offences Act, but said that the judicial system has responded and has been working assiduously to make the opening a reality.

Money changer robbed of $1.2M

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West Berbice money changer was on Sunday morning held up and robbed of some $1.2 million and a cellphone by two gunmen.

The victim, 38-year-old Jaipaul Harrilal of Lot 13 B Cotton Tree Old Road, West Berbice was reportedly robbed around 10:00h.

According to reports, the man was standing in front of the New Building Society (NBS) branch at Rosignol, Berbice when the incident transpired.

He told Police that he was approached by two unmasked men who placed a gun to his side and demanded that he hand over a bag containing money which was in his hand.

The man added that he complied after which the criminals jumped into a silver car which pulled up and made good their escape.

Harrilal was able to note the car’s registration number – PPP 5159 – which he gave to the Police. The said car was later discovered by ranks abandoned.

When questioned on whether he was followed, Harrilal said he was not

paying attention as it was Sunday and many people were in the area at that time.

An investigation into the robbery has been launched.

“This new court … represents the Chancellor and the judiciary to be responsive to the concerns that arise in our society about the conduct of trials in sexual offences’ cases, which we know must be dealt with sensitivity while respecting both the

human rights of victims and survivors or accused,” she said.

The Sexual Offences Court was birthed out of the Sexual Offences Act 2010, which was spearheaded by former Human Services and Education Minister Priya

Manickchand. The former Minister had led what was then called the ‘Stamp it Out’ Campaign in 2010 which saw widespread consultations around the country, as regards sexual offences and other major human rights issues facing Guyana.

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tuesDAY, november 14, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

IN THE COURTS Cashier, guard in hot water over $1.4M theft

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30-year-old cashier of Canal Number Two, West Bank Demerara (WBD) and a 37-year-old security guard of East La Penitence, Georgetown found themselves in hot water before the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts on Monday.

Susan Daniels, a mother of three, and Hannif Peters, a father of six, were jointly charged for stealing $1.4

million in cash, property of the Woodlands Hospital on August 31, 2017.

The duo denied the charge which was read by Magistrate Judy Latchman.

Daniels was also charged for uttering false information to the Police. The prosecution is contending that on the day of the incident, Daniels was tasked with the responsibility of depositing the money at a local

city bank. However, upon her return, she indicated to her superior that she was robbed.

The matter was reported to the Police, who quickly launched an investigation.

Daniels’ version of events turned out to be inconsistent, arousing the suspicion of the investigating officials.

A further probe reportedly revealed that she pro-

vided false information to cover up her covetous act.

The security guard was also found to be involved in the alleged scam.

In court on Monday, Police Prosecutor Gordon Mansfield did not object to bail, which was granted in the sum of $100,000 to Peters and $200,000 to Daniels.

The case will continue on December 4.

Minibus driver charged for stealing passenger’s phone

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minibus driver who reportedly stole a passenger’s phone was on Monday slapped with a larceny charge and appeared before Magistrate Judy Latchman at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

Joseph Aaron denied the charge which stated that on October 30, he stole a cellular phone belonging to Theresa Atkins.

The prosecution’s case stated that Aaron was given a cellular phone to charge in his vehicle at the mini-

bus park on Robb Street and Avenue of the Republic, by Atkins, who was a passenger in the bus. However, when she asked for the phone when she reached her destination, the driver reportedly claimed that he did not know what happened to

the phone. As such, a report was made to the Police and again, the driver was unable to account for the phone.

In court on Monday, Police Prosecutor Gordon Mansfield did not object to bail. Aaron was released on $50,000 bail.

Schoolboy’s murder

Pre-emptory date set as prosecution lags with witnesses

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agistrate Judy Latchman was having none of it

when the lagging prosecution sought to prolong the Preliminary Inquiry

(PI) into the death of 16-year-old Brian Charles Yearwood, who was brutal-

ly stabbed to death during a concert at the Covent Garden Secondary School in April, this year.

“This court waits on no one!” she declared.

Shannon Cox and Andy Damel Peters appeared in the company of their lawyer on Monday as the court heard the testimony of three witnesses, including Police Constable Neil Dookram, the officer on duty at the concert.

While the prosecution indicated that there were two final witnesses to testify in the matter, Magistrate Latchman set the preemptory date as November 15, 2017, on which day the case may be declared closed.

On the evening of April 26, 2017, Yearwood was attending the event at the Covent Garden Secondary School in company of others when a group of older boys reportedly started to tease them.

The others left the scene, but Yearwood remained seated on a bench.

Subsequently, the young men started to throw bottles and stones in Yearwood’s direction to which he responded by running to the guard hut to seek shelter.

It was reported that the defendants reportedly pursued him and plunged a knife into his chest in the presence of a group of teachers and patrons.

He was pronounced dead on arrival at the Diamond hospital.

Pursuing…

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…unbridled power rezzie’s legal advisor, Solicitor General (SG) of the AG’s Chambers, itself advised by four “old heads”, argued to the High Court that the said court cannot inquire into Prezzie’s act of unilateralism in appointing (Chief?) Justice James Patterson to the GECOM Chair.

There used to be FIVE old heads, one being the said James Patterson, who’s presumably resigned and won’t be offering advice henceforth. Scout’s and Judge’s honour!!

There is, of course, the conflict of interest, if (Chief?)

Justice Patterson was one of those who’d initially advised Prezzie that he could cut the GECOM Knot via the Doctrine of Presidential Unilateralism. But your Eyewitness won’t pursue that issue right now, seeing as to how Justices in general, and (Chief?) Justices in particular, are men of integrity and honour - even if their pens do slip every now and then!

According to the SG for the AG, on the matter of Prezzie’s unilateralism, he “is not required to consult, consider and account to the Leader of the Opposition in the exercise of his own independent and deliberate judgment.” So what about the small matter of Constitutional Art 161 compelling Prezzie to select from a list of six “fit and proper” names to be submitted by the Opposition Leader? And that Pressie had already considered THREE lists?

“Bah! Humbug!” retorted the SG for the AG. The Court would violate the principles of the separation of powers, spirit and intention of the Constitution, and affront to the rule of law if it rules that Prezzie must choose one of the submitted names!!

Now, for the SG (for the AG) to be making these assertions, she’s obviously interpreting the Constitution -- which she invokes.

But authoritative interpretation of the Constitution -Judicial Review -- is the sole bailiwick of the Court! And the SG for the AG -- even if advised by four old heads -- cannot possibly tell the court how to conduct that interpretation! THAT would constitute a violation of the separation of powers doctrine. The only time the Court may defer to the Executive or Legislature is if the issue can be considered a “political question”. This kicks in only when there aren’t judicially manageable norms for scrutinizing such political decisions. The intent of the framers to ensure political consensus via ART 161 provides such norms.

The SG for the AG also seems to be arguing that the Court can’t be involved in the subjective matter of Prezzie’s decision making. But in S.R. Bommai’s case, the Indian Court held: “though subjective satisfaction of the President cannot be reviewed but the material on which satisfaction is based open to review…”

Like the reasons for rejecting those 18 names! …the Socialist Co-op utopia So now that Prezzie has come out of the closet -- that he was a card-carrying member of the PNC since he was a Cadet in 1965, and that he will fulfil the vision of Founder Leader Burnham -- is he now going to finally justify his policies ideologically? Folks had been wondering about all the pomp and ceremony Prezzie was insisting on -- at the cost of billions and billions -- even as the economy is imploding.

Now we know. Just as Burnham introduced the Mass Games back in the seventies when his economy was imploding, at least he was determined to go down in style; if not Gingham style, at least socialist North Korean style!! The policy on sugar? Burnham closed 2 estates Versailles and Leonora. Closing three, Prezzie’s done him one better! The ideology? Starve out your enemies!!

And the oil money coming down the pike? Just look at what Burnham did with the 1975 sugar windfall.

Pi55ed it away and gave all Guyana “hydro”!! …an obedient society Wondering why Prezzie’s focusing on beefing up the Disciplined Forces. Silly you!! The founder leader had increased the said forces where we had the highest civilian/military ratio in the world - 1: 35 That’ll pacify the Opposition!

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

News

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tuesDAY, november 14, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

911 pranksters Guyana-Venezuela border controversy Next meeting will determine outcome – Greenidge to be charged – acting Top Cop …says Venezuela is not committed to amicable solution

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911 operators at the Brickdam Police Station, Georgetown

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ess than two weeks after the recommissioning of the 911 emergency telephone system, the Police recorded over 200 prank calls.

Acting Police Commissioner David Ramnarine affirmed on Monday that those persons would soon face prosecution.

For some time now, Police and even the Guyana Fire Service have been receiving false reports of emergencies by prank callers – a practice which, according to Ramnarine, sees wastage of resources as law enforcement responders are obligated to investigate reports they receive.

However, Ramnarine explained that with the current technology, measures are being put in place to track down the perpetrators and have them placed before the courts. He indicated that Police’s standard operating procedures are being examined to grant approval to track the names and addresses of the prank callers.

“Do not spend time being idle, irresponsible and reckless,” Ramnarine urged.

The 911 system was reintroduced, with the assis-

Acting Police Commissioner David Ramnarine

tance of local phone companies GTT and Digicel, after several years of non-operation. Approximately 46 Police Officers were trained to operate the system, which has been commissioned to respond to calls from citizens across Guyana and to elicit prompt Police response. The new system would be taken to 52 other locations, to promote better Police response while enhancing crime-fighting efforts. In addition, citizens can send text messages to 911 instead of calling, and the operators can render assistance.

he next meeting between representatives of Guyana and Venezuela relative to the ongoing border controversy would determine the outcome of the Good Offices Process initiated by the United Nations, according to Foreign Affairs Minister Carl Greenidge.

He said while he cannot comment on the Good Offices Process, he did confirm that the team is expected to meet by next week, and that meeting would pave the way for determining the outcome of the border controversy between Guyana and Venezuela.

