Guyana Times Epaper - Thursday, October 25, 2018

Overseas-based P13 Guyanese donates over $1M to dismissed sugar workers Nationwide coverage from the best news team in Guyana guyanatimesgy.com

Issue No. 3726

THE BEACON OF TRUTH

Thursday, October 25, 2018

PRICE

SOCU playing duplicitous game with Demerara River crossing probe – Jagdeo Page 3

...says LGE important, referendum to express dissatisfaction Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo speaking at a community meeting at Independence Street, La Grange, West Bank Demerara (WBD). On Wednesday, Jagdeo held several meetings at various communities along the WBD (Adam Baksh photo)

$80 vat included

WHAT'S INSIDE:

Joint Services October salary P2 delayed …“inaccurate filing” blamed …payments made late Wednesday

Pensioner battling for life after Essequibo Coast P7 accident

Teachers’ wages impasse

GTU has learnt its lesson – Mark Lyte Page 9

City Hall CoI

City Constabulary understaffed Page 7

…looking forward to a better pact in 2019 …as agreement finally signed

UNDP partners with Education Ministry to upgrade curricula Page 13

MP accuses Govt of P10 creating Berbice Bridge tolls' uproar

…urges Minister to meet with shareholders

Corentyne P14 farmer accuses Police of conspiring with stray catchers

…as 12 bodyguards assigned to Mayor, former Mayor

Ex-cop found guilty of raping 3-year-old

Page 8

5 bodies P12 found over 5-day period in Berbice

2 news

thursdAY, october 25, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

Joint Services October salary delayed …“inaccurate filing” blamed …payments made late Wednesday

Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan

T

he reshuffling of personnel within various security sector agencies has caused a glitch in the payroll system, thus resulting in a delay of salaries for several members of the Joint Services.

Among the agencies affected were the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU) and the Guyana Prison Service (GPS).

However, Guyana Times understands that issue has been sorted out and those affected were given their salaries late Wednesday.

“I understand that it has been corrected and everybody will be paid, I think, today (Wednesday)… My PS (Permanent Secretary Daniella Mc Calmon) has

been handling that matter along with some officials from the Ministry of Finance,” Ramjattan related to this newspaper when contacted on Wednesday.

According to the Public Security Minister, the issue stemmed from incorrect filling of reshufflings within the affected agencies.

“There were some postings and relocations of officers of CANU and some [Prisons] Service people, and that was not done to the satisfaction of the Ministry of Finance,” Minister Ramjattan explained.

On Tuesday, a circular from the Public Security Minister, which found its way on social media, was issued, informing the Joint Services agencies that their October salary has been delayed due to insufficient funds.

The document, titled ‘Payment of salaries for October 2018’ and dated October 22 – the same day salary was due –, was signed

by PS Mc Calmon and sent to the heads of the Guyana Forensic Laboratory; Guyana Prison Service; Guyana Fire Service; the National Anti-Narcotics Agency (NANA); the Juvenile Holding Centre; the Police Complaints Authority (PCA) and the

Finance Minister Winston Jordan

Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit.

It states, “I refer to the caption and wish to regrettably inform you, that there is a delay in the payment of salaries for the month of October 2018 due to insufficient funds as a result of new appointments. The Ministry is working assiduously with the Ministry of Finance to ensure salaries are paid at the earliest possible time.”

Inaccurate information

However, Finance Minister Winston Jordan on Wednesday claimed that the delays were in fact caused by the submission of inaccurate information and not by unavailable finances.

In a statement to the Department of Public Information (DPI), Jordan said the Public Security Ministry’s payroll was released to the Finance Ministry on October 18, 2018, while a request for 6141 and Virements was received the following day with insufficient information.

He went on to say that a request for additional information was satisfied after 17:00h and a letter for Budget approval sent to the Director of Budget on Monday, October 22, 2018.

According to the Minister, approval was granted, and the funds released the same day.

However, Jordan noted that attempts to import the payroll on Tuesday, October 23 highlighted several errors resulting from incorrect postings during the year.

According to the Finance Minister, staff worked into the night to correct the detected errors. He said the staff of the Public Security Ministry were unable to assist in the process with necessary explanations despite being provided with tables and demonstrations from the technical staff of the Ministry of Finance, for hours.

The result, he posited,

The letter circulated to the agencies informing them of the salary delays

was the inability to process the Public Security Ministry’s payroll to date.

Nevertheless, Minister Jordan had assured that the processing of the payroll continued on Wednesday with staff from the two ministries working to rectify all errors and ensure salaries are paid to the joint services.

Trouble at the Public Security Ministry

This situation is not the first salary-related trouble the Public Security

Ministry has found itself in.

In fact, the recently released Auditor General’s 2017 report revealed that some staff members have been overpaid by millions, prompting the Ministry to seek help from the Attorney General to recover the money.

According to the Auditor General’s report, 10 public servants were overpaid in that fiscal year by $1.3 million. While some of the money was subsequently recovered, some $1.1 million is still outstanding. turn to page 11

news

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thursdAY, october 25, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

BRIDGE OPENINGS The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Thursday, October 25 – 05:00h-06:30h and Friday, October 26 – 05:00h-06:30h.

...says LGE important, referendum to express dissatisfaction

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Thursday, October 25 – 16:30h-18:00h and Friday, October 26 – 16:50h-18:20h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY Sunny intervals can be expected throughout the morning, with sunny skies dominating in the afternoon. Clear skies can be expected in the evening, with temperatures ranging between 21 degrees Celsius and 32 degrees Celsius.

Winds: South-easterly to Easterly and East Northeasterly to North-easterly between 1.78 metres and 4.91 metres.

High Tide: 04:42h and 16:55h reaching maximum heights of 2.77 metres and 2.85 metres respectively.

Low Tide: 10:31h and 22:52h reaching minimum heights of 0.47 metre and 0.34 metre respectively.

wednesDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2018

LOTTERY NUMBERS O

09 11 13

17 21 22

FREE TICKET

02 Bonus Ball

DAILY MILLIONS

04 13 19 20 26 LUCKY 3

0

5

4

6

Afternoon Draw

1

4

Evening Draw

DRAW DE LINE

01

02

03

06

PAY DAY

05 06

12 13 15

11 13

15 SUPER PAY DAY

08 11

SOCU playing duplicitous game with Demerara River crossing probe – Jagdeo

17 18 19

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

O

pposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo on Wednesday told a group of supporters on the West Bank of Demerara that the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) is playing a duplicitous game with investigations as it relates to the way in which the consultancy contract was awarded for the construction of the new Demerara River crossing.

“SOCU is playing a duplicitous game with (Public Infrastructure Minister David) Patterson because they have not called him in as yet and we will push hard for the entire Cabinet to go in (to SOCU),” he told the gathering at Independence Street, La Grange, West Bank Demerara.

The contract in question was awarded to Dutch company, LievenseCSO, for a feasibility study into the new Demerara River bridge crossing. The Opposition had requested that the Public Procurement Commission investigate the award of the $148 million sole sourced contract.

In its report on the matter, the Commission flagged Public Infrastructure Minister David Patterson for requesting from Cabinet that the contract be sole sourced, instead of being processed through the Procurement Board as the law says should be done. It was subsequently announced that SOCU would be investigating the contract award.

Following that, the PPP forwarded the matter to SOCU for them to investigate. Thus far, Minister Patterson has provided statements to SOCU but has never been summoned to be questioned as is the case with several of the Opposition Members as the investigation into Pradoville continues.

Jagdeo, on Wednesday, held a series of meetings with the residents along the West Bank of Demerara as he presented the Party’s candidates and their plans for the November 12 Local Government Elections.

At the La Grange meeting, the PPP General Secretary spoke boisterously about their plans for the Local Authority Area with the main item on the agenda being the refusal of any increased taxes.

“We have a message for everyone and it is all about progress and working for a better future for all our people and really meaning,” he said, while calling on the residents to aid in getting the Party’s plans out there.

He said the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Administration is out of touch with the reality of what is happening in Guyana since they are all living the good life while the common man has to be continuously fighting for what they deserve.

He spoke at length about increased taxes that burdens the common man and pro-

Public Infrastructure Minister David Patterson

vides additional revenue for the Government to waste.

“Over $30 billion in increased taxes to the common man. People in the hinterland have to pay an increase $1.3 billion because they put the VAT on so many things. We (the PPP) had said that because life in the Hinterland is so hard that they can bring in items such as soft drinks and water and so on tax free but this Government taxes that now. They have to pay $5000 more per barrel for fuel, $300 for water and $500 for water,” Jagdeo said.

At the Patentia Tarmac, the Opposition Leader told a crowd that despite being in office for three and a half years, the APNU/AFC Government remains wasteful. He identified that every sector of the economy is being rapidly declining, adding that the country is still mourning the death of the sugar industry.

“We had said and I will say it again that when the PPP gets back in office we will provide a stipend to every laid off sugar worker, while we find jobs for them,” he said, to loud cheers from many of the former Wales

Estate workers.

He reiterated that not only the sugar workers are affected by the estates closure, rather it is the wider communities as well since businesses depended on their earnings as well. He said during his meeting is Canal, people complained of having to pull their children out of school because they can no longer afford to send them all because they had to quit care farming following the closure of the Wales Estate.

“I never thought we would have gone back to the days of hunger but I’ve seen people gone back to hunger because I know as a boy how it was. I thought we have gone a long way in eliminating hunger.

They killed the momentum in the economy growth,” he noted.

The party leader called on his supporters to reject the APNU/AFC Government in their large numbers because that will send a message that they are exhausted with the constant promises and very little delivery.

“We can only reduce the hardships if we participate in the Local Government Elections... this is an important referendum to send a signal to the Government that we are abhor to their national policies... we have to come out in our numbers… we have to crush them in a mas-

Head of SOCU, Sydney James

sive way so they can see the writing on the wall,” Jagdeo urged.

Meanwhile, Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara) parliamentarian Irfaan Ali said they are embarking on a very important journey by contesting LGE as it is one step to ensuring that the PPP is returned to Government. He expounded on the importance of the elections by urging persons to come out in their numbers and vote for the cup.

Also, most of the constituency candidates presented their plans for their respective constituencies which includes improved drainage and better infrastructure within their communities. The Local Government Elections is slated for November 12.

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guyanatimesgy.com

thursdAY, october 25, 2018

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

The East Coast traffic nightmare

E

very day, thousands of commuters who traverse the East Coast of Demerara roadway are woefully inconvenienced because of the snail-paced traffic. This is due to the ongoing road expansion project and despite the East Coast having a vital secondary road in the Railway Embankment, it is still saddled with heavy traffic build-up which worsens extensively during peak hours.

Travel time is extended often making workers and schoolchildren unavoidably late. To try and prevent such tardiness, though no fault of theirs, they are forced to rise earlier.

With young ones attending school in the city and other parts along the route, it has become extremely challenging to sustain such a routine. Fatigue then becomes a factor directly impacting frame of mind for learning. Employers are also challenged to remain flexible on adherence to promptness by their employees.

Naturally, hours are lost, negatively impacting productivity.

Frustration will, therefore, increase as construction prolongs.

Getting emergency treatment for the sick or injured, response to a fire and to the airports are also arduous endeavours within the current circumstances.

Clearly, it’s a price paid for development. This is not unique to the East Coast and residents throughout are not oblivious of the inconvenience that would result as improvement is undertaken.

That said, the magnitude of the inconvenience could have been reduced with better management of the project.

It is assumed that a thorough review was done to holistically assess the realities of the traffic situation and all aspects of diversion prior to commencement of the project. Assuming that, some form of a roadmap should have been derived, taking into consideration access and suitability of detour roads and placement of Traffic Police to ensure a sustained efficient flow.

Some detour roads are very narrow and pose serious challenges to allow two lanes of traffic. Again, it is assumed that was taken into consideration and rehabilitative works done in preparation.

Given the realities of the daily horrendous traffic situation on the East Coast, questions pertaining to the execution of the assumed processes in terms of actuality and thoroughness, abound. Even if there were some deficiencies in that regard in the beginning, the expectation would be for the contractor and the related authority to swiftly reassess in the face of what unfolds every day.

In addition to that, in such situations, it is expected that commuters’ concerns are heeded and updates and advisories, which are designed to ease the challenges, are provided in a timely manner. This was clearly lacking when the Public Infrastructure Ministry recently paved Alexander Street between South and North Roads during the day when it is always rush hour in the city.

That was a much-needed project, and the Ministry’s actions were well-intended and welcomed. However, failure to adequately and timely inform of closures and alternative routes led to chaos in an already-heavily congested area. Long hours of traffic build-up were compounded by the one-way designation of nearby streets.

This raises the old tired question of why some of these projects cannot be done at nights. When pressed for an explanation in the Alexander Street instance, the response was that the work could have only been done when the workers are available. That strongly suggests that everything else was basically in place to facilitate the works in the nights. With regard to workers’ availability, that’s a simple question of management. Schedules can be readjusted to suit; similarly for works on the East Coast.

The volume of traffic on the country’s roadways cannot be underestimated and taken for granted; similarly, people’s time and their convenience. It has been reported that the contractor and the Police are to meet soon to discuss possible remedies to the congestion on the East Coast with the hope of bringing muchneeded relief to commuters.

While there is some level of insulation in the adage of “better late than never”, it again brings into question, why now and not earlier or even before the works began. One would hope that it was not a case of commuters being taken for granted before this proposed meeting as what seemingly transpired in the Alexander Street scenario.

It is also been reported that the long-awaited East Bank-East Coast road link will commence in July 2019. The belief is that this project, which will provide an alternative route that will ease congestion, was agreed on a few years ago, the question of why until next year readily jumps out.

In many ways, these situations point to a perceived lack of capacity in prior planning and execution intended to minimise inconvenience, which to an extent is inevitable. This must be addressed and capacity built for people’s convenience cannot continue to be compromised. Maybe it should be made mandatory for the contractor to provide a plan for approval by the Ministry. Any which way, it speaks to the urgent need for that capacity to be in place.

The US$150,000 bronze monuments donated by the Indian Government to symbolise cultural celebration in Guyana has arrived and was installed at the site in Palmyra, Berbice, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne). The Government of Guyana had awarded some $67 million in contracts for the construction of a base for the monuments as well as surrounding peripheral structures. The base however collapsed and the Indian Government funded the new base

Saudi crown prince promises justice in Khashoggi murder case – perpetrators involved in Journalist’s killing will be brought to justice with Turkey’s help, says Mohammed bin Salman

S

audi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has called the killing of Saudi Journalist Jamal Khashoggi inside the Kingdom's Consulate in Istanbul a "heinous crime that cannot be justified".

In his first public comments in the weeks since Khashoggi's murder, the Crown Prince, known as MbS, said on Wednesday that the perpetrators would be brought to justice with the help of Turkey.

Speaking at the Future Investment Initiative in Riyadh, he said that "some people are trying to seize this painful moment to drive a wedge between Saudi Arabia and Turkey".

He continued: "I want to send them a message: You will not be able to do that as long as we have a king called Salman bin Abdulaziz and a crown prince called Mohammed bin Salman and a Turkish president named Erdogan.

"The rift will never be created. We will prove to the entire world that the both countries are cooperating to punish all perpetrators and justice will be above everything."

Al Jazeera's Sinem Koseoglu, reporting from Ankara, said President Recep Tayyip Erdogan spoke with the royal over the phone just before his speech at the conference.

It was the first time the pair had spoken since Khashoggi disappeared on October 2, 2018.

Saudi Arabia has come under increasing pressure over the killing [Giuseppe Cacace/AFP]

"A couple of hours before that, President Erdogan had a phone call with Jordan's King Abdulla. When you look at this diplomatic phone traffic, you see that there are mediators who are trying to build up [ties] between Turkey and Saudi Arabia," Koseoglu said.

Trump implies MbS may be involved

MbS's remarks on Wednesday came a day after US President Donald Trump for the first time implied that the Crown Prince may have had a role in the killing.

Saudi Arabia has come under increasing pressure over the killing, which has also strained ties with other key Western allies.

Khashoggi, a critic of the crown prince, vanished after he entered the Saudi consulate in Istanbul on October 2.

After Riyadh first denied any involvement in his disappearance, it eventually admitted its officials killed the Journalist, attributing

the death to a chokehold.

Erdogan on Tuesday dismissed Saudi efforts to blame Khashoggi's death on rogue operatives, calling the operation a planned, "savage killing", and demanded Riyadh punish those responsible, no matter how highly placed.

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said the United States had identified some of the Saudi government and security officials it believed were involved in Khashoggi's murder and would take appropriate actions including revoking US visas.

Meanwhile, British Prime Minister Theresa May told Saudi Arabia's King Salman on Wednesday that his country's explanation for the death of Khashoggi in Turkey lacked credibility, her office said.

