Guyana Times - Saturday, October 27, 2018

US$36M Chinese loan signed to improve e-services P9

– Internet-connected Police cars among plans for loan Nationwide coverage from the best news team in Guyana Issue No. 3728

THE BEACON OF TRUTH

Saturday, October 27, 2018

“Leave your attitude for City Hall” – CoI Chairman warns Mayor …as Commission scrutinises Green’s handling of M&CC guyanatimesgy.com

Page 3

“We must borrow!” – Jordan on public debt Page 7

– says Guyana has infrastructural needs to meet

Tower Hotel owner nabbed in Jamaica on cocaine Page 12 trafficking charges

…US seeking extradition

Sophia porter killed in Providence accident Page 2

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7 homeless as Linden home goes up in flames P9

Man remand for ganja P8 smuggling Minibus driver slapped with rape charge P15

PPP appeals “fraudulent P10 names” on GECOM list case

…says Judge erred, misdirected himself in law

US Govt 2016 donation

Stabroek Market clock remains P13 unrepaired

The damaged diesel laden truck and the fence at the Providence National Stadium, East Bank Demerara, following an accident on Friday which claimed the life of a Sophia, Greater Georgetown porter (Dexter Ceres photos)

Politicians change Page laws to suit 2 themselves – Ram

…calls for two-thirds of parliamentarians to monitor oil fund

AG report flags slow implementation of foreign-funded project

Page 12

Kwakwani P7 midwife found dead in home

2 news

saturdAY, october 27, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

Sophia porter killed in Politicians change laws to suit Providence accident themselves – Ram

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porter met his demise on Friday morning after he was pinned in a diesel laden truck, which experienced a blow out and crashed into the fence of the Providence National Stadium, East Bank Demerara.

Dead is 45-year-old Kirk Peters of Sophia, Greater Georgetown. He succumbed while receiving treatment at the Diamond Diagnostic Centre just after 07:00h on Friday morning.

The driver and owner of the truck, with registration number GTT 2491, has been identified as 51-year-old John Da Silva of Albouystown, Georgetown.

Guyana Times understands

…calls for two thirds of parliamentarians to monitor oil fund

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The damaged vehicle following the accident

The section of the Providence National Stadium fence that was damaged

the vehicle, which was laden with 30 drums of diesel, was proceeding South along the eastern carriageway of the road when the left front wheel of the vehicle suffered a blow out.

According to reports, despite Da Silva’s attempts to bring the vehicle to a halt, the lorry spun out of control and ended up crashing into the left side fence of the stadium, damaging about

15 feet of the fence.

Road repair workers, who witnessed the accident, rushed to the aid of the two men.

However, only Da Silva was able to be quickly pulled from the vehicle.

Peters was reportedly trapped in his seat by his seatbelt for some time before he was rescued and rushed to the hospital. He succumbed while receiving treatment. Da Silva was

treated for minor injuries and taken into Police custody where he is reportedly assisting with investigations.

When this publication visited the scene of the accident, relatives of the driver had gathered.

The badly damaged truck had been pulled from the fence, however, a large quantity of diesel was spilled on the roadway.

A female relative of Da Silva told Guyana Times that eyewitnesses confirmed that at the time of the accident, the driver was not speeding.

“The workers them told us when we got here that John was not speeding and they say that he was really trying not to crash but the weight of the vehicle caused him to lose control,” the woman relayed.

The woman also revealed that the wife of the porter recently gave birth, express her regret at his untimely death.

Investigations are continuing.

olitical analyst and Attorney Christopher Ram on Friday weighed in on matters relating to the Natural Resources Fund (NRF) at the inaugural Energy forum hosted by the Guyana Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) at Duke Lodge, Georgetown, where he raised concerns over the fact that Government officials draft laws to benefit themselves.

It is because of this concern, Ram noted that NRF, previously called the Sovereign Wealth Fund, should be monitored by two thirds of the National Assembly to protect its content.

“First of all, this legislation that is proposed or as it is, we have a difficulty with the Constitution. Article 216 of the Constitution which says that all the money must go towards to Consolidated Fund unless…(but) Article 216 of is not protected. It is not entrenched as you call it. This act, the Natural Resource Fund act, you pass it one day and you can unpass it the next day. Where is the protection? Where is the guarantee that no, even one-seat majority, will take all kind of politics that we have in this country that we’ve had for so very long, whenever they feel like they change the law to suit themselves,” Ram said.

According to him, changes to the law to suit governments have happened in the past and continue to happen under the present Administration.

It is against this backdrop that Ram pointed to the need for the SWF to be monitored by parliamentarians. “The Natural Resource Fund should be protected by a two thirds majority in the National Assembly,” he stated.

Should this come to pass, the analyst said certain laws would have to be amended such as Article 164, which requires a referendum.

His fellow panelist, Attorney Charles Ramson Jr, chimed in saying both the Opposition and Government should play a role in drafting this specific legislation as it

Political Analyst and Attorney, Christopher Ram

may have negative impacts on the booming oil industry.

According to him, “The protection that Chris (Christopher Ram) was referring to is getting a two thirds majority but how do you get a two thirds majority if you’re doing it and creating your ideas and creating the policy and creating the framework and the legislation all on your own?”

Ramson indicated that when the other party is excluded from such matters, when it is time to vote on the legislation, regardless of it is good or bad, the other party will vote against it.

The ‘Green Paper’ which details the doings of Government with the earnings from not only the oil industry, but several other areas related to natural resources was released back in August.

The Government said in its Green Paper that it would be an unwise decision to spread the limited expertise and experience in fund management in Guyana across two separate funds. The costs of managing two funds would be much higher than those of managing a single fund.

As such, the Government considers that it is most efficient to have a single fund (the Natural Resource Fund).

news

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saturdAY, october 27, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

BRIDGE OPENINGS The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Saturday, October 27 – 05:30h-07:00h and Sunday, October 28 – 05:30h-07:00h.

“Leave your attitude for City Hall” – CoI Chairman warns Mayor

…as Commission scrutinises Green’s handling of M&CC

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Saturday, October 27 – 06:00h-07:30h and Sunday, October 28 – 06:40h-08:10h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY Light rainy showers can be expected throughout the morning, with sunny intervals expected in the afternoon. Clear to partly cloudy skies can be expected in the evening, with temperatures ranging between 21 degrees Celsius and 30 degrees Celsius.

M

ayor of Georgetown, Patricia Chase Green, appeared before the Commission of Inquiry on Friday, where she was subjected to answer to the disqualified no-confidence motion that was filed against the Town Clerk and in that progression, was also cautioned about the tone that was used during her wit-

ther went on to say that the Town Clerk acts in disregard to the Municipal and District Councils Act (Chap 28:01).

During her testimony, Chase Green gave a recap of what transpired on March 12 when the motion was tabled and “dealt with”. King personally sought legal advice from his lawyer, Maxwell Edwards,

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

High Tide: 05:57h and 18:09h reaching maximum heights of 2.73 metres and 2.80 metres respectively.

Low Tide: 11:44h reaching a minimum height of 0.54 metre.

Mayor Patricia Chase Green testifying before the Commission on Friday. Also in photo is Commissioner, Justice Cecil Kennard

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ness statement.

Chase Green turned up to the Commission on Friday with two lawyers – Lyndon Amsterdam and Latoya Roberts – and defended the decision of the Mayor and City Council (M&CC) to toss a no-confidence motion that was filed against Town Clerk Royston King.

From the Mayor’s side, an eight-page statement was tendered into evidence to defend some of the allegations which were directed at her. However, the lone Commissioner, Justice Cecil Kennard indicated that it would be unfair to the legal assistants – Everton SinghLammy and Sherwin Benjamin – since they were not briefed prior to the session.

Nevertheless, they proceeded to ask questions, focusing on the disqualification of the motion. The way she dealt with the matter as chair was also scrutinised and condemned since the Town Clerk was no doubt a judge in his own case.

In February of 2018, the motion was filed against King

by Councilor Sherod Duncan, calling for the management of City Hall to be done in a “professional and competent way by a qualified Town Clerk”.

At that time, Duncan fur-

and recommendations were read at the meeting.

While Edwards had asked for several sections to be amended, Duncan refused to do so and as such, she acted upon the legal advice of the Town Clerk’s lawyer, and went forward to have the motion disqualified after deliberations by the Council.

“The Town Clerk not only looked at the matter but provided legal advice to the Chairman who was permitted to read it aloud in the Council chambers.

Councillor [Oscar] Clarke stated that the legal advice could have been sought (after concerns raised by Duncan) and the Chairman advised that the matter did not qualify and was not to be placed on the agenda.”

The Mayor placed the blame on King, noting that he was the one that refused to put the motion on the agenda for the Meeting and further asked for legal advice to be sought.

“After he sought the legal advice, he said that the motion should not go on the agenda.

I insisted that it be placed because it was circulated (to councilors and the media).”

As such, it was related that she acted upon the legal advice of the Town Clerk’s lawyer,

Maxwell Edwards and then went forward to have the motion disqualified after deliberations by the Council.

Justice Kennard made his intervention, noting that the Mayor should have secured independent legal advice on such an important matter since King was a “suspect”.

“The Town Clerk offered legal advice in a matter where allegations were made against him? He was supposed to seclude himself from any participation. You acted on the advice on the Town Clerk. This is not a normal case. Duncan was making serious allegations.”

Unsuccessful in proving her point, the agitated Chase Green said she did not accept the questions that were thrown at her by the legal assistants. At that instance, she was warned by Justice Kennard who responded, “Don’t attempt to be rude… take that sort of attitude to City Hall, not here.”

The Commission was unable to advance its probe after one the Mayor’s lawyers, Lyndon Amsterdam, continued his reiteration that she did not make that decision unilaterally. In that process, he failed to recognise her initial decision of trusting Edwards’s opinion meant that King was dictating what needed to be done in an investigation that was filed against him.

Town Clerk Royston King

The Mayor’s testimony continues on Wednesday, but Royston King was subpoenaed for Monday’s public hearing.

Over the past weeks, the public was given a first-class seat into the activities at the Council and most of the revelations were alarming, especially on the part of Town Clerk Royston King; City Constable Andrew Foo; City Treasurer John Douglas and the City Engineer, Colvern Venture.

The hearings are expected to conclude on October 31 and necessary actions will be taken thereafter by the Commission after conclusions are drawn from the findings.

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guyanatimesgy.com

saturdAY, october 27, 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

Underestimating trauma in Guyana

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ver time, numerous cases of domestic violence have been reported in the Guyanese media. Many persons were brutally killed, in some instances. Unfortunately, it continues despite awareness efforts and the much touted training of law enforcement officers, who are expected to be the first step of recourse in regard to the lodging of complaints.

There is more than a subtle irony in the continuance of this societal scourge, in spite of the relentless efforts and the plethora of available mechanisms to inform and educate. The problem is much larger than what appears in the news, including the social media outlets, as many cases go unreported. This therefore gives much credence to the appearance of an underestimated reality.

Many reasons have been made known that can deter an abused victim from seeking the intervention of the law. Among them, in no specific order of impact, are aspects of culture, shame, dependency and its redounding lack of empowerment for some, and the lack of confidence in law enforcement itself, precipitated by the reported trivialising of the issue in some instances.

One may posit that education is a primary concern. On the other hand, one can argue that education has been more profound in recent times. Pertinent would be to ask the question if the other factors subvert the heeding of educational messaging. While the answer may be assumed, it would make for interesting and informative research.

As that is contemplated, the magnitude of the impact on children cannot be underestimated. Many have cruelly been made witnesses to the horrific assaults on their mothers and, to a lesser extent, their fathers. Those ghastly images, especially for some who watched as life was snuffed out, are not only lasting, but profoundly traumatising.

When young minds are so broadsided, the impact, if not managed, lingers for life. Not that the images are erasable, but with meaningful and sustained interventions, the trauma can potentially be mitigated, thereby aiding in better shaping of lives. The entire spectrum of what therefore constitutes counselling then becomes vital. This naturally raises the question of the availability of adequate intervening mechanisms.

While it is always heartening to hear that surviving victims and witnesses to such horrific incidents would be counselled, it would be very informative, for the benefit of all, to know the extent of what is available and offered. Realistically, expectations cannot be for what obtains in the developed nations; however, there must be something tangible in keeping with available resources, with upgrades foremost in planning.

This is not, in any way, suggesting that there isn’t an effective mechanism. However, counselling can be an extensive process for some, depending on the circumstances. Given the plethora of incidents that unfortunately continue, and which would make added demands on the system, the question of adequacy of trained staff, needed facilities, and support systems becomes more pertinent.

Not too long ago, the country had the unenviable tag of having the highest rate of suicide per capita. Prior to that categorising, some aspects had made news internationally, prompting a local organisation to call for suicide to be made a national priority, given its impact on society and the trauma it imposes on surviving relatives.

It was stated that the declaration would not only bring additional focus, but would have positioned the issue to be afforded the necessary resources for its mitigation.

It was not going to be a panacea to stop suicide; but, effectively structured, it increases the potential across the country, with the assistance of stakeholders, to maximise effectiveness of information gathering for targeted intervention. It would also increase confidence in the support system to help break social inhibitors where necessary, and to better edify.

It is no different for domestic violence. While there is a disadvantage in being unable to accurately quote figures, based on extensive research if available on the amount of people lost, injured and disfigured, and those scarred for life as a result of domestic violence, it must be extremely high in proportion to our population.

Clearly, the highest number would be those who are left traumatised.

This, therefore, must be seen as a serious cause for concern, and a compelling reason for consideration to be declared a national priority. This is an apolitical issue, and is not confined to any one group, thereby making it less difficult to garner national support. In such small societies, the impact permeates throughout and away from just the families.

Children reading and learning about incidents through television and social media are in many ways impacted too, especially if one of their own is affected. In the context herein, the pervasiveness and impact of trauma cannot, and must not, be underestimated. That of road accidents must also be taken into account, for too much is at stake for people and the nation.

Aadilah Ali, best performer at both the 2017 and 2018 Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examinations (CAPE), stood with her trophies on Friday at the National Cultural Centre, where the Education Ministry hosted it 22nd National Awards Ceremony. Top students from various schools were awarded for their outstanding performances. Ali was the Ministry’s top awardee, carrying away awards for the most outstanding overall student and the most outstanding in natural sciences student

Turkey demands extradition of 18 Saudis in Khashoggi case T

urkish prosecutors have prepared an extradition request for 18 suspects from Saudi Arabia in the killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, authorities said on Friday, after President Tayyip Erdogan urged Riyadh to disclose who ordered the murder.

Erdogan has in recent days stepped up pressure on Saudi Arabia to come clean in the case, and Western governments have also voiced increasing scepticism, pitching the world’s top oil exporter and a pivotal Middle East ally into a worsening crisis.

Erdogan said Turkey had more information than it had shared so far about the killing of Khashoggi, a Saudi national and Washington Post columnist who was killed at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul on October 2, 2018.

Khashoggi, who lived in the United States, was a critic of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the kingdom’s de facto ruler. Saudi Arabia’s public prosecutor on Thursday said the killing of Khashoggi was premeditated, contradicting a previous official statement that it happened accidentally during a tussle in the consulate. Riyadh’s numerous shifting accounts of the killing have undermined Prince Mohammed’s stance in the West.

Turkish prosecutors seeking the extradition accuse the 18 of “murder by premeditation, monstrous intent or by torture”. Riyadh previously arrested the 18 as part of its investigation into the case.

Those include a 15-man security team that Turkey says flew in hours before the killing and carried it out.

“Who gave this order?”

Erdogan said in a speech to members of his AK Party in Ankara. “Who gave the order for 15 people to come to Turkey?” he said. Saudi officials initially denied hav-

Saudi Journalist Jamal Khashoggi

ing anything to do with Khashoggi’s disappearance after he entered the consulate, which he had visited to obtain paperwork for a planned marriage.

