Guyanatimes 2 december 2017

Banks DIH launches relationship building programme P11 Nationwide coverage from the best news team in Guyana guyanatimesgy.com

THE BEACON OF TRUTH

Saturday, December 2, 2017

Issue No. 3410

Former Guyana’s “most wanted” gunned down

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WHAT'S INSIDE:

Amerindian Act 2006 revision

Indigenous groups concerned over lack of budgetary allocation P9

Page 7

…call for rectification before budget passes

…while sleeping in hammock at Better Hope Green State

Govt lagging in reforestation efforts – Presidential Page 3 Advisor admits

Tuschen man killed by speeding car Page 2

Opposition to address Police reform during budget P7 debate 21-year-old charged for robbing iNews reporter P8

BHS sex scandal

Police yet to receive P9 file from Education Ministry – Commander

As Guyana joins the rest of the world in celebrating Youman Nabi, worshippers gathered at various masjids on Friday to observe the auspicious occasion. In photo, worshippers gathered at the Queenstown mosque, Church Street, Georgetown reflecting on Prophet Muhammad’s teachings, which were founded on respect, compassion and love (Carl Croker photo)

Panic aboard Govt to finally MV Sabanto establish Law Reform Commission …over fears of vessel sinking Page 2

in Essequibo River

Page 9

…after persistent pressure from Opposition …new legal aid programme on the cards

Sentencing policies for drug use to be reviewed P14

2 news Tuschen man Govt to finally establish killed by Law Reform Commission speeding car …after persistent pressure from Opposition saturDAY, december 2, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

…new legal aid programme on the cards

F T

wenty-five-year-old Kevin Harris of Tuschen, East Bank Essequibo (EBE) was killed by a car as he attempted to cross the Vergenoegen public road, EBE last Thursday at about 18:30hrs.

Police say Harris was struck down when he allegedly ran across the road from south to north and into the path of PSS 2168, being driven by a 35-yearold resident of Utivlugt, West Coast Demerara.

The driver of the vehicle was allegedly speeding east

along the northern carriageway, and Harris sustained severe injuries on account of the impact.

Rushed to the Leonora Diagnostic Centre in an unconscious state, Harris was pronounced dead on arrival.

A breathalyser test determined that the driver had more alcohol than the legal limit in his system. He is currently in Police custody assisting with the investigation, while Harris’s body is at the Ezekiel Funeral Home awaiting a post-mortem examination.

ollowing persistent pressure from the political Opposition regarding the defunct Law Reform Commission, Government has made a commitment to having it established in 2018, along with a new legal aid programme.

This was communicated

by Finance Minister Winston Jordan during his budget presentation. He noted that the commission, when established, would deal with the issue of non-custodial sentencing.

“We will be establishing a Law Reform Commission in the new year, (and it) will work on amending and modernising our legislation to cater for non-custodial sanctions for various types of offences,” the Finance Minister said.

In January 2016, Government had approached the National Assembly, passed the Law Reform Commission Act, No. 4 of 2016, and appropriated millions for the commission’s establishment. But the commission was not established, and its future was in limbo up until Jordan’s announcement.

According to the Act, the commission will have the duty to “keep under review all the laws applicable to Guyana with a view to their systematic development and reform, including in particular the modification of any branch of the law, the elimination of anomalies, and the repeal of obsolete and unnecessary enactments.”

The Law Reform Commission is also man-

dated by law to receive and consider suggestions for the reform of the law. These suggestions, according to the Act, can be made on the invitation of the commission, and can come from judges, public officials, lawyers and the general public.

The commission also has to “prepare and submit to the minister specific programmes for the examination of different branches of the law with a view to reform, including recommendations as to whether such examination should be carried out by the commission or some other body.”

In order to fulfil its functions, the commission is allowed to set up law reform committees that would ex-

Finance Minister Winston Jordan

mission.

The Opposition has also raised persistent questions about the usage of the appropriated sums of money for the non-existent commission. At least $20M had been included in the 2017 budget estimates for the purchase of office furniture, laptops and

The Law Reform Commission is expected to deal with laws including those inherited from the British

amine particular aspects of the law to make their recommendations.

Attorney General Basil Williams had previously argued that the commission would undo the laws Guyana inherited from the United Kingdom before independence, “many (of which) are archaic and irrelevant to our society.”

There are a number of legislative acts likely to be scrutinised and changed if the commission comes on stream. Those include the laws pertaining to the Public Procurement Commission (PPC), laws criminalising same sex relations, and laws regarding possession of marijuana.

However, the fact that the bill allows the President to make appointments to the commission did not sit well with the parliamentary Opposition. Former Attorney General Anil Nandlall has been vociferous in declaring that nominees should be made from different groups.

In its recommendations, the PPP had noted that the Association of Legal Professionals, the University of Guyana, Private Sector Commission, the religious community, labour unions, human rights groups and the political Opposition should be represented on the com-

desktop computers, and to rent a building. At the time, the building had not even been identified to the public.

Legal aid

Jordan also spoke about a legal aid programme, stating that it would assist non-violent offenders on pre-trial liberty.

According to Jordan, it would form part of the Government’s efforts to create a more enabling environment. Such a programme has in fact been in existence since the previous administration.

“This is part of Government‘s efforts to streamline a Budget that is more child-focused and youth-friendly,” Jordan said.

“It is not the wish of this administration to have children and youth incarcerated for petty offences, such as wandering. To continue to do so would be to deprive this nation of the true potential of its rich human capital.

“By the end of 2018, the programme will commence work on the over 500 cases of the aforementioned type, on assessing the sustainability of this pilot legal aid programme, and on providing capacity building to non-governmental organisations that share a similar objective,” Jordan said.

news

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saturDAY, december 2, 2017 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

BRIDGE OPENINGS

Green State

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

Saturday, December 2 – a nighttime retraction of 03:30h and a daytime retraction of 14:30h-16:00h and Sunday, December 3 – a nighttime retraction of 04:30h and a daytime retraction of 14:30h-16:00h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Saturday, December 2 –15:00h-16:30h and Sunday, December 3 – 15:45h-17:15h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY Thundery showers will prevail throughout the day and evening with heavy rain showers in the late morning to late afternoon hours. Temperatures are expected to range between 25 degrees Celsius and 29 degrees Celsius.

Winds: Between East South-easterly and East Northeasterly between 2.23 metres and 4.91 metres.

High Tide: 15:30h reaching a maximum height of 2.85 metres.

Low Tide: 09:03h and 21:32h reaching minimum heights of 0.51 metre and 0.33 metre respectively.

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Govt lagging in reforestation efforts – Presidential Advisor admits

T

he much-touted Green State D e v e l o p m e n t Strategy (GSDS) contains provisions for environmental protection, but the coalition Government has been lagging in pursuing its own agenda of a green economy.

This was revealed by Presidential Advisor on the Environment, Rear Admiral (retired) Gary Best. The former Guyana Defence Force Chief-of-Staff was at the time responding to questions during the University of Guyana (UG) Turkeyen and Tain Talks at Pegasus Hotel on Thursday.

In any conservation plan and certainly in the GSDS, reforestation usually plays an important role. While the Presidential Advisor stressed that reforestation fell under the Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC), he confirmed that Government has been lagging in pursuing reforestation as a policy.

“Mining by nature degrades the environment. So the issue is, the challenges they have had with reforestation is what species (of tree) to use and one of the debates is whether to use invasive species or to go back to the natural forest, (which) is very difficult.”

He added, “But I would say to you that our reforestation efforts are at a minimal. We are not doing enough to (contribute to reforestation) and that is a big climate negative for Guyana. Limited work is being done and more should be done,” the Presidential Advisor admitted.

When the GSDS was introduced, it was billed as a framework that would “build” on the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) designed by the previous Administration to protect the environment while receiving financing.

According to the framework document, a critical element will be the sustainable management of natu-

ral resources. In fact, one of the strategy’s goals is the mandatory reforestation of mining sites.

According to the document, it will aim to “conserve an additional two million hectares through Guyana’s National Protected Area System, continuing to use its monitoring, reporting and verification (MRV) system.”

It also plans on “continuing promotion of the Iwokrama as a dedicated place for research “to develop, demonstrate, and make available to Guyana and the international community systems, methods

Presidential Advisor, Retired Rear Admiral Gary Best

Reforestation is an important aspect of sustainable logging and combating climate change

and techniques for the sustainable management and utilisation of the multiple resources of the Tropical Forest and the conservation of biological diversity”.”

In the document, it is stated that a combination of conservation and sustainable management of forests will form the crux of the strategy. It is noted that attracting additional international support for avoided deforestation through reforms in timber industries will include reduced impact logging.

The GSDS is also slated to include “reviewing compliance with agreed sustainability targets; and in

the mining industry including mapping of mining resources, improving mining efficiency, and mandatory reforestation of mining sites.

Some of these activities are already in the pilot phase, for example sustainable land management

and development – putting degraded and deforested lands to productive use.”

The framework document states that the elements of the Strategy will be examined and consulted upon between April and December of 2017. Public consultations are yet to begin.

Within the framework, seven “central themes” are provided; they include promises to diversify the economy, “creating decent jobs for all”; transition to renewable energy; and “human development and well-being.”

The framework of the GSDS and financing mechanisms’ document was completed in March with financial and technical support from UN Environment.

Initial consultations in regard to the development of the framework document began last December between the Government and other key stakeholders.

Reforestation efforts may be at a minimum, but so too is actual logging… one activity responsible for deforestation. In the Finance Ministry’s half year report, the forestry industry showed an 18.2 per cent contraction in the first six months of 2017, compared to the same period in 2016. Declining production within the forestry industry was attributed to structural changes in the industry.

The mining sector also contracted during the first half of 2017. Gold production fell by 1.7 per cent to 317,096 ounces, compared to the same period in 2016.