"The Prime Minister said the current explanation lacks credibility so there remains an urgent need to establish exactly what happened," a Downing Street spokesperson said in a read-

out of a call between May and King Salman.

"She strongly urged Saudi Arabia to cooperate with the Turkish investigation and to be transparent about the results. It is important that the full facts are established."

French President Emmanuel Macron on Wednesday said he had told King Salman that France, in coordination with partners, could take action against those held responsible for the murder of Khashoggi.

Macron expressed profound outrage during a phone conversation with Salman, the French presidency said in a statement, adding the President had asked the King that the circumstances around Khashoggi's death be fully disclosed.

MbS identifies Russia, China, Japan and France as “best friends”

The Saudi Crown Prince opened a meeting with Russian, Chinese, Japanese and French businessmen, who attended an economic forum in Riyadh despite the Khashoggi murder scandal, with the words: "Now we know who our best friends are, and who our best enemies are."

The remarks were quoted to Russia's Ria Novosti news agency by Mikhail Piotrovsky, the Director of the State Hermitage Museum, who was witnessed the meeting. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

guyanatimesgy.com

thursdAY, october 25, 2018

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

Irregular Tuesday Hypocrisy rife throughout the DPI’s operation at GECOM Dear Editor, The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) is again unavailable, reminiscent of his unavailability on Nomination Day. Whispers by persons not wishing to be quoted reveal that he has gone to court, but which court? Calls to his mobile phone go unanswered.

So, I call Mr Anil Nandlall who appears in both matters filed in Georgetown and Berbice, only to find out that the Berbice matter is being heard at 14:00h so I conclude that that is where the CEO has gone apparently since morning. No one can say that he was at work earlier.

There is a hive of activity in the compound. The printed ballots have arrived and boxes are being opened as they have been since 2 pm yesterday all through the night up to almost 4 am.

The newly sworn-in DCEO is ostensibly supervising, although she seems somewhat out of her league, and ballots are being extracted as per constituencies, in all 80 Local Authority Areas (LAAs). Scrutineers from the PPP/C have been present throughout the exercise yesterday and today they have been joined by scrutineers from other stakeholders.

The Auditor, Malika Gibson, from all reports, seems to have her act together and is doing a good job.

Otherwise, an onlooker can be forgiven for describing the whole exercise as chaotic. The activity is in preparation for the enveloping of ballots for members of the Disciplined Services – Army, Police and Prison – who are listed to vote on D-day which is November 2, 2018, and amazingly, as of 1:30 pm today, the lists are yet to be shared with the

stakeholders contesting the LGE! And there are people who still wonder why there is no trust in GECOM’s ability to get it right!

The exercise is being conducted using a list of ballot stations and the numbers of persons from each constituency of each LAA, so the ballots are being extracted from the sealed boxes as per the numbers on that list.

Commissioner Benn, having witnessed the chaos last night, and not getting any kind of positive reaction from the DCEO, left to acquire some box cutters to help speed up the opening of the sealed boxes. I hope he is able to recover the money he spent. GECOM has nippers, acquired in a less than transparent process, but no box cutters! The Commissioner had lent them a knife last night.

We assemble for the statutory meeting of the Commission at 1 pm, the Chairman, whom I am informed, signed his contract just last week, comes in at 1:22 pm to say that his clock had stopped, hence his late arrival to the meeting room from his office less than 50 metres away, and apologises profusely, before he realises that there is no CEO, no scribe to take minutes, and, in fact, no support staff from the secretariat. He looks lost until I say that the CEO is ostensibly in Berbice, along with the Legal Officer, and this is hearsay from me, since I only knew that the Berbice matter was being heard at 2 pm. No official communication has been made to us as Commissioners and apparently neither to the Chairman if I am to go by his bewilderment! We tell the Chairman that Malika Gibson, who normally fills in

when the Legal Officer is absent, did come up, but we all thought that her presence was crucial for the exercise being conducted outside, so all the Commissioners told her to go back so that that exercise would not be adversely affected by her absence.

So the Commission meeting becomes a half-hour gaff, for which no notes are taken, and during this period, Commissioner Corbin with input from Commissioner Gunraj sought to give an oral report of their attendance in Calgary for the printing of the ballot papers and other sensitive election forms, eg, statements of polls. The report seemed to reveal some kind of non-uniformity with three of those forms, so I asked for a written report, which will hopefully tell all and which can be discussed at the next statutory meeting of the Commission.

Meanwhile, it is agreed that the Operations sub-committee will meet every day at 3 pm and as often as necessary in an emergency. The whole Commission is also to be kept informed via email.

The ‘gaff’, as I call, it ended at 2:00 pm. So, that is all I have for this week, folks, until next Tuesday, which, of course, will be the day after D-day. It is my plan to visit as many ballot stations as I can, to observe the process.

My fellow Commissioners, I am sure, have similar plans.

Sincerely, Bibi Safora Shadick GECOM Commissioner

Dear Editor, I recalled Mr Moses Nagamootoo, who when in the Opposition during the period of the Donald Ramotar Administration, accused the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) of politicising the State media. During his then sustained condemnation, he spared no effort in accusing the Government Information Agency (GINA) and the other arms of the State media of publishing Government propaganda.

He used that as justification in calling for the cutting of budgetary allocations to GINA and the National Communications Network (NCN). The allocations for both entities were subsequently reduced to a dollar for consecutive years. The images of his famous gesticulation using his fingers to demonstrate the action of cutting with a pair of scissors still linger.

Following the 2015 elections, Nagamootoo became Prime Minister and Beverley Alert, an executive of his party, the Alliance For Change (AFC), and an election candidate, was appointed to head GINA. Sometime after, she was replaced by what appears to be a more senior AFC official and election candidate, Imran Khan.

Currently, another AFC executive is the General Manager of the Guyana National Newspapers Ltd (GNNL), which publishes the Guyana Chronicle.

Since 2015, Khan has not only been publicly promoting the AFC and its events through forms of communication that are now accept-

ed as official, but has also spared no effort to pen disparaging articles against the Leader of the Opposition, Bharrat Jagdeo and the PPP which are published in the Guyana Chronicle and profusely shared elsewhere.

By doing so, given that he heads GINA, now the Department of Public Information (DPI), he has officially made that State entity a political tool which spews hatred through Government propaganda.

This is the same Mr Khan, when he was called out for disparaging the Indian High Commissioner some time ago, tried desperately to claim that the medium he used for such vile utterances, was not official but personal. His failed defence was just another form of his usual propaganda.

Editor, the DPI’s budget and staff complement has increased steeply since the 2015 elections. While its role of accurately informing Guyanese on Government’s programmes and policies is not in question, Mr Khan using his official position for political rants which are carried in the State media is not in keeping with the mandate of the DPI and, by extension, the Guyana Chronicle.

Given this has now become a fixture, it is clear that Mr Khan, who is paid by the State from taxpayers’ money, is using Government resources to foster the work of the AFC, a political party.

Only recently, a letter, purportedly from some staff of the DPI, alleged gross misuse of funds by Mr Khan. A nexus can, therefore, be easily made.

The stark reality is that two major entities of the State media are headed by politicians representing the Government, with one obsessed with constantly bashing the Opposition and its Leader. How is it that the Prime Minister doesn’t see this as a politicisation of the State media? It cannot be that he is unaware; therefore, it reeks of hypocrisy to the point of being unprecedented. What happened to his fingers regarding his gesticulation to cut?

This is a clear case which warrants an intervention from President David Granger. After all, he heads the Government at whose feet the hypocrisy can be squarely placed.

Sincerely, Anjanie Seebaran

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Foundation

Teaching children about boundaries

By Rae Jacobson

Practise setting boundaries

Learning how to be more empathetic can be a big help for children when it comes to social interactions, but it’s equally important to help your child learn to advocate for himself and his boundaries when other children are being pushy, aggressive or just thoughtless.

Helping your child make a plan for what to do when someone isn’t respecting his feelings or boundaries will give your child the chance to practise standing up for himself.

For example, you could ask, “What are some ways you could let Jeremy know you don’t like it when he hugs you without asking?”

Go over some simple phrases your child can use to advocate for himself: “Please stop.” “I don’t like that.”

“It’s my turn now.”

Make a list of GetA-Grown-Up scenarios.

Examples could include: Hitting, or pushing, or even a kid who’s just playing too rough A child who won’t take no for an answer A situation where he feels unsafe or uncomfortable. For example if his friends want to climb a fence into someone else’s yard or are playing too close to the pool Helping children get comfortable advocating for their boundaries early will help them do so in the future when the stakes can be much higher.

Model behaviour

When it comes to learning anything, children look to their parents for cues on

…why empathy and self-awareness play a major role

how to behave, and empathy and self-awareness are no exception. If you want instructions to stick, it’s important to practise what you preach.

“We want parents to be demonstrating the kind of behaviours they want their children to emulate,” says D. Busman. “You may be

Find, and discuss, examples

Another way to make empathy part of the conversation is to draw on children’ favourite media, pointing out examples of good or bad behavior. For example, if a character on TV is being bullied, try asking: “How do you think he felt when the other children

PART 2

decide how to spend the day together.

Halfway through, Mat stopped and asked the children, “Hey, has the mother said one word so far?” The boys agreed that she hadn’t.

When they’d finished reading, he noted that at no point in the story had anyone asked the mother bear what she’d like to do, or if she was having fun.

“Do you think your mom would like that?” he queried Simon and Felix.

The boys shook their heads.

“Would you?” Again, the answer was no.

The object, Niki explains, isn’t necessarily to start a deep discussion, but rather to help her sons develop curiosity about how others are thinking and feeling. “Obviously they’re not processing it in the same way we do,” she says, “but the hope is that we’re setting them up to think critically and empathetically as they get older.”

your child the opportunity to play with children from different backgrounds, races and physical abilities who share common interests.

It also helps to demystify children of other genders as early as possible. “What we don’t want is for children to hit puberty and still be viewing the opposite sex as an alien species,” says Dr Dowd. Parents can help by making sure activities provide ample opportunity for girls and boys to play together and collaborate on an even playing field.

Respect limits on offering affection

Children should be allowed to decide for themselves if, and when, they want to show affection.

“Grandma may be expecting a big hug when she comes over, but we want children to understand that things like hugs and kisses, whether they’re getting or giving them, should be a choice,” says Dr Busman.

Parents should avoid

pushing children to be affectionate when they’re not comfortable. But forgoing grandparental smooches doesn’t have to mean being impolite. “Come up with something else your child can do instead,” suggests Dr Busman. For example, instead of a kiss on the cheek, she could pick something she’s more comfortable with, like waving or shaking hands.

Take your children’ limits seriously

Really listen when your child tells you what is, and isn’t, okay with them, and take their requests to heart whenever possible.

It sounds like a no-brainer, but Dr Busman explains that dismissing children’s boundaries is often something grown-ups do all the time without even realising it.

“If a child says she hates being tickled, or picked up, don’t say, ‘Oh come on, you don’t really hate it.’ Instead say, ‘I hear you and I won’t do it again.’ ” (childmind.org)

More tips for

Embrace diversity

speaking to your partner, or a friend, but that doesn’t mean your child isn’t paying attention and picking up signals on how to think, how to act, and how to interact with others.”

When children hear parents checking with each other to see if they’re on the same page before they make decisions, or asking a friend how they feel – and really listening to the answer – children are more likely to follow suit.

called him stupid? Is it ever okay to call someone something like that?”

Niki Kriese and her husband Mat started doing this early on with their two sons, Simon (4) and Felix (6). Niki says her family often relies on examples from books, movies, or TV to help get a conversation going.

“The other night Mat was reading an old Berenstein Bears book to the children,” she says. In the book, the bear family was trying to

Another key part of instilling empathy is making sure children are interacting with people who are different than themselves on a regular basis. “It can be hard for children to make the jump from how they feel when something happens, to how someone else might feel about the same thing,” says Dr Busman. “And sometimes that’s especially hard when the other person looks or behaves differently than they do.”

One thing that encourages acceptance of differences is activities that give

raising confident children

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Celebrate effort

raising children for their accomplishments is great, but it’s also important to let them know you’re proud of their efforts regardless of the outcome. It takes hard work to develop new skills, and results aren’t always immediate. Let children know you value the work they’re doing, whether they’re toddlers building with blocks or teenagers teaching themselves to play the guitar.

Expect them to pitch in

They might complain, but children feel more connected and valued when they’re counted on to do age-appropriate jobs, from picking up toys to doing dishes to picking up younger siblings from a play date.

Homework and after-school activities are great, but being needed by your family is invaluable.

Embrace imperfection

As grown-ups we know perfection is unrealistic, and it’s important for children to get that message as early as possible. Help chil-

dren see that whether it’s on TV, in a magazine, or on a friend’s social media feed, the idea that others are always happy, successful, and perfectly dressed is a fantasy, and a destructive one.

Instead, remind them that being less than perfect is human and totally okay.

Set them up for success

Challenges are good for children, but they should also have opportunities where they can be sure to find success. Help your child get involved with activities that make him feel comfortable and confident enough to tackle a bigger challenge.

Show your love

Let your child know you love him no matter what.

Win or lose the big game, good grades or bad. Even when you’re mad at him.

Making sure your child knows that you think he’s great – and not just when he does great things – will bolster his self-worth even when he’s not feeling good about himself.(Excerpt from childmind. org)

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thursdAY, october 25, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

M&CC CoI

City Constabulary understaffed …as 12 bodyguards assigned to Mayor, former Mayor …break-in at training centre covered up

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he Chief Constable’s competence and his magnitude of command over the department which he presides was questioned on Wednesday, as the Commission of Inquiry (CoI) into City Hall’s operations heard that no conclusive investigations were carried out for several activities at the Mayor and City Council (M&CC).

Placed under oath to testify before the lone Commissioner, Justice Cecil Kennard, Chief Constable of the City Constabulary, Andrew Foo was grilled on an incident whereby the Constabulary’s Training Complex on Water Street was broken into by employees at City Hall. In that August 14, 2018 incident, the locks on the doors were smashed and “three thick books” were taken from the southern and western ends of the building.

Foo produced information from a report which states that the women acted on the instructions of Town Clerk Royston King, since he is the sole custodial for the Council’s assets.

Moreover, they related that the books were taken to gather “pertinent information” for the 175th city week anniversary celebrations.

Legal Assistant Sherwin Benjamin questioned why the locks were broken if they were given permission by the Town Clerk, who possessed the keys to these rooms. Furthermore, he directed as to why financial records aren’t submitted to the Auditor General when officers of the Council can

Chief Constable Andrew Foo

acquire any financial documents needed.

“Wasn’t she given a key? No key was given, a lock was broken and books removed subsequently…

The instructions and all of these things were happening under the directive of the Town Clerk who happens to be the custodial of all documents of the city.

The same Town Clerk cannot provide to the auditor all documentation required for them to complete audits for years.”

With respect to the investigation, the Commission found that no formal report was made until October 17; one day after the Chief Constable presented himself for questioning after being subpoenaed. This is more than two months after the incident would have occurred.

In his defence, Foo stated that a “verbal report” was given. Benjamin replied, “Doesn’t that speak volumes of the competence of

your department and more so, you as the head of the department?”

Justice Kennard then stated his opinion based on the actuality of the events stating, “It’s a cover-up. It’s a sham.”

He is of the belief that the authentic reason why the books, most likely financial records, were taken is being hidden from the Commission since there are multiple cover-up stories by senior employees at City Hall.

This was evident in the Deputy Town Clerk Sharon Harry-Munroe’s statement who refuted the claims that keys are present in the office of the Town Clerk and further asserting that the City Constabulary is the holder of such keys.

If that is the case, Benjamin posited that it is a criminal offence since the Chief Constable who permits ingress and egress to the complex was unaware of these activities.

“Therein makes the break and enter a criminal offence. Because he who happens to be the Chief Constable is completely unaware that documents were needed. He didn’t authorise it… Is that following the standard operating procedure?” he probed.

Selectively understaffed

For many months, there has been an ongoing public decry that the City Constabulary is shortstaffed and cannot effectively carryout their duties.

However, this reflects differently from the fraction of staffers that are used as bodyguards for present and

Pensioner battling for life after Essequibo Coast accident

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7 0 - y e a r - o l d Essequibo Coast pensioner is now battling for his life at the Suddie Public Hospital after he was struck down on Wednesday morning while cycling on the Richmond Village Public Road, Essequibo Coast.

Injured is Livan (only name given), called “Tuesday”, of Danielstown Village, Essequibo Coast.

According to reports, the cyclist was struck about 07:30h by a 23-year-old goldsmith. Guyana Times was told that Livan was proceeding home from Anna Regina when he was struck by motor car PKK 6474, which was travelling in the opposite direction.

He was picked up and rushed to the Suddie Public Hospital in an unconscious state and was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit

The car that was involved in the accident

(ICU) with head injuries.