“The reasoning behind the extradition request is that Jamal Khashoggi was murdered in Turkey by Saudi nationals who travelled to Turkey for this specific purpose,” a senior Turkish official said. “It is clear that the judicial system in Turkey is better equipped to genuinely serve the cause of justice in this case.”

Saudi Arabia has also sacked five senior government officials as part of the investigation.

Fiancée spurned Trump invite Khashoggi’s Turkish fiancée, Hatice Cengiz, said she did not accept an invitation from US President Donald Trump, the kingdom’s staunchest Western champion, to visit the White House after Khashoggi’s murder because she thought it was aimed at influencing public opinion in his own favour.

In her first television interview since the killing, Cengiz recounted the events leading up to their visit to the consulate on October 2 where Khashoggi handed her his two mobile phones and went inside while she waited outside for him to emerge.

“Trump invited me to the United States but I perceived it as a statement to win public favour,” Cengiz told broad-

caster Haberturk, pausing at times during an interview and more than once breaking down in tears.

Trump and Prince Mohammed have cultivated warm ties though the US President said earlier this week that the crown prince, as the kingdom’s de facto ruler, bore ultimate responsibility for the operation against Khashoggi. Trump also said Riyadh had staged the “worst cover-up ever” over the killing.

Cengiz said Khashoggi was concerned tensions would arise when he visited the consulate for the first time on September 28, 2018, but he was treated well at that visit, which appeared to reassure him, she said.

“He thought Turkey is a safe country and if he would be held or interrogated, this issue would be swiftly solved,” she said.

Son’s arrival in US

Khashoggi son arrived in the US from Saudi Arabia along with his family.

Salah Khashoggi had previously been barred from leaving Saudi Arabia because of his father’s criticism of the country’s leadership.

Two days before arriving in the US, Salah Khashoggi was pictured receiving condolences from Crown Prince Mohammed.

He briefly shook hands with the royal and gave what many see as a cold stare during Tuesday’s apparently

staged meeting.

Some are suggesting the public display may have been the price for being allowed to leave the country.

A US spokesman said Secretary of State Mike Pompeo had told Saudi leaders that he wanted Salah Khashoggi, a dual US-Saudi citizen, to be able to return to the US and was “pleased” that he had been allowed to do so.

Khashoggi case overshadows Riyadh forum

Turkish officials suspect Saudi agents killed Khashoggi, 59, inside the consulate and dismembered him.

Turkish sources say authorities have an audio recording documenting the murder.

US CIA Director Gina Haspel heard the audio during a visit

Salah Khashoggi to Turkey this week, sources told Reuters, and has briefed Trump about Turkey’s findings and her discussions.

Saudi state television quoted the Saudi public prosecutor on Thursday as saying Riyadh was interrogating suspects on the basis of information given by a joint SaudiTurkish task force.

Many Saudis have been shocked by Riyadh’s admission after two weeks of denials and condemnation of foreign news reports. (Reuters)

guyanatimesgy.com

saturdAY, october 27, 2018

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

Anniversary of the Chaos at preparation for Disciplined invasion of Grenada Services’ voting (Pt 1)

Dear Editor, October 25, 2018 marks thirty-five years (35) since Grenada was invaded by the US Army. This was one of the most traumatic incidents in the region. The only comparison was the invasion of British Guiana thirty years prior to that.

In both cases, the “reasons” given for the invasions were all false and groundless accusations. In the case of Grenada, the reason for the invasion was to protect the lives of US citizens; the other Caribbean islands were endangered by Grenada, which they said was building a military airfield, and the invaders were invited by the then Governor General, Sir Paul Scoon. In the case of BG, it was a communist plot to take over the country and have riots in the streets. The documents being released by the thirty-year rule have proven that in both cases all the “reasons” were lies. The removal of the governments was based on lies and deception. Indeed, it has now been revealed that Paul Scoon signed the “invitation” to invade after the invasion!

The real reason was that the then governments of British Guiana and Grenada were trying to govern in the interest of their peoples.

They were being loyal to their promises to the people.

For that, they were removed.

In the case of Grenada, the internal problems that proceeded the invasion cost the region the lives of some of its most talented leaders, Maurice Bishop and other members of his cabinet and leaders of the New Jewel Movement (NJM).

On this occasion, let us not forget those true heroes of our Caribbean. The execution of those heroes of our peoples opened the door for the invasion.

The invasion of Grenada marked the resumption of other interventions in many other parts of the world.

Recall that since the end of the war in Vietnam in 1975, no country was invaded by the US. Since Grenada, we have seen scores of interventions, all based on untruths and distortions. Most notable was the invasion of Iraq, Libya and the continuous bombings of Syria, all based on unproven accusations. Statements are made without any evidence being provided. Unfortunately, those acts have resulted in the deaths of hundreds of

thousands of people, most of whom were innocent civilians. Those lives seem to have had no value, and are only counted as collateral damage.

As we remember Grenada, we cannot help but notice another very dangerous development with implications for the whole world taking place. I am referring to the announcement that the United States is withdrawing from a treaty that limited nuclear weapons in our world.

Once more, we are hearing that Russia is cheating as the reason put forward.

However, this is another case where no evidence is being brought forth to support such an accusation.

This matter concerns the safety of our world. Scientists have warned that a nuclear war would not result in the extension of life on earth. We are therefore all involved, all of our lives would be in peril.

On this thirty-fifth anniversary of the invasion of Grenada, the world should draw the lessons. It is time that morality be injected in politics at all levels, nationally and internationally.

Relations internally and internationally must be based on honesty, on truth!

Basing actions on deception and lies have cost mankind dearly, it is time to demand an end to nuclear weapons as a first step to complete disarmament!

At the time of writing, the tragic murder of Jamal Khashoggi in the Consulate of Saudi Arabia in Turkey has shocked the world, not least by the beastly way in which it was committed. This reveals the criminal nature of the Saudi regime.

The US and others have been calling for the release of his body; a call I fully support.

I would also like to renew the call of all the progressive and democratic forces in the Caribbean to have the body of our hero Maurice Bishop released along with his other slain colleagues. Mr Bernard Courd, who was Bishop’s deputy, had said repeatedly that the US has possession of the body of those executed patriots. On this occasion, we should renew that call to release their bodies now!

It is time to bring closure to the family and the peoples of Grenada and the Caribbean!

Sincerely, Donald Ramotar Former President

Dear Editor, The recent chaotic Nominations Day developments, and many other muddled preparatory activities at the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), give testimony to the conundrum which, to a large extent, is self-inflicting, or perhaps deliberate.

It is very clear that many of the problems are strongly related to the partisan employment approaches, and perhaps deficient staff training practices. The selection and appointment of misfits to perform key roles seem to be strongly driven by the particular category of persons being paid, rather than having a structured and evaluated approach to meet the acceptable level of requirements.

Too many critical activities of GECOM are now being handled as if they were a first-trial run with a comedy of errors. The result is an organisation working like a cork in the ocean; uncharted in responding to the tidal influences and pressure as it floats along, with no convincing purpose of balance in undertaking the serious task of holding free and fair Local Government Elections in November.

One such ongoing activity is being supervised by Deputy Chief Elections Officer

(DCEO) Roxanne Myers, who seems not to have a clue about what is required regarding the preparation for the enveloping of ballots for members of the Disciplined Services (Army, Police and Prison) who are scheduled to vote on D-Day, November 2, 2018.

The Chairman’s choice of Deputy Chief Elections Officer (DCEO), Roxanne Myers, had no answer, as she ‘flipped’ on Nominations Day. This was in relation to key decisions and directions when called upon

by Returning Officers and several persons in the absence of the forever disappearing CEO, Keith Lowenfield.

Even the cursory observer could note that Ms Myers’s recent swearing in was after the Nominations Day activity, in which it seemed that she was delegated pivotal responsibilities. In such a circumstance, the situation speaks to the false level of readiness of GECOM, conveyed by Chairman Patterson. It also establishes that while the CEO was absent, there was also no substantive DCEO on the day of one of the most critical elections events being administered by GECOM. The activity in preparation for D-Day on November 2, 2018 was being witnessed by scrutineers from political parties in response to invitations and in keeping with

home and abroad.

The IAC, in 2010, had presented Chanderpaul with a special IAC award at the organisation’s Grand Cultural Mela at the National Park.

The IAC hopes that this eminent Guyanese can continue to inspire youthful cricketers in Guyana and throughout the Caribbean.

The IAC understands that

did not know what we were asking for.

Fortunately, Personal Assistant to the Chief Elections Officer, Duarte Hetsberger, was present to provide advice, and we were subsequently provided with the list after some time spent waiting.

We then proceeded to the container to facilitate the opening of the ‘skids’, after being advised that the Internal Auditor would be calling out the specifics of each ‘skid’. As we approached the container, it was observed that there was no light to facilitate the work in the 40-foot container. Worse yet, the unfriendly DCEO refused to allow the scrutineers to enter the container as part of the verification process. There was total confusion, as we started with ‘skid’ 2 and then we went on to ‘skid’ 3, then ‘skid’ 9. We were then told that we were opening ‘skid’ 11, which had ‘tender’ ballots.

The haphazard checking of the ‘skids’ continued until there was a long break, as the staff struggled without any acceptable lighting in the container. There was total chaos of taunting and laughing at this incompetent preparation for such a simple and straightforward activity.

Sincerely, Neil Kumar

Time to disband City Constabulary?

Dear Editor, One has to wonder if the time has not come for the disbanding of the City Constabulary of Georgetown; if the time has not come for the formal handing over of the responsibilities of protecting the city to the national police who are already performing this function and if the time has not come for the property rates of citizens to be better spent.

Every time one hears from the Chief, one hears of the human resource and other constraints faced by the Constabulary, yet they have the resources to provide eight bodyguards to the Mayor and another batch of bodyguards to the Town Clerk plus static security at their residences as though these individuals are Heads of State or Government.

Recently, they received as a gift 30 or more bicycles and allied equipment, and had officers trained in the United States, yet the citizens have never seen more than six bike patrol officers?

Can six officers patrol all of the wards of the city effectively?

However, when the notorious parking meter project came into operation, dozens of Constables were found to harass supposedly errant drivers, even pestering the driver and security detail of a former president. Where have these Constables gone to?

Now we hear of an epiphany the Mayor has awakening out of 24 years of slumber to realise that the Constables are on the take. Oh please!

What is City Hall, Comedy Central? Is she ‘Sally in the Alley’?

Even a small private security force engaged by the vendors of the Bourda Market has proven to be more effective capturing a criminal in just a few weeks of their engagement. Is that not convincing enough?

All we hear from the Constabulary is the shooting to death of mentally-ill young men, sexual assaults against minors, arms, ammunition

IAC congratulates Shivnarine Chanderpaul Dear Editor, The Indian Action Committee (IAC) offers its congratulations to the outstanding Guyanese and West Indian Test Cricketer Shivnarine Chanderpaul on his being awarded an honorary Doctorate from the University of the West Indies, as a result of his long, dedicated and immense service to West Indies cricket, both at

the procedures. Along with fellow People’s Progressive Party Member of Parliament Dharamkumar Seeraj, we turned up at GECOM Office on Monday, 23rd October, 2018 at 13:30h to scrutinise the preparations for the Disciplined Services’ voting.

From the very beginning, we could tell that our sojourn at this activity would be lengthy and uncomfortable. The sequence of events which followed highlighted an amazing level of lack of coordination, and confirmed that we were in for a very long haul.

It was immediately observed that we were the only two persons present to observe the process, and the ‘skids’ were not packed in any specific order. It soon became clear that there was no packing list for the containing skids, and our requests for the expected work schedule was futile. We were told that they will open all the ‘skids’, and we must make note of the ‘seal numbers’.

It took some level of persisting queries before Myers told us that after the ‘skids’ are opened, the ‘Ballot’ papers for the Discipline Services voters on D-Day will be extracted and enveloped. It was quite amazing that we requested the list of the required ‘ballot’ papers as per constituency and the DCEO

the University of Guyana will be awarding honorary doctorates for the very first time, and four persons have been identified for this award; and, therefore, the IAC is requesting the University of Guyana to include Shivnarine Chanderpaul amongst its recipients.

The IAC extends its best wishes to Shivnarine Chanderpaul and hopes that

the Ministry of Social Cohesion - Department of Culture, Youth and Sport can employ the services of this unquestionably great Guyanese for the advancement of cricket in this country especially given the poor state of West Indies cricket.

Sincerely, Indian Action Committee

and bulletproof vests going missing, the pillaging of its training school, fights in its headquarters with citizens, beatings by senior officers of their paramours, bail money and welfare money going missing, shaking down of vendors, and harassment of

business persons.

And when their Chief is asked about it, all he has to say is in terms of this, and in terms of that, and in terms of the other.

Sincerely, Roseanne Rodgers

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saturdAY, october 27, 2018

Page

Foundation

The power of yes in parenting

By Glenn Geher, PhD

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arenting is tricky business, that’s for sure. Part of it is that you have to say "no" thousands of times to each of your kids. And this is true even if you’re a pushover.

Consider the following scenarios in which almost any parent would say no to a child: Two-year-old Billy goes to pull the tail of a strange large dog at a park.

No, Billy!

Four-year-old Val asks if she can have birthday cake for dinner. Sorry, but no, that’s just not a good idea.

Seven-year-old Timmy asks if he can stay home from school so he can play video games. Uh… no!

Nine-year-old Amber asks if she can stay home alone without a babysitter for four hours on a Saturday night.

Nope –- not going to happen!

Fourteen-year-old Eddie asks if he can sleep over his girlfriend’s house.

Well… no. Definitely, no! And what?!

You have a girlfriend!?

Seventeen-year-old Emily asks you to buy her a car. Let me count the ways that I can say no.

Saying "no" is part of the deal when it comes to parenting.

Parenting styles and the dark triad

When rejection and negativity by parents toward one’s kids become unnecessary or excessive, we can expect problems with such issues as emotions and self-esteem to emerge. This is troubling partly because some people, by their very nature, consistently reject others and create unfriendly, intimidating atmospheres in their social worlds. Such an approach can be of

concern in the realm of parenting.

In psychology, we refer to people with such attributes as being high in the Dark Triad. The dark triad consists of high levels of narcissism (an excessive focus on oneself), Machiavellianism (a tendency to manipulate others for one’s own gain), and psychopathy (a tendency to care little about others’ feelings; see Jonason et al., 2013). Jonason et al. (2013) provided strong evidence that one’s own tendency to manifest dark traits was significantly related to one’s perceptions of having parents who were emotionally cold and non-supportive, suggesting that there is a link between parenting and the Dark Triad.

With a focus on advancing one’s own agenda at a cost to others, individuals who are high on all facets of the Dark Triad, in fact, may represent the prototype of being non-other-oriented and non-supportive. Such individuals may, by their very character, end up as parents who tend to be rejecting and non-supportive, perhaps leading children to question themselves and to feel low in self-esteem.

The power of saying yes to your kids

When you’re a parent, you’re in a position of power. In effect, you’re a leader, whether you like it or not. And when it comes to being a leader, we have choices (see Geher, 2018). Otheroriented leaders look to support others in their endeavours, building a foundation of trust and of confidence in oneself. Dark, power-hungry leaders focus more on intimidating others and bring them down as a mechanism for asserting one’s own power. If you’re a parent, thinking about these two different

leadership styles can lead to great insight on how to deal with your kids.

While parenting necessarily requires much in the “no” department, parents need to realise that there is a strong case for saying “yes!” Just as a supportive supervisor in a workplace can help cultivate a positive culture in the office, supportive parents in the home can help cultivate a warm, trusting environment in the household.

