Guyana Times August 29 2018

Prayer service kicks off Amerindian Heritage Month celebrations P15

Nationwide coverage from the best news team in Guyana guyanatimesgy.com

THE BEACON OF TRUTH

Wednesday, August 29, 2018

Issue No. 3670

Granger hand-picks 5 for Top Police post

– David Ramnarine not on the list

Page 2

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WHAT'S INSIDE:

GA-FDD P13 laboratories receive Certificate of Accreditation from JANAAC

Son jailed for 26 years for killing father P8

Maxine Graham

Leslie James

Nigel Hoppie

Paul Williams

Lyndon Alves

Prolonged power outages

Department of Energy P2 appoints oil and gas adviser

Essequibo Coast on 3-month wait for new generators Page 9

…temporary measures being sought – CEO ...normal power supply by mid-December Teachers' strike

Region 2 man charged for raping women during home invasions P8

Pensioner found P2 murdered in home

Parents, Minister clash at Georgetown meeting Page 11

Govt continues to ignore advice on wasteful spending – former Minister

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...makes calls to re-prioritise to include critical economic-driven projects

Living Conditions Survey will establish new poverty lineP–12 Chief Statistician

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Granger hand-picks 5 for Top Police post – David Ramnarine not on the list

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resident David Granger has hand picked five top-ranking officials of the Guyana Police Force for the top Police post but acting Police Commissioner, David Ramnarine has been excluded.

They are Assistant Commissioner of Police Lyndon Alves, Maxine Graham, Leslie James, Nigel Hoppie and Paul Williams.

The list was sent to Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo on Tuesday evening. Nevertheless, Guyana Times understands that the President did not identify his preference for the Top Cop post and that of the Deputy Commissioners but rather presented five names to the Opposition Leader.

This however, is in contradiction with Article 211 (1) of the Constitution which states “The Commissioner of Police and every Deputy Commissioner of Police shall be appointed by the President acting after meaningful consultation with the Opposition Leader and Chairman of the Police

Acting Police Commissioner David Ramnarine

Service Commission after the Chairperson has consulted with other members of the Commission”.

The consultation between the President and Opposition Leader is set for Thursday morning at State House, Main Street, Georgetown at 11:00h.

At that meeting, it is expected that the new Police Commissioner and the deputies will be named.

On the other hand, Guyana Times understands that while Public Security Minister Khemraj

Ramjattan has recommended current acting Top Cop David Ramnarine for the post of Top Cop, he was not considered for the post or that of the Deputy Commissioner.

Only recently President David Granger had said that he wants an “unbribable” person to be appointed in that capacity.

Following the retirement of Police Commissioner Seelall Persaud, there has been much speculation over who will succeed him.

While current acting Police Commissioner Ramnarine has held the fort for some time now and is perceived as a possible successor, the Commission of Inquiry (CoI) into an alleged plot to assassinate the President put a damper on those chances.

Over the course of the CoI, a number of officers were summoned and even upbraided for their work during the investigation. Besides the senior officers, junior officers were also criticised by Assistant Commissioner Paul Slowe, who was appointed by the

President to carry out the probe.

Ramnarine was one of those who made an appearance before the CoI. When the dust settled and the report handed over, it included recommendations for sanctions against Ramnarine for the handling of the investigation by the officers involved.

Ramnarine was later interviewed for the position of Police Commissioner.

In fact, Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo had raised concerns with the lack of transparency and openness surrounding the operations of the controversial Lindo Creek CoI. He noted that it could very well result in stories being concocted and falsified to accomplish a particular political outcome. More so, he added that the CoI was held to undermine those in the Police Force who had indicted their interest in the Top Police post.

Also interviewed for the top post were Assistant Police Commissioner Clifton Hicken and Marlon Chapman.

Department of Energy appoints oil and gas adviser

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atthew Wilks, who has 32 years of experience in the global oil and gas industry, has been appointed Oil and Gas Adviser in the Department of Energy within the Ministry of the Presidency.

The Ministry of the Presidency has, in a release, stated that Wilks is an experienced senior oil and gas business developer and negotiator in the globe, spanning all segments of the energy value chain, including exploration and production, liquid natural gas, pipeline transportation, power generation, and project financing.

Moreover, it was outlined that he previously held management responsibilities for international asset management and joint venture operations.

During his career, he has worked for, or opposite, several heads of state, other senior Government officials, and senior corporate executives.

The Ministry has said the new adviser, who will be based in Georgetown, has worked in Asia, East Africa, Europe, the Middle East, and South America; and had corporate portfolio responsibility

Matthew Wilks

for assets in Central Asia, the Levant, and North Africa.

“Wilks, most recently, was Chief Commercial Officer at Maersk Oil, where he was involved in projects in Angola, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Norway, and Qatar. Before that, Mr. Wilks worked at BG Group, where he was Country Manager for Tanzania at the time of significant offshore discoveries and rapid sector development there. He worked on projects in Bolivia, Egypt, Libya, Palestine, and Thailand, also at BG Group” the Ministry of Presidency detailed.

Pensioner found murdered in home

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pensioner was found dead in his yard at Annandale, East Coast Demerara (ECD), with injuries to his head and right eye. The dead man has been identified as 72-year-old Krishnachand Dabee of Lot 149 Annandale South, ECD. Reports are the man’s body was discovered at about 19:00h by his daughter and Police.

Guyana Times was told that the deceaed’s daughter, Ramona Dabee, a lecturer at the University of Guyana, made several attempts to contact her father but the telephone went unanswered and she went to the Vigilance Police Station and made a re-

port.

In responding to the report, a team of Police ranks went to the house at Annandale with the daughter and there they found the senior Dabee lying face up with injuries to his right eye and to the back of his head.

The Police have since confirmed that one of the rooms in the house was ransacked and from all indications, Dabee was killed during a robbery.

When contacted, the man’s daughter declined to speak about the incident, stating that the family is in mourning.

Guyana Times understands that the man lived with his wife who has been

a patient at the Georgetown Public Hospital for the past month. At the time of the suspected robbery, the man was at home alone.

A resident in the area told this publication that the now dead man’s wife was a teacher and after retiring, she fell ill. According to the resident, the woman is currently hospitalised.

“When I passing, I does see he watering his plants in the yard… he is a kind of reserved person; one who always keep to himself,” the resident said.

The man’s body was taken to the Lyken’s Funeral Home where it awaits a post-mortem examination as Police continue their investigations.

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BRIDGE OPENINGS The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Wednesday, August 29 – 05:00h-06:30h and Thursday, August 30 – 05:00h-06:30h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Wednesday, August 29 – 06:00h-07:30h and Thursday, August 30 – 06:30h-08:00h.

Govt continues to ignore advice on wasteful spending – former Minister ...makes calls to re-prioritise to include critical economic-driven projects

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY Sunny intervals can be expected throughout the day, with clear skies in the evening. Temperatures are expected to range between 20 degrees Celsius and 30 degrees Celsius.

Winds: South South-easterly to East South-easterly and Easterly to East North-easterly between 1.78 metres and 5.36 metres.

High Tide: 06:07h and 18:24h reaching maximum heights of 2.71 metres and 2.67 metres respectively.

Low Tide: 12:00h reaching a minimum height of 0.54 metre.

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Opposition MP and former Minister, Irfaan Ali

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n citing a recent International Monetary Fund (IMF) Report that has highlighted the need for Government to cut back on its wasteful spending, former People’s Progressive Party (PPP) Minister Irfaan Ali said the recommendations should be taken seriously.

He was referring to the recently concluded 2018 staff report by the IMF on Guyana’s economy, where the international financial institution made two main policy recommendations, and where it underscored the importance of macroeconomic and financial stability.

On the notion of preserving macroeconomic stability, a policy that prepares an economy for growth by safeguarding it against external shocks, the IMF had cautioned the Government of continued expansionary fiscal policy. This involves increased Government spending.

According to the report, the IMF is extremely concerned how short-term fiscal deficit is being financed: primarily, by usurping domestic credit. Allocation of scarce resources to best meet the needs of the people through wealth generation and improved wellbeing is crucial.

Ali told Guyana Times that from 2014 to 2018, the trajectory, however, has been one that represents reckless spending. Moreover, Government increased its dependence and reliance on domestic credit to fund shortterm fiscal deficit. Statistics indicate that from 2014 to 2017, domestic borrowing increased by more than twofold, from $11.3 billion to $23 billion.

In 2018, it is further estimated to increase by another $11 billion to $34 billion.

Hence, this huge increase, indeed, would crowd out private investment. The crowding out effect is the increase in interest rates because of higher levels of Government borrowing. This, however, means the increase in Government borrowing leads to greater demand for loanable funds, increasing interest rates. When this happens, it's more expensive for private companies to borrow and invest.

Meanwhile, according to the latest Bank of Guyana (BoG) Statistical Abstract, for the month of June, loans and advances from commercial banks to individual customers contracted by more than 6.5 per cent or $2.4 billion, during the first six months of 2018. Central Government, on the other hand, recorded a huge increase in borrowing by more than 1600 per cent or $61.3 billion.

Ali, who is the economic spokesman for the Opposition said it is interesting to note, that projected fiscal expenditure in 2018, when compared

Finance Minister Winston Jordan

to 2015, is expected to increase by more than $75 billion or 39 percent, in tandem with an increase in fiscal deficit by more than $33.7 billion or 375 percent.

“From 2017-2018, fiscal expenditure is anticipated to increase by $18 billion or 7.2 per cent, attracting a budget deficit of $9 billion. Of the two major components to fiscal expenditure, capital and recurrent, the latter, when compared to 2014, is projected to increase by $46 billion by the end 2018, in comparison to an increase of $8 billion by its counterpart, capital expenditure.” turn to page 7

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

Teachers’ strike: A certainty in the uncertainties

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he new school academic year is expected to commence on Monday, September 3. Come that day, thousands of our nation’s children will be attending school for the first time, going to a new school or to a new level. It is always a moment of pride, expectation and a bit of apprehension as a next stage along the path of enlightenment and personal development is undertaken.

There will be tremendous pride for those who were successful at the previous stage with the expectation of similar results as new challenges are confronted. However, apprehension always seems to lurk given the uncertainty that can prevail over what this new path can bring.

Given what is currently unfolding with regard to the current strike by teachers, uncertainty seems sure come Monday. For the multitude in the process of preparing for that historic first day within the public school system, there must be concerns especially for those rife with expectation on both sides; teachers and students.

For the young minds, more so those entering high school, Monday’s moment is another stepping stone and generally an eagerly anticipated one. It is not dissimilar for the teachers as they look forward to welcoming their new batch to mould over the next year. It is also a time when their own success can be seen at different levels as their previous batch take another step in the process of advancement. Unfortunately, the stage seems very much unprepared as Monday approaches.

There is no disputing the need for teachers to benefit from increased salaries as other public servants. With the focus currently on the teachers, their plight continues to be played out for all to see.

Their clarion call for much needed increases has reached the stage of strike and protest action as negotiations remain unsuccessful.

One of the uncertainties is how long this will obtain.

There is no doubt of the impact the strike will have, especially if it were to be prolonged. There is no argument over the important role teachers continue to play in the development of children and the nation by producing the necessary human resource skill. Teachers are also part of that critical human resource and like everyone else, have challenges including having to provide for their own children who attend school.

To provide what it takes is burdensome for many and the removal of the education grant compounds the situation, as do increase taxation and the continuous rise in cost of living. This makes current salaries woefully inadequate to mitigate the increasing demands. Come September, teachers and students who use public transportation will have to pay more for their commute as increase in minibus fares are expected as agreed with officials and operators.

This is not a charge they and the other users of public transportation can escape when implemented. As a matter of fact, this increase has already been enforced in some areas and deeming it illegal has no effect. This will further squeeze workers who are already drowning in financial challenges to meet even the basic of demands of supporting their families.

Everyone who has to outfit a child, or children for some, knows of the economic difficulties in doing so. The teachers are no exception and with additional transportation cost, their plight worsens. With that a given, there other uncertainties; whether their salaries will be withheld during the strike period, how long the protest will be sustained and support mechanism during the process.

These will be answered as time progresses but a fundamental question remains; how can success be achieved if the salaries remain inadequate? More than likely this will be vehemently articulated by the leadership of the Guyana Teachers’ Union (GTU) within the negotiating room whenever the sides find themselves back there.

Therein lies the bottom line; for a nation to go forward, especially with the coming of oil, sustained academic success is vital.

The infamous and seemingly imposed brain-drain that plagued the country a few decades ago ensured a protracted denial of necessary skills for development. If current uncertainties, as alluded, coupled with the worsening economic situation were to continue, then it becomes extremely difficult to stop a renewed exodus of academic skills. That is why it becomes even more imperative for an immediate solution for the short and long-term solution to be found.

When workers are told that monies are not available for salary increases, it appears to be deceptive through the actions of the Administration. This seems evident by the 50 per cent hike in ministerial emoluments; Government’s increased dietary, travelling and security bills; costs for numerous Commissions of Inquiry and funding for projects like the imposing fence at the Ministry of the Presidency and D’Urban Park that appears to have little or no impact on national development.

These scenarios not only fester uncertainty, but can infuse a deep sense of irrelevance through growing despondency in those who are the builders of society but are made to feel otherwise. For the builders, there appears to be no uncertainty about that.

This James Deeges’ photo captured the Stabroek Market area while crossing the Demerara River

Resurrecting the AFC

Dear Editor, In 2015, I wrote extensively about the lies and deceit being perpetrated by the AFC, not to mention the cronyism and corruption. However, once again, the lying and deceitful nature of the AFC is coming to the fore prior to the Local Government Elections (LGE).

It behooves an RDC Councillor to stringently adhere to the facts and evidences on issues which he or she attempts to highlight to the public via the media. This is so since an RDC Councillor holds a key position and responsibility which is geared to foster socio-economic development of the Region.

Many times, at the RDC statutory meetings, Councillors would be rebuked by the Regional Chairman for making unsubstantiated, irresponsible, and reckless statements, and he treated both sides of the House in an impartial and objective manner.

On Saturday, 25thAugust, an RDC Councillor, Mr Devin Sookraj, made a reckless allegation against

factory workers at the Blairmont and Rose Hall Estates. He was at the time hosting an AFC TV program ‘Alliance on the Move’.

He claimed that these factories were sabotaged by workers under the directive of GAWU and the PPP, and that was the reason for the downfall of GuySuCo. He further claimed he was going to bring a former GAWU representative on the said program to substantiate his spurious and scandalous claim.

It must be recalled that a Commission of Inquiry was held by the Coalition Government in 2015, and it listed a number of reasons why GuySuCo suffered a decline, but nowhere did the COI mention sabotage as being one of the reasons. Therefore, as an RDC Councillor, Mr Sookraj should not have been obsessed with wild allegations to gain political mileage to garner some votes, since the LGE is around the corner. This irresponsible Councillor needs to understand that the AFC has exhausted its baggage of lies and deceit, and they can no longer fool the populace. No

number of lies can resurrect the AFC, and he should know that.

