Guyanatimes november 16, 2017

Diabetes leading cause of death within Guyana’s workforce P14 Nationwide coverage from the best news team in Guyana guyanatimesgy.com

Issue No. 3394

THE BEACON OF TRUTH

Thursday, November 16, 2017

PRICE

Human rights body condemns Patterson

$80 vat included

WHAT'S INSIDE: Budget for constitutional agencies

Opposition calls for ‘full debate’ P3 Friday

Page 7

for role in "Grenada 17" trial

…as pressure continues to bear down on GECOM Chairman to resign

Zimbabwe's Army seizes power School teacher’s death

Ex-boyfriend, cops P2 released from custody

Robert Mugabe's iron grip on power evaporates Page 15

Robert Mugabe

Military vehicles and soldiers patrol the streets in Harare, Zimbabwe, November 15, 2017

Local gospel singer "Kester D" robbed by gunman Page 2

(Reuters/Philimon Bulawayo photo)

Beterverwagting youth nabbed P8 with gun, ammo

Amid financial woes

City Hall grants amnesty for tax defaulters Page 13

Honorary consuls are not paid for work done – Greenidge

Page 13

Dominican women P8 charged for overstaying in Guyana 2nd broadcaster files legal action against GNBA P11

2 NEWS

thurSDAY, november 16, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Local gospel singer “Kester D” robbed by gunman

L

ocal gospel singer Kester Deane, commonly known as “Kester D”, was on Wednesday morning robbed of his laptop and mobile phones, among other items, while in his yard by a lone gunman.

According to reports from the singer, the incident occurred at around 12:45h as he had just arriving home from work.

Deane, who also hosts a gospel programme on radio, reported that as he entered his yard, he heard his dogs barking viciously. Upon inspection, he said he noticed

money, all I have is my computer and two phones”. He also asked me to take off my wedding band and another gold and silver ring with my initials (KD). He asked for my wallet, I said “I don’t have that”, then he asked me to empty my pockets,” Deane explained.

During the robbery, the son of the gospel promoter came out of the house as he tried to determine what was Kester Deane

a masked man and as the man noticed him, the perpetrator pointed a gun at him,

demanding money.

“He asked “where is the money”; I replied “I have no

happening, but the gunman reportedly pointed the gun at him and ordered him to return inside (the house).

The radio personality said the same thing was repeated when the tenant of the upper flat of the house opted to come downstairs.

The gunman reportedly managed to escape with the singer’s computer, important documents and external hard drives, among oth-

er items.

Nevertheless, in his post on Facebook, the gospel singer sent praises to God, highlighting that while it was a distressing situation to be in, he managed to go through it unharmed.

Police confirmed with this publication that a report of the incident was made and an investigation is currently ongoing.

School teacher’s death

Ex-boyfriend, cops released from custody

T

he ex-boyfriend of 22-year-old Kescia Branche, who succumbed at the Georgetown Public Hospital while being treated after she was brutally beaten, along with the four Police Constables who were detained by investigators for questioning, has been released.

This is according to acting Crime Chief Paul Williams, who told Guyana Times that the ex-boyfriend of the dead woman was released on bail, while the Police Constables have also been released but remain under close arrest.

Investigators are now said to be pursuing the

Dead: Kescia Branche

driver whose taxi Branche used on the night of the incident.

The teacher’s battered

body was discovered in an unconscious state on the morning of November 5 and rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital, where she later succumbed without ever regaining consciousness.

A post-mortem conducted showed that she died of haemorrhaging due to blunt trauma to the head.

The teacher of Richard Ishmael Secondary School was found at Princes Street and Louisa Row, Georgetown.

Branche, of Cummings Lodge, Greater Georgetown, had left home for a night of partying.

(Kizzy Coleman)

news

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THURSDAY, november 16, 2017 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

BRIDGE OPENINGS

Budget for constitutional agencies

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

Thursday, November 16 – a night time retraction at 03:30h and a daytime retraction at 14:30h-16:00h and Friday, November 17 – a night time retraction at 04:00h and a daytime retraction at 14:30h-16:00h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Thursday, November 16 – 15:15h-16:45h and Friday, November 17 – 15:50h-17:20h.

Opposition calls for ‘full debate’ Friday

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY

Thundery to heavy rain showers can be expected throughout the day, with sunny weather expected in the late afternoon hours. Partly cloudy conditions can be expected in the evening, with temperatures ranging between 25 degrees Celsius and 29 degrees Celsius.

Winds: Ranging between Easterly to East North-easterly and East South-easterly between 2.68 metres and 4.47 metres.

High Tide: 02:56h and 15:11h reaching maximum heights of 2.50 metres and 2.61 metres respectively.

Low Tide: 08:46h and 21:08h reaching minimum heights of 0.69 metre and 0.59 metre respectively

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Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo

T

he parliamentary Opposition has noted with deep concern that Government has moved to reduce the $10.29 billion that has been requested by 16 constitutional agencies in their Budget 2018 proposals and has therefore demanded a full debate on the matter at the next sitting of Parliament on Friday.

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo has reminded that upon assuming office in 2015, the coalition Government had passed legislation to have the budgets of these constitutional agencies considered by the National Assembly separately, from the annual national budget.

In this regard, People’s Progressive Party (PPP) Members of Parliament (MPs) will be arguing for the constitutional agencies’ requests to be honoured. Jagdeo said previously, these agencies developed their budgets, it goes to the Finance Ministry and decisions are made based on what can be afforded.

“I thought the whole purpose of the change (in legislation) was so that their (the agencies) budgets would be ring-fenced and the Minister of Finance cannot cut the budgets,” Jagdeo noted, while explaining that the Opposition will be requesting that the Minister give reasons for not approving the budgets.

Constitutional agencies include the Auditor General’s Office, Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) as well as several Commissions – Public Procurement Commission, Teaching Service Commission, Public Service Commission, Ethnic Relations Commission, Judicial Service Commission, Human Rights Commission, among others.

Referring to the schedule detailing the budget requests, the Opposition Leader noted that Minister Jordan justified the cuts by saying that the reduced allocation takes into account the economic outlook for 2018 for revenue, expenditure and growth in the economy, challenges in implementation encountered in 2017 and annualisation of salaries.

However, the Opposition Leader told the media on Tuesday that the Minister will have to answer specific questions on what the economic outlook for revenue and expenditure is and what chal-

lenges were encountered in implementation in 2017, and what is the outlook for growth in the economy.

Jagdeo said, “The country will recall that immediately after the coalition Government took office, it rushed through a law that will give ‘financial autonomy’ and suggested that the constitutional bodies were not treated with respect under the PPP Administration. Since then, we have been considering the budgets for the constitutional agencies separately from the core budget debate.”

He continued, “...we have had some difficulty in the past two years, addressing this part of the debate. Somehow in the head of the Minister, he feels that this part of the Budget should not be debated fully... our members of Parliament are in no mood to go there and to be controlled in a narrow framework where the Government will once again hide behind parliamentary rules to avoid open debate on these issues.”

Jagdeo said the PPP is of the firm belief that the $10 billion budgeted for the constitutional agencies should be a matter that will be subject to a full debate. “We support the view that if you give financial autonomy, then you must live with the consequences... we will be aggressively challenging the reasons he give for cutting the budgets of these agencies,” he added.

Further, Jagdeo warned there will be “major expressions of disproval” if there is an attempt to truncate debates on this matter. “I hope they will not say we are vulgar again when we try to represent the people... if the

Finance Minister Winston Jordan

Speaker and the Government try to truncate us raising these legitimate concerns of people across Guyana and try to shield the Minister from giving explanations for acting contrary to the legislation that they themselves passed,

then you are going to see major expressions of disapproval from our side,” the Opposition Leader said.

Asked specifically about the Budget 2018 request made by the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), one of the 16 constitutional agencies, in light of the reports on procurement breaches at that agency, Jagdeo made it clear that procurement breaches at the Commission was not the justification cited by Jordan in cutting GECOM’s budget.

“That was not his justification to cut the budget,” he asserted.

Jagdeo also expressed the view that the requests made by the constitutional agencies can be met, if the wastefulness undertaken by the coalition Government is dealt with.

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thurSDAY, november 16, 2017

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

Sharing power: a caution

I

n the wake of President David Granger’s unilateral appointment of retired Justice James Patterson to the chairmanship of GECOM, there have been intensified concerns raised about the mode of governance in Guyana leading to further polarisation, rather than cooperation, by the political parties in Guyana. Almost from the beginning of the modern political dispensation inaugurated by the universal franchise in the 1953 elections, there has existed a recognition that due to the fractured nature of our society, there needs to be a political system that would encourage the widest possible inclusion of the representatives of the various groups in the Government, to ensure legitimacy and stability.

The leaders of the first modern party explicitly organised for the universal franchise; the People’s Progressive Party explicitly included leaders from each of the fabled “six peoples” of then British Guiana. While the results of the 1953 elections justified their analysis, unfortunately world politics, driven by the newborn “Cold War” between the West and the USSR, entered the picture and the Government was ousted. Matters were never the same because of these foreign concerns.

The PPP was split during the 1957 elections ostensibly along ideological lines, with Linden Forbes Burnham’s faction claiming to be more “moderate” than Dr Cheddi Jagan’s, and as such more acceptable to the West. However, with Jagan coming out ahead, the split became permanent when Burnham launched the People’s National Congress, and unfortunately because of the ethnic identity of the two leaders, the electoral mobilisation became increasingly polarised between the two major ethnic groups, Indian and African Guyanese.

While the Western countries continued with their machinations, after the 1961 elections which the PPP won, the latter attempted to form a coalition with the PNC since they conceded these two parties were ideologically closer to each other than the newly-formed United Force. While the term was not very common then, the model proposed by Dr Jagan, would now be called the “Grand Coalition” since it involved sharing the major ministries of the Government between the two major parties.

With hindsight, it is clear the eventual coalition between the UF and the PNC in 1964 was essentially a “shotgun wedding” to oust the PPP, and it fell apart by 1968, when the PNC decided to go to the polls alone and ensure victory through “electoral rigging”. This was to be the pattern until 1992, when the concerns by the West about the “communist” PPP became moot, and free and fair elections returned the PPP to power.

However, during the long interregnum of rigged elections, the PPP pushed for a Grand Coalition (Patriotic Front Government) in 1977 which included the PNC while the recently-formed Working People’s Association (WPA) floated a Government of National Unity in 1979, which did not. As late as 1992, the PPP trumpeted a platform of “winner will not take all” – implying a sharing of power across the aisle. However, they entered into a coalition with a “Civic” component, which did not include the PNC. In 2015, APNU (essentially PNC) also promised an “inclusionary” form of government that would include members of the PPP, but that was also stillborn. Since then, several NGOs have pushed for “constitutional change” to encourage some form of “power sharing” between the PPP and PNC, to lessen the political tensions in the country.

However, recently, Lebanon has been in the news with its Prime Minister Saad Hariri suddenly resigning his post while in Saudi Arabia. Lebanon is one of the first countries to practice ‘power sharing” among its major groups – in terms of religion. In 1943, it arrived at a “National Pact” in which parliamentary seats, the government bureaucracy and the top Government positions are allocated in accordance to a formula between Christians, Shia and Sunni Muslims.

The President is a Maronite Christian; the Speaker of the Parliament, a Shia Muslim and the Prime Minister, a Sunni Muslim.

As a caution, Guyanese should note this “consociational” arrangement has not solved their fractious politics.

A fisherman catches his dinner on frozen Lake Beyşehir in Turkey. National Geographic ‘Your Shot’ photographer Seyit Konyali says that last winter, the lake was frozen for two months

Our nation’s electricity supply greatly improved under Jagan, PPP/C (Part 1) Dear Editor, I write this letter responding to the editorial entitled “GPL” in the Sunday Stabroek of November 12. It seems to me that the Editor set out not wanting to appear to be on either side, neither the PPP/C nor the PNC/APNU&AFC Coalition, thus he used a broad brush which obscured significant details with the risk that we would miss some important lessons, much of which we have paid for and continue to pay for in adverse experiences and in much frustrations.

In the SN editorial, there is a reference to 1978, no doubt recalling that nearly three-day period when Georgetown and its environs were without electricity and water – perhaps the lowest point in our supply of electricity. There was not much recovery 14 years later when Dr Cheddi Jagan and the PPP/C entered office in October 1992. I could not concur more with the Editor when he says, “Then came President Cheddi Jagan who in the early days of his period of office which happened to coincide with a particularly bleak period of electricity crisis” – accurate to this point but demonstrably inaccurate in the latter part of this sentence – “seemed to be absorbing himself with promulgating the New Global Human Order, rather than fixing GEC (Guyana Electricity Corporation), as it then was.”.

The last part of that sentence could not be more wrong: our electricity utility was extremely close to Cheddi’s heart and he spoke many times of how during his 19571964 period as Chief Minister/ Premier, his Government accepted the offer to purchase the then Demerara Electricity Company as the shareholders decided to get out of that business. Cheddi couldn’t help repeating time and again how

well the utility was run then with the person he selected, a tailor, as Chairman. By all accounts the electricity supply was satisfying unto our days of strife and strikes and turmoil (1962 to 64) which eventually pushed Cheddi from office.

Cheddi returned to office (in 1992) with tremendous zeal to return GEC to creditable performance. As would have been known at the time, Cheddi and our new PPP/C Government were under great pressure from the MFIs (Multilateral Financial Institutions) and Bilateral Relationships to immediately and totally privatise the provision of electricity in Guyana.

Cheddi led the arguments that immediate privatisation to foreign buyer(s) would be precipitate and premature – there was much for us, the populace, to learn and much for us to correct and change before seeking a privatisation that would not be a giveaway but a reasonable business transaction. Cheddi called for a degree of initial improvements by our own means before going to privatisation. Guyana was not agreeing to the privatisation of our electricity utility as a total basket case.

Cheddi was continually involved, unlike the Editor – some may say too much, as it took Cheddi’s understanding and personal standing to lead our country in many new directions, including restoring our electricity utility. It required significant reordering of our nation’s priorities, an even-handed frugality with a tight rein on spending for Cheddi and the PPP/C to turn things around in our country. By squeezing all around, enough money was mustered to fund our first expansion in generation of 11 MW when GEC at the time had a notional supply of 30 MW. We ad-

vertised publicly for proposals. More than a dozen offered reconditioned gensets, but we thought that since reliability was most critical we would prefer brand-new units. The Wärtsilä offer was the lowest of brand-new units (quite possibly Wärtsilä had foregone any profits in that offer, as an investment to get their foot into Guyana), but the Wärtsilä brand and performance were then unknown in Guyana. As it happened, Dr Jagan at Omai for its opening, when touring their Wärtsilä power plant, received such complimentary remarks about Wärtsilä, he recommended that we consider Wärtsilä’s price and performance guarantee as credible.

To pre-empt any compromise of Wärtsilä’s guarantees and its performance, I advocated and sought approvals (on both sides) for an operations and maintenance contract between GEC and Wärtsilä. I admit it was my “cya” strategy.

The two units brought tremendous improvement, but we knew that many more were needed, and quickly so. With this example establishing costs and benefits, we, Cheddi with the PPP/C, spent some months trying to promote local funding of the next tranches of gensets. Not enough of us Guyanese seemed ready to believe that we Guyanese were ready to do what was required to develop an efficient, respectable, profitable utility on our own. As I recall, it was only a few days after our Government eventually ordered a second tranche of two Wärtsilä units that a large failure at the steam plant at Kingston prompted the immediate ordering of an additional four units to follow on.