When this publication visited the scene, a resident in the area revealed that a loud crash was heard and upon investigating, he saw Livan lying motionless on the roadway while the motor

car had reportedly stopped in another lane. The pensioner was picked up and taken to the hospital. The driver of the car has since been taken into Police custody and has been assisting with the investigation.

Mayor Patricia Chase Green

former employees.

Currently, there are 191 officers employed to the City Constabulary with 67 auxiliary guards but according to Foo, the “requirement” is some 345 persons.

“Our authorised strength should be 345.

We currently have 191 in terms of staff and 67 security guards.”

Out of the limited amount, eight were appointed to provide protection for the Mayor,

Patricia Chase Green and four for the former Mayor, Hamilton Green. This figure does not include other members of the Council who are also provided with security.

“The former Mayor, Hamilton Green has one Lance Corporal and three security guards. The current Mayor has eight.”

Puzzled as to why so many security personnel are needed, the Commissioner replied, “This is ridiculous… Who would harm her? This is a wastage of money and that is why City Hall is bankrupted.”

Foo noted that he would have asked on a number of occasions for additional officers to be employed but it was the Council’s decision to assign these bodyguards to the respective City Hall associates.

Back in July, the Chief Constable would’ve indicated in an interview with the Guyana Times that there was a freeze in the hiring process since there weren’t enough financial resources to pay an increased workforce.

There has been an in-

Former Mayor Hamilton Green

crease in robberies around Georgetown, especially at the Stabroek and Bourda Markets which are considered “criminal hotspots”.

In the midst of the bodyguard crisis, John Walters who is a bodyguard of Royston King was issued a firearm despite the fact that he does not possess a relevant licence or a supernumerary precept. Walters affirmed these allegations during his witness statement.

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thursdAY, october 25, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

IN THE COURTS

Ex-cop found guilty of raping 3-year-old

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53-year-old ex-Policeman turned security guard, Deon Aaron, was unanimously found guilty of raping a three-yearold female relative when the matter came to an end at the Sexual Offences Court on Wednesday.

The jury took about two hours to arrive at the verdict. Justice Jo-Ann Barlow delayed Aaron’s sentencing to November 8, 2018 after his lawyer, Madan Kissoon requested a probation report be prepared on his client’s

Convicted child rapist: Deon Aaron

behalf.

Although Aaron denied the offence earlier this month before his trial started, he stood with little expression when the jury forewoman announced the guilty verdict. Aaron was remanded to prison until his sentencing. It was alleged that he sexually penetrated the child between March 1 and October 20, 2016 at an East Bank Demerara village.

Attorneys Abigail Gibbs, Seeta Bishundial and Tiffini Lyken prosecuted the ‘rape

of a child under-16’ case.

Reports were that the child was left in the man’s care when her mother was not at home. However, when the woman returned, her daughter complained of feeling unwell. After an investigation, the ex-Policeman was arrested, charged and later released on bail.

Aaron had been committed to stand trial in the High Court in March 2018 following his arraignment in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts in February 2018.

Pensioner slapped with forgery charge

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70-year-old woman was on Wednesday granted bail by Magistrate Fabayo Azore after she was slapped with a fraud charge and appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

Florence Marshal faced

the charge, which stated that on May 3, 2017 at Georgetown, with intent to defraud, she obtained the sum of $14.4 million by virtue of a forged instrument, that is to say, the last will and testament purporting to show it was signed by

Hubert DaCosta Burgess, knowing the same to be false.

The pensioner denied the charge. Defence Attorney Euclin Gomes, in a bail application, asked the court to grant his client self-bail, since she was previously on

station bail and has turned up to court. Police Prosecutor Warren Thornhill made no objections to bail.

As a result, Magistrate Azore released the pensioner on $10,000 bail. The case will continue on October 26, 2018.

Miner jailed for fraud

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52-year-old miner of Lot 160 Eccles, East Bank Demerara (EBD), was on Wednesday jailed for 18 months by Magistrate Fabayo Azore after he was slapped with three fraud charges when he appeared at the Georgetown

Magistrates’ Courts.

The first charge against Harry Lall stated that between September and October 2018 at Dennis Street, Turkeyen, Greater Georgetown, he obtained the sum of $1.78 million from Richard Harris by falsely

pretending that he can pay off a loan.

Another charge stated that between October 3 and 5, 2018 at the same location, the miner also obtained the sum of $1.6 million by falsely pretending he could pay off a loan. Then, between

October 13 and 20, 2018 at Croal Street, Georgetown, he incurred a debt to Travis Fitzpatrick of $80,000 by means of travelling in his motor car and not paying.

The man admitted to all the charges, and Magistrate Azore jailed him.

Changing…

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…the elections ruse n the just-concluded appeal of the PPP to have the AFC candidate at the LGE for the Whim area removed – because the “backers’ list” had the names of individuals that were obtained under false pretences – the Judge ruled there wasn’t evidence to support the allegation. And who were charged with collecting the evidence? Well, the Police – under the command of Khemraj Ramjattan, Chairman of the AFC!!

Now the Police may be as honest as the day is long … but didn’t the Judge think they might’ve been influenced even a teeny-weeny bit by the thought their boss might be looking over their shoulder? But that’s not the only anomaly? Didn’t the Judge think there were some aspects of the Police “investigation” that stuck out like a sore thumb – or smelt like “dead meat”?

Take the assertion that they couldn’t find even one of the three Nagamootoos, who were the AFC organisers in Whim. Now your Eyewitness mightn’t have attended school in Whim like Granger did when he and Nagamootoo were tykes, but he does know Whim has a police station – the reason for Granger’s brief sojourn with his policeman dad! And those Police couldn’t find those Nagamootoos?? Please!! If you throw a brick in any direction in Whim, you’re sure to hit a Nagamootoo!!

They’re like “Allicocks” in the South Rupununi!!

And then again, in such a crucial matter as allegations of electoral fraud – did the Police think of calling the Nagamootoo’s big brother (or Moo Moo, as the case may be) – Moses Nagamootoo, who now hangs his hat in Georgetown?? Surely, he’d know where his relatives were, since he’s the source of their recent good fortune!!

And just as significantly, his only supporters in Whim!!

Then again, since the Judge was looking for “evidence” and there were just about a dozen names involved, couldn’t he have just questioned them directly?? With his years on the bench, couldn’t he have been able to detect truth from fiction from their body language and all of that? As it is, it looks like this disappearing act of folks involved in the elections might be the new mechanism to rig without actually rigging. Going AWOL to create electoral SNAFUs!!

Wasn’t this the same stunt GECOM CEO Lowenfield pulled at the beginning of this “fake list” operation?

When PPP operatives first detected the fraud on the fake list, they rushed to the Returning Officer of the district to have the AFC candidate removed, because the deadline was imminent. He said he couldn’t get in touch with Lowenfield, whose permission was necessary.

Claimed he was with his lawyer for eight hours and turned off his phone!!

Planning his defence on those radio sets?? …our Borders?

Your Eyewitness was startled, to say the least, when he read that immigration officers are now stationed at Parika. Why? Well, to intercept all those Venezuelans fleeing their devastated country and coming into our fair land. Are we implicitly relocating our western border to the Essequibo and conceding Venezuela’s ridiculous claim?

And how will this screening of the Venez’s be done?

Do Felix and his immigration interrogators expect the Venez’s to waltz into their office at Parika? Or is he going to profile people “who look like Venez’s”? This raises another can of worms – which should’ve been unnecessary in the first case. Isn’t the GDF – with its land and sea components – supposed to be guarding our borders to control infiltrators and refugees?

And if you respond that the GDF is busy guarding us (from Camp Ayanganna) and (Camp Groomes) from that evil Maduro, wouldn’t the Border be the place for THAT also??

And why all that smoke in the jungle in Operation Greenheart? Your Eyewitness was sooo impressed! …the guards?

Following up on the “protection” question posed above, wasn’t the newly-formed People’s Militia – and now fully manned – supposed to protect us civvies in the event of an attack by those dastardly (and hungry) Venez’s?

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

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thurSdAY, october 25, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

Teachers’ wages impasse

GTU has learnt its lesson – Mark Lyte …looking forward to a better pact in 2019 …as agreement finally signed

Permanent Secretary of the Education Ministry, Adele Clarke and GTU President, Mark Lyte signs the agreement as other officials from both sides look on

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resident of the Guyana Teachers’ Union (GTU), Mark Lyte, who on Wednesday signed an agreement with the Education Ministry for a 12 per cent increase for 2016 and an eight per cent increase for 2018, has noted that the Union has learnt its lesson and is looking forward to brokering a better agreement come 2019.

He made this statement while addressing media operatives at the Ministry’s 26 Brickdam, Georgetown office after the two agencies inked the agreement to raise public school teachers’ salaries.

“We recognise that, as a Union, there are several things that we would have requested that were not granted, but nonetheless we believe that it’s a work in

progress to go forward. We look forward to a new agreement in the new phase in 2019 that we can have more benefits given to our teachers, but looking at the present agreement we believe that our teachers are going to benefit from outstanding clothing allowances, they’re gunna benefit from increases that dates back to 2016,” Lyte said.

Moreover, the GTU President pointed out that the Union has “learnt so many lessons” and is now better prepared for the next bargaining process with the Education Ministry.

He explained that he believes the agreement made will better satisfy teachers and their families and even result in classrooms being better serviced.

On the other hand, General Secretary of the GTU, Coretta McDonald during an exclusive interview with Guyana Times said she believes the Union should have been more diligent in its doings.

“As a Union we needed to do a little more work, we needed to be a little more diligent in what we were doing, but it’s a learning experience and come 2019 our teachers, if it’s going to be a three-year or a five-year agreement, our teachers will see many more benefits coming their way,” she stated.

McDonald pointed out that the GTU has been working along a with a team to put their documents forward for arbitration and is seeking to have their draft proposal for 2019 ready by

the first week in December to submit to the Education Ministry.

“Those teachers who would have felt neglected over the past years and they weren’t being able to gain access to their benefits, I want to say to them rest assured GTU has been there for you, we will continue to be there for you and your benefits are intact,” she added.

Meanwhile, Chief Education Officer Marcel Hutson told reporters that the Ministry looks forward to working with the GTU in future. “I think the signing today is symbolic that we intend to have a working relationship with all our stakeholders, all our partners and we consider the Union to be an integral part of what we do the Ministry of Education…we intend to work with all of our partners including the Union that we consider to be maybe our greatest partners in this process.”

Increases According to the agreement seen by Guyana Times, for the year 2016, teachers who earn below $100,000 per month will benefit from a 12 per cent increase while teachers who earn $100,000 and over monthly will gain an eight per cent increase.

For the year 2017, teachers who earn below $100,000 per month will get an eight per cent increase and those who earn above this amount

will receive a six per cent increase.

Meanwhile, for 2018, there will be an across the board eight per cent increase for all teachers.

Non-salary issues With regard to non-salary issues, teachers will continue to receive the approved rates for improved qualifications, the agreement said.

These include $4000 for certificate in education, $6000 for diploma in education, $10,000 for a Master’s degree; $30,000 for a doctoral degree and $10,000 for special needs teachers.

In addition to an $8000 per annum uniform allowance, “Increases for clothing, station/hard lying, risk and travelling allowances will be considered in line with the review of these allowances for the wider public service,” the agreement says.

Duty-free concessions In keeping with the agreement, teachers will be granted the opportunity of having 100 duty-free concessions per annum for vehicles up to 1800cc. All-terrain vehicles (ATV’s) and outboard engines up to 75HP will be granted to eligible teachers in the riverine and hinterland areas.

The agreement explains the criterions required for all heads, principles and deputy heads, deputy principles, head mistresses and

masters or administrators of the various grades of school.

Hinterland benefits According to the new contract, teachers and their families who serve in the interior will be given a “return fare to the coastland” once per term and teachers who are from one area in the hinterland but serve in another area will benefit from this initiative.

Housing Along with a number of other issues, the two also agreed that a committee of six persons will be established to prepare a position paper on the granting of house lots to teachers revolving loan fund, the agreement stated.

Although fewer smiles were seen on the faces of the GTU executives when they accepted the offer, Lyte told Guyana Times that the Union is satisfied with the amount being given to teachers.

It was explained by him that the increases for teachers will be paid in two tranches. “The increases are going to be paid in two tranches because you know what teachers receive in 2016 would have an impact on 2017 and 2018, so we are going to have payments being done in December and payments being done in January 2019.” (Davina Ramdass)

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thursdAY, october 25, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

MP accuses Govt of creating Berbice Bridge tolls' uproar …urges Minister to meet with shareholders

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s the controversy surrounding the rise in the Berbice River Bridge tolls continues, Opposition Member of Parliament (MP) Juan Edghill has now come forward stating that responsibility for this issue lies at the feet of the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Government.

Edghill, who is the shadow Public Infrastructure Minister in the National Assembly, said the issue is one that has been blown out of proportion, even though it could be simply resolved.

He feels it was deliberately brought about to sway votes at the upcoming Local Government Elections.

“This Government can be accused and rightfully so, of seeking to create an environment of instability and to agitate in the Berbice region, as a way of getting some particular outcome around the Local Government Elections period,” he claimed.

Edghill further stated that the grandstanding taking place between Public Infrastructure Minister David Patterson and the Berbice Bridge Company Inc (BBCI) is what he described as a “manufactured controversy.”

“This is a plot that is hatched, developed and executed by the APNU/AFC Government and they are using their people on social media to see if they can blame the [People’s Progressive Party] PPP for it. But the only thing about PPP in that bridge is the Private Public

Opposition MP Juan Edghill

Partnership.”

The Opposition MP also questioned, “Why with such a crisis the Government has not yet sat down with the BBCI and have negotiations?

Are they waiting for problems like the teachers having to go on strike and then the President comes in and be the big Godfather?”

However, the point was made again that the Minister is fully aware that in order for the tolls for the Berbice River Bridge to increase, he has to sign the toll order.

“Why is he pussyfooting and creating concern in the minds of the Guyanese, particularly the Berbicians…praying on their emotions?”

The MP is convinced that Government’s involvement in this situation is transparent, especially given the fact that the chair of the BBCI who also happens to be the head of the National Insurance Scheme (NIS), Dr Surendra

Singh is a supporter of the AFC. “Had the People’s progressive Party (PPP) been in Government, I can assure that a solution to take care of the shareholders, to ensure the viability and maintenance of the bridge, ensure that the bridge continues to serve its purpose would have been solved,” he asserted.

Edghill feels that the “political game” used to create this issue could be resolved if only, the Minister and Government meet with the BCCI. He said consideration should also be given to having the shares in the company could be purchased and a total buyout is possible.

“Stop playing politics, get the BBCI into your boardroom where you could sit and talk and interest of all served and a proper decision can be made,” Edghill said referring to Minister Patterson.

The increases were announced by BBCI Chairman, Dr Surendra Persaud, during a press conference recently. According to Persaud, they were formally informed

by Public Infrastructure Minister David Patterson that Government would not agree to their previous requests for an increase.

As per the increases, cars and minibuses will now be charged $8040; pickups, small trucks and four-wheel drive vehicles, $14,600; medium trucks, $27,720; large trucks, $49,600; art trucks, $116,680; freight, $1680 and boats passing through the river will be charged $401,040.

Patterson had called a

The Berbice River Bridge

hasty press conference after the news of the increase broke. There, he had informed the press that all options to stop the increases,

including legal, will be considered.

Since the announcement, several key stakeholders have been calling for

Government to buyout the private investors’ shares in the BBCI to bring a permanent resolution to the issue.

FITUG calls out Ramjattan on poor ministerial performance

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he Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Guyana (FITUG) on Wednesday expressed its disappointment at the conduct of Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan who is wellknown for his unexpected public outbursts.

According to the Union, they were taken aback by the Minister’s conduct during a recent press conference, where he lacked basic knowledge on the ideas to address the pending prison situation. With dangerous criminals on the loose and an unstable penitentiary, the Union stated that it is not something to be taken lightly.

“We cannot help but wonder whether his colleagues do not offer him any cautionary advice about his conduct when in the view of the public… The Minister went on to share that he has headaches in coming up with suggestions to address with the clearly serious prison situation. This is not something the Guyanese people want to hear at this time,” the Union said.

The focus was also placed on the retrenched sugar workers who are still facing hardships to earn a living and provide for their families. Adding to that, criminal activities are also on the rise.

“Just days prior to the Minister’s admission, the Guyana Police Force statistics indicated a less than pleasing picture. From those statistics, we learnt that robbery is still prevalent.

We cannot help but wonder, at this time, in what other areas is the Minister out of ideas,” FITUG stated.

They further stated that under the guidance of Ramjattan, the Camp Street Prison was ravaged in a fire and many high-profile criminals had escaped. Adding to that, there were two breakouts at the Lusignan penitentiary.