Instead, Mr Sookraj should educate the people of Region 6 what his party has contributed to the socio-economic development of the Region since 2015. He should tell us what the AFC is doing to alleviate the sufferings and deprivations of the more than 4,000 sugar workers in Region 6. This Region, which was worst hit by the wanton dismissal, has been on a downward trajectory with no solution forthcoming. Instead, these AFC officials are on television ‘cussing’ down people who have been working assiduously to bring solutions to these problems, whilst they remain muted on the plight of the residents of the Region.

It is a fact that Mr Sookraj, as an AFC Councillor, has never made any recommendation which can assist the sugar workers, yet he is on television spewing nonsense in his trademark incoherent manner. Mr Sookraj and his counterpart, Mr Dereck Basdeo, should be more vociferous in persuading peo-

ple why they should vote FOR the AFC, and NOT why they should NOT vote for the PPP. The PPP has always been the vanguard of the working people of this country, unlike the AFC, which is hell-bent on extracting the last drop of blood before they are kicked out! The people can no longer be fooled, so stop fabricating lies!

I am positive that both these ‘gentlemen’ would want to be nominated as Councillors at their respective NDC, so they should tell their constituents what they have done so far. I know they have been around selling lies and making deceitful statement about the many ‘things’ they will do for them.

Sookraj and Basdeo should also explain to the residents of Region 6 the ‘legality’ of the $120 million contract which was awarded to AFC bigwigs, and the basis for the MoPI vehicles being used to transport sand for a private venture.

Yours sincerely, Haseef Yusuf RDC Councillor, Region Six

Sri Krishna Janam-Ashthami: The appearance, celebration of the divinity personified

Dear Editor, Sri Krishna JanamAshthami marks the ‘birth’ anniversary of Sri Krishna.

Sri Krishna made His appearance at midnight on the eighth day (Ashtmi Tithi) in the dark half of the Hindu month Bhadrapada (August/ September).

It is no exaggeration at all to describe Sri Krishna as the unique personality, pow-

er and phenomenon which have exercised a profound influence on Hindus over thousands of years; an influence which has been most pervasive, positive and potent.

The Sanskrit root-verb ‘kars’ means to pull or draw to oneself. When derived from this, ‘Krishna’ connotes one with that power, and from all accounts we have of

Him, He was a verifiable divine magnet who irresistibly attracted to Himself all beings—men, women, and children; young and old; saints and sinners; scholars and the unlettered; royalty and common folk; heroes and the weak; and even animals like the cows.

Both illumined sages and innocent devotees have adored Krishna as the ide-

al of all that is good and great, noble and beautiful. He has been considered the most perfect manifestation of divinity on earth.

But there have been critics -- both Westerners as well as Indians -- who consider Him just a product of the infantile imagination of a people who possess neither lofty intellect nor high ethical standards. continued on page 5

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Escalating social, domestic APNU/AFC and related problems injecting life into old PNC Dear Editor, Guyana is already inundated by alcohol and alcoholics, so I see no need for our law-making institution, the Parliament, to store or encourage the consumption of this product in that hallowed institution. So come on, legislators; if you really need this stuff, please go to bars and clubs etc.

One question for the former President, Bharrat Jagdeo, or Speakers, or indeed Parliamentarians: Was alcohol served or available in Parliament at any time before in our history? I would be grateful for this clarification, since the impression I get from reading what is written in the press is that this phenomenon is of recent vintage!

I think this alcohol abuse crisis must be made an elections issue, and I would like to hear clear views and opinions from all potential presidential candidates, so we can see if principles will trump politics.

Caitlin Vieira has made it clear, in her contributions, that alcohol is a most dangerous drug, and must be seen in that light.

I urge Ms Vieira and others of similar ilk to launch a pressure group to bring legislation similar to the Tobacco Bill to arrest this runaway problem of alcohol abuse.

While I understand the general thrust of Ms Vieira’s article of Sunday, August 26th, 2018, I do disagree with her conclusion.

She says, “If someone drinks every day, it does not necessarily mean that they have a problem with alcohol. For example,

I know many people that have one glass of wine or beer with dinner, there isn’t anything wrong with that.”

Firstly, I would counter her 1st statement and say that it does not necessarily mean that they DO NOT have a problem.

Her second conclusion seems to be based on just casual opinion and on what may be practised commonly in this and other societies. But, Ms. Caitlin Vieira, I now draw your attention to the conclusions of a leading world expert in the above-mentioned report by Max Griswold, who is the lead author for 500 experts in the field, and his conclusions ostensibly contradict yours! (See below) Paris (AFP) - Even an occasional glass of wine or beer increases the risk of health problems and dying, according to a major study on drinking in 195 nations that attributes 2.8 million premature deaths worldwide each year to booze.

"There is no safe level of alcohol," said Max Griswold, a researcher at the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation in Seattle, Washington and lead author for a consortium of more than 500 experts.

Despite recent research showing that light-to-moderate drinking reduces heart disease, the new study found that alcohol use is more likely than not to do harm.

"The protective effect of alcohol was offset by the risks," Griswold told AFP in summarising the results, published in medical journal The Lancet on Friday.

"Overall, the health risks

associated with alcohol rose in line with the amount consumed each day."

Compared to abstinence, imbibing one "standard drink" -- 10 grammes of alcohol, equivalent to a small beer, glass of wine, or shot of spirits -- per day, for example, ups the odds of developing at least one of two dozen health problems by about half-a-percent, the researchers reported.

Looked at one way, this seems like a small increment, 914 out of 100,000 teetotallers will encounter those problems, compared to 918 people who imbibe seven times per week.

"But at the global level, that additional risk of 0.5 percent among (once-a-day) drinkers corresponds to about 100,000 additional deaths each year," said senior author Emmanuela Gakidou, a professor at the University of Washington and a director at the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation.

- 'Less is better, none is best' - "Those are excess deaths, in other words, that could be avoided," she told AFP. The risk climbs in a steep "J-curve", the study found.

An average of two drinks per day, for example, translated into a 7.0 percent hike in disease and injury compared to those who opt for abstinence.

With five "units" of alcohol per day, the likelihood of serious consequences jumps by 37 percent.

The "less is better, none is best" finding jibes with the World Health Organisation’s Guidelines (Please note that this latest research has been

published in the prestigious medical journal The Lancet) Editor, in 2017, two senior Government Ministers -- Dr George Norton and Mr Khemraj Ramjattan -- pronounced on this matter publicly, indicating that serious measures must be taken to curb this problem in Guyana. To date, as far as I am aware, nothing tangible has been done (except 2:00am curfew). Come on, sirs; let’s not be people who just talk; be bold and responsible enough to initiate and sponsor bills to deal with this most dangerous problem, which clearly is the cause for many homicides, cases of domestic abuse, accidents on the road, and industrial accidents etc.

We have just had the case of an alcohol addict burning down his wife’s home because she refused to give him $500.00 to buy himself a drink!!! What are we waiting for?

I now ask senior Minister of Health Volda Lawrence (Now PNC Chair Person, congratulations in order!) to bring this matter to the fore as the subject Minister, and I think this will be a real feather in her cap if she can bring alcohol sale/usage/control legislation into the Parliament by November 30th 2019. Surely, this is achievable in one year.

Let’s get this done in haste for the betterment of this country. Can we do it? Of course we can!

Yours sincerely, Christopher M Persaud

Sri Krishna Janam-Ashthami: The appearance, celebration...

Notwithstanding the opinions of such critics, Krishna remains and prospers as continual power, a living and wholesome ideal illuminating the minds, inspiring the hearts and moulding the lives of millions of good, worthy and intelligent people. What may appear to the dry intellect of the ill-informed critic as a bundle of contradictions and confusions—that very Krishna lives on in the consciousness and memory of the devoted as the sublime, indefinable, fusion of a many-faceted magnetic personality, a grand all-round ideal, and a delightfully uplifting legend. Refusing to be disturbed by the doubts, comments, or critical onslaughts of the skeptics, devotes have blissfully allowed themselves to be drawn to one or more of Krishna’s aspects. They find themselves elevated and enriched by the light, love, and joy radiating from their great Teacher, who is ‘Madhava’, the embodiment of sweetness and bliss. Sri Krishna is not merely the great lover, but equally the great hero, the great yogi, and the supreme Guru for aspiring and adoring humanity.

Swami Vivekananda, in offering a tribute to Krishna, observes: “He was the most wonderful Sannyasin and the most wonderful householder in one; He had the most wonderful among the Rajas, power and was at the same time living in the midst of the most wonderful renunciation. Krishna, the

preacher of the Geeta, was all His life the embodiment of the Geeta. He was the great illustration of non-attachment; a great landmark in the history of religion; the ideal of love for love’s sake; work for work’s sake; duty for duty’s sake; and it is for the first time fell from His lips of the greatest Incarnation, Krishna; and for the first time in the history of humanity, on the soil of India.

He was the first heart large enough to see truth in all. In Krishna we find two ideas supreme; the first is the harmony of different ideas, and the second is non-attachment. He does not need anything; He does not want anything. He works for work’s sake. He is the most rounded man I know of, wonderfully developed equally in brain and heart and hand. Every moment of His is alive with activity. Five thousand years have passed and He has influenced millions and millions. My regard for Him is for His perfect sanity. No cobwebs in His brain, no superstition. He knows the use of everything”.

Limited, finite persons and themes are easy to grasp and delineate. But Sri Krishna belongs to the dimension of the unlimited, beyond the understanding of the ordinary minds and measure of ordinary standards. In him all contradictions meet and become harmonised.

He is the confluence of the highest expression of knowledge, love and action, hero-

ism and tenderness, strength and grace, might and humility, splendor and renunciation.

In short, He has emerged as the composite ideal of various human aspirations, the fulfillment of the quest for perfection—ethical, aesthetic, spiritual, altruistic—of various hearts and minds. It is because of this that He often becomes the central theme of not only religion and philosophy, but of art and sculpture, music and poetry, a phenomenon that defies all delimiting definition or classification.

Krishna stands out and

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stays on eternally as the ideal and inspirer for the classes, and the saviour and refuge for the masses. “Krishna appeared like a thunderbolt to the warriors, superhuman to man, God of love incarnate to His devotees, their own to the cowherd Gopis, a child to His parents, as death itself to Kamsa, the vast cosmos to the gross, Ultimate reality to the Yogis, and Supreme Deity to His worshippers”. (Bhagavatam 10. 43, 17) Regards, Pt Avishkar Nandalall

Dear Editor, Since enactment of the Local Authorities Elections Amendment Act, No 26 of 2009, a mixed electoral system has been introduced in which 50 per cent of Councillors are directly elected by their constituents and the other 50 per cent Councillors through Proportional Representation (PR).

This system of local democracy the People’s Progressive Party had numerous consultations on, in order to ensure that Guyanese were educated on a new system of local democracy.

The response from Communities Minister Ronald Bulkhan (bully-con), to justify his decisions in the enactment of 10 new Local Authority Areas (LAA) and gerrymandering 13 other LAA boundaries, is a clear indication that dictatorship is enshrined in the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) coalition Government. This is just one of many dictatorial decisions that are being done by this Granger Administration.

While the Communities Minister is empowered to execute and enforce the law, he should realise that his empowerment was made possible through the people who voted for his political party.

The Minister should also remember consultations with the residents and key stakeholders is mandatory before imposing new NDCs and rebalancing of boundaries

within LAAs to ensure that democracy prevails.

The Minister is misleading Guyanese when he indicated that the new LAAs were formed because of direct pleading by residents bemoaning the lack of representation by the Regional Democratic Council. This is the first time that residents went to a Minister to indicate that they paid rates and taxes for little or no services.

The two new NDC areas in Region Six, (East BerbiceCorentyne) KortberaadtPlegtanker and CaracasWyburg, are two areas where millions are being spent on roads, streets, drainage etc by the Regional Democratic Council, and cannot substantiate the Minister’s claim of non-representation.

Disregarding the plea and cries of the residents of these new NDCs, the coalition Government and the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) are treading down a clear path of dictatorship. This is not an injection of life in local democracy, as claimed by the Minister, but an injection of life in the old PNC that created hardship, victimisation, discrimination, and dictatorship on Guyanese. There is an old saying that sums up the PNC: "Tiger does get old, but don't lose his stripes".

It is evident that GECOM and the APNU/AFC coalition Government are speaking with the same “voice” of no consultation.

Regards, Zamal Hussain

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upport from parents is key to helping children do well academically.

Here are 10 ways parents can put their children on track to be successful students.

Attend parent-teacher conferences Children do better in school when parents are involved in their academic lives. Attending parent-teacher conferences is one way to stay informed. These are usually held once or twice a year at progress reporting periods. The conferences are a chance to start or continue conversations with your child's teacher, and discuss strategies to help your child do his or her best in class. Meeting with the teacher also lets your child know that what goes on in school will be shared at home.

If your child has special learning needs, additional meetings can be scheduled with teachers and other school staff.

Keep in mind that parents or guardians can request meetings with teachers, principals, school counsellors, or other school staff any time during the school year.

Visit the school Knowing the physical layout of the school building and grounds can help you connect with your child when you talk about the school day. It's good to know the location of the main office, cafeteria, athletic fields, playground, auditorium, and special classes.

Support homework expectations Homework in grade school reinforces and extends classroom learning and helps children practise important study skills. It also helps them develop a sense of responsibility and a work ethic that will benefit them beyond the classroom.

In addition to making sure

Foundation

your child knows that you see homework as a priority, you can help by creating an effective study environment. Any well-lit, comfortable, and quiet workspace with the necessary supplies will do. Avoiding distractions (like a TV in the background) and setting up a start and end time can also help.

A good rule of thumb for an effective homework and/or study period is roughly 10 minutes per elementary grade level. Fourthgraders, for example, should expect to have about 40 minutes of homework or studying each school night. If you find that it's often taking significantly longer than this guideline, talk with your child's teacher.

While your child does homework, be available to interpret assignment instructions, offer guidance, answer questions, and review the completed work.

But resist the urge to provide the correct answers or complete the assignments yourself. Learning from mistakes is part of the process and you don't want to take this away from your child.

Send your child to school ready to learn A nutritious breakfast fuels up children and gets them ready for the day. In general, children who eat breakfast have more energy and do better in school. Children who eat breakfast also are less likely to be absent, and make fewer trips to the school nurse with stomach complaints related to hunger.

You can help boost your child's attention span, concentration, and memory by providing breakfast foods that are rich in whole grains, fibre, and protein, as well as low in added sugar. If your child is running late some mornings, send along fresh fruit, nuts, yogurt, or half a sandwich.

Children also need the right

amount of sleep to be alert and ready to learn all day. Most school-age children need 10 to 12 hours of sleep a night. Bedtime difficulties can arise at this age for a variety of reasons.

Lack of sleep can cause irritable or hyperactive behaviour and might make it hard for children to pay

attention in class. It's important to have a consistent bedtime routine, especially on school nights.

Be sure to leave enough time before bed to allow your child to unwind before lights out and limit stimulating diversions like TV, video games, and Internet access.

Teach organisational skills When children are organised, they can stay focused instead of spending time hunting things down and getting sidetracked.

What does it mean to be organised at the elementary level? For schoolwork, it means having an assignment book and homework folder (many schools supply these) to keep track of homework and projects.

Check your child's assignment book and homework folder every school night so you're familiar

with assignments and your child doesn't fall behind. Set up a bin for papers that you need to check or sign. Also, keep a special box or bin for completed and graded projects and toss papers that you don't need to keep.