Along the way, kids who come to expect support will develop confidence and a positive belief in themselves. And with such an upbringing, the sky is the limit.

Bottom Line

If you’re a parent, saying “no” (often dozens of times a day) comes with the territory. Good parenting requires setting boundaries. That being said, parents have regular opportunities to create a culture of support. Parents regularly have the opportunity to say “yes!”

Self-focused, power-wielding individuals who score higher on the Dark Triad often create environments of intimidation, showing the antithesis of support for other people. Such a pattern may well lead to various problems when it comes to parenting.

If you’re a parent, stepping back and thinking about the importance of utilising a supportive, selfless approach to dealing with your kids can be key for helping get them to believe in themselves and to internalise an other-oriented approach in how they deal with others as they develop. When utilised wisely, regularly saying “yes” may well be a critical element to success as a parent. (psychologytoday.com)

T

o build awareness of how they see and use water, have students keep a daily water journal.

You can use the attached journal page or create your own.

Younger students might draw a way they see water

the ways that they use water each day.

4. As a class, discuss the connection between the water we see outside and the water we use inside. Where does the water in your house come from?

How does it get there?

in their home or environment. Have students share their journal entries with a partner or with the class.

5. Optionally, have students estimate the total number of gallons of water that they use each day by consulting the conversion table on the attached journal page.

6. Discuss why it might be important to conserve water. Challenge students to use less water the following day. . At the end of the week, consider making a graph of the total amount of water that your class used each day. Invite students to share the ways they cut down their water usage.

Making a Journal:

1. In their water log, have students list all of the places where they encounter water in the environment. (ex: rivers, rain, shower) 2. Place a bucket outside to measure and record rainfall or place a graduated cylinder of water in the classroom and measure the amount that evaporates each day.

3. Ask students to list

(startwithabook.org)

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saturdAY, october 27, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

“We must borrow!” – Jordan on public debt – says Guyana has infrastructural needs to meet

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otwithstanding Guyana’s public debt statistics, Finance Minister Winston Jordan has affirmed that more remains to be done for Guyana’s infrastructural development and thus, borrowing is a necessity.

The Minister addressed the issue of Government’s indebtedness while signing a concessionary loan agreement on Friday. This loan, US$36 million, comes from China and Jordan was adamant that loans must be taken in the absence of Guyana own financial resources.

“It has been mentioned in the press, often, about the state of borrowing or the state of debt,” Jordan said.

“But in reality, Guyana has many infrastructural and other needs. These are greater than the resources that we can garner.”

“So we must borrow.

The intent is we must borrow prudently and for productive purposes. This is one of the projects needed in Guyana. I have had

Venezuela State-owned oil company (PDVSA).

Debt to GDP ratio

Finance Minister Winston Jordan

the pleasure since becoming Minister of Finance, of signing a few loans that were given from China. And these include the East Coast Demerara widening project and now the National Broadband project.”

The Finance Ministry’s Public Debt Annual Report for 2016 had showed that since 2015, there has been a 4.1 per cent rise in Guyana’s indebtedness to International lenders. A breakdown of the figures

showed that total external debt amounted to $240 billion, a 72.6 per cent bite out of the total public debt. On the other hand, domestic debt stood at $90.6 billion, or 27.4 per cent of the total.

The report notes that Guyana’s four main external creditors are the InterAmerican Development Bank (IDB), the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), the State-owned ExportImport Bank of China (China EXIM Bank) and lastly, the

Kwakwani midwife found dead in home

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nurse/midwife attached to the Kwakwani Hospital in Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice) was found dead in her home on Friday morning.

Dead is 37-year-old Paulette Wade of the riverain community.

According to information reaching Guyana Times, the woman’s motionless body was discovered by her seven-year-old daughter, who then informed staffers at the hospital. The hospital staffers immediately rushed to

Paulette Wade

the scene and discovered the woman’s lifeless body.

The Police have since said they are investigating the incident but have discovered no signs of forced entry nor any marks of violence on Wade’s body. It is unclear what caused Wade’s death as her medical history is being investigated.

Left to mourn are Wade’s two children along with her husband, who is away on a work trip in the interior.

The woman was described as being helpful and a “generally nice person.”

Last year’s end of year outcome report had also revealed that for that year, the stock of public debt and the public debt to Gross Domestic Product (GDP) ratio had increased. According to the report, total public debt was recorded at US$1.6 billion, exceeding the projected amount by US$8.4 million. The public debt to GDP ratio actually increased by 0.9 per cent to be recorded at 46.1 per cent.

According to the report, higher disbursements of money from the ExportImport Bank of China (China Exim Bank); the InterAmerican Development Bank (IDB) and the Caricom Development Fund (CDF), as well as delayed debt service payments, were to be

blamed.

When it comes to servicing these debts, the report stated that total public debt service amounted to US$71.7 million for 2017.

This was, in fact, lower by 2.5 per cent than the projected 2017 sum of US$73.5 million.

More recently, the Bank of Guyana Quarterly Report and Statistical Bulletin had pegged an increase in public debt at US$19 million over a matter of months. The report divided this debt into external and domestic. External debt increased by 1.5 per cent hike from a December position of US$1.241 billion.

The report therefore pegged external debt at US$1.265 billion.

At least one of the reasons behind the increase in debt is the East Coast Road expansion project. In January of last year, Guyana

had received a US$45.3 million concessional loan from the China Eximbank to complete the expansion project.

Government was recently approved to get US$20 million from the sum allotted to them by the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) in a resource envelope. This money is expected to go towards the Guyana Power and Light (GPL) Utility Upgrade Programme, in a bid to bring an end to the blackout woes.

Earlier this year, NICIL acquired a $30 billion syndicated bond at a rate of 4.75 per cent interest to spend on capitalising the Guyana Sugar Corporation’s (GuySuCo) remaining estates. The terms of the bond are five years, since it is expected that the proceeds of the land sale for GuySuCo would be used to repay the facility.

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saturdAY, october 27, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

3 teens charged for killing Mon Repos man

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hree teenagers, along with a 33-year-old man, were on Friday charged for the murder of 30-year-old Christopher Swamy of Mon Repos, East Coast Demerara (ECD).

Vikash Persaud, 18; Osafo Douglas, 19; Rafael Hannif, 19; and 33-year-old Jessie Knight appeared before Magistrate Zamilla AllySeepaul at the Sparendaam Magistrate’s Court.

It is alleged that the teens killed Swamy on October 21, 2018, at his Lot 161 Mon Repos Pasture, ECD home. In court on Friday, the three teenagers, who reportedly admitted to committing the crime fol-

Dead: Christopher Swamy

lowing their arrest, told the court that they were severely beaten by Police to confess

to the murder. They were all remanded and the case will continue on December 12.

Divisional Commander Calvin Brutus had said one of the suspects was positively identified by the dead man’s wife during an identification parade on Monday.

Swamy, a father of two, was gunned down on Sunday last after four armed men invaded his ECD property.

Based on information received, Swamy was among a group of persons including his wife, hanging out and imbibing in front of the house when at about 01:30h, they were confronted by masked men, one of whom brandished a handgun.

Police said the suspects relieved one of the persons of a cellphone and an undisclosed sum of cash, after which they assaulted another person to the head. It was during the commotion that Swamy was shot to the chest. The men then fled the scene.

Swamy was rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

A post-mortem examination performed by Government Pathologist, Dr Nehaul Singh gave the cause of death as a gunshot wound to the left side of the chest. A bullet has been recovered from Swamy’s body.

Ganja smuggling lands man on remand

A

man who attempted to sneak ganja into the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts lockup for his friend will now join him in jail as he was remanded to prison for the offence.

Earl Morrian appeared in

court on Friday, denying the allegations made against him as he stood before Magistrate Leron Daly.

The prosecution is contending that on October 25, 2018, the defendant went to visit a prisoner, who was

charged with murder and during a routine check of the meal he had taken for his friend, the narcotic was found.

Morrian was subsequently arrested and charged for the offence. Unrepresented

by legal counsel, the man told the court that he had no knowledge about the cannabis and how it was placed in the food. He was nonetheless remanded to prison and the case will continue on November 23.

The fall…

T

…of Georgetown he Kennard CoI into the Town Clerk’s venality has ripped the scab off the sore that’s the Georgetown Mayor and City Council, and oh, what a stench is created by the pus oozing out like the City’s open sewer drains! Sale of City lands; rentals of City wharves; cooking (and stealing!) of the books; jobs and contracts for friends and relatives; featherbedding for the same; jet- setting lifestyle; unlimited vehicles and guards!

Why, Georgetown had become the personal fiefdom of the PNC Mafia to rape and to hold!!

But such a volcano of pus didn’t suddenly appear like an apparition; it was built up ever since the PNC came into office through violence, betrayal, and foreign interference in 1964. Georgetown was always PNC territory, with Burnham’s constituency forming the vast majority. That constituency made Georgetown into the epicentre of the riots and protests that ousted the PPP from office.

Once the dirty deed was done, the folks who carried out the illegalities were rewarded as office holders.

They knew no other way to deal with the demands of running a city but brute force, corruption and enriching themselves. For the ordinary supporters, it was “So what yuh want?” time. The “choke and rob” activities, which were initially encouraged by the PNC to intimidate PPP rural supporters who had to “come to town” to conduct their businesses, grew and flourished.

By the time the PNC were voted out of the central government in 1992, the corruption at City Hall had become institutionalised – and remained so, since they remained in control through their sheer numbers.

Georgetowners who voted in Hamilton Green as Mayor in 1994 under his “Good and Green” banner, versus the PNC’s Ranwell Jordan, were showing their rejection of Hoyte’s acceptance of the poll results. And Green’s total focus was to show he could oppose the PPP more effectively than Hoyte.

His constant refrain was to blame the PPP for all his mis(or “non”)management of the City. Garbage piling up? PPP! Roads not fixed? PPP! Workers not being paid?

PPP! Vendors were allowed to take over the streets and storefronts of Georgetown, and businessmen were dubbed “bigger thieves” than the street bandits. Green started the jet-setting lifestyle.

There was a running battle with respective Town Clerks who were appointed by the PPP Minister of Local Government. In the end, every problem was answered with, “Blame Sooba!!” Keith Burrowes conducted an inquiry into City Hall’s operations in 2011, and made 45 recommendations – NONE of which was implemented.

This was confirmed by Ramon Gaskin, who was charged with keeping tabs. He described City Hall as a “den of thieves”!

So King’s only the top of the iceberg!! …and rise of Chanderpaul Shivnarine Chanderpaul was treated most shabbily by the WICB at the end of his international cricketing career. Needing only 86 runs to pass Brian Lara’s 11,953 as the top WI scorer, he was denied selection for the 2015 series in the WI against Australia. Lara called the decision “despicable”, and felt whatever Chanderpaul’s “form”, he had earned a “farewell” tour, so that local fans could acknowledge his sterling contribution to WI cricket.

The WICB pointed their fingers at the selectors, and vice-versa. In the meantime, Chanderpaul’s cricketing performance in the first-class leagues since 2015 shows that he was still a better Test cricketer than most who’d been picked in his stead. So it took West Indians outside the cricketing fraternity to finally show, in a concrete fashion, the fans’ appreciation of the man who showed what “true grit” was all about.

On Thursday, the University of the West Indies awarded an Honorary Doctor of Laws to this modest West Indian.

We take our hats off to “the tiger”!! …of another Government vendetta case Another cooked-up charge by the Government -this time against Carvil Duncan -- to show that PPP officials and individuals associated with them had “siphoned off” moneys from the Treasury bit the dust!!

Duncan should sue for malicious prosecution!!

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

News

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saturdAY, october 27, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

US$36M Chinese loan signed to improve e-services – Internet-connected Police cars among plans for loan

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overnment on Friday signed with the People’s Republic of China a US $36 million concessional loan agreement that is expected to go towards technological advancement in Guyana.

The loan agreement, which will finance Guyana’s National Broadband Project, has to be repaid in 20 years, with a 5-year grace period. Among the areas the loan will go towards is improving the technological capacity of the Police Force through e services.

Public Telecommunications Minister Cathy Hughes described it as a game-changer for Guyana, with the project having an 18-month implementation period. Speaking on the e-security component of the project, Hughes spoke of plans to outfit Police cars with Internet connectivity.

“This project now allows us to go to all the Police stations. It means that one Police station can automatically communicate with another, which facilitates not only

Other components

The loan agreement signing at the Finance Ministry. From left, Public Telecommunications Minister Cathy Hughes; Finance Minister Winston Jordan; Chinese Ambassador to Guyana, Cui Jianchun, and an official from the Chinese Embassy in Guyana

voice communication, but also the transferral of documents.

Imagine if an individual is stopped by the Police and he’s looking at the driver’s licence.

“As happens in any other part of the world, today you can punch in a driver’s licence number and by the time the Police are asking the second or third question, he has on his tablet a total report on that individual, whether he has five tickets pend-

ing or whether he’s on the run for something else,” she explained.

According to the Minister, the project can dramatically reduce the time it takes the Police to respond to crime, real time. She noted that the Police can better coordinate responses to crime, as they can electronically track all mobile Police units and direct them to 911 callers in much the same way a taxi dispatch-

er coordinates drivers from a base.

“It means that if, for example, a crime is taking place; God forbid, but let’s say a bank robbery is taking place at a particular location, this project allows us to build a command centre, and with that centre, we’re going to have a team of individuals monitoring the Police mobile patrols in different locations,” she explained.

7 homeless as Linden home goes up in flames

S

even persons are now homeless after a fire gutted their Second Street, Silvertown, Wismar, Linden home on Friday morning. The two-storey home belonged to 54-year-old Brenda Temple and her reputed husband Oscar Anthony.

The woman told Guyana Times that she observed fire emanating from the meter attached to the front of her home. Temple lived on the upper flat of the building along with her 15-year-old daughter and her reputed husband. She said the lower flat is rented to a female tenant who has three children. Neither of the families were able to save anything from the home, managing only to escape with the clothes on their backs.

Temple, a sweeper/cleaner and her reputed husband, who is visually impaired, have lived in their home for the past 15 years. The woman told this publication that she left for work around 05:30h on Friday morning and returned shortly after 08:00h. In the midst of preparing breakfast, she said she was alerted by her husband who was seated at the front of the home.

“He turned and said, B, B, is what really going on here?”

I said, “Tony, look, look is fire!

Come out. And I hold he and bring he outside... and after I tried to call people to see what going on, the fire start blazing. It start from by the meter side, by the wire side right at the front where the girl [tenant] was living,” Temple told Guyana Times.

She said the tenant and her children were, however, not at home at the time of the fire.

She also said this is a great loss for both families; explaining that all of her furniture, documents, clothes, electrical appliances and household equipment were destroyed.

“I ain’t get to save nothing...The girl downstairs, she ain’t get to save anything either. Is a lot of things I had.

I leave and I go and the Regional Chairman give me some clothes for me, my husband and my daughter. All she school clothes, everything

“So (if) an incident takes place in this location, in split seconds they’re going to be able to identify and also communicate with a Police rank on a motor bike or in a car, whoever is closest in that area. So, in response time, you’ll see the difference it will make. This project is a game-changer,” she enthused.

The burnt out Silvertown, Wismar, Linden house

burn up,” the distraught woman indicated.

The families are now appealing for assistance following the tragic losses.

“I need some help to get up back some things at least to fix back this place. I’m appealing to people who could donate to see how they can assist,” Temple said.

Officials from the Linden Fire Service, who responded to the emergency call, were able to contain the blaze and prevent it from spreading to other houses. An investigation has been launched.

(Utamu Belle)

A new data centre will be one of the first things Government uses the money for. In addition, a public-private partnership will be sought to lay a subterranian fibre-optic cable. Other components of the project include e-medical services and Internet connected education.