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saturDAY, december 2, 2017

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

The message of Youman Nabi

Y

esterday was a public holiday -- Youman Nabi -which commemorated the birthday of the Prophet Muhammad, the founder of the religion Islam. It is a mark of the enlightened approach that Guyanese have to the peaceful co-existence of religions that even though Muslims constitute possibly only ten percent of Guyana’s population, their major festivals receive equal public observation with those of the other major religions -- Hinduism and Christianity.

In today’s world, religion has unfortunately become a source of conflict more than a source of peace. In this regard, Guyana, small as it is, has a lot to offer the world. Much of the tension among religious adherents arise out of not necessarily the making of exclusivistic claims that raise hackles in the followers of other religions, but in the insistence of some to act on those claims by proselytising among the latter groups. From this perspective, Islam in Guyana has the most to offer to peaceful coexistence.

Islam does announce that it presents the only path to God (specifically “Allah”) and salvation. In this way it is exclusivist. But, in Guyana, the Muslims have never gone out to “convert” anyone through proselytising activities, which include denunciations of the beliefs and the practices of other religions. Yet the Muslim population has steadily increased through the years, not only through a higher birth rate, but through others accepting the tenets of Islam on their own.

How was this achieved? The major reason is that Muslims are exhorted not only to have abstract beliefs, but to concretely practise the tenets of the religion as expounded in the Quran. Actions are as important as beliefs. What makes the actions easier to inculcate is that, following the Quran, the life of the Prophet Muhammad, as outlined in the “Hadith”, is a most authoritative exposition of what behaviour constitutes a Muslim. If one is told to be “kind”, then there are the countless examples of kindness performed by the Prophet. Sacrifice? Here again, look to what the Prophet did in similar circumstances.

So, in Guyana, we have the living experience of Muslims giving charity to others, taking care of their bereaved, and generally striving to live as one big family.

The “anomie” or “alienation” that so many complain about in the modern world has to be less in the Muslim community, because of the conscious cultivation of the network of relationships that creates strong communities. Others in the wider society see living cohesiveness and are attracted to the religion.

In Guyana, racial divisions have been the bane of our quest for a more peaceful life. When the ancestors of African-Guyanese were brought as slaves starting in the 17th century, there was a significant number of Muslims among their midst. The term “Fulaman”, which is colloquially applied in the present to Muslims, is thought to have been derived from “Fulani”, an African people who were among the first in that continent to practise Islam. However, by the end of slavery, Islam as a living religion had literally been beaten out of its adherents. In the last few years, however, there has been a significant number of Africans who have accepted Islam - without any proselytisation.

It is hoped that the sharing of a common way of life and an acceptance of the equality of all adherents -- stressed by Islam -- would go a long way in reducing inter-racial tensions.

Youman Nabi also has a lesson for those who will be vying this year to lead this nation in the years ahead. The Prophet Muhammad left a living example of how a leader of a country should act and behave. Modesty, frugality, fairness, mercifulness and practising what is demanded of others were some of his watchwords. While there is great stress nowadays on academic qualifications, the life of the Holy Prophet Muhammad demonstrates that, more than all the “learning”, a leader must be imbued by positive values, and be concerned at all times about the condition of his people.

Burmese fishermen teeter precariously on the edge of their boats on Inle Lake, Shan State. The boatmen balance on one leg while steering with an oar, simultaneously hurling their conical nets into position when carp are sighted (thetelegraph.uk)

A quick analysis of the 2 major political parties

Dear Editor, There are two political parties in our country, two political parties that dominate the political leverage in this country; there is no middle ground.

So, in any analysis or real discussion of our nation those two parties must take centre stage. Hence when the real issues that surrounds the two parties are delved into we see a pattern of events that makes for careful study.

One political party always comes out victorious because of the following real reasons. The PPP leads the way for the expressed reason that they are a people based party, one that takes the real concerns of The People of this country seriously, thus they are a party from the bottom up.

The leaders have as its core or mandate, to lift the social, mental and economic well-being of the people to higher heights. For this reason, that party remains the most popular and one

that can command a majority in any free and fair process here. The PPP is undeniably the party of and for the people, one that has the nation's interest at heart.

In stark contrast is the PNC a party based strictly along party lines one which strongly believes in loyalty to party head and racial allegiance.

It started with Burnham and perpetuated throughout the years, you give unquestioning support to the party leader even if he is leading you down a path of ruin. No wonder that party cannot command a majority mandate in Guyana.

Not forgetting the lack of concern for the masses.

The people's welfare comes last or sometimes nowhere at all where that party is concern.

It is party and the party first, the party is paramount. So, they surrounded themselves with a group of "yes men" or persons who cannot think for

themselves but pledge allegiance to the leader come what may.

This is the crux of the matter that greatly separates the two, matters of economics. In matters of fiscal management of the economy the PPP/C stands head and shoulders above the crowd. For 23 years we saw positives in all aspects of the economy, in agriculture, in forestry, in mining among other things.

In people development we saw an upward thrust never seen here since the early 1960's, for this the PPP/C must be given due credit.

On the distaff side The PNC is an abysmal failure chalking up failures at every turn from one disappointment after another.

The present scenario that confronts us speaks volumes of their horrible attempts at ever maintaining a viable economy.

Doom and gloom stalks our path at every turn, their stewardship in economics stinks to the high

heavens.

The bigwigs are cognizant of this fact that caused them to hurriedly gather the rag tag arrangement of sorts that we now call a coalition.

They knew that the PNC on its track record cannot command a majority vote in Guyana so they cajoled, corralled disaffected members of the PPP into putting together a coalition.

At least it would make belief that this is the best political grouping for Guyana or their version of a government of national unity, but is it? Sadly, it is quite the opposite because right from the very start it has been the PNC/APNU all the way.

From that time forth it is the PNC in full throttle commanding every facet of our existence in Guyana.

Guyana continues down another ruinous road of PNC dictatorship.

Respectfully, Neil Adams

I expected better from Christopher Ram Dear Editor, I just saw the media on November 30, the Focus on the 2018 Budget document produced by Ram and Mc Rae, and at first glance it seems a well-prepared analysis of the budget.

In my capacity as President of the Guyanese American Chamber of Commerce, I would like to circulate this document like

I have circulated the budget speech to our business contacts.

However, it is a pity that such an important document would portray a negative image of Guyana through the photo chosen for the cover.

I hold no brief for Minister Khemraj Ramjattan, but it is not unusual for us human beings, in and outside of important halls such as Parliament,

to ‘catch a nap’ when we are overcome with tiredness. We are humans.

So, for such an important document, which should be circulated around the world to business and other interests, to highlight one of our members of Parliament “catching a nap” during a sitting of that honourable institution is certainly “not fit and proper”.

I am sure many will inter-

pret this as vindictive, given Christopher Ram’s apparent characterization by President Granger as “not fit and proper” in rejecting the recent lists put up for nomination of chairman of GECOM. And such an interpretation cannot be faulted. I expected better from Christopher Ram. Regards, Wesley Kirton

5 PPP budget motion never saw daylight – Jagdeo B news

saturDAY, december 2, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

udget 2018 has been read, and the parliamentary Opposition is unhappy with what it refers to as a “disastrous” budget.

According to the party, its efforts to meaningfully contribute to the budget process were frustrated by the coalition Government.

Responding to questions during a post budget press conference, Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo noted that his party, with 23 years in governance, was willing to help the coalition with its ideas.

According to Jagdeo, the party submitted a motion to the National Assembly with over 100 proposals that would have been both growth-enhancing and welfare-contributing. But despite the potential to create a framework of development and growth, his party’s motion never saw the light of day.

“We have run Governments several successful years. We’ve been in these positions. We’ve dealt

with these issues. We know what it takes to create frameworks. And unless you get the data, which we have been asking for… We requested the data to prepare our presentation to come to (their) meeting, he refused to give us. Clearly he didn’t want a productive engagement.”

Opposition Chief Whip Gail Teixeira corroborated Jagdeo’s contention that the party had submitted their motion since October. She said there was ample time to have the motion debated, but it was continuously stalled.

Shadow budget The motion in question was submitted since October 9 by PPP Parliamentarian Irfaan Ali. Among other things, it had recommended the reversal of Value Added Tax on education, zero rated items, essential food items, electricity and water, as well as local construction materials and heavy duty machinery.

The PPP’s motion also advocated the removal of VAT

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo

and other taxes from businesses earning less than $400,000 monthly; the removal of VAT from local products from the forestry sector, and the reduction of VAT to 12 per cent, one of the coalition’s promises on the campaign trail.

There were other recommendations: for the directive to licensed currency dealers, banks and cambios to limit

the spread between buying and selling rates of the US dollar to G$3 or less.

The motion had sought the restoration of the annual one month tax free salary bonus for all members of the disciplined services, as well as the active negation with unions for increases in salaries and benefits for public servants (who have already been told they will receive no Christmas bonus) and teachers.

Among the motions’ other proposals was to allow public servants, in particular medical professionals, to choose whether they would be on a pensionable fixed establishment or on contract. It would also seek to cap benefits and allowances to ministers, in keeping with the caps on former Presidents Benefits (Amendment) Act of 2015.

In the arena of social services, it recommended the restoration of the Single Parent Assistance Programme, with vouchers to assist with costs for day-care.

It would also restore public assistance on a permanent basis for caregivers of disabled persons and patients with Human Immunodeficiency Virus/ Acquired Immune Deficiency Virus (HIV/AIDS).

The PPP motion would have recommended the increase of old age pension to $25,000, from the coalition Government’s last increase of $19,000. The Government did increase the pension in Monday’s budget- by $500.

It would also introduce evening and night child care centres for women on the night shift; as well as increase public assistance from $7,300 to $12,000; as well as recommend published statistics on the number of recipients by region every six months.

