Guyanatimes 26 November 2018

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Issue No. 3758

THE BEACON OF TRUTH

Monday, November 26, 2018

PRICE

Today is Budget Day

$80 vat included

WHAT'S INSIDE:

High expectations for goodies in 2019 Budget

Page 3

Police burn Rupununi P ganja field

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Oil & gas sector

– as no-confidence motion against Govt looms

Govt’s chances Contractor failed to of re-election deliver CCTV cameras low – petroleum after 2 years – US-based company has since closed down expert

Stakeholder urges legislation to protect P10 against oil spills

Despite ‘emergency’ spending

Page 8

Miner nabbed with gun, loot after robbery

Page 7

P7

Cargo boat sinks in Waini River

Page 9

President Granger’s public engagements reduced Page 9

Former Minister urges Govt to correct P2 “misguided policies” for rice

Guyana’s debt-toGDP ratio records another increase

Page 9

ERC meets with Region 4 stakeholders P12

2 news

mondAY, November 26, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

Former Minister urges Govt to correct “misguided policies” for rice

T

he local rice industry continues to perform favourably despite the many challenges it is currently faced with and the persistent assault it has endured from the coalition Government since it assumed office in 2015, former Agriculture Minister, Dr Leslie Ramsammy has said.

The Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB) reported that in the first crop for 2018, the rice industry had harvested 86 per cent of its 2018 production.

This is equivalent to 75,137 hectares of the 87,538 hectares sown and is a significant increase in production from earlier in the year.

In August, the GRDB recorded 90 per cent of its targeted production for the second crop, which is also referred to as the autumn crop. It said that 80,000

Former Agriculture Minister, Dr Leslie Ramsammy

hectares of farmland had been harvested. The only shortfall in the last production target was owed to the early arrival of the rains in April.

“The rice industry has stood strong in spite of the persistent assaults from this Government. We are export-

ing more, but making less because this Government has given preference to low-priced market destinations and has given up high market-price destinations like Venezuela,” the former Minister stated.

According to Dr Ramsammy, the Mexican market is an important one but it is a paddy market, not a rice market. This means Guyana is marketing raw material and not value-added. “The consequence is less export earnings and less employment. It also means that by-products like bran become short supply in the country,” he added.

Dr Ramsammy made reference to rice farmers’ contribution to Guyana’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and credited them for helping to keep the economy in Guyana afloat. Rice farmers

Rice farmers checking their fields

and cash crop farmers, he said, invest about $50 billion annually into the economy.

“In the last three years, it is these farmers that have ensured the economy is still in positive growth. For APNU/AFC [A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change] to punish them with increased lease payments is not just an injustice, it is voodoo economics,” he stated making reference to a recent court matter.

He said he was happy with the decision taken by the management of the Hope Estate Limited which only last week withdrew legal proceedings against 18 rice farmers, who were dragged to court by Government for failing to pay a unilateral increase in land rents.

“I’m happy the case was

withdrawn. It was unfair for the Government to implement a 300 per cent increase of lease fees. These farmers work hard and they are the ones responsible for Guyana being a food secured country,” he told Guyana Times.

Political strategy

Dr Ramsammy believes that the implementation of increased lease charges and increased drainage and irrigation fees for farmers around the country was a targeted political strategy against Guyanese whom the Government considered supporters of the Opposition People’s Progressive Party.

“The charges against the rice farmers at Hope Estate were unconscionable and illegal. Had they not withdraw, the rice assessment board would have dismissed

it in any case …The action was an anti-farmer one. The outcome is a triumph for justice,” he added. He is urging Government to begin to correct what he described as “misguided policies”.

The PPP has repeatedly criticised Government for its handling of the sector and condemned the increase instituted by the Mahaica Mahaicony AbaryAgriculture Developmental Authority (MMA/ADA) Scheme for leases from $1000 per acre to $7000 per acre and drainage and irrigation charges from $2500 to $8000 for Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice) rice farmers. Most of the rice farmers have not been paying.

Nevertheless, despite calls by the PPP to scrap the increase in land rents and drainage charges, the coalition Government has not made any moves to do so. Many rice farmers say that were they to pay these charges, they would have to stop cultivating because they simply cannot afford to sustain such high increases in expenditure at this point in time.

According to the PPP, rice farmers are still struggling with the loss of the lucrative Venezuelan rice market and now they have to deal with the new taxes on agricultural equipment and other accessories needed in the industry.

Police burn Rupununi ganja field

A

farmer from Central Rupununi, Region Nine (Upper TakutuUpper Essequibo) was arrested after he was found tending to a marijuana farm.

Based on reports from the Police Force, ranks from Lethem, acting on information received, went to Kumu Village, Central Rupununi and found cannabis under cultivation.

At the time, the 35-yearold farmer of Moco Moco Village, Central Rupununi, was seen watering the prohibited plants. He was arrested and taken into custody, where he is being processed for court.

Meanwhile, some one

The Rupununi, Region Nine ganja field

and a half acres of cannabis cultivation with about 100 seedlings and 300 plants measuring between one foot

and four feet in height were photographed, and samples obtained before they were destroyed by fire.

news

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mondAY, November 26, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

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

Monday, November 26 – 05:00h-06:30h and Tuesday, November 27 – 05:00h-06:30h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Monday, November 26 – 06:40h-08:10h and Tuesday, November 27 – 07:20h-08:50h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY Light to heavy rain showers can be expected throughout the day and evening after early-morning sunny intervals and cloudy skies. Temperatures will range between 22 degrees Celsius and 29 degrees Celsius.

Winds: East South-easterly to North-easterly between 2.23 metres and 4.47 metres.

High Tide: 06:28h and 18:41h reaching maximum heights of 2.63 metres and 2.72 metres respectively.

Low Tide: 12:14h reaching a minimum height of 0.64 metre.

Today is Budget Day

High expectations for goodies in 2019 Budget

…as no-confidence motion against Govt looms

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he fifth budget since the Coalition Government took office in 2015 will be presented in the National Assembly today amidst high expectations. If Government survives the scheduled no-confidence motion filed by the Opposition, this would be the penultimate budget before two important events in Guyana’s history: first oil production, and the 2020 General and Regional Elections.

Finance Minister Winston Jordan has often touted the ‘achievement’ of presenting four budgets in just three years, due to its early nature.

However, the Parliamentary Opposition has consistently argued that these budgets have done little to enhance the per capita standard of living of the populace.

Counterproductive

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In fact, the Opposition has argued that the budgets were actually counterproductive and anti-poor. The Opposition has cited several aspects to substantiate its contention in this regard, among which has been the oppressive tax measures.

The Opposition has not been the only ones to criticise these budgets, which have been presented under the theme ‘The good life continues’; Several private sector bodies have also come out expressing disappointment particularly with Budget 2018, when it comes to job-creating investments, or facilitation of job-creating investments. In addition, financial analysts have had little positive to say about these budgets.

The $267.1 billion Budget for 2018 contained very few benefits, one of which was the increase in public assistance to $8000, which represents an increase of approximately 36 per cent over the period of two and a half years.

Teachers who work in interior locations were also to benefit from the new measures to be implemented for Budget 2018, including an 80 per cent increase in remote area incentives.

In an effort to move and retain teachers in far-flung areas of Guyana, the Finance Minister had said the remote area incentive would be increased from $5000 to $7000, and from $9000 to $12,000.

This did little to stave off strikes from teachers at the start of the new school term in 2018, especially since they were dissatisfied with Government’s salary proposals for a new agreement.

The Coalition Government came into office in 2015 promising a ‘good life for all’. the 2018 Local At Government Elections (LGE) held earlier this month, the governing coalition parties, particularly the Alliance For Change (AFC), received heavy defeats at the hands of the People’s Progressive Party when the people were given their chance to have their say.

Official results from the Guyana Elections Commission show that the PPP won 61 per cent of the vote (122,307). A Partnership

The 2019 National Budget will be read today in the National Assembly from 14:00hrs

for National Unity trails behind with 34 per cent (68,060). The AFC, which had previously said it won 10 per cent, only netted 4 per cent of the votes (8,719).

Soon after the November 12 LGE, Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo announced the filing of a no-confidence motion against the Government. Afterwards, the former President had listed the people-centred measures his party wants the Government to announce in its budget.

“We’d like to see the restoration of the children grant,” he had said. “The same money they’ve increased food in Government by, they can give the children the $10,000 grant. It’s a matter of priorities. They should restore water subsidies for pensioners. Reverse the VAT (Value Added Tax) on electricity, water, medical supplies, food, and machinery.”

Jagdeo had also noted that some other measures he wants the Government to take are: to reduce excise taxes, and reverse the increases in land fees for Mahaica/Mahaicony/Abary

(MMA) farmers -- increases the farmers have still been unable to meet.

Expectations

In an advertisement titled ‘Budget 2019, Guyanese expect better’, the PPP listed additional measures should anGovernment nounce in its budget. It wants, among other things, the reversal of the ban on vehicles over eight years old; reversal of the ban on importation of used tyres; reversal on increases in water rates.

The party also called for reversal of the 35 per cent incremental increases on University of Guyana tuition fees, as well as reversals of VAT on local products in the forestry sector and the tax on materials and supplies in the fisheries sector.

Government had announced that tax free salary increases by up to seven per cent would be implemented.

The disciplined services were to be included in this sum.

However, the PPP urges the Government to restore the annual one-month tax free salary bonus it previously

gave the disciplined services.

It also called for the restoration of cash grants to public school children from nursery to secondary, and for it to be increased to $20,000; as well as the single parent assistance programme complete with vouchers. In addition, it recommended the restoration of electricity and water subsidies to pensioners and the national housing programme.

“Stop the increased borrowing and depletion of gold and other reserves,” the party’s advertisement also stated. “Stop the extravagant and wasteful spending on travel, food, rentals, vehicles and other things that do not benefit the Guyanese people.”

The party also urged Government to take heed of its own consultant, Norconsult, and to recommence the Amaila Falls Hydro Project. In addition, it recommended Government initiate new infrastructure projects, and not just complete those that were started under the former PPP administration.

Oil and gas sector

Apart from these measures, much expectation will be placed on what the budget contains for the oil and gas sector. With little over a year to go before first oil, Government has been criticised for the slow pace of preparation.

For instance, critical measures like a National Oil Spill Strategy; a constitutional agency to regulate the sector; a national oil company, a local content policy and a Sovereign Wealth Fund are either still in the planning stages or have only been discussed.

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mondAY, November 26, 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

Social status denial and conflict

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ne of the drivers of conflict in divided societies is the denial of social status for some groups and their quest for rectification. What follows is an explication of the subject by the “Beyond Intractability” group. “Social status can be understood as the degree of honour or prestige attached to one’s position in society. Social stratification is associated with the ability of individuals to live up to some set of ideals or principles regarded as important by the society, or some social group within it. Although there are a few societies around the world that ascribe everyone (at least adults) equal status, most societies do have some form of social hierarchy; with some people in stronger, more dominant positions, and other people in weaker, lower positions.

“In some cases, the inequality in resources and authority may be so great that those dominated go along with it with little self-awareness. But where resistance arises, social conflict results. Domination conflicts are conflicts about who is on top (and bottom) of the social, economic, and/or political hierarchy. Such conflicts may occur between individual people (for example, between siblings, schoolmates, or co-workers); between groups (for instance, between different racial or ethnic groups), or between nations.

“Various characteristics can be at play in determining one’s social status. These include, but are not limited to, an individual’s race, ethnicity, gender, age, skin colour, economic class, religious sect, and regional grouping. In stratified social systems, one group is materially and/or politically dominant over another group or groups.

“Social Dominance Theory suggests that most forms of group conflict and oppression can be regarded as different manifestations of the same basic human predisposition to form group-based social hierarchies. Ironically, stratification systems have been used by some societies to try to reduce overt conflicts over the distribution of valued goods and services in those societies. For a time, this distribution of awards may not be contested, and the power of those at the top will not be challenged; but, eventually, conflicts of interest may very well rise to the surface. While those on top of the social hierarchy tend to get what they want, those on the bottom tend to have less access to material awards, freedom, recognition, services from others, etc.

“In addition, once a group gains dominance, it will monopolise resources in an attempt to maintain and perpetuate its privileged status. Because the ability to attain one’s goals is deeply connected to one’s social status, those of lesser status may find it in their interest to challenge the status quo that assigns them a low position. Especially in cases where there are not enough resources to go around, parties are likely to engage in intense competition for positions of social status and privilege.

“These social status struggles often are not just about who gets what. Status conflicts also tend to involve subjective assessments of an individual’s or group’s “goodness” or “social worth.” Because nobody wants to be on the bottom of the social hierarchy and few are willing to share the top, such conflicts tend to be very difficult to resolve.

Invariably, the people on the bottom want to reverse the relationship, while the people on the top want to maintain it. This leads people to want to dominate others, and to compete with others for position. The result is that parties feel threatened, and sense a need to retaliate in order to defend themselves.

“Unless the top people are willing to share their top position with everyone else (thus eliminating many of the benefits of being on the top), the conflict will most likely continue. Moreover, even if those on the bottom are able to reverse the situation and become the leadership group, a new conflict is likely to arise, as those now on the bottom begin their attempt to climb to the top. Thus the social system itself is not altered, as people struggle for social status.

“It is only people’s roles that are reversed.”

A member of the Mothers’ Union of the Diocese of Guyana places a candle on Sunday before a collage of women who died as a result of domestic violence. On Sunday, the Mothers’ Union hosted a memorial service at the St Phillip’s Anglican Church in observance of 16 Days of Activism against gender-based violence (Adam Baksh photo)

Republican Senators split with Trump over murdered Journalist S everal US Republican senators on Sunday rejected President Donald Trump’s embrace of Saudi Arabia after the murder of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi, with some lawmakers from his party saying Congress must take additional action. Trump vowed last week to remain a “steadfast partner” of Saudi Arabia, and said it was not clear whether Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman knew about the plan to kill Khashoggi last month at the Saudi Consulate in Istanbul.

The president cast doubt on the CIA’s assessment that Crown Prince Mohammed ordered Khashoggi’s killing, telling reporters that the agency had not formed a definitive conclusion.

“I disagree with the president’s assessment. It’s inconsistent with the intelligence I’ve seen,” which implicates the crown prince, Republican Senator Mike Lee said on NBC’s “Meet the Press.”

He cited the Khashoggi killing as another reason why he has pushed against helping Saudi Arabia’s war effort in Yemen.