“When one looks at the situation during the Minister’s stint, we recognise that under his watch the nation witnessed several prison riots, the burning down of the Camp Street penitentiary, the escape of prisoners on more than one

occasion, increased robberies and banditry, among other things.”

While Minister of State Joseph Harmon had made some inputs into the current state of affairs, officials of FITUG stated, and from him, “we learnt, at this time, the Public Security Minister is consulting with knowledgeable persons to assist him with some ideas. It puzzles us why is it in the first place, didn’t the Minister seek to consult with capable persons rather than having to get an order, so to speak, from the Cabinet to do so.”

Suggestions were made for the Public Security Minister to “give serious contemplations” as to whether or not he is fit to fulfil his respective responsibilities in “a most serious area of governance.”

The entity voiced its concerns by saying that if interventions are not taken, “he (Ramjattan) may want to entertain his idea getting on a boat and anchoring it somewhere in the ocean as he suggested be done with the incarcerated.”

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thurSdAY, october 25, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

PPP moves to CCJ over GECOM’s Chairman appointment who were unilaterally appointed by the then Head of Government/State,” he noted.

Local ruling

Attorney-at-Law Anil Nandlall

PPP Executive Secretary Zulfikar Mustapha

xecutive Secretary of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP), Zulfikar Mustapha, is making his final bid to rescind President David Granger’s unilateral appointment of retired Justice James Patterson as Chairman of the Guyana Election Commission (GECOM), by challenging the Appellate Court’s decision at the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ).

In documents seen

by Guyana Times on Wednesday, Attorney Anil Nandlall, who represents Mustapha, filed leave to appeal the October 19, 2018 decision of acting Chancellor Madam Justice Yonette Cummings-Edwards and fellow Appellate Court Justices Dawn Gregory and Justice Rishi Persaud that effectively declared Patterson’s appointment constitutional. Nandlall is also petitioning the Trinidadian-based court to grant an order that security for costs be fixed in a “reasonable sum” in addition to further orders and/ or directions that the court

may find “just and appropriate”. The Attorney General is listed as the respondent in the matter.

In Mustapha’s sworn affidavit, seen by this newspaper, he stated that he intends to appeal the said decision of the Court of Appeal to the Caribbean Court of Justice, having observed that the Appellate Court “incorrectly construed, misconstrued, incorrectly applied and misapplied Article 161 of the Constitution of Guyana and failed to redress the breach of the said Constitution by the State”.

He said the issues which have arisen in the case are of great general, public and constitutional importance, as “free and fair elections are the foundation of democracy, good governance, and the rule of law”.

“Guyana has an undisputed and universally recognised history of fraudulent elections presided over and administered by successive Elections Commissions chaired by two former Chief Justices of Guyana

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Joint Services...

from page 2

Monies were also outstanding from the previous year. According to the report, overpayments totalling $2.5 million were made.

Some of that money has also been recovered, leaving approximately $1.5 million in limbo.

The Auditor General’s report went on to outline that a pay change mix-up with the Central Accounting Unit at the Ministry is responsible for the overpayments.

In its recommendations, the Auditor General urged the Ministry to continue in its efforts to recover the money.

In addition, the office recommended that the interface with the Central Accounting Unit be enhanced to prevent recurrences.

Nevertheless, the Public Security Ministry revealed that they have sought the help of the Attorney General Chambers to recover the outstanding monies.

Overpayments of salaries to staff are not isolated incidents. Nor are they limited to Ministries.

In fact, hundreds of thousands of dollars in salaries were overpaid to staff of the Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne) Administration, and this was flagged by the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) earlier this year – a situation which indicates that not much has changed since the Auditor General found in its 2016 report, similar overpayment of salaries the prior year.

The applicant’s CCJ bid follows the rulings of local courts. The Appellate Court’s ruling was handed down unanimously on Thursday last while acting Chief Justice Roxane George’s similar ruling was announced on June 8, 2018. Mustapha had filed his case one year ago (October 23, 2017) but the Appellate Judges agreed with Justice George that Justice Patterson’s appointment was not unconstitutional, saying the President was empowered to appoint a Judge, retired Judge or someone with the qualifications if he judged the Opposition Leader’s list unacceptable.

The Opposition Leader had sent three lists of six nominees which totalled 18 but all three were rejected by the Head of State, who observed that they were un-

GECOM Chairman, retired Justice James Patterson acceptable. Justice Gregory in her decision observed that the manner in which the three lists were submitted did not achieve consensus.

She pointed out that providing the President with lists to choose nominees was not reasonable nor was this in keeping with what the framers of Guyana’s Constitution intended.

Justice Persaud determined that any move towards unilateralism was wholly unacceptable and

that it could lead to abuse and would not be motivated by good faith. He however outlined last week that there was nothing to suggest that the President acted “unconstitutionally, illegally or unreasonably in appointing the retired Judge.

“The appointment of a former Judge results itself in impartiality and fairness and can only lead to establishing the intended balance prescribed for as a whole,” Justice Persaud had observed.

Chancellor CummingsEdwards had declared that Mustapha’s case had no bearing in affecting the elections process as the challenge to Justice Patterson’s appointment was filed well before the date before LGE was proclaimed.

The most senior Judge had however outlined that once the President found the list, in what the framers of the Constitution opined as “not acceptable”, he could select a Judge, retired Judge or one that holds the relevant qualifi-

President David Granger

cations. Justice CummingsEdwards in fact held the view that this decision was in keeping with the proviso to Article 161(2) of the Constitution declaring that Justice George’s High Court decision upholding the appointment was correct. She had observed too that the retired Judge was qualified to serve in the Chairman’s post, having served in the Commonwealth, with Guyana being included in this category.

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thurSdAY, october 25, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

5 bodies found over 5-day period in Berbice

Dead: Roxanne Newyear

Dead: Ivlaw Henry Sr

Dead: Shelldon Fortune

Dead: Ramdai Samnarine

Dead: Mangalram Chetram

he bodies of five persons have been discovered in Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne).

The bodies were discovered over a five-day period.

Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the discovery of three bodies in East Canje, Berbice. One of the five is believed to have committed suicide while the bodies of three were discovered in

their homes and one in a canal.

Those dead have been identified as Roxanne Newyear, 45, a school teacher of New Forest East Canje; Ivlaw Henry Snr, 53; and Shelldon Fortune 41, both of Adelphi; Mangalram Chetram, 47, of Reliance, East Canje; and Ramdai Samnarine, 73, called “Aunty Pato”, of Lot 695 Number One Road,

Corentyne.

On Wednesday evening, the body of Chetram was found lying motionless under his Canje, Berbice home with what appears to be a wound to his forehead.

When Guyana Times visited the area, residents said the man’s son had to help him into the yard after he fell on the road. He was later found dead at 17:30h.

Reports are Chetram was

an epileptic and an alcoholic.

Meanwhile, on Wednesday afternoon also, the body of Samnarine was discovered floating in the Albion Estate drainage canal at about 16:00h.

The discovery was made by a passerby.

According to information, the woman left home at about 16:00h on Tuesday to visit a doctor. It is unclear whether she made it to the doctor’s office. The mother of three went missing on Tuesday. She lived with her 77-year-old husband. The couple had been married for more than 50 years.

In the other case, Henry’s body was discovered at his Lot 3 Adelphi home shortly before 08:00h on Tuesday by his son.

According to the younger Henry, at about 05:30h he took his bird out and as he was passing his father’s

house, he saw his father looking through the window. He said he told his “morning” and continued on his way. He added that his father, who is a pump operator, was preparing to go to work but a few hours later when he returned, he noticed his father’s bicycle still in the yard. He said this prompted him to go into the house and he found his father lying face down on the kitchen floor.

Earlier this year, Henry was rushed to the New Amsterdam Hospital for blood pressure related issues. The father of seven lived alone.

Meanwhile, on Monday, villagers found the body Shelldon Fortune at his Lot 14 Adelphi home. He too lived alone. Reports also revealed that the welder claimed to have had a headache and his eyes were hurting on Sunday evening.

He did not respond to

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friends when they called him on Monday morning.

At about 09:00h, neighbours climbed on top of his fence and peeped into his home and saw him lying on a mattress on the floor and thought he was asleep. Five hours later he was seen in the same position. The neighbours then went into the house and found the television and a light in the building on. He was in the same position under a mosquito net.

His sister, Roxanne Prince, said she received information that the father of one had passed but by the time she reached to the house, the Police had already taken the body to the mortuary.

She referred to her brother as one who frequently used alcohol but was considered a very nice person.

Meanwhile, on Friday evening, the body of Roxanne Newyear, a teacher of Zorg Primary who was recently transferred to Rose Hall Primary, was found hanging from her verandah.

The woman had reportedly told her husband that she was going to on the verandah get some fresh air.

After some time passed the husband went to check on her and found her hanging. Newyear is said to have been experiencing extreme pain recently as a result of a problem with her kidneys.

Police are said to be investigating all five deaths.

Security guard charged for simple larceny, assault

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28-year-old security guard on Wednesday appeared before Magistrate Fabayo Azore at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts after he was slapped with charges of assault and simple larceny.

Akeem Bacon, of Lot 506 Grove Housing Scheme, East Bank Demerara (EBD) is accused of assaulting Patreema Isaacs so as to

cause her actual bodily harm on October 13, 2018 at West Ruimveldt, Georgetown. The other charge against him stated that on the same date and location, he stole one Android cellular phone valued $60,000, property of the same Virtual Complainant (VC).

The unrepresented man denied both charges.

The VC, who is a cosme-

tologist, also faced a charge of assault, which stated that on October 13, 2018 at West Ruimveldt, she unlawfully assaulted Akeem Bacon.

She too denied the charge.

Police Prosecutor Warren Thornhill made no objections to bail. As a result, Magistrate Azore granted Bacon $30,000 bail while Isaacs was released on $10,000 bail.

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thursdAY, october 25, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

Overseas-based Guyanese donates MARAD engages stakeholders on over $1M to dismissed sugar workers strategy to implement IMO instruments

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A representative of the donor on Wednesday distributing cash gifts to dismissed sugar workers

n overseas-based Guyanese has donated in excess of $1 million in cash and other items to dismissed sugar workers in East Canje and Skeldon, Berbice, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne).

Each of the worker received $5000 along with lunch on Wednesday. Some of the former estate workers were also given school bags for their children. The donor, who asked for his name not to be published, left Guyana in 1982 at age 19.

He told Guyana Times that in New York where he currently lives, many Guyanese are disappointed with the move by Government to close two of the three sugar estates in Berbice.

In December last year, Government closed the Rose Hall and Skeldon Estates in Region Six, leaving thousands of workers on the breadline.

Last year, 1851 workers were dismissed from the Skeldon Sugar Estate, 1181

from the Rose Hall Estate, 1480 from the East Demerara Sugar Estate and 251 from the Wales Sugar Estate.

The donor said the Diaspora wanted to send a strong reminder to President David Granger that Region Six depended heavily on sugar and with the closure of two of the three sugar estates in the region; all other sectors have been affected.

After several months of protest action by the dismissed workers backed by the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) Government gave the former workers half of their severance package and promised the balance before the end of the year.

The full package was due to the workers upon their dismissal.

Since then, commercial activity in East Canje and the Upper Corentyne has slowed significantly.

According to the donor, the Guyanese Diaspora has over the past months been

very supportive to the affected workers and their families. Regional Chairman David Armogan, who attended the donation ceremony, told Guyana Times that some of the workers have close family members living in the Diaspora and as such the impact of the closure is also being felt overseas, since they have to financially assist their relatives in Guyana.

“It has put more stain on them because they have to be handing money and other things to send to their family members back home and some of those family members also worked with the estate before they left Guyana, so they understand what has happened and how serious it is. That is why whenever a Government Minister goes to New York, he or she is greeted with scores of protesters because those Guyanese recognise what the Government is doing to their country,” Armogan said. (Andrew Carmichael)

UNDP partners with Education Ministry to upgrade curricula

United Nations Resident Coordinator Mikiko Tanaka making a presentation

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s the United Nations (UN) celebrated its 73rd year of establishment on Wednesday, the UN Development Programme (UNDP) has revealed its intentions of working along with the Education Ministry to upgrade the current curricula.

This was disclosed by United Nations Resident Coordinator, Mikiko Tanaka who engaged students from 17 different schools in five different regions at the UNDP’s Brickdam, Georgetown office.

Students were given a brief history of how and when the UN formed and how it benefits Guyana, while Tanaka pointed out the need for an upgraded education curriculum.

She explained that Guyana, like other countries, will benefit from the sustainable development goals of the

UNDP. “In every country, including Guyana, the UN agencies are working with the Government and the Peoples Society or the Private Sector to advance on the development goals,” Tanaka said.

Among the areas that require improvement, the UN resident pointed to the education sector and said the curriculum needs to be developed “to enable girls and boys to have the know-how skills they need to not only survive but prosper in this world as they grow up”.

Tanaka highlighted the need for the curricula to be upgraded as a number of changes are taking place, such as climate change. “In a world that is changing all the time, in terms of climate change, in terms of also how both girls and boys as they grow up have the skills to have jobs

and then there’s a lot to actually improve in terms of the curricula, so the agencies are working with the Ministry of Education to improve the curricula (or) update the curricula so that they are relevant,” she added.

Moreover, the UN resident coordinator pointed out the need for the curriculum to not only be up to date but be of a certain quality and not focus on having a student memorise the pages of text books, but have that student think and apply themselves to solve problems.

The UNDP is an international organisation to which Guyana became a member in 1966. The body is committed to helping its members around the world build and share solutions to developmental challenges.

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Stakeholders at the Guyana Maritime Administration meeting on Wednesday

he Guyana Maritime Administration (MARAD) on Wednesday convened a meeting along with stakeholders to develop an effective strategy to implement International Maritime Organisation (IMO) instruments.

Director General of MARAD, Claudette Rogers joined with a consultant from the Global Maritime Consultants Group (GMCG), Gail Stoll; and the CEO of International Register of Shipping (IRS), Bijimon Punnoose, to engage the stakeholders in this regard.

Rogers explained this meeting was arranged to kick off the Guyana International Member State Audit Scheme (IMSAS) project and it comes on the heels of an audit which was conducted in February of this year.

The Audit of the Maritime Administration in Guyana looked at areas pertaining to IMO instruments, implementation of the triple I code, referring to coastal, flag and port state inspections.

“At the conclusion of the

audit, there were four findings and one observation under general responsibilities and obligations of the state. Nine findings and two observations under flag state activities, four findings and no observations under coastal state activities and five findings and no observations under port state activities,” Rogers is quoted by the Department of Public Information as saying. She also indicated that there was an equal number of good practices which were revealed, as well as areas where improvements were could be facilitated.

IMO instruments are conventions and codes/ rules, namely SOLAS (The International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea), LSA code and MARPOL. The GMCG will play a critical role in assisting MARAD in moving towards corrective action for findings and strategic implementation.

Gail Stoll, an overseas-based Guyanese, said her involvement in the project provides her with the opportunity to give back to the development of such an important sector in her home

country. Stoll says she looks forward to seeing MARAD in Guyana become a model in the Caribbean.

“Indeed, such a mammoth task will not be possible without the valuable feedback and active support of the stakeholders who are here today that is the reason why we are interacting with you, the well experienced and highly knowledgeable professionals who know the nitty-gritty of the maritime sector in and around Guyana.”

Punnoose presented the scope of the project, its strategic objectives, flag, coastal and port state obligations, in addition to the IMO findings and observations which were discussed.

Participants included representatives from MARAD, the Public Infrastructure Ministry, the Transport and Harbours Department, the Guyana Defence Force Coast Guard, the Civil Defence Commission, the National Frequency Management Unit, the Environmental Protection Agency and the Agriculture Ministry.

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thurSdAY, october 25, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

Corentyne farmer accuses Diabetic patients to receive Police of conspiring with free eye tests in all regions stray catchers P

Ludmila Judistit watches her cattle being released after paying $344,400

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Corentyne, Berbice, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) cattle farmer is accusing Police of conspiring with stray catchers in the region.

The woman was forced to pay almost $400,000 to have her cattle released from the pound at the Number 51 Police Station. The farmer claimed that her animals were impounded even though she had a document giving her permission to graze the cattle in the rice cultivation area. The farmer claimed that at the end of each rice crop the Water Users Association grants permission for cattle owners to graze cattle in the cultivation area. This is usually for a two-week period.

Ludmila Judistit, the 49-year-old cattle framer, told

Guyana Times that on Tuesday last, her employee was grazing cattle at Number Naught when he was approached by the stray catchers.

According to her, when the stray catchers started rounding up the cattle, they were told that he was there with the animals. She related that the young man showed the pass to the stray catchers and they told him that the pass was not valid.

A copy of the pass was shown to this publication. The document states that the woman was granted permission by the Number 52/74 Waters Users Association to graze 80 heads of cattle within the Number Naught and Number 55 area.