Talk to your child about keeping his or her school desk orderly so papers that need to come home don't get lost. Teach your child how to use a calendar or personal planner to help stay organised.

It's also helpful to teach your child how to make a to-do list to help prioritise and get things done. It can be as simple as: homework soccer put clothes away No one is born with great

organisational skills – they need to be learnt and practised.

Teach study skills Studying for a test can be scary for young children, and many educators assume parents will help their children during the grade-school years. Introducing your child to study skills now will pay off with good learning habits throughout life.

In elementary school, children usually take end-of-unit tests in Maths, spelling, science, and Social Studies. Be sure to know when a test is scheduled so you can help your child study ahead of time rather than just the night before. You also might need to remind your child to bring home the right study materials, such as notes, study guides, or books.

Teach your child how to break down overall tasks into smaller,

manageable chunks so preparing for a test isn't overwhelming. You also can introduce your child to tricks like mnemonic devices to help with recalling information.

Remember that taking a break after a 45-minute study period is an important way to help children process and remember information.

Know the disciplinary policies Schools usually cite their disciplinary policies (sometimes called the student code of conduct) in student handbooks.

The rules cover expectations, and consequences for not meeting the expectations, for things like student behaviour, dress codes, use of electronic devices, and acceptable language.

The policies may include details about attendance, vandalism, cheating, fighting, and weapons.

It's important for your child to know what's expected at school and that you'll support the school's consequences when expectations aren't met. It's easiest for students when school expectations match the ones at home, so children see both environments as safe and caring places that work together as a team.

Get involved Whether children are just starting kindergarten or entering their last year of elementary school, there are many good reasons for parents to volunteer at school. It's a great way for parents to show they're interested in their children' education.

Take attendance seriously

I

n this challenge, you'll be creating a simple but richly expressive poem called a cinquain [pronounced sincane]. The cinquain is a nonrhyming five-line poem that focuses on imagery and the natural world. The form has old roots — all the way back to medieval France!

Write a cinquain about a natural place you have visited: the ocean, water, the forest, your backyard, a neighbourhood park, your school playground — even the flowering tree at the end of your block can be inspiring. If your place is nearby, revisit and immerse yourself in the space to help you gather up some good descriptive words. Here

Sick children should stay home from school if they have a fever, are nauseated, vomiting, or have diarrhoea.

Otherwise, it's important that children arrive at school on time every day, because having to catch up with class work and homework can be stressful and interfere with learning.

If your child is missing a lot of school due to illness, make sure to check with the teacher about any work that needs to be completed.

It's also a good idea to know the school's attendance policy.

Also try to avoid late bedtimes, which can result in tardy and tired students. A consistent sleep schedule also can help students.

Make time to talk about school It's usually easy to talk with elementary students about what's going on in class and the latest news at school. You probably know what books your child is reading and are familiar with the math being worked on. But parents can get busy and forget to ask the simple questions, which can have an effect on children's success at school.

Make time to talk with your child every day, so he or she knows that what goes on at school is important to you. When children know parents are interested in their academic lives, they'll take school seriously as well.

These early years of schooling are an important time for parents to be informed and supportive about their child's education and to set the stage for children to develop and grow as young learners. (Excerpt from kidshealth.org)

are the Rules of the Game: Line 1: One word title, a noun that identifies your topic Line 2: Two adjectivesthat describe your topic Line 3: Three "ing" verbs that describe action Line 4: A phrase that describes something about your topic Line 5: A noun that is a synonym or another way to name your topic

Example:

tree white, tall reaching, bending, fluttering leaves and twigs in the wind aspen (readingrockets.org)

news

7

wednesdAY, august 29, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

Flying knives incident

GuySuCo viewing mishap as “engineering matter”

The Uitvlugt Estate, West Coast Demerara

T

he Guyana Sugar C o r p o r a t i o n (GuySuCo) on Tuesday commenced its investigation into the recent flying knives incident at the Uitvlugt Estate which shut down the Number Two Turbine and stalled cane production for over a week.

Based on information provided thus far, GuySuCo

is viewing the fault as an “engineering matter”. It was not disclosed if any possible sanctions would be imposed as the probe is in in infancy state.

Through an official release, GuySuCo pointed out that senior managers and several senior engineers will investigate the matter along with managers from

the Human Resources and Health and Safety departments.

“The investigation commenced during last week, and the accident is viewed as an engineering matter.

Approximately 111 tonnes of sugar (were) declared from the sugarcane which was burnt at the time of the incident. However, as a result of

Govt continues to ignore...

from page 3

He said another important point to note is the increase in recurrent expenditure, which, among others, represents expenditure on goods and services; wages, salaries, and other charges such as travelling, dietary etc. This makes up 84 per cent of total increase in fiscal expenditure, an indication that clearly speaks to what was described as the “gross misappropriation of funds.”

Ali said not only significant amount of resources being squandered on goods and services that yields no wealth generation or improve standard of living for the people, but expenditure on capital items (goods that make products, provide services) has grown by a mere 15 percent.

“And if one is to adjust for inflation and VAT (Value Added Tax), this amount

would become significantly less. In other words, of every dollar spent by this Administration, less than $0.10 is spent on wealth generation activities for the people,” he pointed out.

Re-prioritise The former Minister said there is ample resources to accommodate all projects initiated by the previous Administration that sought to address core economic issues at the grass-root level.

For example, Ali said by slashing all excess allocation from “dietary” and “national and other events” ($2 billion), to 2014 level, enough funds could be garnered to rehire and offer a 66 per cent increase in stipend to all 1972 dismissed CSO Amerindian Workers.

He said it could lend to an increase in the National Toshoa Council subven-

tion by 221 per cent to $50 million, and provide each Amerindian village, across the country, with a $3.5 million cash grant to fund developmental projects.

Moreover, he said by removing all excess allocation from “security services” and “transport and travel” ($3 billion), the “Because We Care” cash grant programme not only could be fully re-instated, but each parent could now receive a 50 per cent increase in allocation to $15,000 for each child, attending primarily and nursery school.

Ali noted that there will still be an untouched $17 billion in employment cost, and $24 billion in other charges; adequate funds to address payment of severance for sugar workers and increased salary for teachers.

the staling of the canes, the variance from the estimated sugar expected from the canes is almost 68 tonnes of sugar,” an excerpt from the release stated.

GuySuCo did say the investigation will be conducted over a three-week period. It was the Guyana Times which recently reported that an investigation would be launched to determine just how the cane shredder became uncontrollable and 64 out of 70 knives went haywire. Workers ducked for safety when the knives hit the wall. However, several tonnes were able to be salvaged after the estate’s turbine had to be replaced with one from the defunct La Bonne Intention (LBI) factory.

However, according to information obtained, the grains were of a substan-

dard quality, as the sugar was “grainy” as opposed to coarse crystals which are consistent with a higher quality of produce.

GuySuCo’s Chief Industrial Relations Manager, Deodat

Sukhoo, will head an investigation into the flying knives incident. There were initial inquiries by senior officers of GuySuCo who visited the Uitvlugt factory when it broke down and millions of dollars’ worth of cane was initially left to spoil. However, several tonnes were later saved after the story broke in this newspaper.

G u y a n a Times reported too that the Chief Industrial Relations Manager will be making periodic visits to the factory, where he will meet the workers involved and obtain their version of events and how it unfolded when the Number Two Turbine lost control. The damage to the cane shredder resulted in millions of dollars in losses, at the expense of the State.

8 news

wednesdAY, august 29, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

IN THE COURTS

Son jailed for 26 years for killing father

A

Corentyne, Berbice man, who was sentenced to death in January 2011 by Justice Dawn Gregory-Barnes, was on Monday sentenced to a reduced term – 26 years in prison.

The new sentenced was handed down at the Berbice Assizes by Justice Joann Barlow.

Gowkarran Ramdayal, called “Silence”, 25, of Queenstown, Corriverton, had received the death sentence after he was found guilty for the 2008 murder of his father. In July last, the Court of Appeal handed down a decision overturning the conviction and sentence of Ramdayal.

On Monday, Ramdayal pleaded guilty to the lesser count of manslaughter and

Jailed: Gowkarran Ramdayal

was given the 26-year sentence. Ramdayal, who lived with his father, mother and younger brother admitted to killing his father, 51-year-old Bhowan Ramdayal.

The facts of the case stated that the senior Ramdayal

was allegedly beaten about his body with an iron bar at the home the family shared after a misunderstanding between the two men.

Gowkarran Ramdayal had allegedly asked his father for $100, which the senior Ramdayal had refused to give him, telling his son that he should seek a job.

An argument then developed during which the accused picked up an iron bar and beat his father. He then picked up a piece of pipe and continued the beating, before walking out of the yard with the pipe in hand.

The injured man was picked up and rushed to the Skeldon Hospital, thence onto the New Amsterdam Hospital before being transferred to the country’s main medical institution in the city – The

Georgetown Public Hospital.

He was discharged from hospital a month later and stayed at his niece’s home for a while before returning to the Skeldon Hospital, after suffering a relapse.

He subsequently succumbed.

In handing down the sentence, Justice Barlow told Ramdayal that he must work if he wants money. “You killed an adult, who was your father when he told you to go and get a job,” Justice Barlow said in court before handing down her sentence.

Justice Barlow deducted one year off his sentence based on an early mitigation plea. A further 10 years was deducted for the period that he had already spent in prison before Monday’s sentencing.

Region 2 man charged for raping women during home invasions

A

n Essequibo Coast, Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) man was on Tuesday slapped with two rape charges and hauled before the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

George Butters is accused of raping an elderly woman on August 13, 2018 during a home invasion.

The second charge alleged that between August 20 and August 21, 2018, he broke and entered the dwelling house of another woman and sexually harassed her.

Butters appeared before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan.

The Police prosecutor objected to bail while citing the

serious nature and the prevalence of the offences. The court was also informed that he was positively identified as the perpetrator during an identification (ID) parade.

However, Butters was placed on $200,000 bail on each charge, totalling $400,000. The matter was transferred to the Anna

Regina Magistrate’s Court for September 11.

Guyana Times was told that Butters is expected to face other charges of similar nature.

Vendor fined for obstructing traffic

A

confectionery vendor on Tuesday appeared in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts and was fined $10,000 by Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan for obstructing traffic.

Sharon Lall, 40, of Tushen Housing Scheme, East Bank Essequibo, admitted to the offence.

The charge alleged that on August 15, 2018, while at the Stabroek Market Bazaar in Georgetown, she caused an obstruction to road users in the vicinity.

Facts presented to the court stated that on August 15, City Constables were on patrol duty when they observed the defendant selling confectionery on a drinks case.

The constables approached the defendant and told her of the offence. She was subsequently arrested and charged.

In plea of mitigation, Lall told the court that the City Constables are in a habit of verbally abusing her. Further, she explained that on the day of the incident, the Constable told her she was in the middle of the road, and she in response told him why he don’t fix his house (since he is trying to fix everything).

City Lance Corporal Goodman, who prosecuted the matter, informed the court that Lall was charged previously with offenses of similar nature along with other criminal charges.

After listening to both sides, Chief Magistrate McLennan fined the woman $10,000.

Biting the…

P

…PNC's hand

resident Granger took on WPA Executive David Hinds, after the latter critiqued some comments of his at an Emancipation Day gathering of African-Guyanese. So your Eyewitness isn’t blamed for misrepresenting these gentlemen in a sensitive area, he’ll quote the two interlocutors quite extensively. First the President: “You must be ashamed if you do not have work.

Some people are proud that they don’t have work. They want a raise. They always want a raise. People get a raise today, they expect to come back… to come back to want another raise, but we’ll have to promote self-employment in this village and other villages.

“Go out there and use your talent to enrich yourself and your children. That is economic emancipation. We must go out there and use our talents. If we make our living by hanging around the corner and liming at the Guinness Bar, we will be forever poor but if we go into our farm, go into our workshop, go into our schools we will be able to bring prosperity.

“Let’s put our monies in boats, buses and bicycles, not in vodka, rum and gin. Let’s put the children first. If our fore-parents were drunkards, we won’t be here today, but they saved their money and they bought these villages not for themselves but for future generations.”

Now Hinds conceded this was out of “tough love” but made two objections. Firstly he pointed out the President engaged “self-criticism” with his African Guyanese supporters but, “he (Granger) heads a Government that is most intolerant of internal self-critique. No member of the governing coalition has felt free to criticise the Government in the open on any issue.” But this isn’t fair, is it? In general, coalition members are supposed to criticise each other in private, right? When you take your criticism to the public, you’re exposing your (soft) underbelly to your opponents!!

Secondly, if they’re not given a private hearing, there’s the matter of the elephant in the room to which the WPA’s always tone deaf: the disequilibrium in size between them and the other two major parties. Back in the eighties – possibly at their zenith – they overplayed their hand with the PPP ‘cause they didn’t heed the folk wisdom of “lil bottles and big bottles” needing to be on different shelves.

They felt they were a “big bottle”!!

And it looks like they still believe that, vis-à-vis the PNC. Even though the WPA certainly has a kind of moral standing because of Rodney and Kwayana, in ethnic electoral politics, “morals” go only so far in an exercise where fear dominates.

Did Hinds think 1992 was an aberration?

…concrete assistance

Hinds went on to posit, “after rebuking black people, he (Granger) left them with little hope.” More specifically, he changed, “President Granger and the coalition promised them that if we won power, we would help them. Now that we have the power, we seem to be telling the “go help yourselves.” Now this certainly isn’t fair!! Way back in 2016, didn’t the PNC-led Government arrange for a CDB loan/grant of US$10 million (GY$210 million) which they matched with another US$2 million (GY$42 million) for the villages of Ithaca, Buxton, Triumph and Mocha??

Isn’t the vast majority of the 1200 farmers – supporting 35,000 people – in those villages African Guyanese?? What about all those asphalted roads laid in these communities?

And there were so many other Government schemes launched? What about the $68 million the Government provided to IDPADA-G to establish the infrastructure for developing the community? Didn’t they organise a meeting with stakeholders to provide business access?

Even Hinds told Buxtonians there are loans available – if only the residents would go out with their business plans.

Your Eyewitness really believes David Granger was treated a tad unfairly!

…the PPP

Hinds concluded that the PNC-led Government has to resolve “the structural problems of the black community… (which) a PPP Government would never see that as their principal task.”

And the other communities’ problems come after??

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

News

9

wednesdAY, august 29, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

Essequibo Coast on 3 month wait for new generators

…temporary measures being sought – CEO ...normal power supply by mid-December

A

s the Cinderella County continues to experience frequent load shedding and blackouts, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Guyana Power and Light Inc (GPL), Albert Gordon, has said that every effort is being made by his technical team to address the situation, which he described as unfortunate.

However, the GPL head told Guyana Times on Tuesday that a permanent solution to the issue may take until December, as the company is now in the process of acquiring new units to replace those that are currently not in operation due to several reasons. In the meantime, only two units are operating.

“We (are) actually in the process of getting new plants to replace these, which are medium scale diesel that are more suited for (this) operation. But that is not expected until mid-December,” Gordon told this newspaper, while explaining that the GPL has been working around the clock to address the situation.