In agriculture, the motion proposed to “Resume negotiations with the Government of Venezuela with the intention of selling rice and paddy to that country,” as well as to “Negotiate with neigh-

bouring Brazil for increased quotas for the export of rice under the Partial Scope Agreement.”

There were also recommendations to “commence discussions with all the commercial banks lending to the industry, to review terms and conditions of loans taking into account the prices farmers are getting in order to ‘soften’ repayment conditions; bring supplementary provisions to the National Assembly to provide financial support to farmers in order to aid in the purchase of seed paddy and fertilizers; implement an aggressive marketing strategy in order to enhance current prices and secure new lucrative markets.”

The motion proposed a number of other decisive measures, including the repeal of the Broadcasting Act 2017; implementing the UN Working Group of Peoples of African descent prison recommendations; and auction unallocated oil blocks.

A clear threat to Guyana's economic well-being Darkest-ever Dear Editor, APNU/AFC presented its Budget 2018 under the caption "Continuing on the Road to the Good Life".

Unfortunately, more accurately, Budget 2018 is really a document that deserves the title "Continuing on the Road to More Debilitating Debt".

I was assisted in this initial contribution on Budget 2018

by RA, a public servant who has to remain silent, fearing recrimination.

This past week, Finance Minister Jordon read APNU+AFC's Budget 2018, the fourth budget since assuming office in May 2015.

Budget2018 further solidifies the sad fact that both the minister and the entire APNU/AFC Government are clueless or ignorant of the needs of Guyanese, let alone building on the thriving economy they inherited from the PPP in May 2015. They con-

tinue to squander the solid economic framework and economic progress they inherited from the PPP in May 2015.

Virtually all the economic pillars have declined since May 2015 and Budget 2018 is either oblivious or simply overwhelmed. One thing is certain about Budget 2018 sugar, still one of the largest employer in Guyana, is dead.

Mining, manufacturing, agriculture (including rice), forestry, tourism, housing and construction, the service industry have all been treated like step children and orphans in Budget 2018.

Budget 2018 further exposes APNU/AFC's total reliance on Guyana becoming an oil economy. They inherited the possibility of oil from the PPP, but the PPP has always had a diverse economic framework, with oil to become one of the many pillars of a diversified economy.

Budget 2018 does not contain any plans on how Guyana will utilize the oil pillar to reinforce and move Guyana forward with a diverse economic platform. OIL means much to Guyana, but it is an infant industry still and Guyana must never approach it as if it is a panacea. Budget 2018 contains nothing to show how Guyana will maintain its carbon sink and remain a green economy, even as OIL become an important part of the economy. Painting buildings green will not transform and sustain Guyana as a role model for a green economy.

My summary for Budget 2018 is that a clueless AFC is throwing darts like a blindfolded person, hoping to hit somewhere, anywhere, on

the dart board. Budget 2018 is clueless, representing a clear and present danger for Guyana.

Budget 2018 continues the APNU/AFC's economic framework of transferring resources from poor Guyanese families to APNU+AFC and their cronies. BUDGET 2018 presents a mountain of threats in a visionless milieu of sound bites. Jordon and his colleagues titled this latest con-game "Continuing on the Road to the Good Life".

The clear and present danger, however, is that Budget 2018 is a clear path towards "Continuing on the Road to More Debts".

Sincerely, Dr Leslie Ramsammy

Christmas over 3000 in Berbice Dear Editor, We, the Guyanese people, have gotten no apologies from President Granger for wasting millions of dollars on transforming a white State House (a national treasure) into his Green House; while, at the same time, he has the gall to issue Granger’s Green letters to over 700 sugar workers in the Lower Corentyne/ East Coast Berbice area (Canje to New Amsterdam).

I am now questioning the sincerity of this President’s action. A caring and compassionate leader would

have cut his own cost and use that money to offer a temporary extension to the work life of these workers going home at Christmas 2017.

What Mr Granger has done has made Christmas 2017 into one of the darkest ones for over 3,000 people in the Berbice area.

At a minimum, Mr Granger has now established his reputation as one populated by inappropriate and poor decision-making.

Regards, Ryan Basdeo

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guyanatimesgy.com

saturDAY, DECember 2, 2017

Page Foundation How do I ask my grandma to stop being so techy?

– in a digital age, honouring connections between generations requires sensitivity

By Amy Howell, PhD

I

n recognition of the holiday season, in celebration of the special bond between grandparents and their grandchildren, and in honour of the unique considerations of generational connections in a digital age, the following is a fictional exchange between a grandchild and her grandmother. If it helps to begin a different conversation with your loved ones, all the better.

Dear Mimi, I can’t wait to see you over the holidays! I’m enjoying school, but I’m ready for a break. I wanted to reach out to say hello.

Also, I had a few ideas to share about social media: things like Facebook, Instagram, texting, and even email, and how we can continue to use technology to stay connected. Please know that I am growing and learning about how to build relationships and maintain connections online. Like all humans, I’ll probably make a few mistakes as I learn, but overall, I am doing my best to use technology safely and in a way that allows me to speak up and share ideas in my world.

Liking or loving my posts and photos: Okay, it’s fine to click the thumbs up or heart on things I share, but you do not need to comment...ever. I appreciate that you might want to let me know that you are proud or find my thoughts meaningful, but it would be better if you could text me or tell me in person.

It can feel a little awkward when my grandparents are the first to comment, and it could mean that my friends won’t feel comfortable commenting.

I would love to hear from you directly and privately though!

Commenting on my posts: As I said above, it would be better if you could share your comments directly with me. You could text or direct message me, or you could call me and we could talk. If there are times when you “have” to comment, like maybe my birthday, please remember that my friends and other adults in my life will see what you wrote.

Posting and sharing photos: Since everyone in my personal life may be able to see posts to my accounts, please do not post any picture on my site unless I have given you permission. Also, I would appreciate it if you would ask if it’s okay with me to post any photo of me (at any age) on your sites. And, if sometime down the road I change my mind about a picture I said was okay to post, please respect my feelings a n d

remove it.

Emojis. I love them too, but it’s okay to just use one or two, or maybe we could come up with a few special symbols for each other, and we could use those. Sometimes, it’s a little crazy when a zillion emojis come across my screen.

Where to connect: Let’s talk about the best way to reach me. You don’t have to use text, Instagram, Facebook, and email, we could probably find one or two places that work best for both of us. Some kids just text and some kids don’t even have accounts on the same social media spots as adults. Sometimes, we just use email for school-related things.

What matters most: I know that sometimes people joke around about technology and how kids are on it all the time or that older adults may make funny mistakes. I want you to know that I take my most important relationships seriously and spending time together is what matters most to me. I’m not making fun of you, and I appreciate that you have helped to create the technology that allows my generation to connect in creative ways. I love that you are trying out new apps and games, and I think it’s fun to stay in touch with you.

Thanks for taking the time to read a few of my ideas. I hope you’ll share yours with me, too! I can’t wait to see you and Papa soon.

Love you to the moon!

A RESPONSE Hello Kiddo!

Thank you for your kind note. I look forward to hearing about your new teachers, classes, and friends when I see you over the holidays.

I appreciated reading your ideas about how to use technology to stay connected. I will continue to read through your thoughts as time goes on, and I absolutely do my best respect

ly. I cannot imagine what it would have been like if my grandmother could hear or read the conversations I was having with my friends – not that we were doing anything wrong, but it was just time for us to hang out without adults listening in all the time. With that said, I love that technology allows me to stay in

touch with y o u your wishes. As you suggested, I would like to share a few ideas as well.

Place to spend time with loved ones: Today’s digital world offers so many interesting ways for people to connect. Growing up, I didn’t communicate with my grandparents or family members so regularly and certainly not so public-

and to feel more involved with your interests and activities. It means a lot to watch you grow up, and social media has meant that I can learn more about you, and I love that.

Not that different: I know your generation is growing up “digital,” and it is exciting for me to see youth using technologies that many people my age worked hard to develop. I remember the excitement of talking with friends on the phone or listening to music together. I remember my first email address and my first mobile phone. I can tell you many stories about how technology and devices have changed over the years, and you may have fun trying out some of the “artefacts” I still have, like old phones, typewriters, or early computers.

I may even have your mom’s Walkman around somewhere!

Grandparent joy: So here is the thing about many grandparents: when we get together, we do not only talk about our grandchildren.

We have many other topics on our minds, like interests, work, traveling adventures, and friendships. However, we do like to talk about our kids and grandchildren, especially with those friends who knew your parents or you years ago. When I ask to share a photo, my inten-

tion is not to just show others where I am or who I am with. Instead, I’m sharing that I am spending time with those I love most in this world: my family.

Happy mistakes: As you mentioned in your letter, we are human and as such, we will make mistakes as we learn. I am human too, and even though I have many more trips around the sun than you, I get frustrated, confused, and challenged by some of the ways in which technology does or does not work. If I post something in the wrong place or to the wrong audience, please know I meant no harm, and I will do my best to learn from my mistakes. If I use the wrong term to describe something, remind me of the correct one.

Compassionate about stereotypes: You wrote about negative generalisations about kids and technology and I have great empathy for feeling judged. As an older adult, there are many negative and sometimes hurtful ideas about how my generation uses technology. Like youth, my generation is sometimes labeled as somewhat vulnerable in a digital world. Scams, hacks, fraud, identity theft, and other potentially harmful or embarrassing acts are often targeted at my generation. I intend to continue to learn how to use technology safely so that I can protect myself and also connect meaningfully with my family. Maybe when I see you we can go over some of this together. I could use your help with a few things!

Thank you for opening this door for a different kind of conversation about how we can use technology in fun and meaningful ways together. I am grateful you can trust your thoughts with me, and I hope we can continue to talk about these ideas in the future.