“We are going to be meeting soon, probably next week; and (after) the next meeting, there may or may not be another meeting. At the end of that process, the SG (Secretary General of the United Nations) receives a report from his personal rep at that time…when he receives his report and makes a decision. (At that time) we will be at liberty to say what we want and comment on what has taken place and what is going on,” the Minister said.

“I can’t speak for Venezuela, but we don’t see that (reaching an amicable solution); we see suddenly escalating claims when Guyana finds resources; we see a reinterpretation of the Geneva agreement; we see a state that has signed an agreement and seeks not to honour that agreement…,” he posited.

Norway’s Dag Halvor Nylander had, in February this year, been selected to represent UN Secretary General António Guterres in the Good Offices Process.

Nylander had visited

Foreign Affairs Minister Carl Greenidge

UN Secretary General António Guterres

Guyana a number of times to hold talks with President David Granger and Foreign Minister Greenidge, among others.

Relations between Guyana and Venezuela have worsened ever since oil giant ExxonMobil announced in 2015 that it has found oil in Guyana. Venezuela has staunchly been against oil exploration in Guyana’s Stabroek Block, where ExxonMobil found multiple oil deposits.

In fact, Venezuela’s National Assembly had approved an agreement to reject the oil exploration activities in March 2017.

Venezuela, with almost 40 times the population of Guyana and a territory that is several times bigger, claimed in 1968 the entire territorial sea of Guyana by means of the Leoni Decree, which has never been withdrawn.

In 2015, the Government of Guyana requested then UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon to take steps towards resolving the controversy. In 2016, because of

a stalemate on the matter, the outgoing Ban Ki-moon agreed with his successor, Guterres, to continue to use the Good Offices Process until the end of 2017 as a means of arriving at a settlement.

It is with this intention that Guterres appoint-

ed Nylander as an envoy to resolve the border controversy. According to the mandate of the Personal Representative, “If, by the end of 2017, the SecretaryGeneral concludes that no significant progress has been made towards arriving at a full agreement for the solution of the controversy, he will choose the International Court of Justice as the next means of settlement, unless the Governments of Guyana and Venezuela jointly request that he refrain from doing so.”

Guyana has maintained that the only way to settle the controversy is by way of a juridical settlement at the International Court of Justice (ICJ).

Venezuela’s claim to twothirds of Guyana has escalated over the years, with various shows of aggression and harassment. (Lakhram Bhagirat)

10 News

tuesDAY, november 14, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

GECOM Chair saga

“Guyana now laughing stock of the Caribbean” …says former AG

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he countless debates surrounding the unilateral appointment of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) Chairman have left these shores and are now being discussed in the wider Caribbean Region, particularly in Grenada where re-

tired Justice James Patterson claimed to have served as acting Chief Justice.

But former Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister Anil Nandlall believes that this “autarchic decision” taken by President David Granger to appoint

Justice Patterson as the new Chairman puts Guyana in an embarrassing position, where the country has now become a “laughing stock of the Caribbean”.

In fact, Nandlall pointed to the case where current Attorney General Basil William filed an affidavit, which was used to defend Patterson’s alleged untruth

Former Attorney General Anil Nandlall

on his Curriculum Vitae (CV) that he was the Chief Justice of Grenada.

Williams, in his affidavit, contends that the term “Chief Justice” and “Chief Justice (acting)” are used interchangeably in Guyana.

“Are you aware that we are (not) such an uneducated society to make such a moronic faux pas?’ the former Minister questioned.

He said the matter got more hilarious when the AG tried to defend Patterson further by attempting to reinforce that he (Patterson)

served as an acting Chief Justice in Grenada.

“Instead of Patterson producing some instrument of appointment, which is the required evidence that a person held or acted in a constitutional office in any civilised country, the AG produces two dingy obscure newspapers clippings, barely readable, of news stories in which Patterson is referred to as the acting Chief Justice of Grenada,” he pointed out.

Nandlall said while Williams may think that that is credible and sufficient evidence that Patterson was acting Chief Justice of Grenada, this nowhere proves anything and this is drawing the attention of several top legal minds from across the Caribbean.

While Patterson has admitted to making a mistake by stating on his CV that he was Chief Justice of Grenada and not acting Chief Justice, the new GECOM Chairman claimed he could not recall the exact dates when he served in that position in the Caribbean State.

Patterson’s service as a Chief Justice of Grenada was listed on his CV for the GECOM position. It has been

Retired Justice James Patterson

hotly debated after background checks initially turned up no records he was ever the CJ. “I’ve been appointed acting Chief Justice. They had me acting for a number of years. I don’t remember (when). People refer to me, to this day, as Chief Justice…,” Patterson stated.

“I don’t remember the precise years. It’s got to be anything around 30 years ago. I went there in 1983 and came back in 1991,” Patterson, who was sworn in last month, said.

“That much I remember,” he added.

Turn to page 15

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pecialising in custom screen printing and embroidery, Dyna’s Embroidery has something for everyone.

Offers include a huge selection of brand-name apparel, custom artwork and digitising services. All work is done in-house.

Dyna’s Embroidery and Screen Prints’ mission is to provide our products and services to the entire Caribbean at competitive prices.

So, for this holiday season, custom order your gifts for your loved ones at Dyna’s Embroidery. Let them know how special they are by adding your very own final touches.

Whether it’s for a work colleague, a friend or family member, for the holidays what matters the most is the thought behind that gift that will melt their hearts.

Put some thought into their gift, be creative, show them you care, get a customised gift from Dyna’s Embroidery!

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legant Design believes in simplicity and beauty for every occasion. They offer designs that will wow you – making every moment a memorable one. They will work directly with you to ensure you have exactly what you’re looking for and more.

So, if you are planning a wedding, birthday party, prom, baby shower or staff social, book with them the most affordable packages in accordance with your budget and your special occasion!

Elegant Designs, Creating Moments for Lasting Impressions!!!

Contact them by calling 687-9837 / 692-7472 or email them at elegantdesigns05@gmail.com and start creating your moment today.

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ince National Hardware was established in 1971, it has become a tradition for thousands of Guyanese to do their Christmas shopping with us. Not only do we carry the widest range of Christmas items, we are proud to boast that we are unmatched in quality and price. As we celebrate our 46th anniversary and with eyes on our 50th, we are becoming very nostalgic and would like to continue rewarding o u r faithful customers with excellent service, quality merchandise and the best prices in Guyana.

Our range of items this Christmas includes but is not limited to Christmas trees, decorations, toys, fairy lights, household appliances, furniture,

chair cushions, vases, curtains, etc. Hurry down to National Hardware to beat the Christmas rush.

Don’t forget to join us on the 24th November (Black Friday) as we light up for Christmas!!!

Enjoy Christmas carols, shop and enjoy great deals throughout our Black Friday and Cyber Monday event from the 24th to 28th November!!

Enjoy massive discounts from 10% to 75% during this period only.

Also at this time we are pleased to announce that to facilitate our loyal customers, we will begin our late shopping and Sunday openings from the 26th November to Christmas Eve.

his holiday season, you will definitely be looking for those places that you can get the best deals as well as get you the products you need. And definitely, liquor and beverages are just as hassling to shop for as shopping for your decorations, your meats, and vegetables.

It has to be the right flavour, the right taste and, of course, what your family and friends would enjoy. That sounds like you should visit Naraine’s Liquor Store, where you can pick up all the holiday stocks.

Naraine’s Liquor Store has a special history as it was started by a family, namely, a husband and a wife: Sheila and Sukhdeo Naraine .Their business started as a little cake shop in 1959 and over the years, it was transformed into the establishment it is today,

housing stocks from leading nonalcoholic and alcoholic beverage companies such as Banks DIH, DDL, ANSA McAL Ltd, Busta Co, and CIDI among others.

Naraine’s Liquor Store is now managed by Suresh Naraine and his wife, Farrah, and is among the oldest and largest wholesalers in Guyana.

T h e i r 55 years of experience in doing business as

a family definitely gives them the knowledge of what customers are looking for. They are reliable and strive for customers’ satisfaction. Their prices are competitive and on par with the manufacturers. They also stock a wide selection of snacks, confectionery and other products for your special events.

It is no doubt that alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages are needed in times of celebration, so save yourself the hassle, shop at Naraine’s Liquor Store, centrally located at 40 Robb Street, Lacytown, next to Red Mango Gift Shop. They are conveniently open from 7:30 am to 5:00 pm Monday to Saturday and just for you, their valued customers, late opening hours for the holidays are a must. Give them a call today on 226-3663 or 227-3889.

Naraine’s Liquor Store – the Most Reliable Supplier for your Christmas and Festive Events. Let 55 years of Tradition continue …

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tuesDAY, november 14, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

PARTY Mode Activated

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ine Cellar is the wholesale and retail vendor of exclusive wines and spirits in Guyana. Unlike wines and spirits found in every store, exquisite and unique tastes are offered by Wine Cellar. We are also the only retailer of the Texasbranded, celebrity drinking Tito’s vodka! Handmade, six times distilled vodka that is best served chilled.

While Guyana is a Black Label whiskey-drinking crowd, Wine Cellar encourages you to open your minds and mouths and try our Irish and Scottish single malt and blended whiskeys. Macallan, Glenrothes, Famous Grouse and Cutty Sark are all renowned whiskeys worldwide and available locally only at Wine Cellar. If you are a liqueur drinker, then Disaronno Amareto and Villa Massa Limoncello are perfect for you!

For this Christmas season, Wine Cellar is offering special deals to party planners!

10% off all Tito’s vodka (1 litre Reg Price) Huge discounts on Cutty Sark and Famous Grouse Whiskeys!

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Wholesale prices available for 3 or more bottles of regularly-priced wines and liqueurs.