She cautioned, however, that the sheer number of high schools means that the project can only be rolled out in designated regional schools.

Hughes also assured that training of the Police and public servants will be a component under the project.

Meanwhile, Finance Minister Winston Jordan ex-

plained that the interest Government has to repay on the loan is 2 per cent. Jordan noted that such concessionary loan terms are not easy to come by, and attributed this to China’s kind gesture.

This loan follows a number of other agreements signed with the Chinese. In January of last year, Guyana had received a US$45.3 million concessional loan from the China Eximbank to complete the East Coast Road Expansion project.

Then there is the Belt and Road Initiative, or the Silk Road Economic Belt. The project aims to connect the disparate regions in China’s near and distant neighbourhood through a massive programme of infrastructure building.

Guyana became part of the initiative when Foreign Affairs Minister Carl Greenidge and Chinese Ambassador to Guyana, Cui Jianchun, signed a Memorandum of Understanding in July of this year.

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saturdAY, october 27, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

PPP appeals “fraudulent names” on GECOM list case …says Justice Singh erred, misdirected himself in law

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he People’s Progressive Party (PPP) will be taking its case of “fraudulent” names found on the Guyana Elections Commission list to Guyana’s Court of Appeal.

This move comes days after Berbice High Court Judge, Justice Navindra Singh ruled that there was no evidence of fraud, trickery or threat and noted that there was no basis to ask the Chief Elections Officer to strike out the names of the nominators from the Alliance For Change’s (AFC) Lists of Candidates at Whim/ Bloomfield Local Authority Area, Berbice.

In the Notice of Appeal,

the Party contended that Justice Singh erred and misdirected himself in law.

“The learned hearing Judge erred and misdirected himself in law by predicating his decision on a Police report which consisted of inadmissible evidence, incredible assertions and unsolicited conclusions rather than be guided by the relevant legal principles and the sworn Affidavit evidence of over fifty persons which were before the court,” Attorney Anil Nandlall stated in his Notice of Appeal. The lawyer in his appeal is contending that the document stated that persons whose signatures appeared as nomina-

tors of candidates for the AFC in the Whim/Bloomfield Local Authority Area did not understand the nature and purport of the documents which they signed.

It added too that “those who procured these signatures did so by misrepresenting themselves as representatives of the Guyana Elections Commission or persons associate with the People’s Progressive Party Civic” while “those who procured these signatures did so by misrepresenting the nature and purport of the documents for which they were soliciting the signatures.”

Following the decision by

Justice Singh on Monday, Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo on Thursday stated that the Police report, which was submitted to the court, contained several pieces of inaccurate information and misrepresentation of testimony from residents of Whim/ Bloomfield.

According to Jagdeo, the case could have been dismissed due to the Police’s report in the matter being “heavily doctored”.

“We are fighting for the rights of all Guyanese; this is a test case to us. Whether it

is concluded before the elections or not, it is not important for us but we have to get a ruling on this matter all the way maybe to the [Caribbean Court of Justice] CCJ,” Jagdeo stated.

He also questioned why the Police did not interview the alleged perpetrators though they were seen on television denying the alleged forgery. Jagdeo, reading from the Police report on Thursday, said one of Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo’s family members tricked Hemraj Mohadeo, Anita Mohadeo and

Parvattie Thomas into backing the AFC. Questioning the dismissal of the case, the Opposition Leader queried whether there is a new parameter for forgery: “So now trickery, forgery, misleading people and deception is not really deception unless you hold the person’s hand and force him to sign the paper… Nagamootoo through trickery said that the document had nothing to do with elections and got Ryan Mohadeo to sign the document... that’s a new parameter for forgery, if you do not hold the persons hand and force him to sign the document then you cannot be committed or charged for forgery any longer,” Jagdeo said.

Shafraz Beekham, of Letter Kenny Village, Corentyne, and 49 other persons from the Bloomfield/ Whim, Corentyne area, filed affidavits saying they were misled into believing that they were supporting a party of their choice when in reality, they actually were “misled” into signing AFC’s nominator lists. The PPP’s legal suit was filed on behalf of Beekham.

Man jailed for simple larceny

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man was on Friday hurled before the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts, after he was slapped with a simple larceny charge and sentenced to 12 months imprisonment when he appeared before Senior Magistrate Leron Daly.

Mohammed Rafiek ad-

mitted to the charge which stated that between October 23 and 24, 2018, at Seawall Road, Georgetown, he stole one car battery, one LED light and a quantity of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, which when totalled was valued $94,760; property of Michael Juanza.

According to the facts pre-

sented by Police Prosecutor Deniro Jones, between October 23 and 24 2018, the Virtual Complainant secured his stall with padlocks at the seawall; however, when he returned, the stall had been broken into. The matter was reported to the Police, and acting on information received, Rafiek was arrested.

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saturdAY, october 27, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

Minibus driver Cottage industries will form solid basis for Guyana’s economy – Granger slapped with

President David Granger

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resident David Granger has urged the Linden community to create economic avenues through small and medium-size enterprises, as he shared his conviction that household cottage industries will form a solid basis for Guyana’s future economy.

He was at the time addressing stakeholders and members of the religious body from Linden and other parts of Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice) at a Prayer-Breakfast ceremony recently hosted at the Watooka Complex in Mackenzie.

“Linden, I suppose, knows better than some other parts of Guyana the perils of unemployment,” the President noted in his address.

He also pointed to the situation with sugar workers who have been retrenched, noting that Government has had to make some hard decisions where the industry is concerned. Government, between 2016 and 2018, dismissed thousands of sugar workers in Berbice, East Coast of Demerara and West Bank of Demerara.

The Head of State as-

sured that Government is paving the way for newer opportunities. “But the point I am making is that new opportunities for employment are being created right here in Guyana, and we will work with organisations such as LEN (Linden Enterprise Network) ...to give young people particularly some start-up,” he said.

Pointing to cottage industries, Granger said this will be the future for Guyana. “Young women, young men, households are producing commodities to put on the market, and it is my conviction that this type of household cottage industry will form the basis for an economy and maximum participation. Small and medium-size businesses will be the enterprises of the future. There’s employment for all,” he assured.

Oil Zeroing in on Guyana’s oil potential, the President said that while this industry will be a means for employment, it will not provide employment for all, owing to its technical nature.

“Let me not give you any exaggerated hopes.

The oil industry is not going to employ a lot of you.

It’s a highly technical industry, and will employ a few highly qualified persons. But there will be spin-offs for people providing services. But the population shouldn’t expect that there is going to be a big recruiting office and everybody’s going to be dashing offshore for some oil.

That wouldn’t happen...So we have to make up our minds to seek enterprises right here in Guyana, enterprises will create greater employment for our people,” President Granger said.

In the case of Region 10, he pointed out that there is potential for enterprises such as agro-processing, particularly in the Upper Demerara region.

He therefore urged the

community to see how best the resources of the region can be utilised with its extensive agricultural lands.

He also added that Region 10 is an important commercial and communication hub.

The President also spoke on the importance of education, as he highlighted aspects of the “good life”. Additionally, he shared his religious beliefs, noting that his journey as President over the last few years has led him to a deeper and greater realisation of the power of faith.

Further, he shared his belief in equality, stressing that all citizens are entitled to equal access to the good things in society, including education and health.

rape charge

Adrian Brandt

A

route 47 minibus driver was on Friday remanded to prison when he appeared at the

Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts charged for raping a 14-year-old girl.

Adrian Brandt denied the charge when it was read to him by Magistrate Fabayo Azore. The charge stated that Brandt sexually assaulted the teen on October 7, 2018, at Sophia, Greater Georgetown.

Brandt is no stranger to the court. On March 30, 2014, he was released on $40,000 bail by Magistrate Faith McGusty on a dangerous driving charge. He was also the prosecution’s main witness in the July 29, 2013 Mandela Avenue, Georgetown shooting where one person was killed.

12news

saturdAY, october 27, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

AG report flags slow implementation of foreign funded project – as MP expresses worry over funding implications

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arning that the slow implementation of a particular InterAmerican Development Bank (IDB) funded project could affect the overall work, the Auditor General’s 2017 report called out the Public Infrastructure Ministry on the issue.

The project is the US$6.2 million Sustainable Energy programme; a project that saw the IDB contributing US$5 million and the Guyana Government contributing the rest. The project was supposed to improve the institutional capacity of the Guyana Power and Light (GPL) and the Office of the Prime Minister.

“Completion date for all transactions under the programme is stated as 66 months from the signing of the agreement to June 10, 2019. As at December 2017, approximately 48 months after the effective date of the programme, only amounts totalling US$558,229 or 8.93 per cent of the total programme cost was expended,” the Auditor General’s report states.

Opposition MP Irfaan Ali

“The slow delivery of the programme’s activities could result in it not achieving its stated objectives. This project is subject to separate financial reporting and audit. The project was last audited for the financial year 2017 and the audit report was issued on 24 April, 2018,” it added.

Implications

Guyana’s slow implementation of projects has not gone unnoticed. In a state-

ment, Opposition Member of Parliament and Economist, Irfaan Ali rapped the Government for this sloth and the implications it has for overall funding.

“The 2012-2016 Country Programme Evaluation report for Guyana is out, and the IDB wasted no time outlining the lethargic and sloth pace of project implementation by the current Administration.

According to the report, between 2015 and 2016, disbursement fell dramatically and for the first time Guyana recorded a negative cash flow.

To fathom the downsize in disbursement, from 2006 to 2013, average allocation to Guyana totalled US$51.3 million.”

“In 2016, however, that amount fell to a mere US$14 million. According to the report, the poor performance was directly linked to weak institutional capacities of executing agencies, especially in procurement and monitoring and evaluation. Ironically, in 2016, the period under review, the Government spent, on average, $3.5 million in

employment cost on every $1 million of capital project implemented,” Ali said, adding that this is 66 per cent or $1.4 million more when compared to 2014.

Many have questioned the progress of the Power Utility Upgrade Programme (PUUP) that was initiated in 2014, costing US$64 million and intended to rehabilitate the Guyana Power and Light (GPL) systems, as power outages continue to occur.

In 2014, the IDB had approved loans totalling US$37.6 million along with non-reimbursable investment financing from the EU to help boost the efficiency and reliability of Guyana’s power system.

The IDB had said the project would be done through

The Kingston Power Station

electricity loss reduction measures, improvements in the operational capabilities, and strengthening the management and corporate performance of GPL. The contract for the execution of the power upgrade programme was awarded to China National Machinery Import and

Export Corporation/China Synergy Electric Engineering Company. The local subcontractor is Ramoutar and Sons Contracting.

A further US$20 million loan agreement was signed with the Islamic Development Bank earlier this year. The money is also expected to go towards improving GPL.

Tower Hotel owner nabbed in Jamaica on cocaine trafficking charges …US seeking extradition

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uyanese businessman, Shervington Lovell, has been arrested in Jamaica for suspected drug trafficking. This was confirmed by a source close to the Customs AntiNarcotics Unit (CANU).

Lovell is the owner of Tower Hotel on Main Street, Georgetown.

It was reported that Lovell, who had been under CANU’s radar and that of international investigators for a lengthy period, was arrested along with two others as soon as they arrived in Jamaica on a flight from

Arrested: Shervington Lovell

Guyana.

Guyana Times understands that the hotelier is expected to face several charges

of drug trafficking along with money laundering.

A vessel, purportedly owned by Lovell, was also intercepted which is suspected to be used by the businessman to ship the illicit drugs from Jamaica to St Maarten.

According to reports, authorities in the United States have filed eradication proceedings for Lovell in connection with drug trafficking to the US. A CANU source has confirmed that Lovell and several other persons have been under the agency’s radar since 2010.

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US Govt 2016 donation

Stabroek Market clock remains unrepaired …as Engineering Department drags foot on projects, plans – CoI hears

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lmost three years after US$41,000 was donated to City Hall by the US Embassy on behalf of the United States Government, for repair works on the Stabroek Market Clock, the structure remains unrepaired, as the restoration process was never orchestrated.

This is according to City Engineer, Colvern Venture, who made these remarks under oath on Friday before the Commission of Inquiry into City Hall.

eration.

The clock, an iconic masterpiece that overlooks the city, is bounded by the Demerara River and houses one of the main business hubs, the Stabroek Market.

During a statutory session in April of this year, there was a clash of ideas as to how the structure would be repaired.

City Hall’s cash-strapped crisis was also blamed for failing to conduct repairs as well as the fact that additional works on supporting

Ambassador Perry Holloway

be done. He stated that only two companies qualified for the works that are estimated at GY$56 million but did not have the funds nor the capacity to execute such.

The then Deputy Mayor, Lionel Jaikaran, advised that he go ahead and ask Central Government for assistance. However, it has been six months and no intervention.

Kitty Market

City Hall

“Based on my knowledge, those works weren’t executed,” said Venture when asked as to what is the current status of this op-

erections were necessary.

Town Clerk Royston King argued that these structures needed to be rehabilitated before works can

With respect to the Kitty Market, the Commission heard that substandard materials were sourced to conduct the works which was part of the $250 million restoration exercise. Councillor Bishram Kupen submitted his statement, verifying that poor quality of wood was purchased for these works.

Being the head of his

department, Venture was questioned as to whether he was pleased with the pace of work at the site. This is given from the fact that those works were ongoing since 2015 and the he asserted that he was not satisfied with the progress.

There was a number of other rehabilitation works which were not completed, inclusive of the Mayor’s Complex.

Millions of dollars were also awarded for the restoration of the City Constabulary Training Complex on Water Street, Georgetown, and according to Venture, those works were completed. However, the condition of that building paints a different picture. During a visit by the Commission to the Complex on Thursday, the rooms were water-logged and unkempt, with historical records stored among the termite-infested walls.

He was asked as to whether the building was inspected to which he retorted that it was and it is his views that the structure is not “habitable”.

Ironically, Venture had no knowledge whatsoever

Stabroek Market

on the model houses that are being constructed by City Hall on Government reserves in Guyhoc.

Delayed plans

The City Engineer dodged several questions that were asked by the Commission as it related to the time lapse of years for plans to be approved, when in fact it should take just a few weeks if all the documents are intact.

After the plan is sent to the relevant agency, only one week is needed for internal processing before the draft is finalised.

“With all things equal,

within a week’s period that plan should be signed off,” Venture posited.

This situation redirected particularly on a popular restaurant franchise which would have submitted five applications, and none were granted until the CoI was established.

Chief Executive Officer of Camex Restaurants Incorporated, Terence Campbell testified on October 3, 2018, stating that he lost over $30 million because the plans were not approved.

City Hall has an excess of 800 persons employed to the Council.

14 News Ranks handling GPF’s vehicles better – Top Cop saturdAY, october 27, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

…after having to pay for damages

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Police vehicles which were involved in accidents as a result of reckless driving

ewly appointed Police Commissioner Leslie James has stated that ranks of the Guyana Police Force (GPF)

are now handling resources, particularly the Force’s vehicles, in a better manner.

Speaking at his first engagement with the press

since assuming office in August, the Top Cop on Thursday told reporters that the Force is concerned over the general use of its assets,

especially the vehicles.

However, James noted that since being made to cover expenses incurred from reckless vehicular acci-

dents, ranks are being more cautious with the Force’s resources.

“Our subject Minister, the Honourable Minister of Public Security [Khemraj Ramjattan], he’s indicated that any rank who is found to be guilty of causing damages to any vehicle will be surcharged and that policy is in place. So with that alone, together with our input, we’ve seen a better handing, better caring and better maintenance of those vehicles,” Commissioner

the rank was also charged with dangerous driving and was transferred to Traffic Headquarters, Eve Leary, to undergo further training in defensive driving and ethics in driving.