Love you to the moon and back, Mimi (psychologytoday.com)

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saturDAY, december 2, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Former Guyana’s “most wanted” gunned down …while sleeping in hammock at Better Hope

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oger Bunbury, also called “Don Dick”, whose name had been inscribed on the list of Guyana’s most wanted criminals in 2002, was gunned down on Friday morning as he slept in a hammock in the verandah of his home at Lot 724 Good Hope, East Coast Demerara.

The now dead 57-yearold had been named in a list of 42 most wanted men for whom the Guyana Police Force had issued bulletins 15 years ago. Others on the list had been the infamous five from the February 23, 2002 jail break: Dale Moore, Troy Dick, Shawn Brown, Andrew Douglas and Mark Fraser.

The most wanted list had also included names such as Premkumar Sukraj, also known as ‘Inspector Gadget’; Christopher Belle, Romel Reman and Dillon Ackra, among others.

Bunbury had been wanted for questioning in connection with a series of robberies under arms, and had been named in the kidnapping and subsequent murder of taxi driver Vivekanand Nandalall in October 2003.

Bunbury had been recaptured in November 2007 in Sophia, but had been released without charges be-

Dead: Roger “Don Dick” Bunbury

ing instituted against him.

On Friday at about 00:45h, the self-employed man was shot in the verandah of his home, and he ran towards the kitchen, where he collapsed and died.

His relatives converged at his home on Friday morning, and were evidently in mourning as they make preparation for a wake. His reputed wife, with whom he had shared the flat concrete house, was being grilled by detectives; but his sister, Clair Bunbury, explained that she received a telephone call informing her that her brother was shot and killed.

The aggrieved sister recounted that at about 1:15h,

she and other relatives rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital, where she saw the doctor attending to her brother, but from all indications, the news was devastating. After some time, the doctor informed them that her brother was dead.

She was, however, asked to identify her brother’s body.

“He was lying on the bed and I recognise a bullet wound to his right side jaw, and that might have been the fatal wound,” she stated.

The sister said she subsequently spoke with the dead man’s wife, who explained that prior to the shooting incident, she had heard someone calling several times for Bunbury, who was asleep in the hammock.

“She told me that after a few minutes she heard a commotion, and then three gunshots. She said she was afraid to come out, but after the place went silent, she went to check...” It was then that the wife saw a trail of blood leading from the verandah to the kitchen.

As she looked closer, she saw her husband lying in a pool of blood. Without hesitation, he was picked up and rushed to the hospital.

Further asked if the shooting might have stemmed from a pend-

Opposition to address Police reform during budget debate

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ne of the major issues to be discussed by the parliamentary Opposition during the upcoming Budget debate is police reform.

The Opposition is of the belief that this area will attract serious attention, given recent moves taken by the current administration.

Former Home Affairs Minister Clement Rohee has said that he plans to highlight some major issues with respect to the current Government’s approach to Police reform when the budget debate commences on Monday.

Speaking on behalf of the People’s Progress Party at a news conference on Wednesday, Rohee said he feels this would attract plenty of attention because of the unusual development that has taken place over the past week.

“One of the most recent being the Minister of Public Security (Khemraj Ramjattan) actually dismissing the Commissioner of Police (Selall Persaud) -a measure which he has no authority to execute,” he added.

Speaking briefly on Budget 2018, Rohee said he feels a deep sense of disappointment with the measures taken in the area of public security, especially since most of the initiatives were adopted from the PPP

Former Home Affairs Minister Clement Rohee

administration.

“The Citizen Security Programme (phases) One and Two began with the PPP Government; and this administration, without batting an eyelid, continued with these two programmes without even recognizing the significant contributions that were laid of citizen security in our country,” he added.

Making reference to the statements made about the prison riot and fire, the Opposition MP and former minister noted that the catastrophe occurred under the current Government’s watch.

Rohee is convinced that the Camp Street fire and riot took place as a result of what he described as “people negligence”, especially on the part of the David Grangerled Administration.

“The PPP Administration

prior to May 2015 initiated reforms at the Georgetown prison, and in fact the entire prison system as a whole. When we took to the Parliament a bill calling for reforms within the prison system and a change in the name of the Guyana Prison Service to the Guyana Prison and Correctional Services, it was thrown out.”

The former minister recalled that the bill was not a cosmetic change, but was in fact a move aimed to bring about profound changes within the prison system.

Government has announced plans to rebuild the Camp Street Prison in 2018, and a sizable allocation has been made in the 2018 Budget towards this effort.

Finance Minister Winston Jordan told the National Assembly during his Budget presentation on Monday that $30.7 billion have been allocated to implement several initiatives in the security sector.

Of that amount, the Prison Service will receive approximately $1.5 billion to address the expansion and rehabilitation of the prison infrastructure.

Jordan said this work would include the expansion of the Mazaruni Prison to accommodate 400 inmates, 61 per cent more than its current capacity. The Prison is presently overcrowded.

The house in which Bunbury was executed

ing court case wherein her brother had been charged for unlawfully wounding another man, the sister said the family thought about it but was not sure, and as such would leave the Police to conduct their investigations.

The mourning sister explained that her brother had had previous brushes with the law, but she believes that since that incident he had been a changed man.

The now dead man had operated a business at home.

Meanwhile, one of the man’s step daughters told

Guyana Times that after the shooting incident, a man was seen scaling the fence.

The man, she explained, was wearing dark clothing and a tope covered his head.

The man was subsequently spotted by another resident riding towards the backdam in a state of panic.

This bit of information was passed on to the Police as they launched an investigation into the execution-style killing.

Police have confirmed that three spent shells along with a warhead were found at the scene. At the time of the shooting incident, several persons were at home, including the man’s 11- and 13-year-old children.

His body is at the Georgetown Public Hospital Mortuary awaiting a post mortem examination slated for Monday.

The police are continuing their investigations.

8 NEWS 21-year-old charged for robbing iNews reporter saturDAY, december 2, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

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wenty-one-year-old Albert DeFreitas Jr was on Thursday arraigned before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan on three counts of simple larceny, wherein it is alleged that on November 25, on Battery Road, Kingston Georgetown, he smashed a window of a car belonging to the fiancé of iNews reporter Ramona Luthi to gain entry into the vehicle, and carted off therefrom thousands of dollars in valuables.

The vehicle was reportedly parked while the couple was conducting a pre-wedding pho-

The accused, Albert DeFreitas Jr

to-shoot at the Georgetown Marriott Hotel, a short

distance away.

Unrepresented by legal counsel, DeFreitas denied that he had broken into the car and stolen several electronic items, a quantity of cash, and other possessions which belong to the couple and their cameraman. Altogether, these items carry a value in excess of $500,000.

The Prosecution is contending that shortly after the incident, DeFreitas attempted to sell a laptop which was stolen from the car, but the prospective buyer, a woman, cancelled the transaction because of the suspicious actions of

the perpetrator, and instead contacted the Police, allowing for ranks to intercept the suspect, who was nabbed with the stolen items in his possession.

One of the hard drives which were taken from the car was retrieved.

DeFreitas has further been charged with stealing a quantity of colognes and a handbag from Dexter Cummings on October 19, 2017 in Georgetown. He denied that charge also.

DeFreitas has been placed on $20,000 bail, and is expected to return to court of December 11, 2017.

BHS sex scandal

Police yet to receive file from Education Ministry – Commander

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Division (GeorgetownEast Bank Demerara) Commander Marlon Chapman has said that the Education Ministry is yet to send a file or a list of documents over to the Police with information regarding the allegations of sexual misconduct over at The Bishops’ High School.

This comes days after the Education Ministry claimed that it sent a file to the Police after it would have completed its investigations into the allegations.

On Friday when Guyana Times contacted the Commander for an update on the investigation, he said, “The only thing we got is a call from the Minister telling us to go ahead with the investigation…they have not sent any file or a list saying that this is the information we have.”

He, however, noted that the Police were in the process making contact with

Teacher Coen Jackson

victims to receive their testimony, but they were yet to contact the implicated teacher, Coen Jackson, about the allegations.

Meanwhile, the Bishops’ High School Old Students Association (BHSOSA) has

Commander Marlon Chapman

decided to offer mentoring and counselling for psychological trauma to students and teachers at the institution in light of the damning allegations of sexual misconduct at the school. The decision was taken at the BHSOSA’s extraordinary meeting on Tuesday last.

The Association, in a statement, revealed a number of recommendations it would be collaborating with the administration to implement. In addition to counselling, the body would also be collaborating with the Child Care and Protection Agency (CC&PA): to train teachers how to handle complaints of abuse, particularly sexual abuse; sensitise the male students of the school about sexual harassment, abuse, gender equality and ethics; and facilitate sensitisation sessions to equip students with the necessary information on abuse and the process of reporting any act of abuse or victimisation.

The BHSOSA is also working with the administration to implement an anonymous reporting system and for the adoption of a child protection policy within the school.

“BHSOSA unequivocally condemns any act of sex-

Education Minister Nicolette Henry

ual misconduct and abuse against students in and out of The Bishops’ High. We recommend that the Ministry of Education immediately commissions an inquiry into the issue of sexual misconduct, abuse and subsequent reporting in the school and that policies and protocols are put in place to ensure that such behaviour is eliminated and students are encouraged to report such matters without fear of ridicule or repercussion,” the statement said.

“BHSOSA thanks the general public and interest groups for their concern with the safety and well-being of the students of The Bishops’ High School and requests their continued support as we seek justice for victims of abuse,” the statement concluded.

Jackson is accused of abusing his position of trust as a teacher when he began grooming female students for sexual activities after they would have attained the age of 16 – the legal age of consent. He has vehemently denied the accusations, but did admit to having sexual relations with two former students who are both in their early 20s.