The United States on November 15 imposed economic sanctions on 17 Saudi officials for their role in the killing of Khashoggi, and senators from both major US parties introduced legislation that would suspend weapon sales to Saudi Arabia over Khashoggi and for its role in Yemen’s civil war.

Democratic US Representative Adam Schiff, who is in line to become chairman of the House Intelligence Committee when Democrats regain control of the chamber in January, has promised investigations on the Khashoggi case, as well as whether Trump’s personal financial interests

Journalist Jamal Khashoggi

are dictating his Saudi policy.

“Look, the president is not being honest with the country about the murder of Jamal Khashoggi,” Schiff said on CNN’s “State of the Union” program. “What’s driving this?”

Khashoggi, a Washington Post columnist and critic of the crown prince, was killed on Oct. 2. Riyadh initially denied knowledge of Khashoggi’s disappearance, then offered contradictory explanations.

“I do think we need to look into this further,” Republican Senator Joni Ernst said on CNN. Ernst acknowledged Saudi Arabia’s importance as a strategic partner.

“However, we also are a very strong nation when it comes to human rights, when it comes to the rule of law,” Ernst said.

“And if there are indicators that the prince was involved in this murder, then we need to absolutely consider further action.”

Senator Ben Sasse, a frequent Trump critic, criticised Trump’s stance on Khashoggi’s killing as weak.

“Making the realist case is a different thing than being so weak that we failed to tell the truth, Sasse said on “Fox News Sunday.” Crown Prince Mohammed “contributed to murdering somebody abroad, and it is not strength to sort of mumble past that.

Strength is telling the truth even when it’s hard.”

Other Republican senators, including Lindsey Graham, Rand Paul and Bob Corker, have been unsparing in their assessments of Saudi Arabia’s involvement in Khashoggi’s killing.

“I never thought I’d see the day a White House would moonlight as a public relations firm for the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia,” Corker, chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, wrote on Twitter after Trump’s comments on Tuesday. (Reuters)

guyanatimesgy.com

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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

General Elections and the free press 2 consecutive Dear Editor, Campaigning for General Elections due in 2020 has begun in earnest, and with it the attempts at character assassination that has become part of the parcel. The goto claim is usually ‘racism’ and I strongly believe this is a result of lazy intellectualism. My experience is of a Guyana where most differing perspectives are due to economic and social positioning rather than ethnicity and some are based on social conditioning within ethnic structures, however, recent statements attributed to the Minister of the Presidency where he asserts there will be no more ‘nice-time’ for opposition (PPP) supporters who ‘sabotage’ his Administration’s programs, are indeed racist and thoughtless. Editor, am I to believe that Mr Harmon has had knowledge of ‘sabotage’ in the past and let it slide? Or that ‘sabotage’ by non-PPP elements will be allowed ‘nice time’ status? The obvious answer is no to both of these questions, Mr Harmon has instead allowed his emotions to overtake his reason and crossed a line in his quest to absolve his Administration of failure to execute even the smallest of projects.

With less than nine houses delivered in three plus years, APNU/AFC have boldly promised nine new housing projects in 18 months. Editor, no doubt this doomed to fail promise will be laid at the steps of Freedom House’s ‘saboteurs’ in due course, but the better course of action would have been to re-evaluate the failing policy of delivering ‘ready-made’ houses to citizens. There are thousands of Guyanese living in Diamond, Providence, Tuschen, Farm, Herstelling etc who were provided house lots and who have built their own homes at their own pace as their economic situation allowed.

The Harmon line of ‘PPP saboteurs’ has been parroted again by Carwyn Holland’s talk of ‘Manchurian candidates’ among APNU elected councilors. This is the danger of speaking to sycophants- bereft of intellect they believe anything said by their leaders is ‘gospel’.

Editor, during this prolonged campaign, the lies that have so often been repeated will be sung as truth, the claim of the execution of 400 black men persists, can we, the people ask that this be independently investigated by journalists and the truth be published?

Can we ask the press to investigate what the subsidy has been on each house lot ever delivered to the citizens of Guyana by the PPP, or shall we pretend that only ‘Pradoville 2’ received subsidies? Shall we investigate why Ashni Singh and Winston Brassignton have been charged with ‘gifting’ 4.7 acres of land by selling it at GUY $30,000,000 per acre while current GoInvest CEO Owen Verwey is lamenting those who refuse to take advantage of incentives? “We have incentives in various categories like general, specific and even land…land has been added because nowhere else you can get an acre of land to lease for lower than US$1, and in Guyana land is being leased for as low as GUY$25,” (http://guyanachronicle.com/2018/11/23/ go-invest-aided-45b-ininvestments), Verwey would be better off advising Ministers of the ills of nationalisation as done with the Berbice Bridge Company. No amount of $25 an acre land will attract investors to a nation that has no respect for private property. Verwey may also want to seek legal advice before signing any agreement at 12 US cents per acre. Recently I have seen

the emergence of claims that ‘corruption and thieving’ have their genesis in the PNC and PPP administrations past, Editor, Strain theory ascribes criminal behavior to the gap between social goals and social structures to achieve them, those who commit crimes have chosen expediency over morality, the crime and blame must rest with the criminal; providing him/her with an excuse is a slippery slope we do not want to go down.

Editor, as with above, principles and precedent are often more important than the issue they address, the recent ceding of authority by the Speaker of the House will no doubt have ramifications for future generations, the very public control being displayed by the Prime Minister over the Speaker’s office is offensive to sensibilities, and this type of political expediency comes at a high cost to any nation.

Editor, the next General Election is going to be about truth and on which side of it we stand. The integrity of our Fourth estate is critical to our understanding of events. Our very futures depend on it.

Respectfully, Robin Singh

Guyanese fear getting involved in mental health issues Dear Editor, Guyanese don’t seem to be very familiar with the manifestations of social problems, and significant amounts of citizens worry about the implications of getting into other peoples’ business as it relates to mental health issues such as suicide, abuse, and alcoholism. They fear they might get hurt and point to several intermediaries being abused, badgered, killed and so on in this respect. Also they indicate that family members they seek to help could turn against them as has been the case in many situations. These are some of the findings of the latest survey conducted by The Caribbean Voice.

With respect to mental health, people in Berbice in particular say that patients are treated very badly at the National Psychiatric Hospital, often lacking food and medicines. They feel patients are worse off inside that institution than they are on the outside and would get more assistance outside from family members than in the institution. They also point to lack of security, as they feel patients easily escape and roam the streets of New Amsterdam in particular, often becoming a danger to other citizens.

The following were the questions and responses:

Yes 58

Would you be willing to volunteer within your community to help deal with suicide and abuse?

No 06

Not Sure 28

No Comment 08

This compares unfavorably with responses to a similar question in December 2014, when 96% indicated willingness to help with suicide and 66% with abuse. Also, myths and misinformation still holds significant sway, indicating the critical need for concerted, ongoing sensitisation and training.

If you hear someone say he or she wants to kill him/herself would you immediately call the suicide helpline?

Yes 74

No 0

Not Sure 22

No Comment 04

Many respondents continue to not be aware of the suicide helpline.

Should educators and supervisors be provided with special training to identify and help students who are abused or suicidal?

Yes 78

No 02

Not Sure 14

No Comment 06

A significant number of respondents don’t seem to know how to identify potential suicide cases. Many respondents

fear their family’s reaction if they suggest that specific members are acting strange or may be suicidal. They feel they may be insulted or told to mind their own business. Similar feelings were expressed with regards to spousal or domestic abuse and alcoholism. Also, there is a general feeling that talking about suicide would encourage people to engage in suicide and/or drive attention to people who die by suicide.

Yes 72

Should government pass legal malpractice legislation?

No 04

Not Sure 18

No Comment 06

Should government pass medical malpractice legislation?

Yes 80

Yes 82

Yes 62

No 06

Not Sure 10

No Comment 04

Should government pass legislation that enables victims of rape and abuse to sue the perpetrators?

No 00

Not Sure 12

No Comment 06

Should persons with mental health issues in courts be mandated psychological evaluation?

No 08

Not Sure 20

No Comment 10

Respondents feel that persons in court cases may pretend to be mad so as to avoid sentencing or paying for their crimes.

The survey, conducted in late October and early November, interviewed 820 respondents (336 Indians, 246 Africans, 148 Mixed, 82 Amerindians, 8 others) to yield a demographically representative sample of the adult (18 and over) population. People were polled randomly to make the sample as representative as possible -- varied age, class, occupational, residential and religious categories as well as ethnicity and educational levels and geographical diversity.

The results of the poll were analysed at a 95 per cent significance level and a statistical sampling error of plus or minus four percentage points was found. This means that in theory, in 19 cases out of 20, the results based on such a sample will differ by no more than 4 percentage points in either direction from what should have been obtained by seeking to interview the whole adult population. Sampling results based on subgroups have a larger potential sampling error.

Sincerely, The Caribbean Voice

victories are indeed significant (Pt 2)

Dear Editor, Intellectuals, professionals, public servants and teachers of all persuasions can boast of the fact that under the PPP/C administration, they were able to own their homes, cars, have improved access to water, roads, electricity and other basics of life were available.

Our people previously received better health facilities, and our children were excelling in pursuit of their educational endeavors. Culture and Sports facilities were enhancing, , and for the first time in the history of our country, so many citizens, including Afro-Guyanese were able to get a home for themselves as a work in progress.

The development and national transformation were non-exclusive and supportive organisations, were particularly recognised for addressing the vulnerable.

The movement in favor of Amerindian Land Titling was progressive, and yes, ACDA now have a massive well-built facility in Georgetown thanks to the PPP/C. This Coalition Government has imposed taxes on some two hundred items that were taxfree when the PPP/C was in Government. They also significantly increased rates of taxes in many areas in order to subsidise the fledging economy characterised

by increasing indebtedness.

Moves are afoot to impose more crippling tax measures, since with the current policies, it has become increasingly difficult to encourage investments that will create employment and stimulate the level of positive development required.

The reality is that the better life is only for the few who were complaining about corruption while thieving with impunity and those who were criticising the Marriot to be using the facility to seduce each other and take brutal advantage of our sons and daughters.

The new Councils must work to deliver the best level of service to the residents of communities.

Creation of opportunity for citizens where possible must be augmented to the highest levels in justifying the people’s confidence.

Government should support and compliment these activities in keeping with the national development plans. However, given the signals, attempts at suppressing particular Local Authority Areas must be put in the wide public attention, for the power is that of the people.

The better life can only returned with the PPP/C as it is the only true National Party.

Sincerely, Neil Kumar

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The benefits of getting along

Foundation

ure, it's good to get along with your teacher because it makes that time you spend in the classroom more pleasant.

And yes, it's good to get along with your teacher because, in general, it's smart to learn how to relate to the different types of people you'll meet throughout your life.

But really, there's one super-important reason why you should get along with your teacher. Children who get along with their teachers not only learn more, but they're more comfortable asking questions and getting extra help. This makes it easier to understand new material and do your best on tests.

When you have this kind of relationship with a teacher, he or she can be someone to turn to with problems, such as problems with learning or school issues, such as bullying.

As a child in elementary school, you're at a wonderful stage in your life. You're like a sponge, able to soak up lots of new and exciting information. On top of that, you're able to think about all this information in new ways.

Your teacher knows that, and in most cases, is thrilled to be the person who's giving you all that material and helping you put it together. Remember, teachers are people, too, and they feel great if you're open to what

they're teaching you. That's why they wanted to be teachers in the first place – to teach!

Some children may be able to learn in any setting, whether they like the teacher or not. But most children are sensitive to the way they get along with the teacher, and if things aren't going well, they won't learn as well and won't enjoy being in class.

Your relationship with a teacher is often your first chance to develop a "business relationship". Just like

In a business relationship, both parties get something out of the relationship, but don't necessarily need to be good friends or like each other a lot. They simply need to respect one another, be polite, and stay focused on the job at hand. In other words, they need to "get down to business".

When you act this way, and remember that you're not the only kid in the class, you are helping your teacher. Your teacher is likely to notice this and appreciate it.

Teachers also like it when students follow directions and when they learn and obey the rules of the classroom. For instance, there may be rules about listening when another student is talking, or about taking turns, or about raising your hand when you want to say something or ask a question.

What are a student's responsibilities?

your parents have business relationships with the people they work with or the people who deliver the mail to your house, children also can have these kinds of relationships. They are different from your family relationships and friendships, which are built on affection and love.

Even if a certain teacher isn't your favourite, you can still have a successful relationship, especially if you fulfil your basic responsibilities as a student.

Here are some of those responsibilities: Attend class ready to learn.

Be prepared for class with the right pencils, books, and completed assignments.

Listen when your teacher is talking.

Do your best, whether it's a classroom as-

signment, homework, or a test.

We've talked about some of the difficult situations that come up with teachers. Now, let's talk about the good stuff.

Some teachers make such an impact that their students never forget them. Some former students may even go back to visit the teacher long after moving on to a higher grade or another school. Maybe you've seen these older students visit a teacher at your school. That's a real compliment to the teacher — that he or she was so special the student wants to keep in touch. And there's an even higher compliment you can give a favourite teacher: Grow up to become a favourite teacher yourself! (kidshealth.org)

What does "getting along" mean?

"Getting along" means you and your teacher have a way of communicating that works for both of you and you both are getting what you need from the relationship. From your teacher's perspective, he or she wants to make sure you are paying attention, being respectful and polite, and trying your best to learn.

From your perspective, you want a teacher who is respectful to you, answers your questions, and tries to help you learn.

In every school, children will say certain teachers are mean or tough, but don't judge a teacher until you are in his or her class and can see for yourself. In the majority of cases, your teacher is on your side. And a teacher who's called tough may be someone who feels strongly about getting his or her job done – teaching you the subject you are supposed to learn.

It's also important to remember that making mistakes is a part of learning. By pointing out your errors and helping you correct them, a teacher is teaching you.

What if we don't get along?

Teachers want to get along with you and enjoy seeing you learn. But teachers and students sometimes have personality clashes, which can happen between any two people.

If you show your teacher that you want to make the situation better, he or she will probably do everything possible to make that happen. By handling a problem like this, you learn something about how to get along with people who are different from you.

Take these steps if the problem seems tough to solve: Talk to an adult you trust, such as a parent, guidance counsellor, or both.

Give it time. You may not feel immediately comfortable with your teacher, but that may change as you get to know one another.

If you've given it time, talk with your parents about what to do next.