So don’t be shy this Christmas! Embrace adventure and fun this Christmas with wines and spirits from Wine Cellar. All orders taken via phone (624-8964) or email: winecellargy@gmail. com. Call us or email us and we deliver for free!!

ountdown to Christmas – it’s less than two months away! That means it’s time for food and fun! Let Regency’s experts in planning conferences, weddings and workshops assist you in planning for your up and coming special events.

They have different banquet halls to suit your needs, and a special Christmas Menu with all sorts of delicious meals to tickle your palate.

Regency Suites is located in the heart of Georgetown. Consisting of five floors with elevator access; 50 rooms and three banquet halls capable of holding between 25 and 350 people, contingent on the room that is booked – the Regency is the perfect spot for your stay, and/or event!

So, for an immaculate environment, highly trained and professional staff and the best meals in town, reserve your date today, before it is too late!

Call us at 225-4785 or 226-0621 for more information.

PARTY Mode Activated

news

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tuesDAY, november 14, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

14 news

tuesdAY, november 14, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Notorious T&T con artist strikes again

UGSS calls for rebate for poorly-executed graduation

…attempts to swindle several persons, detained by Police

By Ramona Luthi and Yanalla Dalrymple

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ight months after appearing at the Georgetown Magistrates Courts for fraud, and having an order passed for him to be deported, Trinidadian fraudster Anthony Nestor has again found himself back in the proverbial hot water in Guyana.

At the Brickdam Police Station, several persons were gathered on Monday afternoon to provide statements to police in regard to being fleeced of various sums of money by the apparent career criminal.

One such person has been identified as Dr. Dawn Stewart, Funeral Director of the Lyken Funeral Home.

According to Stewart, she was contacted by Nestor –who went by the alias Andrew Nestor -- on November 3, 2017, and he claimed that he needed assistance for an ‘etiquette’ programme he wanted to establish for children in Guyana.

“He came to my office [allegedly] on referrals from various Ministries and NGOs with reference to assistance with an etiquette programme that he was doing for children in Guyana, and so he wanted our NGO to partner with him and help him,” she explained.

The founder and Chief Executive Officer of the non-governmental organisation Monique’s Caring Hands -- a mental health institution -- explained to the Guyana Times that the fraudster told her that he had accumulated in the United States donations to the sum of US$300,000, and that he needed help for the money to be “brought to Guyana through [my] NGO.” “I explained to him how NGOs work, and how funds that are donated to the NGO can be transferred anywhere around the world.

Then he noted to me that it was in cash that he had US$300,000 that he wanted to move,” the doctor said.

“I told him I’ll put it [his situation] to the [NGO’s] Board, and I’ll let them decide on how they’re gonna handle it, since the money is in the United States. So he continue calling me, and I told him that we are working on it.”

Further, Nestor reportedly told the woman that the etiquette programme that he was initiating in collaboration with the Ministry of Education had been scheduled for November 9, 2017 and catered for 300 children.

The con artist also provided a flyer of the event to the woman.

Stewart explained that she became suspicious over

Fraudster Anthony Nestor sitting in the Brickdam Police Station on Monday

time, and contacted several high profile persons in society to run a background check on Nestor.

It was shortly after that the shocking revelation that the man was a notorious fraudster was made to her.

The Funeral Director said the young man kept making contact with her, and she opted to “play along” to see what was up his sleeve.

Nestor reportedly became impatient with the slow pace of the procedure and so amped up him dramatics when he contacted Stewart again, claiming that he was becoming frustrated because his money was tied up abroad, and he was contemplating suicide.

The woman said she offered words of comfort and volunteered to write a cheque for $640,000 to him, granted that he agreed to sign a promissory note indicating that he would repay her.

Nestor agreed, and kept in contact with the woman.

However, for the last week, Stewart said, she had been engaged with other issues and so could not deal with him.

After making a report at the Brickdam Police Station’s Criminal Investigations’ Department (CID), a sting operation was set up for Monday.

“Monday morning I came to the “A” Division Commander and made a report that this had transpired, and I gave him the information… and I agreed [with Nestor] that we would meet and I would give him the money,” she explained.

Moreover, the duo made arrangements to meet at Cara Lodge, where the exchange was in process.

However, as he was about to collect the cheque from Stewart, Nestor reportedly asked to be excused and attempted to flee the scene as he had recognised members of the Guyana Police Force nearby.

He was nevertheless apprehended and taken into police custody.

When Guyana Times arrived at the Police Station,

four other persons who had allegedly been swindled by Nestor were also present.

One of the victims was identified as the father of the now deceased 22-yearold teacher Kescia Branche - who was beaten unconscious and abandoned in the vicinity of Louisa Row and Princes Street on November 7.

According to the man, Alfred Branche, Nestor had managed to con him out of $10,000 at the Georgetown Public Hospital last week.

Other persons told Guyana Times that he had rented their vehicles for several days without making any payments, and had “disappeared.”

In March of this year, Nestor, a 29-year-old Trinidadian, appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates Courts before Magistrate Judy Latchman and was ordered to pay Brandsville Hotel $260,824, as well as a court fine of $100,000, or face 36 months in jail.

The Magistrate further instructed that the con artist be deported.

The court heard that Nestor’s charge was that between April 1, 2016 and April 15, 2016 at Campbellville Georgetown, he incurred a debt of Gy$260,824 at Brandsville Hotel, and had pretended to be the holder of a valid credit card to pay same at the entity.

The card was in the name of Wilfred Brandford.

Further, between August 15 and August 18, 2016, at Campbellville, he incurred a debt of Gy$66,898 at Opus Hotel, where he again pretended to be the holder of a valid credit card to pay same at the entity. The card was also registered in the name of Wilfred Brandford.

The Trinidadian has been in Guyanese court for several other fraud charges.

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Relatives of graduating students were left standing in the Sophia compound

much-anticipated momentous occasion for hundreds of students quickly went downhill after the administration of the University of Guyana opted for a venue change for the larger of two segments of the 51st Convocation Ceremony on Saturday last.

This decision resulted in over 1200 graduands being cramped into the auditorium of the Sophia Exhibition Centre, while a great number of their family members and loved ones were left exposed to the elements.

Ironically, the reason behind shifting the ceremony from the university’s Turkeyen Campus was to avoid having anyone connected in any way to the convocation ceremony having to be left out in the first place.

Amidst the unbecoming conditions, students took to social media even as the ceremony was underway to express their displeasures over the unpleasant situation which plagued their graduation day.

Topping the list of grievances aired on the various online platforms was the poor accommodation put in place for the relatives of the graduating students.

Added to that, many relayed concerns over the disorganisation in regard to seating arrangements of the graduands, which hindered the smooth flow of the ceremony.

Some of the other issues raised concerned poor ventilation and disruption in audio during the proceeding.

In fact, some even expressed an opinion that the

mere decision to stage the ceremony at the Sophia Centre was by virtue a disgraceful send off for students who have undergone significant expenses to pursue a tertiary education at the institution.

In her public outburst, a Social Sciences graduate highlighted that her family members were visiting from overseas particularly to be a part of the occasion.

However, they were unable to share in her accomplishment as she ascended the stage, given that they were tucked away in the compound. Being locked out of the graduation ceremony, and faced with a sudden downpour, the foreign relatives were left with no choice but to pack up and leave.

In light of all that had occurred, the University of Guyana’s Student Society (UGSS) on Monday announced that they have approached the institution’s administration, presenting a list of recommendations to correct the deplorable outcomes of their graduation, which was hosted over the weekend.

This was after numerous complaints had reached the body, both from members of the UGSS and from representatives of the faculty, despite the grand preparations advertised by the UG administration for the staging of this year’s Convocation.

Among the suggestions offered by the student representative body was that there should be an immediate apology issued to the affected students and their families by means of electronic notice board, notice boards on campuses, schools and centres,

and in the public press.

The UGSS is also calling for a refund of portion of the money invested by the students for their graduation packages.

The society estimates that at least sixteen million dollars ($16,000,000) were available from student graduation fees for coordination, facilities and other peripherals connected to the convocation.

Recognising the efforts of the University to introduce new features, the Executive stated: “notwithstanding this, we submit that both a justice perspective and service perspective require some consolation to the affected students, even as we work harder to ensure future convocations meet the standards imagined now”.

Moreover, the final suggestion put forth by the UGSS was the establishment of a permanent Convocation Committee, which will function as a sub-committee of the Academic Board, to consist of representatives from academic and support staff, students’ society, guild of graduates, and each faculty’s graduating class. This, they highlighted, can help to prevent future recurrences of such appalling outcomes.

With criticisms still pouring in following what was dubbed the “disgraceful” Sophia graduation, the University of Guyana’s Tain Campus in Berbice is set to host its Convocation, when more than 200 students will graduate on November 18.

As such, the public will be closely looking on with high expectations of the institute correcting its recent mistakes.

Banks DIH recognises employees who have attained 20 years of service

The employees who have been recognised for 20 years of service pose with Chairman/Managing Director Clifford Reis; Co-Managing Director/Marketing Director George Mc Donald and Operations Director of Banks DIH Limited, Michael Pereira

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mployees of Banks DIH Limited who have attained 20 years of service were, on Friday last, all awarded gold pins for their exemplary commitment to working with the giant beverage company.

Their remarkable service was also awarded with a grand luncheon hosted at the

Banks DIH Sports Club at Thirst Park in Georgetown.

The awardees are Shawn Smith, Nirmal Kishur, Satesh Kistoo, Winslow Thom, Earl Wilson, Mark Rowe, Bhola Tiwari, Ron Harris, Seabra Cooper, Shawn Clementson, Matthew Kendall, Haneshwar Ramnauth, Christopher Williams, Edwin

Grogan, Paul Grooms, Farida Bacchus, Cullen Rowland, Fraechie Kendall-Hardy and Audrey Sam-Liverpool.

They all received their pins from Chairman/ Managing Director of Banks DIH, Clifford Reis.

Chief Executive Officer of Amy’s Pomeroon Foods Inc, Louis Holder, delivered the

feature address to the gathering, and congratulated the employees for their dedication and hard work over the years.