Sporting...

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…while Berbice burns

ack in the day, when Rome was on top of the world, the story’s told of Emperor Nero “fiddling while Rome burnt”. The incident has come to epitomise those with responsibility twiddling their thumbs or engaged with frivolities in the midst of a crisis. That’s the thought that came to your Eyewitness when he read of PM Nagamootoo celebrating his birthday while hundreds of sugar workers were summarily fired in Canje, Berbice.

And to rub salt into the wound, Nagamootoo didn’t have the festivities at his refurbished and newly air-conditioned residence on Main Street in Georgetown, but travelled TO BERBICE to do so!! And imagine it was these sugar workers’ votes that gave him the bargaining chip to become Prime Minister!! The famous 11% that he and Ramjattan promised from their “fellow Berbicians”! He specifically promised them sugar wouldn’t be closed…even though his PNC running mate, David Granger, had said it would.

For Nagamootoo to now say he meant not ALL sugar would be closed is speaking from both sides of his mouth.

Fact of the matter is: Granger only changed his line to mamaguy Nagamootoo’s Berbice supporters, and closure was always on the cards.

One friend told your Eyewitness cynically, “David (Granger) slayed the Giant (GuySuCo) and Moses (Nagamootoo) led his (Berbice) tribe into the promised land of Unemployment!!

Does Nagamootoo really believe the PNC will keep the remaining three estates going, as they’re now promising?

Didn’t they also promise Rose Hall’s closing will be delayed to 2018? Now we have the Minister of Agriculture saying it’s not his decision; it’s the Minister of Finance’s, and NICIL and the Special Service Unit’s!!

So, we have people with no knowledge of sugar, and who look at it only as a set of numbers on a balance sheet, deciding the fate of thousands of sugar workers - with their representative Nagamootoo sporting his birthday away!

The line is: GuySuCo’s now just three estates - Uitvlugt, Blairmont and Albion. Problem solved with the stroke of a pen!! You can’t solve the equation? Why worry?? Just change the numbers any which way you want and -- voila!!

-- problem solved!!

Exactly what are they going to do differently on these estates to reduce costs? We know the Government will try to wring blood from a stone…but does the stone have any blood to release?

It’s like during the days of indentureship: when the planters arbitrarily cut wages, and when workers protested, they were shot like dogs! It fact, it was Nagamootoo himself who reminded Berbicians that it was right at Rose Hall where thirteen of them were murdered back in 1913.

Is history going to be repeated? With Nagamootoo fiddling?

…and the narcissist Nagamootoo

At his birthday bash in Berbice -- more specifically, at his old primary school -- Nagamootoo handed out trinkets and baubles like Columbus did to the “Natives” he’d “discovered”. Nagamootoo of course arrived in his specially outfitted $22million SUV, along with the requisite outriders, not Caravels! The children were also given flags to wave in awe at this godlike being!!

And he told them, “Each and every one of you can become the Prime Minister of your country. Each one of you can become the President of the country; each of you can become the most important person.” And from this comment we can get a measure of the man, Nagamootoo: the children shouldn’t seek public office to serve the people, but to “become the most IMPORTANT person”!!

This is emblematic of the narcissistic personality characterised by “extreme selfishness; a grandiose view of one’s own talents, and a craving for admiration”!

Sugar workers are fired and can’t get bread? Let them eat cake!!

…and VAT on education

It was the Government that insisted education was fundamental to Guyana’s growth and development. Yet they imposed VAT on schools that showed quality education was deliverable!!

So must we pat them on their heads for treating the wound after shooting themselves in the foot?

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

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saturDAY, december 2, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

MP highlights alleged Indigenous groups ‘incompetence’ at Public concerned over lack of Infrastructure Ministry budgetary allocation Amerindian Act 2006 revision

…call for rectification before budget passes

Representatives of the APA and NTC signing a historic MoU for joint collaboration in addressing issues facing indigenous people

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everal groups representing Indigenous peoples have expressed disappointment with the lack of budgetary allocation for the revision of the Amerindian Act of 2006, and they are calling on the authorities to have the situation rectified before the passage of the National Budget in Parliament.

The Executive Committee of the National Toshaos Council (NTC), representatives of the South Rupununi District Council (SRDC, Region Nine), the Upper Mazaruni District Council (UMDC, Region Seven), the North Pakaraimas District Council (NPDC, Region Eight), the Amerindian Peoples Association (APA), The Amerindian Action Movement of Guyana (TAAMOG), the National Amerindian Development Foundation (NADF), and the Guyanese Organisation of Indigenous Peoples (GOIP) all met on Thursday to discuss revision of the Act. In a statement, the collective said revision of the Act

has been on the Indigenous community’s agenda for a number of years, and that the administration had, on many occasions, promised to ensure that it happens. They noted that $10million had been budgeted in 2017 for the revision of the Act, but nothing has been earmarked in the 2018 budget.

At an earlier meeting, the leaders of the Indigenous peoples had agreed to set up a steering committee to guide the revision of the Act. “The participants of the meeting agreed on the composition of the steering committee, the terms of reference for the steering committee, and the criteria for persons to be selected to the steering committee; that there would be trainings by facilitators to provide guidance on the process and content for the revision of the Act; and that villages would be clustered by regions and sub-regions, and even smaller groupings, taking into consideration geographical location, among other things,” a statement

issued by the collective has said.

The body is hoping that funding would be provided by the Government towards the initial stages of the process, especially the holding of the first steering committee meeting.

The NTC, district councils, and organisations have up to December 15, 2017 to submit the names of their representatives to an Interim Coordinating Committee that has been named and tasked with ensuring that a first steering committee meeting is held no later than the end of January 2018.

Additionally, at the Indigenous leaders meeting, discussions were held to address issues related to the Commission of Inquiry on Lands, and mining activities affecting Indigenous people’s lands. The NTC and the APA have also signed a historic Memorandum of Understanding, agreeing to collaborate on activities to advance the rights and interests of Indigenous peoples.

Panic aboard MV Sabanto

…over fears of vessel sinking in Essequibo River

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The MV Sabanto

n alarming amount of water accumulated on the lower deck of the MV Sabanto on Thursday as the vessel was plying its regular route from Parika to Supenaam during high tide, and panic erupted on board ship as fear began to spread that the vessel was on the verge of sinking in the Essequibo River.

According to information reaching Guyana Times, a female passenger had ventured onto the lower deck and noticed the large amount of water; and she raised an alarm that resulted in scores of persons rush-

ing to secure themselves with lifejackets in anticipation of the vessel going under.

Although the vessel’s operators were unable to identify the source of the influx, they managed to complete the journey to Supenaam, whereupon the vessel was docked and remains at the stelling.

It is unclear whether the inflow of water was due to a compromise in the vessel, or whether the accumulation had simply resulted from waves overtopping the sides of the vessel because of the intense current;

but Police and the Public Infrastructure Ministry have since been notified about the incident, and an investigation has been launched, wherein several passengers were questioned in relation to what had transpired.

The MV Sabanto was acquired by the previous Government to operate the said Parika-Supenaam route. The vessel had been out of service for a lengthy period, after it had crashed into the Supenaam Stelling in July of last year and had sustained extensive damage.

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he parliamentary Opposition has claimed that the Public Infrastructure Ministry is faced with grave incompetence, underperformance and mismanagement, pointing to several issues that have been ongoing at that particular ministry for the past year as highlighted in Budget 2018.

Shadow Public Infrastructure Minister and Opposition parliamentarian Juan Edghill has accused the Government of excessive use of the force account, particularly at the Public Infrastructure Ministry. The force account is the payment method used for extra work if a contractor and the engineer are unable to negotiate prices for revised work. This, he said, has not gone unnoticed.

Edghill told the media at a People’s Progressive Party (PPP) press conference that while there was grave mismanagement, one of the most burning issues was the alleged political interference in the tendering process. “While they are putting nice big figures in the 2018 Budget, I’ll point out to you that on several fronts, the expenditure is zero. They haven’t spent a dime on some of the major projects they spoke

Opposition MP Juan Edghill

about in 2017,” he stated.

Edghill argued that the slow implementation of several capital projects highlighted that there was either no procurement plan or they were unable to execute their procurement plan.

“It’s either jobs are being held back for specific contractors and it means at the end of the year, cheques are going to be cut for contractors and suppliers even though goods and services have not been delivered,” he further claimed.

The Opposition MP said while Government has touted the Linden to Lethem Road as one of the major projects to be undertaken, $50 million was put in Budget

2017, but not a dime was spent. “So, it’s a pipe dream and an ice-cream promise that existed last year and is coming back again this year, and we are going to have more money being put into the budget for this.”

Edghill also cited some other major infrastructural projects that monies were requested for in the previous budget, but nothing was done. These include the East Bank-East Coast Demerara road linkage, waterfront development, and the ferry vessels from India.

The Opposition MP claims that the Ministry was not following the rules and as such, foreign-funded projects were lagging behind.

10 news

saturDAY, december 2, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Climate change

Experts urge Govt to take proactive steps in combating effects

By Jarryl Bryan

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limate change and the natural disasters that usually accompany it have the potential to not only claim lives and property, but to also cripple the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of small economies.

Earth and Environmental Sciences at UG, Dr Paulette Bynoe; Presidential Advisor and retired Rear Admiral of the Guyana Defence Force, Gary Best; Climate Change specialist Martina Duncan; Engineer Amir Dillawar, and Caribbean Community (Caricom) Secretariat

UG Vice Chancellor, Professor Ivelaw Griffith

As such, experts are of the view that more needs to be done by the Government to mitigate the effects of climate change here in Guyana.

Some of these very experts formed part of a panel at the 10th edition of the University of Guyana’s (UG) Turkeyen and Tain Talks, at the Pegasus Hotel on Thursday.