More recently, a Police Constable crashed one of the Force’s pick-ups into a house on the De Hoop Public Road, Mahaica, East Coast Demerara, back in May. He was placed on $40,000, bail after slapped with a dangerous driving charge and it is expected that he too was

Police Commissioner Leslie James

James stated.

Following the US$2.6 million donation last November by the Chinese Government of 55 pickup trucks, 44 motorcycles, 35 All-Terrain Vehicles and five buses, as well as crime fighting gear and equipment, Minister Ramjattan in an attempt to curbed reckless driving by ranks on the roadways, warned that those who get into accidents with the Force’s vehicles will not only be charged but also be made to pay for the damages to the vehicles.

Despite this warning, several ranks have found themselves literally paying the price for not heeding the warning. In fact, mere says after the Minister’s caution, a Police rank in Berbice crashed one of the new pickup vehicles donated by the Chinese Government, on the Canje Public Road, Berbice.

Apart for being made to cover repairs costs which amounted to some $200,000, and which was paid in full,

made to pay for the damages to the Force’s vehicle.

Back in July, then acting Police Commissioner David Ramnarine had disclosed that more than $2.3 million had been repaid by ranks for damages to the Force’s vehicle during this year alone.

He had stated that 10 ranks had already completed their payments while the others were in the process of doing so.

According to reports, from July 2016 to June 2017, 18 members of the Force were involved in various category of accidents while driving Force vehicles. This compared to an increase of 23 ranks involved in accidents during the period July 2017 to June 2018.

A total of 41 ranks including seven subordinate officers and 34 Constables were fingered in these accidents. Furthermore, another 18 ranks over the twoyear period being involved in various accidents while driving private vehicles.

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saturdAY, october 27, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

APNU supporters attempt to Wowetta Women's Group disrupt PPP Berbice meeting commission farine factory

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upports of A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) on Friday attempted to disrupt a Peoples Progressive Party (PPP) public meeting in New Amsterdam, Berbice where Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo delivered the keynote address.

Police officers were forced to caution the rowdy group which turned up with placards and started chanting during the meeting.

This, however, did not deter Jagdeo from addressing the gathering at New Amsterdam, Berbice. Jagdeo told the crowd that APNU Councillors on the NA municipality have been delivering broken promises, and from their track record, it can clearly be seen that they are incompetent. He noted that all Guyanese will experience more suffering under APNU. “I urge you to come out and vote them out on November 12, so we can send a strong signal to them for 2020,” the Opposition Leader said, as he advised person to vote at the upcoming Local Government Elections.

He noted that at Central Government level, billions have been spent since the APNU/AFC took office, but there is nothing substantial to show for it.

According to Jagdeo, under the APNU/AFC Government, thousands of jobs have been lost, which has a direct negative impact on 150,000 persons out of a population of 750,000.

“While all this is happening there has not been a single major infrastructural development project,” he contended.

He went into details to outline the few major projects which are ongoing and said those were all started under the PPP Government.

“The Airport Expansion project was started under the PPP, the East Bank Road project was started under the PPP…We had a plan to develop a deep-water harbour here in New Amsterdam that would have created thousands of jobs…Remember in December 2016 Trotman (Raphael) said he was going to spend US$500 million to start a project in New Amsterdam from January 1, to do the deep-water harbour? Today that has disappeared.

They promised 10,000 jobs there,” the Opposition Leader pointed out.

Jagdeo also made mention of the difficulties the bauxite industry is currently facing, and recalled measures which were put in place under the PPP Administration when a similar situation occurred to remedy the situation and save jobs.

The former Head of State, in his address which was tailored to expose what he referred to as an incompetent Government, explained that apart from the job losses, the entire economy is falling apart.

“If you think that we are

Two members of the Wowetta Women’s Agro-Processers Group showcasing their products

A Police Officer cautions an APNU protester at the New Amsterdam, Berbice meeting

at the end of the hardships, I just want you to know that we are just at the beginning of the hardships with this Government. We will witness more job losses, more depression and more hunger, and all because of the incompetence and corruption of this Government,” he predicted.

Jagdeo said the average Guyanese will feel the longterm damage that the current Administration is doing to Guyana.

“This damage will become profound, and the reversal of the damage will be hard to take place. By the end of four years, they would have spent one trillion dollars; that in one thousand billion dollars, and what do we have to show for it? Rice is in decline, sugar is in decline, the forestry sector is now producing half of what we used to produce, small gold mining is down, retail trading is down, construction is down. Every sector of the economy is not performing well. After spending $1 trillion of our money, we have lost 30,000 jobs since this Government came into office, although they came into office with a promise of creating more jobs,” he noted.

Jagdeo further lashed out at the current Administration, saying that both the education and housing sectors are in decline.

“We have a message for all Guyana, because we are a national party; and so I ask all of you to help on Election

Day to get the PPP candidates elected, so we can strike another blow in favour of freedom, democracy and progress in Guyana,” he added.

At the meeting, PPP candidate for the constituencies of New Amsterdam also slammed the current APNUled Municipal administration, calling for a pest control programme to be implemented in the town.

The Mayor and Town Council was criticised for its poor garbage collection system, increased property taxes, poor drainage, the poor state of the town’s cemeteries, and poor accountability of the town’s finances.

Earlier on Friday, Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo held a public meeting at Auchlyne Village, Corentyne, where he called for persons to go to the polls on Election Day and vote for a fit and proper persons. “It doesn’t matter if the person is from APNU, of from PPP or the AFC; once it is a fit and proper person, you vote for them,” he said.

The PPP supporters were also there, and picketed both Nagamootoo and Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan, who also addressed that meeting. The group was calling for the AFC to remove the names of the persons who were tricked into signing the AFC’s list of backers at Whim/Bloomfield NDC area.

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he Wowetta Women’s Agro-Processers Group has officially commissioned their farine processing factory in the North Rupununi, Region Nine (Upper TakutuUpper Essequibo) as part of Agriculture Month 2018 celebrations.

The factory project commenced in 2015, and was funded by the Canadian Government with support from the Guyana Government, the InterAmerican Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA), and Conservation International. It was executed under the title: “Empowering the women of Wowetta to mitigate threats of food security resulting from drought, flooding, wildfire, and extreme climate change.”

Agriculture Minister Noel Holder and Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs Minister Sydney Allicock were present at the commissioning ceremony held at the Wowetta Benab in the Annai sub-district of Region Nine.

During his feature address, Minister Allicock said the project goes hand in hand with the vision of creating a green economy by empowering the people at the village level.

From time immemorial, he said, the Indigenous people have been using cassava as their main staple, and

today cassava has about 20 by-products.

“The farine factory will now need large supplies of cassava, and you, the people, can supply the facility.

Neighbouring Aranaputa has peanuts; let us begin to think about other products and support each other. Let us also begin to look at other crops that are not on the market, and process (them) and make an income for yourselves and the villages,” the minister is quoted by the Department of Public Information as saying.

Minister Allicock also said Wowetta is leading women’s empowerment in the North Rupununi, and urged other villages to follow suit.

Minister Holder said the contribution of the agriculture sector to the reduction of poverty and enhancement of food security can be undermined by both obvious and less visible disasters due to flooding and drought. “Therefore, we are tasked with attaining more resilient food systems. To achieve this, we need to foster the development of those systems which are designed to reduce disaster risk, such as this farine processing facility with the stocking capacity of 10,000 pounds of farine,” Minister Allicock said.

He underscored the importance of adding val-

ue to the products produced at the factory, and assured the women’s group that the Guyana Marketing Corporation (GMC) would purchase their products. He noted that their farine already is available in the Guyana Shop in Georgetown.

Chairperson of the Wowetta Women’s Group, Priscilla Torres, explained that the group started in 2008, when it was observed that a large number of women in the village were migrating to Brazil to seek jobs.

During that time, Torres said, the women’s group began farming several acres of land by way of self-help. The Village Council and Woweta Village Enterprise provided support to the venture.

“Today our dreams have come true. While we had a number of challenges, we are happy with the success of the project, and we are proud to say that we have achieved all of our goals,” she declared.

From inception of the project, the women benefited from training in customer care, record keeping, maintenance, food handling and business management, among other areas.

Once completed, the facility was registered, and an inspection conducted by the Health Ministry’s Food and Drug Department.

Bollywood Club returns A fter a 10-year hiatus the Bollywood Club is reentering the club scene with the intention to bring only the best in entertainment to Guyanese.

Kicking off the reopening with there will be a Halloween party. Long time DJ, DJ Robin will be dropping tunes at the Lusignan Golf Club on Saturday October 27th from 19:30h. Early bird tickets are available at both branches of Nesha's Flowerland (Church Street and Giftland Mall) as well as S&S Supermarket in Lusignan.

Over the years the Bollywood Club was nothing less than a household name. The only club in Guyana that played Bollywood music all night long but still managed to be inclusive of everyone. From the aunties arriving in trucks all the way from Berbice to young couples looking to sport all weekend. This is what it will be bringing back to Guyana.

In the coming months Bollywood will be going to Guyanese with events across the country until the grand reopening.

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saturdAY, october 27, 2018

Regional

Mexico offers plan to keep T&T Top Cop warns criminals after Police kill 5 US-bound migrants in Mexico – we will outgun you

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lthough he is promising a thorough investigation into Thursday night’s killings of five young men in Laventille, Police Commissioner Gary Griffith is warning criminals not to challenge the police with gunfire.

Speaking on CNC3’s Morning Brew hours after the shootings, Griffith said, “I am pleading with people not to engage in wrongdoing. The TTPS will outgun you. We have greater firepower, more specialised training, so do not challenge us.” Griffith said the Police were on patrol when they were fired upon and had to call for backup. He said the young men continued to fire on the Police, who retaliated.

Saying criminals also had sophisticated weapons which can be used in wars, Griffith said, “If you want a war you will get a war. If you have illegal guns you will be dealt with. Do not challenge the police because we will arrest you.”

Griffith also said

T&T Police Commissioner Gary Griffith

Trinidad and Tobago had become a lawless society. “We have to check ourselves. Be responsible for your actions and do not justify breaking the law,” he said.

Griffith said the loss of five lives was unfortunate, adding that the traumatised relatives and Police involved in the shooting will get psychological assistance to help them cope with this ordeal.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley

has urged youths to put down their guns and refrain from attacking the Police.

As Police put systems in place to prevent any retaliation, Rowley said there will be more trauma if armed young men decide to attack Police.

“The loss of any citizen’s life, through violence, is particularly traumatic for any family and community where it occurs. This emotion is multiplied many fold when young men arm themselves and engage law enforcement officers. This misguided activity always has the potential to end in unspeakable tragedy for all involved, officers and civilians,” Rowley said in a statement.

“There is no good end to bad deeds, bad company and a life of crime. Our country deserves better but to accomplish that goal we all have to want it and commit to work towards it. Law enforcement cannot do it alone,” the Prime Minister said. (Excerpt from Trinidad Guardian)

Caricom launches report on biodiversity management in the Region

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he Caribbean Community (Caricom) has recorded a significant milestone with the release of a report on the state of biodiversity management in the region, the Guyanabased Caricom Secretariat said Friday.

It said that the report examines how Caricom member states have progressed in meeting their commitments under the Aichi Biodiversity Targets within the framework of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD).

The report titled “The State of Biodiversity in the Caribbean – A review of the progress towards the Aichi

biodiversity targets,” was launched earlier this week at the Caribbean Regional Preparatory Workshop for the 14th Conference of the Parties (COP) for the CBD and Regional Consultation for Phase III of the Programme for Capacity Building related to the Multilateral Environmental Agreements (MEAs) in the African, Caribbean and Pacific countries. The meeting ended here on Friday.

Assistant Secretary General, Ambassador Colin Granderson said that the preparation of the report was a unified effort among the Caricom Secretariat,

UN Environment, Caricom countries and regional biodiversity experts. It was funded by the European Union and received implementation support from UN Environment.

Granderson said that the Caricom Secretariat also recognises the role played by the OECS Commission, CBD Secretariat, and CANARI in developing a Draft Caribbean Biodiversity Strategy, adding that there is “no doubt that their involvement encouraged support from our development partners for a Phase III project.” (Excerpt from Jamaica Observer)

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exico on Friday offered temporary identification papers and jobs to migrants who register for asylum in the country, stepping up efforts to halt the advance of a US-bound Central American caravan that has angered Washington.

US President Donald Trump has threatened to close the US-Mexico border and cut aid to Central America to try to stop the caravan of several thousand people. US officials have said that up to 1000 troops may be sent to the US southern border to prevent the migrants from crossing.

Making reference to the caravan, Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto said migrants wishing to obtain temporary identification documents, jobs or education for their children could do so by registering for asylum in southern Mexico.

“This plan is only for those who comply with Mexican laws, and it’s a first step towards a permanent solution for those who are granted refugee status in Mexico,” Pena Nieto said in a pre-recorded address broadcast on Friday afternoon.

To qualify for the scheme he called “Estas en Tu Casa”

(‘Make Yourself at Home’) migrants had to be in the southern states of Chiapas and Oaxaca, Pena Nieto said.

Temporary work in the states would be extended so as also to benefit Mexicans, said Pena Nieto, who leaves office on November 30.

Mexican officials have said those migrants who do not qualify for refugee status are liable to be deported.

Mexico’s Government has said that more than 1700 people in the convoy have registered for asylum, while others have returned home.

Estimates on the size of the group vary. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Upcoming projects should produce jobs for displaced public workers, says Barbados PM

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ome displaced public workers in Barbados should find employment in a number of upcoming projects, according to Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley, who said $100 million in road works would be executed as a result of loans from the Caribbean Development Bank, InterAmerican Development Bank and CAF. She also listed the US$900 million Sandals project and a senior citizens village, both to begin next January. Mottley made the comments on Tuesday evening when members of staff and students of the University of the West Indies, Cave Hill Campus, had “A Conversation with the Prime Minister”.

She pointed out that government was trying to revolutionize how things were done. She explained that it had asked the InterAmerican Development Bank (IDB) to fund a project to digitize its records and the minister in the ministry of economic affairs and investment, Marsha Caddle,

Prime Minister Mia Mottley addressing staff and students of the University of the West Indies, Cave Hill Campus on Tuesday during “A Conversation with the Prime Minister”

was in conversation with that institution.

Mottley disclosed that talks were ongoing with a major technology firm to see if it could do some of its summer coding camps in Barbados.

She underscored the importance of the Retooling and Empowering, Retraining and Enfranchising (RERE) programme, saying Barbados had to become a training campus for the next four years.

The Prime Minister further disclosed that Ross University, which is expected to open in Barbados in January, would give those displaced Government workers a five-day advantage on persons applying for vacancies.

She also emphasised the importance of the recently negotiated debt restructuring programme, saying it has saved the country in a number of ways. (Excerpt from

Caribbean News Now)

World Bank reaffirms CTO Secretary General says complacency commitment to strengthening puts Caribbean people, economies at risk disaster resilience in the C’bean S

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he World Bank has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening disaster resilience in the Caribbean.

World Bank Vice President for Latin America and the Caribbean, Jorge Familiar, ended a three-day visit here on Thursday, after addressing the Caribbean Oversees Countries and Territories Resilience Summit, as well as visiting recovery projects and meeting with various stakeholders to discuss progress following the devastation caused

by Hurricane Maria last year.

During his meetings with Prime Minister Leona

Marlin-Romeo, ministers of her government and the General Affairs Committee of Sint Maarten’s Parliament, Familiar reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to help Sint Maarten in accelerating its recovery efforts and strengthening resilience after the hurricane.

In six months since the establishment of the St Maarten Recovery, Reconstruction and Resilience Trust Fund, the World Bank said that the island had received US$103 million of the US$134 million pledged by the Netherlands.