According to Holder, the interchange of technology over time poses a challenge for companies to keep their employees. He however noted that Banks DIH must be applauded for making a difference, and for maintaining a good relationship with its employees.

Also present at the function were Banks DIH officials George McDonald -- Co-Managing Director/ Marketing Director; Michael Pereira – Operations Director; Andrew Carto – Human Resources Director; and Shabir Hussein – Engineering Service Director.

News

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tuesdAY, november 14, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

City Hall financial woes

Deputy Mayor tears up over unpaid workers …as Mayor, Town Clerk on overseas trip “It is my sincere hope Madame Town Clerk that as I hand you this cheque that the first order of business would be to see the staff remunerated,” he said.

“We can’t pay our workers; we are not in the position to. When the opportunity presented itself, I called the Deputy Town Clerk and she said that we needed it. There is a protest outside there and it is not right because if you commit to taking on someone to work for you, then you must honour your commitment,” Jaikarran said in an invited comment.

Additionally, Councillor Heston Bostwick threat-

“M

One of the disgruntled workers

ayor and Town Clerk touring, workers starving!” was just one of the many placards outside City Hall on Monday as scores of workers took to the streets to demand their salaries for the month of October.

Deputy Mayor Lionel Jaikarran fought back tears as he called out the administration for not being able to constantly pay the workers their salaries.

The workers from various departments within the municipality called for regular pay.

“It has been brought to my attention that our staff have not been paid for last month (October). I have my secretary and many other people coming to my office telling me that they have to go take a loan and pay interest rates on this loan to get by. It is hard when you live paycheque to paycheque; those who know it feel it. My empathy goes out to each and every member of the staff. I saw them in front of City Hall this afternoon and my heart broke,” Jaikarran said while fighting tears during Monday’s statutory meeting.

The Deputy Mayor chaired the meeting in the absence of Mayor Patricia Chase Green, who is currently on tour in China with Town Clerk Royston King and Finance Committee

Workers protesting unpaid salaries

Chairman Oscar Clarke.

The last time the trio took a trip together, Guyana got the highly flawed and controversial parking meter project. They are expected back today, and an Extraordinary Statutory Meeting is scheduled for this afternoon to discuss the financial crisis at the Mayor and City Council (M&CC).

Jaikarran said that through his office and with approval from Deputy Town Clerk Sharron HarryMunroe, he solicited a sum of $7,511,130 for the payment of staffers for the month of October. However, that money came with a heavy price tag since City Hall had to waive $19 million in interest from the errant taxpayer.

ened to resign if cheques continued to bounce when he tried to cash them in.

“I stand to report the fact that if it is that administration cannot respect elected officials and Councillors and treat them with the respect, I humbly and sincerely promise that if this continues, I will have no other choice than to tender my resignation. I do not believe that Councillors were elected to be rubber stamps as it appears,” he told Monday’s statutory meeting.

Bostwick is owed $150,000 as a stipend for his participation in the parking meter negotiating committee, and Jaikarran said that he hoped that the money was sufficient to pay staffers as well as Bostwick.

“Guyana now laughing...

Ties to PNC

Nandlall again raised concerns about Patterson being closely aligned to the major party in the coalition Government, the People’s National Congress (PNC). Recent court documents filed by the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) to quash Patterson’s appointment also claim that Patterson is a member of the Facebook group, “Rally around the People’s National Congress (PNC)”.

In his affidavit in de-

fence of Patterson being a pallbearer at the late President Desmond Hoyte’s funeral, Williams said that Patterson was at the funeral of a former colleague.

“That maybe so. Indeed, from that perspective, every lawyer, judge and retired judge were colleagues of Mr Hoyte, SC. But of them all, is it not a magical coincidence that Patterson alone chose to attend that private political segment of the ceremony and was chosen to be a pallbearer along

From page 10

with leading PNC leaders and activists?” the former Attorney General questioned.

President Granger had initially sought to distance himself from the 84-yearold GECOM Chair having any association with the PNC, but later said, “I have never seen him at the PNC. Never!” The President had also told the media that he was not aware that Patterson was a member of the PNC.

Some of the protesters outside City Hall on Monday

For quite a while now, the M&CC has been cashstrapped, and on multiple occasions, work around the city had to be halted, since the municipality was unable to pay workers. The city’s major garbage con-

tractors, Cevons Waste Disposal and Puran Bros Disposal Service, were forced to withdraw their services after the administration was unable to pay them over $300 million that they are owed. This result-

ed in Cevons laying off a number of its employees and Central Government has since indicated that it would be considering bailing the cash-strapped municipality out.

16 news

tuesDAY, november 14, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Essequibians, RDC protest REO’s “dictatorial” leadership

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esidents from various villages along the Essequibo Coast as well as CCIP workers, who were owed two months by the Region Two Administration on Monday staged a peaceful protect in front of the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) office at Anna Regina.

Protesters were armed with placards featuring various messages such as “CCIP workers not Paid”; “Move REO now”; “REO must show respect to the Municipality”; “Rice farmers are suffering” and “REO pay CCIP workers now”. The protesters stood in front of the RDC for close to two hours with their placards.

Speaking with Guyana Times, Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam)

Protest action outside the Region Two Regional Democratic Council

Chairman Devanand Ramdatt, who led the protest, said the decision for such a move came from the requests of hundreds of Essequibians. According to Ramdatt, residents in communities across the Region feel disenfranchised by certain decisions that are made by Regional Executive

Officer (REO) Rupert Hopkinson without consultation.

Ramdatt said scores of CCIP workers have not been paid as a result of unsigned vouchers at the REO’s office. He added that the protest was held at a time when the Region was struggling and the REO was display-

ing “dictatorial leadership”.

According to the Regional Chairman, decisions for the town of Anna Regina are being made outside of the municipality as well as the RDC, which is deemed by these two bodies as “disrespectful”.

A Councillor from the Anna Regina municipali-

ty, Herman Persaud, said that he was verbally abused last week when he enquired about a decision made by the REO’s office to fill a trench at Cotton Field village.

Persaud said such leadership could not be tolerated within the Region and as such, he was protesting for the REO to leave.

Other residents who joined the protest said that their roads were in deplorable condition and despite several reports, nothing has been done.

Contacted for a comment on the issues raised at the protest, REO Hopkinson told this publication that he was unaware of the protest.

Coomacka gets resource centre IAC launches annual Christmas Toy Drive for less fortunate children

F

The resource centre at Coomacka Mines, Region 10

ood For The Poor (FFTP) Guyana Inc on Saturday commissioned a resource centre at Coomacka Mines, Region 10 (Upper Demerara- Berbice).

The centre, which is the first of its kind in the remote community, is well equipped with about 20 sewing machines; eight computers (along with printers); a flatscreen TV and library materials. Residents, who came out in their numbers to the commissioning ceremony, noted that the centre would enhance the lives of youths in the area and was a step closer to accessing much-needed information via the Internet.

Internet access for the computers is expected to be activated within the next few weeks. Neighbouring communities including Old England, Syberian, Three Friends and Yaribo, will also have access to the centre, which is also expected to provide skills training to women and youths.

Coomacka Community Development Council (CDC) Chairman Dexter Harding, in remarks at the opening, said that the initiative was birthed in 2014. The initiative was spearheaded by former villager Desiree Dan, who is attached to the FFTP Inc in Florida, and the contract was later executed by the CDC Chairman with additional help from community volunteers. Present at the ceremony were FFTP Inc (Guyana) CEO Kent Vincent; Chairman Paul Chan-A-Sue; who also made remarks; and

Florida branch representative Brinaire Jean, who delivered the keynote address.

Eighty students of the Coomacka Primary School also received school haversacks equipped with stationery and learning essentials.

The resource centre building will be managed and supervised by an elected 13- member Steering Committee, which was put in place by villagers and is headed by

David Adams. Harding said the Committee, which was answerable to the CDC and the people of the community, was also mandated to execute health and social-related training workshops inside the building. He said a section of the hall which can accommodate approximately 150 persons would be rented for seminars and social activities to offset expenses.

(Utamu Belle)

Flashback: IAC Children’s Christmas Party at Virginia Primary School, Cane Grove, East Coast Demerara, as part of its outreach last year

T

he Indian Action Committee (IAC) has launched its annual Christmas Toy Drive for the less fortunate children which will end on Friday, December 15, 2017.

The IAC, in partnership with Gafoors Houston Complex, Ashmins Trading, De Sinco Trading and Nirva Distributors, will have one marked box at each location

where persons can place toys they wish to donate.

Persons desirous of making donations, also, can do so at the IAC office located at 1762 Railway Embankment, Cummings Lodge, East Coast Demerara from 08:00h (8am) to 16:00h (4pm), Monday to Friday, or contact the IAC on tel: 222-5163 for further details. These toys will be distributed at the IAC’s annual

Children’s Christmas Party, which will be held on Sunday, December 17, 2017.

The IAC, in a statement, noted that during the last decade it has brought joy and happiness to thousands of less fortunate children from all ethnic and religious backgrounds at its Christmas parties. The IAC calls upon donors to give generously towards this worthy cause.

GTA to boost tourism through Canadian exchanges

A

s Guyana gears up to take on the role of one of the leading tourist destinations in the Caribbean, the country’s Tourism Authority has partnered with the Canadian Consulate to execute a series of exchanges aimed at increasing the number of visitors arriving from Canada.

As a result of the establishment of the GuyanaCanadian Tourism Council earlier this year, a group of Canadians journeyed to the Land of Many Waters to participate in the first-ever Media and Travel Agents Familiarisation Tour.

A delegation of Council members, escorted by representatives of the GTA ventured on a three-day journey, which took the visitors into the depths and hidden treasures located along the Essequibo River.

Speaking at a press conference on Monday, Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) Deputy Director Carla

Members of the Guyana-Canadian Tourism Council during a press conference hosted by the GTA

James-Chandra explained that the initiative was aimed at marketing Guyana’s tourism products in the international arena.