Unfortunately, Cheddi passed away before the last four were brought into service.

Cheddi had also been re-

ceiving representations to replace the almost totally dead plant at Anna Regina on the Essequibo Coast. He had the pleasure of commissioning a brand new 4 MW (2 x 2MW) plant in May 1995.

Mr Editor, it was Cheddi, who – after many long meetings, the experiences referred to above, and the obvious needs for inputs of capital, new, additional and different experiences and expertise – eventually acceded to starting on the road to privatising the GEC for the development of Guyana and its people. Notwithstanding our reluctance to consider recovering our GEC ourselves, the overwhelming number of us Guyanese seemed concerned about our GEC (now GPL) in foreign hands. I recall a few days before he took ill a number of Guyanese persons were trying to persuade Cheddi not to privatise. His answer essentially was, bring me and bring me quickly a credible alternative to privatisation. It would take about two years after Cheddi’s passing for the GPL privatisation to be completed, but the agreements bore his imprint – a 50:50 partnership and both the Government and Core-Partner selling down their shareholding over years ten to twenty. Cheddi’s dream was for every Guyanese customer family to acquire about the same number of shares, and thus being at the same time both owner as well as customer, sensing, resolving and reconciling the contradictions of the two roles.

Sincerely, Samuel AA Hinds Former Prime Minister, former President and former Minister Responsible for Energy and Electricity

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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

M&CC is a runaway monster that needs to be harnessed

Dear Editor, The time has long past for the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU) to harness the runaway monster that keeps making Guyana’s capital city a disgrace. True, the Mayor and City Council (M&CC) of Georgetown has been bad for more than 50 years. But I doubt that any of the M&CCs has been as repulsive as the present M&CC. Even as I write this note, the employees of the M&CC of Georgetown are begging for their wages, often waiting on bailouts before they receive their wages.

In the meanwhile, garbage is mounting because the M&CC is unable and unwilling to pay contractors.

Yet with the rapidly collapsing city infrastructure and services, with employees begging at their doors, the Mayor, her City Clerk, a se-

nior Councillor and her chief engineer are on a lengthy joyride in China. They travelled first class, enjoying the high life in China, while the lowly employees go hungry.

Who is paying for this trip?

Incidentally neither the Mayor, her city Clerk or chief engineer told anyone at the City Council that they were going to China. The Deputy Mayor was told just before the globetrotters left that he was going to be in charge, but he was only told that the Mayor would be out of town.

He was not told that the Mayor and her sycophants were going to be at the opposite end of the world. But while this was a secret to most Guyanese, it was not a secret to Local Government Minister Ronald Bulkan. It was not a secret to Minister Harmon and it was not a secret to both the Prime Minister and the President.

It was just a secret to the Deputy Mayor, the majority of Councillors, the citizens of Georgetown, the Guyanese people. They sneaked out like thieves in the night, except the sneaking out was facilitated by APNU/AFC. The citizens of Georgetown deserve better.

Their city government has failed them. They have failed them for more than 50 years.

In all that time, the city government has been under the iron-fisted control of the People’s National Congress (PNC). During the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) tenure, there was often a desire to intervene and impose an interim city government.

Indeed, for a short period in the early 1990s, the Cheddi Jagan-led PPP Government terminated the then city government and replaced it with an interim government, with Dr James Rose as the Mayor.

That interim government has a track record of achievement that is far superior than for any Georgetown city government since the 1960s.

Bharrat Jagdeo as President on more than one occasion floated the idea of an interim government to stop the destruction under the Hamilton Green-led PNC city government, but the then Corbinled PNC rejected the efforts.

I am certain that the PPP will not now object to the replacement of the present city government.

Even as the citizens of Georgetown objected to the imposition of a draconian parking meter system, Mayor Chase Green, her City Clerk and the PNC right hand man, the man who dictates what happens, Oscar Clark, went to Mexico to be wined and dined by the Parking Meter contractor. Even as Georgetown was suffocating

in garbage and drowning in floods, the Mayor, her Clerk and the hand-picked PNC Councillors were on international escapades. They have a real love affair with these big international trips, while Georgetown is taken over by garbage.

The time has come for the M&CC to provide an account for 2015, 2016 and 2017 for all international trips, exactly what the costs were, who paid and how much of the total costs for international travels have come out of the coffers of the city. It is time we have an account of the cost of maintaining the Mayor, the City Councillors and the Clerk. Does anyone know what the Mayor’s salary and benefits are? Does anyone know what the salary and benefits of the City Clerk are? The citizens will be shocked to find out the cost of supporting a royalty

lifestyle for their Mayor and her small group of favoured personnel.

The PPP Government had to step in many times to rescue an inept PNC City Council under Hamilton Green. Billions were repeatedly poured into the city to bail them out, while they were protected by the PNCled Opposition in Parliament and their threat to violently oppose any effort to remove them. Since May 2015, the APNU/AFC have protected the city government and has stood strong and unapologetically with them. There is nothing but a parasite mentality ensconced at City Hall in Georgetown. The time has come for APNU/AFC to act on behalf of the citizens of Georgetown and our country.

Sincerely, Dr Leslie Ramsammy

Whatever became of the LEAD programme?

Dear Editor, In a previous letter to you, I highlighted the objective of certain members of ‘the developed world’ where the governance of this country is concerned. Theirs is the policy that the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) is not good for Guyana hence, they should not govern here. That message is very clear, and you cannot convince anyone to the contrary. That is their ultimate goal. But like I said, this duplicity and vile cunning takes place in various ways. In my view, the USAID Leadership and Democracy (LEAD) project is one of these such ventures. So let us delve into the course of events.

You would recall that prior to the LEAD project, that superpower carried out a blistering campaign against the elected Government, which stated in all certainty that the economy’s success was largely due to the Government’s involvement in the drugs and narcotics trade. This propaganda news spread like wildfire.

Because to ever entertain

the thought that a backward South American Republic like Guyana could ever make its way out of rank poverty into a success story was mind-boggling to those in the developed world.

How could that be! That was the million-dollar question? Their claim is success could never have been credited through legal means.

For them success had to have come through the drug trade. Hence this story hit the headlines like no other. Tales of WikiLeaks and other high-profile revelations were all thrown in this sordid scheme to show that the Government was indeed actively involved in the underworld. So, enough dirt was dug on the PPP/C to get them out of the way. Meantime, the Opposition People’s National Congress then, could not wait to get into power to incarcerate those guilty state officials. The PPP/C had not a ghost of a chance.

But there was one major hurdle to surmount and that was, the messenger, as well as that drugs message, woeful-

ly lack credibility and nothing by way of Government officials and drugs link could ever be confirmed. So, the only other alternative was to resort to the age old First World Trick, let us lecture them into the rudiments of good governance. Let us “teach these natives” how to do it, let us teach them how to govern themselves in a democratic environment. So, in my view, that ushered in the LEAD Programme.

This immediately found disfavour with The PPP/C Government because there was not much consultation, if any, to iron out the finer details of their programme.

This was a highhanded approach by a superpower on a fledgling democracy with-

out any just cause, this was downright bullyism! And to add insult to injury, that superpower never wanted the PPP/C to question or to ever address the ultimate aims, goals or objectives behind this so-called kind gesture of “good governance” scheme. What did that superpower hope to achieve at the end of the day is still a mystery. As a consequence, the Government was stuck in a shutdown and total shutout with the external bullies.

That showdown only ended when the PPP Government was booted out of office.

Another sore point was that there was no need for LEAD; Guyana was on a peaceful progressive trajectory – our country has seen

real growth continuously – so what’s the charge? Once again Guyana was on the developmental road and taking its rightful place in the sisterhood of Caribbean developers. To achieve continuous growth in a Guyanese democratic environment is a phenomenal task. So what was the problem? The answer comes back, there was none!

In short, all the actions of the First World, levelled against the PPP/C all boils down to one common fact – get the elected government out and install one that the superpower can control. The LEAD project was really a subterfuge. Ironically, whatever became of the LEAD programme? Is it still en vogue? Are they still blaz-

ing that “good governance” ideal? If not, why not? If they are not then it is a sad day for Guyana. Dear First World, we desperately need your good governance strategy especially in the light of such foolishness when a Head of State and his Finance Minister are gleefully admonishing this country’s graduates to get into the plantain chip and black pudding business. Pathetic! If this is not poor, horrible, governance, then what is?

In my next letter to you, I shall give an in-depth analysis of the topic “The fear of Jagdeo”. I wish you some delightful reading.

Respectfully, Neil Adams

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Foundation

Raising your child as a single parent

R

aising children as a single parent is not easy. Here are some parenting tips for single parents coping with divorce and separation.

Life is full of unexpected twists and turns which can also be in a form of divorce or separation from spouse.

In these instances, the custodian of the child has to take control of the situation and play the parts of both mother and father so that the child does not feel the absence. The development of an environment conducive to proper growth is important for the child and the single parent must bear the responsibility.

Acceptance

Acceptance is the first step towards becoming a great single parent. The separation from spouse is always traumatic but you need to accept the fact that you will have to lead your life independently. The earlier you come to terms with the truth, the quicker you can sort out the various aspects in your life and focus on the proper development of your child. Your child is going to depend only on you from now and you have to remain strong. Remember, you have the freedom to raise the child any way you want to and so it becomes important to redefine and rediscover associated responsibilities

and roles within the family structure. Never isolate yourself or your child from society. If you deem it necessary, you can contact selfhelp groups and other similar organisations.

Regularity

Separation is one of the most unfortunate events in the life of a person but despite that, life goes on. So, you need to start forming connections and increasing the closeness with the people around you. Teach your child to do the same; never keep him or her cooped up and allow the child to mix freely with his or her peers.

As you both interact and create relationships, you are bound to feel better and experience a rise in your self-esteem levels. Your child will understand that there are other things to look forward to in life. Make sure you do everything in your power to keep your child happy, comfortable and relaxed in her environment.

Confidence

For children, parents are always their first role models. They inspire and encourage the child and assist in their development. Single parents will find the whole focus of their child directed towards them. They learn how to talk and behave from you, though it might

be unconsciously. Therefore, your attitude towards life will impact your child to a great extent. Never make your child feel that your family is incomplete; rather, enable her to consider it as a new family unit.

Accessibility

Make sure that you are always there for your child whenever he or she needs you. Clear out a portion of your schedule to spend some quality time with him or her on a regular basis. This not only makes her feel loved and secure but increases the familial bond shared by you.

Learn to open up about your feelings since this makes your child feel important.

Value her opinions and provide her with the confidence necessary to overcome tough times. Instil good moral values in your child.

Perspective

Being a single parent, you must learn to think from the perspective of your child at some points. This will help you resolve arguments with your child. It will give you an insight into her way of thinking and allow you take positive decisions. Moreover, if you are considering entering a new relationship, do not fail to inform your child beforehand or it might come as a rude shock to her. Make her understand that moving on is a necessary part of life.

The growth and maturity of a child is connected directly with her environment. If she is brought up by a single parent, the dad or mom is the lone parental figure in the life of the child, ensuring the fulfilment of her emotional needs and comfort. (indiaparenting. com)

The 5 factors for a phenomenal family Part 2

Factor 3: Establish meaningful rituals and traditions

Your family may celebrate rite-of-passage rituals such as baptism, or bedtime rituals of a bath followed by story time. Here are some ways to establish rituals and traditions in your own family: Plan purposeful celebrations.

Birthdays, Father’s Day, Mother’s Day, and other events are all opportunities to create a tradition or even a ritual.

During the holidays, create traditions such as baking certain foods. Play the same music at birthday parties.

-Make sure your children either buy or make their own gifts.

Hold naming rituals.

Naming a baby blesses that child and welcomes him or her into a family and community.

Renaming rituals allow the individual to connect with and express what is at the heart of who he or she is.

Tell family stories. Build into family get-togethers special times for retelling these stories, complete with slides pictures and mementos. Bring out picture albums or old films to enhance the storytelling experience.

Worship together. For many families, attending a worship service is a major family ritual. Family participation in worship is an excellent way to enact a family’s faith through rituals and lay a spiritual foundation for children.

Factor 4: Be active in your communication

The greatest things you can give your children are your ears and your voice. Meaningful dialogue takes into account each family member’s need for acceptance, self-respect, encouragement and security.

Change the backdrop in which communication occurs.

You’ll find that your children are much more comfortable, more receptive and tend to open up in “safe” environments, rather than if you “sit them down” in a chair or at the table to talk.

Here are several strategies for encouraging active communication: make time to talk in the car, have discussions during game time and listen to CDs with your children and share your thoughts.

Discuss sensitive subjects such as politics or religion.

These discussions are for the sole purpose of teaching children how to express their opinions and learn how to communicate. Providing a forum for your child’s selfexpression is one of the ways you can bolster their selfconfidence and enhance their communication skills.

Do some “quilting”. This is a term used to describe

family interactions involving a common activity. The object of “quilting” is to begin a group project together, such as: painting a room; cleaning the house; washing the car; building a playhouse or treehouse or tending a garden.

Factor 5: Learn how to manage crisis

When it comes to family life, it’s not a question of whether or not a crisis will hit – it’s a matter of when.

No matter how smoothly your life goes, no matter how well you parent with a purpose, you’ll encounter some crisis, and it will impact your life together as a family. Maybe you discover that your child is addicted to drugs or alcohol.

Or your family must adjust to life with a chronically ill child or parent. Your best chance to navigate the rough waters of a crisis is to have a consciously designed crisis management plan in place for overcoming the tough stuff – before it hits.

Your plan might include any of the following.

Be prepared before a crisis strikes. The crucial thing about crisis is preparation. Keep in mind certain Hot Warning Signs that can serve as clues that a crisis is brewing.

Remove danger.

This may mean calling the Police yourself, confiscating dangerous items, keeping your child from having contact with certain people or removing him or her from a dangerous place — physically or emotionally.

Work the problem, not the person. Never attack or blame the family member in crisis When you’re upset with a child, it can be terribly tempting to blame and criticise them. But when you do this, that child learns to “cover his tracks” the next time he or she gets in trouble. Aim your energies at solving the problem instead.

Close ranks. When a crisis hits, family members tend to turn on one another, blaming or ripping into someone with personal attacks. You must resolve that your relationships will exist on a level above blame and personal attacks.

If family members are unable to turn to one another, a crisis will shatter family unity.

Find meaning in your suffering. Don’t allow yourself to be devastated for no reason, no meaning and no purpose.

You’ve got to create some value to the pain that you experience in life. Should some injury or tragedy befall one of your children, you may learn from the event, and thereby protect him or her and your other children more effectively in the future. You may choose to take some social action to create meaning out of suffering. (Excerpt from huffingtonpost.

com)

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thurSDAY, november 16, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Human rights body condemns Patterson for role in "Grenada 17" trial …as pressure continues to bear down on GECOM Chairman to resign

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mid heavy criticisms over the unilateral appointment of the Chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), the Guyana Human Rights Authority (GHRA) has now brought new information to the public’s attention about the alleged involvement of retired Justice James Patterson with the infamous “Grenada 17” trial of which he had a heavy hand in, while serving in the judicial system on that island.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, the GHRA made reference to the United States’ (US) invasion of Grenada in 1983, which led to a trial of the surviving 17 alleged ringleaders – known as the “Grenada 17”. The trial was held by a group of Attorneys

the defendants in this matter. A number of witnesses were interrogated and documents seized. Most of this material was never made available to counsel for the defence. And the selection of Judges was a very serious violation of commonly accepted notions of due process of law.