(Excerpt from )

ecretary General of the Caribbean Tourism Organisation (CTO) Hugh Riley has called on Caribbean states to take tsunami preparedness seriously, stating to do otherwise would put the people and regional economies at risk.

Speaking in Paris, France, during a discussion organised by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) to raise awareness of the threats posed by tsunamis, Riley insisted that Caribbean countries risked paying the price for compla-

CTO Secretary General Hugh Riley

cency.

He stressed with the Caribbean being comprised mainly of low-lying states, and with most tourism assets and hotel investments located at or near coastal areas, the tourism sector is

extremely vulnerable to the threat of tsunamis.

The event was being held in advance of World Tsunami Awareness Day on November 5, 2018. The Secretary General noted that the region had ex-

perienced 11 tsunamis in the past, the most recent of which occurred in 2010, and six between 1902 and 1997.

He suggested that because there has been no “recent” impact on the region, tsunamis are not considered an imminent threat, therefore, they are not given sufficient attention.

He called for an increase in tsunami awareness and sensitisation of the tourism sector and the wider Caribbean community, as well as support for training by regional institutions and countries to develop preparedness and response protocols. (Excerpt from Caribbean360)

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guyanatimesgy.com

Around the World

US mail bombs: Cesar Sayoc charged Tax on drinks to after campaign against Trump critics raise funds for HIV

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56-year-old man has been arrested in Florida in connection with a mail-bombing campaign aimed at critics of US President Donald Trump. US officials named the man as Cesar Sayoc. He faces five charges including mailing explosives and threatening ex-Presidents.

Trump said the acts were “despicable and have no place in our country”.

Fourteen items have been sent in recent days to figures including ex-President Barack Obama and actor Robert de Niro.

Two were found in Florida and New York City on Friday morning. Later, two more were discovered in California.

Billionaire and Democrat donor Tom Steyer said that a package sent to him had been intercepted at a mail facility

Cesar Sayoc was reportedly arrested at a shop in Plantation, Florida

in Burlingame, and another addressed to Democrat Senator Kamala Harris

was reported in Sacramento.

The incidents come less than two weeks before the US mid-term elections, with politics highly polarised.

Media reports say Sayoc was arrested at a vehicle parts shop in the city of Plantation, Florida. FBI Director Christopher Wray revealed that he was detained after his fingerprint was allegedly found on one of the packages.

The Department of Justice said the suspect faced up to 48 years in jail.

“We will not tolerate such lawlessness, especially political violence,” US Attorney General Jeff Sessions said at a news conference. “Let this be a lesson to anyone, regardless of their political beliefs, that we will use the full force of the law against you.” (Excerpt from BBC News)

China, Japan to forge closer ties at ‘historic turning point’

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hina and Japan on Friday pledged to forge closer ties as both countries stood together at an “historic turning point”, signing a broad range of agreements including a US$30 billion currency swap pact, amid rising trade tensions with Washington.

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and Chinese Premier Li Keqiang also agreed the two countries would work together to achieve denuclearization on the Korean Peninsula.

The pacts were reached on Abe’s three-day visit to Beijing as the two neighbors looked to carve out new areas of cooperation and seek ways to promote trust, which has been fragile at times since diplomatic relations resumed in 1972.

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang said 500 business deals worth $18 billion had been signed between Chinese and Japanese companies during the visit, a reflection of the “bright prospects” for cooperation between the two countries.

Both countries are neighbours and partners, and will not become a threat to each other, Abe said after meeting with President Xi Jinping on Friday in

treatment in Uganda

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axes levied on alcohol and soft drinks in Uganda will be used to fund the country’s HIV treatment programmes, in a move designed to make the country less reliant on donors.

The Government believes US$2.5 million a year will be generated from the two per cent total tax levies collected from drinks, including beer, spirits and waragi, a local liquor, which will be channelled into a new HIV and Aids trust fund (ATF).

Provision for the fund was included in the HIV Prevention and Control Act, passed in 2014, but the regulations for how it would operate have only recently been passed.

The Health Minister, Sarah Achieng Opendi, said the move was an innovative and catalytic step towards increasing the Government’s resources.

At least 68 per cent of Uganda’s HIV fund-

Sri Lanka President sacks Prime Minister, appoints Rajapaksa Chinese Premier Li Keqiang, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Japanese Foreign Minister Taro Kono attend a signing ceremony at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, China October 26, 2018

the first full-scale Sino-Japanese summit since 2011.

Xi said bilateral ties had returned to the right track and China would ensure the positive momentum continues, according to state media. “That is worth cherishing by both sides,” Xi

said.

Both sides should undertake more in-depth strategic dialogue, Xi said, adding that exchanges between ordinary Japanese and Chinese people should also be stepped up to foster deeper mutual understanding. (Excerpt from

Reuters)

Maithripala Sirisena (right) appointed Mahinda Rajapaksa at a rushed ceremony in Colombo

Zakynthos earthquake: Greek island F shaken by 6.4 tremor

The quake left a big crack on the jetty of the port at Zakynthos

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powerful 6.4-magnitude earthquake south of the island of Zakynthos has been felt across western Greece.

Nobody was injured by the tremor, which struck at 01:54h on Friday (22:54 GMT), but there was significant damage to the local port and a 13th Century island monastery South of Zakynthos.

A series of aftershocks were felt in the hours after the quake and local schools were shut for the day. The quake struck 50km

ing comes from donors, 20 per cent from people living with HIV, and their families, while only 11 per cent comes from the Government and one per cent from the Private Sector.

Activists welcomed news that the fund was now operational, although the amount expected to be generated is a fraction of what is needed in the country.

According to Karusa Kiragu, UNAids country director for Uganda, more than US$700 million is needed each year for HIV treatment and prevention.

Sylvia Nakasi, policy and advocacy officer at Uganda Network of Aids Service Organisations (Unaso), said: “The two per cent of the tax on beverages and water to the trust fund is small compared to the need, but it’s a start. I believe other options will be identified to grow the fund and address funding to the HIV response in the country.” (Excerpt from The Guardian)

(30 miles) south-west of Zakynthos, in the Ionian Sea. Hundreds of residents spent much of the night outside in the streets as further powerful shocks were felt. “Everything was visibly shaking up and down.

The table, wardrobe and beds were all bouncing,” said British holidaymaker Joanna Jones from Liverpool who was staying with her family at a hotel in Alykanas, in the north of the island.

While the Greek

Geodynamic Institute measured the biggest tremor at 6.4 with a depth of 10km, Europe’s EMSC quake agency put the strength as high as 6.8 and noticed small changes in sea levels.

Residents also left their homes in the city of Patras on the Greek west coast, reports said. There was serious damage to the medieval Strofades monastery on a small island close to the epicentre of the quake, but reports that it had been destroyed were unconfirmed.

Pictures posted on Greek so-

cial media showed the damage to the monastery’s tower.

The biggest shock was felt as far afield as Naples in western Italy, and in Albania, Libya, and the capital Athens. Zakynthos, also known as Zante, was hit by a 7.3-magnitude quake in 1953, destroying most of the buildings of the island. Since then all buildings have been fortified to protect against further tremors. The region lies on major fault lines and tremors are relatively common but rarely fatal. (Excerpt from

BBC News)

ormer Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa has been sworn in as Prime Minister after the country’s President sacked incumbent Ranil Wickremesinghe, in a surprise move that threatens political turmoil in the Indian Ocean nation.

The appointment was confirmed in a statement from President Maithripala Sirisena’s office on Friday, but Wickremesinghe later insisted he remained the Prime Minister. “I retain the confidence of the house.

I am the Prime Minister and I have the majority,” Wickremesinghe told local media.

“According to the Constitution, I’m the Prime Minister. That [ousting] is not legal.”

Sirisena, who was Health Minister under Rajapaksa from 2010 to 2014, joined forces with Wickremesinghe to defeat the former President in elections in January 2015.

He was elected as President

largely thanks to the backing of Wickremesinghe’s United National Party (UNP). But earlier on Friday, Sirisensa’s United People’s Freedom Alliance (UPFA) had said it would quit the ruling coalition.

The developments bring an end to a coalition Government that was formed more than three years ago on promises of economic reform and accountability for alleged atrocities committed during Rajapaksa’s 10-year rule at the close of Sri Lanka’s bloody civil war.

Mangala Samaraweera, the finance minister of the outgoing Government, argued that Rajapaksa’s appointment was a violation of the Constitution, which was amended in 2015 to curtail the President’s powers.

“This is an anti-democratic coup,” Samaraweera wrote on Twitter. Ultimately, the question of who remained Prime Minister was up to the Parliament, analysts said. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

18

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saturdAY, october 27, 2018

ARCHIE

ARIES (March 21April 19)

TAURUS (April 20May 20)

dilbert

GEMINI (May 21June 20)

CANCER (June 21July 22)

Peanuts

LEO (July 23Aug. 22)

Calvin and Hobbes

VIRGO (Aug. 23Sept. 22)

Consider your options, put your plans in place and move forward with energy and enthusiasm. You’ll get the most out of something you accomplish by yourself.

Someone from your past will offer something unexpectedly. Don’t feel guilty or be resistant. What’s given in good faith will help both you and the donor.

Put more effort into improving your prospects. Find out the knowledge, skills or qualifications necessary to reach your goal. Nothing is out of reach if you work hard.

Mingle with people who enjoy the same things you do. Your imagination will flourish if you surround yourself with people who are just as original as you are. Romance is highlighted.

Others’ actions should not disrupt your plans.

Make your position clear and be prepared to do your own thing. Arguing will be a waste of time and energy.

Breathe easy and follow through. Don’t let someone else’s emotional whim stand in your way. Move on to the things you enjoy doing most.

Romance will enhance your life.

Tidy up personal financLIBRA (Sept. 23- es, contracts or pending Oct. 23) problems. Learn from experience when dealing with people who are trying to coax or bully you. Say no and walk away.

WORD GAME TODAY’S WORD — CONSCIENCE

SUDOKU

Average mark 25 words Time limit 40 minutes Can you find 38 or more words in CONSCIENCE? The list will be published tomorrow.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22Jan. 19)

YESTERDAY’S WORD — RETAIL

tail tale tare teal tear tier tile tire

trail trial alert alit alter aril irate lair

late later liar lira lire liter

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

A unique approach to dealing with others will give you the upper hand. Have a plan in place and be ready to execute it with finesse.

Don’t ignore the facts.

SAGITTARIUS Listen carefully and consid(Nov. 23- er the motives behind othDec. 21) ers’ words or actions. Protect your heart and use common sense when dealing with joint ventures.

(CONSCIENCE: KON-shens: A person’s moral sense of right and wrong.)

rail rale rate real relit rile rite earl

SCORPIO (Oct. 24Nov. 22)

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

PISCES (Feb. 20March 20)

Don’t restrict yourself.

It’s time to loosen up and have some fun. Get together with old friends or socialize with people who can offer you mental or physical stimulation.

Spend time at home.

Move things around or clear a space that will encourage you to start a project you want to pursue. Focus on family.

No one knows you better than you know yourself.

Make choices based on what you want, not on what others are asking for. You can be kind without accepting something you don’t want.

saturdAY, october 27, 2018

19

Major League Soccer Caribbean Combine

The experience was unforgettable T

he national players who participated in the Major League Soccer (MLS) Caribbean Combine returned yesterday as better persons, having attained knowledge and experience both on and off the field.

Ryan Hackett, Kevin Dundas and Kevin Layne all echoed one common conviction: the experience aided their development even as off-field sessions on interacting with the media and budgeting were conducted as part of the programme.

Hackett, who scored a goal in one of the matches, was very happy. “I feel great scoring a very good goal and assisting in another. After this experience I wish to be a professional, because it sounds very exciting and there are a lot of opportunities available. Upon arrival, the first session was a passing drill, then we went into an 11v11, followed by a

workshop addressing media interaction and budgeting.

“It was a great experience competing against some very talented youngsters from across the Caribbean.

Everyone did well. I feel it was outstanding for me,” Hackett said.

For Dundas, the collective experience was important. “The experience was great. We really grasped a lot from the short time we were there. I believe the three of us did really well, and represented our country as we went head-to-head against other countries; and I believe we really stood out.

“In the first 11v11 match, you could have seen we had the respect from the other players. Ryan’s first attempt, and scoring too, really gave him that boost and confidence he needed, so it was a great experience there.

“The two workshops on media and budgeting were

– national players

The three players being debriefed by GFF President, Wayne Forde

excellent, as they prepared us for the next chapter.

When you work hard and are granted a contract, you’ll receive an income; so they showed us how to plan for our income, so we can use it wisely,” Dundas said.

Echoing the sentiments

expressed by his colleagues, Layne said the experience was profound. “From the first day, the environment was set to give that feeling that you’re in a professional space – from gears to schedules to the way injuries are treated. They made us feel

comfortable being aspiring professional footballers.

I will always remember the two workshops we had done, as both areas are important.

“Dealing with the media seems easy, but it is a skill that players need; and of course budgeting is an area

which needs attention. If you don’t budget, many things can go wrong, such as falling to bankruptcy,” he explained.

Relative to the next steps, GFF’s Technical Director Ian Greenwood said the MLS will contact the respective federations and provide a player report, which will serve to inform of the overall performance during the event.

The MLS Caribbean Combine was held in Bridgetown, Barbados from October 22 – 25, and featured players from 15 countries, all competing for a chance to play in the MLS. Countries at reference are St. Kitts & Nevis, Barbados, Trinidad & Tobago, Dominica, St. Vincent & The Grenadines, Grenada, Antigua & Barbuda, St Lucia, Montserrat, Martinique, Guadeloupe, French Guiana, Suriname, St Marten and St Maarten.

More teams record victories as NBS tournament continues in Berbice T

he countywide New Building Society 40Over Second Division Tournament continued last weekend with matches across the Ancient County of Berbice.

Organised by the Berbice Cricket Board, the tournament involves more than 80 teams divided into seventeen zones.

One team from each zone would advance to the Playoff segment.

At Hampshire, Fyrish Road Cricket Club defeated Belvedere United by 3 runs.

Fyrish Road, batting first, made 182 all out, with D. Persaud scoring 80 and I. Amin 20. Bowling for Belvedere, P. Moses claimed 3 for 30, H. Khemraj 3 for 23, and Sudesh Veerapen 3 for 26.

Belvedere United was unable to make the total, and

could muster only 179 all out in 36 overs. Michael Ishmael made 55 not out, while S. Tika snared 3 wickets for 30 runs.

At Bush Lot, Achievers Youth defeated Hopetown Spartans by 18 runs. Achievers Youth made a commanding 234 for 7 from 40 overs. Leading the innings was S. Angel with 79, Sherwin Mc Pherson scored 45 and Quacy Mc Pherson scored

Legendary Pakistan spinner Mushtaq Ahmed rejoins Windies as assistant coach

L

egendary Pakistan spinner Mushtaq Ahmed is set to take up the role of assistant coach on a permanent basis with the Windies cricket team.

The 48-year-old player joined the regional team on a short-term stint in May of this year. The role has officially now been upgraded to a long-term appointment that will require the retired spinner to commit 150 days a year to the job. Ahmed was officially expect-

ed to rejoin the team for the India tour but was prevented from doing so, hav-

ing had issues getting a visa for the campaign. The former spinner will now target the team’s upcoming tour against Bangladesh to rejoin the team. The Windies will play two Tests, three

O D I s a n d three T20Is. Following his short-term stint with the West Indies, Ahmed reprised his role as spin bowling coach of the National Cricket Academy in England. Having previously worked with England, Mushtaq was Pakistan’s bowling coach for 18 months being replaced by Azhar Mahmood last year. (Sportsmax)

37. Bowling for the Spartans were D. Mc Calmont with 2 for 22 and C. Benjamin with 2 for 30.

In reply Hopetown Spartans made 216 all out in 32.3 overs, with Steffon Adams top-scoring with 62. Kareeme Mentore made 25, Graseen Grant made 50 in a losing cause, and D. Samuels claimed 4 for 20 while R. Mitchell claimed 4 for 19.