The GTA representative went on to say that of the number of visitors arriving in Guyana for the year thus far, 9.7 per cent of the total hailed from Canada.

The familiarisation tour, which kicked off on November 11 and is expected to wrap up on November

14 (today), aligns with promoting local tourism.

This is given that the Council members intend on sharing the experience upon arrival back home.

Adding to that, the group has pledged continued commitment to working with the GTA in crafting eye-catching tourism packages with the aim of attracting more visitors by providing improved accommodation and services.

Continuing on that note was Nathan Fong, who is a Canadian food and travel Journalist, visiting Guyana for the first time. Fong highlighted that based on his experience, Guyana holds promise to compete on the international tourism market.

While praising the country’s beauty, he underlined, “I think Guyana’s tourism holds great potential and it shows incredible potential for eco-tourism, which is re-

ally big right now and sustainable tourism, which is very popular.”

As such, the food and travel Journalist recommended that more attention be placed on promoting the culture, particularly as it relates to food, given the fusion of six different ethnicities.

Following the completion of its first initiative, the Guyana-Canadian Tourism Council has now tabled a number of activities for the next year, all of which are aimed at fulfilling its mission of heightening local tourism.

Meanwhile, in light of the efforts undertaken by the GTA to place Guyana among the top choices in tourism destinations, the country has seen a 5.6 per cent increase in tourist arrivals for the year thus far, when compared to last year.

With these ventures, that number is expected to be on a constant rise.

17 Eco brings in Africa Oil for Guyana exploration A News

tuesDAY, november 14, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

frica Oil Corp (AOC) has entered into a partnership with Eco (Atlantic) Oil and Gas for exploration in Guyana and Namibia.

Under the terms of an investment agreement, AOC has agreed to acquire a 19.77 per cent shareholding in Eco through the purchase, by way of private placement, of 29.2 million common shares at CAD$0.48 per share for a total consideration of CAD$14 million.

The investment agreement also provides the company with the right to participate in any future Eco equity issuances, on a pro rata basis, and to appoint one nominee to Eco's Board of Directors. AOC President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Keith Hill will join the Eco Board of Directors as soon as practicable.

As part of the investment

agreement, the parties have also entered into a Strategic Alliance Agreement (SAA), whereby they will jointly pursue new exploration projects. Pursuant to the terms of the SAA, AOC will be entitled to bid jointly on any new assets or ventures proposed to be acquired by Eco. A statement issued on Monday said this would be done on the same terms as Eco and for an interest at least equal to the company's percentage holding of the common shares in Eco from time to time. Additionally, under the terms of the SAA, AOC will also have a right of first offer on the farm-out of exploration properties currently held by Eco. Eco has been able to assemble an extensive exploration portfolio in two countries that are at the forefront of exploration, including one block in Guyana and four

blocks in Namibia.

In Guyana, ECO holds a block directly up dip from the Stabroek Block which holds Exxon estimates resources of 2.5 billion to 2.8 billion oil-equivalent barrels, including the supergiant Liza field.

The ECO block exhibits good evidence of slope fan prospects and is expected to be fully defined after processing and interpretation of

Private Sector officials to benefit from oil & gas consultation in Canada

High Commissioner of Canada to Guyana, Lilian Chatterjee

GCCI President Deodat Indar

Nicholas Boyer

s Guyana digs deep into the exploitation of its offshore petroleum reserves, Canada has opened its doors for a local delegation to participate in consultations at one of its largest oil and gas operations.

A high-level delegation of local private sector officials will this week embark on the second phase of a fact finding mission at St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador in Canada.

The one-week venture is being facilitated by the High Commission of Canada through its industry partners at St. John’s, and would allow for the exchange of practical insights of the province’s offshore oil and gas industry.

The team, which will be led by President of the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce & Industry (GCCI), Deodat Indar, comprises private sector officials Nicholas Boyer and Major General (rt’d) Normal McLean.

The trio will be engaged in discussions with government officials and industry associations such as the Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Offshore Petroleum Board; St. John’s Board of

Trade; the Departments of Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovation, and Natural Resources; the Newfoundland and Labrador Oil and Gas Industry Association, along with a number of other organisations.

Adding to that, the week would facilitate high-level business-to-business meetings, site visits, and tours of facilities which include warehouses, supply bases, training facilities, so as to enable a better understanding of local content development, packaging, safety, and accounting systems.

The team is also slated to meet with representatives of academic institutions, including universities and technical institutes, to discuss areas of possible collaboration and technical assistance.

This marks the second such initiative as it is a follow-up to the Oil and Gas Trade Mission from St. John’s to Guyana in September 2017, which generated market synergies and opened areas for private sector engagement. However, this subsequent venture would allow for further sharing of information, network-

ing, advancing earlier discussions, and providing a means for deepening bilateral trade between the two countries.

Given the presence of well-established oil and gas operations, Newfoundland and Labrador offer a wealth of experience from which Guyana can benefit, especially in the area of the oil and gas industry, which aided in the economic transformation of the provinces from their traditional fishery base to modern economies.

As such, the Guyanese private sector delegation has signalled an interest in the exchange of information in specific areas, such as local content, production, monitoring and accounting systems, safety systems, royalty systems which will be translated into the local petroleum sector.

Meanwhile, Canada has reassured Guyana that it remains committed to working with the Government and the Guyanese private sector to foster mutually beneficial partnerships and strategic alliances to develop the nascent oil and gas industry.

This is as preparations are underway to commence extraction as early as 2020.

A

the 2550 square-kilometre 3D seismic survey recently completed in September.

Eco also recently announced it has entered into an option agreement for a farm-in by Total on this Guyana acreage.

This new investment has been described as a complement to the company's existing investment in Africa Energy Corp (AFE) in which the company holds a 28.5 per cent shareholding interest.

AFE holds blocks in Namibia adjacent to the Eco acreage and a block offshore South Africa. Together, the two companies represent significant holdings in several of the most attractive exploration areas in the world.

Eco CEO Gil Holzman described AOC as “a like-minded company with a similar philosophy” highlighting that the new shareholder and potential partner is focused on frontier regions and has “significant financial muscle” to deliver on its

strategy.

“We are funded for our forthcoming work programmes in both Guyana and Namibia through a series of agreements with Tullow Oil, AziNam, and Total and through these new agreements with AO, we now also have the capability, as well as an industry leading partner, to identify further assets and to accelerate the work programmes on them”.

He added, “This is a very exciting and busy time for Eco and we look forward to working with the AOC team to identify new projects to add to our portfolio whilst progressing our current assets in Guyana and Namibia together with our existing industry leading partners.”

Just days apart

2 youths, both 20, commit suicide at Suddie

….residents call for more counsellors on Essequibo Coast

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esidents of the Suddie Housing Scheme on the Essequibo Coast in Region Two (Pomeroon/ Supenaam) have reported that two young persons recently committed suicide in the area, and both incidents were as a result of frustration and the abuse of alcohol.

Alluding to the social ills plaguing the community, those residents are appealing for more counsellors and mental health workers to be stationed along the Essequibo Coast, so that persons can go to them for help.

They pointed out that as recent as November 11, a 20-year-old labourer who had resided in the Suddie Housing Scheme committed suicide by hanging himself. The deceased, Khemraj Philgrim, committed the tragic act in his bedroom, where his body was later discovered by his brother, Mahadeo.

According to information reaching Guyana Times, the

deceased, who had been living with his mother Patricia Pilgrim and his five siblings, left home on November 11 to celebrate his birthday with some friends; and upon returning home highly intoxicated, he and his mother had an argument.

Information revealed that the mother is a habitual drinker, and would often leave her children to fend for themselves. After the argument, Philgrim left for his room.

At around 20:30 hrs that night, Mahadeo saw his brother ‘hanging’, and called out to his other siblings, who are younger, and they also witnessed the tragic scene.

The police were summoned and Philgrim’s body was taken to the Suddie Public Hospital, where doctors pronounced him dead. His body was later transported to the Suddie Mortuary to await a post mortem examination.

Meanwhile, just over a week ago, 20-year-old Aliexi

Anthony, a hire care driver, consumed poison. According to information, he also had been highly intoxicated when he had gone home, and he and his father had had a confrontation. When his father went to bed, Anthony reportedly consumed the poisonous substance. He was later discovered by family members.

Suicide has to date been a worrying issue for Region Two. According to data from Suddie Public Hospital, for the period January to November 2017, there have been 38 attempted suicide cases there, with 8 recorded deaths.

The Guyana Foundation under the Sunrise Centre, along with the Caribbean Voice, conducted several programmes along the Essequibo Coast to assist persons suffering from mental health issues. The Sunrise Centre is also open to those seeking counselling. (Indrawattie Natram)

Investigators confident of solving teacher’s murder – as Police secure court order to further detain 3 suspects

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he Police are slowly closing in on solving the brutal beating to death of Richard Ishmael Secondary School teacher Kescia Branche, with the High Court granting the Force an extension to detain the father of her child and two police ranks.

This was revealed by Acting Crime Chief Paul Williams, who maintained that investigators will crack the heinous case involving Branche, who died three days after her battered body was found at the intersection of Princess Street and Louisa Row, Georgetown.

“Over the weekend, myself and team have done

some intense work, and we’re getting very good information; and I’m asking of (the victim’s relatives), members of the public, and (other) relatives and friends to bear with us and give us some time, but definitely, the Guyana Police Force will solve that murder,” the Acting Crime Chief told members of the media at Police Headquarters, Eve Leary on Monday.

Guyana Times understands that Police have been provided with 9 statements detailing and corroborating events that surrounded the teacher’s demise.

Ahead of charges that could be laid against the father

of Branche’s child and the two policemen in custody, Williams informed media operatives that the requisite permission was secured to further detain the trio.

Branche, who resided in Cummings Lodge, Greater Georgetown, was last seen on November 4 when she left for a night out with her friends.