During that period, there were also reports that the jury was picked with no effort to probe for prejudice and no defendant or defence counsel present and without cross-examination. Further, the GHRA noted that motions to ensure a proper and fair jury were not heard until the trial court was ordered to do so for the third time nearly three years after the convictions, among a long list of other human rights vio-

“Is a person who has never disassociated himself from being at the centre of an episode which tarnished the reputation of the Caribbean judicial community for a generation, a ‘fit and proper’ person to be Chairman of GECOM?” and Judges appointed and paid for by the US, according to a sworn affidavit of Ramsey Clark, the former US Attorney General.

The GHRA reminded that aspects of the trials were dominated by the US Administration which generated widespread international condemnation. It was noted by Clark that the trial was not presided over by any constitutional court or other tribunal of the island of Grenada. Following the trials, all records were removed to the US and access to them has been extremely difficult ever since.

The human rights watchdog recalled that there were many disturbing facts about the prosecution, conviction and sentencing of

lations.

But significantly also, the GHRA claimed that among the Judges associated with this infamous period of Caribbean history was Justice Patterson. He along with other Judges who participated in this matter at that time, found no fault with the serious violation of accepted notions of due process of law.

But the GHRA did not stop there, the organisation pointed to the request for access to a wide range of documents related to the trials

by US-based academic, Dr Richard Gibson, who filed a Freedom of Information (FoI) request following a visit to Grenada in 1996.

He managed to gain access to some of the documents

GECOM Chairman, Justice (retired) James Patterson

and later released some information on the case trial.

In Dr Gibson’s writings as stated by the GHRA press statement, it revealed that a US political officer reported meeting with the Chief Justice of Grenada and that individual had related that the hangings of the Grenada 17 defendants was expected to take place in 1988. Importantly, this discussion took place when the Chief Justice had a motion pending before him that was capable of nullifying all of the convictions.

The GHRA also noted that the report revealed the extent to which the US Government was supervising the legal process, down to supervising and exerting clear influence to have the trial record produced.

Meetings were held with the Chief Justice and there was regular contact with the secretary of the Chief Justice to get the matter moving. This level of interest is truly amazing, according to the local body.

The GHRA highlighted in its press statement that the human rights dimension of this case was not only disgraceful on the part of the ‘judicial actors’, but it also allegedly involved Patterson who has now been elevated to one

of the most sensitive posts and constitutional offices in Guyana.

“Moreover, national elections in Guyana are the subject of intense interest and require frequent

inter-action between the Commissioner, contending parties and the diplomatic community. The extracts from the official documents quoted above encourage the conclusion that when confronted with the interests of a foreign power Justice Patterson could not be relied on to keep his own counsel or maintain the impartiality or discretion required in a Chairman of GECOM,” the body opined.

GHRA said within the general context of Justice Patterson’s suitability for the GECOM post and in light of the foregoing an additional question must inevitably arise. “Is a person who has never disassociated himself from being at the centre of an episode which tarnished the reputation of the Caribbean judicial community for a generation a

‘fit and proper’ person to be Chairman of GECOM?” Opposition People’s Progressive Party (PPP) had filed an injunction in the High Court to rescind the appointment on the grounds of unconstitutionality. The injunction is seeking a declaration that Justice Patterson is not qualified to be appointed in provision with Article 161-2 of the Constitution of Guyana.

The PPP had raised concerns about Patterson’s alleged alignment with the major party in the coalition Government, the People’s National Congress (PNC).

The party claimed that he is an active member of a PNC-related website and was also a pallbearer at the funeral of former President Desmond Hoyte.

8 NEWS

thursDAY, november 16, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Beterverwagting youth nabbed with gun, ammo

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20-year-old East Coast Demerara (ECD) resident is now in Police custody after he was found to be in possession of an unlicensed firearm and matching rounds on Tuesday afternoon.

According to the Police, around 14:30h on the day in question, ranks of a mobile patrol in Sophia, Georgetown noticed the suspect – who had been identified as an unemployed male of Sideline Dam, Beterverwagting, ECD – acting in a suspicious manner.

A search was conducted on the man, and a .32 pistol, along with two matching live rounds, was discovered.

Investigations are ongoing.

The consequences…

Y

The unlicensed .32 pistol with two matching live rounds

Woman gun-butted, robbed by motorcycle bandits …in Campbellville

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30-year-old mother was on Tuesday robbed of approximately $200,000 in cash, along with jewellery and important documents when she was pounced upon by CG motorcycle bandits in the vicinity of Enachu Street, in

Section K, Campbellville, Georgetown.

Guyana Times understands that the woman had just taken her son to a school nearby and was walking on the road when the two bandits on a motorcycle rode up and stopped a short distance away.

The rider of the motorcycle reportedly whipped out a handgun, walked towards the woman and gun-butted her to the head before grabbing her red handbag.

He then re-joined his accomplice who was looking on, and fled in the direction

of Bel Air, Georgetown.

Police have confirmed that an investigation has been launched and that they are reviewing CCTV footage around the area to assist officers in nabbing the culprits.

So far, no one has been arrested.

Dominican women charged for overstaying in Guyana

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osanna Romero, 22, and Arelis Adames, 37, of the Dominican Republic were on Wednesday at the

Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts arraigned for overstaying in Guyana.

It is alleged that between April 8, 2017 and November

12, 2017, at Georgetown, Romero failed to comply with conditions subject to which any permit had been granted, that is to say hav-

ing been permitted to stay in Guyana from March 8, 2017 to April 7, 2017, she overstayed the said period.

Meanwhile, Adames was slapped with a similar charge detailing that between April 22, 2017 and November 12, 2017, she failed to comply with the conditions of a permit, which allowed her to stay in the country from March 22, 2017 to April 21, 2017.

Both women pleaded guilty to the aforementioned charges.

The Spanish-speaking duo, appearing in the company of an interpreter, told Magistrate Fabayo Azore that they came to Guyana seeking employment in order to maintain their financially-stricken families.

Upon arriving in Guyana, they had both stayed at the Rio nightclub before seeking employment in the interior gold mines.

The women indicated that they did not attempt to have their stay extended and omitted to give a plausible explanation for such.

They were both ordered to pay a fine of $30,000 with a default sentence of three months in prison.

While Romero indicated her ability to pay the fine, Adames was not as fortunate.

She told the Magistrate that she would serve the default sentence of three months.

Romero will be deported, and Adames will follow after serving her sentence.

…of PNC lying our Eyewitness supposes, dear reader, you know the story of Pinocchio, the puppet who came to life, and whenever he lied, his nose grew longer.

At least you must’ve seen the Disney movie! You would remember, then, that finally, Pinocchio asks the fairy how could she figure out when he’s lying. Na she replies: “Lies, my dear boy, are found out immediately, because they are of two sorts. There are lies that have short legs, and lies that have long noses. Your lie, as it happens, is one of those that have a long nose.”

Now this is a very crucial distinction – one that the PNC should remember. Lies that have “short legs” will fool folks for a little while, and take them a little distance – but the truth will soon catch up with them. And then they’ll have to face the consequences.

Lies that have “long noses”, on the other hand, are those that are so obvious to everyone, it just makes the liar look ridiculous!! “Who do you think you’re fooling, you ludicrous person?” thinks everyone. And this is exactly how those supporters of the PNC sound when they claim the PNC never REALLY rigged elections between 1968 and 1985!

Now Prezzie was in charge of Camp Ayanganna in 1973 when the ballots were all taken there after (as he described it) the “splendid” action of the GDF to seize the ballots. And incidentally kill two PPP observers. Even if he wasn’t in charge of the substitution of pre-marked ballots for the cast ballots, surely he would’ve heard SOMETHING?? He is also a trained historian who’s had access to all kinds of information on the rigging for years and years – including the declassified files from the US and Britain – and he still tell this “long nose” lie??

But it’s not only those sources that expose the rigging ‘long nose’ lie – simple common sense does this. In 1985, for instance, the PNC claimed 228,718 votes (78.5 per cent) for themselves and 45,926 (15.8 per cent) for the PPP. Yet in 1992, in the election that the PNC never even HINTED was not “free and fair”, the PNC received 128,286 votes (42.3 per cent) and the PPP 162,025 or 53.5 per cent!! Where did those 100,000 PNC go if it wasn’t rigged?

But with Prezzie and the die-hard Burnhamites telling the “long nose” lie – they’re forcing the wide swathe of decent citizens who decided to “give the PNC a chance” to also repeat the lie. And look ridiculous!! And sooner or later, the cognitive dissonance --- not to mention the “long nose” will force them to balk.

Why doesn’t Prezzie just man up and apologise for the rigging??

…of twisting Rasta word Your Eyewitness is quite confused by the tone and substance of a letter sent out by a group purporting to be Rastafarians in Guyana. They claimed “the sacred air and consciousness of Guyanese of African descent was invaded and toxified by Cheddi Jagan” and other (named) PPP leaders. To illustrate their claim, they noted, “The music of India penetrated our consciousness from early morning at the exclusion of the music from Africa.”

Your Eyewitness did a quick survey and discovered that apart from the Government radio station, only two of the other private stations broadcast SOME Indian music. Maybe the Rasta citizens – who describe themselves as “multiracial” – could clarify something.

If the three stations that pollute the “sacred space of Guyanese of African Decent” with Indian music, start broadcasting African music, will the pollution cease…or should the Indian music cease forthwith?

And since the Indian cricket they objected to is sponsored, would they sponsor football from Africa? …of bias The head of the Caribbean Court of Justice should change his name to Sir Rip Van Byron. After noting it’s been 12 years since Guyana had had PERMANENT rather than ACTING Chancellors and Chief Justices, he called for this to end immediately!!

What caused this sudden epiphany??

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

News

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thurSDAY, november 16, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Local Govt Commission ready to receive complaints – but warns it will not be stepping out to seek grievances

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ven as it tries to secure headquarters from where it can function properly, the newly-constituted Local Government Commission (LGC) is leaving the proverbial door open for those with complaints to bring their issue to the body’s attention.

This is according to the Commission’s Chairman, Mortimer Mingo. In an interview with this publication, Mingo bluntly stated that the entity was not required by law to seek out problems affecting Local Authority Areas, but to act on complaints received.

“The Local Government Commission Act spells out the functions and responsibilities of the Commission.

We’re not going out there and look for anything.

In the various municipalities, [Neighbourhood Development Councils] NDCs and the [Regional Development Councils] RDCs. Whatever issues are brought to us, the Commission meets as a col-

sically, those are the things that will be preoccupying (the) time, if you will, of the Commission.”

According to Mingo, they are still looking to secure an office in which to house the Commission. He noted that as a constitutional body, they had prepared a budget which they had submitted to Parliament for consideration. But Mingo also explained that while they did not have an office, persons at the municipalities would still have information on where they could be contacted.

“Once those issues come to us, we will determine how we will handle it. We have to give the staff it. We are now working out the organisation chart. Based on the organisation chart and the activities of the Commission, we will make a determination of the staffing.”

Speaking on his experience in local government and what he would bring to the position of Chairman, Mingo pointed to the years

LGC Chairman Mortimer Mingo

me in good stead to make a meaningful contribution towards the Commission,” he related.

Problems

Mingo sought to stress that all issues in the different areas would have to be dealt with on a case-by-case basis. The Chairman said that this was because each NDC or RDC had its own peculiarities.

“In local government,

The Commission after members were sworn in last month

lective, looks at those issues, and investigates where an investigation is needed.”

“As you know it is a newly-appointed commission.

We have only had one meeting in which we elected the Chairman and the Deputy Chairman. Our first order of business will be to look at a budget. The next thing we have to look at is suitable accommodation. So, ba-

he spent in the system.

“In terms of my experience that I am able to bring to bear, I was Chairman of the Regional Democratic Council of Region 10 for 10 years. In addition to that, I had experience in Local Government at the level of the municipality of Linden.

And so, I think, basically, my knowledge working in that arena would have put

each NDC (or RDA) has its own peculiarity. In terms of the operation of the NDC, there’s no one size fixes all.

So, you have to look at individual NDCs, what are the issues affecting the functioning of those NDCs, and if there is a need for intervention coming out of a process – bring it to our attention, then certainly we will look

at that particular NDC.” There are a number of controversies in the local government system which have been in the public domain for some time. One such issue is reports that in some local authority areas, officials are being appointed without any vacancy being advertised. In addition, there have been reports that young, qualified applicants are being overlooked in favour of others.

The recent case of the sexual abuse of a minor in the Georgetown Mayor and City Council’s custody and the subsequent bungled handling of the matter; including the failure of City Hall officials to immediately report the matter to the Police could also attract the attention of the body.

The Commission was sworn in last month, after a lengthy delay. The

parliamentary Opposition had named its nominees to the Local Government Commission since last year. However, since the Government did not submit its nominations, this resulted in a deadlock.

One of the first public deadlines that Communities Minister Ronald Bulkan gave for the body to become functional was at a press conference during the March 2016 Local Government Elections. When asked, during the latter part of the month for an explanation, the Minister moved the deadline to the end of June 2016.

In the Budget estimates for 2016, some $30 million was allocated by the Government to the non-functioning Commission. When asked, Bulkan had stated that this was to allow the Commission to operate

independently of Central Government.

The Commission is charged with, among other things, control over whom gets appointed as officials in the NDCs and other local authorities. In addition, it would have to approve budgets for the NDCs. By law, the Commission is to be made up of eight members. The members of the Commission include four nominated by the Government, one by the unions and three nominees by the Leader of the Opposition.

The Commission’s members are Mingo, Clement Corlette, Marlon Williams, Jo Ann Romascindo, Andrew Garnett, former Local Government Ministers Norman Whittaker and Clinton Collymore, and former Georgetown Town Clerk Carol Sooba.

10 News

thursDAY, november 16, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

meets officials to Crime Chief denies allegations Patterson remedy delayed road works in NA of Police beating suspects …says caution statement interviews now I being recorded

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ften times when prisoners appear at the Georgetown, Wales and Leonora Magistrate’s Courts and other courts across the country, on varying offences, they claim that they were beaten by Police ranks who allegedly forced them to sign confession statements, admitting to carrying out crimes for which they were accused.

These are, however, not fresh claims as investigative ranks have been long accused of inflicting such acts to garner information.

Acting Crime Chief Paul Williams who spoke to media operatives at a recent Police event earlier this week was asked if he was aware of any investigation into the claims that ranks attached to the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) have been beating detainees to obtain information. In response, Williams denied knowledge of such incidents since acting in his position for the last few months. He also maintained that his CID subordinates are capable enough of garnering what they require without reverting to acts of assault.

Acting Crime Chief Paul Williams

“I know under my watch, nobody will be beaten, because we have what it takes.

I have capable and competent people who can do good interviewing and investigation, so there’s no need for us to move to the extreme where we would have to get physical to extort any information from any person,” he said on Monday.

He further stated that he will take it upon himself to ensure that beatings do not occur. “No Magistrate has ever asked or ordered for me to conduct any investigation where persons alleged that they were beaten,” the act-

ing Crime Chief disclosed.

Williams further informed the public that much of the training received from the Canadian-based Justice Education Society (JES) with Magistrates and Judges; it was recommended that interviews with detained persons be recorded while being conducted. It was revealed that caution statements are being taken with cameras present.

“At the end of it, if people want to deny the credibility and also the weight and authenticity of those confessions, the camera is there to show because everything is being done consistently,” stressed the acting Crime Chief.