According to her, the impounders took the cat-

tle to the Number 51 Police Station Pound. On their way there, they had to pass another animal pound which falls under the Neighbourhood Democratic Council and provides water and grass for impounded animals, unlike the pound at the Police Station.

According to Judistit, a mother of two, when she got to the Number 51 Police Station, the stray catcher was still there and was engaging a Policeman. She said she approached and saw him showing his license to impound stray animals. “‘I take out the paper and show the Policeman that I have permission to graze the cows there. I told him that the Water Users Association gave me permission and the Sergeant did not even take the paper to look at it. He told me that the man has a paper to impound the cows,” the former teacher, now farmer, said.

The woman claimed it is for that reason that she suspects there is collusion between officers at the station and the stray catchers.

On Thursday last, she paid $344,400 plus an additional fee for the days the animals were impounded. The farmer said she has since raised the matter with Police Commissioner Lesley James and Deputy Commissioner Paul Williams. (Andrew Carmichael)

atients with diabetes can now have their eyes tested free of charge at the Guyana Diabetic Retinopathy Screening Centre at the Georgetown Public Hospital.

This service will, however, be extended to all ten administrative regions of Guyana. The service is part of the Guyana Diabetes eye care project, which is aimed at having health-care professionals trained to detect complications which may appear in a diabetic patient’s eye.

Head of the Georgetown Public Hospital Department of Ophthalmology, Dr Shailendra Sugrim explained that not all diabetic patients would need surgery.

However, in an effort to prevent blindness as a result of diabetes, regional health-care professionals are being trained so that they will have the skill to do the screening of patients who may develop complications in the eye.

“Most of these complications we refer to as diabetic retinopathy [this is the most common cause of vision loss among people with diabetes and a leading cause of blindness among working-age adults. DME is a consequence of diabetic retinopathy that causes swelling in the area of the retina called the macula] and so we promote screening of the eye because there are certain signs that we can detect in the eye before it comes to a com-

Dr Shailendra Sugrim

plicated case where it can cause blindness, so the main focus is to teach health-care professionals about the eye, so that they will know when to send patients for screening and so that they can know when the parent needs treatment,” Dr Sugrim said.

A training session was held for health-care professionals in Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) over the weekend. This followed similar training programmes at Suddie, Essequibo Coast, Region Two, (PomeroonSupenaam); Vreed-en-Hoop, West Coast Demerara, Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara) and on the East Coast of Demerara.

The Ophthalmology Department is also hosting two training workshops per year and plans to have similar training programmes in Linden, Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice) and on the East Bank of Demerara in 2019.

According to Dr Sugrim, the project started with the automated screening as a pi-

lot project at the Georgetown Hospital where cameras which can focus into the eye are being used.

“This is so that we can take pictures to detect any haemorrhaging or bleeding,” Dr Sugrim said, adding that once conditions of retinopathy are detected, the patient was then sent for treatment.

The project also has the capacity to use lasers for the first time in Guyana to treat patients.

“So we are doing these workshops across the country to sensitise our practitioners so that they can spread the work to their patients,” Dr Sugrim noted.

“All patients with diabetes should make an appointment at the screening centre: walk into the clinic to make an appointment.”

About 14 per cent of all Guyanese have diabetes. The workshops are being sponsored by the World Diabetes Federation, the Public Health Ministry and the University of Toronto and Orbis International.

Teen High Court to hand down decision soon slapped …plaintiff recalls brother, business partner being shot and killed during robbery with B&E charge J $54M missing diamonds

ustice Fidela CorbinLincoln is set to rule on the matter involving $54 million in uncut diamonds that vanished from Police custody in Mahdia, Region Eight (PotaroSiparuni) almost 25 years ago. This announcement followed the conclusion of the trial on Wednesday where the owner of the precious merchandise, Ronald Khan, maintained that the now missing items were weighed

by Police in front him and several fellow ranks.

The now elderly businessman told the court that he has not seen his diamonds since they disappeared from the Mahdia Police Station.

Khan’s took legal action against the State in 2011 to reclaim his missing diamonds after he was not receiving positive word from Police on the location of the items.

The 430 carats of diamonds were taken as evidence by Police after it was recovered following a 1994 robbery investigation when Khan’s Ewang Creek, mining camp in Region Eight

was invaded. During that attack, his brother and a business associate were shot and killed while Khan’s life was nearly taken as he was also shot. The plaintiff told the court that he now bares a hole to his neck and can hardly see, owing to the injuries he received.

“I reported the matter. I got shots over my skin. The Mahdia Station was contacted via radio set. The Police led me to Pamela Landing and the transported me to Mahdia Hospital. The next day they took me to identify the two men who robbed me,” the aged businessman

recalled.

Khan, who had to be assisted to a seat where he testified, said he spoke with late Police Commissioner Henry Greene on three occasions whom he said promised that the matter would be investigated but this never materialised. He also claimed that following the recovery in 1994, he attended court on a few occasions after being hospitalised for nearly three months but said he never knew what came out of the murder and robbery matter.

“They kept putting off the case. I need my diamonds,” Khan, who now has

hearing difficulties stressed.

An animated Khan appeared surprised when State counsel Tiffany Castello suggested that the minerals may not have been in fact diamonds; but the man stressed that he became a pork knocker in 1950 as he outlined how diamonds are placed in categories of “Good; Reject; Industrial and Fine”.

He recounted that he started out by selling gold and diamonds to the late MC Correia in Charlotte Street, Georgetown.

Under cross examination, Castello suggested that Khan could not see properly when he claimed that he identified the stones at the Mahdia Police Station, but the former miner stressed that he could make out his diamonds. Khan added that at the time of the attack, he could not see as he was bleeding all over. He nevertheless held on to his claim that he saw his diamonds.

When probed further, he stated that the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) did not verify the value of the

diamonds. He noted that he “passed the diamonds through the GGMC.” Three Police witnesses also took the stand to testify. These were retired Inspector Terrence Semple, retired Corporal Westland Fraser and retired Senior Superintendent Courtney Ramsey. They were all cross-examined by Khan’s Attorney Nigel Hughes.

Semple told the court that he received a ‘crazy-glue’ container with a quantity of stones but could not recall if Khan was brought to the Mahdia Police Station. He however noted remembering that Khan was injured and taken to hospital.

Ramsey testified that he handed over the stones to “Constable Fraser” who was told to escort the diamonds to E (Linden-Kwakwani) and F Division (Interior locations). He also said that he was never requested to do an investigation of the missing merchandise, adding that he was not aware if Khan was ever told to collect the stones. (Shemuel Fanfair)

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teenager on Wednesday made his appearance before Magistrate Fabayo Azore at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts after he was slapped with a break and enter charge.

Nineteen-year-old Shiva Kadirwel of Lot 8 Riverview, Ruimveldt, Georgetown, denied the offence after it was read to him. The charge alleged that on October 9, 2018 at Ruimveldt, Georgetown he broke and entered the dwelling of Georgina Austin and stole $20,000.

Police Prosecutor Warren Thornhill made no objections to bail being granted.

Magistrate Azore released the teen on $40,000 bail. The case will continue on November 28, 2018.

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thursdAY, october 25, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

Tri-country collaboration to eradicate carambola fruit fly

Relocation of students

Education Dept working along G with Education Ministry – REDO

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Christianburg Wismar Secondary School (CWSS) at Linden

n light of protest by parents of students attached to the Christianburg Wismar Secondary School (CWSS) at Linden, over their children being relocated owing to suspicions of asbestos at the school, Regional Education Officer (REDO) of Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice) Ravendra Singh has indicated that the Department of Education is working along with the Education Ministry in ensuring that students are in school.

In a brief comment to Guyana Times on Tuesday, Singh said he could not confirm nor deny if asbestos was

side the school’s gate along with their children had noted that they are against a decision for their children to attend school from 12:00 to 17:00h. The parents had made calls for the issue to receive urgent attention from the Education Ministry, as they alleged that though there was some arrangement for buses to take the students to school, the specifics are unclear, and they are uncertain of the arrangement.

According to a parent, a lot of parents did not turn up to last Friday’s meeting since it was school sports as they pointed out that offi-

Some of the parents protesting on Monday

indeed inside the school, but that he was made to understand that there was a process of removal in 2001 or 2002. While he related that he cannot say for sure if there was asbestos at the school presently, he said the Department is working along with information from the Central Ministry.

Some parents of students attached to the school on Monday protested the relocation of their children by officials, in light of the allegations.

According to the protesting parents, a decision was taken to relocate the students to the Wisburg Secondary school in Linden, following an “emergency” meeting between parents and officials attached to the Department of Education last Friday.

The parents, who stood out-

cials should have called another meeting at the school on Monday to further update parents. They further noted that they were told by officials that the arrangement will be in place until January 2019.

Municipal Councillor Fern Mckoy who was on the scene of the protest on Monday confirmed that there was a meeting on Friday where it was noted that asbestos was in the school; however, she said the asbestos had been removed from the school since 2001. Mckoy noted that she had worked along with the contractor at the time in having it removed. “It cost millions of dollars to remove the asbestos from the school,” she noted. Efforts to contact the Regional Education Officer in relation to the issue on Monday

proved futile.

Other officials when contacted noted that they were not authorised to speak to the media. Shortly after the Region 10 administration had said that asbestos had been discovered in the ceiling of the school prior to its reopening back in August, the Education Ministry had refuted the claims. Regional Chairman Renis Morian had noted at the time that officials had received reports from parents while conducting checks on the school’s readiness for reopening, as the asbestos had been discovered in the ceiling of the school by contractors who were conducting repairs.

The Regional Chairman further related that officials are aware that in 2001 and 2002, a contract was handed out for the removal of asbestos from inside the school. However, he noted that it appeared as though some had been hidden, given the way asbestos had been placed. Nevertheless, the Education Ministry said an inquiry into the matter had revealed that the information was brought to the attention of the Regional Executive Officer of Region 10 on August 15, 2018.

According to the Ministry, an investigation was done, and it indicated that asbestos was not present in any part of the building. “This was ascertained by testing a sample of the material suspected to be asbestos found in the ceiling. Consequently, a request was made for the contractor to resume work on the building in an effort to have the building ready for use in the time allotted,” the Ministry had said.

Guyana Times understands that the Regional Chairman had revisited the school sometime last week.

The removal of asbestos must be done with great care due to the toxic properties of this substance.

Asbestos removal is a very dangerous and expensive undertaking. Locally, very few companies have the capacity for proper removal of this hazardous substance.

uyana, Brazil and Suriname are collaborating to eradicate the carambola fruit fly, which plagues agricultural produce and poses economic and environmental challenges in the Region.

At a workshop hosted by the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA) on Wednesday, National Agricultural and Research Extension Institute (NAREI) Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Dr Oudho Homenauth said the exercise was centred on the elimination of the carambola fruit fly, which poses a serious threat. Dr Homenauth is of the view that there is a need for collaboration to effectively address the issue.

“It is recognised that no one country in the Region can seriously manage the pest problem. We all have to work together. So, it is imperative that our efforts be combined; and the three

NAREI CEO, Dr Oudho Homenauth

countries – that is Guyana, Suriname and Brazil – have agreed to work together to have a unified approach to make a difference,” Dr Homenauth is quoted by the Department of Public Information (DPI) as saying.

The NAREI CEO said that as Guyana continued to expand its non-traditional agricultural sector, systems needed to be in place to pro-

tect crops.

That was seconded by Permanent Secretary in the Agriculture Ministry, Delma Nedd, who noted the effects of the carambola fruit fly on Guyana’s agricultural development. She said studies show the fly was responsible for as much as 50 per cent yield loss of the carambola crop.

“The increased movement of people and commodities, along with the porosity of Guyana’s border, increases the likelihood for the introduction and establishment of plant pests and diseases. Therefore, the implementation of concerted pest eradication efforts among Guyana, Brazil and Suriname, will alleviate the challenges faced in the control and eradication of the carambola fruit fly.”

Nedd added that the Agriculture Ministry will continue its monitoring and assessment to eradicate the agricultural pest.

AFC in high spirits for LGE

General Secretary Marlon Williams (third from left); along with Region Four District Chairman, Michael Leonard (right); Constituency 3 (East-Central) Bartica, Juretha Fernandes (left); and Central Mackenzie, Linden, representative, Devin Sears

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ith just over two weeks remaining before the 2018 Local Government Elections (LGE), the Alliance For Change (AFC) party is confident about the upcoming polls despite getting in the race late in the game.

The AFC, a minority party in the coalition Government, believes it will be successful at the November 12 Local Government polls, according to the party’s General Secretary Marlon Williams during a press conference at the AFC’s Kitty headquarters on Wednesday.

“We, the Alliance For Change, feel confident that we will be successful in these Local Government [Elections] because what we have done is – to grab our slogan – we have selected ‘fit and proper’ people within those NDCs (Neighbourhood Democratic Councils) and constituencies,” Williams said.

He went on to note that the core of the AFC remains its spirit to effect change and in achieving this going forward, it has turned to a young, fresh and vibrant slate of people.

The AFC will be contesting 38 of the 80 Local Authority Areas (LAA).

In fact, the party’s Region Four District Chairman, Michael Leonard, told the

media conference that despite starting late in the LGE race, the AFC has managed to secure more 161 constituency candidates and is fielding more than 600 representatives in total.

On the matter of constituency candidates, the AFC’s candidate for Constituency 3 (Central Mackenzie) in Linden, Devin Sears, echoed similar sentiments, saying that the AFC is a beckon of hope for the people of Linden.

He further added that despite being a young party, the AFC is a force to be reckoned with.

“Linden sits in the heart of Guyana, but everything seems to pass through Linden… The people are fed of the same cycle over and over. We’ve had one party that has never lost Linden and we’ve had one party that has governed the country but ignored Linden so I think it’s time Linden has a change now, we cannot wait. We need to start opening up our eyes to see our town/municipality is not owned by any party and the AFC is as strong as any other party contesting the Local Government Elections,” he posited.

According to Sears, the high rate of unemployment is high among the list of issues that the party intends to tackle if it emerges suc-

cessful at the November 12 polls.

Meanwhile, his fellow party representative in Constituency 3 (EastCentral) Bartica, Juretha Fernandes, outlined some of the key areas her party is focusing on going into this year’s Local Government polls, including transparency and accountability, youth empowerment and involvement and economic enhancement. “[Bartica] still can be considered a new municipality and there’s a lot of things that [are] going on there; that persons are questioning the accountability aspect of what has happened since the 2016 Local Government Elections to now. I can confidently say that as a member of the Alliance For Change, accountability is something we pride ourselves on. In everything that we do, we believe that the process must be transparent to every residents and no stones must be left unturned in doing so,” Fernandes, who is also the party’s Deputy Campaign Director, posited.

After failed talks earlier this year with its coalition partner – A Partnership for National Unity – the AFC announced back in May that it was going to contest this year’s Local Government polls on its own.

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thursdAY, october 25, 2018

Regional

Lula calls for united Brazil Argentine Police fire rubber bullets front against ‘fascist adventure’ at anti-austerity protesters

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ailed ex-President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva called on “democrats” on Wednesday to put aside their differences and unite in a bid to defeat a “fascist adventure” in Sunday’s presidential election run-off.

Right-wing candidate Jair Bolsonaro is favourite to defeat Lula’s Workers Party (PT) colleague Fernando Haddad in the weekend’s two-horse race. “We’ve arrived at the end of the electoral process with the threat of an enormous setback for the country, for democracy and for our suffering people,” wrote Lula in a note published on Wednesday.

Lula would have been the man leading the PT challenge to Bolsonaro – and widely expected to win – but for his 12-year sentence for corruption, which he started serving in April.

Having previously led the country from 2003-10, he remains widely admired, but likewise loathed by many. One part of the population views him through the prism of the social inclu-

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© Provided by AFP Better times: former President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva (left) and Worker’s Party presidential candidate Fernando Haddad in September 2012

sion programs of his mandate, while the other part sees him as the head of a party mired in scandals relating to bribes paid by state oil company Petrobras.

Since Bolsonaro and Haddad emerged from the October 7 election first round as the two clear leaders of a classic left versus right political battle, the PT candidate has struggled to attract more than “critical support” from the centre and centre-left.

It’s left him looking likely to lose on Sunday.

Lula, though, is pleading with political opponents to put aside their reservations and help prevent Bolsonaro from his seemingly unstoppable march to the presidency.

Ex-Army captain Bolsonaro has previously expressed support not just for Brazil’s 1964-85 dictatorship, but also its use of torture. (Excerpt from MSN)

Tropical storm Willa moves inland across Mexico

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torm Willa is moving inland after it made landfall on Mexico’s Pacific coast. Willa has rapidly weakened but torrential rains are falling over west-central Mexico.