After the party was over, the mother of one was seen leaving in the company of two police constables.

Hours after, her battered body was found. She was taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital, where she remained unconscious until her demise.

18

guyanatimesgy.com

TuesDAY, november 14, 2017

ARCHIE

Emotions will skyrocket when dealing with relation(March 21ship issues.

Stay calm, use April 19) your imagination and look for solutions that will benefit everyone involved. You can achieve greater stability.

ARIES

TAURUS (April 20May 20)

dilbert

Don’t waste time arguing with someone who doesn’t share your beliefs. Consider what you can do to make your life and future better.

Attend a reunion or reconnect with old friends.

Getting out and doing GEMINI (May 21- things that help to relieve June 20) stress will clear your mind and give you a chance to rethink your next move. Plan your actions carefully.

Don’t let personal situations get to you. Concentrate (June 21- on your work, personal July 22) growth and self-awareness.

Now is not the time to get into a sensitive discussion. Take care of your needs first.

CANCER

Peanuts

Plan a short trip, or get toLEO gether with someone who un(July 23- derstands you and share your Aug. 22) thoughts and plans. Initiate a change before someone takes over or forces you to make a move.

Partnerships should be VIRGO your priority. Discussing (Aug. 23your life and what you want Sept. 22) to achieve will help you gain support and encouragement from someone special.

Reconnect with old friends.

Calvin and Hobbes

WORD GAME

SUDOKU

LIBRA (Sept. 23Oct. 23)

Channel your emotions and energy into something concrete. A plan that will help you get ahead or improve a situation at home would be a good place to start.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24Nov. 22)

A domestic change looks promising. Explore new ideas and develop plans that will help you get ahead. A partnership will fare well. If you collaborate with someone, good things will happen.

Consider your options SAGITTARIUS and whether they are doable.

(Nov. 23- Get your facts straight beDec. 21) fore you make a move. Don’t let anyone charm you into undertaking something that will be stressful.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22Jan. 19)

Stay calm and do what’s expected of you. If you lash out or let your emotions get the better of you, it will affect the decisions you make.

Think matters through.

solution for LAST PUBLISHED Puzzle A good idea can turn into AQUARIUS a lucrative pastime if you (Jan. 20- take time to develop and proFeb. 19) mote what you have to offer.

Take care of your health and avoid excess.

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

Be careful when dealing PISCES (Feb. 20- with individuals who tend to March 20) ask for too much. Don’t let anger take the reins. Be prepared to offer solutions that don’t involve your time, money or physical effort.

tuesDAY, november 14, 2017

19

Trinidad & Tobago Soca Warriors vs Golden Jaguars International Friendly…

“We will employ positive approach for positive result” – Coach Dover ...‘Lily’ Pollard’s involvement is motivation

“W

e are having a very good preparation as a team that was here [in Trinidad] since Friday and we are going in to the game with a positive approach for a positive result,” the words of Golden Jaguars Head Coach Wayne Dover on the eve of their international friendly against Trinidad and Tobago’s Soca Warriors at the Ato Boldon Stadium, Trinidad.

The Golden Jaguars 18-man squad who will be tackling the highly rated “Soca Warriors” today, were out in the evening drizzle at the match venue on Monday in Couva in Central Trinidad where Dover told Guyana Times Sport that the team is really ready for the challenge as they seek to become a powerhouse in Caribbean football.

“We are in the rebuilding phase of our football and this is a very important game for us and for us to get a good result with the new players which will encourage many more players to show their intention of representing Guyana in football,”

Dover said.

Dover said that the overseas based players have settled in and are gelling well with the Guyana-based players in giving 100 percent and showing great commitment of doing well on match days.

The head coach also sung praises for the work of

Samuel Cox

Assistant Coach Charles “Lily” Pollard who is also a former national captain. “Lily” is remarkable, with his experience as a player for so long and now as a coach is really well for us, the lads are looking up to him and his ethics is tremendous, we are really happy to have him here,” Dover stated.

The hosts are on a high after beating USA 2-1 to end their (USA) chance of another world cup final and drawing 2-2 with Grenada in Grenada last weekend while Guyana’s last encounter ended in a hard fought defeat to Grenada 1-0 in St. Georges.

Guyana’s captain, Samuel Cox who was upbeat about the contest ahead of his charges stated that “we have taken a lot of positives out of the loss to Grenada recently and have put in a lot of good work ahead of this one [against Soca Warriors] and tomorrow [today] is a good opportu-

nity to show the good work we have been putting in.”

Cox also spoke well of the efforts of the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) and coaches Dover and pollard and said that “the young team will give a good account of themselves which will hopefully bring joy to the faces of the Guyanese supporters.”

Guyana Golden Jaguars squad reads; Akel Clarke, Andrew Durant, Christopher Bourne, Jake Newton, Jelani Smith, Samuel Cox (Captain), Terence Vancooten, Brandon Beresford, Warren Creavalle, Dwain Jacobs, Anthony Benfield, Kadell Daniel, Daniel Jodah, Shaquille Agard, Emery Welshman, Sheldon Holder, Gregory Richardson and Devonte Small.

The Management committee comprises; Rawle Adams Manager, Head Coach Wayne Dover, Charles Pollard Assistant Coach, Lyndon France Physical Trainer, Eon DeVeira Goalkeeper coach, Denzil Hernandez Physio and Trevor Burnett Kit Manager.

The opening whistle is at 19:00h.

Gregory “Jackie Chan” Richardson

Joshua calls for Wilder’s New engine ruling sucks – Hamilton camp to be realistic A L nthony Joshua says a unification fight with Deontay Wilder will happen in 2018 if the WBC champion is true to his word.

Anthony Joshua is confident he will fight Deontay Wilder next year if the American’s camp are realistic with their demands.

Eddie Hearn, Joshua’s promoter, flew out to the United States last week for talks with WBC heavyweight champion Wilder’s promoters over a unificat i o n fight.

Hearn has also been in touch with Joseph Parker over a potent i a l fight w i t h t h e W B O strap holder next year.

IBF and WBA champion Joshua is eager to do battle with Wilder, but only if the right deal can be struck.

Speaking courtesy of Sports

Tonight/Dubai Eye 103.8, Joshua said when asked if the Wilder fight is the one he wants next year: “Yeah why not?

“I’ve always done my business in the gym, I’ll give them a little bit on social media and that, I’ve always handled my business in the negotiation room behind closed doors, when things are done I announce them.

“I’m not in the business of making promises I can’t fulfil, that’s why I’m working on getting this fight done. In 2018, providing Deontay Wilder is true to his word, you’ll see t h i s fight happen. “ I hope people don’t make this as awkward as they want it to be, if they’re realistic about what they want we can definitely make this fight happen.” (Sportsmax)

ewis Hamilton thinks changes to be introduced into Formula One next year will make the sport less exciting.

World champion Lewis Hamilton said a new ruling to reduce the number of engines Formula One drivers can use before incurring penalties next season “sucks”.

Drivers will only be able to have three rather the current limit of four power units before being penalised in 2018.

World champion Hamilton is not impressed with a change that is being brought in as a cost reduction measure.

“I don’t like the idea of going to three.

That sucks. Sprinting is what we are missing in F1.” the Mercedes driver said.

Hamilton – who sealed his fourth title in Mexico last month - produced a sensational drive to finish fourth at the Brazilian Grand Prix on Sunday after starting in the pit lane after having a new engine fitted.

The outspoken Brit is also unimpressed with the prospect of driving a heavier car next year with new ‘halo’ cockpits being fitted.

“The car is going to be a bus next year, it is going to be so heavy, like a Nascar,” Hamilton added.

“The braking distances get longer, the

brakes are always on fire, on the limit.

“I know it sounds negative but as a racer we want fast, nimble cars where we can attack always every single lap.

“Unfortunately, that is not what we generally have. I had that [at Interlagos] but I was coming from a different place. If you look at the front guys, they were managing and that is what we are normally doing.

“I don’t think that is too exciting for people to watch. If you look at the most exciting races - particularly when it rains - we don’t have those limitations.

“I’m not sure cutting down engines is helping it in that direction.” (Sportsmax)

20

GUYANATIMESgy.COM

tuesDAY, november 14, 2017

A

fter lifting the trophy four times, Gian Piero Ventura’s side will have to wait at least four years for another opportunity For the first time since 1958, Italy won’t be participating in a World Cup. Italy played to a 0-0 draw with Sweden in a World Cup qualifying play-off second leg on Monday, falling 1-0 on aggregate to miss out on Russia 2018.

Gian Piero Ventura’s men were beaten 1-0 in Stockholm in the first leg on Friday, and were unable to overcome that deficit at the

L

awyers defending three former soccer officials at trial on U.S. corruption charges strove to distance their clients from a scandal that has engulfed the sport as they delivered opening statements to jurors on Monday.

Juan Ángel Napout, formerly president of the South

San Siro in Milan.

The Azzurri are one of the most successful teams in history at the World Cup, lifting the trophy in 1934, 1938, 1982 and 2006, but they won’t even get the chance to participate in the tournament next summer.

Ventura will now almost certainly lose his job after he took over for Antonio Conte following Italy’s successful Euro 2016 run, when they fell on penalties to Germany in the quarter-finals.

Despite going out in the quarter-finals, Conte was considered to have overachieved with that Italy side, who were

It was a sad day for the former World Cup winners

American soccer governing body CONMEBOL and Paraguay’s soccer federation, Manuel Burga, former president of Peru’s soccer federation and José Maria Marin, the former president of Brazil’s soccer federation are on trial in federal court in Brooklyn.

The three men are the

first to stand trial since U.S. prosecutors unveiled a corruption case against soccer officials around the world more than two years ago. Of 42 people charged

by U.S. prosecutors in the FIFA probe, 24 have pleaded guilty and two have been sentenced so far. (Reuters)

José Maria Marin, arrives for opening arguments of the FIFA bribery trial at the Brooklyn Federal Courthouse in New York

A

charitable foundation funding medical research has said it will spend up to £1m on a study of brain injuries in footballers.