He said, “We have been working with a pretty bad situation, and our team is there

on the ground 24/7. We have most of our units down…the Caterpillar units used. A couple of them were rented, and they have been down for mechanical, electrical reasons.

This is unfortunate.”

Gordon said that based on how the situation was evolving, GPL managed to transfer two units from the DemeraraBerbice Interconnected System (DBIS) which provided two megawatts of electricity to the county, but one of the units is not functioning to full capacity.

“So we are getting half of a megawatt from it. The second one is testing and brought up to today (Tuesday), and hopefully we will get additional power from that. But most of the units are down, and only two units are operating. One rental providing 1.4 (megawatts) and the .5 (megawatts) which we brought from Canefield.”

The GPL CEO said the team is also working to repair the other units, and hopefully by Thursday there could be some significant improvements.

“I don’t want to overpromise, but we are working to see what we can do. The total ca-

Gordon said he would visit the county later this week, but in the meantime, a senior team along with the public relations team are on the ground. They are also working closely with Macorp to bring some normalcy to electricity supply.

GPL Chief Executive Officer Albert Gordon

pacity now is only at 2 megawatts, and the average demand is over 4 megawatts, peaking at 4.8; we have to intermingle things and load shedding. A very unsatisfactory situation,” he said.

The power company, he said, has catered for a worstcase scenario, but once the initial plans are in place, “this situation like this is not likely to recur. This is not going to happen again.”

Protest Meanwhile, several residents held a peaceful protest outside of GPL’s Essequibo office at Anna Regina, demanding answers from the company.

The residents held up placards detailing those concerns.

Some said the frequent blackouts are affecting their businesses, while other complained that fuel is not a cheap commodity, and they cannot continue to purchase this to get electricity.

On the other hand, Region Two (Pomeroon/Supenaam) Vice Chairman and Regional Chairman acting, Nandranie Coonjah, said she cannot find a word to express her feelings as

the Region continues to suffer from a total shutdown from the power company’s GPL Anna Regina office.

She expressed full support for the protesting residents, and called on Government to immediately intervene and bring some relief to the affected residents, especially those in the business sector.

She said she had written Regional Executive Officer (REO) Rupert Hopkinson to organise and convene an extraordinary meeting of the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) to be held on Tuesday, but he denied that request and instead said the RDC Boardroom was being used to facilitate a workshop.

The acting Regional Chairman said she was disappointed with the REO’s response, especially given the urgency of the meeting of the RDC to deal with matters of immediate public interest of the region. She said the meet-

ing could have gone on, and stressed that the region's business must take priority.

A high level team from GPL is expected to have a special meeting with Councillors of the RDC, to brief them on the many issues facing GPL Anna Regina and give some answers to residents. On the agenda to be discussed are: GPL Anna Regina, Guyana Water Authority, Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Co Ltd, National Insurance Scheme, and Transport and Harbours Department.

Also invited to attend this special sitting of the RDC are all Chairmen and Vice Chairmen of all NDCs, the Essequibo Chamber of Commerce, the Private Sector, and heads of other service providers.

Coonjah told this newspaper that someone has already been contracted to prepare the site for the new generators. All works are expected to be completed for November.

10 news

wednesdAY, august 29, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

Mother charged for killing 3-year-old T he Guyana Police Force through its Public Relations Office said Brenda Ferreira who brutally stabbed her three-year-old son to death on Saturday last was charged with murder and as such, will be arraigned today.

The 26-year-old suspect of Lot 585 15th Street, Foulis, East Coast Demerara (ECD), will make her court appearance at the Cove and John Magistrate’s Court as her son’s body is being prepared for burial.

According to reports received, the lad is expected to be laid to rest today at the Enmore Burial Ground.

A post-mortem examination performed on the body of the lad’s body revealed that he died as a result of a stab wound to his heart.

The lad of Lot 585

Brenda Ferreira

15th Street, Foulis, ECD, was stabbed to death by his 26-year-old pregnant mother on Saturday after she allegedly had a dream that she would die. She told Police that if that was the case, she did not want

her favourite child to be left behind.

The Police stated that on Saturday, the woman began pursuing the hapless lad in the yard with a knife in her hand.

A few minutes later, ranks at the Enmore Police Outpost received a report that the child had been stabbed by his mother; and upon arriving at the scene, they found the child lying unconscious in a pool of blood with suspected stab wounds to his neck and back.

He was rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital where he succumbed to his injuries about three hours later.

His elder brother, who witnessed the stabbing, is expected to receive the necessary counselling. He is presently staying with relatives.

Fruit vendor slapped with robbery charge A

fruit vendor of Bourda Market was on Tuesday slapped with three charges ranging from robbery to resisting Police arrest and disorderly behaviour when he made his appearance at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

Fitzroy Gibson denied all three of the charges when they were read to him. The Police stated that on August 23, 2018, while in the vicinity of Robb and Bourda Streets, Georgetown, Gibson stole $15,000 from Sabrina Pilgrim.

The Police also contend that on the same day and time, and in the same vicinity, Gibson resisted Police arrest and behaved in a disorderly manner towards the lawmen.

The prosecution is contending that on the day in question, the defendant and her husband were walking in the vicinity of Robb and Bourda Streets when the accused pushed his hands into the woman’s purse and took out the money.

After realising she was being robbed, the woman screamed for assistance and alerted a plainclothes Police rank. He attempted to arrest Gibson, but Gibson resisted arrest, resulting in the rank calling for back-up. Gibson was eventually arrested and charged.

Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan fined the man $10,000 for disorderly behaviour, and $5,000 for court costs. He was also ordered to compensate the virtual complainant.

Strike!!

S

atiricus had hoped it wouldn’t have come to this. But here it was, teachers were marching up and down in the sun to demand a “living wage”. Satiricus felt for teachers. After all, like most Guyanese who’d completed secondary school, his first job had been as a teacher. As he walked towards the Back Street Bar, he smiled as he remembered he’d started to frequent the joint with his buddies back when he was a teacher!

“Yes!” said Hari enthusiastically – and uncharacteristically – when Satiricus shared the sentiment. He’d also started out as a teacher. “Those were the days!!”

“A’yu right fuh skin yuh teet’,” pointed out Cappo. Back den, ah me an’ Bungi bin gat fuh buy all de drink!”

“Imagine that!!” said Satiricus. “Cane cutters used to earn more than teachers!”

“Budday!! Wha’ yuh mean?” demanded Bungi.

“Abee does wuk mo’ hard dan any teacha!”

“But that’s not the point, is it?” asked Hari. “Hard work isn’t only physical work!”

“Damn right!” said Satiricus. “Can you imagine trying to teach classes with thirty and forty children, most of whom didn’t get a proper sleep the night before?”

“Lissen chap,” interjected Cappo. “Me na complain. Me gat two pickney who gat big jaab today bec’ase dem teacha learn dem good.”

“But wha’ mek de guvment na gi’e dem de raise dem aks fa?” asked Bungi. “Na DEM vote fuh de guvment?”

“Well, I must concede the 40 per cent demand is a bit steep!” said Hari, in his normally, mild tone.

“That’s just a starting number,” suggested Satiricus. “Why doesn’t the Government come back with THEIR number?”

“Well, de guvment put aside $700 million fuh 7000 teacha,” pointed out Cappo. “Da na wuk out to $100,000 mo fuh each teacha?”

“Da na soun’ too bad to me,” said Bungi.

“But after they take out taxes and NIS and union dues and so on, not much is left!” protested Satiricus.

“Budday!! Na de same tax an’ suh aan dem use to tek out fram abee canecutta pay?” asked Cappo.

“An’ abee use fuh march unda de hat sun ev’ry day!” said Bungi, with a smile.

11

News

wednesdAY, august 29, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

Parents, Minister clash at Georgetown meeting ...40% increase not feasible – Education Minister ...GTU to offer strike relief

By Shemuel Fanfair

A

s Government moves full steam ahead with its contingency plan to substitute teachers who are on strike, tensions flared when some of the parents questioned Education Minister Nicolette Henry on whether or not their children could be shortchanged by teachers fresh out of Cyril Potter College of Education (CPCE).

The concerns the parents raised abound for the next several weeks owing to the Guyana Teachers Union’s (GTU’s) announcement that it would offer strike relief for up to one month. The Education Ministry held an engagement at Queen’s College (QC) in Georgetown with teachers, parents and education officers after visiting Hope Secondary School earlier in the day.

The event was planned in light of a GTU-fronted strike which began on Monday as teachers advocated for improved wages in front of the

Other parents called on the Education Ministry to resolve the issue, since the children stand to be affected the most. It was highlighted that fifth form students are in the midst of their School-Based Assessments which will form part of their 2019 CXC results.

There are 998 schools across the country, and of the 10,000 teachers in the system, more than 7000 are members of the GTU. Chief Education Officer (CEO) Marcel Hutson is adamant that school will open as planned on September 3. He is discouraging parents against leaving their children at home.

Government plans to utilise 98 new CPCE graduates, 204 current students doing practicum or teaching practice; and retired teachers.

GTU General Council approves Strike relief Meanwhile, following teachers’ concerns over cuts to their salaries, the GTU General Council held a meeting on Tuesday. During a press con-

Teachers in Region Two are supporting their union’s call for better wages (Mohanlall Seulall photos)

President’s Office.

At QC on Tuesday, Subject Minister Nicolette Henry responded to the concerns raised, but indicated that Government is unmoved regarding the 40% across-the-board increases. She in fact said the requested increase in salaries is just not feasible. She says that while she understands the union’s position, stakeholders “have to be realistic”.

During the meeting, the Minister was asked about the Administration giving ministers 50 percent increase in light of her comments that the State cannot afford GTU’s proposed increases.

“I am aware that ministers benefited from salary increases of as much as 50%, (but) that was one salary increase since we came into Government; what is being asked is for salary increases every year including the fact that teachers benefited from salary increases in 2015, 2016 and 2017,” she said.

The Minister further stated that the union put forward an unnecessary proposal when GTU executives sought duty-free concessions for themselves.

She added that Government loves all teachers, but many of her comments upset some of the parents present when they questioned if teachers coming out of CPCE could really be equipped to give primary school grade six or fifth form secondary school students the quality of education needed as they prepare for their exams.

“Teachers are the foundation of our country,” one parent of a QC student noted.

ference held afterwards, GTU President Mark Lyte announced that the union would offer partial strike relief to teachers amounting to 50 percent of their salaries. Teachers could be subjected to salary cuts if the strike action persists.

“Many of our teachers were not sure because of money (being) lost, so now that the union is coming out to say that we will support our teachers who proceed on strike, this should give those who are in-between and betwixt the confidence to go forward,” the GTU President assured.

However, Lyte also cautioned that the relief fund could cover teachers for up to one month.

The Social Protection Ministry’s Labour Department has invited the Education Ministry and the GTU for conciliation talks, but the union had expressed its unwillingness to attend the meetings on the basis that conciliation was already observed when previous meetings were held. However, the GTU said Tuesday that it will attend the conciliation talks scheduled for today.

Essequibo protest Meanwhile, in Region Two, (Pomeroon-Supenaam), teachers joined their colleagues across the country in industrial action on Monday as they protested for a better life than was forthcoming from Government, they said. According to a teacher, Government is neglecting the most important people of the land. Some observed that with the oil and gas sector impending, teachers will be

tasked to produce students who could capitalise on the industry.

Some students were also seen giving their support to the teachers by joining the protest. Region 2 teachers started the protest action at the Department of Education in Cotton Field, then marched to the Regional Administration Office in Anna Regina and back to Cotton Field, where they filled the air with their shouts, "WE DON'T WANT A CLASH - PAY US OUR CASH!" "NO PAY, NO SCHOOL!" (Additional reporting by Mohanlall Seulall)

There were moments of tension as Education Minister Nicolette Henry addressed an audience of parents, teachers and education officers at the Queen’s College on Tuesday (Dexter Ceres photo)

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Living Conditions Survey will establish GLSC launches project to harmonise information system new poverty line – Chief Statistician

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he Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission (GLSC) on Tuesday officially launched a project under the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) of the United Nations (UN) and the European Union (EU) Forest Law Enforcement, Governance and Trade (FLEGT) Direct Assistance Programme.

The project is aimed at harmonising the GLSC and the Guyana Forestry Commission’s (GFC) forest and land information system to provide legal assurance, transparency and create compliance verification capabilities between the two Commissions. It aims to develop an enabling environment that fosters efficient and effective provision of land information in support of the EU-FLEGT. The 12-month project has been approved for grant funding amounting to US$49,900 to support the enhancement of the capacities and information systems necessary to ensure the legality of timber harvested on leased State Land that overlap with Forest Areas’ Concessions, for GLSC to effectively contribute to the Voluntary Partnership Agreement (VPA) process.

At a simple launch of the project at the Commission’s

Commissioner and Chief Executive of the Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission, Trevor Benn

boardroom, Commissioner and Chief Executive of the Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission, Trevor Benn expressed the need for more inter-agency collaboration nationally.

This, he said, is necessary for fast-paced nation building. “Agencies must work together, if we are to get results, good results, in a timely manner,” The CEO noted.

Benn expressed the Commission’s gratitude for the resources provided for the project but observed that it is inadequate. “As a result, the

Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission is pledging another, US$200,000 for this project”, Benn announced.

“This is a clear demonstration of our commitment, not only to this project, but the development of our nation as a whole,” He posited, adding that the project in the long-term will see the country benefiting significantly.

“We see the importance of this project, and it is coming at an opportune time, we believe it is very important for our country and we are committed to see it is well executed.”

Local FAO representative, Reuben Robertson, during brief remarks also outlined the need for the two agencies to work together, especially to share data. “These two agencies complement each other, and therefore it is imperative that you work together, not only for this project but other similar ventures,” he said.

Chairperson of the GL&SC’S Board of Directors, Paulette Henry also spoke of the need for inter-agency collaboration, adding that the GL&SC is committed to working with its sister agencies on projects that will benefit and aid in the development of all Guyana.

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head of Guyana’s impending oil and gas sector, the Guyana Bureau of Statistics (GBS) is moving ahead with several surveys which will provide the State with quantified information to guide its planning.

Chief Statistician Lennox Benjamin at a recent engagement at the Finance Ministry said the Living Conditions Survey will be essential in developing a new level of current income and expenditure within the country and a new demarcation of the poverty line.

The last Living Conditions Survey was conducted 12 years ago and Benjamin feels the current one is being done at an appropriate time. In 2006, it was determined that 36.1 per cent of Guyana’s population was living in conditions consistent with moderate poverty.

However, since then Guyana has moved higher on the Human Development Index, now being ranked number 127 out of 188 nations. As such, this country is deemed a ‘medium human development’ nation.

The Chief Statistician said consumption patterns have changed, thus the need for the survey. Another survey is for households and budgets which should give key markers for economic growth.

“For household budgets, we are measuring the con-

Chief Statistician Lennox Benjamin

sumption patterns and level of expenditure of the populace as a while, using a representative sample of the population. We last did such as exercise in 2006. It is also a major input; we will be doing a re-basing of our economy which is the base on which when we measure the performance of the growth of the economy and we need to know this before counting oil,” Benjamin remarked.

“When you’re doing a household and budget survey, you are also doing a portion of that to measure our living conditions from which we derive our poverty line,” he added.