The US National Hurricane Centre has warned of potentially life-threatening flash flooding and landslides.

It also warned of large waves and rough surf conditions on the coast of the states of Sinaloa and Nayarit and of continued

strong winds. Willa was a category three hurricane when it made landfall but has since weakened and been downgraded to a tropical storm.

It hit land just 15km from the town of Escuinapa in Sinaloa state, where it damaged the roof of the local hospital. Residents of the town who had gathered at a shelter told AFP news agency they were concerned about their homes and possessions.

“You feel bad leaving ev-

erything behind, but what can you do? We’re up against nature,” a local farmer said.

Earlier this month, areas of the US were devastated by Hurricane Michael, which left at least 27 people dead.

Michael, which made landfall on October 10, was the most powerful storm ever to hit north-west Florida. Residents of Mexico Beach, one of the areas worst affected, described the aftermath as a “war zone”.

rgentine Police fired rubber bullets, tear gas and waters cannon at protesters who marched on Wednesday in front of Congress against the Government’s 2019 Budget bill, which contains steep spending cuts aimed at erasing the country’s fiscal deficit.

Thousands of activists gathered, led by teachers, social organizations and leftist groups opposed to President Mauricio Macri’s austerity measures. Small clusters of protesters hurled rocks, sticks and trash at police who shot rubber bullets and used metal barriers to control the crowd.

Some protesters were seen hurling tear gas can-

isters back at police lines.

Authorities quickly reinforced with a large group of motorcycle police who descended on the crowd.

The same riot control measures were used to push back protesters late last year when Congress approved cuts to Argentina’s pension system.

Tensions are rising in Latin America’s number three economy, which is projected by the budget bill to contract 2.4 per cent this year and 0.5 per cent in 2019. Public utility subsidy cuts are forcing home heating and electricity bills higher, fuelling inflation expected by the government at 42 per cent this year.

As Police moved to stem

the violence, lawmakers inside the capitol building squabbled and argued loudly over sticking points, at times disregarding calls for order.

The budget features sharp reductions in government spending and tax increases aimed at cutting the primary fiscal deficit from a projected 2.7 per cent of gross domestic product this year to zero in 2019.

The local currency is down about 50 percent so far this year. On Wednesday it weakened 1.35 percent 37.15 to the greenback. Argentina is in the emerging markets spotlight as it prepares to host a meeting of the G20 at the end of November. (Excerpt

from Reuters)

T&T PM dismisses criticism over Caricom aid offer

T

rinidad and Tobago’s Prime Minister, Dr Keith Rowley Wednesday criticised persons whom he said had been spreading rumours that his administration had turned down offers from Caribbean Community (Caricom) countries in the aftermath of the flood situation caused by torrential rains over the past few days.

“What is wrong with us? When my Caricom colleagues, all of whom, from Suriname to Jamaica, called to commiserate with us and they said well if you need help we here, it is like somebody saying to you, ‘how you do’ and you start reading out your medical condition and

the last visit to the doctor,” Rowley told the audience at the sod turning ceremony for a new health centre in Diego martin, west of here.

“These are not questions that require an answer. It wasn’t meant that they were going to hand us a cheque. It meant they were acknowledging we were in difficulty and they were standing with us firstly in spirit and secondly if physically they could contribute then they would,” Rowley said, adding “we are coping and we are coping very well”.

A statement from the Office of the Prime Minister on Monday had indicated that Prime Minister Rowley, who is celebrating his

69thbirthday, had been contacted by several Caricom leaders, including Jamaica’s Prime Minister and Caricom Chairman, Andrew Holness, as well as his colleagues from Barbados, Dominica and Grenada. Rowley also met with Guyana’s President David Granger.

Rowley said Venezuela’s President Nicolás Maduro had also made contact with Port of Spain. It said that he expressed thanks to the leaders “and indicated that difficult as it is, we are coping for the moment through Government agency responses and private outpourings from persons across the nation”. (Excerpt from

Jamaica Observer)

Child pornography to get a wider Murder investigation launched definition under amended law (Excerpt from BBC News)

in Turks and Caicos following death of American visitor

Kuhnla's body was discovered on October 16, 2018 (Royal Turks and Caicos Island Police Force)

F

ollowing the discovery of the body of a female American visitor in bushes near the Club Med Resort in the Leeward area of Providenciales in the Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI) on the morning of Tuesday, October 16, 2018, a murder investigation has

now been launched by local police. The woman has been named as Marie Kuhnla, a resident of the United States who was visiting the Turks and Caicos Islands. Acting Police Commissioner Trevor Botting, said an active investigation into the death is underway and asked that

anyone with any information to contact the investigators from the Serious Crime Unit or call in confidence at Crimestoppers on 1-8008477.

“No further details will be given at this time,” the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force said in a statement.

A Club Med spokesperson confirmed that the 61-year-old mother from New York was staying at the resort. She was reported missing on October 15, the day before her body was found.

The resort said it could not provide additional information and was cooperating with local authorities in the ongoing investigation into Kuhnla’s death. (Caribbean News

Now)

E

fforts to strengthen the Electronic Crimes Act, to protect children, adults and personal information are to be advanced in Antigua’s Parliament this Friday. This is being done through proposed amendments to the Electronic Crimes Act which is scheduled to be debated in the Senate on that day.

The Bill was passed in the Lower House last week and the Attorney General, Steadroy “Cutie” Benjamin was the one who laid it on the table. He pointed to the Explanatory Memorandum to explain the new scope the law will take and why the specific amendments are being proposed.

The memorandum states, “The objective of this legislation is to update the Electronic Crimes Act 2013, No 14 of 2013, to give effect to the decision of Her Ladyship Justice Clare Henry and to give greater clarity to the offences under the Act.”

According to Benjamin, the judge had ruled in a case, not yet known to OBSERVER media, that the law was too vague or wide and “left open the possibility of a violation of the enjoyment of freedom of expression which is protected in the constitution.”

One of the changes therefore is to the definition of the term “child pornography.”

The definition used in the principal Act for “child pornography” referred only to images and representations of a child engaging in sexually explicit conduct.

However, by this amendment, the definition has been widened; and in addition to images and representations of a child engaged in sexually explicit conduct, the term will also now refer to images and representations that – “(ii) for a sexual purpose, shows parts of a child’s body, whether natural or computer generated, pasted to images or visual representation of an adult’s

body and vice versa; or (iii) exploits a child for sexual stimulation.”

Section 8 of the principal Act is also to be repealed entirely as it relates to the crime of Violation of Privacy.

The proposed change, which is more specific than what currently exists, states, “A person commits an offence if that person intentionally and without lawful excuse or justification captures, publishes or transmits the image of the private area of another person without his or her consent, or captures, publishes or transmits the image, whether whole or partial, of another person in a vulnerable position under circumstances violating the privacy of that person.”

And, under this section, the punishment from a magistrate will be a fine up to $100,000 or two years in jail; or to both such fine and imprisonment. (Excerpt from Antigua Observer)

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guyanatimesgy.com

Around the World

Russia will target European countries US arrested 16,658 if they host US nuclear missiles – Putin migrant family members

P

resident Vladimir Putin said on Wednesday that Russia would be forced to target any European countries that agreed to host US nuclear missiles following Washington’s withdrawal from a landmark Cold Warera arms control treaty.

Speaking at a news conference after holding talks with Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte, Putin said he wanted to discuss what he called dangerous US plans to leave the IntermediateRange Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty with US President Donald Trump.

The two leaders are expected to hold talks in Paris on November 11.

Russia has called Trump’s decision to quit the 1987 treaty, which eliminated both countries’ landbased short- and intermediate-range ballistic missiles

Russian President Vladimir Putin speaks during a meeting with Italian businessmen at the Kremlin in Moscow, Russia, October 24, 2018

from Europe, dangerous.

Trump has accused Russia of violating the treaty, something Moscow denies. It says Washington is the one violating it.

US National Security Advisor John Bolton told Putin on Tuesday that

Washington would press ahead with plans to quit the pact despite objections from Russia and some European countries.

Putin told reporters on Wednesday that Russia would have to respond in kind and would do so swift-

ly if the United States quit the pact.

“Answering your question directly, can we respond,” Putin said, when asked what Russia would do if Trump made good on his pledge to leave the treaty.

“We can, and it will be very fast and very effective,” he said.

“If the United States does withdraw from the INF treaty, the main question is what they will do with these (intermediate-range) missiles that will once again appear.

“If they will deliver them to Europe, naturally our response will have to mirror this, and European countries that agree to host them, if things go that far, must understand that they are putting their own territory at risk of a possible counter-strike.” (Excerpt from Reuters)

“Explosive devices” sent to Clinton, Obama, US officials, and CNN

S

uspected explosive devices have been sent to top Democrats including Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton, as well as CNN, US officials have said.

It comes two days after a pipe bomb was found at the home of liberal philanthropist and financier George Soros in the suburbs of New York City.

CNN's New York office was evacuated on Wednesday morning after a suspected bomb was sent to their mailroom.

President Donald Trump said that these threats "have no place in America".

Speaking at the White House, Trump said that he has been briefed by the FBI

Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton have been targeted

and "a major federal investigation is now under way".

"The safety of the American people is my highest and absolute priority," he said.

"In these times, we just have to unify. We need to come together and send one very clear unmistakable message that threats or acts of political violence

of any kind have no place in America."

When asked about the pattern of these attempted attacks, during a news conference, the New York Police Commissioner said law enforcement was proactively contacting people to ensure other mail rooms "follow proper protocol".

The FBI in New York said they were aware of the suspected packages, and that their Joint Terrorism Task Force is aiding in the investigation.

New York Mayor Bill de Blasio decried the attempted attacks as "an act of terror attempting to undermine our free press and leaders of this country".

(Excerpt from BBC News)

China fails in bid to stop UN Security Council Myanmar briefing

C

hina, backed by Russia, failed on Wednesday to stop a United Nations Security Council briefing by the chair of a UN inquiry that has accused Myanmar’s military of genocide against Rohingya Muslims and wants the 15-member council to take

action against those responsible.

“Atrocities continue to take place today,” Marzuki Darusman, chair of the UN Fact Finding Mission on Myanmar, told reporters ahead of the council briefing. “It is an ongoing genocide that is taking place.”

Global pressure is mounting on Myanmar to act on accountability after a Myanmar military crackdown in the western state of Rakhine last year drove some 700,000 of the largely stateless minority over the border into Bangladesh.

Myanmar’s UN

Ambassador Hau Do Suan told the General Assembly’s human rights committee on Tuesday that his government had a “strong commitment to accountability for human rights violations in Rakhine or in any other place in the country”. (Excerpt

from Reuters)

at border in September

U

S border agents arrested nearly 17,000 members of family units attempting to cross the US border with Mexico in September, a 31 per cent increase over the previous month, according to official statistics released on Tuesday.

In a news briefing with reporters on Tuesday, Trump Administration officials pointed to the increase in migrant families as evidence of a "border crisis", because those groups are more difficult for immigration enforcement officials to detain and deport because of protections granted by US law to migrant children. Rights

groups, however, dispute Trump's claim, saying that while there was an increase in apprehensions in 2018, overall, irregular immigration has been at a historic low over the last few years.

President Donald Trump's Administration expressed alarm at the change in the makeup of migrants attempting to cross into the United States from mostly single adults to children and families travelling together.

About 40 per cent of those apprehended in fiscal 2017 and 2018 were unaccompanied children or families with children, compared with 10 per cent in 2012.

(Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Sharp falls wipe out Wall Street's 2018 gains

W

all Street fell sharply on Wednesday, erasing the gains posted this year for two of the three main indexes.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average sank 2.4 per cent to 24,583.4 points, while the S&P 500 plunged 3.1 per cent to 2656.1 points.

The losses pushed the two indices into negative territory for the year.

The Nasdaq also fell more than 4.4 per cent to 7108.4 points amid concerns about weak corporate profits, trade tensions and other uncertainties.

That was the biggest one-day fall for the tech-

nology-focused index since August 2011.

Tech shares were among those hardest hit, with Amazon falling 5.9 per cent, Facebook down 5.4 per cent, Google owner Alphabet off 4.8 per cent and Netflix sinking 9.4 per cent.

Nate Thooft at Manulife Mutual Funds said: "Costs are increasing and it's often tariff-related. We also reached a potential peak for earnings – companies that show marginal weakness take a beating."

The Dow is now on track for its worst month since May 2010. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Top South African rapper dies aged 38

S

outh African rapper Jabulani Tsambo, popularly known as HHP, has died.

His wife, who doubles as his publicist, has confirmed the news to local media.

The award-winning artist, 38, is seen as the man who made South African hip hop popular, singing in indigenous languages, at a time when most local artistes were imitating American-style rap.

Thousands of South Africans have taken to social media to pay their respects to him.

The circumstances of his

death have not been confirmed.

South Africa's ruling party, the African National Congress, has also expressed its condolences.

"The ANC joins millions of South Africans in paying tribute to this music icon who became a beacon of hope and inspired many artists, and individuals in our country," it said in a statement.

"He left an indelible mark in the country and his inspirational music will continue [to] reverberate [in] our ears for many years to come." (Excerpt

from BBC News)

Harry Potter to “inspire” budding India lawyers

A

top Indian law university in the eastern state of West Bengal has introduced a course based on the fictional world of Harry Potter.

The course uses the role of law in the series to draw parallels between the stories and real-life situations.

Professor Shouvik Kumar Guha, who designed it, says it is an "experiment" to "encourage creative thinking."

Several universities in the US and at least one in the UK also offer courses inspired by the famous series.

The Harry Potter series is extremely popular in India

The course in India, which is entitled "An interface between Fantasy Fiction Literature and Law: Special focus on Rowling's Potterverse", is expected to include a total of 45 hours of discussion-based teaching.

Some of the topics mentioned in the course module point out how social and class rights in India can be equated with the "enslavement of house-elves and the marginalisation of werewolves" in the fantasy series. (Excerpt from BBC News)

18

guyanatimesgy.com

thursdAY, october 25, 2018

ARCHIE

ARIES (March 21April 19)

TAURUS (April 20May 20)

dilbert

GEMINI (May 21June 20)

CANCER (June 21July 22)

Peanuts

LEO (July 23Aug. 22)

Calvin and Hobbes

VIRGO (Aug. 23Sept. 22)

Physical activity is favoured. Lend a helping hand or sign up for an event that tests your strength and endurance. Focus on what you can do, not what you cannot.

You’ll be prompted to make some last-minute changes. Before you begin, make sure you have the approval of anyone who will be affected by the choices you make.

Behind-the-scenes activity should concern you. Stay in the loop and find out all you can before you jump to conclusions. Someone will try to mislead you.

Tie up loose ends, say what’s on your mind and make personal alterations that will leave you feeling good, looking good and living up to your expectations.

Romance is highlighted.

Erratic behavior will leave you questioning what’s right or the best way to move forward. Step back from unpredictable situations. Make a moderate choice based on common sense.

Engage in talks that will bring you closer to a loved one. Don’t let anger be the driver of your discussion. A positive attitude and an affectionate gesture will pay off.

Anger will solve nothing, LIBRA (Sept. 23- but hard work, honesty and Oct. 23) integrity will help you get things done. Don’t let distress cause you to miss out.

Take care of your responsibilities.

WORD GAME TODAY’S WORD — HOODWINKS (HOODWINKS: HOOD-winks: Deceives.)

SUDOKU

YESTERDAY’S WORD — FINESSED

send sense side sine snide defies define denies dense diesis dine

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

Don’t let the unexpected push you in a direction you haven’t had time to think about. Stand still until you have a clear view of what’s going on around you.

Do less talking and more SAGITTARIUS listening. Divulging too much (Nov. 23- about yourself will leave you Dec. 21) open to ridicule or slander.

Avoid being misinterpreted by acting discreetly and precisely.

Average mark 21 words Time limit 35 minutes Can you find 37 or more words in HOODWINKS? The list will be published tomorrow.

feed fend fiend find fine ides need ness seed seen seine

SCORPIO (Oct. 24Nov. 22)

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22Jan. 19)

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

PISCES (Feb. 20March 20)

Consider the best way to make improvements at home or work. Set the stage for the way you want to see things unfold. Take charge to make progress.

An emotional situation will be difficult to deal with if you get angry. Be cautious how you deal with erratic, unpredictable or indulgent people. Abide by the rules.

You’ll come up with different ways to put your skills to use. There is money to be made if you negotiate on your own behalf.

thursdAY, october 25, 2018

19

Guyana Softball Cup 2018 bowls off October 26

W

ith the Guyana Floodlights Softball Cricket Association (GFSCA) having officially launched Guyana Softball Cup 8, and all logistics sorted, softball fans will witness two days of intense action under floodlights from October 26-28 in Georgetown and the East Coast of Demerara.

GFSCA Secretary Anil Beharry has stated that he was very excited as the first match was soon to be played.