This follows a BBC documentary by the former England player Alan Shearerhighlighting the potential long term risks of repeated heading of a ball and the plight of retired professional players who have developed dementia.

The Drake Foundation was set up in 2014 with a commitment to improve the understanding of concussion injuries in sport.

It has already backed research on the brain health of rugby union players.

The charity funded a recent study which after post mortem examinations found signs of the brain injury chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) in four out of six former footballers who had developed dementia.

The research team at University College London (UCL) said the brains had seen the sorts of changes seen in ex-boxers associated with CTE. But the UCL research team made clear that their

Jeff Astle (right) died from a brain condition linked to heading a football

study was far from definitive and a number of factors could have contributed to the players’ dementia.

Alzheimer’s Research UK said further research was needed on whether playing sport altered dementia risk.

Alan Shearer highlighted the case of Jeff Astle, the

West Brom and England footballer, who developed dementia and died in 2002 at the age of 59.

A coroner ruled he had an industrial disease and that repeated heading of a ball had made a significant contribution to the cause of death.

short on talent in comparison to Azzurri teams of the past.

But Ventura failed to achieve what his predecessor had during his year-anda-half in charge, with Italy regressing in a World Cup qualifying campaign that counted a 1-1 home draw to Macedonia last month among its more disappointing results.

Ventura could only lead Italy to a second-place finish in UEFA World Cup qualifying Group G, finishing five points behind group winners Spain and setting up a playoff with the Swedes to reach Russia.

A subsequent examination of his brain revealed CTE. After the Astle inquest research was commissioned by the Football Association and the Professional Footballers’ Association but it was later dropped because of what were said to be tech-

nical flaws.

Jeff Astle’s family has campaigned for the football authorities to launch a comprehensive research programme.

Shearer said he found it “staggering” that 15 years on from Astle’s death very little had been done to investigate the effects of heading a ball: “Nowhere near enough research has been done so far. For too long it has been swept under the carpet, which is why so many people are angry - and rightly so”.

Astle’s daughter Dawn says she has been contacted by the families of more than 300 former players with dementia.

Some have said they are willing to approve post mortem analysis and the creation of a “brain bank” if that advances understanding of the link between playing football and the risk of developing dementia.

Research in the US on the impact of American football has involved large numbers of autopsies.

A recent Boston University study of the brains of 202 former players found that 87% showed

signs of CTE. News of the funding by the Drake Foundation comes ahead of an expected announcement of a major research study by the Football Association.

Its understood it has taken the football authorities some time to determine the most rigorous and authoritative approach.

They want to be able to show whether there are higher rates of dementia amongst footballers than the rest of the population, and whether physical injury rather than heading might be a factor.

Dr Charlotte Cowie, the FA’s medical performance director, told Shearer: “We have used a panel of experts in concussion and in research to try to help us formulate a study that gives us an answer as quickly as possible - if we can do - but, more importantly, gives us some results that are really reliable.”

The BBC understands that the Drake Foundation wishes to complement the FA’s research and will wait to see what is announced before deciding its own area of study. (BBC Sports)

sports

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the OSCL Regular Season 20-over competition, given the fact that a large number of high-quality batsmen played in both divisions. It definitely feels great, and I want to do well again next year,” Lachman commented.

Reflecting on the entire season at all three competitions (10, 15 and 20-overs), Lachman, who was born at Stewartville, West Coast Demerara, mentioned that even though he was on the field primarily to play for fun, he took his game very seriously and ensured that his team was always playing for victory.

Carr Tec Sports Club finished at number six out of the 11 participating teams, but they were totally satisfied with their general outing. “” I think we played to the best of our ability, (being) fully aware that there w e r e m o r e competitive a n d A proud top batsman Bharrat Lachman displays his trophies at the recent OSCL award and presentation ceremony

stronger teams (all wanting) to do well. We planned well, but things just didn’t go our way. But I am very optimistic Carr Tec could be in the winning column at the new season,” Lachman declared.

Overall, his teammate Suresh Persaud came second, with 270 runs from 14 matches, and that demonstrated his team’s level of commitment to churn out good performances.

“Oh yes, that was very special for our team, and I am also happy to know my colleague could have been at the top of the batting list. We will definitely play harder cricketer next year, and it is always a privilege to play the game in Canada,” the former West Demerara Under-19 cricketer expressed.

Lachman also took the opportunity to say that he is pleased to see the growth of cricket in Canada, both hard and softball, and is very thankful to the organizers to be dedicated and dynamic to make it happen.

“It’s getting more competitive over the past few years, and it is also nice to see more youth are involved, especially the Canada-borwn (ones).

I would like to see the use of whiteball in one of the OSCL annual competitions,” Lachman asserted. (Ravi Madholall in Toronto)

EBFA/Ralph Green U-11 League

MEDITATION

SALON / SPA

services

V

eteran batsman Bharrat Lachman has said he is aiming for more success in 2018, after his sterling performance in this year’s edition of the Ontario Softball Cricket League’s (OSCL’s) various competitions.

Having represented several teams over the past decade or so, Lachman emerged the top batsman in the ‘B’ Division, accumulating 348 runs from 14 games, featuring Carr Tec Sports Club on this occasion.

According to the Canadabased Guyanese, his achievement in 2017 was certainly inspiring, and this has given him the confidence to make another impression next year in the colours of Carr Tec. Despite his age, the 47-year-old right-hander had an impressive flow of runs, and was admirably consistent as he was delighted spectators to score the highest runs of 82.

He related that he had enjoyed his game to the fullest, and had wanted to be the top batsman for both the A and B Divisions.

“I [am] very proud to be the top batsman this year in

21

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Call:

223-7230 Ext 50

– battle still on for final 3 slots

G

rove Hi Tech survived a spirited attack from the Diamond Upsetters side to earn an equal share of the points in their final group match when the second annual Ralph Green-sponsored East Bank Football Association Under-11 league/knock-out tournament continued on Saturday last at the Grove Playfield.

Contesting the feature match of the morning, the high-riding Grove team was kept on the back foot for most of the encounter, and couldn’t even convert either of two penalties awarded to them towards the end of the 30-minute match.

Diamond Upsetters, one of two new clubs in the competition, came close to scoring on two occasions, but were denied in a gem that they dominated. The match ended 0-0.

Herstelling Raiders were needled by Friendship All Stars, the latter scoring in the penultimate minute of the match through Tyree Thuesdee’s goal.

The other match of the day was another 0-0 stalemate between Samatta Point Kaneville and Mocha Champs.

The battle for the final three spots in the final four will heat up over the next few Saturdays. Mocha Champs

Diamond Upsetters and Grove Hi-Tech battling on Saturday at the Grove Playfield

have completed their quota of seven (7) matches and

Team

Grove Hi Tech Herstelling Raiders

Diamond United

Mocha Champs

Samatta Point/Kane.

Agricola

Diamond Upsetters

Friendship

have 9 points, the same as Herstelling Raiders and

P 7 6 6 7 6 5 4 5

Latest Points Table W L D 4 1 2 3 3 0 3 3 0 2 2 3 2 2 2 2 3 0 1 1 2 1 3 1

GF 19 9 5 10 4 13 2 3

Diamond United, which both have a game in hand.

GA 5 14 9 10 8 6 3 11

GD +14 -5 -4 0 -4 +7 -1 -8

Points 14 9 9 9 8 6 5 4

22

GUYANATIMESgy.COM

tuesDAY, november 14, 2017

Turbo Energy Drink Football

GT Beer/8-a-side Football

– Berbice Police share points with Arsenal FC

E

Police (blue t-shirts) are top contenders to win the title

I

nitially scheduled for last Wednesday, but postponed due to the inclement weather, the exciting Turbo Energy Drink Knock-out Football tournament resumes with its quarter-finals this evening at the Ministry of Education Ground, Carifesta Avenue.

In the night’s proceedings, Guyana Police Force Football Club (FC) will hope to dispel much of the unknown of Kuru Kuru FC and seal their semi-final spot.

In recent tournaments, the lawmen have announced themselves as the team to beat in the city, which makes it a difficult task for the Soesdyke/Linden Highway unit to stop.

Police, in their lone match, hammered West Demerara’s Eagles United 6-0, as key marksmen Junior Gordon, Travis Jones and

Kester Dundas all were on target. Confident and experienced captain Dwain Jacobs, along with forwards Quincy Holder, Rawle Haynes and the crafty Kwadjo Garnett, will all add to a powerful firing unit.

For Kuru Kuru, much will be dependent on their captain, Cordel Johnson, and the promising Omarion Savoury, to spring any surprises against Police when their clash gets underway from 18:30h.

In the second match of the night, which is slated to commence at 21:000h, Grove Hi-Tech will be licking their lips against an inexperienced Pele unit.

Many stalwarts of the Pele FC are more of the past and their young brigade have managed to perform credibly, but this East Bank unit could be too much

to withstand.

The likes of Darrhan Persaud and Akosi Jarvis will lead Pele’s offensive line, while the youthful exuberance of Lloyd Anderson and company will hope to keep the backline from being breached.

For Grove, their attacking options come from a long list led by Domini Garnett, Joel Dick and Lloyd Mathews.

Action will then resume on Thursday with Pouderoyen and Mahaica Determinators, after which Silver Shattas battle Camptown.

Teams are hunting a championship purse of $500,000, while the runners-up will receive $250,000. The third place team will receive $125,000, and fourth place finisher will have to settle for $75,000.

dinburgh Gunners blasted Rosignol United 3 nil, while Arsenal FC was able to wrest a 2-all draw from the youthful “B” Division Police squad as the GT Beer/BFA/Candy Boss & Antics Promotion’s inaugural invitational 8–A–Side football tournament continued over the weekend at the All Saints Church ground in New Amsterdam Berbice.