The panellists included Dean of the Faculty of

Energy Expert Dr. Devon Gardner.

In outlining what lies in store for Guyanese residing on the coast, UG Vice Chancellor Ivelaw Griffith drew a dire picture. The panellists established that Guyana, as part of the region, resides in the most vulnerable part of the world when it comes to natural disasters associated with climate change -- like hurricanes.

Referring to climate change as a clear and present danger, Professor Griffith spoke of the need for planning in case coastal defences were to be breached. He read an excerpt from a presentation by an economist, entitled ‘Petroleum and Climate Change in Guyana’s future.’

“The warming of the Earth’s atmosphere means that, with the passage of time, Guyana will have to deal with the ravages of the Atlantic Ocean. These events will create water management problems that are beyond the capabilities of the water control systems,” Griffith read.

Referring to the presentation, Griffith noted that if the sea defences were to be breached, the inflow of water could undermine current infrastructure. He noted that not even the mangrove forests can withstand the full force of the ocean.

Griffith also spoke of the need to examine the possibility that oil revenues from production after 2020 could be used towards adjusting citizens to the effects of climate change.

Referring to his notes, he posited that this can include developing the hinterland and resettling away from the coast.

Meanwhile, Dr Bynoe pointed out that with the in-

crease in harmful gases, an imbalance has been created in the greenhouse effect.

According to the specialist, any efforts to mitigate the effects of climate change must take into account safeguarding the agriculture sector.

“We’ve had changes in many extreme weather and climate events, and many of you can testify that you have experienced a number of warmer nights. And it’s very likely that all nine regions will experience heavy precipitation (rainfall) events.

“How are humans responsible? We have changed the concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. Without the greenhouse effect, you and I would not be alive here. But the concentration of greenhouse gases would have led to the enhanced greenhouse effect.

There are three culprits: carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide.” She explained.

Adjusting

Climate change specialist Duncan, who works with the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), spoke of the importance of the Government adapting its policies, mitigating contributing factors, and sharing information in order to combat climate change.

Panellist Gomin Comacho urged that

Climate change formed the focus of the tenth series of talks

Government needed to stay 10 steps ahead of the climate change fight. Her fellow Panellist, Dillawar, advised that the University take the talk out of the academic circles and into the communities.

Energy sectors and the fossil fuel used in electricity production constitute a major culprit in the global rise of greenhouse gas.

Despite commitments to 100 per cent renewable energy by 2025, the coalition Government has turned its back on the 165 MW capacity Amaila Falls hydro power project.

Instead, the feasibility of hydro power sites at Kumu and Moco Moco falls are being examined. Earlier this year, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) had also signalled its in-

tention to grant an interim one-year authorisation to Tumatumari Hydro Inc (THI). This brings the special purpose private company closer towards its planned rehabilitation of the Region Eight (PotaroSiparuni) Tumatumari power plant.

In terms of funding, Finance Minister Winston Jordan has stated publicly during an engagement with the Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association (GMSA) that the money set aside by Norway for renewable energy development is not sufficient for its plans.

In fact, Jordan had spoken of difficulties being faced to access the funding.

Government has been assuring, however, that funding from Norway is still on the table.

State House colour change

Govt will respond to National Trust “in due course” – Harmon

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ne day after President David Granger denied knowledge of a letter sent by the National Trust of Guyana demanding an explanation for the repainting of State House in the colour green, Minister of State, Joseph Harmon on Thursday confirmed that the letter was received by the Ministry of the Presidency.

“The letter was received; (it) was written to the Permanent Secretary,” the Minister of State disclosed at this week’s post-Cabinet press briefing, telling reporters that Government would soon be responding to the National Trust.

However, he opted not to delve into details about what the response would be.

“They will have all the reasons when the response is made… I can’t tell you all of that now, but when the National Trust gets its response, that information will be made public,” Harmon said.

The coalition Administration came in for criticism after it bypassed the National Trust and began changing the colour of State House from white to green – the dominant colour

The ongoing repainting of State House

of the People’s National Congress (PNC) and A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), both parties that the President leads.

Over the past weekend, the National Trust of Guyana registered its concerns over the colour change at State House, since it falls under its purview as a historical building.

In fact, National Trust Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Nirvanie Persaud had told Guyana Times that it welcomed the repairs to the building, but noted that they should have been consulted before the colour change.

As such, Persaud said a letter registering their concerns was dispatched to the

Ministry of the Presidency, demanding an explanation.

President Granger told reporters on Wednesday that the building was rotting and as a result, an administrative decision was taken to have it repaired and repainted.

“I am not aware a law has been broken…in fact, National Trust needs to worry about the present decision to ensure that State House is in good repair and does not leak,” he said.

The Head of State further noted that the National Trust should be concerned over the current state of a number of other historical buildings, which are falling apart such as City Hall and the St George’s Cathedral.

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saturDAY, december 2, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Consultation to improve safety in forestry sector hosted

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he Social Protection Ministry has embarked on a series of consultations aimed at improving the Occupational Safety and Health Regulation of Guyana to specifically cater for persons working in the forestry sector.

The first in this line of activities kicked off earlier this week when the Department of Labour met with stakeholders at Herdmanston Lodge in Georgetown.

Participants in the consultation emanated from the Amerindian Peoples Association, the Guyana Forestry Commission, the Environmental Protection Agency, the Ministry of Natural Resources, the Guyana Trade Union Congress, and the Bureau of Standards, among others.

During the event, stakeholders were tasked with reviewing a draft Occupational Safety and Health Regulations document proposed by the Labour Department. Upon approval, the amendments are expected to be made un-

Chief Labour, Occupational Safety and Health Officer Charles Ogle addressing the gathering during the consultation forum

der the Occupational Safety and Health Act, Chapter 99:06 of the Laws of Guyana.

Addressing the gathering during the consultation forum was Chief Labour, Occupational Safety and Health Officer Charles Ogle, who underlined that while having regulations is one step, the implementation of these guidelines is partic-

ularly important, and is at the forefront of the Labour Department’s concern.

This is as he noted that the department, which falls under the jurisdiction of the Social Protection Ministry, views the work of the forestry section as high-risk activities which necessitate that safety be of paramount concern.

Ogle expounded that the nature of operations within the forestry sector is characterized by both manual and mechanical labour, which can provide complex challenges, specifically in areas such as harvesting timber, getting it to the roadside, and transporting it to the end user.

The OSH officer related to the gathering that workers in these fields are prone to physical hazards such as climate; noise; hand/arm vibration, which causes white finger disease; and even environmental threats which can range from bites by poisonous snake to allergic reactions to wood or other plants; as well as the possible malfunction of machines, among a long list of potential risks.

Banks DIH launches relationship building programme

Sampling of Tastee Snacks at Scottsburg Community Centre at the Relationship Building Festival

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undreds of residents from East Berbice-Corentyne attended the inaugural Banks DIH Limited “Relationship Festival”.

The two-day festival was held on November 25 and 26 on the Corentyne and at Rose Hall/Canje.

Banks DIH Chairman and Managing Director Clifford Reis, at the cocktail reception for business leaders and key stakeholders, said in fulfilling the “Passion for Excellence”, we must build on teamwork, coordination, cooperation and maximise our efforts for the end result.

“We are in Berbice because we want to hear from you, so that we can better understand your needs and look at ways of strengthening our relationship,” Reis added.

He further noted that the company continues to build on its relationships with key stakeholders, including shareholders, customers, suppliers and employees.

Banks DIH Chairman and Managing Director Clifford Reis welcomes New Amsterdam Mayor Winifred Heywood

“Our mission is clear, but we must embrace the understanding of corporate governance and the adherence to morality and value systems which are visibly practised.”

The Relationship Festival took the form of an exhibition of the company’s products, cultural pre-

sentations and a children’s play park.

Residents were treated to samples of the newly repackaged Tastee Snacks in a variety of flavours; the new addition to the I-CEE brand – Mango and Pear, and D’Aguiar’s Moscato and Port wines.

A section of the representatives participating in the consultation

He singled out forest workers who fall trees with chainsaws, saying that they are perhaps exposed to the greatest risks in the industry; with tree planters also being at risk from carrying

heavy loads of seedlings and planting in awkward positions.

With these factors in mind, the consultations would allow for considerations to be made of the lo-

cal context, so that the regulations are more realistic.

Following the completion of this mission, the recommendations emanating from the sessions are expected to materialize.

Sentencing policies for drug use to be reviewed …as Govt announces study on treating drug abuse as health issue

By Jarryl Bryan

F

ollowing successive years of prison disasters that culminated in the burning down of most of the Camp Street Prison, Government is now taking steps to address the underlying issues of prison overcrowding and unrest.

These include a review of the policies for persons who are placed before the courts for drug use.

Speaking during the presentation of the 2018 Budget, Finance Minister Winston Jordan related that a study would be done in 2018 to see how to treat drug abuse as a health issue within the criminal justice system.

“In 2018, we will be conducting a study on appropriate treatments for substance abuse as a health issue within the criminal justice system. This will inform our interaction with the Judiciary, as we assist in developing policies to reduce over-reliance on imprisonment.

Probation services will also be strengthened to support this paradigm shift.”

The current system, he said, which incarcerates a person for the usage of harmful substances would be re-examined. “Our people need our compassion and our help so that they can be rehabilitated and given the support they need to live healthy and productive lives,” Jordan also related.

According to Guyana’s Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (Control) Act, once someone is summarily convicted of being in possession of any narcotic, they are liable to be imprisoned for at least three years and at most, five years. There is also a fine attached to such conviction.

Talk about decriminalising marijuana gained new life in 2015 after the public outcry over the sentencing of football coach Vibert Butts to three years’ imprison-

The system and policies for drug use, including marijuana, will be up for review

ment for having 46 grams of cannabis in his possession.