Lots of times, a meeting can be set up to discuss the problem. This may clear the air and make things better.

Everyone's goal should be to create trust and kindness.

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mondAY, November 26, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

Govt’s chances of re-election low – petroleum expert …says oil revenue should be used towards developing Guyana

F

ormer Presidential Advisor on Petroleum to Guyana, Dr Jan Mangal says a lot of what the coalition Government does now and how it plans for the future, particularly as it relates to the oil and gas industry, will determine whether or not it can be re-elected to office.

However, Dr Mangal believes that the Government’s chances are low based on a number of factors. His comments come in light of the recently-concluded Local Government Elections (LGE) which saw the coalition performing poorly as compared to the main Opposition party.

“The margin in the 2015 election was in the range of noise. It is unlikely an incumbent Government, somewhat bruised after five years in power, will benefit the same way it did when it was new, untested, and full of promise,” he said in a social media post.

He pointed to some areas where the incumbent Administration could improve, stating that it must assume that the chances of being re-elected were

Former Presidential Petroleum Adviser, Dr Jan Mangal and President David Granger

slim. Dr Mangal said the Administration’s manifesto promises of making Government accountable would form part of the decision.

The David Granger-led Administration has failed to fulfil key promises, chief of which is ensuring constitutional reform. Also, while the coalition has made a commitment to creating jobs, it has instead fired thousands of sugar workers countrywide.

“Assume first oil by 2020 will not be a big factor with the voters in the 2020 election … Assume the vot-

ers would like to see the Government negotiating a fair deal with Exxon which maximises the benefit to the people of Guyana over the long term,” he advised.

Again, the Government has been staunchly criticised for the deal it inked with the US oil giant. Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo had flayed the Government for the less-than-favourable terms it negotiated on Guyana’s behalf in the oil contract.

Jagdeo made it clear that despite Guyana holding all the cards when it sat down at the negotiations table, the

Miner nabbed with gun, loot after robbery

P

olice in F Division (Interior Locations) on Saturday nabbed a 21-year-old miner one day after he robbed a shopkeeper at Matthews Ridge, North West District (NWD), Region One (Barima-Waini).

According to reports, the robbery occurred on Friday at Bamboo Landing, NWD, during which the suspect held the female victim at gunpoint before relieving her of quantities of cash and raw gold as well as other valuables.

The perpetrator then escaped, and the matter was reported to the Police.

The items recovered from the suspect

However, the following day, the suspect was apprehended at Matthews Ridge Flatts.

He was taken into custody and has since admitted to the crime during interrogation. Several of the stolen items were recovered on his person at the time of his arrest.

Moreover, the 21-yearold suspect of Minab, Matthews Ridge, also took investigators to a location at Hell Hill, Matthews Ridge, where he handed over to the Police, an unlicensed 9mm pistol with a magazine and 19 live matching rounds.

The investigation is in progress.

end product was a contract heavily favouring Exxon.

He did not attack the oil company, as he noted it was Government’s duty to properly negotiate with the company, which no doubt had its eyes on profit maximisation and cost reduction.

The deal was also not well received by civil society groups and other citizens.

Meanwhile, Dr Mangal said the Government must also bear in mind that voters would be looking to see if it set up an oil industry that was free of future mismanagement and corruption. However, this remains a widespread concern, especially since the Administration was focused on making the Finance Minister a key manager of how the funds were spent and saved.

Jagdeo has long criticised the Petroleum Commission Bill, saying it was both “oily” and “slick”. He is against full ministerial control

of the Natural Resources Fund also. Although the Government has catered for a representative from the Opposition to sit on the committee governing the Fund, Jagdeo has objected to this proposal, stating that politicians should not be included.

National development

The former Presidential Advisor on Petroleum said Government must also assume the voters would like to see some national development prior to 2020 in the form of infrastructure, education, and health care, etcetera, which would require borrowing.

He is suggesting that robust long-term strategic and tactical plans for developing Guyana using oil revenue should be implemented. Dr Mangal said he would like to see these plans include a significant pay raise for all sectors’ employees; making the University of Guyana the preeminent university

in the Caribbean; and extensive infrastructural and agricultural development.

Also, he said focus should be placed on making Guyana (and Iwokrama) the leading centre for research into rainforest and green issues; making Guyana a test case and leading research centre for dealing with rising sea level; and finally, making Guyana a cultural and commercial link between the Anglo-Caribbean countries and Latin South American countries.

While some economists, accountants and analysts have mixed views on how the oil revenue should be spent, most of them have concluded that Guyana’s rising debt was something to also consider. Guyana’s total public debt has been increasing over the last three years – going from $317.7 billion in 2015 to $344.9 billion in 2017, according to the Public Debt Annual Report of 2017.

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mondAY, November 26, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

Despite ‘emergency’ spending

Contractor failed to deliver CCTV cameras after 2 years – US-based company has since declared bankruptcy

I

t was supposed to be an emergency purchase but since monies were sought in 2015 from the Contingencies Fund for Closed Circuit TV (CCTV) cameras for the National Intelligence Centre, the contractor was yet to deliver the equipment as of 2017 year end.

This is according to the Auditor General’s 2017 report, which listed this as an unresolved matter. In the report, the CCTV cameras were supposed to have been purchased at a cost of almost $20 million by the Ministry of the Presidency.

In responding to the auditor’s findings, the Ministry revealed that local and overseas background checks were being carried out on the contractor, who Guyana Times understands to be a California, United States-based company named Moonblink Communications.

The Audit Office recommended that the Ministry of the Presidency either ensure the items were delivered or the money refunded, as soon as possible. But there is a problem. Moonblink Communication has since filed for bankruptcy.

When the matter came up before the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) last year, the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary,

Abena Moore was called to give account for the status of the undelivered equipment.

While she had insisted that the contract, which was sole sourced, was an emergency one, PAC member and Opposition parliamentarian Juan Edghill had at the time disagreed with her. He had noted that the contract could not have been such an emergency if over a year had passed without the items being delivered. December 31, 2017 marked over two years.

Law

There are strict rules governing the Contingencies Fund. But in the 2015 Auditor General report, it was found that Government made withdrawals that totalled over $900 million from the Fund.

Besides the money for the CCTV cameras, monies were also used for expenses related to the Army, the D’Urban Park Project, and the infamous Sussex Street bond.

According to Section 220 (1) of the Constitution of Guyana, “Parliament may make provision for the establishment of a Contingencies Fund and for authoris-

ing the Minister responsible for finance to make advances from that Fund if he is satisfied that there is an urgent need for expenditure for which no other provision exists.”

Section 220 (2) goes on to say that “Where any advance is made from the Contingencies Fund, a supplementary estimate shall, as soon as practicable, be laid before the National Assembly

by Prime Minister or any other Minister designated by the President for the purpose of authorising the replacement of the amount so advanced.”

In addition, Section 41 (3) of the Fiscal Management and Accountability (FMA) Act states, “The Minister, when satisfied that an urgent, unavoidable and unforeseen need for expenditure has arisen – (a) for which no monies have been appropriated or for which the sum appropriated is insufficient; (b) for which monies cannot be reallocated as provided for under this Act; or (c) which cannot be deferred without injury to the public interest, may approve a Contingencies Fund advance as an expenditure out of the Consolidated Fund by the issuance of a drawing right.”

Sisyphus, his rock…

Y

…and Guyana

ou remember the ancient Greek story of Sisyphus; don’t you, dear reader? A real “wise guy”, Sisyphus thought he could pull a fast one on the Gods. But he was inevitably exposed, and sentenced to rolling a huge boulder to the top of a hill…only to have it roll downhill and he having to repeat the task. Again and again for all eternity. Those of us who lived in Guyana under the PNC during its first incarnation, and now again, know the feeling; don’t we?

You would think we’d learn from that first experience, when some of our goodly citizens gave the PNC a free pass to rig elections to keep itself in power for 28 looooong years. But some people are “hard ears”, and fell in 2015 for the same ruse the PNC had pulled in 1964 to slip into office. Then, the hot-button issue was made out to be the PPP and “the spectre of communism”, so the PNC sweet-talked the anti-communist UF into a coalition…and the rest, as they say, is history -- a most sordid history of betrayal and abuse that plunged all the citizens, including PNC supporters, into Sisyphean lives of futility for the aforementioned 28 looong years.

Fast forward into 2015 – after the PNC had to roll the rock uphill for 23 years with its own dirty hands -- when the issue is now ethnic security. The PNC has repeated the identical coalition ploy with the AFC to keep out the “racial” PPP. The “multi-racial” AFC insisted it could represent Indian-Guyanese on account of its 2011 performance at the polls!! But in just 3 years, Guyanese have seen the PNC just can’t change its spots – excepting, evidently, the much-abused AFC. In the first go-around, the leader of the UF refused to be a rubber stamp, and quit the coalition. But in the present, it’s clear that Nagamootoo and Ramjattan of the AFC have actually embraced their abusers. Stockholm Syndrome?

But the results of the LGE show that the voters – including erstwhile supporters of the PNC – aren’t prepared to haul that rock up the hill for another two years, much less another term. By giving the PPPC 61 per cent of their votes, versus 34 per cent to the PNC and 4 per cent to the AFC, they’ve made it clear that they won’t be fooled a second time. Today, in his Budget Speech, PNC’s Winston Jordan will be announcing all sorts of goodies to convince the PNC supporters that the PNC’s spots have faded! Ain’t gonna work.

The LGE also convinced some MPs from the PNC benches that they’d better hedge their bets. Come December, they’ll be giving Guyanese a Christmas present via the no-confidence motion.

General Elections in three months!!

…and rum in Baramita

The folks up in Baramita in the North-West District are fed up with the rum-binging in their community, as it leads to domestic violence, suicide, and all sorts of dysfunctional behaviours. So their female Toshao has proposed a ban on alcohol in their community, complaining that after countless visits by Government officials to deal with the problem, there’s been absolutely no change. The Government have signalled they’ll support the ban.

The residents of Baramita are mostly Carib Indigenous Peoples. It’s been shown that the idea that Indigenous Peoples are more susceptible to liquour is a myth.

Having, for centuries, access to their own alcoholic drink – piwari – they never exhibited the present pathological behaviour during that time. That started after rum was foisted on them, and their relative deprivation and marginalisation were exposed.

The solution is to develop Baramita economically – and educate its people about binge drinking.

…and pie in the sky

With typical vacuity, Nagamootoo carried on about an “Atlantic Air Bridge” reversing the old “Atlantic Crossing” with the signing of an air agreement with Ghana.

Does he have a clue about the economics of air travel?

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

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mondAY, November 26, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

Guyana’s debt-to-GDP ratio President Granger’s public engagements records another increase …country expected to breach IMF benchmarks in 2019 – analyst

G

uyana’s total public debt to Gross Domestic Product (GDP) has increased from 45.7 per cent, in 2016 to 46.2 per cent in 2017, according to the Public Debt Annual Report of 2017, recently released by the Finance Ministry and made available to Parliament.

By comparing what a country owes with what it produces, the debt-to-GDP ratio indicates its ability to pay back its debts. A high debt-to-GDP ratio may make it more difficult for a country to pay external debts, and may lead creditors to seek higher interest rates when lending.

The higher the debt-toGDP ratio, the less likely the country will pay back its debt and the higher its risk of default. A specific debt-to-GDP ratio demonstrates an ideal position has not been agreed to, but instead, it is typically focused on the sustainability of certain debt levels.

In Guyana’s case, while debt-to-GDP has seen slight increases over the years, this number continues to grow, and local economists have warned that Guyana’s increased debt could complicate things. Guyana’s total public debt has moved from $317.7 billion in 2015 to $344.9 billion in 2017.

According to the Report, the increase in the debt-toGDP ratio was mainly caused by an increase in public

Finance Minister Winston Jordan

the Marriott Hotel.

Meanwhile, it was noted that in 2017 the debt service ratio increased to 3.8 per cent from 3.4 per cent in 2016. The ratio, according to the Report, increased on account of higher levels of debt service for payments again to Republic Bank Limited and Venezuela.

“This ratio is considered to be a key indicator of a country’s debt burden. The increased debt- service-to-exports ratio over the last year shows that the country’s debt is growing faster than exports, but would need to be reversed in the medium and long term.”

debt stock as a result of increased disbursements from Guyana’s external creditors such as the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB); International Development Association (IDA); Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) and China Eximbank.

“Of total public debt to GDP, external debt and domestic debt represented 34.3 per cent and 11.9 per cent respectively, in 2017,” the Report revealed, adding that the total debt service to revenue ratio increased from 7.2 per cent in 2016 to 7.6 per cent in 2017.

This increase was the result of an increase in debt service payment. The Report also pointed out that the cash debt service payments to Venezuela recommenced, in 2017. There was also new debt service payments made to Republic Bank Limited for

According to Washington DC-based financial analyst Sasenarine Singh, the core issue with respect to Guyana’s debt profile remains the breach of the external debt threshold construction after the International Monetary Fund (IMF) crunched its gathered numbers during its annual Article IV Consultations. He said given the state of the foreign currency inflows from the sugar sector, Guyana was now exposed to unexpected adverse shocks.

“As the debt continues to rise, because of what was done to the sugar industry, the ability to pay back these debts, most of which is in foreign currencies, has now declined and this state of affairs

However, sources told Guyana Times that the vessel, MV Shivita 2, was transporting cargo from Georgetown for a businesswoman. Efforts to contact the businesswoman were futile.

Based on information received, the boat left a Georgetown wharf to transport cargo first to Mabaruma and then Port Kaituma, Region One. However, about half an hour before arriv-

ing at Mabaruma, the vessel capsized after a strong gush of wind pushed it off course onto a mudflat.

This incident occurred as the vessel was entering the Waini River channel. At the time, there were four crewmembers on board, including the captain, all of whom survived the mishap.

According to Police sources, as the boat drifted, the crew sent out an alert on the

Breach

will remain so in 2019 and 2020,” he told Guyana Times.

Of note, Singh said, Guyana is expected to breach the IMF benchmarks in 2019.

A significant breach is classified, according to the IMF, as one that is five per cent above the benchmarked percentage.

Guyana, he said, will break those macro-economic boundaries adversely in 2019.

“This breach is expected to continue until 2022 if we have favourable conditions in the oil sector. But what happens if the oil prices (like today) remain low until 2020?

Would the developer harvest the raw crude at a lower-than-expected level because of the lower price?”