In February, the men accused of murdering a cellphone card dealer on the Corentyne had accused Police of brutalising them at the Albion and Whim Police Stations. The Canadian Justice Education Society has collaborated with key international partners, and have facilitated detective training programmes geared at building and strengthening the justice system in Guyana.

n light of complaints of unnecessary downtime received from residents of New Amsterdam, Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne), Public Infrastructure Minister David Patterson led a team to the town on Wednesday to review ongoing road works being executed there.

Accompanying the Minister were Permanent Secretary, Kenneth Jordan; and Coordinator/Chief Works Officer of the Work Services Group, Geoffrey Vaughn.

After arriving in the Ancient County early Wednesday morning, Minister Patterson turned up to inspect the progress of works being undertaken by his Ministry on Main and Republic Streets in New Amsterdam. The visit came on the heels of reports to the Ministry of slothfulness in the execution of the project, which has caused inconveniences to the residents of the community.

During the visit, Minister Patterson met with a number of officials including the Ministry’s Regional Engineer for Region Six; the contractor, Associated Contractor Company; and a representative from the Community Oversight Committee to ascertain the reasons behind the delay and determine the way for-

Stalled works on one of the roads in New Amsterdam

ward.

Following discussions, a number of solutions were determined, including the reopening of one lane of the road to vehicular traffic to reduce the level of inconvenience experienced by the residents. Nonetheless, it was emphasised that all necessary steps, such as the testing of materials, must be taken to ensure that the work will stand the test of time, despite the delays these steps may cause.

“We don’t want to do something that’s just fast; we want to do something that is correct,” Minister Patterson stressed. He also emphasised that any internal conflicts must be put aside since the residents were ultimately the ones being affected.

The works, which include scarification, asphalting, and deep patching of failed sections, are now expected

to conclude by mid-December.

Works have also been stalled on Republic Street and the visit to this site saw Minister Patterson urging remobilisation of the contractor to ensure that the project progresses as planned. “These are main streets in New Amsterdam and residents should not have to go through this; we cannot do this to people,” Patterson pointed out to the engineer. Meanwhile, the team from the Ministry also visited the East Bank Berbice road, the second such trip to the project in recent months.

Just three weeks ago, Patterson led a team to the project site for a first-hand look at the progress of works to date. He also met with officials from Berbice to discuss infrastructural works being undertaken in the region.

11 2nd broadcaster files legal action against GNBA news

thursDAY, november 16, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

…grounds include equality, freedom of expression infringements

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BC Channel 42/93 is the second broadcaster in Guyana to seek relief in the High Court on claims of constitutional rights’ infringements, which it says is enshrined in the 2017 Broadcasting Amendment.

The broadcaster is claiming infringements of equality and freedom of expression among other claims of loss of constitutional rights. Stephen Fraser of the Chambers of Fraser, Housty and Yearwood, representing the broadcaster on Monday (November 13, 2017), filed a fixed date application naming Attorney General Basil Williams, and the Guyana National Broadcasting Authority (GNBA) as respondents.

The hearing in the High Court is set for December 15.

Meanwhile, a fixed date application to challenge the Broadcasting Amendment (2017) by Freedom House Radio Inc is set for a High Court hearing today. The broadcasters are separately challenging the 2017 amendment on various constitutional grounds.

Freedom Radio Inc had filed a constitutional challenge in the High Court, over the Administration’s imposition of an ‘onerous’ increase in the annual broadcasting fee and the expropriation of its airwaves during ‘prime time,’ for Government broadcasts.

The separate challenges by the two broadcasters follow significant outcry by local and international press bodies, among others, on fears of erosion of press freedom and other impacts, particularly in terms of legislated demands under public service broadcasting (PSB).

One such international body, Reporters Sans Frontieres (RSF), more commonly referred to as Reporters Without Borders, had stated before the Bill was assented to law that "what is most wor-

rying about the Bill is its process of adoption, which involved no consultations with any broadcasters even though repeated attempts were made to meet with Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo both leading up to, and during, parliamentary debate..."

Others who voiced their concerns include the International Press Institute, Association of Caribbean Media Workers, Guyana parliamentary Opposition, the Guyana Private Sector Commission, the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce, and the FITUG, largest amalgamation of trade unions in Guyana.

In its high court action, MBC 93 is contending that unfair competition and expropriation of property rights, among other loss of rights, have been legislated through the Amendment contrary to its constitutional rights.

In its application, MBC 93 noting the contravening of its equality rights, pointed out that "this unfair competition scenario has been exacerbated where the public broadcaster, National Communications Network (NCN) receives a significant subvention from the public purse, and continues to engage in competition with private broadcasters for the commercial market."

It noted the status of "the State-owned NCN which is not subjected to the same level of interference by the new amendments", adding, "as such, Government’s competition

3 arrested with ganja …in Berbice

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hree West Coast Berbice residents were on Tuesday afternoon taken into Police custody after they were found to be in possession of a quantity of cannabis.

According to information received by the Police, an intelligence led operation resulted in ranks of the Force visiting a loca-

tion at D’Edward, West Coast Berbice, at around 15:40h on the day in question. A search was conducted and in excess of five and a half kilograms of cannabis was discovered.

The suspects, ages 20, 23 and 30, were all detained and are expected to be charged in relation to the offence soon.

policies supplemented and grounded now in the new laws constitutes an unfair and unreasonable interference with the Applicant’s fundamental right to freedom of expressions as well as its property rights and interests".

According to the High Court action, the legislating of public service broadcasting puts private broadcasters in double jeopardy to face unfair competition and to provide services

without compensation, with potential to impact on commitments to commercial clients.

The fixed date application by MBC 93 also noted the potential for the company's operations to be attempted to be closed by the State in its possible enforcement of the Amendment.

"The High Court action also challenges the continuing demand by GNBA for past exorbitant fees (declared unlawful) and the new increased fees with its likely effect of destroying the Applicant and shutting down its operation entirely" said MBC 93.

In the High Court challenge, the broadcaster contends that "since 1995 it had sole and exclusive rights to broadcast on the specified channel and spectrum, and as a result of the grant made under the licence, the Applicant ob-

tained a vested right to property and an interest in the spectrum and channel."

According to MBC 93, this interest and right then automatically fell to be protected by section 142 of the Constitution of Guyana which prescribed that interests and rights in property of whatever nature could not be taken away without adequate compensation.

It noted also that the 2017 Amendment effectively took away its rights in spectrum and channel by "splitting of the National Spectrum into 'Zones', and unreasonable and unjustified licence fees also effectively contravened the Applicant’s property and interest rights in the spectrum and channel as guaranteed by section 142 of the Guyana Constitution."

The Broadcasting Amendment 2017 was

passed in the House of Parliament at its August sitting this year despite a number of broadcasters asking for a stay and requesting an audience with the Prime Minister to discuss their concerns over the then proposed amendment.

While the broadcasters were still awaiting word on this letter for an audience, the amendment received presidential assent on September 7, 2017.

According to MBC 93 in a released statement, to date, there has been no response from the Prime Minister to the request for a meeting to discuss broadcasters’ concerns, while noting that existing broadcasters were forced once more to re-apply for their licences or face penalties including criminalisation if they continued to broadcast without re-applying.

12 news

thursDAY, november 16, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

City Hall sexual assault fiasco

Constabulary officers reinstated, placed on administrative leave

By Lakhram Bhagirat

T

he two Constabulary officers dismissed

by City Hall, are expected to be reinstated and then sent on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation of the alleged sexual assault on a minor and dereliction of duty, by the Legal Affairs and Security Committee of the municipality. This action comes following a letter to the Town Clerk by Communities Minister Ronald Bulkan last week.

Corporal Quacy Baveghems claimed that he witnessed a Lance Corporal of the City Constabulary engaged in a sexual act with a minor in August.

The incident allegedly occurred when a 15-year-old boy was taken into custody on August 17, 2017, and placed before the court on a charge of wandering. At some point during his detention, for reasons unknown, the minor was transferred to the Regent Street Outpost where the alleged incident occurred between August 22 and 23.

The alleged perpetrator was dismissed for gross misconduct while Baveghems, who claims that he witnessed the assault, was also given the boot after he failed to report the matter to the relevant authorities.

Although the incident

Mayor Patricia Chase Green addressing the Council

occurred in August, it was never reported to the Police until October 17. The matter was also brought to the attention of the M&CC’s Legal Affairs and Security Committee after one month and City Hall has been since accused of covering up the incident. There have also been calls for Town Clerk Royston King to be disciplined as well, since he knew of the incident and ‘interviewed’ the victim but failed to report it.

However, there have been protests by civil society and some Councillors who claimed that Baveghems was wrongfully terminated, and as such, called for his reinstatement. The disgruntled Corporal wrote to

President David Granger and Minister Bulkan voicing his dissatisfaction with the treatment meted out to him.

Bulkan has since written to Town Clerk, Royston King, indicating that due process was not taken and that Baveghems should be allowed a fair hearing to answer to the allegations.

“It is important that you note that the Ministry of Communities will not condone unfair and/or wrongful treatment meted out to employees of any Local Democratic Organ, and will endeavor to safeguard their employment and natural justices,” Bulkan wrote.

“It is clear that at the time of Mr Baveghems’ dismissal, the Legal Affairs

and Security Committee (of the city) was in the process of investigating the matter brought to its attention and had not yet completed its work…further, there is no mention that the Minutes provided were placed before the Legal Affairs and Security Committee for confirmation and signature by the Chairman, in accordance with Section 66 of the Municipal and District Councils Act, Cap 28:01.

Therefore, your actions may be deemed as ultra vires since the Legal Affairs and Security Committee was not given the opportunity to complete its responsibilities, neither was the Committee allowed to report its findings and make recommendations to the Council,” the Minister added.

The Mayor’s response

In response to the letter, Georgetown Mayor

Patricia Chase Green called an Extraordinary Statutory Meeting on Tuesday to discuss the way forward.

During the meeting, she related that her office got wind of the matter on the morning of August 23 when Chief Constable Andrew Foo related the incident.

Foo informed that he received a report that Lance Corporal (name given) was involved in a matter in the Inquiries Office of the City Constabulary.

“The Inquiries Office is a big open space, I said what did you (Foo) do, he said nothing. I put down the phone and then I called him back and asked him to repeat what he said and he said Madam Mayor, Corporal Baveghems reported to me that he saw Corporal (name given) having sex with this boy...I said that he was supposed to be locked up because if someone is having sex in the open then they should be locked up. I said to investigate the matter and to send a report to me,” Chase Green said.

She noted that the report was never presented to her until after the matter appeared in the press.

The Mayor said that when she got the report it was in parts with several key links missing. The report stated that the accusations, levelled against the Lance Corporal, should be accepted since he was involved in a matter of similar nature. It also recommended that the Corporal be charged with neglect of duty and that the incident be referred to the

Legal Affairs Committee.

“The questions arise and I ask the question of the Chief Constable, when Mr Baveghems saw this act did he come in? He left the prosecutions department, a little room, came out and has to pass a big door, the inquiries door, and these two persons are allegedly having sex in the inquiries room and went to the window on Regent Street to peep. He stood there and allowed the sex act to be performed to completion, to the point where he saw where the Corporal take off the condom and come outside,” the Mayor related.

She stated that she was informed that it was Baveghems who arrested the minor and was never taken to court until August 22, where he was charged for loitering. However, the Magistrate indicated that the minor was supposed to be charged with wandering and the case was dismissed.

“If the case was dismissed, tell me on what basis was he brought back here to spend the night; he should have been released into the care of his guardian,” she questioned.

The Mayor indicated that the report clearly stated that the Corporal was the one on the receiving end of the alleged sexual act.

“I was told…this is not the Corporal having sex with the juvenile, it is the juvenile having sex with the Corporal. A boy of 15, and you (Baveghems) did nothing. My concern is why did the Chief Constable release the boy because in the boy’s statement he said that ‘if I see the man I could identify he’; you got a right as Chief Constable to call that man and arrest him,” she said.

She added that justice was not done to the minor who is yet to be examined and determine whether he is suffering from any trauma.

After the Mayor finished making her statement, Legal Affairs and Securities Committee member, Councillor Akeem Peter told the meeting that judging from the evidence, the Committee says the story does not add up, as they are yet to determine who is really the victim. He then made the suggestion that the officers be sent on administrative leave just to appease the Minister.

At this point, Councillor Oscar Clarke stated that the incident was handled badly from the start and supported Peter’s suggestion and in the end, Town Clerk Royston King, who indicated he would act accordingly, agreed to it.

The Police investigation is still ongoing and the accused has been released on bail.

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thursDAY, november 16, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Honorary consuls are not paid for work done – Greenidge

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oreign Affairs Minister Carl Greenidge has sought to set the record straight regarding Guyana’s handling of its Honorary Consuls in various countries, making it clear that the volunteers are not employed by the Government of Guyana.

Minister Greenidge was making reference to a misleading article in the Kaieteur News which reported that the Honorary Consul in Miami, Ramzan Roshanali, was allegedly being criticised by Guyanese in North America. However, Minister Greenidge explained that the post of Honorary Consul is voluntary, which means the officer is providing service

Foreign Affairs Minister Carl Greenidge

based on the availability of their time.

“The honorary consul is characterised by the following, they are unpaid as re-

gards their labour…they are unpaid,” the minister disclosed at a press conference at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Wednesday.

Minister Greenidge said the situation in not peculiar to Guyana or any other developing country. In instances where a government is unable to establish offices of consul generals in countries where their nationals reside or for which it wishes to have relations, it retains the services of prominent individuals to function as Honorary Consuls.

Guyana, he said, has some 29 Honorary Consuls who are paid an honorarium or stipend of US$500 per month.

“Because we try to en-

Guyana’s Honorary Consul in Florida, Ramzan Roshanali

sure that the expenses they incur are minimised, they are chosen because they have the capacity to save us money. You choose either a

businessman or you choose a professional. We don’t pay those people, what we do is give them an honorarium. that covers the expenses they incur, it is not a cost for their labour they provide,” the Minister explained.

He reiterated that the stipend is a nominal amount which does not even reach a tenth of the what Ambassadors “employees of the government,” are receiving.

According to one observer, who resides in Florida, the Kaieteur News article which attacked the Honorary Consul of Florida, Mr Ramzan Roshanali, “totally misrepresents the office with a photograph of the wrong building”.

The observer said the “article ap-

pears biased, is without any comment from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs who overviews the work of the Honorary Consul, and written in a highly disparaging manner.”

“It is unfortunate that KN has again selectively resorted to attacking the hard work and commitments of Guyanese Americans who continue to serve Guyana, with no compensation, at their own expense and time.

Mr. Ramzan Roshanali is known as a gentleman who goes out of his way to help the Florida Guyanese community. He also sponsors many Guyanese activities in the region at no expense to the Government of Guyana,” the observer stated.

Amid financial woes

City Hall grants amnesty for tax defaulters

…Finance Committee proposes cutting staff to save money habit of putting families on the breadline and a number of Councillors agreed to it.

“If you cut staff then a number of families are going to be put on the breadline… we are in a crisis and we have to deal with it,” she said.

By Lakhram Bhagirat

A

decision has been taken by the Mayor and City Council of Georgetown (M&CC) to offer a one-month amnesty period to defaulting ratepayers on the accumulated interest on unpaid property rates. In addition, Chairman of the Finance Committee Oscar Clarke suggested that the municipality consider downsizing its number of staff since salaries account for 68 per cent of the Council’s revenue.

The option of amnesty was flouted so that the Council could accumulate monies to pay staff members for the months of October, November and December.

The amnesty period runs from November 15 until December 15.