These surveys were announced in September 2017 and were conducted in a three-month period.

The Labour Force Survey is geared to track the labour

market dynamics in the country, the Department of Public Information (DPI) reported.

In March 2018, it was reported by Guyana Times that the unemployment rate has remained relatively unchanged, falling marginally from 12.5 per cent in the 2012 census to 12 per cent at the end of September 2017.

Ahead of oil production in 2020, Government released the ‘Green’ Paper for the establishment of the Sovereign Wealth Fund (SWF) in the National Assembly earlier this month and Finance Minister Winston Jordan declared that it was an example of the Administration’s commitment to good “governance and accountability.”

The Green Paper, which sets out preliminary proposals to stimulate discussion, also points to possible courses of action open to the SWF legislation.

It was recommended that Parliament will be responsible for passing the Natural Resource Fund Act; approving the annual Budget, which would include the annual withdrawal from the Natural Resource Fund; and reviewing the annual report. If enacted, an SWF could impact on Guyana’s poverty line but it is not yet clear if another Living Conditions Survey would need to be conducted after that time.

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GA-FDD laboratories receive Certificate of Accreditation from JANAAC via the 10th EDF Fund; Staff and QA Dept of GA-FDD for meeting this milestone.

“On behalf of the Government of Guyana/ Ministry of Public Health (MoPH), the Government Analyst-Food and Drug Department (GA-FDD), I wish to convey sincere thanks to the Jamaica National Agency for Accreditation (JAANAC) for conferring the

Department with the status of accreditation in accordance with the ISO/IEC 17025:2005 Standard… It would be remiss of me not to recognise the hard-working staff of the GA-FDD, particularly our scientific officers, our QA Department, and most importantly the MoPH’s key, critical and invaluable support given to the entire process. Last but

not least, we must single out for special praise our own Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS), for the unwavering support given to the department throughout the years” he said.

And in his closing remarks, he said: “It is our intention to maintain such a prestigious status and guarantee customer satisfaction”.

Gunmen rob technician of motorcycle, cash Marlon Cole, Director of GA-FDD (second left), receiving the certificate award from Donovan Stanberry, Permanent Secretary to MICAF

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he Government Analyst- Food and Drug Department (GA-FDD) was presented with the Certification (Award) of Accreditation in conformity with the ISO/ IEC 17025:2005 Standard on Monday last from the Jamaica National Agency for Accreditation (JANAAC).

GA-FDD received the Certificate (Award) on the occasion of the 23rd General Assembly of the InterAmerican Accreditation Cooperation (IAAC), which is currently being hosted at the Hilton Rose Hall Resort and Spa in Montego Bay, Jamaica.

Delivering the feature address at the IAAC Assembly’s Inauguration was Jamaica's Minister of Industry, Commerce,

Agriculture, and Fisheries (MICAF), Hon. Audley Shaw.

The GA-FDD Laboratories that were accredited include the - Food Chemistry Laboratory; Food Microbiology Laboratory; Excise Laboratory and Water Chemistry Laboratory.

Director of GA-FDD, Marlan Cole, received the Certificate (Award) from Donovan Stanberry, Permanent Secretary to MICAF. The certification was handed over in the presence of JANAAC’s Chairman, Simon Roberts, and Chief Executive Officer Sharonmae Shirley.

This Accreditation now gives the Government Analyst-Food and Drug Department Laboratory the

authority and scope to provide results generated from its analysis and tests which (are) now recognised and accepted anywhere in the world.

The agro-processing industry in Guyana will now be expected to have more access to international markets because of the enhanced competence of the GA-FDD with testing and certification.

Additionally, the Government Analyst- Food and Drug Department Laboratory is the only of its kind within the public sector entity in the region that is accredited.

During brief remarks, Cole thanked the Government of Guyana (Ministry of Public Health MoPH); the GNBS; CROSQ,

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52-year-old maintenance technician was on Monday night robbed of his motorcycle among other valuables when he was attacked by two armed men while making his way home.

Kurt Garner of Meadowbrook Drive, Georgetown was attacked just before midnight by two men who were armed with handguns.

Guyana Times understands that Garner was pushing his motorcycle into his yard when the men pounced on him from behind.

They reportedly held him at gunpoint and demanded that he hand over the keys to his motorcycle, and also ordered that he hand over his valuables.

The victim, however, did not comply with this request, and the bandits assaulted

him before pushing him into his yard and ordering him to lie on the ground. They then reportedly dealt him several blows to the face before confiscating his motorcycle, his mobile phone, and $10,000 cash.

In escaping, the armed men discharged a round in the air.

The victim reported the matter to the East La Penitence Police Station, and an investigation has been launched.

Magistrate discharges traffic offence against vendor

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endell Williams of Lot 70, Section ‘C’, South Turkeyen, Sophia appeared on Tuesday before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan, charged for obstruction of traffic.

The court heard that on August 21, at Water Street, Georgetown, the 53-year-old Williams was responsible for

obstructing traffic.

Williams pleaded guilty to the charge with explanation.

He told the court he has two children to send to school, and that he was given permission to sell at the aforementioned location, for which he has to pay a fee. He then asked the court for leniency in the matter.

Facts presented to the court revealed that Williams had caused a traffic build- up due to him having two large umbrellas at the place of business.

The case against him was, however, discharged by Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan after listening to his explanation.

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Ramsammy’s Ruminations Prayer service kicks off Amerindian Violence against women crisis – President and APNU/ AFC's silence is shameful

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wo weeks ago, a woman had her throat slit and was stabbed multiple times by her husband. But this was not the latest spousal murder in Guyana. Several more shocked us the last week. There is even a report of a Policeman arrested for threatening to shoot his wife.

Domestic Violence Against Women (VAW) (Intimate Partners Violence) is a national crisis in Guyana.

But the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) is largely AWOL, missing in action. President Granger is sickeningly silent.

Shamefully, so too is the Prime Minister, the Social Protection Minister, the Public Health Minister, the Public Security Minister and the whole Cabinet.

Three years after becoming Dr Leslie Ramsammy President, President Granger, just this last week, barely made passing mention during a speech given to the women's arm of the People's National Congress (PNC), conceding that the women's arm of the PNC must do more to fight VAW. He has never said anything about VAW in any national address or during any policy presentation or in a press conference.

This is unacceptable. The invisibility of domestic violence to the Government, even as it has reached levels far beyond a national crisis, is startling, troubling, reprehensible, a national scandal.

In the meantime, the physical, sexual and mental abuse of women in Guyana continues to escalate unabated. The frequency of the murders of women by their intimate partners, close associates and other individuals, has increased to unprecedented, frightening levels. Worse, the cruelty of these murders has also reached unfathomable levels. Almost every week, there is another report of fatal violence against women. The nation has become numb, no longer shocked as almost every week there is another spousal murder of a woman.

The President must declare VAW a national emergency and demand that the relevant Ministers present a national action plan now. In fact, the President must scold the relevant Ministers for neglecting the issue and allowing it to escalate to a national crisis. His failure yet to do so boggles my mind. President Granger has abdicated his duty and is betraying girls and women, more than 50 per cent of our population. The escalating VAW is related to other problems in our society, such as the escalating abuse of children, more than 4000 reported cases last year, and the increase of school dropouts, more than 2600 in 2017, after almost a decade of reduction.

While the VAW crisis is invisible to APNU/AFC, it is not invisible to the Guyanese people. The Opposition Leader and the Opposition Chief Whip in Parliament have asked that VAW be treated as a crisis. Priya Manikchand, the former Social Services Minister and the former Education Minister, has highlighted the problem in FB Posts. I have written several articles in the last three years and highlighted VAW in social media. The media has frontally highlighted the cruelty and the neglect of domestic violence and the increasingly cruel and violent murders of women and girls in Guyana.

Thousands of Guyanese have taken social media to highlight the growing crisis.

VAW remains one of the most systematic and widespread violation of the rights of women globally. It is a public health pandemic. This is not a new problem globally and it is certainly not a new problem for Guyana. When I was a People’s Progressive Party (PPP) Cabinet member, VAW was treated as a national priority problem. Priya Manickchand, as the then Social Services Minister, made it a national priority social issue to address. Throughout the period of the PPP tenure, we were robust in keeping the issue on the national agenda.

The Granger-led APNU/AFC, in contrast, is neglectful and has failed to address VAW with an urgent and comprehensive plan. There is need for the Government to say something and to do something. Their silence shows that they are tonedeaf and insensitive to the problems women and girls face.

Fledgling programmes in place in Guyana for more than a decade now, appear to have become invisible. This invisibility appears to be deliberate because APNU/AFC thinks if it can hide it under the rug. But it is also their attitude – Minister Lawrence sees child sexual abuse as a "family matter" and rape is just a "deflowering" issue.

The time for silence is long past. VAW is a national crisis.

APNU/AFC is AWOL and abrogating its responsibility. In lieu of the Government's silence and lack of interest on this matter, the Women and Gender Equality Commission must declare VAW in Guyana a national crisis. The Parliament of Guyana must declare unequivocally that ‘Time Is Up, Time to STAMP IT OUT’.

Heritage Month celebrations

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he Indigenous community countrywide is eagerly awaiting the commencement of activities for Heritage Month 2018.

The month-long activities will commence with a religious service at the Heritage Village in Sophia on the evening of Friday, August 31, and will culminate with the Annual Fund- raising Dinner on September 29.

On Opening Day Friday, the religious programme will feature a “Hallelujah Group” from Region Seven.

Coordinator of this activity, Valary Dorrick, recently explained that the only indigenous faith that exists in Guyana is the “Hallelujah Religion”, and as such, the service would embody activities in accordance with this religion.

This form of worship is predominantly practised by several villages in Regions Seven, Eight and Nine.

It would be the second time Hallelujah Worshippers would be participating in the religious service. Last year, a group of six from Kangaruma Village, Middle Mazaruni and another six persons from Kamarang, Upper Mazaruni, Region Seven, for the first time led the religious service with prayer and divine worship in their native Akawaio lan-

One of the activities hosted during the Amerindian Heritage celebrations

guage.

This year, a twelve-member group from Jawalla Village, Upper Mazaruni, Region Seven, will lead the service. Dorrick said the service will begin with a “Wada Boo Call,” or the sound of a horn traditionally used by the Indigenous nations across Guyana as a signal to assemble.

“That’s how we are going to start, along with a welcome dance into the service.

This is a religious dance, so we are doing the dance (using) religious songs. So you can come out and be a part of the service”, Dorrick noted.

Reflecting on last year’s service, it was recalled that

the Guyanese populace was, for the first time, given opportunity to witness firsthand activities surrounding worship by this group, when all present participated in a religious dance after joining hands in a large group setting and moving orderly in a circle, stopping periodically to conduct various acknowledgements in accordance with the religion.

This exercise lasted for approximately half of an hour, with Minister Valerie Garrido-Lowe’s full participation. This was not the first time Minister Garrido-Lowe would have experienced this form of worship.

Given that she is in

constant contact with the Indigenous peoples, this is often the kind of welcome she is graced to experience.

Additionally, for many Guyanese who are unfamiliar with this faith, now is the opportune time to experience and share in the indigenous form of worship.

Ministers of the Government, members of the diplomatic corps and other dignitaries will be in attendance and share in the experience of the Hallelujah Worship. The service begins at 17:00h on Friday, and will be broadcast live on the National Communications Network (NCN) Radio and Television.

Linders benefit from HAP medical outreach

Members of the Humanitarian Assistance Programme (HAP) team along with members of the CIOG

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indeners were on Sunday given the opportunity of accessing a number of medical services provided by the Humanitarian Assistance Programme (HAP) through the United States (US) Embassy in collaboration with the Linden Mayor and Town Council (LM&TC).

The services offered by the various doctors, specialists, and other medical professionals included general health checks such as pap smears, HIV testing, and blood tests.

Over a hundred persons benefited.

Additionally, patients were given free medication, dental services, and counselling.

The HAP also held a blood drive and clothing distribution exercise from which persons who are less fortunate benefited.

Representatives from the Central Islamic Organisation of Guyana (CIOG), Guyana Medical Relief organisation, Guyana Cancer Foundation, Cheddi Jagan Dental School, the National AIDS Programme Secretariat (NAPS), National Blood Transfusion Unit, Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) and the Linden Hospital Complex (LHC) were also present, and aided in the services offered.

Speaking at the outreach was HAP Director Reanna Johnson, who said cases of diabetes and hypertension were more prevalent, which she explained is consistent within all the Regions visited by the team. She pointed to the need for more education in this regard, and understanding of proper nutrition, as well as the need for patients to be more proactive

with their diets, and start by educating children.

"What we want when we go into communities is for people that really can't see medical assistance to be able to get that. I think that we've achieved that today", Johnson said. She thanked the community for welcoming the team, and expressed hope in having a continued partnership.

Meanwhile, HAP Administrator Conrad Holguin said members of the community were allowed access to services offered by specialists, in addition to gynecologists and family and internal medicine practitioners.

He advised the lowering of sugar and sodium intake as a means of tackling diabetes and hypertension.

Holguin related that the response from members of the community was very ap-

preciative, as he pointed to the importance of such collaboration between medical organisations.

"Without partners like this, a lot of this isn't possible...and of course the relationship that we have with the government of Linden and other cities as well, we're able to reach out to these communities and to these organisations and get the type of specialists that make these outreaches successful", he noted.

Chief Operations Officer (COO) of Guyana Medical Relief, Sharrir Chan, also agreed that the collaboration made it easier for organisations to participate and reach more people to offer varied services. "I think it's great that we have US Embassy here...getting involved at the community level, because it adds more substance to what we do, and it adds to the importance of seeing and understanding what is going on in our communities. I think collaboration is very important", he said.

General Manager of CIOG, Shameena Haniff, said there was a "really good turnout" on Sunday, noting that according to the persons registered, there were approximately 140 present.

Also present were President/Founder of the Guyana Cancer Foundation, Bibi Saeedah Akhtar Hassan; Dr. Shaneeza Hossein, and Nurse Bibi White, among others.

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wednesdAY, august 29, 2018

Regional

Puerto Rico raises official Hurricane Maria death toll from 64 to 2975

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uerto Rico on Tuesday raised the official death toll from Hurricane Maria to 2975 people – a dramatic increase on the previous official figure of 64 – almost a year after the devastating storm struck the island.

The death toll was changed for the first time since December, following the publication of new research by George Washington University’s Milken Institute School of Public Health.

“We never anticipated a scenario of zero communication, zero energy, zero highway access,” Puerto Rico’s governor, Ricardo Rosselló, told reporters. “I think the lesson is to anticipate the worst.”

This is the first official change to the death toll following efforts by journalists,

A damaged home in the aftermath of Hurricane Maria, in La Perla, San Juan, Puerto Rico

activists and academics to get the government to officially acknowledge the scale of devastation.

Rosselló told reporters the island could have been better prepared for the hurricane,

which hit on 20 September 2017, causing an island-wide electricity outage and telecommunications failures that made it nearly impossible for people to contact loved ones and get help for weeks after the storm.

Peru declares emergency at border as Venezuelans flee crisis at home

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eru on Tuesday declared a health emergency at its northern border as thousands of Venezuelans, fleeing economic crisis and hunger at home, continued to stream into the country despite tightening entry requirements.