The financial analyst said that could cause the breach to extend to as far as 20242025, noting that there was nothing good in making the Guyanese economy totally dependent on one sector (oil) to save it. “That is why this 2019 Budget must demand prudence in how we borrow before oil production really starts to add value to Guyana,” he added.

Singh said he would strongly recommend to the Government that it eased up on all the reckless borrowing and focused on the efficient disbursement of what was in the pipeline. “Focus on getting the right value for money out of the big projects like the Airport Expansion Project.”

Cargo boat sinks in Waini River

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cargo boat en route to Mabaruma, Region One (Barima-Waini) sank in the mouth of the Waini River on Sunday morning. The incident occurred about 05:00h.

F Division (Interior Locations) Commander Kevin Adonis, as well as other regional officials, confirmed that the incident occurred, but was unable to provide further details.

radio set and the Guyana Defence Force’s Coast Guard responded to the distress call, rescuing the men as the boat sank.

By this time, boat operators from nearby communities, who also picked up the distress call, arrived on scene to lend assistance. However, at that time, nothing could have been done to save the vessel or the cargo.

reduced

P

resident David Granger, consistent with advice from his team of specialist doctors at the Centro de Investigaciones Medico Quirugicas (CIMEQ) in Havana, Cuba, continues to take precautionary measures in light of his recent diagnosis of Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma.

This is according to the Ministry of the Presidency, which in a statement on Sunday said that owing to his continued treatment, the Head of State’s public engagements have been reduced. It added that notwithstanding, President Granger continues to perform his duties.

According to webmd.com, chemotherapy targets cells that grow and divide quickly, as cancer cells do. Unlike radiation or surgery, which target specific areas, chemotherapy can work throughout the body. But it can also affect some fast-growing healthy cells, like those of the skin, hair, intestines, and bone marrow. That’s what causes some of the side effects from the treatment. According to the website, some of the most common side effects of chemotherapy are fatigue, hair loss, easy bruising and bleeding, infection, anaemia (low red blood cell counts), nausea and vomiting, appetite changes and constipation.

Accompanied by his wife, the Head of State travelled to the Republic of Cuba on October 30, to undergo a medical investigation. While there, the President was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma after an intensive series of tests by specialist doctors at CIMEQ. Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma is a cancer that starts in a person’s lymph system.

The President’s medical team performed a number of medical interventions, including the first round of chemotherapy.

On November 21, one day after his return, the Head of State expressed gratitude to all his well-wishers and those

President David Granger

who have lent support while he was away in Cuba.

“Thank you for your expressions of concern over the last three weeks …

Throughout that time, I received greetings from you all and from other well-wishers.”

Lymphoma occurs when the lymph node cells or the lymphocytes begin to multiply uncontrollably, producing cancerous cells that have the abnormal capacity to invade other tissue throughout the body.

The two main types of lymphoma are Hodgkin Lymphoma and Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma.

Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma is further classified into a variety of subtypes based on the cell of origin (B-cell or T-cell), and the cell characteristics. The subtype of Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma predicts the necessity of early treatment, the response to treatment, the type of treatment required, and the prognosis. The risk of developing Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma increases with age.

In May of this year, the President and the First Lady had travelled to Trinidad and Tobago to undergo what was referred to as their annual medical check-up.

At the time, and in response to reports in the press, the Government had revealed that the couple did their tests under a Caribbean medical insurance scheme at the Good Health Medical Centre. Those results, Government had said, indicated a clean bill of health.

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mondAY, November 26, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

Oil & gas sector

Stakeholder urges legislation to protect against oil spills – says double-hull oil tankers, compulsory booms necessary

By Jarryl Bryan

G

uyana is still reliant on Heavy Fuel Oil (HFO) despite plans to transition to renewable energy. But one industry stakeholder, with a background in both shipping and oil, believes legislation to protect local waterways is sorely lacking.

Gaico Construction and General Services provides, among other things, oil spill response services. In an interview with Guyana Times, the company’s Chief Executive Officer, Komal Singh spoke of the dangers of an oil spill and best practices around the world to prevent these occurrences.

“We have a lot of fuel transporting in our waterways,” he said. “And when

Gaico Chief Executive Officer Komal Singh

you look at contingency plans and mitigating strategies when discharging or loading fuel, there are none.

If there is a human error in terms of connecting a hose to a pipe, there (may not be)

any booms around the vessels to contain it (the oil).

“So, by the time someone responds, it gone in the river. What we are pushing for, from a good corporate citizen standpoint, we want to see legislation to ensure that any vessel discharging or loading fuel should have booms around those vessels before such activities take place.”

Because of its composition, oil floats on top of the surface of water. A boom is a flotation device that surrounds a vessel and/or, in the case of an oil spill, surrounds the spill. It is deployed using a boom reel, in much the same way a fishing reel works.

Singh explained that the Demerara River flowed at approximately five knots per hour, a rate he described as very fast. He noted that if oil were to spill without being contained, it would likely spread quickly in the River.

The CEO also explained that some persons were transporting HFO in single-hull vessels. He cited the example of the Valdez oil spill, which occurred in 1989 when oil tanker Exxon

Gaico’s oil spill response vessel

Valdez struck a reef off the Alaskan coast and spilled millions of gallons of crude oil. It is widely considered as one of the worst manmade environmental disasters.

“We have wreckage in our river. And in moving fuel oil in single-hull vessels, it means fuel is going in and storing in a compartment and if that compartment punctures, the fuel will disappear out of the tank. Now the US has banned the use of single-hull vessels, since the Valdez spill. All vessels carrying fuel must be double hull. It means there is a separation between the (compartments).

“Our issues are right in our backyard … we need to have legislation to push stakeholders dealing with fuel to use double-hull vessels. Imagine one of those vessels moving 3000 barrels of fuel oil, and it runs into a wreck under the water and it spills. You don’t want to imagine the amount of area 1000 barrels of fuel oil can cover and shut down.

Imagine you have a spring tide! We’re hoping legislation will pass to fix (these) things.”

Oil spill services

Gaico’s oil spill services were launched in 2016, when President David Granger commissioned what would be Guyana’s first oil spill response operation service at the Gaico Wharf at Nismes, West Bank Demerara.

It was set up as a pre-emptive measure against possible spillage once oil and gas production commenced in the future.

Asked for an update on the operations, Singh said that the service regularly engaged staff in training exercises. He noted that they were put through rigorous training sessions to sharpen their ability to handle real-life situations.

“Gaico is still very active in oil spill response.

We’re continuing training in house with our employees. We have another training scheduled for January.

And all our training we do is done in the Demerara River, so the guys get the feeling of how a boom that one guy can pull on land, how it gets difficult in the water, where you need six or seven men and a boat to pull it due to water pressure,” the CEO explained.

With oil production expected to begin soon in the Stabroek block, a study was done last year by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on the matter. It had found that while an oil spill was possible, factors such as the location of Exxon’s subsidiary Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL) operations combined with the region’s water temperature would minimise the effects.

There is also a draft National Oil Spill Contingency plan, for which public consultations were held earlier this year. It was reported last month that the EPA had commenced a review of the document.

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mondAY, November 26, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

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mondAY, November 26, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

ERC meets with Region WIST hosts 5th annual Christmas production 4 stakeholders

Members of the ERC at the stakeholder engagement on Friday

Participants at the meeting held at Regency Suites

T

he Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) has met with representatives from Private Sector companies and other agencies to get their views on promoting ethnic harmony and peace among Guyanese.

Some 40 stakeholders participated in the engagement, which concentrated on Region Four (DemeraraMahaica).

The lively two-hour meeting, at Regency Suites, was part of the Commission’s on-going countrywide faceto-face engagements with stakeholders in the society.

ERC Commissioners once again emphasised that the undertaking of promoting harmony could not be tackled by the Commission alone as everyone’s collaboration was needed.

The functions of the ERC

and the complaint procedure were among the highlights.

Members of the audience also urged the Commission to build trust and maintain its credibility.

The ERC was re-commissioned back in February, some seven years after the body had expired.

The ERC members are: (Chairman) Pastor John Smith from the Christian community; Rajkumarie Singh from the Hindu community; Roshan Khan from the Muslim community; Norris Witter from the labour movement; Norman Mc Lean, the Private Sector representative; Deodat Persaud for youth organisations; Ruth Howard for women’s organisations; Ashton Simon for Amerindian groups; Barrington Braithwaite for African groups and Neaz

Suban for Indian groups.

The ERC plays an integral role as a constitutional entity which serves to protect and preserve the interests of all stakeholders as far as creating an atmosphere of tolerance and harmony among the different ethnic groups in Guyana’s diverse society.

The Commission initially comprised representatives from seven different constituencies, but in 2015 it was increased to 10.

The ERC was established under the Herdmanston Accord. It works with persons and agencies to promote harmonious ethnic relations. The Commission also deals with complaints, promotes training in racial harmony, and fosters a sense of security, among all ethnic groups.

The Commission had been virtually dysfunctional since 2011 when then Opposition Leader Robert Corbin has secured an injunction against the body, barring the Chairman and two Commissioners from taking any decision, recommendation or issuing any direction on behalf of the constitutional body.

Some of the dancers who participated in the “BEHOLD” event at the National Cultural Centre (NCC) on Saturday

W

orship In Spirit and In Truth (WIST) Ministries International Inc ushered in its fifth annual Christmas production held under the theme “BEHOLD” at the National Cultural Centre (NCC) on Saturday.

This year’s theme emphasises Christ, as the gift of salvation, healing, deliverance and a symbol of hope for all mankind. The event did not disappoint as it captivated the audience through song, dance, drama, and poetry. What made the evening more spectacular was the genuineness of the props and the message, which was clear as crystal and had the audience on the edge of their seats, as the WIST dance ministry definitely topped their performance from last year. The audience was treated to dif-

ferent genres of Christmas music as the programme reflected diverse cultures.

The audience screamed and applauded as Sandia Ramnarine, the founder of WIST, danced to the popular song “No Longer A Slave To Sin” as she moved elegantly and gracefully across the stage, using her performance to extract and execute every emotion within the song. The patrons could be seen dancing and clapping along to each and every beat.

Speaking with Guyana Times, Ramnarine said, “We as a committee believe that there are a lot of people out there doing significant charity work and having an event like this can be twofold: we can provide a platform for our students so they can develop their skills but parallel to that we

can actually support a charity. Even if it's just financially, but we can cause people to be aware of the work of that charity and hopefully it can influence other organisations to render support as this year we have chosen the Cheshire Home.”

She went on to state that in terms of the 2019 show ,they would touch on a different side of the Christmas story as it can never be overdone and would include the death of Jesus.

As the curtains came down on the show, the WIST founder thanked the audience for coming out to the event and reminded them that it was a success only because of the collective effort of everyone. This event was sponsored by NEW GPC, Silvie's Variety Store and other local businesses.

(Timothy Jaikarran)

news

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mondAY, November 26, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

Aspiring teacher wins Miss Berbice “I am a Big Deal” pageant …$1.2M given to contestants for own home project

R

ameshwarie Devi Jairam of Islington, Greater New Amsterdam was on Sunday declared winner of the Miss Berbice “I am a Big Deal” beauty and empowerment pageant for 2018, for which eight contestants had been vying over a three-week period.

The 21-year-old obtained the judges’ nod following a close battle with Cintiana Harry of Kilcoy Village, Corentyne, who copped the 1st runner-up position.

Omgila Bindha was declared the 2nd runner-up.

Jairam also won the Talent, Intelligence, Best Smile and Miss Congeniality awards; while Harry won the Best Costume, Best Evening Gown and Miss Impression awards.

The contest had seen participants competing in a costume segment, which was held on the road in Rose Hall Town; and a swimwear segment, which took place at the poolside of the Skeldon Estate Pool. The scores from those segments were tabulated and added to the scores on pageant night.

On Saturday night into Sunday morning, the contestants showcased their talent and evening gowns, as well as their intelligence in the question-and-answer segment.

Organiser of the pageant, Tracy Khan, explained that there were four different judges for each segment, and five judges for the final segment.

The final question asked of Jairam, who aspires to become a teacher, was to explain the term women’s empowerment to a high school student.

“Women’s empowerment is having a woman recognise her capabilities and her strength; and to explain to

The contestants on stage at the Albion Sports Complex

a high school student about women’s empowerment, I would say it is a way of finding a way and a solution to empower yourself in every way possible, whether it be education or work. It is a mindset on your capabilities and your strength,” Jairam told the judges and the crowd at the Albion Sports Complex.

The runner-up, Harry, was asked, “Can poverty be eradicated, and how?”

She answered, “I believe that poverty can be eradicated by educating our students at school, and also having educational outreaches in our communities.”

The contestants had embraced platforms such as suicide, domestic violence, cyber-bullying, and women’s empowerment. Before the various winners were announced, contestants were surprised when they were told that Fabulous Homes Reality was going to give to each of the delegates $150,000 towards a new home project.

Organiser Khan said Fabulous Homes Reality had promised to assist the contestants, but she was unaware of the input the company was making towards development of the contestants.

The “I’m a Big Deal” pageant was promoted by RD Production. The contest is now in its second year.

According to Promoter Royston Drakes, one of the main aspects of the pageant is to “empower young women” in everyday aspects of their lives. The pageant focused on education, empowerment, discipline, talent, and building self-confidence and leadership qualities.

The pageant was also aimed at encouraging women to take up roles as leaders in society. Moreover, it geared the contestants to become role models, and equipped them with the necessary tools to build Berbice as a cohesive county. (Andrew Carmichael)

Newly crowned Miss Berbice “I am a Big Deal” beauty and empowerment pageant winner 2018, Rameshwarie Devi Jairam

14 news

mondAY, November 26, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

Uitvlugt Secondary tops Secondary Schools Drama Festival

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tudents from 12 secondary schools across the country displayed exceptional theatrical skills at the National Secondary Schools Drama Festival.

The three-day event saw students displaying their skills through dramatic presentations, dance and storytelling at the Theatre Guild, Kingston.

Participating schools included Queen’s College, Berbice High, Annandale Secondary, Berbice Educational Institute, West Demerara Secondary, North West Secondary, Kingston Secondary, Uitvlugt Secondary, Anna Regina Secondary, Lodge Secondary, South Ruimveldt Secondary, and Diamond Secondary.