He also thanked the sponsors for the work they have been doing over the years, and for their continuous support.

Beharry went on to say that this event was one of the biggest softball events in the world. He also said that everything was set in place, and they were ready for action.

With only a day remaining, many business entities

have pledged their allegiance and continued support, making fans and players dreams worthwhile as they have donated big to the tournament.

Some of these entities are Steve’s Jewellery, who will reward the Most Valuable Player (MVP) in the Open, Over-45 and Over-50 categories with gold pendants in the shape of cricket bats accentuated with diamond studs.

Survival Group of Companies has also come on board and would be rewarding fans with gate prizes, which will include five hampers and a trip for three couples to local destinations such as Kaieteur Falls and Orinduik Falls.

The registration fee for the Open category will remain at US$400, with the prize money set at US$4000; while the cost for registra-

Members of the GFSCA and sponsors (seated to the front)

tion for the Masters categories (O-45 and O-50) is set at US$700. The prize money for the Masters’ categories is yet to be determined.

The tournament will feature teams from New

York, Guyana, Canada and Florida. The category finals will be held on October 28, 2018 at DCC commencing at 10:00h and conclude with the Open finals under floodlights.

Some of the sponsors on board thus far are ANSA McAL, under its Lucozade, Stag and iCool Water brands; Mike’s Pharmacy; Rubis Guyana; Trophy Stall; Survival Group of Companies;

A and R Jewanram Printery; Rohan Auto Spares; Steve’s Jewellery; Ramchand’s Auto Spares; Clear Waters; Busta; WJ Enterprise, and Nand Persaud & Company Limited.

BCB 2018 cricket season

Blairmont crowned Magic Moments 20/20 champions

Man of the Final Zaheer Nasir receives his prize from WBCA President David Black

T

he Cotton Tree Cricket Ground on Sunday last hosted its first-ever Berbice cricket final as the curtains came down on the Berbice Cricket Board’s West Berbice Magic Moments 20/20 Tournament.

Blairmont Community Centre easily defeated the home team by 70 runs to be crowned champions, while Number 5 Monedderlust got past Bush Lot Rising Star by four wickets to claim the third-place prize.

The final was played in front of a large crowd, which included BCB President Hilbert Foster, Secretary Robby Saywack and West Berbice Cricket Association (WBCA) President David Black.

Blairmont won the toss and elected to bat on the placid pitch, and were able to amass a formidable 215 for 5

from 20 overs, with Zaheer Nasir top scoring with a brilliant 81 not out. He received support from National Under-19 all-rounder Javed Karim, who batted well to score 54 and opener Kevin Jawahir (34).

Nasir started a little slowly before opening up to hit seven massive sixes on the small ground. The experienced Roshan Gafoor took 2-39 and Wagar Hassan bagged 2-40 for Cotton Tree.

Needing to score 216 to win their first-ever BCB title, Cotton Tree were unable to negotiate the spin duo of Guyana Under-17 player Seon Glasgow (3-11) and Jawahir (2-25).

They were bowled out for 145 off 15.4 overs, with Pooran Persaud (39); Nick Ramsaroop (35) and Narshad Gafoor (25) being the principal scorers. Blairmont skip-

The winning Blairmont team posed with BCB officials

per Shabeer Baksh took 2 for 14 to support Glasgow and Jawahir.

Star after the match was reduced to 15 overs after overnight rain. Bush Lot were

Captain Shabeer Baksh receives the winning trophy from BCB Secretary Robby Saywack

In the third-place playoff, Number 5 Monedderlust defeated Bush Lot Rising

reduced to 11 for 4 before recovering to 81 for 9. Glenroy Fraser top-scored with 28

while Keshan Fordyce supported with 23 as Carlton Nurse (4 -17); Travis Moriah (2-10) and M Schultz (2-18) bowled well for Number 5.

Skipper Arthley Bailey (47) and M Singh (16) then batted well to take their team home in 11.3 overs. Carlton Grant took 3-15 and Javed Saywack grabbed 2-11 in the best bowling performances for Bush Lot. At the presentation ceremony, an elated BCB President Foster announced that he was delighted at the large number of spectators attending matches once again across Berbice, as Berbicians see the return of passion and love for the game. Foster also noted, to loud applause, that Berbice cricket was on top of the ladder after three years of de-

spair.

He expressed gratitude to Sueria Manufacturing Ltd and its Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Frank Sanichara for sponsoring the four Magic Moments Tournaments in Upper Corentyne, Lower Corentyne, New Amsterdam/Canje and West Berbice. He congratulated Blairmont Cricket Club on their well-deserved title and praised the Club for its youth-focused policy. WBCA President Black also came in for praise, for his cooperation in organising the tournament in the sub-zone.

Zaheer Nasir was named Man of the Final and, along with the winning team and runners-up, carried home trophies and cash incentives.

20

GUYANATIMESgy.COM

thursdAY, october 25, 2018

Joint Services athletics championships

GDF well-poised to retain title going into final day S

cores of members of Guyana’s Joint Services gathered at the Police Sports Club Ground, Eve Leary, Georgetown, this week to participate in their annual track and field championships.

The event is being held under the theme “Fostering Dynamic Culture of the Disciplined Services through Sports”.

Officers from the Guyana Defence Force (GDF); Guyana Police Force (GPF); Guyana Fire Service (GFS) and the Guyana Prison Service (GPS) put their jobs aside for a few days to dabble in athletic activities such as the 100 metres race as well as the 1200m, 400m, 3000m and 5000m, a variety of relays, discus throw, javelin throw and long jump.

It is no secret that there is always a massive rivalry

between the different branches of the Joint Forces and this showed clearly in the level of competition and determination the officers brought to the playing field.

In the events already completed, Kezra Murray (GPF) dominated the women’s 3000m with a time of 11:35.21s. Tabitha Bowman (GPF) took second place as she arrived at the finish line in 11:58.84s and Ashanti Scott (GDF) ended up third with a time of 12:48.77s.

The men’s distance race, which spanned 5000 metres, saw none other than Winston Missenger (GPF) taking the top of the podium in 16:37.64s. His long-time rival Cleveland Forde (GDF) settled for a close second with 16:38.34s. Tyshon Bentinck (GDF) completed the podium with 16:53.79s.

A glimpse of the women’s long jump event at the Eve Leary Ground

The mixed 4x2500m road relay was taken by the GPF as their team finished in 33:26.30s. Second and third went to the GFS and the GPS with times of 34:26.30s and 35:26.81s respectively.

The GPF took both the men’s and women’s distance medley, with the GDF and the

Jaguars optimistic ahead of U-20 CONCACAF Championships

GFS taking second and third on both occasions. However, the GDF returned in full force for the men’s and women’s 4x100m relays. In both cases, the GPF and the GFS settled for second and third.

Natasha Alder (GPF) took top honours in both the discus and javelin throw in the

women’s department. Tenisha Cort (GDF) placed second in both events. However, the third place in the discus throw went to Saphina Vanderstoop of the GPF while Shanna Vanderstoop took third in the javelin throw.

The women’s long jump saw Taznika Lovell (GPF) reigning supreme with a jump of 5.58m while Cindy Fraser (GPF) followed with 5.50m.

Aniquah Powley of GDF rounded off the podium trio with 5.48m.

It was an ordinary day at the office for Guyanese record holder Leslain Baird (GDF) as he took an easy win in the men’s javelin throw with 67.20m. Cleon Spellen (GPF) was no match as he threw 59.49m for second place.

Timothy Sealey (GDF) finished third with 54.24m.

The GDF secured another

win in the discus throw with Cloyd Prowell’s winning attempt of 39.70m. Troy Lewis (GDF) took second with 39.34m and Spellen (GPF) third with 39.01m.

The GDF also reigned supreme in the men’s long jump as Lurex Stewart flew to 6.81m. Domon Williams (GDF) jumped to second with 6.71m and Salim Yusuf (GPF) third with 6.52m.

However, the action is not over yet; the law officers will enjoy a rest day today before they return to the Eve Leary Ground on Friday for the finals of the athletics championships. On Friday, the finals of the men’s and women’s 100m, 200m, 400m and 4x400m relays will be on show from 14:00h. There will be a march past ceremony prior to the sporting activities at 13:00h.

BCB Mogu Mogu Inter-Secondary Tournament…

Defending champs Lower Corentyne, NATI advance to final

NAMILCO Finance Director Fitzroy Mc Leod sits with Managing Director Bert Sukhai (centre), along with GFF President Wayne Forde. They are flanked by members of Guyana’s National U-20 Team

W

ith the National U-20 team’s first match of the CONCACAF Championship just days away on November 2, 2018 against Guatemala, Head Coach Wayne Dover said the team have had a successful training period and he was optimistic that they would represent the country well.

This comment was made as the team had three training matches during the period and conducted a courtesy visit to the National Milling Company of Guyana (NAMILCO) on October 22, 2018.

Dover said the squad played two matches against two select Elite League squads and the Police FC respectively and while the results of the matches were not the key focus, he was satisfied with the steady progress made by the team.

“Results in these games were not the main aim for us. We looked to see the level of implementation of the areas worked on, the execution of the game plan and the consistency with how they have been done. We tried to build on and correct those areas, which were not as strong, so we can be more effective. We saw an organised group of players who was collective in their approach and more disciplined to carry out their function,” the Head Coach said.

He added that the final training game, held last Sunday against one of the select elite squads with a heavy presence of current senior national players, was a “good test” as the team seeks to decide its shortlisted players.

“The game was a very good

test for us, which highlighted many areas that we had to return to the training ground to fix. The senior players provided exactly what we wanted and they tested the lads to the point that, at one stage in the game, we had to dig deep mentally to stay in the game and that was the high point for us as a staff. The lads showed a tremendous level of fitness, and we saw a tactical display that clearly border on improvement from the previous games and even some of the sessions done.”

Dover said that the last two weeks were spent focusing on improving the team’s tactics to the level that could bring good performances and results. “We definitely will be going into the tournament very optimistically.

We will make ourselves and the country proud. I want to implore the players and staff to continue working as hard as we have done over the past four weeks. I'm sure we'll get the just reward.”

Meanwhile, during a courtesy visit to NAMILCO by 16 members of the team, including technical staff, the company’s Managing Director, Bert Sukhai congratulated the players for making the team.

He said football was a journey and he was very proud of NAMILCO’s role in the development of so many players who came through the youth programmes, especially the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) NAMILCO Flour Power U-17 IntraAssociation League. He also stated his company’s continued support for the development of football in Guyana and wished the players well.

In extending best wishes, NAMILCO Finance Controller Fitroy Mc Leod echoed Sukhai’s comments and said the players must grab the opportunity with both hands, especially as scouts and other technical staff would be on hand to view their performance on the field. He stated that NAMILCO was interested in the total development of the person, and was, therefore, happy when players had a balance between their academics and football. He urged the players to represent well both on and off the field.

Other persons present at the visit were GFF President Wayne Forde and NAMILCO Operations Manager Ralf Hemsing.

In an invited comment, Team Manager Daniel Thomas said the team were happy to have visited the company. “The visit went well. The players expressed their appreciation to the company for sponsoring the U-17 league. It is a sign of positive progression that so many players have played in the GFF-NAMILCO Thunderbolt Flour Power National U-17 League, so we have been able to see the transition and the graduation relative to their skillset and maturity as players and are happy about that. A lot of them also represented Guyana in Martinique,” Thomas noted.

The National U-20 team are scheduled to depart on Sunday, October 28. They have matches scheduled in the first round against: Guatemala, 10:30h on November 2; Cayman Islands, 10:30h on November 6; Curaçao, 12:45h on November 8; and El Salvador, 19:45h on November 10.

T

The NATI team

he Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) Mogu Rampersaud was the only spark with the Mogu Inter-Secondary Schools tour- bat, as he stroked a solid 32, with Lucas nament continued with the outstand- Arthur offering resistance with 16. Berbice ing New Amsterdam Technical Institute Under-19 spin ace Keith Simpson spun webs (NATI) team advancing to the final of the around the batsmen picking up 4 for 12 runs 30-over tournament for schools across in his six overs, with an economy rate of two. Former Guyana Under-15 left-arm fast Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne).

NATI brushed aside JC Chandisingh bowler Stephen Kamaladin grabbed 3 for Secondary School (JCCSS) by 88 runs in 16 while impressive left-arm spinner Simon the semi-final at Port Mourant Community Naidu picked up 2-23.

In the other semi-final, Upper Corentyne Centre Ground.

In blistering sunshine, NATI, bat- Technical Institute (UCTI) were trounced by ting first, racked up 180-8 in 30 overs. Lower Corentyne Secondary School (LCSS).

Aggressive batting was seen throughout the UCTI, opting to bat first, managed 126 all innings as astonishing youth batsman out in 22.5 overs. A Hussain (37); Arvin Garfield Benjamin scored a brisk Lall (21) and Rudy Jamladeen (19) were the chief scorers with the bat. Jeremiah Felix 88. Benjamin, who recently scored a masterful century in 3-9 and Leon Cecil 3-26 were the destructors with the ball. an earlier round of the The LCSS cruised to victory ending on tournament, took the attack to the JCCSS bowl128-5 in 19.5 overs. ers with some exquisite Leon Cecil scored an attacking shots all over the fair42 while T Mahadeo made an attractive 30. However, it was ly large Port Mourant Ground. Benjamin was Damien Cecil’s responsible supported by the former 23 not out that saw his team Berbice Under-19 playacross the finish line. er Brandon Stewart, who The final for Region scored a well-composed Six zone will be played 30. Guyana Under-15 on Tuesday, October spinner Jeremy Sandia 30 at the Cumberland was the pick of the bowlGround from 10:00h. ers grabbing 3-25 in six The winner of that overs. will advance to the In reply, JCCSS grand finale chalencountered diffilenging the winculties achieving ner of Region Five the target of 181 in (Mahaica-Berbice) for 30 overs. The Guyana the BCB Mogu Mogu Championship.

Garfield Benjamin Under-15 player Jonathan (Brandon Corlette)

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Ramphal receives BCB, RHTY&SC highest awards “B

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RHTY&SC’s Robby Kissoonlall hands over the Dolphin Award of Excellence to Brian Ramphal

cricket to rise from the ashes. We will forever be indebted to you for your kindness and as such, it is our greatest honour to present our highest award to you.”

These were the words of dynamic Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) President Hilbert Foster during a ceremony at the St Francis Community Developers as the BCB and the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club (RHTY&SC) honoured

Annual Award Ceremony, financial stipends for national players, educational posters for junior cricketers and the Double Wicket First Division Tournament.

The BCB will also publish a Review Magazine later in the year using some of the funds. Foster was loud in praise of Ramphal, who, along with Dr Tulsi Dyal Singh, is the largest financial donor to the BCB. The Tribute to Hero

Award is specially given to outstanding individuals, whose contributions to Berbice cricket have assisted the development of the game. Among those who have received the Award are Carl Moore, Mortimer George, Lennox Phillips, Ancel Hazel and Malcolm Peters. Foster, who is also the Secretary/CEO of the RHTY&SC, MS, stated that the Club decided to honour Ramphal with its highest award, The Dolphin Award of Excellence, because the Club’s cricketers had benefited from Ramphal’s kindness and his remarkable achievements in the technology field. The Dolphin Award is the highest of the RHTY&SC’s 12 awards and would only be given to an elite cadre of 50 Guyanese, who are regarded as positive

role models and inspiration to youths. Other awardees include President David Granger, Roger Harper, Jennifer Cipriani, Larry Wills and Rajendra Ganga.

Ramphal, in response, expressed gratitude to both the BCB and the RHTY&SC for conferring their highest awards on him. He stated that he selected Berbice cricket to support because he knew of its legendary history and he was very impressed with its leadership. He was very confident that his $1 million was well spent and accounted for, and looked forward to a long-term relationship with the county.

The Board presented Ramphal with a plaque, medal, trophy, certificate of appreciation and a special gift.

GABA/Rainforest Water/Malta Supreme League…

Guardians looking to extend wins against Kobras A ction will continue tomorrow in the 2018 Rainforest Water/Malta Supreme/ Georgetown Amateur Basketball Association (GABA) Under-23, First and Second Division League at the Burnham Hard Court as the Kobras take on the unstoppable Guardians to headline the night.

In the other scheduled match, Eagles will face the Sonics in the Second Division.

In their last encounter, the Kobras took on the Eagles and lost 68-56, as the victors’ Captain, Shemar Huntley (23) was the go-to man as he completely dominated the scoring for his side with no other player reaching double digits.

For the Kobras, James Lakhan (14) and Amoniki John (11) were the lead scorers.

In the Guardians’ last encounter, as expected, they crushed their opponents 6632 with Captain Terrence

Part of the action in the GABA League at the Burnham Basketball Court

Daniel leading from the front with 14 points and every other member of the team contributing.