At Hopetown, Paradise Challengers Cricket Club lost to Hopetown Spartans by 14 runs. Hopetown made 223 in 30 overs, with Derrick Mc Calmont scoring 51, Kenje Sedoc 26, and Oswald Cain 66.

C. Saul, who snared 3 wickets for 54 runs; E. Carmichael with 2 for 20, and Q. Aulder with 2 for 43 stopped them from racking up more runs.

Paradise Challengers, in reply, made 209 all out in 31 overs, as E. Fordyce with 53 and L. Davidson with 31 not out were not enough to prevent their side’s defeat. R. Edwards claimed 3 for 28, K. Sedoc 2 for 47, and E. Benjamin 2 for 23.

At Cotton Tree, Cotton Tree crushed No. 4 Cricket Club by a massive 319 runs. Batting first, Cotton Tree amassed a whopping 415 runs for loss of 9 wickets off 40 overs, with contributions coming from Mahendra Singh 100; Nick Ramsaroop 106 not out; Pooran Persaud 65, and Wagar Hassan 33. Bowling for No 4 were D. Chattergoon with 2 for 70 and T. Persaud with 3 for 48.

In reply No. 4 Cricket Club

made 96 all out in 26 overs, with K. Persaud on 24 and A. Johnson on 17, as H. Singh’s 3 for 16 and N. Gafoor’s 4 for 08 made a mockery of their batting lineup.

At Bush Lot, Bush Lot United defeated Paradise by 21 runs. Bush Lot United made 155 for 6 in 27 overs. Rajban Hemraj 37, Azgar Motaberk 23, and Enoch Carmichael claiming 4 for 34. In reply, Paradise could only make 154 for 9, with Dishan Phillips on 44 and Jermain Davis on 25, as Christopher Bissoon’s 2 for 13 and Joel Dilchand’s 2 for 18 gave Bush Lot the victory.

At Paradise Ground, Bush Lot Rising Stars defeated Bath Community Centre by two wickets. Bath Community Centre composed a below-par total of 156 all out in 23 overs. Leading the scoring was Ganesh Gossai on 36 and C. Amandaram on 29, as Remmant Gransond with 3 for 22; Mahendra Mahadeo 2 for 32, and C. Grant 2 for 13 were the pick of the bowlers.

In reply, Bush Lot Rising Stars Cricket Club chased down the total, making 160 for 8 in 10 overs, with a quickfire innings of 54 coming from Glenroy Fraser. R. Gransond supported with 24, Y. Budhu 20 and Devindra Bridgelall with 3 for 21.

At Port Mourant, Rose Hall Town Bakewell defeated Port Mourant by 5 wickets. Port Mourant Cricket Club could muster only 143 all out in 36

overs, with Daniel Samaroo contributing 52, Surendra Budhoo 30, and Kevin Sinclair bagging 3 for 30 with support coming from Kevlon Anderson with 2 for 20.

Rose Hall Town Bakewell then made 144 for 5 in 27 overs, with Jonathan Rampersaud scoring 55 not out.

At Crabwood Creek, Skeldon Titans won their match versus All Family by 418 runs. Skeldon amassed 469 for 7 from 40 overs, With Errol Byass scoring 193, Jermaine Reid 45, Gujendra Nauth 75 not out, and Gajendra Ramnarine 86. Bowling for All Family were Trevan Sukhu with 3 for 71, and Yusuf Ali with 2 for 45. In reply, All Family Cricket Club were bowled out for 51 in 13 overs, with Trevon Sukhu making 17, as Errol Byass followed up his batting performance with figures of 5 for 5 and Deon Esau 2 for 15.

At Tain, Block 4 defeated Tamarind Root Cricket Club by 4 wickets. Tamarind Root made 185 all out in 24 overs, with Michael Ramdihal making 58 and M. Hemraj 30 leading from the front. Mahendra Rabinranauth bagged 5 for 33, Ruel Porgass 2 for 29, and Govin Budhu 2 for 19.

Tain Block 4 then responded with 186 for 6, as Mahendra Mangal scored 40 and Zarudin Khan top-scored with 56, while Ruel Porgass made 32 and R. Deonarine claimed 2 for 41 as R. Rangasammy claimed 2 for 38.

20

GUYANATIMESgy.COM

saturdAY, october 27, 2018

"Whispering Death": Joshua Jones

By Brandon Corlette

T

he term “Whispering Death” reminds cricket fans of the great West Indies fast bowler Michael Anthony Holding, the Jamaican legend who was known as the most fearsome and intimidating bowler in world cricket.

If properly nurtured, 19-year-old Guyanese fast bowling sensation Joshua Joseph Jones can see his vast potential propel him to be considered the next “Whispering Death”.

Born on October 11, 1999 in the Suddie Public Hospital on the Essequibo Coast in Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam), Jones formerly attended Queenstown Nursery, Queenstown Primary and Cotton Field Secondary schools.

Now a tall and well-built athlete with the appearance of a professional wrestler and the structure of a power-lifter, Jones told this reporter in an exclusive interview with the Guyana Times Sport: “I have always loved football, but I took up cricket seriously when I was around 13 years old, and have never looked back since.”

This vibrant young athlete is able to generate extreme pace, hitting the wicket hard and creating chances. He is one weapon every captain requires to destroy any team.

At the inter-county level, Jones’s best bowling figures are an aggressive 6-40 against the Guyana under 17 select team. In national colours, Jones has bowled brilliantly in the Regional youth tournaments over the years, but his

most spirited bowling performance was against a powerful Jamaica under 19 team, against whom he grabbed 3-19.

Jones was involved in the one-day and three-day formats of the 2018 Regional under 19 tournaments, where, with his express pace, he troubled numerous batsmen, who smelled the leather ball.

Fittingly, Jones admires his countryman Keemo Paul, and his favourite cricketer is South African fast bowling ace Kagiso Rabada. In approximately five years, Jones is hoping to play international cricket, but simultaneously he is striving to become that cricketer who will take the West Indies back to their glory days. Ironically, the teenage fast bowler is hoping the West Indies can again become the most fearsome team with intimidating fast bowlers.

Jones is a once-in-a-generation talent, having represented Guyana in cricket at the under 15 level, and doing so twice at the under 17 level and twice at the under 19 level.

Joshua Jones is inspired and motivated by Otto Christiani, Forbes Daniels and his mother. Each new day is a new opportunity to improve, he says. Jones continuously works to improve his bowling, as fitness is essential in the game of cricket. With the growth and development of his cricket, he is certainly a prospect to keep a lookout for in the future. Essequibo has been known for producing international fast bowlers the likes of

GOA concludes Sports Admin Course in Berbice

Joshua Jones attempts to bowl a fearsome delivery

Ronsford Beaton and Keemo Paul. Jones is hoping to follow in the footsteps of his countymen, since he represents Essequibo at the Inter-County level, and has played for Guyana youth teams in various Regional cricket tournaments.

Jones also has a passion for athletics, he represented Guyana at throwing the shot put, discus and Javelin. He currently is the junior record holder for shot put in Guyana.

The young speedster enjoys dancehall music and action movies, while chicken fried rice has been his favourite dish.

The participants take a photo op following conclusion of the Sports Administrators Course

T

he Guyana Olympic Association (GOA), in collaboration with Olympic Solidarity, continues to increase the number of local sports administrators with the main aim of improving sports in Guyana.

In this regard, the GOA has conducted its 19th Sports Administrators Course over the period 18th – 21st October, 2018. The venue for this year’s course was the Guyana Teachers’ Union Conference Centre in New Amsterdam, Berbice.

This has been the fourth occasion that this course has been held outside of Georgetown, and the second time that it has been held at this particular venue. The first such course held outside of Georgetown was conducted there in 2007.

Welcoming the participants at the opening ceremony for this year was done

by Course Director Garfield Wiltshire, while overview of the course and opening remarks were given by Course Director Claude Blackmore.

This year’s course had 25 participants drawn mainly from the county of Berbice, and several of the “Presenters” came from outside of the list of Certified Course Directors of the Guyana Olympic Association.

The programme saw the

return from overseas studies of Nutritionist within the Ministry of Public Health, Abigale Caleb, who lectured on the topic “Importance of Sports Nutrition”, while a newcomer to the programme who hails from the same Ministry was Phychologist Mosa Hutson, who dealt with the topic “Mental Health in Sports”, a topic continued among the participants even after this lecturer had departed.

Similar participants’ reactions were given to a number of other presentations, the most pronounced seemingly one given by Theodore Henry, whose topic, Strength and Conditioning in Sports, saw parts of it where participants had to vacate their seats to do the practical demonstrations.

A jovial part of the course was the bantering among the participants as to who could have been arrested as against those who would have been charged by the Police, as Attorney-at-Law Emily Dodson presented on her topic, Sport and the Law. Participants also engaged in a panel discussion on “The important role Sports play in the development of Individuals”.

Among the other topics covered were Combining Education and Sports; Governance of a Sports

Organisation; Women in Sport; Sports for All; Conducting Meetings/ Effective Communication; Values and Ethics in Sports; Planning, Decision Making and Evaluation/Preparing of a budget for a Sports Delegation; Challenges facing Sports in developing Countries; Volunteerism; Government and Sports; the Olympic Movement; Olympic Solidarity and its Programmes; National Team Selection; Budget and Money Management.

Participants had a session in which they dealt with Group Work topics, which were immediately followed by a “Review of their Group Work Topics”, after which the participants wrote an examination.

An Evaluation that followed saw Lakeisha Pearson emerging at the top performer, while Robin Leach Wilkinson and Dinesh Roopnarine were second and third respectively.

The closing ceremony was chaired by TaylorTrim, a Course Director, with Blackmore presenting a “Review of the Course” and Charles Corbin undertaking the duties of Introducing the Guest Speaker, Winifred Heywood, Mayor of New Amsterdam, who delivered the charge to the participants.

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sports

21

Champions Games begin today

U

nder the theme “Crossing the finish line”, The National Youth Ministries of the Assemblies of God in Guyana will be hosting their annual Day of Sports, branded ‘Champions’ Games 2018’, today at the Leonora Synthetic Track, West Coast Demerara.

The day’s events will commence with the March Past, wherein 12 sections drawn from churches throughout Guyana will be represented. This will then be followed by the track and field events; then cricket, football, and other fun events as the sections compete to be crowned overall winner.

Speaking with Guyana Times Sport, National Youth Director Winston Assanah disclosed that the event is aimed at mobilising young people through physical activities. He said everyone has a ministry, and while some are not athletically inclined, there are those who have a passion for sports, whether it is track and field, football or cricket; and, as Director, he wants to harness the full potential of the youths. Assanah also said the annu-

AOG National Youth Director Winston Assanah

al sporting event is a nursery for national and international athletes, as some of Guyana’s best can be birthed from this event. He said also that the event helps to promote fellowship among the young people. Events manager Shane Moses also said that even if all the sections do

not participate, they have pledged their full support for the event, and for making it a success. The games will comprise 24 track events featuring participation in the Male and Female categories, and fans will be able to witness the Open Male and the Open Female 3000-metre races; the 400-metre Open Male and Open Female races; the Under-17 Male and Female races; the 1500-metre Open Male and Female races; the 200-metre Under-15, -17 and Open Male and Female races; 800-metre Open Male and Female races; and the two most exciting events: the 100-metre and 4 x 100 metre Male and Female races.

Alongside these events will be novel events such as the lime and spoon race, sack race, tug-o-war, Crix Relay, and many other activities throughout the day. Some of the sponsors on board are Andrews Supermarket on Aubrey Barker Road; T/A Shaw’s Investments located in Bar Street, Kitty; and Dunamis Studios found at 1566 South Ruimveldt Park.

Admission to the event is $200. (Timothy Jaikarran)

Wiltshire & Shemar Trucking to host ‘Champion of Champions’ Domino Tournament O

rganising Secretary of the Georgetown Domino Association (GDA), Mark ‘Jumbie’ Wiltshire, has teamed up with Shemar Trucking Service to host the Champion of Champions Part 2 Domino Competition, tomorrow at the Green City Restaurant & Bar at Durban Street & Vlissengen Road, Lodge, Georgetown.

At a simple ceremony recently conducted at the company’s premises in Durban Street, Lodge, Managing Director Duean Boston handed over to Wiltshire a cheque for an undisclosed sum in furtherance of staging this domino competition.

According to a release from the organisers, most of the country’s top teams have been invited to participate in the competition, and the total prize money is in excess of $200,000, along with trophies.

Wiltshire, one of the stalwarts of the game and one of the persons responsible for its meteoric rise in popularity, said a number of teams have been given automatic qualification, including All Seasons, C7, C6, Gold For Money, All Players, Phantom, Turning Point, Gangsta, Mix-up, Spartans, Providence, Thunder, Lions, OPKO, Transport, and Angels among others.

Among those invited are: Bank

Managing Director of Shemar Trucking Service, Duean Boston (right), handing over the cheque to Mark Wiltshire

of Guyana, GGMC, Sunflower, Top Gun, Orange Walk, Strikers, Masters, Rockets, Linden and Bartica.

According to the release, the winning team will receive $175,000 and a trophy, while 2nd and 3rd place finishers will take home $75,000 and $35,000 respectively.

The Most Valuable Player of the Final will be awarded $5,000.

Among the other sponsors on board are: All Seasons Racing Service, Big Boss Trucking Service, and Boston’s Pawn Shop.

All GNDA rules will be in effect, while Bar-B-Cue and drinks will be sold throughout the day.

Double-six time is 13:00hrs Interested teams can contact Wiltshire on tele#665-5855.

Super50 fast bowlers settle the score... on the track with Suzuki

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hree of the fastest bowlers in this year’s Super50 Cup got the chance to experience speed in a different way thanks to Suzuki Caribbean, sponsors of the Super50 Cup High Performance Bowling Rankings, powered by Suzuki.

They were taken to Bushy Park in Barbados, where cars hit speeds double or even triple times what they bowl.

They've proven themselves on the pitch, so it was time to settle the score off the cricket field. The fastest bowler on the track would be settled not with a ball in hand, but rather with a crash helmet and their hands behind a steering wheel.

Reynard Leveridge of the

Jamaica Scorpions, Clinton Pestano of the Guyana Jaguars and Ojay Shields of the CCC Marooners got in their Suzukis to take on the Bushy Park circuit, and were accompanied by professional co-drivers.

The practice rounds proved to be a crucial learning experience for the pacers.

Controlling those cars at such speeds is equally as challenging as putting the ball in the right places at 90mph.

When put against the clock, Shields had a best time of 1:33.06 which saw him finish third. The runner-up, Clinton Pestano, had a best time of 1:29.951, crowning Leveridge the fastest fast-bowler on the track, with

Reynard Leveridge (centre) celebrates being the fastest fast bowler of the track while Clinton Pestano (right) was second, and Ojay Shields, third

a time of 1.22.444. He celebrated on top of the podium like Lewis Hamilton winning the Formula 1 championship.

Reacting to his win, Leveridge said driving at such

speeds is a “better adrenaline rush” than bowling such speeds. “This is so much fun…

I like this. I like this a lot,” he said, still in his glee after the victory. (windies cricket)

22 Palm Court onboard with Kobras, Sonics cause Guyana Softball Cup 8 upset in GABA League GUYANATIMESgy.COM

saturdAY, october 27, 2018

– action continues today

Vice-President of the GFSCA, Ramesh Sunich, receiving an undisclosed amount of cash from Palm Court’s head accountant Tiya Chung, while Sophia Ramphal looks on

A

ction in the Guyana Softball Cup commenced on Friday with several teams playing preliminary matches across different venues in Guyana.