According to the Department of Public Information (DPI), it was Uitvlugt Secondary that walked away with most of the awards for its outstanding play titled “Biodiversity”. It dethroned last year’s winner North

Some of the talents displayed at the National Secondary Schools Drama Festival held at the Theatre Guild

West Secondary, in the play segment. The troupe from Uitvlugt Secondary will now go on to represent Guyana in St Lucia at the Caribbean Secondary Schools Drama Festival in November 2019.

Uitvlugt Secondary student Nathan Wickham was bestowed with the honour of “Most Promising Actor” and will be leading his school

next year in St Lucia. The young man said that he was grateful for the exposure, adding that it felt fantastic to win since everyone worked really hard to pull off the performance that wowed the crowd and judges.

“Representing my country is something that I always wanted to do, and I am so grateful for this op-

portunity. It will now allow myself and colleagues to go to St Lucia to represent our country and show them the kind of talent we have in our country,” Wickham stated.

Candacie WhaulAmsterdam was the teacher responsible for writing and directing the winning play.

Whaul-Amsterdam, who also won the award for Best Director, said that it was not easy, but the students were willing and dedicated.

She is of the firm opinion that creative arts should be pushed in schools.

“I really feel that the creative arts is one of the ways children can express themselves. It not only helps

Most Promising Actress Rea Fernandes of North West Secondary receiving her award from acting Allied Arts Unit Administrator Lorraine Barker-King

Some of the talent displayed at the National Secondary Schools Drama Festival

with self-expression outside of the classroom, but also boosts their confidence which in turn helps them

to perform better academically. So, I think Guyana should really go forward in promoting the creative arts,” she stressed.

Acting Allied Arts Unit

Administrator Lorraine Barker-King said that she was impressed with the talent displayed by the students. She also commended the teachers for dedicating their energies and time to the students to ensure they put on an exceptional show.

Barker-King pointed out that aside from the brilliant performances, she was impressed with the number of social ills that were addressed through the various art forms.

“We saw plays with abuse, we saw drugs, we saw teenage pregnancy; we know those are the ills of society, so this is a way of showcasing as well as showing ways in which they can be curbed,” she said.

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What the people say VOX POPULI I SAY...

Given the recent announcement that Government plans to revoke bar licences for noise nuisance under the noise management initiative, persons have shared their views on the matter Dwaine Dax “The Government is very non-commerce friendly. Remember this action you trying to do will make your tax revenue less. Is those licences that bring in revenue for the country, these establishments have staff which earn a living via these business, equipment is bought, services are bought which keep these establishments running which generates revenue in other industries in Guyana and abroad. I suggest that the Government get an interim Police department, maybe management team from either the United States or Russia.”

Vickanand Deokie “I am of the opinion that bar licences for establishments who don’t comply with the necessary regulations should be revoked.

At the same time, persons who are operating in a fair manner should continue their operation as it does not affect neighbours and other persons. Police should also clamp down on individuals who play their music without remorse for others. They should also act upon complaints that are received, because this scourge affects a lot of people.”

Mark Gill “I think if the Government revokes these bar licences for the loud music, it would be a good move, since loud music often caused noise pollution; these business with the licences doesn’t have a limit for playing their music and doing this would help bring an end to all this. With this being done I think more persons close to nearby bars can have better sleep, since this also hinders one from sleeping. So, I think it is a good move.”

Shomain Wilson “I think that revoking the licences is too big and harsh a move, but something should be done indeed. It is very difficult when you work all day and have to get up in the mornings to go to work, but all night you can’t rest because a bar or club is nearby blasting music into the wee hours of the morning … so something have to be done...maybe a warning or even three warnings and then something drastic if the words of the Police aren’t being heeded.”

Shawn Corry “It has nothing to do with that you can play music, it’s the noise level they are talking about. Just play music at the acceptable level and everything will be ok, and mind you, Police won’t just run in a bar just so, people have to call and complain about the noise first.”

Tanisha Petty “This Government since they took office have been implementing a lot of strict laws, etc … I think some are needed, especially this one … but there are better ways to do things.”

“You must once again become a beacon of hope for communities” – Minister Harmon

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inister of State, Joseph Harmon on Sunday morning charged the Bishop and congregation of the Smith Memorial Congregational Church to reclaim its position as a beacon of hope for communities across Guyana.

The Minister of State, who was at the time addressing congregants at the Church’s 175th anniversary service, reminded that the Church has a role to play in the areas of social, community and economic development as it once did during the period of slavery and at the time of emancipation.

“The Church should return to its role as a social leader. It is a credible organisation in this community.

It should utilise this public trust to solve social problems – such as domestic violence, drug abuse, poverty, teenage pregnancy and school absenteeism. Smith Memorial Congregational Church, in the Congregational tradition of service, should become a beacon of hope for its communities once again,” he stated.

Minister Harmon noted that congregationalism and service to communities were inseparable and the bonds between church and communities should, therefore, be reinforced.

Congregationalism, he stated, came to Guyana 210 years ago as part of the work of the London Missionary Society to minister almost exclusively to Africans. It became a beacon of hope in desperate and despondent

Minister of State, Joseph Harmon shares a light moment with Reverend Oslyn Small of the Smith Memorial Congregational Church during the church’s 175th anniversary service on Sunday

times as Congregationalists supported Africans in their struggles, both during and after enslavement.

Churches, he added, became community centres and classrooms. They were part of the social architecture of their communities supporting the four pillars – faith, family, farm, and the school.

Congregationalism mentored local leaders, demonstrating the ability of locals to manage their own affairs, he added.

Guyana, the Minister said, owes a debt of gratitude to the Congregational Church as it pioneered education before and after Emancipation, supported community development and provided assistance to those in need. As such, he said that the Church should deepen its involvement and integration in the community. It should work

in, for and with the community to provide opportunities, especially for the young people, he declared.

Meanwhile, Pastor Loris Heywood, who delivered the sermon, echoed similar sentiments as he urged the congregation to learn from its history and work to create a bright future for the lives it would touch through its ministry.

The religious institution was opened on November 24, 1843 as a tribute to the work and suffering of the late Reverend John Smith, who was sentenced to death.

Smith, a London Missionary Society Minister, died by hanging for the role he allegedly played in the notorious East Coast Demerara Slave Insurrection in 1823.

He was referred to as the “Demerara Martyr” as a result of the circumstances surrounding his death.

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mondAY, november 26, 2018

Regional

Trinidad Tourism Ministry monitoring Migrant caravan: Mexican officials deny US border deal recent cases of swine flu

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M

exico's incoming Foreign Minister has said discussions on how to deal with migrants travelling to the United States are continuing despite reports a deal has been reached.

Marcelo Ebrard denied reaching an agreement which would see asylum seekers waiting in Mexico while their claims were processed in US courts.

Ebrard's words seem to contradict US President Donald Trump's latest tweet.

He said migrants would not be allowed entry until their claims were approved.

"Migrants at the Southern Border will not be allowed into the United States until their claims are individually approved in court," Trump wrote, adding: "No 'releasing' into the US. All will stay in Mexico."

The conflicting statements emerged after the Washington Post reported Mexican officials had agreed to let migrants trying to enter the US stay in Mexico while their asylum claims were heard.

Thousands of migrants are now waiting at the border in Mexico

According to the newspaper, the plan was called "Remain in Mexico".

But Ebrard, who will become Foreign Minister in December after Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador's Administration takes power, said the US had yet to even send "a specific proposal" on how to deal with the issue.

He said conversations were still taking place with Washington.

Incoming Interior Minister Olga Sanchez

Cordero also told news agency Reuters no agreement had been reached – although the Washington Post article initially quoted her as saying it was a "short term solution" to deal with the migrant caravan.

Thousands of migrants – including women and children – are currently at the US-Mexico border after travelling more than 4000 kilometres (2500 miles) from Central America. (Excerpt from BBC News)

US Coast Guard rescues 6 Jamaicans adrift off Haiti

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he United States Coast Guard says its crew members have rescued six Jamaicans adrift Friday about 76 miles south west of Tortuga, Haiti.

The Coast Guard said on Saturday that those rescued were Garnel Goldson, 30; Rohan Smith, 50; Raymond Foster, 30; Jermaine Brown, 32; Marvin Buchanon, 39; and Jermaine Lobiboun.

Coast Guard Cutter Thetis' crewmembers ob-

served a handheld flare and diverted to the location of a disabled vessel that was on a voyage from Jamaica to Tortuga, the Coast Guard said.

It said the master of the vessel reported to be adrift for two days, and the crew was running low on provisions.

“The cutter Thetis crew safely embarked the six survivors and transferred them to Cuban authorities, with

no reported injuries,” it said.

Chris Eddy, Coast Guard 7th District search and rescue coordinator, said: “The sea can be unforgiving and, when a boat or vessel experiences a casualty at sea, having the right equipment can save lives as this case shows.

“This flare signalled to the crew of the Thetis who was within range to see it, ready to respond, and was able to save these six people,” he said. (CMC)

rinidadian Tourism Ministry Director General Joy Jibrilu says the Ministry is closely monitoring recent cases of swine flu in an effort to minimise its impact on the industry.

“I mean, if you think about it, it was Chikungunya, it was Zika, it's always something you have to be on top of,” Jibrilu said Health Minister Dr Duane Sands told Parliament earlier last week that there were two confirmed cases of H1N1 influenza [swine flu] in the twin-island republic “and of the two laboratory confirmed cases, one of those persons died”.

He said the reported number of flu cases ranges from 200 to 650 annually.

However, in response, the Director General of Tourism said all the necessary information obtained by the Health Ministry was always passed onto the Tourism Ministry.

“We monitor, not just daily, almost hourly, what is being written throughout the various social channels to see if it is having an impact, but sending messages out that the country is safe [and] safe from a health perspective.

“If there is a notice, whatever comes from Ministry of Health, we would share that, but it's a constant

monitoring and making sure that you are ahead of it and responsive as soon as anything hits.”

Meanwhile, Sands has encouraged all individuals over the age of six months to get vaccinated, especially groups more susceptible to contracting the virus He said healthcare providers, youth, the elderly, morbidly obese individuals and other groups are more likely to catch swine flu.

During the 2009 swine flu pandemic in the United States, about 59 million Americans contracted the flu with 265,000 of those individuals being hospitalised and 12,000 dying. (Excerpt from CMC)

Stolen Petrotrin steel in scrap yards

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ince the announcement of the closure of Stateowned oil company Petrotrin, people have been stealing tonnes of material from the company's installations and presenting them for sale at scrap yards throughout the country, Trinidad and Tobago Scrap Iron Dealers President Allan Ferguson has said.

This theft of material from Petrotrin is a "major problem" currently affecting the scrap iron industry, Ferguson said and as such, the Association was now calling for a meeting with Police Commissioner Gary Griffith so they could properly deal with the issue.

"Right now there is a major problem which is Petrotrin. A lot of the material from Petrotrin is being stolen and the Association is trying to get a meeting with Gary Griffith to give him that concern because we as the Association will get the bad name and this industry

This problem of material being stolen from Petrotrin and being bought by scrap yards with foreign owners highlights two of the major concerns now facing the industry

could be in serious problems if they don't put a stop to it," Ferguson said.

"And the majority of the people buying that material is people who come from outside of Trinidad and Tobago and have scrap yards here and they are buying the material and if anything happens they can move out and

go, and we as locals here will be in serious problems if the industry crashes," he said.

"We want to have a meeting with Gary Griffith with reference to a lot of things going in the industry, so we can draw some light on where the stealing is taking place," Ferguson said. (Excerpt from Trinidad Guardian)

Ready to move Barbados forward Antiguan Govt moves – former BCCI President swiftly to institute

L

eading businessman Andy Armstrong has said that the Private Sector in Barbados is waiting and trying to do things to assist in growing the local economy, but there are still some hurdles the business community has to overcome before going forward.

Armstrong of Armstrong Agencies spoke to Business Monday moments after participating in the company’s award and prize giving function for employees at Mahogany Ridge, St James.

Armstrong, who is a former President of the Barbados Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI), said that if one used the renewable energy sector as an example, the Private Sector has been

Former BCCI President Andy Armstrong

itching to get going with solar panels and wind energy.

“But for whatever reasons, all sorts of regulations are

being thrown at you and it takes very long to get permission for these things,” he explained.

Armstrong recalled that when he served as President of the BCCI, we were talking about wind energy at Lamberts (St Lucy) with all the public hearings and even some opposition to it. “Finally, after a lot of pressure, they got the approval to go ahead.

But then there is still a lot of red tape,” the Armstrong Agencies’ official declared.

He said that if the Government was really serious about the Private Sector stepping forward, then the Government also had to take “a step to one side and let the Private Sector come through”.

Other Private Sector officials have taken this line, noting that a lot of the things that need to happen tend to reside with the Government. (Excerpt from Barbados

Advocate)

Disciplinary Committee

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he first reading of the bill to amend the Medical Practitioners Act of 2009 to make way for the formation of a Disciplinary Committee to look into the actions of medical professionals, is likely to go before Parliament next Thursday.

This information appeared in Cabinet notes prepared by the Government’s Chief of Staff Lionel Hurst, which also stated that Health Minister Molwyn Joseph has proposed the mandatory replacement of doctors on the Committee by a retired judge, nurse or other professionals capable of “making sound judgements on the basis of experience and knowledge”.

The Medical Practitioners Act makes provision for the setting up of a Disciplinary Committee to investigate and punish any wrongdoings on the part of medical practitioners in the country.

Although the bill was passed and became law, the committee was never put in place. Last week, Minister Joseph attributed this to lack of cooperation on the part of local doctors.

The Government is moving to make the necessary adjustments to the law following a widely-circulated petition by the family of the late Esme Stevens who died on September 11, 2018. (Excerpt

from Antigua Observer)

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guyanatimesgy.com

Around the World

200 wounded as magnitude Russia accused of firing on Ukrainian ship in naval standoff 6.3 earthquake shakes Iran

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he Ukrainian navy has accused Russia of firing on and capturing three of its ships near the Kerch Strait, a narrow sea passage closes to the Crimean Peninsula that separates the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov.

Two sailors were injured when the Russian ship fired on Ukraine’s vessels, the Ukrainian navy said on Sunday, amid rising tensions between the two countries over a standoff that started earlier in the day.

In a Facebook post, the Ukrainian navy said three

of its vessels were forced to stop and captured by the Russian forces.

The spokesperson for Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko said on Twitter the country’s top military brass will convene for an emergency meeting on Sunday evening.

There was no immediate comment from Russia.