Clarke disclosed that at the start of 2017, it was agreed that workers will be paid between the 25th and 27th of every month and that workers will be given a multiyear salary increase from 2016-2018. However, the Council was unable to meet its obligation last month due to lack of funds.

The Chairman suggested that as it moves into the New Year, the Council should begin looking to reduce its 800 staff. He noted that the current financial state will remain if the Council continues to pay 68 per cent of its revenue for staffing. He noted that the Mayor and City Council will have to undertake a review of the entire staff structure in 2018 and this was communicated to the union, adding that the workers of the Council are paid higher than those in the public service.

“We will have to discuss with them (union) the way forward in terms of re-

‘Think-tank Committee’

In order to look at ways to broaden and increase the Council’s revenue base, the M&CC decided to formulate a new committee to brain-

Councillor Oscar Clarke making his presentation

ducing the number of people we have on staff…it’s not that we don’t think the Council needs the workers, the Council need the workers but the Council got to get money to pay the workers... I can make reference to a couple of positions, for example an Office Assistant here gets $74,000 per month, the Government pays about $60,000 now…

Clerk 2 General is $90,266 per month, the accountant

gets $184,966 as opposed what the Accountant in the public service gets, maybe $109-$110,000,” he informed.

In addition to high salaries, Clarke told the Councillors that City Hall has about 260 pensioners and that number is rapidly increasing since every year workers are going into retirement. However, Mayor Patricia Chase Green said that the City is not in the

storm ways of increasing revenue stream. After some debate, the majority of the Councillors agreed to the proposals.

Meanwhile, the ‘ThinkTank Committee’ will consist of members of the Finance Committee and other Councillors who volunteer to deliberate on various ways in which the Council can either collect monies owed or embark on new revenue earning initiatives.

Sitting on the committee are

Councillors Monica Thomas, Akeem Peter, Jameel Rasul, Phillip Smith and James Samuels.

Councillor Clarke revealed that the Council’s income was $395,720,364 in January of which $157,728,245 came from taxes. In February, the Council’s revenue was $222,066,000 of which over $168 million was from taxes.

In March, the Council raked $239 million of which $186 million was from taxes.

14 news Diabetes leading cause of death within Guyana’s workforce thursdAY, november 16, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

GPHC Chairperson Kesaundra Alves making remarks A staffer from the Ramada Princess Hotel having her eyes examined during the event

I

n observance of World Diabetes Day, the Lions Club of Diamond-Grove, East Bank Demerara, held an interactive session and screening for diabetes at the Ramada Princess hotel on Tuesday.

Chairperson of the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation, Kesaundra Alves, delivered the feature address on behalf of Public Health Minister Volda Lawrence.

Alves outlined that in the region of the Americas, “there

The team from the Diamond-Grove Lions Club, along with GPHC Chairperson Kesaundra Alves

are some 54 countries where the situation is quite alarming”. She said Guyana and Trinidad occupy the top two positions with regard to the incidents of diabetes and deaths of persons during their working life and those becoming sick or chronically ill or disabled due to diabetes.

According to the Department of Public Information, Alves noted that in the World Health Organisation country profile

for 2016 it was revealed that most deaths occurred in the 30 to 69 age range, with 160 men and 180 women succumbed to diabetes in Guyana for that year.

Alves noted too that the sustainability of the country’s economy will be severely compromised if on a yearly basis, human resources are lost at this rate. The health official urged persons to be more cognisant of their health and reiterated that the disease can be

prevented or better managed by a change of lifestyle that helps to reduce the risk factors.

“Diabetes is a long-term condition that causes high blood sugar levels. So first, we have to take a look at our diet. It is ill-advised to indulge in eating habits that will jeopardise our health, so let’s craft a healthy eating plan; one that has less consumption of sugar, our sugary drinks and snacks and all the processed foods high in sugar that we consume.

It is crucial that we control our blood glucose levels so let us take a keen look at the household nutrition and make the appropriate changes.”

Speaking directly to the theme of the session “Women and Diabetes – our right to a healthy future”, Alves revealed that women are more affected than men and less able to withstand the burden of the disease. She also advocated for increased physical activity and exercise and also for the person to put wellness as a priority while highlighting the dangers

of being overweight, smoking and alcohol consumption.

Alves observed that data is instrumental since it will allow health officials to monitor patients more effectively and devise action plans and strategies based on the trends that emerge from the data.

This, she said, will prove to be cost-effective in the long run and will generate empirical evidence that will be an effective tool.

World Diabetes Day is observed every year on November 14.

Bartica Market set for Community Advocacy Programme major rehab works launched in Region 6 …costing $20M

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esidents of Bartica, Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) will soon be the beneficiaries of a state-of-the-art market, according to Town Clerk Phebe Wallerson, who disclosed that in a few weeks, the Bartica Market would undergo major rehabilitation works.

According to the Town Clerk, the municipality intends to design the Bartica Market as one of the first ‘green markets’ in the country and is eagerly anticipating its completion. “We also intend (that) it will not just be a place for selling goods and acquiring products that you need, but we also want to ensure that our marketplace can be a tourism point within our municipality as well,” Wallerson stated.

The Town Clerk added that the estimated cost of the rehabilitation was $20 million and was expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2018.

Wallerson said vendors who currently occupy the Market have already been notified of the upcoming works and have given the Town Council their full support.

Additionally, she disclosed that the Council has also embarked on a project to develop the community centre. The facility will see major structural changes, which include the construction of an all-purpose court for the youths of the community.

According to the Department of Public Infrastructure (DPI), the project was facilitated

– 20 persons being trained as advocates

I

n an effort to strengthen the community’s response to social issues in Guyana, 20 Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) stakeholders are being trained as advocates under the Social Protection Ministry’s Community Advocacy Programme (CAP).

The training programme was officially launched on Tuesday, at the St Francis

Participants during the training session at the St Francis Community Development Centre, Rose Hall Town, Corentyne

Bartica Town Clerk Phebe Wallerson

through a grant provided by the Department of Culture, Youth and Sport.

It is among several major projects that the fairly new town has undertaken for its development.

The Bartica Golden Beach Boulevard project commenced last month as part of the Green Bartica initiative and is now 40 per cent complete. Mayor Gifford Marshall said that thus far, five mini-marts have been constructed and works have commenced on the walkway.

The contract for this project was one of seven signed under the Communities Ministry’s Community Infrastructural Improvement Project (CIIP) earlier in the year. Contractor Ivor Allen is currently carrying out the project at a cost of $40.8 million.

Senior Gender Affairs Officer Hymawattie Lagan during brief remarks

Community Development Centre at Rose Hall Town in Corentyne.

Among the topics to be covered over the next four days are children and family welfare, gender equality and social inclusion, sexual offences and domestic violence, social security, Trafficking in Persons (TIP), labour and occupational health and safety, and the importance of cooperatives.

CAP was established by the Ministry, through the Department of Social Services, after it was recognised that there was an increase in demand for scarce resources, and the need to

improve the national response to address social issues in Guyana.

According to the Department of Public Information, the programme will see the empowerment of approximately 200 paraprofessionals and community support workers annually selected across the 10 administrative regions.

During brief remarks, Senior Gender Affairs Officer Hymawattie Lagan explained that the programme sought to build a network of advocates countrywide, to strengthen the communities’ response to social issues. It

will also empower and equip communities through the acquisition of knowledge and coping skills, and to improve the quality of life of the vulnerable groups (inclusive of women and girls) by providing access to social support and other forms of community resources.

Lagan added that each community would be assigned a unit of advocates who would work closely with the vulnerable and disadvantaged groups, linking them with resources that would have otherwise been unavailable or inaccessible.

Community advocates will also function as the link between the community and the Ministry and other key networks.

Lagan commended the participants for recognising the importance of the training programme. She encour-

aged them to make full use of the training being provided so that they could make a difference in their respective communities.

Upon completion of the training component of CAP, the community advocates will be responsible for gathering information regarding the needs and vulnerabilities of community residents.

Advocates will also be responsible for engaging in active and pro-active sensitisation and public education in the communities, to ensure residents are aware of the services and assistance programmes that are offered by the Social Protection Ministry and other Government agencies and Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs).

The first training programme was conducted in Lethem, Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo).

News

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thurSdAY, november 16, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Zimbabwe's Army seizes power, Mugabe confined but "safe" Z

imbabwe’s military seized power on Wednesday saying it was holding President Robert Mugabe and his family safe while targeting “criminals” in the entourage of the man who has ruled the nation since independence 37 years ago.

Soldiers seized the state broadcaster and a general appeared on television to announce the takeover. Armoured vehicles blocked roads to the main Government offices, Parliament and the courts in central Harare, while taxis ferried commuters to work nearby. The atmo-

Military vehicles and soldiers patrol the streets in Harare, Zimbabwe, November 15, 2017

Zimbabwe crisis

sphere in the capital remained calm.

In his first contact with the outside world since the takeover, Mugabe spoke by telephone to the President of South Africa, Jacob Zuma, and told him he was confined to his home but fine, the South African presidency said in a statement.

It was not clear whether the apparent military coup would bring a formal end to the 93-year-old Mugabe’s rule; the main goal of the generals appeared to be preventing Mugabe’s wife Grace, 41 years his junior, from succeeding him.

But whether or not he goes, it may mark the end of the country’s dominance by Mugabe, the last of Africa’s state founders still in power from the era of the struggle against colonialism, and one of the continent’s most polarising figures.

Mugabe, still seen by many Africans as a liberation hero, is reviled in the West as a despot whose disastrous handling of the economy and willingness to resort to violence to maintain power destroyed one of Africa’s most promising states. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Alleged rape of teacher

“Moment of hope” as Robert Mugabe’s Black Bush Polder residents iron grip on power evaporates protest Berbice Police er.

President Robert Mugabe remains under house arrest in Zimbabwe (Jekesai Njikizana/AFP photo)

T

he military has taken over Zimbabwe, placing President Robert Mugabe under house arrest and detaining senior Government officials in what many are expecting to be the beginning of a transition of power.

Military officials denied carrying out a coup as they took over the State TV and broadcast a message insisting the President and his wife were “secure”, adding that they were targeting a ring of Government plotters following a power struggle that saw the Vice President flee the country last week.

South African President Jacob Zuma said he had spoken to Mugabe by phone who told him he was “confined to his home but said that he was fine”.

“It is not a military takeover of Government,” an army spokesman said in a televised statement. “We are only targeting criminals around him who are committing crimes that are causing social and economic suffering in the country in order to bring them to justice. As soon as we have accomplished our mission, we expect that the situation will return to normalcy.”

The address came hours after several loud explosions echoed across central Harare and troops seized the headquarters of the ZBC, Zimbabwe’s State broadcast-

Several Cabinet Ministers, including Local Government Minister Saviour Kasukuwere and Finance Minister Ignatius Chombo, and Mugabe’s nephew, Patrick Zhuwayo, were arrested. There was allegedly a brief gun fight outside Chombo’s house. All three are part of the G40 faction of Zanu-PF, which is loyal to Grace Mugabe, who was being lined up to take over from her husband after the Vice President, Emmerson Mnangagwa was fired last week.

The United Kingdom’s Boris Johnson called for calm in a statement to the House

Mugabe mouthpiece, and ordered staff to leave. Shortly afterwards, three explosions rocked the centre of the southern African nation’s capital, near the University of Zimbabwe campus, witnesses said.

Tensions have been building in Zimbabwe since Mnangagwa, a powerful figure in the ruling Zanu-PF party, fled to South Africa last week after he was fired and was then stripped of his lifetime membership of the party. The move was widely seen as part of a battle between Mnangagwa and Mrs Mugabe, the First Lady, over the presidential

Zimbabwe Army General Constantino Chiwenga, Commander of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces, addresses a media conference held at the Zimbabwean Army Headquarters on November 13, 2017 in Harare (AFP photo)

of Commons in which he also criticised Mugabe’s legacy and suggested that a transition may provide a “moment of hope” for Zimbabweans.

Speculation had been mounting on Tuesday that a coup was under way against Mugabe, after the head of the armed forces threatened to “step in” over the sacking of the influential Vice President.

Gunfire erupted near Mugabe’s private residence in Harare in the early hours of Wednesday, residents living close to Mugabe’s mansion in the suburb of Borrowdale said. Armed soldiers took positions at major buildings and routes.

Two hours later, soldiers overran ZBC, a principal

succession when Mugabe dies or steps down.

Rumours were swirling on Wednesday morning that Mugabe and his wife have been offered safe passage to Singapore, but this could not be confirmed.

Eddie Cross, an Opposition MP in Zimbabwe, has told BBC News that he believes Grace Mugabe has crossed the border to Namibia.

South Africa urged neighbouring Zimbabwe to resist any “unconstitutional changes” of Government, but stopped short of criticising the armed uprising. The African Union said it “seems like a coup” and called on the military to halt their actions and restore constitutional order. (Reprinted from the UK Telegraph)

Yakusari residents picketing the Mibicuri Police Station

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esidents of Yakusari, Black Bush Polder on Wednesday afternoon picketed the Mibicuri Police Station – also in Black Bush Polder – demonstrating their frustration in trying to get justice for a school teacher who was allegedly raped and robbed at knifepoint.

The protesters are claiming that the victim and her family were chased out of one Police Station while the Divisional Commander is being accused of ridiculing the family for going to the media.

Holding placards which read “We want justice”; “Why the police stop us to go to Mr Harbhajan office”; “A drug addict and a rapist cannot be free” and “No bail for a rapist”, the residents chanted “we need justice” as they marched in front of the Mibicuri Police Station.

The protesters say it is the only way they can peacefully vent their frustration at those in authority – who are now upset with them for taking their concerns to the media.

The angry residents are claiming that the Police in that area are now treating the alleged criminal as the victim, and the victim as the criminal.

Just over a week ago, the teacher was allegedly raped by one of her husband’s workmates while he was working in the rice field.

It had been reported that

the man allegedly went into the house just after midnight, put a knife to the teacher’s neck and threatened to kill her if she did not cooperate. After committing the act, the man robbed her of a cellular phone.

One of the protesters, Sandra Vasquazuea, while on the picket line, said much of what the teacher had (on her phone) as private was now in the public domain. “The man had a knife to her neck and threatened to kill her. It is a ‘Common Entrance’ teacher who get students going to Presidents College. And it is not just rape; she was beaten in her face and had a knife at her throat …and her phone was stolen.”

Meanwhile, last Friday, Sunil Suelar, 18, of Yakusari North, was placed on $150,000 bail when he appeared at the Number 51 Magistrate’s Court charged with having penetrative intercourse without the consent of the said teacher.

Magistrate Charlyn Artiga also ordered the accused to not get within 100 feet of the Virtual Complainant (VC) and advised that she (the teacher) report any instance where the accused may be making mention of the alleged incident and if it is found that he was acting unlawfully he could be remanded. The matter has been transferred to the Mibicuri Court and

comes up again on November 21.

However, family members are upset over the way they have allegedly been treated. They say while the suspect has not been charged with armed robbery, officers at the Whim Police Station told them that the suspect has promised to return the cellular phone. One of the victim’s sisters is also claiming that seven family members went last Tuesday to the Mibicuri Police Station to uplift the phone as instructed and they were not welcomed there.

According to her, they were outside the Police Station when one of the senior officers at that station made certain derogatory remarks.

“We ask him what is the next step with the phone, and he turn and say ‘alyu move from me face’…” the relative stated.

At that time, it was only the victim who was allowed to enter the police station as her family members remained outside.

However, the officer at that station has denied the allegations, but the victim’s husband who claims that he was right there when family members were verbally abused tells a similar story.