But there have been other cases, including a grandmother, Ramraji Deonarine, who was sentenced to three years in prison and fined $15,000 earlier this year, after she was found guilty of smuggling six grams of cannabis sativa into a prison.

Last March, a fire had raged through the Camp Street Prison and claimed the lives of 17 prisoners.

Afterwards, a Commission of Inquiry, which cost the treasury some $13 million was ordered by President David Granger.

According to the report compiled by the Commissioners, the combination of overcrowded, uncomfortable and unhygienic confinement is ideal for epidemics, for gangs to prosper and to propagate discontent.

Moreover, the CoI found that reducing numbers in prisons to manageable levels is the single most important priority for establishing safe, humane and purposeful prisons. In the wake of another fire in July, which gutted the wooden section of the Camp Street prison, the need to reduce the prison population was further emphasised to the Government.

Alternative sentencing

Of recent, one of the recommendations coming out of a study that examined alternatives to incarceration for pre-trial detainees was for Guyana to estab-

lish a Sentencing Council.

According to the final draft report, this could help to address the problems associated with the increase in the prison population.

The report, which was submitted to Government, was prepared by consultant Peter Pursglove under the Citizen Security Strengthening Programme (CSSP) of the Public Security Ministry. It stated that there was a lack of clear and coherent sentencing policies.

According to Pursglove in his final draft report, his recommendation is due to the importance and complexity of sentencing and the magnitude of the task to be accomplished by the various agencies involved in the criminal justice system.

The consultant emphasised that there was a need in Guyana for a permanent and specially constituted body to oversee the entire sentencing process, and ensure effective coordination of consistent sentencing policy.

In providing an insight as to what may constitute a Sentencing Council to be established here, the consultant said that it would include the provision of guidance to Judges And Magistrates; the gathering and provision of information and statistics for monitoring; planning and policy development; and engaging the community by informing and consulting the public.

12 news

saturDAY, december 2, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Delay in pumping water could lead to low yield – rice farmers

R

ice farmers of Region Six (East Berbice/ Corentyne) have said they stand to lose in the 2018 spring crop as a result of a possible low yield, and are blaming a delay in starting the pumps along the Canje River for what could be a poor rice crop.

The farmers recently met with the Rice Producers Association and the Numbers 52/74 Water Users Association to address the late irrigation of lands which depend on the pumps at Manarabisi.

Some 2000 farmers engaged in rice, cattle, cash crop and coconut farming on 15,000 acres of land are being affected by the delay in activating the pumps.

President of the Rice Producers Association (RPA), Leeka Rambrich, said he had engaged the Water Users Association at the start of the month, explaining the urgent need for water. Four weeks later, rice farmers are being forced to meet with the association in person.

According to Rambrich, the farmers are eager to go into the 2018 spring crop.

“If they sew in January, it will force them to harvest in the latter part of May, and that might pose some problems in terms of harvesting during the rainy season. It would also affect them going back into the fields for the next crop,” the RPA President explained.

Rambrich had said in October that arrangements were being made to have the three pumps at Manarabisi

President of the Rice Producers Association, Leeka Rambrich

Chairman of the 52-74 Water Users Association, Castro Rajaba

activated from November 1.

The pumps are under the control of the regional administration.

“Since the later part of October, I was in constant dialogue with the region to have the pumps start (working) on the first of the month, because Black Bush Polder started to get water on the twenty-sixth of October. The Chairman told me that they have contractors working at the pump station building some revetment, and so they will need some more time.

He said the RPA spoke with the contractor on Saturday (and he) claimed that the revetment work was completed three weeks prior.”

Meanwhile, Head of the Water Users Association, Castro Rajab, said three months ago he had addressed the issue with the Regional Administration, explaining that there were some breaches which needed to be sealed so that the water does not get to the sa-

vannah when the pumps are turned on.

“That is what is holding us back….On Tuesday they got a contractor to seal the breach, and so that is completed...

“Despite the request being made in September for the breaches to be sealed, the Regional Administration waited until November and awarded the contract as an emergency contract,” he charged.

But according to the Regional Chairman, the delay was at the level of the Regional Executive Officer, who did all of the arrangements after being instructed ten weeks ago. He added that more worrying is the fact that the contract was given as an emergency contract to seal the breaches while at the time there was a contractor in the area with the required equipment to do the job. The contract was worth $13 million. (Andrew Carmichael)

Region 10 schools rally for road safety

A section of the students participating in the road safety rally

I

n a bid to raise awareness as it relates to safe driving, students across Region 10 (Upper Demerara- Berbice) took to the streets in large numbers as part of a rally organised by the Region Ten Road Safety Association (RTRSA), in partnership with the E Division (Linden-Kwakwani) Traffic Department.

The awareness rally, which commenced near the Linden Technical Institute (LTI) Ground, was flagged off by the Police Scouts, in the

presence of Inspector Shawn Massay, Deputy Linden Mayor Waneka Arrindell and RTRSA Chairman Vernon Todd, among other stakeholders and members.

The rally was undertaken as part of the 15th Road Safety Month celebrations, which commenced on November 1, with this year’s theme being, “Making roads safer for everyone starts with you, observe, think, drive. A second is all it takes to save a life.”

During the rally, the students shouted slogans relat-

ed to road safety to the public as they campaigned on road safety. The campaigners also carried placards highlighting the importance of road safety and fatal risks caused by vehicles. The rally proceeded through the thoroughfares of the mining town and culminated at the Mackenzie Sports Club (MSC) Ground. Regional Chairman Renis Morian, in his address to the gathering, admonished students to practise road safety every day and to use the roads correctly. (Utamu Belle)

Wisburg High school graduates encouraged to pursue ICT careers

Schools collaborate to showcase Maths at Berbice exhibition

A

n initiative to boost mathematics in schools and make it interesting and simple was hosted at the University of Guyana Tain Campus in Berbice.

A Mathematics tent and exhibition catering to primary schools was hosted under the theme “Math is useful and fun”, and saw schools collaborating to showcase mathematics in various ways.

There were creative games designed by teachers and students to make the subject interesting and retain the children’s interest.

The collaborative event between the Department of Education and the Primary Education Improvement Programme in Region Six also drew participation from nursery and secondary schools.

Coordinator of the Mathematics Primary Improvement Education Programme in the re-

Graduates of the Wisburg Secondary School

P Exhibits at the Maths Tent held at the UG Tain, Berbice Campus

gion, Doreen Patterson, explained that the activity is a countrywide one, and programmes of similar nature are currently ongoing in other parts of Guyana.

“The action taken by the Government to implement such a programme into the primary school system has provided tremendous help to students, since they have

improved in their performances,” Patterson is quoted by the Department of Public Information as saying.

The long-serving educator stated that she plans to continue working along with the Department of Education to widen the knowledge base of the students.

u b l i c Telecommunications Minister Cathy Hughes has charged the graduating class of the Wisburg Secondary School to consider careers in Information and Communications Technology (ICT).

The Minister was at the time addressing the 17th Annual Graduation and Prize Giving Exercise of the Wisburg Secondary School on Wednesday.

Minister Hughes told the students that Guyana was rapidly progressing with a brand-new business model that includes a focus on increased entrepreneurial activities; a new oil and gas (or hydrocarbon) indus-

try; an expanded manufacturing sector; and a broader agricultural sector that includes agro-processing.

“My point is that Information Technology is the key element of these industries. In fact, ICT is important to every single industrial sector in these times we live in.”

Minister Hughes advised the graduates to pursue higher education, whether it be at a university or technical/vocational institution or online.

She noted that across the board, secondary level students are turning in better performances in the subjects that are most needed in the world of work, and in the world of higher technol-

ogy.

“I want to remind you that “you are the chosen generation, because of the technological skills required in today’s world, you are naturally proficient in. You know that minicomputer called a smart-phone better than I do. Many of you are creating apps, establishing your own small businesses, promoting your services and products on your Facebook page, Whatsapp and other social media applications,” Minister Hughes said.

The graduation saw teachers, eager graduates and their proud parents gathered in the school’s auditorium to witness this rite of passage.

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saturDAY, december 2, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

14 news Norway agreement still alive, well – Harmon S saturDAY, december 2, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

tate Minister Joseph Harmon has declared that the Norway agreement with Guyana is still “alive and well.” In fact, he noted that Government has been receiving funding under the agreement for its ICT Access and e-Services for Hinterland Poor and Remote Communities project.

According to Minister Harmon, the GRIF (Guyana REDD+ Investment Fund) Steering Committee, which is co-chaired by Norway, has approved funding for the project to the tune of US$17 million.

The ICT project, he said, will focus on three main pillars: policy development; capacity development; and access to both ICT and public e-services in the areas of education, health, business and security. The project will be executed in over 160 communities and villages.

Guyana will be partnering with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in implementing the project. The UNDP will be responsible for quality assurance and for providing and incorporating social, fiduciary, and environmental safeguards and best practices into the design and implementation of the project.

A Needs Assessment was carried out last year, and

Minister of State, Joseph Harmon

provided strong evidence for the development of this project. A German firm, Detecon International GmbH, was awarded the contract and produced a Baseline Report, a Technical Report and an E-Service Readiness Assessment Report, as well as a final report from the study.

Building on information from the baseline and needs assessment study, the project document was subsequently developed.

Meanwhile, Minister Harmon also revealed that Guyana is expected to benefit from more funding for similar projects, including the improvement of the Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission.

“We (also) expect that there is going to be some other projects relating to our Green State Development Strategy (GSDS); and this project with the United Nations Environment Programme as a partner entity was also approved to a tune of $1.5 million. Our strategy advocates for low emissions as articulated in the Green State Strategy will now be consulted on and taken into consideration – the feedback and views of the citizens of Guyana will be incorporated,” the State Minister said.