The double-header matches were well supported by a sizable crowd. In the opening match, between Arsenal FC and ‘B’ Division Police, Arsenal’s Derick Taylor opened the scoring in the 8th minute to give his side the lead, after lawman Lomar Reid failed to convert on the kick off with the long shot to goal.

Reid later made amends by levelling the score at 1-1.

The discipline of the lawmen was instrumental in them taking possession of the ball away from the experienced Arsenal players and dominating the game.

Substitute Vivian Bowling Jr. gave Police the lead with his first possession of the match, evading two defenders and hitting home the ball past Arsensal goalkeeper to see his team to a 2-1 lead at half-time.

On resumption, Arsenal provided stiff opposition to the lawmen, who d e m o n strated s o u n d discipline by executing their g a m e p l a n , thus arr e s t ing the Arsenal players in their enterprise and frus-

trating their ambition to outscore the lawmen.

The lawmen’s plans were well thought out by the technical staff headed by Deputy Commander Senior Superintendent Edmund Cooper and Coach Mark Bradford.

Nevertheless, with unflinching determination, Arsenal forward Derick Taylor managed to convert in a goal area scrimmage to equalize the scores at 2-2 at the end of regulation time.

The supporting game saw Edinburgh Gunners trashing Rosignol United 3-0.

Gunners’ marksman Joseph Giddings scored the first goal in the 22nd minute of the game, and repeated the feat three minutes later to give him team a 2-0 lead at half-time.

Then Gunners’ Ronaldo August was bang on target in the 41st minute, to seal victory for his team.

Over 30 teams are competing in this tournament, sponsored by Banks DIH Limited under the GT Beer brand; and several other organisations, including the National Sports Commission, Jumbo Jet, Guyana Police Force, Homeline, Impressive Signs and Fly Jamaica have likewise chipped in to make this event a success.

The final is set for New Year’s Day at All Saints Church ground.

From right: Joseph Giddings and Ronaldo August, the goal scorers for Gunners

Participants of Shotokan Karate-Do of Guyana 2017 National Karate Tournament following its completion at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall

L

ast Saturday, the 2017 National Karate Tournament of the Shotokan Karate-Do of Guyana (SHOKOGUY) was declared open by Chief Instructor Sensei Christopher Chaves-Godan; and the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall immediately experienced an explosion of energy.

Chaves-Godan was introduced by Secretary of the organization, Marlon George, who acknowledged Sensei

Chaves’s past achievements in both competition, administration, and development of both Japan Karate Association (JKA) and International Shotokan Karate Federation (ISKF) Karate in Guyana.

In his opening remarks, Sensei Chaves shared the vision of the ISKF, which is fully embraced by Shotokan Karate-Do of Guyana, to provide the highest quality of Shotokan karate instruction

to all participants through the practise of Master Funakoshi’s teachings, philosophy, and principles.

Sensei Chaves highlighted the need to have an organization with the highest level of integrity, leadership, and technical competency.

He also spoke of the need to guide students in the development of character.

Participants were encouraged to compete to the best of their ability with respect and

dignity.

Spectators had the opportunity to witness a well-executed demonstration of attack-defensive movements, followed by breaking of boards. This was done by senior black belt students Alex Rodrigues and Shaqueel Amin.

The Tournament proceeded smoothly, as over 55 karatekas from the Headquarter Dojo-National Park, Georgetown International

Academy Dojo and Craig Dojo, E.B.D competed for top honours in individual kata, Kumite, and team kata events in various age and rank divisions.

Competition was of a very high standard in both the junior and senior divisions.

The tournament concluded with Sensei Chaves thanking parents, sponsors, supporters, judges, volunteers and competitors for making the tournament a huge suc-

cess.

The medals were distributed by Referees Sensei Neville Holder, Sensei Marvin Singh and Sensei Shermon Kyte.

Special trophies were awarded to Akeem Morgan: Best Junior Male Competitor; Loren Black: Best Junior Female; Nyota Rodrigues: Best Female Competitor; and Shaqueel Amin: Best Male Competitor.

guyanatimesgy.com

tuesDAY, november 14, 2017

23

GTM Health and Fitness Expo 2017

Mahadeo, Duke walk away with 'Pairs' title – Dongo cops ‘Strongman’ accolade

I

n the first ever “Pairs” competition at the GTMsponsored Health and Fitness Expo on Sunday at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall, Semonica Duke and Dillon Mahadeo reigned supreme, amassing 300 points.

The duo, last year’s “scaled” male and female champions at the event, competed across a series of challenges which tested strength and endurance.

Among those challenges were pullups, lunges, burpees and other physical activities.

Timothy McAndrew and Shawnell Warner copped second place with 280 points, while Stephen Fraser and Delice Adonis came in third with 265 points.

Surinamese Donovan Dongo dazzled with his “super-human” strength to take

the “Strongman” title just ahead of Guyanese Carlos Peterson-Griffith.

The strongmen were faced with challenges of hoisting a 250lb bag over a hurdle; the competitor with the most throws over was adjudged the winner.

Peterson-Griffith stepped up first and set the score to beat -- a whopping 9 throws that only Dongo came close to, with 8.

However, in the squats and the pulling off a Caterpillar Excavator, Dongo excelled and amassed 395 points, ahead of Peterson-Griffith’s 375.

Tonica Archer took away the women’s “scaled’ competition ahead of second and third placed Melissa Stewart and Jamila Gasper.

In the men’s “scaled”

competition, Lindener Omisi Williams copped first prize while Kishan Baul and Colin Reddock were second and third respectively.

Surinamese Donovan Dongo dazzled with his “super-human” strength

Church’s Chicken is new Championship glory Elite League sponsor for Fruta Conquerors GFF/STAG Elite League Season II

– Buxton finish 3rd Action between Fruta Conquerors and GDF in the “Big Four” Final

T

he Fruta Conquerors Football Club (FCFC) overcame old rivals Guyana Defence Force (GDF) FC on a chilly Sunday night in the final of the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) Stag Elite League “Big Four” tournament at the National Track and Field Facility, Leonora, to walk away $1.5 million richer.

Yet again, seasoned striker Eon Alleyne was at the forefront for the victors after just 13 minutes had elapsed in the first half.

Alleyne, who has a knack for finding the back of the net, showed up when it really mattered to find the back of the net as his team pushed ahead.

GDF recovered well despite going down early, and their defence ensured that the score line didn’t change for the remainder of the half.

However, the GDF forwards were woeful, and failed to seize the few chances that fell their way.

Fruta, meanwhile, continued to hunt for a second goal, but they could not find the back of the net, and the game ended 1-0.

Speaking after his team’s victory, Fruta Conquerors captain Delon Williams gave thanks to God and his teammates, especially pointing out that they never gave up during the lengthy break.

He noted that his side executed their game plan to the “T”. “Our plan was to come out here and absorb the pressure, as GDF is known for the pressure they bring to the game.

After the first ten minutes, we imposed ourselves on the game, and it worked to good effect.”

Although happy with

the 1-0 victory, Williams explained that his side’s finishing in front of goal could have been better.

Earlier, in the third place match, Buxton United also needled Victoria Kings as Keveron Durant struck for the victors in the 33rd minute.

The Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the tournament went to GDF’s Enock Carmichael, while the fan prize -- a Jailing motorcycle to the value of $450,000 -- was won by Fruta Conquerors fan Marvin Branford.

The winners (Fruta Conquerors FC) pocketed $1,500,000; GDF FC $700,000 while the third (Buxton United) and fourth (Victoria Kings) snared 500,000 and $300,000 respectively.

(Michelangelo Jacobus)

CRI’s Director of Finance, Christine Bennett-Blair, handing over Sponsorship Cheque to Dio Inniss

T

he Guyana Football Federation (GFF) on Monday received a sponsorship cheque from Camex Restaurants Inc. (CRI) through their Church’s Chicken brand, as plans intensify for the third season of the Elite League.

This monetary donation was presented to Dion Inniss, Executive Committee Member of the GFF by CRI’s Director of Finance, Christine BennettBlair, at the company’s Camp and Middle Streets location.

In receiving the cheque, Inniss, expressed gratitude for the sponsorship: “I am extremely pleased to be here today to accept this sponsorship cheque for the Elite League. Church’s Chicken

has been a very reliable and dependable investor over the years, and we are very pleased to have them on board again. The business community has spoken about an economic downturn, yet Church’s saw it fit to invest with the GFF. We are very thankful, and look forward to a long-lasting partnership.”

CRI Marketing Consultant Deslyn Griffith has said she is pleased to support football, and the investment opportunity is one for the development of youth and community: “Camex Restaurants Inc, under the umbrella of our premiere brand, Church’s Chicken, is pleased to be associated yet another year with the Elite League.

“We see both our franchise and the Elite League, under the leadership of the GFF, as being the leaders of our respective industries, hence our continued support,” she declared.

The Elite League is a tool that the GFF uses to further youth and community development; we see this as an opportunity to lend our support.”

Other persons present at the handover were GFF Marketing Director Dario Mc Klmon; CRI Director of Training & Brand Ambassador Dawn Braithwaite; CRI Director of Operations Dhara Cumberbatch and Church’s Chicken Crew Members Sarafina Semple-Grant and Trayann Atkinson.

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

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2017

guyanatimesgy.com

GTM Health and Fitness Expo 2017

Mahadeo, Duke walk away with ‘Pairs’ title – Dongo cops ‘Strongman’ accolade

Pg 23

The victorious Dillon Mahadeo and Semonica Duke during one of their routines

Trinidad & Tobago Soca Warriors vs Golden Jaguars International Friendly…

“We will employ positive approach for positive result” – Coach Dover

...‘Lily’ Pollard’s involvement is motivation Golden Jaguars going through their paces in their final practice ahead of today's big clash against Trinidad and Tobago's Soca Warriors at the Ato Boldon Stadium, Trinidad

Pg 19

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