The Guardians are expected to win this encounter easily as they have been in impeccable form and are poised to

win the season.

Meanwhile, Sonics are finally coming to play with a victory after a series of continuous losses this season. They have somehow managed to put their ghosts behind them and turn over a new leaf, but the past always has a way of returning as it may if the Sonics do not play with the spunk they did against the Vikings.

Sonics’ opponents, the Eagles, have had an up-anddown season, but a predominantly better one than the Sonics. If they are to win, they must continue to play with cohesion and be decisive.

The action continues today at 18:30h.

On Tuesday night, the Sonics once again continued their poor performances for the season against the unstoppable Guardians as they were crushed 66-32 while the UG Trojans continued to struggle as they bowed out to the Pacesetters 74-59.

(Timothy Jaikarran)

22

GUYANATIMESgy.COM

thursdAY, october 25, 2018

West Indies tour of India…

West Indies contrive to tie after Hope, Hetmyer heroics – King Kohli fastest to 10K ODI runs

T

his will hurt more than their three previous one-sided defeats. Shimron Hetmyer's sensational hitting and Shai Hope's near run-a-ball unbeaten hundred brought West Indies awfully close to their highest successful chase in ODIs, but they contrived to somehow fall behind and then hit a last-ball four to come away with a tie. When they lost Rovman

needed every last one of those. In typical scenes at an Indian ground, mild applause drowned in deafening funeral silence as Hetmyer first and Hope later stunned India in dewy conditions.

It is usually hard to hear yourself think at an Indian ground except when India are at the receiving end of an onslaught by a visiting batsman. Hetmyer seemed like he wanted to find out how

Shai Hope

Powell in the 38th over, West Indies needed just 69 at well under a run a ball, but somehow failed to punish a spate of full tosses bowled with the wet ball and needed 14 off the last over.

Relieved was Virat Kohli, who had earlier almost single-handedly carried India to 321 with a century that took him past 10,000 ODI runs in record time. However, he will also be revisiting his decision at the toss, batting first despite knowing the dew in the evening would restrict their three spinners significantly.

Kohli scored 157 of the 281 runs that came when he was at the wicket.

The final flourish from Kohli – 48 off the last 17 balls he faced – seemed bonus runs given the slow nature of the pitch, but soon it was apparent that India

quiet an Indian stadium can be. He hit seven sixes in his 64-ball 94, got out trying to hit an eighth, but the more subdued Hope stayed back to make sure West Indies remained the favourites till the end.

The ball was wet, it skidded off the pitch, and spin was meat and drink for Hetmyer. Before that, Kuldeep had shown his party tricks to reduce West Indies to 78 for 3. Stock ball, stock ball, wrong'un, and it was enough to send back Chandrapaul Hemraj and Marlon Samuels. But now the dew began to have an effect, and Hetmyer amplified it by put the spinners under extreme pressure.

All his seven sixes came against spin and into the leg side. Eventually, Yuzvendra Chahal managed to start a long hop so wide that pull-

ing instead of cutting proved to be a fatal error. Still, that partnership of 143 in under 20 overs had put West Indies well on their way.

Hope and Rovman continued to bat sensibly, happy with the odd boundary, keeping the asking rate under a run a ball.

Kuldeep, though, returned

of 50 balls without a boundary. With 52 required off 39, Hope broke the shackles, hitting Kuldeep for a six over wide long-on, and just like that the game was back in West Indies' control.

When Hope brought up his hundred, West Indies needed just 34 off 29, but then came an Umesh Yadav over

SCOREBOARD

India Innings (50 overs maximum) RG Sharmac Hetmyer b Roach 4 S Dhawan lbw b Nurse 29 V Kohli (c) not out 157 AT Rayudu b Nurse 73 MS Dhoni † b McCoy 20 RR Pant lbw b Samuels 17 RA Jadeja c KOA Powell b McCoy 13 Mohammed Shami not out 0 Extras: (lb 3, w 5) 8 TOTAL: (50 Overs, RR: 6.42) 321/6 Fall of wickets: 1-15 (RG Sharma, 3.1 ov), 2-40 (S Dhawan, 8.4 ov), 3-179 (AT Rayudu, 32.2 ov), 4-222 (MS Dhoni, 40.2 ov), 5-248 (RR Pant, 43.3 ov), 6-307 (RA Jadeja, 48.5 ov) Bowling: JO Holder (6-0-500), KAJ Roach (10-0-67-1), AR Nurse (10-0-46-2), D Bishoo (10-0-48-0), OC McCoy (9-071-2), MN Samuels (5-0-36-1)

to get Rovman with another wrong'un, a panicked attempt to keep the ball out after reading it off the surface.

India had no choice at that time, but to have a slip in, where Rohit Sharma completed a sitter.

Jason Holder and Hope then batted cautiously – some might say too cautiously – to see through the spin threat. The asking rate gradually began to go up as India got in a spell

West Indies Innings (target: 322 runs from 50 overs) KOA Powellc Pant b Mohammed Shami 18 C Hemrajb Kuldeep Yadav 32 SD Hope †not out 123 MN Samuelsb Kuldeep Yadav 13 SO Hetmyerc Kohli b Chahal 94 R Powellc Sharma b Kuldeep Yadav 18 JO Holder (c)run out (Rayudu/Chahal) 12 AR Nursec Rayudu b Yadav 5 KAJ Roach not out 0 Extras (b 1, lb 4, w 1) 6 TOTAL:(50 Overs, RR: 6.42) 321/7 Did not bat: D Bishoo, OC McCoy Fall of wickets: 1-36 (KOA Powell, 6.1 ov), 2-64 (C Hemraj, 9.3 ov), 3-78 (MN Samuels, 11.6 ov), 4-221 (SO Hetmyer, 31.5 ov), 5-253 (R Powell, 37.3 ov), 6-300 (JO Holder, 47.2 ov), 7-315 (AR Nurse, 49.4 ov) Bowling: Mohammed Shami (10-0-59-1), UT Yadav (10-078-1), Kuldeep Yadav (10-067-3), RA Jadeja (10-0-490), YS Chahal (10-0-63-1)

where Hope hit one plum half-volley and two even juicier full tosses straight to the infielders.

Panic only set in next over when he sold Holder down the river although Holder will be the first one to admit he could have done better than 12 off 23 at that stage. West Indies should still have finished the game off with 22 required off 16, but Mohammed Shami bowled a fantastic 49th over

Virat Kohli

to leave Umesh 13 to defend in the last.

Umesh began well with yorkers, was unlucky in conceding four leg-byes, but when he erred big time with a full toss, Ashley Nurshe had already premeditated a ramp shot. The ball was wide so Nurse's only option now was a reverse ramp, and India's third man was fine to complete the catch. Seven runs were now required off two balls. Hope dug the first one – a yorker – out for two, and could get only four off a wide half-volley last ball.

India players wore the look of a side that had dodged a bullet. They had banked on the pitch deteriorating in its due course even if the dew affected the outfield, but were surprised by how good the pitch began to bat on in the evening. They should know. When they were batting, West Indies went to spin as early as the Powerplay, and drew instant results too. Nurse removed Shikhar Dhawan to reduce India to 40 for 2 in the ninth over.

It was here that Kohli and the newly-crowned number four Ambati Rayudu added 139 for the third wicket. While Kohli took one early risk before settling into an efficient typical Kohli innings, Rayudu kept driving

between mid-off and cover, hitting five of his eight boundaries in that zone.

Rayudu did take the extra risks, though, and that got him out in the 70s.

Kohli continued to bat the way he does even as both MS Dhoni and Rishabh Pant – incumbent and successor – failed to convert their good starts. Only 69 came in those 67 balls that Dhoni and Pant were at the wicket. However, in the company of Dhoni, a captain Kohli reveres, he took that single to reach 10,000 runs in 54 innings fewer than the previous record, held by Sachin Tendulkar, a batsman Kohli reveres.

However, it was his hitting in the end, having exhausted himself running 62 of the first 102 runs he scored in the humidity of India's east coast, that made the vital difference to the game. All four of his sixes came in the last four overs as he showed he can hit the big ones too, but chooses not to in the earlier parts of his innings. This is a spell of play that Holder will look back with regret at: he had dropped Kohli on 44, running back from mid-off after debutant Obed McCoy had done Kohli in with a backof-the-hand slower ball.

(ESPNcricinfo)

Box office opens ahead of WWT20 in Guyana

O

wing to public demand, the box office in Guyana for tickets for the upcoming International Cricket Council (ICC) Women’s World T20 was opened days ahead of the originally announced date.

The organisers had initially stated that tickets would go on sale in Guyana, St Lucia and Antigua on Monday, October 29; however, as early as Tuesday, October 23, the box office at the Guyana Cricket Board on Regent Road began selling tickets. The box office will open daily from 09:00h to 17:00h while tickets are also available online at http:// worldtwenty20.com It is the sixth edition of the tournament, but the first time that it is being played as

a ‘standalone’ which maybe a reason for the demand for tickets. In the five previous editions, the men’s and women’s tournaments were played simultaneously.

In all, there are 11 matches scheduled for the Guyana National Stadium at Providence across five days – November 9, 11, 13, 15 and 17.

When the tournament begins on Friday, November 9, there will be a triple header with New Zealand taking on India from 11:00h, followed by former three-time champions Australia battling Pakistan from 16:00h while defending champions Windies will begin their title defence against Bangladesh at 20:00h.

In addition to the gripping

action on the field, there will be a super concert featuring Shenseea, Patrice Roberts, Ta m i k a Marshall, B i g

Red among others on the opening day while every playing day will have similar stage performances.

Tickets are priced at G$500 for the grass mound and

G$1000 for any stand on match day. Additionally, adults may request tickets for children 12 years old and younger with the purchase of their tickets while senior citizens 60 years and older who wish to attend

the matches must produce a valid form of identification to receive their free passes.

However, the children and senior citizen passes are in limited quantities.

Other than the 11 official

tournament matches, there are also five warm-up matches at Providence on November 4, 6 and 7 where fans may get an early look at their teams.

Admission to the warm-up matches is free.

guyanatimesgy.com

thursdAY, october 25, 2018

GTT National Indoor Hockey Championships serve off Sunday

G

uyana’s National Hockey Champions will be determined over the next two weekends as the National Indoor Hockey Championships return to the international standard Cliff Anderson Sports Hall (CASH).

The competition will once again see sponsorship from the GTT as it continues its 18-year partnership with the sport. The first puck is expected to move into action on Sunday, October 28, with action continuing on Sunday, November 4.

The competition features five divisions: Men’s and Ladies’ First Division, Men’s and Ladies’ Second Division and Veterans (over-35).

Bounty GCC will face their toughest competition in recent years when they tackle a strengthening Old Fort Lamborghinis, boosted by two of the top junior players in the skilful Omar Hopkinson and prolific goal-scorer Warren Williams. In addition, previous three-time champions Pepsi Hikers will be

Antonio’s Hickers striker Timothy Jonas faces the GCC defence of Philip Fernandes and Devin Hooper in the over-35 division

at full strength with the likes of their fantastic four – Robert France, Andrew Stewart, Jamarj Assanah and Aroydy Branford.

Old Fort Top Form are holders of the men’s Second Division trophy, and will be

up against a powerful GCC Pitbulls side with several junior national players, including Captain Kareem McKenzie and Meshach Sargeant.

The Hikers Cadets and Hikers Young Guns, SHC Silencers and

SHC Sensations along with Old Fort Rogue and Phoenix round out a busy division.

The GCC Tigers have dominated this competition for the past 11 years and enter as the favourites to take the gold in the wom-

en’s First Division. Leading all-time ladies’ goal scorer Sonia Jardine will be on show, along with nationals Gabriella Xavier, Aliyah Gordon, Trisha Woodroffe and Marzana Fiedtkou in a star-studded line-up.

Traditional arch-rivals, the Woodpecker Hikers will be gunning for top spot with the likes of national players Marisha Fernandes, Nicole Eastman and Latacia Chung. Old Fort Team 2.1.2. have been improving steadily and many of their players would be fresh off their recent victory in the Noble House junior indoor championships. Minsodia Culpepper and Bushani Kaladeen will lead their effort. Saints and the Bingo Spartans feature the youngest sides in the Division and will surely use their superior conditioning and quickness to create havoc among their senior rivals.

In new additions this year, the tournament has now expanded to include a women’s Second Division competition for the first time in its history which reflects the growth of the

23

female side of the playing population. The female players now match in numbers with the males.

The newly-introduced women’s Second Division competition will find GCC Spice as a favourite among their junior opponents of Old Fort Goal Chasers, Bingo Spartans and Woodpecker Hikers. This division will feature many of the outstanding junior players recently on show in the Noble House junior championships.

Apart from the clubs contesting the competition, a national male junior squad will compete in the men’s First Division competition as Supernova, although they will not be eligible for the trophies. GCC Vintage are the double defending champions in the over-35 division, which once again sees challenges from the Old Fort Mustangs and Antonio’s Hickers.

Matches will begin on Sunday, October 28 from 14:00h and next weekend, players will return for the finals, on Sunday, November 4.

Magnificent Marooners battle red-hot Red Force in 2nd semi T he second semi-final will be a nail-biting encounter with the Combined Campuses and Colleges (CCC) Marooners battling Trinidad and Tobago Red Force at the Kensington Oval, Bridgetown, Barbados on October 26.

The CCC team have been the Regional Super50

Captain Carlos Brathwaite, having won five of their eight matches this season.

Marooners have lost only two matches, with the other match being rain affected.

In Group B, Marooners finished as the table leaders with 26 points. The young batsmen have led the batting charts with 28-year-old top order batsman K Jorn

who hails from Trinidad and Tobago, has 209 runs to his name with two elegant half-centuries. Brathwaite has also been among the runs with two half-centuries under his belt. However, all of CCC Marooners’ batsmen have failed to produce a century in this tournament, which they will be striving for in the encounter with

Trinidad and Tobago Red Force

CCC Marooners

underdogs.

Along with Guyana Jaguars, Trinidad and Tobago Red Force are considered tournament favourites. CCC Marooners have been led brilliantly by West Indies T20

Ottley scoring 222 runs with two half-centuries in this tournament. Fellow opening wicketkeeper/batsman Amir Jangoo has had a good tournament thus far.

The 21-year-old left hander,

Red Force.

CCC Marooners will be relying on the tournament’s leading wicket-taker Khesan Yannick Ottley, who has bowled dream spells throughout this

Super50 tournament. The left-arm spinner picked up 15 wickets bowling nine unreal maiden overs at an astonishing average of 11 along with an economy rate of 2.83. Bright prospect Akeem Jordan, experienced campaigner Brathwaite, Keron Cottoy and Jon-Rus Jagessar have picked up nine wickets each thus far.

In contrast, the powerhouse Red Force have been at the top of their game in majority of their encounters this season. Finishing behind the Guyana Jaguars in Group A with 27 points, they are confident heading into the semi-finals, hoping to roll over the Marooners.

Red Force played seven matches in this Super50 where they suffered only one defeat to the Jaguars

and won five matches, with the other match being abandoned due to rain.

The dangerous Nicholas Pooran has been the Red Force’s best batsman and he will be called upon to produce another sparkling innings. Young Pooran has 224 runs, striking the ball at a rate of 126.34 with an exceptional average of 56.60 with three half-centuries on his CV. Axed West Indies batsman Lendl Simmons had been scoring runs this season with 235 runs at an average of 47.00 with three half-centuries under his belt. The Red Force batsmen have also failed to score a century in this Super50, as they will be eager to score a triple in the second semi.

Infamous Trinidadian fast bowler Rayad Emrit

has been among the wickets, leading the Red Force chart with 10 wickets at an average of 19.7 and an economy rate of 4.38. Ravi Rampaul, Sunil Narine and Khary Pierre picked up eight wickets each in this edition of the Super50 thus far. With a great amount of experience in the Red Force team, they are likely to begin as favourites, with Kieron Pollard, Dwayne Bravo, Jason Mohammed, Narine, Simmons, and Rampaul all playing for the West Indies in the past.

This encounter will be a day-night affair with the match scheduled for 14:00h Eastern Caribbean time.

Will CCC Marooners snatch victory out of the Trinidad and Tobago Red Force’s hands in the second semi-final? (Brandon Corlette)

thursdAY, october 25, 2018

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

guyanatimesgy.com

West Indies contrive to tie after Hope, Hetmyer heroics Page 22

– King Kohli fastest to 10K ODI runs Joint Services athletics championships

Box office opens ahead of WWT20 in Guyana Page 22

Jaguars optimistic ahead of U20 CONCACAF Championships

GDF well-poised to retain title going into final day Page 20

Jaguars optimistic ahead of U-20 CONCACAF Championships Page 20

GFF President Wayne Forde makes a point during the visit by the National U-20 Team to NAMILCO

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