“The Corporal say if awe wan do he wuk an he start cuss up,” the man related.

(Andrew Carmichael)

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guyanatimesgy.com

thursDAY, november 16, 2017

Regional

Morgues shut doors as ultraRowley hits Immigration protest: Govt won’t tolerate this violent Mexican state is overwhelmed by bodies P

rime Minister Dr Keith Rowley on Tuesday said Government is not going to tolerate protest action by Immigration officers. His declaration came two days after Immigration officers at Piarco Airport stayed off the job. This led to hundreds of angry arriving passengers standing in line, some waiting for as long as three hours, to be processed.

Rowley confirmed he had received and read a report on the protest action, which has since been passed on to National Security Minister Edmund Dillon and Attorney General Faris Al-Rawi.

Speaking at the formal opening of a bridge at Covista Court in Covigne, in his Diego Martin West constituency, Rowley said, “I got the report on that matter, which has been sent to the

V

T&T Prime Minister, Dr Keith Rowley

National Security Minister and the Attorney General.

“I expect those who want to hold this country to ransom will not be allowed to do so. Immigration is part of the National Security apparatus and I can tell you, we are not to be subjected to that, and the government is not going to tolerate it.”

On Monday, Dillon warned that anyone who breached existing rules in terms of protest action would be dealt with. Rowley yesterday said that at a time when the country is experiencing financial difficulties, the Immigration officers’ actions were self-serving. (Excerpt from Trinidad Newsday)

iolence in the southern Mexican state of Guerrero has emptied entire villages, closed schools and forced bus companies off the road. Now, it has shut down the state’s overcrowded morgues as workers walked off the job, saying the stench of hundreds of decomposing bodies had become unbearable.

“Lots of nausea. Lots of nausea,” state employee Laura Reyna Benjamín said of the smell to Televisa. “It makes you not want to eat because the stench really sticks with you.”

Bodies have arrived in such numbers that morgues in the state have neither the space to store them nor the personnel to carry out autopsies, workers told local media.

In the state capital Chilpancingo, some 200 kilometres south of Mexico City,

Forensic personnel place the corpse of a person murdered by hitmen into a van in Acapulco, Guerrero

at least 600 bodies are being stored in a space designed to take 200, according to the Reforma newspaper.

Between eight and 10 bodies have been arriving daily at morgues in the state, according to Reforma, while the state has registered 1,919 homicides so far this year – already at least

100 more than last year.

More than a decade after Mexico launched a militarised crackdown on organised crime, violence has continued to surge across the country, and 2017 looks set to be the country’s most murderous year since such statistics were first compiled in 1997. (Excerpt from The Guardian)

to make an initial contribution of about £177 million to the programme, which constitutes the largest partnership effort of the IDB Group and the Government of the UK in Latin America and the Caribbean.

The IDB said SIP will support IDB Group efforts to accelerate sustainable infrastructure development in the region by “catalysing Private Sector investment for the implementation of the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) of the Paris Agreement.”

The IDB said an innovative aspect of the SIP is that it can provide a wide range

of instruments – including grants for technical cooperation and blended finance for loans, equity and guarantees – to fully address barriers to private investment, and respond flexibly to borrowing countries’ priorities and needs.

Claire Perry, UK Minister of State for Climate Change and Industry in a recorded address said: “I’m pleased to announce the UK’s latest climate finance funding commitment through a £177 million investment into the new UK Sustainable Infrastructure Programme in Latin America.” (Excerpt from

British Minister wants Caribbean IDB Group, UK approve to focus on cooperation £177M for sustainable instead of reparations infrastructure in the C’bean A visiting Minister from the United Kingdom has virtually heaped scorn on the idea of reparations, suggesting that Jamaica and the rest of the Caribbean would be better off looking ahead and not peering into history.

British Minister of State with responsibility for the Caribbean, Commonwealth and the United Nations, Tariq Ahmad argued that the issue of reparations only serves to stifle cooperation and opportunities.

Ahmad, who visited Jamaica, Trinidad and

Tobago and Barbados, told the Jamaica Gleaner in an interview that British Prime Minister Theresa May has been clear that the UK has strong, historic ties with Jamaica and the two countries should focus on looking ahead.

In 2013, Caribbean Heads of Governments established the CARICOM Reparations Commission (CRC) with a mandate to prepare the case for reparatory justice for the region’s indigenous and African descendants who were the victims of crimes against humanity

in the form of genocide, slavery, slave trading, and racial apartheid Vice Chancellor of the University of the West Indies, Professor Sir Hilary Beckles, has called for reparations valuing £76 billion (US$100 billion) to be paid to the descendants of enslaved people of the Caribbean by Britain, a former slave-trading nation.

But Ahmad maintained that he would rather focus on planning a better future to build bridges of mutual understanding and relations. (Excerpt from Caribbean360)

Ecuador’s Vice President Glas to face corruption trial

Jorge Glas is suspected of taking bribes from Brazilian construction giant Odebrecht

A

judge in Ecuador has ordered that the country’s VicePresident, Jorge Glas, stand trial over corruption allegations. Glas, who was arrested on 2 October, is the highest-ranking politician to be indicted in the massive Odebrecht corruption scandal.

Prosecutors accuse Glas of taking US$13.5 million (£10.2 million) in bribes from the Brazilian construction giant, which he denies. He could face up to five years in jail. Glas has been Vice President of Ecuador since 2013 and was re-elected to the post in February.

But with corruption al-

legations mounting against him, he was relieved of his duties by President Lenín Moreno in August. As part of a plea deal, former top Odebrecht executive in Ecuador Jose Conceicao Santos revealed that the company had paid US$33.5 million in bribes since 2007 to secure infrastructure contracts in the country.

Prosecutors say that more than a third of that money went to Glas in payments made via his uncle, Ricardo Rivera. Glas and 12 other people, including his uncle, have so far been charged with conspiracy but prosecutors said more serious charges could follow.

The scandal has tainted politicians in several other countries, including Mexico, Peru and Panama as well as Brazil, where Odebrecht is based. (Excerpt from BBC News)

T

he Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) Group, principally through its Private Sector arm IDB Invest and the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy of the United Kingdom (BEIS) will be partnering to create the UK Sustainable Infrastructure Program (SIP) to assist Latin American and Caribbean countries.

The announcement was made during a joint side event in the context of the COP23 climate conference being held in Germany. The IDB said BEIS is expected

Jamaica Observer)

High Court to rule on whether St Kitts-Nevis Opposition Leader should vacate his seat

A

ttorney General Vincent Byron has served notice that the St Kitts and Nevis Government is moving the High Court for a ruling on the eligibility of the Leader of the Opposition, Dr Denzil Douglas, who allegedly has diplomatic passport of another country to continue as a member of the National Assembly.

“I would want to bring to the attention of this honourable House that the Attorney General has instituted, initiated, instructions to Senior Counsel to bring proceedings in this matter to determine whether the member for No 6 should vacate his seat or not,” Byron said.

Speaking in Parliament

Opposition Leader Denzil Douglas

on Tuesday, Byron cited constitutional provisions for the Government’s case.

“We have evidence that the Member for No. 6 has a diplomatic passport that states in it that he is a Dominican national. This Government, Mr Speaker, would like to place on the record our very deep concern that someone who has led this country for many years and who still sits in this Parliament, should hold a passport of a foreign country and we say that resolve has shown an acknowledgement of allegiance, that he has shown an acknowledgment of obedience and adherence to a foreign state,” he said. (Excerpt

from Caribbean News Now)

thurSdAY, november 16, 2017

guyanatimesgy.com

17

Around the World

Greece: Deadly floods Australians decisively support same-sex marriage hit Athens outskirts F A ustralians have overwhelmingly voted in favour of legalising same-sex marriage in a historic poll. The non-binding postal vote showed 61.6 per cent of people favour allowing same-sex couples to wed, the Australian Bureau of Statistics said.

Jubilant supporters have been celebrating in public spaces, waving rainbow flags and singing and dancing. A bill to change the law was introduced into the Senate late on Wednesday.

It will now be debated for amendments.

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull said his government would aim to pass legislation in parliament by Christmas. "[Australians]

The announcement prompted jubilant scenes across Australia

have spoken in their millions and they have voted overwhelmingly yes for marriage equality," Mr Turnbull said after the result was announced.

"They voted yes for fairness, yes for commitment, yes for love." The issue only

went to a voluntary postal vote after a long and bitter debate about amending Australia's Marriage Act. The result on Wednesday brings an end to what was at times a heated campaign.

The vote itself had been criticised by same-sex marriage

supporters, many of whom said it was unnecessary when parliament could debate the issue directly.

The survey was voluntary, unlike Australia's compulsory elections. More than 12.7 million people – about 79.5 per cent of eligible voters – took part in the eightweek poll, which asked one question: "Should the marriage law be changed to allow same-sex couples to marry?"

The Yes campaign argued that it was a debate about equality. The No campaign put the focus on the definition of family, raising concerns about how issues like gender will be taught in schools. (Excerpt from BBC News)

lash floods have killed at least 11 people in the western outskirts of the Greek capital, Athens, as rescue teams are still searching for missing individuals.

The deaths on Wednesday took place in the Mandra, Nea Peramos and Magoula areas, while authorities in the town of Megara said they were searching for several missing residents.

"We have had hundreds of calls for help," Stavros Fotiou, the vice mayor of Megara, told Al Jazeera by telephone. "We are trying to access some areas and open the roads, but the rain still hasn't stopped," he added.

Fotiou could not yet

confirm the number of damaged houses and vehicles, but said local municipal authorities were working with the fire department to help people who were displaced.

Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras said in a post on Twitter he was "deeply saddened" by the loss of life caused by "the catastrophic storm".

He said a Government team had been dispatched to the area to coordinate with local authorities about rescue operations and relief efforts. Nikos Voutsis, president of the Greek Parliament, released a statement expressing his condolences for the families of the victims. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Head of Afghan election body sacked, Russia moves to target foreign media in RT raising doubts over 2018 ballot

A

fghan President Ashraf Ghani sacked the Chairman of the country’s Independent Election Commission on Wednesday, raising doubts over whether parliamentary and council ballots scheduled for next year will take place as planned.

Najibullah Ahmadzai, head of the body charged with organising the elections, had faced growing pressure following repeated delays to preparations for

them and had lost the support of both Ghani and disillusioned foreign donors.

The 2018 votes are seen as dry runs for a presidential election in 2019 and a key test of the progress made

by Afghanistan’s Westernbacked government towards establishing durable democratic institutions.

Following a contentious presidential election in 2014, marred by allegations of massive voter fraud on both sides, internation-

al donor countries have laid heavy emphasis on the need for successful elections next year.

But planning has been beset by a mix of technical and political problems that have made the officially scheduled date of July 2018 increasingly unrealistic. Five members of the seven-member IEC wrote to Ghani this week accusing Ahmadzai of was incompetence.

Ambitious plans for a

biometric voter registration system had to be abandoned and squabbling between members of parliament and Ghani’s fragile National Unity Government over issues including who sits on the election commission have caused months of delay.

The problems underline the fragility of the political institutions created in Afghanistan since a U.S.-led campaign brought down the Taliban in 2001. (Excerpt from Reuters)

President Macron invites Lebanon's ex-Premier Saad Hariri to France

Lebanon's former Prime Minister Saad Hariri and French President Emmanuel Macron (right) at the Élysée Palace on September 1, 2017

F

rench President Emmanuel Macron has invited Lebanon's former Prime Minister Saad Hariri and his family to France, the Élysée

Palace said in a statement on Wednesday. Hariri has been in Saudi Arabia since he resigned unexpectedly on November 4.

France's Élysée presiden-

tial palace said the invitation was made after Macron spoke by telephone with both Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Hariri. Hariri unexpectedly announced his resignation on November 4, citing Iran's grip on the country and alluding to threats to his life.

"I announce my resignation from the post of prime minister," Hariri said in a speech broadcast by the AlArabiya news network, in which he also said Lebanon had been taken hostage by Hezbollah.

"I have sensed what is being plotted covertly to target my life," he said from the Saudi capital Riyadh. Hariri

holds both Lebanese and Saudi citizenship.

The surprise move risked plunging the small and already fragile country deeper into political turmoil.

Hariri’s party has since demanded that he return from the kingdom immediately.

Saudi Arabia, meanwhile, ordered all of its citizens to "immediately" depart Lebanon amid heightened tensions with Hezbollah, which enjoys support from Saudi arch-rival Iran. A brief statement carried by the state-run Saudi Press Agency also warned its citizens against travel to the country. (Excerpt from France24)

registration row

R

The lower House of Parliament backed the proposal

ussia has moved closer to introducing a law that will allow the government to list any foreign media operating in the country as a foreign agent.

The proposal, in retaliation for Kremlin-backed broadcaster RT being told to register as a foreign agent in the US, has been unanimously approved at the lower house of parliament.

US-backed Voice of America and Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty could be hit.

RT is accused of being part of Russia's alleged meddling in the US election.

The Russian proposal would affect foreign-registered media outlets which receive funding from outside Russia. They would be subject to additional requirements and failure to meet them could result in the sus-

pension of their activities.

A similar law already exists, targeting charities and other civil society groups.

"This decision that we're taking is a forced one, none of us wanted to take such a decision, and it will not influence freedom of speech in our country at all," said Pyotr Tolstoy, Deputy Speaker of the Lower House of Parliament, according to RIA news agency.

The bill was passed with 414 votes in favour. The result was then met by a short burst of applause from MPs. It now needs the approval of the upper house and President Vladimir Putin before becoming law.

The Justice Ministry would have to decide which outlets the steps applied to and under what circumstances, the BBC's Sarah Rainsford in Moscow reports. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Police: California man killed wife before gun rampage A California man killed his wife and hid her body in their home before he fatally shot four people during a gun rampage, Police have said. "We believe that's probably what started this whole event," Tehama County Assistant

Sheriff Phil Johnston told reporters on Wednesday.

Kevin Janson Neal, 43, fired into an elementary school in Rancho Tehama, but was stopped from entering by teachers. His wife's body was found hidden under floorboards, Police say.

Investigators said they believe Neal began the shooting rampage when he shot and killed his wife on Monday night.

Early on Tuesday he killed two neighbours and two other victims who investigators believe were shot

at random. "This individual was literally going up and down the road and shooting at random structures," Johnston said. He urged residents to check on their neighbours to make sure no one else was hurt.

A motive for the attack is

still unclear, but Johnston added: "I think he had a desire to kill as many people as he could."

At one point Neal crashed a stolen vehicle through the Rancho Tehama Reserve School's locked gate before class began, firing dozens of

shots through windows and walls when he was unable to enter the building. Johnston praised teachers for issuing a lockdown and securing the school after hearing gunshots, adding that their actions prevented a "horrific bloodbath". (Excerpt from BBC News)

18

guyanatimesgy.com

thursDAY, november 16, 2017

ARCHIE

A change of location will be good for you. Look for a space (March 21that will bring back your enApril 19) thusiasm and offer amenities that will make your life more comfortable and convenient.

ARIES

TAURUS (April 20May 20)

dilbert

Taking a business trip or collaborating with someone who has something to offer will point you in a new direction. Your actions and the changes you make will speak volumes.

Participation will be in GEMINI (May 21- your best interest. Engage in June 20) physical challenges that will give you the chance to work in conjunction with people just as active and vibrant as you.

Plan to attend a networking function or do something (June 21- fun with youngsters or loved July 22) ones. Taking up a new hobby will lead to interesting opportunities.