Peruvian President Martin Vizcarra declared a 60-day emergency in two provinces on Peru’s northern border, citing “imminent danger” to health and sanitation due to immigration. The decree, published in the government’s official gazette, did not give more details on the risks.

The exodus of Venezuelans

to other South American countries is building toward a “crisis moment” comparable to events involving refugees in the Mediterranean, the United Nations said this week.

Top immigration officials from Peru, Colombia and Brazil have been meeting in Colombian capital Bogota for a two day summit to discuss how to cope with the influx.

There are close to one million Venezuelans now living in Colombia and more than 400,000 in Peru, the countries said in a joint statement on Tuesday after the meeting.

Just 178,000 of those in Peru

have legal permission to stay or are being processed.

The Venezuelan Government of socialist President Nicolás Maduro has warned migrants they face difficult conditions abroad and invited them to return home.

On Tuesday, it said it had repatriated 89 citizens who had migrated to Peru but sought to return after suffering “humiliation and cruel treatment.”

The group had approached the Venezuelan embassy in Lima to seek repatriation and was flown back to Venezuela on state-run airline Conviasa, the Government said. (Excerpt from

Reuters)

Nearly a year on from the hurricane, Puerto Ricans are still struggling and more than 300,000 people have fled the island for the mainland.

Rosselló said the report provided a foundation for the government to improve its response to hurricanes and other disasters. He also announced the creation of a “9/20” commission to determine what such improvements should look like.

Certain populations are identified in the report as being more vulnerable to natural disasters, including people who lived below the poverty level, the elderly and people who have chronic illnesses and need access to medications and medical equipment such as dialysis. (Excerpt from The Guardian)

Jurist says Barbados needs more than Integrity Bill to tackle corruption in public office

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t’s going to take Barbados much more than an Integrity in Public Life Bill to beat corruption in public office, the man who chairs the Turks and Caicos Islands Integrity Commission has told legislators.

Sir David Simmons, who previously served as Barbados’ Attorney General and later Chief Justice, told the Joint Select Committee of Parliament on the proposed Integrity in Public Life Bill 2018, in its first public hearing on Monday that the legislation has to be accompanied by other related laws to properly fight corruption.

He stressed that Barbados must start to put its house in order to align itself with the rest of the world and the best practices that are being developed to enhance good governance.

Sir David, who helped establish the Turks and Caicos Islands Integrity Commission, pointed out that with Barbados seeking assistance from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), it will have to pay particular attention to its efforts to stamp out corruption.

Sir David also said he believed some staff needed to be brought on board when the Integrity Commission is established with the new legislation, inclusive of specially trained financial investigators, accountants, information technology specialists, and most importantly, criminal investigators working outside of the Royal Barbados Police Force.

He also made a strong case for whistleblower legislation with provision to protect the informants, a major public education programme to ensure the widest possible buy-in, and much stiffer penalties that would deter potential corruption. (Excerpt from

Caribbean360)

Haiti gets help paying catastrophe insurance premiums

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Haiti is no stranger to flooding and destruction from disaster

he Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) has approved a grant of US$3 million to cover Haiti’s 2018-2019 insurance premiums with CCRIF SPC—the company that provides parametric insurance coverage to the Caribbean and Latin America.

The Bank’s funding will help the country meet the cost of the premiums for tropical cyclone, earthquake and excess rainfall coverage to which the Government of Haiti will contribute up to US$1.8 million.

CDB’s Director of Projects, Daniel Best said that among the Bank’s 19 Borrowing Member Countries, Haiti is one of the most vulnerable to natural hazards.

In the event of a future disaster, however, Haiti’s parametric insurance contract under CCRIF SPC is designed to pay out quickly and reliably.

“This type of insurance can play a unique role in tackling humanitarian emergencies by providing quick liquidity at a time when there is a dramatic reduction in Government revenue and, at the same time, a need for large government services expenditures,” Best added.

Given the country’s fragility and high vulnerability to natural hazards, in its 20172021 Country Strategy for Haiti, CDB committed to continue paying the country’s annual CCRIF SPC premiums.

Further, in the most recent negotiations for the replenishment of the Bank’s Special Development Fund, contributors agreed that there should be a continuation of the grant-supported programme of assistance for Haiti. Disaster risk reduction is among the main areas in which the Barbadosbased CDB will invest. (Excerpt from Caribbean360)

Women in T&T charged with sexual abuse of boy, 13

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28-year-old woman from east Trinidad has been released on TT$40,000 bail after appearing in court charged with having sex with a 13-yearold boy.

Molly “Doodoos” HoullierMahabir was granted bail by Magistrate Brambhananan Dubay after appearing in the Arima Magistrate’s Court charged with two counts of sexual penetration with a minor, last Friday.

As part of the conditions of her bail, which her husband stood as surety for, Houllier-Mahabir was ordered to refrain from communicating with the victim, who is now 15.

The offences allegedly occurred at her home between August 2016 and last year.

Under the Children’s Act, sexual penetration is defined as either inserting any body part or object into a child’s bodily orifice or the insertion of a child’s body into a person’s bodily orifice. The offence carries a maximum sentence of life imprisonment.

Detectives of the Child Protection Unit began investigating the mother of two after video clips were posted on social media. The woman was arrested and charged last week.

In a press release issued last week, the Children’s Authority noted that society may have a skewed view over such cases involving fe-

Molly Houllier-Mahabir was charged with two counts of sexual penetration with a minor

male adults having sex with underage boys.

The authority also noted that while it receives frequent reports of physical abuse and neglect of boys, sexual abuse against them is under-reported. The authority advised parents to speak to their children over the issue.

“Parents and guardians are encouraged to let boys know that they can be sexually groomed by a male or female adult, who will befriend them by building a close relationship in order to gain their trust, with the intention of later engaging in sexual activity,” the release said.

The authority also said that it would provide counselling for the teenager and his family. (Excerpt from Trinidad Guardian)

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Around the World

Russia to hold biggest war China could scrap 2-child policy, ending nearly 40 years of limits games since Cold War

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The Vostok-2018 war exercise will take place in central and eastern Russia next month. The September 11-15 drills will involve almost 300,000 soldiers

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ussia will hold its biggest war games in nearly four decades next month, a massive military exercise that will also involve the Chinese and Mongolian armies.

The September 11-15 manoeuvres will involve almost 300,000 troops, more than 1000 military aircraft, two of Russia's naval fleets and all its airborne units, Russia's Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu said in a statement on Tuesday.

Shoigu said the drills "are on an unprecedented scale both in terms of the area covered and in terms of the numbers" of military forces.

"Imagine 36,000 pieces of

military equipment moving together at the same time - tanks, armoured personnel carriers, infantry fighting vehicles. And all of this, of course, in conditions as close to combat as possible," he said.

The exercises in central and eastern Russia, dubbed Vostok-2018, will take place at a time of heightened tensions between the West and Russia, which is concerned about what it says is an unjustified build-up of forces by the NATO alliance on its western flank.

NATO says it has beefed up its forces in Eastern Europe to deter potential Russian military action after Moscow annexed

Ukraine's Crimea in 2014 and backed a pro-Russian uprising in eastern Ukraine.

The war games are also likely to displease Japan, which has complained about what it says is a Russian military build-up in the Asia-Pacific. China's state Xinhua news agency has reported Beijing plans to send 3,200 troops and about 900 weapons units for the exercises.

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe will attend a forum in Vladivostok over the same period. A foreign ministry official said on Tuesday that Tokyo always pays attention to shifts in RussianChinese military cooperation. (Excerpt from The Guardian)

More than 100 human skeletons found in mass grave in Sri Lanka

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nvestigators say they have unearthed more than 100 skeletons from a mass grave in the northern Sri Lankan town of Mannar, where Tamil guerrillas and state security forces clashed during the country’s 26-year civil war.

More bodies are being recovered each day from the site, which is already among the largest mass graves found in the country. About 50% of the trench is still to be excavated.

“We have found 101 people and already moved 96 individual skeletons from the trench,” said Raj Somadeva,

an archaeologist working on the site.

Unlike a mass grave previously discovered in central town of Matale, where the bodies were laid neatly beside each other, the remains in Mannar appeared to have been dumped, making the process of identifying individual skeletons more difficult.

As many as 10 skeletons appeared to belong to juveniles, Somadeva said. The team also found ceramic pottery, pieces of porcelain and metallic objects that could be jewellery.

The remains, discovered

about three metres below ground, will undergo forensic analysis to determine how many individuals were buried and when they died.

A court ordered the excavation in May after workers stumbled on bones while digging the foundations for a building.

It is being funded by the Office of Missing Persons, a government agency established in 2016 to trace more than 20,000 people estimated to have gone missing during the civil war, mainly fought between the government and militant Tamil nationalists. (Excerpt from The Guardian)

hina is mulling scrapping its controversial birth restrictions, reversing nearly four decades of family planning policies as birth rates fall.

Chinese couples are limited to two children at present, after rules were relaxed from the infamous one-child policy that was in force from 1979 to 2016. Now officials are poised to enact a wide-ranging civil code that would end a policy that has been enforced through fines but was also notorious for cases of forced abortions and sterilisation in the world’s most populous country.

The Procuratorate Daily,

a newspaper affiliated with the country’s prosecutor’s office, said the draft code omitted any reference to “family planning” – the current policy which limits couples to having no more than two children. The report did not indicate whether the new policy would raise the limit or allow an unlimited number of children.

The draft civil code, which is being discussed by the standing committee of the National People’s Congress this week, is set to be completed by 2020.

The draft code also includes “clear rules” to tackle the “intense problem of sex-

ual harassment” reflected throughout society, state-run news agency Xinhua said on Tuesday, in an apparent nod to China’s growing #Metoo movement. Victims can demand perpetrators “assume civil liability” for committing sexual harassment through words or actions, or exploiting someone’s subordinate relationship, Xinhua reported.

The Communist party began enforcing a one-child policy in 1979 to slow population growth. The limit was raised to two children in 2016 as the nation scrambled to rejuvenate its ageing population of 1.4 billion. (Excerpt from

The Guardian)

South Sudan rebels to sign latest draft peace deal: Sudan

South Sudanese rebel leader Riek Machar (left) and South Sudan's President Salva Kiir sign a cease fire and power sharing agreement in Khartoum, Sudan August 5, 2018

S

udan said on Tuesday that South Sudanese rebels will sign the latest draft of a comprehensive peace deal with the Juba government later this week after assurances that a power-sharing accord inked earlier this month will be honoured.

President Salva Kiir and the leader of the main rebel group, Riek Machar, signed

up to the ceasefire and power-sharing agreement earlier this month after an initial deal in June aimed to end fighting that first broke out in 2013.

Kiir’s Government and some small Opposition groups had initialled the draft at a ceremony hosted by Khartoum outside the Sudanese capital earlier on Tuesday, but Machar’s

SPLM-IO and another rebel group refused to sign, saying that disputes over power sharing and a new constitution had been left out.

The agreement is intended to end years of civil war in Africa’s youngest state that has killed thousands of people.

“Intensive negotiations with Dr. Riek Machar ... has led to Dr. Riek Machar agreeing to initial the final peace agreement the day after tomorrow, on Thursday, August 30,” Sudanese Foreign Minister Al-Dirdiri Mohamed said in a statement.

He said Khartoum assured Machar that the points he had raised would be taken up at a meeting of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), a gathering of east Africa nations that has been trying to end the war in South Sudan. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Aretha Franklin's body arrives in gold-plated casket to lie in State

Iraq sending team to US to seek deal on transactions with Iran

A 1940 white Cadillac LaSalle hearse delivered Franklin's body to Detroit's African-American museum

raq will send a delegation to the United States seeking an agreement on financial transactions with Iran following Washington’s re-imposition of sanctions on Tehran, Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi said on Tuesday.

His statement was the first by an Iraqi official since Reuters reported last week Baghdad was going to ask Washington for exemptions from some of the sanctions because Iraq’s economy is closely linked with neighboring Iran.

“We have requests for the American side, we have

he body of Aretha Franklin, the Queen of Soul, has arrived in Detroit to begin lying in state as thousands of fans gather for a final goodbye. Her body was delivered in a vintage white Cadillac hearse to the AfricanAmerican museum in her home town where it will remain for two days.

The museum also hosted civil rights activist Rosa Parks's viewing in 2005. Detroit, seen as the home of soul music, is treating Franklin's death as the passing of royalty.

A week of mourning is being held in the city, where fans have descended from across the US to see the late singer

I

presented them and a delegation will go to negotiate within that framework,” Abadi told a weekly news conference.

“We have presented a clear vision of what Iraq really needs. This includes Iranian (natural) gas, which is very important, as well as other trade and the electricity sector.”

US President Donald Trump withdrew the United States in May from world powers’ 2015 nuclear deal with Iran, calling it flawed, and reimposed trade sanctions on the Islamic Republic.

The Trump administration has warned of consequences for countries including European allies that co-signed the nuclear accord, that do not respect the new sanctions. Baghdad is in a difficult position - its two biggest allies are the United States and Iran, themselves arch-adversaries.

He called the sanctions “unilateral” and “oppressive”, adding that Iraq would not be “part of a blockade” due to its own painful experience with international sanctions during the era of Saddam Hussein. (Excerpt from

Reuters)

T

one last time. The body of the 76-year-old, who died of pancreatic cancer nearly two weeks ago, will be on public view on Tuesday and Wednesday at the Charles H Wright Museum of African American History.

"She's the queen," said Melissa Howard, who flew from Texas on Monday to pay her respects. The venue was reportedly chosen because Rosa Parks's viewing took place there in 2005 and because it needs to accommodate the thousands of people expected to attend.

Friday's funeral at the Greater Grace Temple is for family and friends only, but Chaka Khan, Jennifer Hudson and Stevie Wonder are among

those due to sing there. Former US President Bill Clinton will be among the speakers.

The red lipstick and sheer dress she is wearing looks like something the gospel singer would wear onstage and "something she would have selected for herself," her niece Sabrina Owens told the Associated Press. The singer will then be laid to rest at the city's Woodlawn Cemetery.

Franklin, whose voice became an inspiration for dozens of other singers, was also committed to civil rights throughout her life and famously sang at President Obama's inauguration in 2009. (Excerpt from BBC

News)

18

guyanatimesgy.com

wednesdAY, august 29, 2018

ARCHIE

Be clear regarding what you will and will not do.

(March 21- Listen to what’s being offered April 19) and negotiate to get what you feel is fair. Nurture an important relationship.

ARIES

Make change count. A latTAURUS eral move will leave you un(April 20- satisfied and searching to fill May 20) the void you are feeling. Use your experience to navigate your way to a better position.

dilbert

Look for answers within.

GEMINI (May 21- Discuss your feelings with the June 20) people you live with. Make a point of bringing about purposeful changes that will improve life for everyone affected by your decisions.

Socialise, network or make plans to do something (June 21- with the youngsters or seJuly 22) niors in your life. Don’t let a personal situation turn into a dispute. Keep the peace.

CANCER

Peanuts

You may be feeling play-

LEO ful, but that doesn’t mean you (July 23- should spend foolishly or inAug. 22) dulge to the max. If you take better care of yourself physically, financially and emotionally, you’ll have few regrets.