The incident came hours after Moscow placed a large cargo ship beneath the 19km-long Crimean Bridge, which connects the Russianannexed peninsula with its mainland, blocking all traf-

I

The standoff is the latest in a series of incidents between Ukraine and Russia since 2014 (Pavlishak Alexey/Reuters)

fic into the strait, the only passage into the Sea of Azov.

Both countries have the right to use the sea, but fol-

lowing Russia’s annexation of Crimea in 2014, Moscow controls both sides of the strait. (Al Jazeera)

Alabama Police admit killing wrong man

Demonstrators demanded justice for Emantic Fitzgerald Bradford Jr (CBS photo)

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rotesters have demanded answers after Alabama police admitted killing a man who they

wrongly suspected of shooting two people in a shopping mall.

Emantic Fitzgerald

Bradford Jr, 21, was shot dead at the mall in Hoover.

But on Friday, authorities said Bradford was probably not the gunman, and the actual perpetrator remained at large.

Around 200 demonstrators marched in the Riverchase Galleria on Saturday demanding answers from the police.

“Where is the bodycam footage -- why we ain’t seen it yet?” one protester said to CBS News.

The policeman who killed Bradford has reportedly been placed on admin-

istrative leave.

The shooting occurred on Thanksgiving night on Thursday.

Police arrived at the scene after an 18-year-old and a 12-year-old were shot by a gunman, as shoppers ran for their lives. The condition of the two victims has not been made public, but both were reportedly treated in hospital.

Authorities announced on Thursday that Bradford was the gunman, and had been brandishing a weapon. A uniformed officer then shot him to death. (BBC News)

ran said on Sunday that no fatalities had been reported but that about 200 people were injured after an earthquake of magnitude 6.3 struck near its western border with Iraq, Iranian state TV reported.

The tremor was also felt in the Iraqi capital Baghdad and in Kuwait.

“About 200 to 210 people have been injured ... but we have had no fatalities,” Houshang Bazvand, the governor of Kermanshah province, told state TV. Fears of aftershocks sent people in several cities in the western province of Kermanshah out onto the streets and parks in cold weather, Iranian media reported. Rescue teams were immediately deployed to the quake-hit area.

“No reports of any fatalities yet and most of the injured were hurt while fleeing, not due to quake damage,” Pirhossein Koulivand, head

of Iran’s emergency services, told state TV. Fears of aftershocks sent people in several cities in the western province of Kermanshah out onto the streets and parks in cold weather, Iranian media reported. Rescue teams were immediately deployed to the quake-hit area.

“No reports of any fatalities yet and most of the injured were hurt while fleeing, not due to quake damage,” Pirhossein Koulivand, head of Iran’s emergency services, told state TV. The quake triggered landslides but officials said all the roads in the area remained open to traffic and electricity had been restored in most of areas hit by the tremor.

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) said the earthquake occurred at a depth of 65 km (40 miles) and struck 114 km northwest of the city of Ilam, close to Iran’s border with Iraq.

(Reuters)

“Not in my lifetime”: Sirisena rules out ever restoring ousted PM

29 dead after Uganda party boat capsizes

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t least 29 people are now known to have died after a cruise boat carrying party revellers capsized on Lake Victoria, Ugandan police say.

The vessel was carrying close to 100 people when it sank on Saturday near Uganda’s capital, Kampala.

Ugandan media named a number of well-known people said to be on the boat, adding that the prince of a traditional kingdom had survived. Lake Victoria sees regular accidents, often involving overcrowded vessels. Scores of people died when a ferry sank on the lake off Tanzania in September. Saturday’s accident occurred off Uganda’s Mukono district.

Deputy police spokesman Patrick Onyango told Reuters news agency: “The boat was overloaded and secondly there was bad weather.”

More than 20 people have been rescued from the water, police say, but an unknown number remain missing. The families and friends of some of the people involved gathered by the shoreline. They sat under trees, looking through the wire fence and every time a body was pulled out of the water, there were screams and cries as some people recognised their loved ones.

On the grass some personal items were laid out

Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena

S

Saturday’s accident occurred off Uganda’s Mukono district, near Kampala

- shoes, sweaters, wallets, keys - anything that could be used to identify the victims. Overhead the police deployed a helicopter to help search for more bodies that

might have washed up by the shoreline - but they have given up hope that they will find any more survivors.

Among those rescued was Prince Daudi Kintu

Wasajja, a brother of the king of Uganda’s largest traditional kingdom, Buganda.

Ugandan media said musical artist Iryn Namubiru also survived. (BBC News)

ri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena has ruled out ever reinstating deposed Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, even if the latter is able to prove he has majority support in Parliament.

Speaking to reporters from foreign media outlets on Sunday, the president accused his former ally, who he abruptly sacked last month and replaced with former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, of being “highly corrupt”.

“Even if the UNP has the majority, I told them not to bring Ranil Wickremesinghe before me, I will not make

UK’s Brexit deal agreed by EU leaders

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U leaders have approved an agreement on the UK’s withdrawal and future relations - insisting it is the “best and only deal possible”.

After 20 months of negotiations, the 27 leaders gave the deal their blessing after less than an hour’s discussion.

They said the deal - which needs to be approved by the UK Parliament - paved the way for an “orderly withdrawal”.

Theresa May said the deal “delivered for the British people” and set the UK “on course for a prosperous future”.

Speaking in Brussels, she urged both Leave and Remain voters to unite behind the agreement, insisting the British public “do not want to spend any more time arguing about Brexit”.

The UK is scheduled to leave the EU on 29 March 2019.

The EU officially endorsed the terms

of the UK’s withdrawal during a short meeting, bringing to an end negotiations which began in March 2017.

European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker said anyone in Britain who thought the bloc might offer improved terms if MPs rejected the deal would be “disappointed”.

The UK Parliament is expected to vote on the deal on 12 December, but its approval is far from guaranteed. (BBC News)

him prime minister ... not in my lifetime,” Sirisena said, referring to talks with members of the deposed leader’s United National Party.

“He is corrupt. His economic policies are not good for local industries. He pursued an extremely liberal form of government that is not compatible with our culture.”

The allegations marked the latest escalation in the dramatic falling out between Sirisena and Wickremesinghe.

The two men had joined forces before presidential elections in 2015 to defeat Rajapaksa, a controversial figure regarded as a hero by the ethnic Sinhalese majority for ending Sri Lanka’s civil war by crushing ethnic Tamil separatists, but who has also faced allegations of wartime atrocities and corruption.

But after their election victory, Sirisena and Wickremesinghe saw their relations turning south amid disagreements over Government administration, economic reforms and an alleged assassination plot against the president. (Al Jazeera)

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mondAY, November 26, 2018

ARCHIE

ARIES (March 21April 19)

TAURUS (April 20May 20)

dilbert

Partnerships will need to be nurtured. It will be difficult to know where you stand given the dialogue you have with someone. Expect pertinent information to be left out.

CANCER

Don’t limit what you can do when you should be letting your creative imagination run wild. Explore the possibilities and discover what you are capable of doing.

LEO (July 23Aug. 22)

Calvin and Hobbes

Look for the path of least resistance. Remember what’s happened in the past and make decisions based on what you know and the experiences you’ve undergone.

GEMINI (May 21June 20)

(June 21July 22)

Peanuts

Information will be revealed. Take caution when dealing with institutions or government agencies. Make sure all your personal documents are in order. Your feelings for someone will change due to an emotional incident.

VIRGO (Aug. 23Sept. 22)

Fill your day with enjoyable activities and people. A shopping spree or an event you’ve been looking forward to will lift your spirits.

Keep a close watch over domestic situations that have the potential to spin out of control. Someone may withhold information that would alter your feelings about something.

Emotional matters will LIBRA (Sept. 23- cause you to question what Oct. 23) someone is telling you or asking you to do. If a change is required, look inward and make self-improvements.

Don’t try to change others.

WORD GAME TODAY’S WORD — COPIERS (COPIERS: KOP-ee-ers: Machines for reproducing graphic materials.)

Average mark 30 words Time limit 35 minutes

SUDOKU

SCORPIO (Oct. 24Nov. 22)

Getting in touch with an old friend or relative and making plans for upcoming events will lead to travel plans or a conversation that could shape your next move.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23Dec. 21)

Look at the big picture, but don’t feel that you must do everything at once. You need to pace yourself to fit your budget, lifestyle and availability.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22Jan. 19)

You don’t have to make a change just because someone else does. You may need to adjust your plans, but it’s still best to do your own thing for your own benefit.

Can you find 40 or more words in COPIERS? The list will be published tomorrow.

SATURDAY’S WORD — TOPIARY tapir taro tiro topi trap tray trio trip troy typo tyro pair parity part party

patio pita pity port pray proa iota airy arty atop rapt ratio riot ropy

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

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

PISCES (Feb. 20March 20)

Look over contracts, investments and issues you want to adjust before the end of the year. Negotiate on your own behalf. A gift or reward is heading your way.

Situations will escalate quickly. Don’t give in to anger when intelligence is what’s required. A steady pace and a carefully considered plan are in your best interest.

mondAY, november 26, 2018

19

Dominant Hamilton ends season with Abu Dhabi win G

lorying in a successful finish to the 2018 Formula One season with yet another win, it was perhaps understandable that Lewis Hamilton wanted to make one final statement. On the top step in Abu Dhabi as the anthems died away, the five-times world champion stood shirtless, triumphant and pointing to the title of Maya Angelou’s poem Still I Rise tattooed across his back. However he did so only after the race provided a stark reminder of the risks still involved in the sport after Nico Hülkenberg survived an horrific accident on the first lap.

Hamilton’s win at Yas Marina was a fitting finale, his run from pole was flawless and his Mercedes team called his strategy to perfection. An early pit stop under the virtual safety car proved inspired and Hamilton brought his car home in front with control, patience and the faultless judgment he has displayed across 21 meetings.

But on lap one the drama happened behind him.

Hülkenberg clipped Romain Grosjean at turn nine sending his car airborne, barrel-rolling into the barriers.

It came to a rest upside down and the Renault driver was unable to extricate himself as fire appeared at the rear of the car.

“Get me out of here, there is fire, there is fire,” he said. “I’m OK but I’m hanging here like a cow. Get me out of this car.” Marshals quickly extinguished the fire and righted the car and Hülkenberg was able to climb out, unhurt. The incident has again raised questions about how easy it is to extricate drivers past the halo cockpit protection device.

Hamilton enjoyed a serene afternoon in comparison. He had already ensured Mercedes would take their fifth consecutive drivers’ and constructors’ double and matched Juan Manuel Fangio’s five titles. Yet this final drive was a microcosm of a season in which he has barely made an error and at times has been breathtaking.

Stripping to show Angelou’s inspirational words summed it up. “I’ve always wanted to do it, because I wanted to show

“Still I Rise,” he said. “I think it was the perfect mom e n t because that’s how it has been this year.”

H e has made it clear that the challenge from Ferrari and Sebastian Vettel has been the hardest fight he has faced. Vettel could manage only second in Abu Dhabi in front of the Red Bull of Max Verstappen, and that too reflected where the German and the Scuderia stand in relation to Hamilton.

He is the first driver to finish with more than 400 points, a number that pales against the one that matters which is the 11

victories this season, including six from the last eight. As Hamilton goes in to the close season, he is understandably carrying supreme confidence.

“As I have grown I have understood myself more and more,” he said. “I have been able to be a better me all year long and that is never going to stop. I am going to continue to try and work on that.”

These are ominous words for his rivals as they lick their wounds and consider how a driver in such fearsome form might be beaten, a point Hamilton also wanted to drive home with victory in Abu Dhabi.

“I really wanted to end the season strongly and I was able to do that,” he said.

“I am grateful I

had the support of the people around me and the team did an exceptional job all year long. I really wanted to deliver for them. I wanted to end the way I plan to start next year.”

Ferrari will challenge again but it was Verstappen who underlined his potential if Red Bull and Honda can give him the tools. After his engine went into safety mode at the start and he dropped places, his comeback was as good a piece of controlled aggression as the Dutchman has shown all season and was recognised

by Hamilton.

“Max has been driving very well throughout the year,” he said. “If his team does the job and delivers a platform with which he can compete even closer with us, then of course he’ll be in the fight.”

Fernando Alonso bowed out of F1, finishing in 11th place. “All my career I have always been fighting, sometimes in competitive cars, sometimes not, but I’ve never given up,” he said. “Right now I am not thinking about coming back but I don’t know how I will feel next year. I need a break.”

Hamilton said he too was looking forward to a break, to spending the winter with his family. He has earned it, doing his talking on the track. Aptly then, at the close in Abu Dhabi as the champagne flew on the podium and he stood, back to the crowd, the swirls of a tattooist’s ink said all that was needed.

Daniel Ricciardo was fourth and Valtteri Bottas fifth. Carlos Sainz was sixth for Renault in front of Sauber’s Charles Leclerc

and Force India’s Sergio Pérez. Romain Grosjean was ninth and Kevin Magnussen 10th. (The Guardian)

Aubameyang gives Arsenal win despite Bournemouth scare

A

rsenal manager Unai Emery said he still expects more from his team despite extending their unbeaten run in all competitions to 17 games with victory at Bournemouth.

After embarking on a 10game winning run earlier in the season, Arsenal had drawn four of their past five games going into Sunday's match at the Vitality Stadium.

But Jefferson Lerma's own goal and PierreEmerick Aubameyang's eighth strike of the season secured their fourth Premier League away win of the campaign - equalling their tally for the whole of last season - and moved them to within one point of

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang scored the decisive goal for Arsenal in the 67th minute but Bournemouth were still in the game until the last kick

the top four. "We've not lost for 17 matches but we've drawn some and that is not enough for us," said Emery.

"We spoke in the week about how important today was.

"We are happy and before the match we knew it would be a difficult match and that we needed to win today to be near the top four. Bournemouth were four points behind us and could have been near our position with a win."

After beginning the weekend in sixth, Bournemouth drop two places to eighth and have now lost their past three league matches.

Cherries boss Eddie Howe felt key moments went against his side, particularly when David

Brooks saw his early strike disallowed for offside and Lerma hit the post late on.

"We're disappointed with the result - we felt we were very much in that game, but we were on the wrong end of some decisions," said Howe. "I've not seen it, but I'm told the David Brooks [disallowed] goal was onside and the luck was just missing for us - such as Jefferson Lerma's shot hitting the post.