CANCER

Peanuts

Making alterations to how LEO or where you live will require (July 23- your undivided attention and Aug. 22) creative input. Be careful not to let excessive individuals or overspending lead to your downfall.

Take your responsibiliVIRGO ties seriously. Looking after (Aug. 23an older friend or relative Sept. 22) will turn out to be rewarding.

Your kindness will result in an unexpected gesture that will help you out financially.

Calvin and Hobbes

WORD GAME

SUDOKU

LIBRA (Sept. 23Oct. 23)

Refuse to let anyone frustrate you. Use your intelligence to get past any little glitch you face when dealing with someone you live or work with. You can make today be a good one.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24Nov. 22)

Don’t fear doing things differently. It’s your uniqueness that makes others gravitate to your side. The passionate way you approach life will be plainly exhibited and will attract positive feedback.

Your kindness and gener-

SAGITTARIUS osity should be carefully made (Nov. 23- available to those worthy of Dec. 21) them. Someone will take advan-

tage of your enthusiasm and reluctance to admit defeat. Think twice before you make an unrealistic promise.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22Jan. 19)

solution for LAST PUBLISHED Puzzle

You’ll impress your peers with your unique suggestions and solutions. Take the initiative and turn your ideas and plans into something tangible. Personal improvements will turn out well.

Emotional matters will AQUARIUS escalate if you don’t stay (Jan. 20- calm. Problems with schools, Feb. 19) transportation companies, friends and relatives are best handled with reserve. Take better care of your health.

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

You’ll receive something PISCES (Feb. 20- unexpected. Be ready to take March 20) advantage of a unique opportunity. Financial and personal gains are prevalent. Love, romance and physical improvements are encouraged.

thursDAY, november 16, 2017

19

Trinidad & Tobago Soca Warriors vs Guyana Golden Jaguars International Friendly

Determined Jaguars held to fighting draw

By John Ramsingh in Trinidad and Tobago

A

19th minute header from Sheldon Holder and tight defending ensured that Guyana come out with a spirited 1-1 draw against Caribbean Powerhouse Trinidad and Tobago in their International Friendly match at the Ato Boldon stadium in Balmain Couva, Trinidad on Tuesday night.

The hosts controlled much of the game including the early exchanges and had three shots on goal within the first

count. In the 19th minute, Kadel Daniel dribbled past two defenders and gave Sheldon Holder a perfect past right in front of the goal. Holder then headed past the opposing captain, Sheldon Bateau and the advancing goalkeeper Marvin Phillip to find the back of the net and silenced the crowd on a cool, windy night in Central Trinidad.

The rest of the first half continued to be very eventful with high intensity plays and possession being shared almost equally. However, the quicker Warriors who created

a substitution with Shahon Winchester replacing Jamille Boatswain and in the opening minute Neil Benjamin missed a golden opportunity to put the Warriors ahead, yet again. After Levi Garcia beat Jaguars Captain Samuel Cox and fellow defender Brandon Beresford on the left, he executed a clinical past that found Benjamin’s right foot.

The talented Benjamin then waited a moment for the Jaguars goalie, Andrew Durant to advance then went for glory. However, his attempt was just wide of the up rights

Emery Welshman could have sealed the deal for the Golden Jaguars in the second half

The Golden Jaguars defence was responsible for the credible performance on Tuesday night in Trinidad

13 minutes which was played at a high intensity in front of about 1,500 screaming Soca Warriors supporters.

However, it was the visiting Golden Jaguars who made their first chance of a goal

more scoring opportunities could not breach the dogged Jaguars defence and the first half ended 1-0 in favour of the men in yellow.

At the start of the second stanza, the home team made

much to the relief of the opponents.

It was the start of things to come for the Warriors who came out more attacking and determined. This aggressive style of play saw two yellow

cards being issued, one on either side within the next 10 minutes. Nathaniel Garcia who employed a nasty play against Warren Creavalle received his caution in the 52nd minute. Five minutes later, it was Garcia who was on the receiving end as Brandon Beresford was cautioned in the 57th minute for unfair tackling.

The Trinidadians were determined to out run the Guyanese and in the 59th minute Benjamin was set to make amends when he dribbled past three Jaguars defenders but his right-footed effort from right in front of the goal, hit the post. The men in red, white and black were on a role and in the 60th minute, Winchester who came off the bench found the equalizer.

His left footed powerful strike from just inside the box left Durant and the rest of the Jaguars in amazement and got the crowd jumping.

The Jaguars had a rare opportunity to go ahead and could not have asked for anything better from Emery Welshman. The Puerto Rico Islanders player hustled through the Warriors defence and confronted goalie Phillip whom he beat as well but pushed the ball wide of the mark. It was the last real effort for the Jaguars who made a few substitutions in an effort to push for a victory over the highly rated Trinis.

Devonte Small, Anthony Benfield, Dwain Jacobs and Shaquille Adard all came off the bench for Holder, Creavalle, Welshman and

Beresford respectively.

It was the second time in four days that the Warriors had to come back to draw their game. Last Saturday, at the same venue they were down 2-0 before drawing level in injury time against Grenada while the Guyanese were beaten 1-0 by the same opponents in St. Georges in October.

Since September 2010, Guyana and Trinidad have played five times and this is the second drawn encounter.

Trinidad has won twice while Guyana famous 2-1 victory on 11-11-11 is their only victory.

It’s the end of the season for the Trinidadians while the Golden Jaguars will travel to Indonesia for their final assignment of the year on November 25.

Houston Secondary benefits from Banks DIH drive

B

anks DIH Limited through their Coca Cola brand recently joined hands in order to promote healthy lifestyles in schools through means of physical activities.

As a result of the initiative, Houston Secondary School on the East Bank of Demerara, benefited from the venture with the rehabilitation of its basketball backboard and donations of basketballs along with skipping ropes were donated.

Banks DIH Communications Manager Troy Peters who made the presentation during a simple ceremony at the School disclosed that the Company has worked closely with Houston Secondary and is extremely pleased to be helping to promote physical education and healthy lifestyles at the institution.

“This initiative is part of the Banks DIH Limited’s Corporate Social Responsibility programme which fosters positive social impact in schools. In addition, we are working closely with Coca Cola to encourage physical activities and healthy lifestyles among youths”, said Peters Houston Secondary is one of the schools earmarked to compete in the 2018 National Jump Rope competition sponsored by Coca Cola and organized by the Ministry of Education. Physical Education teacher Edmond Johnson expressed appreciation to the Company for the assistance. He said the school will start preparation for the School’s Jump Rope championships next year while plans are in place to participate competitively in schools’ basketball tournaments soon.

Communications Manager Troy Peters presents the equipment to Head Prefect Randy Atherley in the presence of Physical Education Teacher Esmond Johnson, Banks DIH Marketing employees Shenisa Fredericks and Marissa Moonsammy and pupils of the school

20

GUYANATIMESgy.COM

thursDAY, november 16, 2017

Settled Test team named for West Indies

T

he New Zealand cricket selectors have named a squad of 12 for the first Test against the West Indies next month with a 13th to be named after New Zealand A play the tourists.

That addition will be confirmed following a three-day warm-up match between New Zealand A and the Caribbean side beginning 25 November.

The only player not included from the side that played their last Test against South Africa in March, is batsman neil Broom, who has been named in the NZ A side.

A pace trio of Lockie Ferguson, Adam Milne and Scott Kuggeleijn will make up the New Zealand A bowling attack, in what will be one of the fastest the country has ever produced.

New Zealand will start as favourites on home turf

While still named in the squad, the availability of wicketkeeper BJ Watling for the Black Caps Test in

Wellington on December 1st is in question due to a hip injury. Watling will be monitored and evaluated over the

coming week.

All of the Black Caps players will be available to play in the fourth round of

the Plunket Shield starting today.

Selector Gavin Larsen says the Test squad has a settled look to it.

“Aside from a question mark over BJ, we have a fully fit squad who have all shown they have what it takes to perform at Test level,” said Larsen.

“We want to hit the ground running for that first match at the Basin Reserve.

It’s a special place to play cricket and we’re determined to start the summer on a positive note.”

Larsen said the New Zealand A side was full of talent and excitement.

“While the Black Caps squad doesn’t have too may surprises, this NZ A team certainly shows that we have depth and quality players who are pushing for higher honours.

“Watching the three quickest bowlers in NZ operating together will certainly be exciting, and all three have plenty to play for.

“We are looking to develop Martin Guptill’s leadership capabilities and the NZ A match is another good opportunity.”

BLACKCAPS (one to be added); Kane Williamson (c), Trent Boult, Colin de Grandhomme, Matt Henry – Canterbury, Tom Latham, Henry Nicholls, Jeet Raval, Mitchell Santner, Tim Southee, Ross Taylor, Neil Wagner, BJ Watling* New Zealand A: Martin Guptill (c), Todd Astle, Tom Blundell, Neil Broom, Tom Bruce, Lockie Ferguson, Scott Kuggeleijn, Adam Milne, Colin Munro, Jeet Raval, George Worker. (radionz.co.nz)

Norton hails GKC for successful grading

M

Minister of Social Cohesion with responsibility for Culture, Youth and Sport, Dr George Norton and members of the Guyana Karate College and students

inister of Social Cohesion with responsibility also for Culture, Youth & Sport Dr George Norton praised the Guyana Karate College (GKC) for hosting a successful grading exercise for 2017 while continuing to promote the ancient arts.

Students from its various Dojos assembled last

Friday evening at its main impermanent Dojo located in Thomas Lands for the third of the yearly triennial rank examinations.

Minister Norton was present for the entire examination which saw approximately 70 students participating. The Minister told the Karatekas that the competition in the

international arena is getting tougher and tougher dayby-day. He advised that if the students of the Guyana Karate College are to retain the top positions they achieved at previous international tournaments, they will have to work harder, faster and stronger.

The Minister further encouraged the students to

“follow their dreams” and to recognize that “discipline leads to success”, adding that he was delighted to learn that this year the GKC which is celebrating their 11th anniversary, is hard at work as well, completing the construction of their own building (Headquarters and Main Dojo) at Liliendall on the East Coast of Demerara The next tournament

will be hosted under the International Karate Daigaku set for Bridgetown, Barbados from August 16-19, 2018.

Minister Norton also assured that he and his Government would leave no stone unturned to ensure improved facilities are made available to our sports persons.

He expressed confidence that all of the Karatekas who

will be attending the next world championships will put in their best efforts and work harder to bring bigger glory to the nation.

The grading examinations included the other GKC Dojos counting in the Guyana Karate College Sophia Juvenile Holding Centre Dojo and the Guyana Karate College West Coast Demerara Dojo.

Fitness 53 Gym assists RHTY&SC outreach programme F

ormer Guyana and West Indies Cricket Captain Ramnaresh Sarwan and his family of Fitness 53 Gym of Providence, East Coast, Demerara handed over a large quantity of cricket balls and trophies to Guyana’s leading youth and sports organisation, the Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club (RHTY&SC), MS. The donation was handed over

by Sarwan’s parents Kishan and Kumarie during a simple presentation ceremony at the Club’s Area ‘H’ Ground Office.

Club Secretary/CEO Hilbert Foster expressed gratitude to the former Guyana and West Indies batting idol for his kind gesture. Foster also disclosed that the donated items would be shared out to eight cricket clubs and one sub-association in Berbice as the club strives to make sure that cricket is offered to youths as an alternative to a life of crime and the evil ways of Satan.

In 2017 the club has assisted dozens of cricket

clubs and schools with over $3M worth of cricket balls, scorebooks, cricket gears, cricket stumps, trophies, medals and educational materials under its Cricket Outreach Programme.

Foster proudly stated is the only club in Guyana and perhaps the Caribbean that assists its sister organisation and pledged that the programme would be expanded in 2018 to include

more clubs and schools.

The former West Indies batting star was inducted as a honorary member and was honoured at a special ceremony that was attended by the Guyana and Leewards

Ramnaresh Sarwan's parents hand over the donation to the Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club, MS

Island Cricket Teams.

Sarwan for several years has also sponsored the Ramnaresh Sarwan Educational Scholarship Fund which benefitted dozens of less fortunate students. The

Fund assisted the students to stay in schools to obtain an educational background by providing them with all the necessary to attend school.

Vice President Mark Papannah, Organising Secretary Keith Hicks and Cricket Manager Ravin Kissoonlall each expressed gratitude.

Kishan Sarwan in handing over the donation stated that his son was impressed with the work of the club and its commitment to making a positive difference. The Fitness 53 Gym, he sated was fully aware of its corporate responsibilities to give back to society and the donation to cricket clubs was the best way to do so as Ramnaresh excelled at the highest level in the game.

Among the cricket clubs that would benefit from the donation are Blairmont, Police, Chesney, Rose Hall Canje, Kildonan and Upper Corentyne.

sports

thursDAY, november 16, 2017 | www.guyanatimesgy.com

Guinness Playoffs switched to California Square

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D

ue to the unpredictable weather pattern co-ordinators Three Peat Promotions have decided to move the Georgetown Zone Playoffs from Meadow Brook Tarmac to California Square in East Ruimveldt.

The move became necessary because the playing condition at the original venue is almost unplayable when it rains due to the slippery surface.

According to a member of the co-ordinating group, the surface which is concrete in nature poses a serious threat to players risking injuries when the rain falls and it is because of this concern they’ve decided to switch the venue.

They’ve issued an apology for any inconvenience the move may have caused.

However, the fixtures have been released and teams are being asked to be at the venue for 18:00hrs for a prompt start due to the amount of matches that has to be played to arrive at the final sixteen to join the

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sixteen automatic qualifiers for the November 22 commencement of

Guinness “Greatest of the Streets” returns this Friday

the Georgetown Zone Competition.

This year’s playoffs has seen a record number of entries and this clearly emphasizes the growing populari-

T

op performers from the recently concluded Well Teen/Nauth Motor Spares/Trophy Stall/ Tropical Springs nationwide U-13 hardball cricket tournament, will play a feature game on Saturday at the Demerara Cricket Club (DCC) Ground.

The encounter will see champions Blairmont Blazers battling the Guyana Floodlights Softball Association (GFSCA) All Star team in a 30-over affair which bowls off from 14:00hrs.

The strong West Berbice based team will be led by player of the tournament, Zinul Ramsammy who was also selected as the captain

of the All Star team but will remain with his original side. He will be supported by wicket keeper/ batsman Tamanmi Ceasar who made a half-century along with his skipper in the final.

On the other hand, the GFSCA All Stars will have several young talents such as hard hitting opener Tallius Lovell and is led by 2nd division all-rounder Daniel Motoo.

Mystery spinner Romeo Deonarain is his deputy and will get support from Alvin Mohabir and Aryan Persaud. Rahul Singh and Zachary Jodha came in for Marvin Dindial (injured) and ?ucas Arthur (unavailable) respectively.

nterprise Busta Sports Club were crowned champions of the 2017 Busta T20 tournament after beating Fairfield by 73-runs in the finals played last Sunday at the Enterprise Sports Clun Ground.

Batting first, Enterprise racked up 289-9 in 20 overs after national youth batsman Bhaskar Yadram blasted 91 and former national all-rounder Zaheer Mohamed supporting with an even 50.

Damien Lovell was the most successful bowler with 4-16 from 3 overs for Fairfield

who were not keen to the task; folding for 116 after Kamesh Yadram bagged 4-22 and C. Sing 3-16. Yadram was the man to carry away the lion’s share of the awards which included; Best Batsman, Best Bowler, Most sixes and the only century; for his performances during the competition.