Bring about change. Look VIRGO at your options and don’t shy (Aug. 23away from doing something Sept. 22) you’ve never done before.

Take a leap of faith and trust in your ability to get things done.

Calvin and Hobbes

Treat others with caution.

LIBRA (Sept. 23- Don’t let anyone take advanOct. 23) tage of you or put unfair demands on you. An emotional situation can ward off someone’s bad intentions if handled properly.

WORD GAME

SUDOKU

TODAY’S WORD — MARINER (MARINER: MARin-er: One who operates or helps operate a ship.)

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23Dec. 21)

Average mark 20 words Time limit 35 minutes Can you find 29 or more words in MARINER? The list will be published tomorrow.

YESTERDAY’S WORD - LOCOMOTION limn lint lion loco loin loom loon loot lotic lotion olio omit

onto otic clot coil coin colon colt cool coot milo mint moil

molt mono moon moonlit moot motion toil tonic tool icon into noil

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

Participate physically, SCORPIO not verbally.

Discussions will (Oct. 24prompt someone to pressure Nov. 22) you into taking on more than you can handle. Choose to go it alone and get things done without interference.

solution for last published puzzle

A situation at home or a gathering of friends and relatives will bring you to some conclusions that will help you make a lifestyle change.

Romance is in the stars.

Don’t underestimate the CAPRICORN (Dec. 22- capabilities of someone close Jan. 19) to you. Protect your assets and don’t leave passwords out in the open. Make changes to secure what’s yours.

Put more effort into making

AQUARIUS personal gains and physical im(Jan. 20- provements, and toward solvFeb. 19) ing emotional issues that are troubling you. Communicate and clear the air before someone takes advantage of you.

Handle partnerships with PISCES (Feb. 20- care. Emotional tactics will be March 20) used to pressure you into doing something that isn’t your responsibility. Make your position clear and only sign up for what’s reasonable.

wednesdAY, august 29, 2018

19

GCF hosts International Grand Master …avenues for development to be explored

By Jemima Holmes

J

ust a few weeks ahead of their stint at the 43rd World chess Olympiad, members of the Guyana Chess Federation (GCF) got the opportunity of a lifetime to learn from and interact with Moldovan Grand Master Victor (Viktor) Bologan.

Bologan has a lengthy resume as it relates to chess having participated in the Olympiad and other top ranked international tournaments countless times. At one point in his career, the grand master has a FIDE (World Chess Federation) rating of 2734. However, Bologan has since turned his interests to teaching chess around the world and has also written seven books and has a DVD collection of seven tapes which all explore various advanced Chess playing techniques.

As such, the grand master has made time in his

hectic schedule to make a one day visit to Guyana to impart his knowledge on not on the team that will represent Guyana at the 2018 Olympiad but also the younger generation of chess players.

Speaking at the introductory ceremony, President of the GCF Attorney James Bond, shared a little about the purpose of the brief visit at the National Resource Centre, Woolford Avenue.

"His visit here not only coincides with the chess Olympiad but as a result of discussions he and I have had about the development of chess generally in Guyana," Bond said.

It was further explained that the grand master possesses a number of unique ideas which could improve way and level of chess that is played in the country.

As such, the President of the Federation believes that it is a smart move in

Grand Master Victor Bologan takes on a group of Guyana’s best players in a simultaneous exhibition

the direction of growth. “The Guyana Chess Federation believes that if we partner strategically with persons who are not only versed in

the game of chess or in the administration of chess but persons who have the game of chess at heart, we will advance the growth of chess

in Guyana and see results in the coming years. He (Bologan) is coming with a series of ideas and initiatives which I think any fed-

eration who is interested in developing the game of chess would learn from his experience. ” Noting that he has observed much in his short time here, Bologan has indicated that he sees potential in the country’s players.

“Guyana is a small nation but as we can see, chess is there, chess is played and they have champions” “The physical presence of FIDE is not only talking but visiting and assisting,” the grand master stated in relation to what he hopes to achieve within his time here. He further went on to disclose that he intends to continue developing and supporting chess in Guyana.

In his first game, Bologan took on eight of Guyana’s best players all at once in a simultaneous exhibition inclusive National Champion Wendell Meusa, Anthony Drayton and Female champion Maria Thomas.

Guinness Cage Street Ball Beaton cleared heading for dramatic climax to bowl again W

Part of the gripping action during the tournament

T

wo days are left until one of the most electric tournaments to ever grace the face of the earth, the Guinness Cage Street Ball Tournament concludes with nothing but fireworks at the Haslington Market tarmac on Friday.

Everyone has statistically assessed the Sparta Boss versus Leopold Street semifinal to be mouthwatering of the two encounters and perhaps with Sparta Boss having the edge.

But if we look at the scores and the individuals that scored the goals we will see that the upcoming fixture of Broad Street versus Uprising is no mere joke, and even though everyone would want Sparta to make it through to the finals then claim that trophy there is another side of the coin that the fans haven’t seen and should prepare themselves in the event that Sparta is beaten.

Based on the results so far and the

individuals who scored, the upcoming fixture of Broad Street versus Uprising could be the game to keep your eyes on.

In the round of 16 matches we saw Broad Street go up against Alexander Village and won 2-0 with Jamal Cozier scoring the both goals in the 9th and 11th minutes.

Uprising then went up against Plaisance and won 2-0 with the goals being scored by Shamar Scott in the 10th minute and David Wilson in the 13th minute. Both teams then proceeded to the Quarterfinals where Broad Street defeated La Penitence 1-0 and the goal being scored again by Jamal Cozier.

Uprising then defeated Blazers on a penalty shootout 3-2 after a nil-all stalemate at fulltime.

With all that being done Broad street is definitely the team to win it as they have score three goals in the last two matches and all three being scored by Jamal Cozier, Uprising on the other hand has had two

goals excluding the 3-2 penalties. Uprising should definitely watch there game as Cozier who should be regarded as the Harry Kane of the tournament is known to break through defenses early in the game, however if Uprising are smart they can tackle Cozier and block him preventing him from scoring thus limiting his ball usage and pressure the rest of the Broad Street team.

Among the entities in support of the cause are Banks DIH under its Guinness and Power Wine brands, Clarks footwear giants Chetsons, E- Networks Inc., KSM Investments, Yhip’s Bakery, Brass Aluminum & Cast Iron Foundry [BACIF], Ray’s Auto Sales, Insurance Brokers Guyana Limited [IGBL], Y.K. Investments, Trophy Stall, Express Shipping, Woodpecker Products, National Sports Commission, ‘C’ Division of the Guyana Police Force, Jai Signs & Auto Designs, Gaming Authority, Julius Variety Store, and C & C Prestigious Styles.

est Indies fast bowler Ronsford Beaton can resume bowling in international cricket after the ICC approved his remodelled action.

Beaton was suspended from bowling earlier this year after he failed an independent assessment of his bowling action, which had been reported as suspect during an ODI against New Zealand in December 2017.

On August 13, his remodelled action was re-assessed at Loughborough University in England, where the amount of elbow extension for all his deliveries was within the 15-degree limit allowed by the ICC. Beaton missed playing the CPL this year to work on his action and was replaced by Ali Khan at Trinbago Knight Riders.

Match officials are still at liberty to report Beaton if they find he is not using his legal action, footage of which will be handed to them in due course.

In addition to the two ODIs for the Windies against New Zealand last December, the 25-year old Beaton has played 33 First Class matches since making debut for Guyana back in 2011 as a teenager. He has picked up 64 wickets in the format and 43 wickets in 30 List A matches.

In Hero Caribbean Premier League the right-hand speedster has represented the Guyana Amazon Warriors previously but was with the Trinbago Knight Riders since 2016.

Ronsford Beaton

20 Bramble pleased to continue role as Windies ‘B’ Captain – eyeing good results against Canadians GUYANATIMESgy.COM

wednesdAY, august 29, 2018

By Clifton Ross

W

days

ith the Cricket C a n a d a Summerfest just away, West Indies

Anthony Bramble

‘B’ team Captain Anthony Bramble said he’s eager to fulfil his current role while tipping his young team to do well against the Canadians.

Bramble, the Guyana Jaguars wicket-keeper/Batsman and the lone Guyanese in the playing

lected to lead the Windies B team into action.

“Its good games for the team, a few One day internationals and some T20’s.

So we just want to go and continue from the Canada T20 tournament and I want to look to lead the team once again and lead the West Indies to a tournament win this time,” said Bramble.

The aggressive righthander will likely have triple the responsibility as a batsman, wicket-keeper and a captain but having led his team into the finals of the Global T20 Canada tournament in July; against pretty stacked franchises with players from around the globe.

Preparing to resume his role, the hard-hitting Berbician was nevertheless eager to continue his stint as captain and optimistic that his players can do well against the Canadians at the Toronto’s Maple Leaf Cricket Club.

“Captaining the West Indies team is always a

we are here to win,” he added.

The selectors have gone for a few youngsters while a few seasoned faces like; Sunil Ambris, Derval Green, Kyle Mayers, Kacey Carty, John Campbell and more will lend ideal experience and class to the side. Fresh from an exciting 102 runs from 58 balls, Kimani Melius, the leading run-scorer for the Under 19 Championship was also named in the squad for the 9-day tournament.

Speaking on the make-up of the team, the 27 year-old was adamant that the new guys will put their hands up while his expectations of the more senior players is that of proper execution of plans.

“West Indies picked a few youngsters to help give them some exposure and I think it’s a good thing the sectors did. To bring youngsters to the T20 team and give them exposure and the opportunities will help groom them to be a

SCHEDULE OF MATCHES Aug 29

T20 Warm-up – Toronto Bear vs WINDIES “B” – Maple Leaf Cricket Club (MLCC), Toronto

Sep 1 Sep 2 Sep 3 Sep 5 Sep 7

T20 – Canada “A” vs WINDIES “B” – MLCC T20 – Canada vs WINDIES “B” – MLCC T20 – Toronto Bears vs WINDIES “B” – MLCC 50 overs/side – Canada vs WINDIES “B” – MLCC 50 overs/side – Canada vs WINDIES “B” – MLCC

squad, following a training session on Tuesday at the Everest Ground told Guyana Times Sport that he was happy to again be se-

pleasure looking forward to another good tourney, leading the team and getting them motivated so they will be in the frame of mind that

Anthony Bramble and his WI ‘B’ teammates celebrate

warm-up match, along with two 50-overs matches starting from September 1.

West Indies B teamAnthony Bramble (Captain), Sunil Ambris, Alick Athanaze Sheeno Berridge, John

Campbell, Keacy Carty, Justin Greaves, Derval Green, Jahmar Hamilton, Sherman Lewis, Kyle Mayers, Kimani Melius, Jeavor Royal and Jomel Warrican Team Management

Unit- Esuan Crandon (Head Coach), Sir Curtly Ambrose (Coach), Alexander Forde (Strength & Conditioning Trainer), Neil Barry (Physiotherapist) and Avenesh Seetaram (Data Capturer)

Limacol knockout tournament kicks off tomorrow

leading West Indies T20 players” he ended.

Meanwhile, Windies B team will play a series of four T20s, including a

T

Flasback! Western Tigers celebrate their victory following the 2017 final

h

e

third i n stall-

m e n t of the Limacol powered Knockout football tournament will get underway tomorrow evening with three exciting encounters scheduled for the Georgetown Football Club (GFC) ground.

The Limacol Knockout Football tournament is a joint venture with the Petra Organization which strives to implement tournaments at all levels. The knockout tournament gives teams who are not apart if the elite league a chance to showcase their skills. As such, the twelve teams that are participating this year have been divided into three groups.

Group A will feature four teams namely: Guyana

Police Force, Pele Football Club, Northern Rangers and Mahaica Determinators.

Group B will consist of Campton, Georgetown Football Club, Riddim Squad, Buxton Stars and the Group C will have Santos, Pouderoyen, Grove Hi Tec and Beacons Football Club competing before they advance to the semis.

In 2017, the Western Tigers came out on top of the final encounter against the Guyana Police Force 1-0 to take home the winners loot.

This time around, the twelve teams will be competing for a grand prize of $600,000 whilst the runner up will

have to settle for $300,000.

Third and fourth places will receive $150,000 and $100,000 respectively. Each prize is expected to be accompanied by a trophy.

Tomorrow’s Fixtures: 17:30h

Pele Football Club vs Northern Rangers

19:30h

Camptown vs Buxton Stars

21:30h

Police vs Mahaica Determinators

sports

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– Regal Masters make light work of HS Masters

R

R Masters all-rounder, Khemchand Dindyal played the match of his life to knock out Mike’s Wellman of the Ink Plus, Crown Mining Enterprise, Elegance Jewellery and Pawn Shop Tournament when the semifinals were played last Sunday at Everest.

Playing in the second semifinal, the talented player’s first impact in the match came with the ball where he picked up 2/25 from his quota of four

contributed 25 (2x4; 1x6) and Nandram Samlall weighed in with a workman-like unbeaten 30 (1x4) which proved insufficient when Dindyal went to work.

The right handed batsman carried his bat for 81 not out hitting seven fours and a big six that sent his former team crashing out of the championship race. Surojlall “Flintoff” Kumar supported with an excellent cameo of 38 with three sixes and a solitary

the well-oiled Regal masters unit continued their dominance in the over-40 category with a 16-run victory over rivals HS Masters.

Opting to bat first, Regal Masters were never allowed to score freely as the boundaries were not coming but still managed to finish on a challenging 148-7

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21

four that saw RR Masters overhauling the target to finish on 160-4 in 18.2 overs to win by six wickets with 10 balls to spare.

Sheldon Perch picked up 2/30 while Latchman Kallicharran and Lester Thom had one wicket each for Mike’s Wellman who were badly let down by their fielders.

In the opening semifinal,

total from their 20 overs due to purposeful batting including running between the wickets.

Eric Thomas top scored with 30 (2x4; 2x6) with support from Fazleen Mohamed 25 (2x4) and Mohendra Arjune 20 (1x4) as the spirited HS Masters bowlers tried their best to deliver the knockout punch.

Sudesh Ramdeen with 2/20 (2 overs) and Samuel Kingston

2/31 ( 4 ) were the pick of the bowlers who then played their hearts out with the bat.

HS Masters were on course for another upset with Kingston and Ramdeen in top flight bringing up the 100 in 15 overs before the Eric men in Thomas green and yellow took control. After Kingston was dismissed for 47 (4x4; 2x6) the run rate dropped significantly and when Ramdeen followed for 54 (2x4; 2x6) he took his team’s chances with him.

They eventually stuttered to 132 for 4 falling short by 16 runs after David Harper with 2/21, Saheed Mohamed 2/25 and Roy Persaud 1/15 bowled the important death overs.

The tournament which is organized by the Georgetown Softball Cricket League Inc (GSCL) will conclude on Sunday September 9 at Everest with heavy weights Regal Masters being challenged by giant killers RR Masters with live commentary and musical entertainment provided.

The first ball will be 1t 10:00h.

BCB/Fitness 53 Under-17 Knockout Cup

Albion advances to Semi-finals, Tucber Park moves on to final 8

T

he 2018 cricket season of the Berbice Cricket Board continues with play in the Fitness 53/ Ramnaresh Sarwan Inter Club Under-17 Tournament last Thursday. Albion advanced to the tournaments semifinals by defeating Achievers Cricket Club of West Coast Berbice by three wickets, while Tucber Park Cricket Club stormed into the Quarterfinals when they crushed Kendall’s Union of No. 19 Village by 10 wickets.