"My players gave everything. We started the game brightly and Arsenal came back into it, but you won't see something like their first goal again. Jefferson stuck his leg out and it went in - that was the sort of luck which went against us." (BBC Sport)

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GUYANATIMESgy.COM

mondAY, november 26, 2018

India tour to Australia

Australia fall short as Kohli, Krunal level T20 series

I

n front of a record SCG T20I crowd of 37,339 dominated by blue shirts, India levelled the T20I series on the back of a fine performance by their spinners followed by another chasing masterclass from Virat Kohli. A first-wicket stand of 67 in 5.3 overs broke the back of the pursuit before Kohli's unbeaten 61 off 41 balls ensured a couple of India wobbles did not prove terminal.

Australia had started promisingly after Aaron Finch decided to bat, but once again the home side struggled against the leftarm wristspin of Kuldeep Yadav who conceded just 19 runs in his four overs. While survival was the main task against Kuldeep, Australia tried to attack Krunal Pandya which presented him with the best figures by a spinner in T20Is in the country.

Australia briefly found a response with the ball after the rollicking opening stand ignited by Shikhar Dhawan, as first Mitchell Starc and Adam Zampa then Glenn Maxwell and AJ Tye struck in quick succession, but there was no getting past Kohli who made his first significant contribution of a summer he is sure to have a central role in defining.

Swept away

It wasn't always convincing, but Finch and D'Arcy Short gave Australia a solid - if not spectacular - base

the last ball of Starc's second over, Dhawan nailed a thunderous off drive and it was the prelude of what was to come. Both batsmen deposited Coulter-Nile into the stands and Stoinis' first over was brutalised to the tune of 22 runs as the openers feasted on medium pace. India were already 62 for 0 with one over of Powerplay to go.

Finch had little choice to return to Starc and the moved worked when he pinned Dhawan lbw with a rapid delivery which the DRS showed had struck pad first in line with leg stump.

When Zampa, who bowled

Krunal Pandya and Virat Kohli celebrate Ben McDermott's wicket

with an opening stand of 68.

They were aided by some below-par India fielding, including Rohit Sharma's drop of Finch at long-on when he had 22, but the pair also found the middle more frequently than they have of late. Things changed when India's spinners were handed the ball. It was the wonderfully skillful Kuldeep who provided the breakthrough having Finch caught at short fine leg and he thought he had Glenn Maxwell lbw three balls later but there was enough turn to beat leg stump. However, Krunal, bowling flatter than Kuldeep, had no problems claiming a brace of lbws in consecutive deliveries: Short and Ben McDermott both out sweeping as Australia showed a reluctance to hit straight.

The Kuldeep-Krunal double act

Kuldeep continued to befuddle Australia, despite their attempts to counter him with a reshuffled batting order, completing his third spell of the series at or under a run a ball and Krunal was able to feed off the pressure applied. The batsmen knew they had to attack at his end and he bagged himself 4 for 36. His series had turned around significantly since being taken to the cleaners in the opening game by Maxwell.

Now Krunal claimed Maxwell in consecutive innings after Kuldeep went for just seven runs off the 10 balls he bowled to him. Trying to break free, Maxwell couldn't clear longon where, this time, Rohit held on. Then Alex Carey, who had shown some classy

touches to revive the innings, picked out deep midwicket. Kuldeep and Krunal: 8-0-55-5.

The innings did not quite fall away as it threatened to as a combination of edges, hefty blows and desperate running from Marcus Stoinis and Nathan CoulterNile scrambled 33 off the last 16 balls of the innings.

But to highlight the fact that Australia had to battle to set a decent target, their total of 164 was the highest in T20Is without a six.

Flattened by Rohit and Dhawan, finished by Kohli

For the first three overs of the chase, Dhawan and Rohit bided their time as Starc, playing his first T20I for more than two years, pushed the speed gun upwards of 145kph. Against

Boca Juniors against River Plate match postponed again

S

unday's rescheduled Copa Libertadores final second leg between Boca Juniors and River Plate has been postponed.

Violence had forced the match between the bitter Argentine rivals to first be delayed on Saturday.

The Boca Juniors team bus was attacked by River Plate fans on its way to the game at River's Estadio Monumental.

The game was rearranged for Sunday at 20:00 GMT, 24 hours later than planned, but was postponed three hours before the new kick-off time.

A decision on whether the match will be rearranged for another date has yet to be announced.

Boca, who were held to a 2-2 draw in the first leg, had urged South American football's governing body Conmebol to take action and allow those affected by Saturday's incidents to recover further.

"Club Atletico Boca Juniors made a formal presentation to Conmebol on Sunday to request that the fi-

nal of the Copa Libertadores be played in conditions of equality," said a club statement.

"After the acts of violence suffered in the vicinity of the stadium, having noted the magnitude and seriousness of them and the consequences they have generated in the establishment, Boca considers that these conditions are not met and requests the suspension of the match."

A statement from Conmebol confirmed the match would not take place on Sunday, adding: "Conmebol president

Alejandro Dominguez recognized Boca Juniors can't play today."

Boca players suffered cuts from the glass from broken windows on Saturday and were also affected by the tear gas used by police to disperse the crowds.

A number of players, including Boca's former Manchester City, Manchester United and Juventus striker Carlos Tevez, reportedly suffered from dizziness and vomiting and were being treated by club doctors.

Footage, apparently from

inside the Boca dressing room, showed the players groggy and disorientated.

Reports said Boca's Pablo Perez and Gonzalo Lamardo had been taken by ambulance to hospital, the former with slivers of broken glass in his eyes and the latter a cut on his head.

Dominguez called for help from authorities to "identify, capture and prosecute those responsible."

The Copa Libertadores is the showpiece club competition in South America, equivalent to the Champions League in Europe. The clubs had agreed to a ban on away fans which mirrors an existing ban in domestic football in Argentina.

Three years ago, a last16 Copa tie between River and Boca at the latter's La Bombonera ground was abandoned at half-time after Boca fans attacked the River players with pepper spray in the tunnel.

Boca were kicked out of the competition, while River were given a bye into the quarter-finals. (BBCSport)

superbly in Brisbane, started with a wicket maiden that included a brilliant skidder to beat Rohit, there was a glimmer for Australia.

That sense returned when KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant both played careless shots when all Kohli needed was support, but backto-back boundaries by Kohli off Tye - the second a magnificent lofted six over longoff - pushed the game back India's way and this time Australia didn't have a response. The first series of three is shared. Now for the main course. (ESPNcricinfo)

SCOREBOARD Australia Innings D Arcy Short lbw b Krunal Pandya 33 Aaron Finch (c) c Krunal Pandya b Kuldeep Yadav 28 Glenn Maxwell c Rohit b Krunal Pandya 13 Ben McDermott lbw b Krunal Pandya 0 Alex Carey (wk) c Kohli b Krunal Pandya 27 Chris Lynn run out (Bumrah) 13 Marcus Stoinis not out 25 Nathan Coulter-Nile not out 13 Extras 12 (b 1, lb 2, w 9, nb 0, p 0) Total 164 (6 wkts, 20 Ov) FOW: 68-1 (Finch, 8.3), 73-2 (Short, 9.1), 73-3 (McDermott, 9.2), 90-4 (Maxwell, 13.1), 119-5 (Carey, 15.5), 131-6 (Lynn, 17.2) Bowling: Bhuvneshwar Kumar (4-0-33-0), K Khaleel Ahmed (4-0-35-0), Jasprit Bumrah (4-0-

38-0), Kuldeep Yadav (4-0-191), Krunal Pandya (4-0-36-4) India Innings Rohit Sharma b Zampa 23 Shikhar Dhawan lbw b Starc 41 Virat Kohli (c) not out 61 Lokesh Rahul c CoulterNile b Maxwell 14 Rishabh Pant (wk) c Alex Carey b Andrew Tye 0 Dinesh Karthik not out 22 Extras 7 (lb 1, w 6) Total 168 (4 wkts, 19.4 Ov) FOW: 67-1 (Dhawan, 5.3), 67-2 (Sharma, 6.5), 108-3 (Rahul, 12.6), 108-4 (Pant, 13.1) Bowling: Mitchell Starc (40-26-1), Nathan Coulter-Nile (3-0-40-0), Marcus Stoinis (10-22-0), Adam Zampa (4-122-1), Glenn Maxwell (4-0-251), Andrew Tye (3.4-0-32-1)

GFA Stag Revival Cup…

GFC, GT Panthers secure semi spots

P

lay in the Georgetown Football Association’s (GFA’s) Stag Revival Cup quarterfinal matches continued over the weekend as the Georgetown Football Club (GFC) hammered Western Tigers 4 - 0, and GT Panthers got past Beacon United in a dreaded penalty shootout.

This double-header showdown took place at the Georgetown Football Club (GFC) Ground, where, in the first match, the home side and Tigers duked it out to a goalless first half, before a Joel Humphrey goal in the 53rd minute broke the deadlock for GFC. Moments later, in the 60th minute, LaVanghn Enniss doubled the GFC lead when he found the back of the Tigers’ net. He then completed his brace in the 79th minute, before Rockford Edmonds put the Tigers’ ambition to rest with a goal in the 90th minute, seconds before referee Deon Feassal brought the game to an end.

The following match was a thriller between Beacon and GT Panthers. With the score being identical at 3 – 3 after extra-time, there was just not enough evidence to predict a victor.

Beacon were ahead by two goals with 21 minutes on the clock, but the never-say-die GT Panthers capitalised on a goalkeeping error in the 23rd minute to bring themselves back into the game, until the arrival of the Beacon soldier Keifer Brandt, whose 62nd minute goal made it a two-possession game once more.

It was Panthers all the way after that, as the momentum shifted; and it became a one-goal game three minutes later when Panthers’ soldier Elroy Parks buried a free-kick, which paved the way for yet another Panthers soldier in G. Singh to equalise in the 70th minute.

With scores now tied at 3-3 and neither side being able to go ahead in extra-time, GT Panthers held their nerves in the ensuing penalty shootout to book a spot in the semifinal.

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21

Meg Lanning stands with the winning trophy

By Brandon Corlette

T

he Caribbean was fortunate to witness, in 2018, the most inspiring women’s tournament in the history of cricket -- the first ever stand-alone Women’s World T20.

It was a record-breaking event compared to the previous five editions; and the dominant Australia team have stamped their authority on women’s cricket by winning the tournament for the fourth time.

The record that stood out was the number of sixes hit in this tournament. It proved that the women have developed their power-hitting skill enormously. Seventy-five sixes is the highest ever hit in a single edition, and every six that was hit resulted in one thousand US dollars (US$1000) being donated towards grassroots cricket.

Australia’s Alyssa Healy was the tournament’s leading run-scorer with 225 runs, but she simul-

taneously was four times awarded “player of the tion in India. The spinners averaged a staggering match” -- the most by any player in a single edi- 6.36 wickets per game, picking up wickets in every tion. Healy, wife of Australia’s premiere fast bowler 18.3 balls; the best for any season. The pacers in Mitchell Starc, also effected 12 dismissals, and has this tournament picked up 120 wickets at an averbeen awarded “Player of the Stand-Alone Women’s age of 17.7.

World T20 tournament”.

In this tournament, Megan Schutt, Deandra England’s Anya Shrubsole, who picked up a hat Dottin and Ashleigh Gardener were the top wicktrick in this tournament, had won three “player of et-takers with 10 wickets each. Deandra Dottin the match” awards in 2014. has twice been among the leading wicket-takers; India’s Harmanpreet Kaur’s 103 is the third in 2016 she finished with 9. However, she insertWomen’s WorldT20 century scored, after Meg ed herself into the record books this time with the Lanning’s 126 against Ireland in 2014, and Deandra best-ever bowling figures of 5-5 against Bangladesh Dottin’s unbeaten 112 against South Africa in 2010. at the National Stadium at Providence on the East Incredibly, 48.51 per cent of runs scored in this Bank of Demerara in Guyana. tournament came from boundaries. Besides the sevConclusively, 46 runs -- compiled by Bangladesh enty-five sixes hit in this tournament, 440 boundar- against West Indies in Guyana -- is the lowest team ies were also scored therein; as against the 42.61 total in the history of the Women’s World T20 tourper cent of runs scored in boundaries in the 2010 nament; while India’s 194-5 is the highest runs edition. scored in the history of the tournament.

The teams’ batting run rate in this tournament A tournament of this calibre would inspire has climbed to more than 6 runs per over, as comyoung girls around the globe to folpared to the previous editions where- Player-of- thelow their dreams and play crickin teams had managed to score be- Tournament et at the highest level, to become low six runs per over. Additionally, Alyssa Healy the next Alyssa Healy, or 3.41 was the average number of sixes receiving her Harmanpreet hit per match in this tournament, as award from Kaur, or compared to 1.87 sixes being hit per the WI great, Deandra Sir Vivian match in 2016.

Dottin.

In this tournament, it took 21 balls Richards for Alyssa Healy and Sophie Devine to each reach fifty against Ireland.

This was the fastest in the history of World T20 tournaments, and the second fastest overall in Women’s T20 Internationals. Devine had hit an 18-ball-50 in 2005 against India in Bengaluru.

Because of the slow pitches in the Caribbean, 140 wickets were taken by spin bowlers in this tournament, as compared to 134 wickets being taken in the 2016 edi-

Team of the ICC Women’s World T20 2018 announced T

hree players each from England and India selected in squad based on performances in the 10team tournament held in the Caribbean.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) today announced the team of the tournament of the ICC Women’s World T20 2018 based on performances during the 16-day tournament held across three venues in the West Indies.

Three players each from England and India, two from Australia and one each from Pakistan, New Zealand and the Windies have been named in the eleven, which was selected by an esteemed selection panel that included three former internation-

Deandra Dottin

Allyse Perry

Alyssa Healy

Poonam Yadav

al players.

India captain Harmanpreet Kaur, one of two captains to make the squad along with Pakistan’s Javeria Khan, has been named to lead the team, with player of the tournament Alyssa Healy of

Australia, India’s left-handed opener Smriti Mandhana and England’s Amy Jones nominated to bat ahead of her.

All-rounders Deandra Dottin of the Windies and Allyse Perry of Australia, and England fast bowler

Anya Shrubsole are the seam bowlers in the squad with off-spinner Leigh Kasperek of New Zealand, leg-spinner Poonam Yadav of India and left-arm spinner Kirstie Gordon of England the slow bowlers. Bangladesh’s newball bowler Jahanara Alam

has been named as the 12th player. The selection panel comprised former players and commentators Ian Bishop, Anjum Chopra and Ebony Rainford-Brent, journalist Melinda Farrell and ICC’s General Manager – Cricket, Geoff Allardice.