Prior to the start of the competition, Minister of Social Cohesion/Sports George Norton bowled the first ball of the final game to which he followed with encouraging words.

Meanwhile, Anand Sanasie, Guyana Cricket Board (GCB)

Classified Enterprise crowned 2017 Busta T20 champs Ads E $5+VAT per word

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ty in what has rightly been described as a phenomenon with massive turnouts at all

the venues.

The Organisers Banks DIH under its Guinness brand has decided to return to the communities and this decision has been welcomed

– registration closes today with happiness from the teams and fans alike.

Meanwhile, all teams are being reminded that the close off date for submission of entries is today and they are being urged to adhere to the request of the Organisers and co-ordinating group so that the group draws could be made early.

Teams failing to submit by today’s deadline risk not being considered for this year’s competition.

Winner of the overall event will walk-away with $500,000 and the championship trophy along with automatic qualification for the National Playoffs.

The runner-up, third and fourth placed finishers will receive $250,000, $200,000 and $100,000 respectively.

Forms can be uplifted from Banks DIH Limited ‘Caesars Place’ Durban Street location or Referee Coordinator Wayne Griffith on 697-7777 or Three Peat Promotions Rawle Welch on

tele: 688-1776 and Duncan Saul at Stabroek News.

The fixtures are seen below:

1. Future Stars vs Eccles All-Stars 2. MBK All-Stars vs Smyth Street 3. Ol Skool Ballers vs New Level 4. Jackson Sports Bar vs Rising Stars 5. Upsetters vs Albouystown Redemption 6. Cross Street vs Stabroek Ballers 7. California Square vs Bel Air 8. Globe Yard vs Hardina Street Warriors 9. Sophia Bullies vs East La Penitence Warriors 10. Fruit Stand vs Gaza Squad 11. School Yard AllStars vs Dam Squad 12. Pike Street Sophia vs Island All-Stars 13. Charlotte Street vs LA Warriors 14. Picadilly Street vs Young Ballers 15. Rasville Dreamchasers vs Terror Squad 16. Breda Street AllStars vs Star Ballers 17. South Stars vs Spot-7 18. New Market Street vs Bel Air 19. Goal Getters vs Judgment Yard 20. Castello vs Norton Street Ballers 21. GTI Ballers vs Team Legacy

GFSCA All-Stars to face Blairmont in feature U-13 game

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The winning Captain of Blairmont Blazers, Zinul Ramsammy collecting the championship trophy from GFSCA Vice President Ramesh Sunich

Trophies for the match will be donated by Trophy

Stall of Bourda Market while players are asked

to report at the ground by 12.30pm.

Blairmont Blazers: Zinul Ramsammy (captain), Shaffie Shakir, Altav Balman, Antowne Alexander, Hemchand Ragbir, Shreedath Roopnarine, Inderjeet Lalsa, Mahendra Ramcharitar, Veer Farhad, Zaid Baksh, Tamanmi Caesar, Darius Joseph and Vickendra Singh.

GFSCA All-Stars: Daniel Mootoo (captain), Shamar Yearwood, Inderjit Nanan, Sanjay Persaud, Dilshan Ramnarine, Romeo Deonarain (vice -captain), Yohance Angoy, Alvin Mohabir, Tallius Lovell, Zachary Jodha, Aryan Persaud and Rahul Singh.

The victorious Enterprise Busta Sports Club team

Secretary; gave feature address while Guyana Beverages Inc. Commercial Manager Samuel Arjoon- assured the club of 10th year sponsorship as well as a

bigger tournament.

The competition which featured 14 teams was sponsored by the Guyana Beverages Inc. who has been

sponsoring the Enterprise club and their competition for the past 9 years; with Enterprise winning the competition on seven different occasions.

22 Ming advocates for new generation of racers

GUYANATIMESgy.COM

thursDAY, november 16, 2017

– views radicals as financially efficient for CMRC

V

eteran Racer and businessman Stanley Ming is adamant that a new generation of racers should be developed in the Caribbean.

“Stop and reflect on what it is you are trying to do for motor sports in the Caribbean and whether it is you are going to concentrate on the older generation of racers or you will focus on building a generation of young people to participate at the sport at the highest possible level”.

Ming’s comments came as he addressed the gathering at the awards ceremony and dinner for the 2017 Caribbean Motor Racing Championships (CMRC) on Sunday at the Ramada Princess Hotel.

The former President of the Guyana Motor Racing & Sports Club (GMR&SC) and ace rider and is of the opinion that the financial burden

Stanley Ming

of running Group Four cars for an entire season has seen a decline in competitors.

“I see a rapid decline in motor cycling racing, I see a rapid decline in the higher class of motor car racing over the last couple of years and the reasons are simple,

Spectacular horse racing heads to Crawford Memorial

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it has become far too expensive for most people to afford a Group Four car and to run it for an entire season”.

According to Ming, the shift should be me made to the radical series which gives financial stability.

“I have bought two of those cars and I can tell you that car can race throughout the Caribbean for an entire year and the only thing you will have to change is brake pads, tyres and add fuel. That car is designed to run not for just one year in racing but for more than two years of racing”.

This season most territories were unable to send large touring contingents to the other rounds held in Jamaica, Barbados and Trinidad and Tobago.

Guyana themselves suffered due to the same reason as they came second to the twin island republic who retained their CMRC title

The radicals made their first competitive appearance at the South Dakota Circuit on Sunday

after amassing 1267 points as compared to the second-place Guyanese on 648 points.

For Ming, the future will come from those that are

being nurtured from the new GT Motor Sport facility located at GMR&SC. Outside of Guyana he was in high praise of the Suzuki Series in Barbados

which competitors can use and then gravitate to radicals. His belief is that such series test the drivers and not “who has a bigger wallet”. (Akeem Greene)

GMR&SC hailed for successful CMRC

The intense action on the track continues this Sunday at the Crawford Memorial Turf Club

he year-end horse racing season continues this Sunday with a 6-race programme at the Ryan Crawford Memorial Turf Club and Sport Facility at Alness Village on the Corentyne coast.

The featured race among the six carded for the afternoon of gripping action is for horses classified “J” and Lower. The top prize is a hefty $180,000 and a trophy while $90,000 is for the second place finisher, $45,000 for third and $22,000 for fourth covering a distance of 1,200M or six furlongs.

The other five events will see the thoroughbreds covering distances of 1,000M or five furlongs each including the “K” and Lower, “L 1” and Lower, “L 2” and Lower,

the unclassified and an open race for non-winners.

The top prize in the “K” and Lower is $140,000 and $100,000 will go to the winner of the “L 1” and Lower event and $80,000 is up for grabs in the “L 2” and Lower class race which will all encourage crowded starting gates with high intensity on the track.

For registration, horse owners must contact M. Crawford on 678-5342, Compton Sancho on 6911174, Jingo on 618-7278 or Fazal on 657-7010.

The first race is set for 13:00h and there will be entertainment by popular sound system while the young turfites will have merry-go-round and trampoline. Food and drinks will be on sale and admission is set for $1,000.

I

Hidden Heroes! GMR&SC President Ramez Mohamed along with ladies who make the races happen – Desire Lee (left); Tina Morris (centre) and Cheryl Gonsalves

t was a 27-event race programme across s two days of intense action and based on reports, there was simply a miniscule of issues at the South Dakota Circuit last weekend for the hosting of the final round of the 2017 Caribbean Motor Racing Championships (CMRC).

For this reason, the touring partying was in high praise for the works of the Ramez Mohamed led Guyana Motor Racing & Sports Club (GMR&SC).

Trinidad and Tobago’s team Manager Nizam Mohamed expressed his

appreciation for the works of Hansraj Singh, Cheryl Gonsalves and Desiree Lee. The twin-island republic managed to retain their title but had little participation at South Dakota due to their container arriving late in Guyana and thanked Seaboard Marine for their efforts. Trinidad still managed to compete in one race and also thrilled the fans with their professional drift cars.

Likewise, Barbadian representative Kurt Seabra stated, “ I thought it was a very good race meet and it was timely

and for the first time in a lot time, there was no attrition as a lot of cars competed finished their races”.

The Barbadians were also hampered in the Group Four class as ace driver Roger Mayers had an accident which ruled his machine out of the day.

However, joy came with eventual 2WD champion Mark Maloney who won his first race at the circuit in 13 years.

Jamaica were a no show regarding their participation but veteran Peter Rae apologised for

his team’s absence and promise a full team next year.

Rae thanked all the marshals who did a splendid job despite the hot conditions. He also went unto to say, “Those ladies in the back ground are hidden heroes. I would want Cheryl [ Gonsalves] to be on my management if I become Caribbean Motor Racing Association President next year”.

The first round of the 2018 championships will be held in Trinidad and Tobago in March at the Wallerfield Circuit.

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thursDAY, november 16, 2017

23

CWI/Digicel Regional 4-Day Championship 2017-18 Round 4…

Jaguars, Red Force begin colossal battle today – confident champs sticking to basics

By John Ramsingh in Tarouba, Trinidad

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hree-time defending champions, Guyana Jaguars had two full training sessions at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Tarouba Trinidad and are confident of topping the hosts in their crucial day/night fourth round match in the Digicel Regional 4-Day tournament beginning today.

looks a little bit slow and we expect it to play the same but the pink ball seems to be doing a lot more at nights so we will try to plan and execute accordingly while sticking to the basics,” Crandon stated.

Meanwhile, Captain Leon Johnson said he has been following the progress of the Red Force whom he acknowledged are playing good cricket. “They [Red Force] have been playing good cricket thus far but we will be looking

Jaguars pacer Romario Shepherd during an extended session on Wednesday in Trinidad (John Ramsingh photos)

On Tuesday, the Jaguars had a session under the lights at the relatively new venue and on Wednesday there was a day session. Head coach Esuan Crandon, told Guyana Times Sport that they are confident and will not do anything different in the top of the table clash. “We had some quality work over the two days and the guys are confident… The pitch

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olice and Grove Hi-Tech battled their way to cop the first two semi-final spots of the inaugural Turbo Energy Drink Knock out Football Tournament on Tuesday evening at the Ministry of Education Ground, Carifesta.

Police started as favou-

Rawl Haynes

rites but were made their work hard for their 1-0 win over Kuru Kuru Warriors.

Rawl Haynes made the difference in the 40th minute but Warriors had a chance to level the scores in the second stanza but saw their penalty shot saved in front of a sizable

to do the basics right and take it session by session and see how it goes.”

In terms of the worrying opening position, Johnson said “when the final XI is selected we are hoping that the openers get it right and not expose the middle order too early.” Another concern for the Jaguars so far is Johnson’s own form and when questioned about it

the skipper said, “I am not too worried; I am confident in my ability and am backing myself to get runs in the games to come.”

The Jaguars are currently the table toppers with 46.6 points having begun the season with a victory over the Scorpions in round one at home and have since beaten the Volcanoes in St. Lucia then pulled off a remarkable come-from-behind draw against the Hurricanes in their last game.

In the drawn encounter, the Jaguars were rescued in the first innings by Vishaul Singh with 97 not out and by Shivnarine Chanderpaul in the second innings with a counter-attacking 109. Vishaul Singh is the Jaguars best batsman so far with 258 runs from two matches while Anthony Bramble (235), Sherfane Rutherford (166), Chandrapaul Hemraj (158), Keemo Paul (126), Leon Johnson (124) and Shiv Chanderpaul (114) all have more than 100 runs.

The Jaguars batting will most likely be the same but they may be tempted to bring in Gudakesh Motie on a pitch that may offer some assistance to the spinners.

However, the question will once again be, who will sit out?

This becomes difficult to answer since the two fast bowlers, Keon Joseph (3 wickets) and Romario Shepherd (6 wickets) and the all medium fast bowling all-rounders in Sherfane Rutherford (12 wickets) and Keemo Paul (7 wickets) have settled in nicely.

On the other hand, second placed Red Force (41.4 points) are coming off their first victory of the season when the quelled the Volcanoes in three days at the Queen’s Park Oval last weekend.

Like the Jaguars, they have a number of internationally-capped

Red Force Captain Denish Ramdin (left) in a serious chat with veteran Shivnarine Chanderpaul on Wednesday at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy

players which will make the match far more competitive. In the last six encounters between the sides, the Jaguars have won five and the other ended in a draw. But with the presence of Denesh Ramdin, Jason Mohammed, Kyle Hope and last season’s leading batsman Yannic Cariah in the batting, along with left-arm fast bowler Sheldon Cottrell to spearhead the attack gives the Red Force an edge to turn things around.

Ramdin has so far scored two centuries on his way to 316 runs while Tian Webster (201 runs), Yannic Cariah (176 runs) and Jason Mohammed (113 runs) are the other Red Force centurions.

This is only the second First Class match at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy and despite the first game two weeks ago saw some runs being scored, it is no real prediction how it will hold up for this mega encounter. The first ball is at 14:00h Squads: Red Force (from) – Denesh Ramdin (captain), Yannic Cariah, Bryan Charles, Sheldon

Cottrell, Kyle Hope, Amir Jangoo, Imran Khan, Jason Mohammed, Khary Pierre, Roshon Primus, Jeremy Solozano, Daniel St. Clair, Tion Webster.

Jaguars (from) – Leon Johnson (captain), Anthony Bramble, Shivnarine Chanderpaul, Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Rajendra Chandrika, Chanderpaul Hemraj, Keon Joseph, Gudakesh Motie, Keemo Paul, Veerasammy Permaul, Sherfane Rutherford, Romario Shepherd, Vishaul Singh The on-field Umpires for the match are Zahid Bassarath (Trinidad and Tobago) and Johnathan Blades (Barbados) while the Reserve Umpire is Lyndon Rajkumar and the Match Referee is Hayden Bruce.

In the other round four matches, the third placed Hurricanes (38.6 points) will host the fifth placed Scorpions (18.2 points) at Warner Park and bottom of the table, the Volcanoes (15.6 points) host the Pride who are in fourth position with 23.2 points at the Arnos Vale Play Field in St. Vincent.

Turbo Energy Drink Football crowd.

They had more chances due to erratic defending by the lawmen but still did not manage to make a conversion.

In the other fixture, Grove Hi Tech won 3-1 against Pele FC as talented forward Domini Garnett led with a double via goals in the 7th and 59th minute.

Denzil Crawford scored the other in the 27th minute.

Young Abassi Jarvis had equalized in the 41st to give Pele some hope especially with some strikes from veteran Travis ‘Zoro’ Grant but Grove used their experience to stay ahead.

The tournament continues this evening at the same venue with the second round of quarter-finals.

In the first match at 18:30 hrs, Camptown will battle Linden’s Silver Shattas after which Pouderoyen tackle Mahaica Determinators from 21:00 hrs.

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.

Police, Grove Hi-Tech clinch semi-final spots – matches continue tonight

Kuru Kuru Warriors (green) gave the lawmen some scares in the second half

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

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2017

guyanatimesgy.com

CWI/Digicel Regional 4-Day Championship 2017-18 Round 4…

Jaguars, Red Force begin colossal battle today Pg 23

– confident champs sticking to basics Jaguars skipper Leon Johnson having a knock in the nets while Shivnarine Chanderpaul and Assistant Coach Rayon Griffith look on intently (John Ramsingh photos)

Left-arm spinner Gudakesh Motie could be recalled for today’s crucial encounter at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy

Trinidad & Tobago Soca Warriors vs Guyana Golden Jaguars International Friendly

Goal! Sheldon Holder puts Guyana ahead against Trinidad and Tobago at the Ato Boldon Stadium on Tuesday night

Determined Jaguars held to fighting draw

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