Along with the many sponsors on board, the prestigious Palm Court Restaurant and Bar located on Main Street Georgetown has thrown its support behind the event.

During a simple meeting on Thursday, Palm Court’s head accountant, Tiya Chung, handed over an undisclosed sum of cash to the Guyana Floodlights Softball Cricket Association’s (GFSCA) Vice President, Ramesh Sunich.

Besides Palm Court’s generous donation, other entities have donated towards staging of the Guyana Softball Cup, among

which are Steve’s Jewellery, whose gold pendants crafted in the shape of cricket bats accentuated with diamond studs are for the Most Valuable Player (MVP) in the Open, Over-45 and Over-50 categories; while the Survival Group of Companies will give fans at the gate opportunity to win one of five hampers. Three lucky couples will also have the chance to win a trip to Kaieteur Falls and Orinduik Falls.

The preliminary matches will be played at the following grounds: Eve Leary, DCC, Malteenoes Sports Club, GNIC SC, Ogle, Muslim Youth Organisation, Carifesta Sports Complex, Queen’s College and St Stanislaus.

The Open segment of the tournament will feature teams such as Regal All Stars, Blairmont, Speedboat, Farm, SVC, Corriverton, Cotton Field Wild Oats; and there will be two teams each from Canada and USA, all battling for glory.

In the Over-40 division, the teams will consist of: Regal Masters, champions of the Prime Minister’s Cup; besides Floodlights, Fisherman, Mike’s Wellman, Parika Defenders, Essequibo, Albion Masters and New York Hustlers Masters.

The action will also take place in the Over-50 category with teams such as Ariel, NY Hustlers, President’s XI, Orlando Masters, Floodlight Legends, SCI Miami, Savage, and two teams from Canada.

The female category will also see Trophy Stall Angels, 4R Lioness, Mike’s Wellwoman and Karibee Girls vying for glory on the field.

Some of the sponsors on board thus far are ANSA McAL under its Lucozade, Stag and iCool Water brands; Mike’s Pharmacy; Rubis Guyana; Trophy Stall; Survival Group of Companies; A and R Jewanram Printery; Rohan Auto Spares; Steve’s Jewellery; Ramchand’s Auto Spares; Clear Water; Busta; WJ Enterprise, Nand Persaud & Company Limited, and Palm Court. (Timothy Jaikarran)

The Guardians in their last encounter

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n the 2018 Rainforest Water/Malta Supreme/ Georgetown Amateur Basketball Association (GABA) League, play in Thursday night’s competition at the Burnham Hard Court on Carmichael Street produced the shock of a lifetime, as the Kobras defeated the Plaisance Guardians and the Pepsi Sonics walked away with a win over the Eagles.

In the first match-up of the night, the Kobras took on the in-form Plaisance Guardians.

With the Guardians riding a wave of terrific form, it was a foregone conclusion that they would easily emerge winners.

However, the script was written otherwise, and the Kobras prevailed to leave the shellshocked Guardians staring incredulously at a score of 6360 in favour of the Kobras.

Even with the likes of the power duo Jared Sears and Terrence Daniels playing for the Guardians, the defensive

play of the Kobras was able to withstand the Guardians.

Such was the resilience of the Kobras that of the four quarters in the game, they led in two, tied in one, and lost the final quarter; but it wasn’t enough to save the Guardians from a three-point defeat.

Scoring for the Kobras, Akeem Morrison led with an impressive 20 points, supported by Akil Hughes and Justin Algu with 14 and 11 points respectively. For the Guardians, it was Jared Sears and Terrence Daniels who attempted the resurgence, but failed in their endeavour as time just wasn’t on their side.

The Guardians will now return to review their game strategies, and hopefully make an epic comeback. As for the Kobras, the victory will definitely boost team confidence as they continue their season. In the second match of the night, the Pepsi Sonics

faced the Eagles in the Second Division league. With the likes of Sherland Gillis and Shamar Huntley, the Eagles were expected to prey on the Sonics; but just like what obtained in the first match, the Sonics surprised the Eagles with a 79-75 defeat.

Huntley and Gillis dominated play, ending the night on 30 and 19 points respectively; but no other member of their team was able to score in double figures, whereas the combined efforts of Darren Vanderstoop (18), Captain Lemuel Grant (17), Jamal Bookery (13) and Leron Vyphuis (11) produced the wind in the sails of the Sonics team.

The action will continue today with the Guardians taking on the Vikings, and the UG Trojans clashing with the unstoppable Eagles in the second and first divisions respectively. (Timothy Jaikarran)

GFF ‘Always’ National Women’s Development League kicks off today

Gaico Managing Director Komal Singh presenting the sponsorship cheque to National Player Lakeisha Pearson in the presence of GFF’s Third Vice President, Thandi Mc Allister

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he Guyana Football Federation’s (GFF’s) ‘Always’ National Women’s Development League (WDL) will kick off today in Georgetown, getting women across the country ready for consistent and competitive football.

The matches, scheduled for the Tucville Ground in Georgetown, will see Fruta Conquerors “B” team face off against Foxy Ladies at 14:00hrs, while Buxton Youth Developers will play Fruta Conquerors’ “A” team at 16:00hrs. GFF President, Wayne Forde, will be present at the Tucville Ground to open the proceedings.

This Always league will be played in 11 regions, including Upper Demerara, Essequibo, Mahdia, Berbice, Bartica and Moruca.

Matches in the other regions are scheduled to begin on November 3. Meanwhile, Gaico Construction, on October 23, made a sponsorship commitment to the WDL to facilitate the smooth execution of the tournament. Following presentation of that cheque, Gaico Managing Director Komal Singh said Gaico is pleased to partner with the GFF on this initiative. “Gaico Construction is pleased to be a part of this initiative, to

help promote women’s empowerment locally, so our womenfolk can become more confident, move forward, and begin embracing more leadership roles in our society,” Singh disclosed.

Receiving the cheque on behalf of the GFF were female national player Lakeisha Pearson and Third Vice President of the GFF, Thandi Mc Allister.

Among other things the WDL seeks to do is significantly increase the player population across Guyana; act as a base for talent identification and recruitment; and produce players for the GFF national teams.

guyanatimesgy.com

saturdAY, october 27, 2018

23

Over $300M injected into new synthetic tracks T

he Ministry of Social Cohesion, with Responsibility for Sport, yesterday sealed contracts with two Guyanese construction companies, initiating the third phase of work on the new synthetic tracks to be laid in Region Six, East Berbice/Corentyne, and Region Ten, Upper DemeraraUpper Berbice.

The two new tracks -at Burnham Park, New Amsterdam, Berbice and Bayrock Community Centre ground at Wismar, Linden -- will carry to three the total of such tracks to be laid in Guyana, following the laying of the Leonora Synthetic Track.

The bidding process for the construction works was carried out by the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB), which saw the project at Region Six receiving 14 tenders and at Region Ten receiving 12 tenders.

Assistant Director of Sport, Melissa Dow-Richardson, detailed the work that will be

done by the two companies which have emerged successful from the bidding process.

“We’re in phase three, this is specific to the ground preparation. There will be ground work, the laying of drainage pipes, curb works, asphalting and concrete where necessary. This is prior to stage four, where the laying of the synthetic material will be done,” Dow- Richardson explained.

The contract for the Berbice track has been awarded to BK International at a cost of $141 million, while the Linden track will be done

by Builders Hardware and Supplies at a cost of $179 million.

Minister of Social Cohesion, Dr. George Norton, expressed his satisfaction with the construction of new tracks, noting that the pressure would be taken off the lone track at Leonora, which is experiencing some deterioration.

“I am indeed pleased, but I must confess that this signing is long overdue. It

Social Cohesion Ministry Permanent Secretary, Melissa Tucker, has been given the honour of officially signing the contract with Builders Hardware and Supplies representative Rajesh Samaroo

was only last year (that), for the first time, we had our National School Athletics Championships being run on a synthetic track at Leonora.

(In) my last inspection of that facility, it was not too encouraging,” he said.

Dr. Norton detailed the complications with the existing track, stating, “The actual synthetic material, we found that it has been eroded, and through the innovation of ground staff, they managed to patch the different areas; but

Joint Services Sports…

GPF snatch title from GDF

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he Guyana Police Force (GPF) have truly shown their mettle in a domination of the 2018 edition of the

contention for the championship always rests between the GPF and the GDF. With athletic teams that train almost every day

George, Natasha Alder and Winston Missinger. The Police team clinched wins in the 800 metre women’s sprint medley, women’s

A glimpse at the men’s high jump which was dominated by the GPF

highly competitive Joint Services track and field sporting activities.

Participation in the event came from the GPF, the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), the Guyana Fire Service (GFS), the Guyana Prison Service (GPS); and even the City Constabulary, which made appearances in a few events; but anyone familiar with the annual activity is aware that the true

of the year, this is the event that they await in order to showcase their skills.

At the last hosting of the event in 2016, The GDF recorded a daunting 88-point victory over their longtime rivals, GPF. But this year, the law officers had enough time to strategise and come up with their A game.

Shining for the Police Team were the likes of Alita Moore, Winston

distance medley, women’s long jump, women’s discus throw, women’s javelin throw, women’s 3000 metre race; men’s 5000 metre race, men’s distance medley, mixed road relay, men’s 200 metre race, men’s high jump, and women’s 100 metre race.

The Police contingent were ecstatic at finally copping the championships, after the GDF had held it for three years.

it is only a temporary measure to correct the situation.

A few weeks ago I was there, and those areas that were patched are already deteriorating.”

The Minister has stressed

that the additional synthetic surfaces would go a long way towards improving the level of athletics in Guyana.

“We’re hoping that, with this effort, it will bring us closer to where we want to be,” Dr. Norton said.

Works are expected to commence seven days after the signing of the contracts, which projects to next Friday; and the timeline given for the duration of phase three is said to be between 3 and 6 months.

When probed by media operatives about sticking to their deadline, Rajesh Samaroo of Builders Hardware and Supplies gave all assurance that the company will complete the work on time.

“With regards to the deadline, it depends on the weather, but surely we should finish

on time,” Samaroo stated.

Subsequently, Minister Norton was questioned about how the Ministry will keep an eye on the works, to ensure they are up to standard. He hinted that the communities would be the eyes and ears in this regard.

“What I can assure you is that this Ministry, with the hands-on approach, has been in the areas, particularly in Linden and New Amsterdam, and we invited all the stakeholders to our meetings there, and we’ve implored them to follow as closely as possible what is taking place, so that the community itself is actually involved. We find that this is a very effective way of monitoring and evaluation,” He stated.

Marooners shipwreck Red Force to join Jaguars in Super50 final

– Jordan takes 5 for 18…

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rinidad and Tobago Red Force came into the second semis with 10 Windies selected players and the reputation of being the overwhelming favourites to join the Guyana Jaguars in the finals; but nobody asked for the opinion of the Combined Campus and Colleges (CCC) Marooners, who trounced the Red Force team by seven wickets on the back of Akeem Jordan’s brilliance.

Playing at the Kensington Oval in Bridgetown, Barbados, the Red Force, who took first strike, saw the explosive Simmons and Narine, opening the batting, being removed in the first 14 balls of the innings.

Lendl Simmons was removed

by Jermaine Levy with only three runs on the board.

The horror continued for the Red Force batsmen with all of the axed West Indies players scoring a paltry 9 runs combined.

Sunil Narine was the first of Akeem Jordan’s five victims, scoring only one run. Then the classy left-handed Darren Bravo was bowled all over the place by Jordan, who continued a magical spell in which he removed Jason Mohammed and Denish Ramdin in the space of two deliveries.

However, the Red Force leading batsman this season, Nicholas Pooran, looked dangerous as he smashed a maximum; but his stay at the crease was brief, as the impressive Jordan claimed the prize wicket.

The senior Bravo brother, Dwayne, who recently announced his retirement from international cricket, offered some resistance as he topscored with 27 from 36 balls, including three boundaries and one maximum. Keiron Pollard and Rayad Emrit likewise amassed double figures with scores of 16 and 15 respectively; but the Red Force were nevertheless bowled out for an embarrassing 92.

Evidently, Akeem Jordan was the pick of the bowlers with his career best 5-18 in 10 overs.

He even had 4 superb maiden

Akeem Jordan leaps into the air to celebrate one of his five wickets

overs. Khesan Ottley supported with two wickets as the confident Marooners completed a spirited bowling performance.

In reply, the Marooners made light work of the chase, with few hiccups. Opener Kyle Corbin was removed by spin king Sunil Narine for 2 runs in the third over, while Amir Jangoo was out early to Rampaul for 11 runs.

Red Force tried to fight back, but it was Kjorn Ottley (39*) and the eldest player in

the Marooners team, Carlos Brathwaite, (29*) who saw their team over the line in the 17th over. Three Red Force bowlers were used, with Narine, Rampaul and Pierre picking up one wicket each. The underdogs CCC Marooners will now join powerhouses Guyana Jaguars in the Regional Super 50 tournament on Sunday October 28. Will the Guyana Jaguars cruise to victory, or will the Marooners spoil their party? (Brandon Corlette)

3

SCOREBOARD

T&T Innings (Maximum 50 overs) Lendl Simmons c Jangoo b Levy 2 S Narine c Jangoo b Jordan 1 DM Bravo b Jordan 6 J Mohammed c Jangoo b Jordan 0 D Ramdin *+ c Kirton b Jordan 0 N Pooran c Jangoo b Jordan 9 DJ Bravo c Drakes b Brathwaite 27 K Pollard c Kirton b Ottley 16 R Emrit not out 15 K Pierre c Ottley b Jaggesar 9 R Rampaul c Drakes b Ottley 0 Extras 7 (Lb 1, W6) Total 92-10 (33.0 Overs) FOW: 1 - 3(Simmons, 1.4 Ov), 2 - 3(Narine, 2.2 Ov), 3 - 3(Mohammed, 2.5 Ov), 4 - 3(Ramdin, 2.6 Ov), 5 20(Pooran, 8.1 Ov), 6 - 25(Bravo, 10.1 Ov), 7 - 58(Pollard, 18.5 Ov), 8 - 66(Bravo, 19.6 Ov), 9 - 89(Pierre, 29.5 Ov), 10

- 92(Rampaul, 32.6 Ov) Bowlers: A Jordan (10-4-185), J Levy (5-0-24-1), J Jaggesar (6-1-15-1), C Brathwaite (50-19-1), K Ottley (7-0-15-2) CCC Innings (Target 93) K Corbin c DJ Bravo b Narine 2 Kjorn Ottley not out 39 Amir Jangoo + c Emrit b Rampaul 11 Jonathan Drakes lbw Pierre 3 Carlos Brathwaite * not out 29 Extras 9 (w 9) Total (16.2 Overs) 93-3 FOW: 1 - 3(Corbin, 2.1 Ov), 2 - 29(Jangoo, 5.1 Ov), 3 - 52(Drakes, 10.3 Ov) DNB - Nicholas Rasheed Kirton , Jermaine Levy , Keron Cottoy , Akeem Jordan , Jon-Russ Jaggesar , Khesan Ottley Bowlers: S Narine (8-236-1), R Rampaul (3-0-151), K Pierre (5.2-0-42-1)

saturdAY, october 27, 2018

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

guyanatimesgy.com

Over 300M injected into new synthetic tracks Page 23

Social Cohesion Minister with responsibility for Sport, Dr George Norton presents the contract to representatives of Builders Hardware and Supplies and BK International

Joint Services Sports

Page 23

GPF snatch title from GDF

A GPF sprinter beats out the competition in the Men’s 200m event

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