Brian Ramphal Double-Wicket First Division competition

Albion, Tucber Park, Rose Hall Town to clash

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– Foo, Pestano to feature

he formidable Tucber Park duo of Nial Smith and Mark Barker have advanced to the semifinals of the Brian Ramphal Double-Wicket First Division competition by comprehensively defeating ‘Albion B’, represented by Guyana Jaguars spinner Gudakesh Motie-Kanhai and former Guyana under-19 player Karran Arjpaul.

Taking first strike, ‘Albion B’ compiled 47-1 from four overs, but the Tucber Park duo needed only 3.1 overs to overhaul that target and post 50 without loss.

Tucber Park are now slated to clash with the Rose Hall Town Gizmos and Gadgets’ duo of Clinton Pestano and Kevin Sinclair in a match that would be played under lights at the Albion Sport Complex.

The ‘Albion A’ duo of axed Guyana Jaguars player Jonathan Foo and National under-19 player Kevin Umrao have already advanced to the finals. Their opponents will be the winner of the Tucber Park versus Rose Hall Town clash.

The winning pair would take home $75,000, the runner-up pair would collect $40,000, and the 3rd place team would collect $20,000. These matches will be rescheduled because of the onset of inclement weather in Berbice.

Tucber Park players Nial Smith (L) and Mark Barker

22

GUYANATIMESgy.COM

mondAY, november 26, 2018

Richardson praises CWI for hosting dazzling World Cup I

nternational Cricket Council (ICC) Chief Executive David Richardson has congratulated Cricket West Indies (CWI) for a fantastic ICC Women’s World T20 2018 that saw unprecedented attendances across three venues.

The ICC boss issued a statement following the end of the tournament which concluded on Saturday night with Australia proudly lifting the trophy. In wake of the tournament which bowled off in Guyana then Barbados before going to Antigua; Richardson said, “On behalf of the ICC, I would like to congratulate Cricket West Indies for organising a tournament that proved to be a celebration of cricket. The crowds came out in thousands to watch and the tournament displayed the love people in this part of the world have for the game”.

With a number of top

perfromances from some of the world’s best female cricketers who used this year’s maiden stand-alone

tournament to showcase the value and the progression of women’s international cricket; Richardson hailed each

player for those memorable perfromances “We saw some memorable performances and mile-

Max Persaud wins LGC Charity Open tournament

S

– Guyana Open champ cops Best Gross

easoned pro golfer Max Persaud teed his way to winning the Lusignan Golf Club’s (LGC’s) Charity Open tournament on Saturday, after dominating his flight in fine style.

Saturday’s Open was focused on giving back to the community, as the LGC executives and members hosted the event with the intention of having financial proceedings go towards the Doobay Renal Centre, located at Annandale on the East Coast of Demerara, minutes away from Lusignan.

Over the years, the club has developed the tradition of giving back to the community, or providing assistance to

stones being achieved and I would like to thank all the teams for putting up their best and showing the world what women’s cricket is all about. The ICC is committed to backing both women’s cricket and the T20 format and this tournament has played a significant part in that”, he stated.

This year’s theme really grabbed the concept of recognizing women in general and women more so in sport.

The tournament’s aim was to expand the demographic spread of women’s cricket to viewers as millions saw the tourney; while also catering to the younger fans.

In that note, Richardson pointed out that the Cup’s aim was executed, “This tournament has been watched around the world and I’m sure the quality of cricket displayed during the tournament will inspire girls across continents to pick up a bat or a ball and play cricket”.

Prior to the start of the Cup, a number of sponsors jumped on-board as they sought kick off the campaign across the Caribbean and Richardson further acknowledged the efforts of the tournament’s guarantors. He also commended the ground staff for ensuring that the host venues were in excellent playing condition which in return allowed hiccup-free tournament.

“The ICC would also like to thank the sponsors for their backing of the event as well as Star, our global broadcast partner which plays such a significant role in growing the women’s game and taking coverage of this event to more than 200 territories around the world.

“Finally I’d like to thank the ground staff for handling every challenge that came up during the tournament. It would not have been possible to put up such a wonderful tournament without their support.” He ended.

GVF President attends FIVB’s 36th World Congress in Mexico

Saturday’s LGC Charity Open winner Max Persaud (fourth from left) is flocked by other Flight Champs

those in need. This year’s recipient of the club’s assistance is the Centre, which has itself been a vital fixture in the community, and has been do-

ing its part in giving back to not only residents, but the Guyanese public in general.

Max Persaud starred in the B-Flight holes 10-18, hit-

ting a Gross 75 with a 61 Net, and beating off second place competitor Joseph John (83/69) to end as overall winner. Flight-A 0-9 saw Jaipaul Suknanan’s 74 Gross 68 Net beating the reigning 9-time Guyana Open Champion Avinash Persaud, who was forced into second place with 69/67.

The last Flight, C, was won by Romel Bhagwandin, who grossed 84 with a Net 65. “Pandit” Haresh Tiwari’s 87/68 was good enough to afford him a second place finish. In the end, it was double awards for some of the golfers, as Suknanan won Nearest to the Pin, while the Guyana Open Champ redeemed himself by copping the Best Gross award for his 69.

LGC President Aleem Hussain thanked the almost 30 golfers for coming and showing their support to the concept of giving back. He credited the Dialysis Centre for saving lives and offering affordable kidney treatment to Guyanese patients, while spreading awareness of the value of having good health.

Golf action is set to continue in the coming weeks, with the exciting Banks DIHsponsored Open slated to tee off before the end of 2018.

(Clifton Ross)

N

GVF President Levi Nedd at the World Congress in Mexico

ewly elected President of the Guyana Volleyball Federation (GVF), Levi Nedd, has returned home after successfully participating in the 36th World Congress of the World Volleyball Federation—the FIVB (Federation Internationale de Volleyball) -- held in Cancun, Mexico from November 13 to 17, 2018.

Reports are that Nedd was seated with officials from 198 other countries, and was able to participate meaningfully with his South American Federation confederation, the CSV, when fixtures were drawn for the Olympic beach qualifiers for both males and females, to be held in Argentina.

Nedd also participated in ratification of the rules of volleyball and in the reporting of senior officials on their various commissions.

Moreover, he made representation for development of the

sport in Guyana.

“The experience was great, and the congress served as a catalyst which is pushing me to move Guyana's volleyball forward,” Nedd declared.

The main objective of the congress was to sensitise countries that beach volleyball is taking the world stage.

According to Nedd, during the congress the FIVB President urged countries to work with young people for the future development of volleyball.

Since his return, Nedd has been contacting various associations and sports entities in an effort to sensitise them on what can be achieved as a ‘volleyball family’ in 2019. He also noted that much emphasis will be placed on the schools’ programme, and said he expects other vacant executive positions in the GVF to be filled before the close of 2018.

(Andrew Carmichael)

guyanatimesgy.com

mondAY, november 26, 2018

23

58th National Schools Cycling, Swimming, Track and Field Championships…

Hectic week ahead following opening ceremony

O

ver 1500 athletes from all around the country will, for the next 5 days, engage in earnest competition with the singular objective of emerging victorious and bringing glory to the district they represent, following the opening ceremony of the 58th edition of the National Schools Cycling, Swimming, Track and Field Championships.

These championships were opened on Sunday afternoon at the Leonora facility on the Demerara West Coast with much pomp and splendor.

With overcast skies delaying the rain just long enough to accommodate proceedings, the athletes donned their colourful tracksuits and took a lap around the Leonora synthetic track, saluting Education Minister Dr Nicolette Henry; Chief Education Officer Marcel Hutson; Region Three Regional Executive Officer (REO) Denis Jaikarran; and Second Vice President of the Guyana Teachers’ Union (GTU), Julian Cambridge.

Giving the official welcome to Region Three for the second year in a row, REO Denis Jaikarran was very upbeat that the number of ath-

Education Minister Nicolette Henry as she delivered the feature address at the opening ceremony

letes participating in these championships continues to increase steadily.

“This year will mark the second year in which these championships are held in this region. When we assembled last year, I indicated to you that, come this year, we are going to have more athletes participating. And now I’m sure you would recognise we have more athletes,” the REO said.

Julian Cambridge, speaking on behalf of the championships’ organisers, the Guyana Teachers Union (GTU), noted that more needs to be done in schools to lengthen the careers of promising athletes,

rather than having them just be showcased at the National Championships.

“We continue to hope that we produce more Olympiclevel champions. The reality is that we need to place more emphasis on sports in schools. The time has come for sports to be included fully in our curriculum. We have too many talented athletes who have fallen by the wayside after these championships,” Cambridge detailed.

Education Minister Nicolette Henry, delivering the feature address, expressed hope that the student athletes would go on to excel in the future.

Port Mourant Training School wins Balram Shane Volleyball championship

C

GVF President Levi Nedd presenting the winning trophy to the Berbice female team

ontinuing their dominance of local volleyball, the Port Mourant Training Centre (PMTC 1) has added the Balram Shane Volleyball Championship 2018 Trophy to their list of trophies, having taken top honours in the recently held sixth annual Balram Shane InterClub Volleyball Competition played at the hard court of the Albion Sports Complex on the Corentyne in East Berbice (Region 6).

This competition was organised by the Berbice Volleyball Association (BVA) and was sponsored

by Businessman Deonarine Balram of the Balram Shane General Store in Rose Hall Town, Corentyne. There were three categories of

play: seniors, novices, and a matchup between a Berbice female side and a Castrol side from Demerara.

The five teams that participated in the senior category were: PMTC1, PMTC2, Rollers of New Amsterdam, Black Bush Polder, and Corriverton Jets.

In the final, played between PMTC 1 and Rollers of New Amsterdam, PMTC 1 overcame the Rollers to earn the right to take home the $20,000 first prize and the trophy. For their efforts, the Rollers received $10,000.

The Novices category saw competition between the Black Bush Polder team, the Corriverton Jets, and No 47 Challengers. The Black Bush Polder team overcame all challengers, meeting

Corriverton Jets in the final and whipping them 30 - 22.

The female encounter between the Berbice ladies and the Castrol side saw the Berbice ladies winning 2517, 22-25, 16-14.

On hand during the ceremony governing the presentation of prizes was Guyana Volleyball Federation (GVF) President Levi Nedd, who also is President of the Berbice Volleyball Association (BVA). Nedd was recently elected GVF President, after John Flores did not seek re-election at the Federation’s AGM. Nedd has been awarded the GVF Golden Jubilee Award for his “contribution to the development of Volleyball in Guyana (1966 - 2018). He also plays professional football, and is a certified football and athletics coach. A former national athlete, he still competes and medals in the teachers’ category of the National Schools Athletics Championships. He has represented Berbice at table tennis, and plays cricket as an all-rounder.

Nedd is currently on a drive to raise $1million for the GVF before the end of the year. When he took over at the helm of the GVF last month, there were no funds in the account. (Andrew Carmichael)

It is no secret that these championships are important to the process of harnessing the talents of Guyana’s developing student athletes, she offered. These championships, she said, are a sport scout’s paradise, because they showcase the country’s top athletes; and she said she knows those athletes would go on to represent Guyana both regionally and internationally.

The Minister has left the athletes with a bit of advice, “And so I implore on the young athletes to do their best and compete in the spirit of sportsmanship and fair play; and also take the opportunity to forge new friendships.”

Soon after the formalities were concluded, the action began with the symbolic lighting of the torch, which was done in relay fashion by four athletes hailing from threetime defending champion district Upper Demerara/

Rekie Williams was all smiles crossing the finish line first in the 10K road race

Kwakawni, District 10.

Minutes later, the first race of the weeklong event was ushered in to the Lenora Track and Field Facility after beginning on the streets of Region Three. Once again, 18-year-old Rekie Williams of District 11 (North Georgetown) copped the Men’s 10k title, while the female 10k race was won by

Sheama Tyrell of District 10.

The championships will continue today at two venues: the National Aquatic Centre at Liliendaal, ECD, where the swimming competition will dive off; and over at the National Park in Georgetown, where the youth cyclists will take to the circuit.

Local karatekas shine at ISKF National Championships

S

Contestants and judges pose following the end of the successful 2018 ISKF Championships

haqueel Andrew Amin and Kristian Chaves were among the top martial arts proponents who ‘turned up the heat’ in the 2018 International Shotokan Karate Federation’s “Guyana (ISKF) National Championship”, held at the Marian Academy Auditorium in Georgetown.

Last weekend’s championships saw a number of breath-taking displays of karate techniques being performed by more than 50 of Guyana’s upcoming and seasoned karatekas. Fighters contested in the exciting Kata (choreographed patterns of movements practised either solo or in pairs) and Kumite (Freestyle fighting). Age categories ranged from kids 6-7 all the way to the 18 + Open for adults.

Amim’s technique in the Kata solo afforded him the 1st place in the Male 18+ Open contest, ahead of Alex Rodrigues and the 3rd placed Storm Katchay. Amim then

returned to show his skills as a combatant, as he added another 1st place to his credits in the Kumite Contest.

Katchay, who got third in the Kata display, redeemed himself with a second place effort, while Jordan Denny occupied the third place spot.

Kristalia Chaves was dominant in the ladies 18+ category, over the likes of second place seasoned karateka Nyota Rodrigues.

Tamirand de Lisser finished on 3rd. de Lisser then staged a classy comeback with her combat skills, which were above those of Rodrigues and Rosita Katchay, who placed 2nd and 3rd respectively.

The competition was graced by the participation of martial artists from HQ Dojo, Karate Studio -National Park, Georgetown International Academy Dojo (GIA), and others.

Karatekas were judged un-

der the seasoned eyes of Sensei Christopher Chaves, Judges: Sensei Neville Holder, Sensei Marvin Singh, Sensei Marlon George, Sempai Storm Katchay and Sempai Alex Rodrigues.

Tamirand de Lisser has been named ISKF-Guyana Cup winner for the Female Open Kumite contest, while Chaves won the ISKFGuyana Cup in the Female Open Kata contest. Amin dominated both divisions to clinch the ISKF-Guyana Cup for Kata and Kumite contests, while a number of other contestants walked away with prizes for their perfromances in the respective groups.

The grading examination for karatekas will culminate in 2018 with fighters seeking to improve their ranking ahead of the new year when they strut their stuff on December 1 at the Headquarters Dojo at the National Park.

mondAY, november 26, 2018

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