Playing at the Canje Welfare Centre ground No.19 was sent in to bat and were bowled out for 36 off 14.1 overs with S. Khalall scoring 10. National Under-17 pacer Gevon Schultz took four wickets for 11 and received support from Rommel Reteimah 2 for 7, Daniel Dharamdat 2 for 2 and Zeymul Ramsammy 2 for 10.

Dharamdat then returned to bat to score and unbeaten 18 alongside Tamoi Leason 11 not out for Tucber Park to meet the

BCB President Hilbert Foster (right) accepting the sponsorship from Kishan Sarwan of Fitness 53 prior to the tournament

total in 6 overs.

Achievers who opted to bat first in their Quarterfinal match against Albion were restricted to a meager 119

all-out in 31 overs. With Collis Noble hitting a quick fire 37 with five boundaries, while Fraser 23 (2x4, 2x6) and Daniel Ramoutar 16 offered

support. Govran Ramesh then bagged 6/20 from his 8.3 overs with his left arm spin, off spinner Leon Cecil 2/9 off 6 overs. Sarwan Chaitnarine and Hemendra Gurdyal very aggressive innings provided them with an opening stand of 75 not out, later on Chaitnarine was dismissed for 37 followed by six wickets falling. With seven wickets down they reached the required total in 21 overs ending on 120-7, to secure their spot in the semifinals.

Quacy Auldar 3 for 39 and Adrian Samaroo 3 for 20 was not enough to stop Albion.

Tucber Park Cricket Club will meet power house Blairmont in their quarterfinal with the winner going on to play Albion in the semis.

Defending Berbice Under-17 Champions, Rose Hall Town Bakewell are already in the final which is scheduled for next Thursday at a venue to be named.

22

GUYANATIMESgy.COM

wednesdAY, august 29, 2018

Windies ‘B’ tour of Canada…

“Looking forward to exciting tournament” – Head Coach Crandon – Guyanese elated over new role

By Clifton Ross

N

ewly appointed West Indies ‘B’ team Head Coach; Esuan Crandon said he’s elated over his appointment as he plans to help the team properly prepare ahead of the Canada Cricket Summerfest tournament; which bowls off on September 1.

Crandon, the Guyana Jaguars four-time Cricket west Indies Regional 4-Day winning coach was named Head Coach while former Windies pace legend Sir Curtly Ambrose was named coach of the Windies B team as they set to lock horns with the Canadians in 3 T20’s and two One Day Internationals.

Following a practice session at the Everest Cricket Club ground with some of his

local players; the ex-Guyana pacer told Guyana Times Sport that he was privileged to be entrusted with the role of Head Coach of the Windies B side. “I’m very happy and elated of the opportunity given to me to coach the team not only me [but] the young players as well. So I’m looking forward to a very exciting tournament with some exciting players in the squad.”

Crandon and Skipper Anthony Bramble are the lone Guyanese in the squad while Neil Barry Jr. is appointed as the physiotherapist and will be on his maiden trip at this level. Bramble who led the Windies ‘B’ team to the inaugural Global T20 League in Canada in July is retained as captain and his coach believes he’s the right man for the job.

Esuan Crandon

‘It’s always good to have your countrymen alongside you in any tournament.

Bramble has proven his capabilities especially in the shorter versions and he had a good season in the 4-day tournament and he’s a good cricketer so I’m looking for-

ward to working with him and the other guys in the side,” said Crandon.

While Crandon has found success since 2013/14 by winning the Regional 4-Day title every year since, the former all-rounder said that he hopes to replicate similar results in the upcoming tournament, he’s keeping one eye trained on making few errors.

“I look at it as cricket, it’s just a different kind because we are going to play white ball cricket. It’s a lot of differences; the shorter version is one day so you can’t make too many mistakes on that day. There is also not much time to make up after then because in4-Day you can make mistakes and make up in the sessions or days after but T20 and ODI is just one day,” Crandon explained.

Bramble and a few of his players in the side will be returning to Canada after they lost in the Finals of the Global T20. With a new-look side, Crandon believed that once they team plays as a unit and executes their plans well; success can be achieved over the next week.

“I had the opportunity to coach the Guyana Jaguars in 50 over cricket, obviously we have to go and adjust to conditions as a group and prepare well and execute well as a group. I have had an opportunity to view the Canada T20 League, I have a fairly good idea about their pitches and so plus we have some guys who will be going back to Canada so they can share experience with the new guys so it will be good when we get up there.”

Meanwhile, the Windies ‘B’ team will tackle the Canadians at the Maple Leaf Cricket Club in Toronto. The sides will engage in three T20’s and two ODI’s bowling off from September 1.

West Indies B teamAnthony Bramble (Captain), Sunil Ambris, Alick Athanaze, Sheeno Berridge, John Campbell, Keacy Carty, Justin Greaves, Derval Green, Jahmar Hamilton, Sherman Lewis, Kyle Mayers, Kimani Melius, Jeavor Royal and Jomel Warrican Team Management Unit- Esuan Crandon (Head Coach), Sir Curtly Ambrose (Coach), Alexander Forde (Strength & Conditioning Trainer), Neil Barry (Physiotherapist) and Avenesh Seetaram (Data Capturer)

Caribbean Regional Badminton Confederation Tournament 2018…

Ramdhani shines again F

ollowing the Junior and Senior competitions, Caribbean Regional Badminton Confederation (CAREBACO) has now moved on to staging their Regional Under-11, 13, 15, & 17 Championships also in neighbouring Suriname.

The competition which is also being held at the

Ring Sports Center in Paramaribo, is providing much needed international exposure to a group of Guyana’s youngest badminton players, most of whom have not competed overseas before.

The competition which began on Sunday evening saw the Guyanese players performing to the best of

their abilities against more seasoned players their age.

Expectantly, Priyanna Ramdhani continues to showcase excellent skill and talent as she participates in yet another CAREBACO International tournament, this time it is the Under 17 competition. Going into her third straight week of competition, Ramdhani has

The team of Vikash Mootoo and Matthew Beharry competes in the Under 15 doubles

proven that talent does not get tired or weary.

Given that the badminton powerhouse is only 16 years of age, she is now competing against players who are roughly within her own age group. Similarly to the other CAREBACO championships in previous weeks, Ramdhani has started out with a blemish less streak.

In the women’s singles, Ramdhani has advanced to the semifinal round by defeating Fiona Li 21-14, 21-1.

Later on in the women’s doubles, the young woman paired up with Robyn Sobers of Barbados to de-

feat Suriname’s Kayleigh Moenne and Faith Sariman 21-17, 21-17.

Over in the mixed doubles division she partnered with Trinidad and Tobago’s Vance Juteram to secure a win over Kevin Karg and Faith Sariman of Suriname 21-9, 21-9, in order to advance to the semis.

Additionally, in the Under 11 category, Mishka Beharry was defeated by Le Yan Sharon Li of Suriname 21-7, 21-1 and by Gillian Jones of the same country 21-5,21-2 in round one and two respectively.

Vikash Mootoo and

Matthew Beharry were the Guyanese who competed in the Boys Under 15 category. Playing against Ky-Mani Ormskerk of Suriname, Mootoo lost 21-6, 21-5.

Beharry also lost his encounter with Suriname’s Rivano Bisphan 21-3, 21-3.

The duo also teamed up for the doubles competition which they lost to Rivano Bispan and Timothy Karg 21-6, 21-4.

The competition will continue for the remainder of the week with games every evening at the Ring Sports Center in Paramaribo Suriname.

guyanatimesgy.com

wednesdAY, august 29, 2018

Hero Caribbean Premier League 2018

23

Tanveer, Tahir help Warriors topple Patriots A

four –wicket haul from Imran Tahir and an attractive 20-ball 37 from Sohail Tanveer saw the Guyana Amazon Warriors beating the St Kitts and Nevis Patriots on Tuesday night in match 19 of the Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL) by four wickets with one ball to spare at Warner Park.

Asked to make 169 for victory, the Amazon Warriors got over the line with one ball to spare after some anxious moments in a start stop run chase in a highly competitive match to begin the Patriots leg of five home matches in St Kitts.

Chadwick Walton was first to go after facing 17 balls while his opening partner Luke Ronchi was more productive in hitting two fours and two sixes

bring home the victory. Along the way Tanveer got assistance from Roshon Primus and Chris Green. With Green they scored the final 20 runs needed from 12 balls to ease the anxiety.

Earlier, the Warriors move from With four changes to the team that lost to the St Lucia Stars last Friday at the Darren Sammy Stadium, opted to bowl after new captain Rayad Emrit won the toss.

After seven overs, Emrit who took over from Shoaib Malik who is back in Pakistan to prepare for the Asia Cup, was scratching his head after Patriots openers Chris Gayle and Evin Lewis cut loose after getting a feel of the wicket.

The pair were watchful for the first three overs but in Green’s second over and fourth

The Patriots captain launched an assault Tanveer in the next over that went for 24 runs which was followed by 15 runs in the sixth, Emrit’s first, which saw the home team ending the power play at 62 without loss.

Green was brought back and kept Gayle and Lewis quiet as they were contented taking six singles in the seventh over before Keemo Paul was handed the ball. Paul who missed the previous game then tested Gayle with a bombardment of short balls before the ‘Universal Boss’ guided one straight into the waiting hands of Cameron Delport at backward point which opened a gap wide enough for the Amazon Warriors to get back into the game.

Carlos Brathwaite congratulates Sohail Tanveer

Keemo Paul celebrates the breakthrough with the wicket of Chris Gayle

Devcich at 144/7 with one over to go Ben Cutting and Carlos Brathwaite then assaulted Emrit and took 24 runs off of the final over to go into the second half of the match with momentum. Emrit went wicketless for 55 runs from his full quota of four overs while Paul who only sent down two overs for seven runs was confined to the boundary.

The Patriots had an

in his 16-ball knock before the Patriots fought back through seamers Sheldon Cottrell, Ben Cutting and Carlos Brathwaite.

Jason Mohammed and Shimrom Hetmyer consolidated but with the good bowling resulting in the rising required run rate, they perished leaving the 33-year old Tanveer to

of the match they began to open their shoulders. The lanky off-spinner who shared the new ball with Tanveer, after rejoining the Amazon Warriors squad following Malik’s departure, went for 11 runs that saw the hosts moving from 12 without loss after three overs to 23 after four as the Gayle-force arrived.

SCOREBOARD

St Kitts and Nevis Patriots Innings (20 overs maximum) CH Gayle (c) c Delport b Paul 40 E Lewis c Primus b Imran Tahir 28 BA King b Imran Tahir 3 DC Thomas† lbw b Imran Tahir 13 TLW Cooper lbw b Primus 9 AP Devcich b Sohail Tanvir 35 Mahmudullah c Delport b Imran Tahir 4 BCJ Cutting not out 19 CR Brathwaite not out 5 Extras (lb-1, w-11) 12 Total (For 7 wickets; 20 overs) 168 Did not bat: SS Cottrell, HR Walsh Fall of wickets: 1-71 (CH Gayle, 7.4 ov), 2-73 (E Lewis, 8.4 ov), 3-78 (BA King, 10.1 ov), 4-97 (DC Thomas, 12.4 ov), 5-102 (TLW Cooper, 13.3 ov), 6-124 (Mahmudullah, 16.4 ov), 7-144 (AP Devcich, 18.6 ov) Bowling:Tanvir 4-0-37-1 (w1), Green 4-0-35-0, Emrit 4-0-55-0 (w-1), Paul 2-0-71 (w-3), Imran Tahir 4-0-224, Primus 2-0-11-1 (w-2)

Guyana Amazon Warriors Innings (target: 169 runs from 20 overs) CAK Walton lbw b Cottrell 8 L Ronchi† c Cooper b Cutting 28 SO Hetmyer b Brathwaite 15 JN Mohammed c Walsh b Cutting 36 CS Delport c Cutting b Mahmudullah 12 Sohail Tanvir not out 37 RS Primus c Cutting b Brathwaite 11 CJ Green not out 3 Extras (b-1, lb-3, w-15) 19 Total (For 6 wickets; 19.5 overs) 169 Did not bat: RR Emrit (c), KMA Paul, Imran Tahir Fall of wickets: 1-35 (CAK Walton, 4.5 ov), 2-43 (L Ronchi, 5.5 ov), 3-89 (SO Hetmyer, 12.3 ov), 4-102 (CS Delport, 13.6 ov), 5-111 (JN Mohammed, 14.5 ov), 6-149 (RS Primus, 17.5 ov) Bowling: Cottrell 4-0-45-1 (w2), Devcich 2-0-15-0 (w-1), Brathwaite 4-0-23-2, Cutting 3.5-0-36-2, Walsh 2-0-18-0 (w1), Mahmudullah 4-0-28-1 Result: Guyana Amazon Warriors won by 4 wickets with 1 ball remaining Player of the Match: Sohail Tanveer (GAW) Points: GAW 2; SKNP 0

After the initial breakthrough, Imran Tahir was called into play and immediately stepped up to the plate when Lewis slashed hard and got a leading edge to short third man at 73/2 as the Patriots have now lost two wickets for two runs in six balls.

Brandon King and Devon Thomas who rescued the Patriots against the Barbados Tridents in their previous match then saw their team to the halfway stage at 78/2 before Tahir took off again.

First ball after the interval, King was trapped on the crease to a quicker and fuller ball that beat bat and pad as Tahir rearranged the stumps and took off win typical Tahir celebration to send the crowd in uproar as well as they too sense that the Warriors have taken control of proceedings.

Thomas stuck around for a while before becoming Tahir’s third victim of the night at 97/4 as the hosts have lost four wickets for 26 runs in five overs and were steering down the barrel.

Roshon Primus in his first game of the season trapped Tom Cooper LBW with the third ball he sent down in this year’s tournament before Anton Devcich flung his bat towards the backend of the innings.

Tahir then became the joint second leading wicket taker in the tournament when he accounted for Mahmudullah after the Bangladeshi added 22 with Devcich. Tahir and Oshane Thomas have 11 victims each, two behind Andre Russell.

When Tanveer bowled

enforced change as Sandeep Lamichhane went back to Nepal for international duties and Hayden Walsh Jr got his first game while Jason Mohammed, Green, Paul and Primus found themselves in the Warriors side at the expense of Malik, Devendra Bishoo, Veerasammy Permaul and Sherfane Rutherford.

The tournament continues tonight with match 20 in

Barbados when the Tridents host the Jamaica Tallawahs from 20:00h while the Amazon Warriors, with eight points in second place to the Trinbago Knight Riders, will next take on the Tridents on Friday at the Kensington Oval. The Patriots who remain on six points will continue with their home matches when they take on bottom of the table Stars on Thursday. (John Ramsingh)

TuesdAY, august 28, 2018

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

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Tanveer, Tahir help Warriors topple Patriots Page 23

Windies ‘B’ tour of Canada…

“Looking forward to exciting tournament” – Head Coach Crandon

Esuan Crandon working on slip catching with the Guyana Jaguars at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy (John Ramsingh photo)

– Guyanese elated over new role

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