According to Harmon, some of the funds under the GRIF agreement have already been disbursed, while others are in the pipeline to be released.

Moreover, the State Minister said, additional details on the status of Norway agreement will be outlined in his presentation during the 2018 Budget debates which kick off next week.

The climate and forest agreement between Guyana and Norway was signed in 2009 and the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS), which along with the National Development Strategy were absorbed into the GSDS, was developed with targets outlined for economic and social development.

Norway had set aside funding to support Guyana’s economic and social development without compromising the forest and the vital ecosystem services.

Initially, Norway had committed to contribute up to US$250 million if the country keeps its deforestation rate low and reaches key forest governance targets.

As at June last year, Norway had disbursed about US$150 million, of which US$70 million had been transferred to GRIF, which is administered by the World Bank, and the other US$80 million had been placed in an account with the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) to cover Guyana’s equity share in the controversial Amaila Falls Hydropower project.

However, the Coalition Administration has expressed concerns and reservations about going ahead with the project. In fact, Finance Minister Winston Jordan, on Monday last during his presentation on Budget 2018, said in addition to unresolved technical, cost, environmental and other issues, the main sponsor, Sithe Global, has withdrawn from the project.

However, Opposition Leader and former President Bharrat Jagdeo, under

TT$50 change fee justified – CAL

C

aribbean Airlines (CAL) chairman Shameer Ronnie Mohammed says there will be no change to the recently introduced TT$50 change fee unless the airline is provided with meaningful alternatives to deal with the high level of no shows on the air bridge by passengers with confirmed bookings.

Mohammed told the T&T Guardian CAL officials had discussions with stakeholders before deciding on the change fee. He said airline officials also regularly meet with the THA and “will continue to do so.”

There have been criticisms of the TT$50 change fee, which many describe as unfair citing inefficiencies on the air bridge. Mohammed said CAL is consistently

looking at ways to improve the service. He said a critical part of improving efficiency hinges on traveller patterns as it relates to no shows on the air bridge.

“Also bear in mind that the airfare on the air bridge remains one of the lowest in the industry,” he said.

The route is subsidized by the government and the cost of a ticket is TT$300.

The recommendation for the change fee had been made by the previous CAL board to the Ministry of Finance, Mohammed said.

When the board changed in November 2016, addition-

al recommendations were made to Cabinet.

The airline was advised on September 4 that Cabinet had approved the implementation of the change fee, which Mohammed said was also a recommendation from the Joint Select Committee on state enterprises.

The CAL chairman said the board hopes the change fee “will change the way travellers approach travel on the air bridge.” He said the fee is not a revenue generator for the airline. However, when customers do not show up for flights there are still costs to CAL for positioning aircraft, assigning crews and operating a service.

Mohammed said the fee will be “helpful in getting passengers to understand this reality.” (TT Guardian)

Man murdered for picking up “Bone Face” late

T

wo men were murdered about an hour apart on Wednesday and Police say one of the murders is linked to another killing which took place earlier that day.

In the linked killings, Police said Jackie “Bucky” Peruza, 36, was shot at while driving his white Nissan Tiida along John John Road, Laventille, Trinidad at about 18:00h Wednesday.

Police said Peruza jumped out his vehicle and ran a short distance before collapsing after his pants fell to his ankle.

Police said Peruza, who

was friends with Matthew “Bone Face” Luke, was mur-

dered for failing to pick Luke up at a requested time.

Luke was gunned down at Caura Hospital Wednesday morning. Peruza was supposed to have picked up Luke but was late resulting in Luke’s death. Both men were from Plaisance Terrace Block 8, Laventille.

In the second killing that took place on Wednesday evening, 32-year-old Terrence Bailey was killed near his Paria Walk, Brasso Seco home.

Police said at about 19:00h Bailey was walkibg with his wife when a gunman opened fire on him. He ran a short distance and collapsed.(TT Guardian)

Per Pharo, Director of the Government of Norway’s International Climate and Forest Initiative during a recent visit to Guyana

whose regime the Norway agreement was entered into, pointed out at press conference following the budget presentation that government’s reasoning for scrapping the Amaila Falls Hydro Project cannot stand up “rigorous analysis”.

Back in March, Special Envoy and Director of the Norwegian International Climate and Forest Initiative, Per Fredrik Pharo, had stated that Norway remains committed to its partnership as long as the com-

mitment is matched by the Government of Guyana.

Pharo noted that once such a plan is finalised and the new Green State Development Strategy is adopted by Guyana’s Parliament, Norway would be in a position to both transfer the US$40 million to GRIF for results that Guyana achieved in 2013, and to put the US$80 million currently placed in a holding account in IDB to good use to reach Guyana’s energy transition goal.

Public Sector employees complete Spanish programme

J

Ambassador of Chile, Claudio Rojas

ust over 30 Public Sector employees completed the fourth edition of Spanish as a foreign language course conducted

by Professor Hernán Pons.

This programme falls under a cultural agreement signed by the Agency for International Cooperation of Chile and the Foreign Service Institute through the Foreign Affairs Ministry.

Delivering the feature address, at the closing ceremony, Chilean Ambassador to Guyana, Claudio Rojas commended the public officials for their participation, noting that it would be beneficial in their respective fields.

Ambassador Rojas expressed optimism in being able to expand the efforts to promote Spanish as a foreign language. “The essence of the efforts that Chile has made with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Guyana is to bring about the importance of Spanish language and to open the participants’ interest in the Spanish lan-

guage and Chilean culture,” Rojas said.

According to the Chilean Ambassador, there will be continued support with regard to the programme since it adds to the strengthening of the relationship between Guyana and his homeland.

Ambassador Ronald Austin, Director of the Foreign Service Institute, noted that mastering a second language was a useful tool for public officials to possess. “… you will be able to acquire the elements and complexities of the Spanish language to use it at the professional level in Guyana and to ensure that the country is no longer a mono-cultural region,” the Ambassador added.

The participants were selected from the Foreign Affairs, Natural Resources, Legal Affairs, and Social Protection Ministries along with those from the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) and Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) among others.

News

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saturday, december 2, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Francis wraps up Asia Venezuela arrests relative Pope tour after meeting Rohingya of powerful ex-oil boss P V enezuela has arrested Diego Salazar, a relative of former oil czar Rafael Ramirez, as part of an investigation into a money laundering scandal in Andorra, the South American country’s state prosecutor said on Friday night.

President Nicolas Maduro is overseeing what his administration calls a “crusade” against corruption in the member of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC). Some 65 oil executives have been detained in a deepening purge that could also see the leftist leader consolidate his grip

over the energy sector and sideline rivals.

The Salazar case appears to relate to what the United States in 2015 said were some $2 billion in laundered funds from Venezuelan state oil company Petróleos de Venezuela, at the private bank Banca Privada D‘Andorra (BPA).

Saab did not specify Salazar’s role or details on the money laundering, except that it involved around 1.35 billion euros in 2011 and 2012, but he said the case was bound to grow. The arrest is bound to cast the spotlight on Ramirez, who was the powerful head of PDVSA and the oil ministry

for a decade before Maduro demoted him as a envoy to the United Nations in 2014.

A protracted rivalry between Maduro and Ramirez has increased in the recent weeks, sources close to the situation said this week, especially after Ramirez wrote online opinion articles criticizing PDVSA’s production slump and the government’s handling of Venezuela’s crisis-hit economy.

Maduro sacked Ramirez, who was thought to have presidential ambitions, from his job this week and summoned him back to Caracas from New York, the people with knowledge of the situation said. (Reuters)

Potassium cyanide killed war criminal – Prosecutors

B

osnian Croat war criminal Slobodan Praljak likely died from heart failure after swallowing potassium cyanide, Dutch prosecutors said Friday, two days after he committed suicide in front of UN judges.

"The preliminary results of the toxicological test showed that Mister Praljak had a concentration of potassium cyanide in his blood," the Dutch prosecution said in a statement in English.

"This has resulted in a failure of the heart, which is pointed out as the suspected cause of death."

The preliminary results were released after an autopsy was carried out on the body of Praljak, who on Wednesday in a last act of defiance against the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia, swallowed the poison in front of UN judges just moments after they upheld his 20-year jail term.

"Praljak passed away in Westeinde hospital in The

Slobodan Praljak drinking the poison following the verdict

Hague after consuming a fluid substance in the courtroom of the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY)," the Dutch prosecution service said in a statement.

Two Croatian experts were also present during Friday's autopsy carried out at the Netherlands Forensics Institute in The Hague.

Contacted by AFP prosecutor Marilyn Fikenscher confirmed that the autopsy was over, but said "we are

still awaiting the final results."

She also said she could not go into details about what levels of potassium cyanide were found in Praljak's blood, nor whether his body remained in the National Foresenics Institute in The Hague where the autopsy was carried out.

"These are just preliminary results, we must wait until the final results," she said, "it doesn't happen a lot that someone commits suicide like this". (AFP)

Australia's former Deputy PM expected to regain seat in Parliament

A

ustralian former deputy prime minister Barnaby Joyce is expected to win re-election for the seat he was earlier forced to vacate, and return to his position in parliament on Saturday, just over a month after he was kicked out over a dual citizenship crisis that cost the government its majority.

Joyce faces a record 16 rivals for the seat of New England, in rural New South Wales, and should he win, it will give the conservative coalition government some much-needed relief in restoring its slim majority.

Joyce has repeatedly said he was “confident, not cocky” about winning the seat of New England again, five years after he first entered federal parliament.

“I said right at the start that you can’t take anything for granted, [but] the feedback I‘m getting as I travel around the electorate is that people just want us to get on with the job of governing,” he told SBS. Joyce was one of a group of lawmakers known as the “Citizenship Seven” whose eligibility to sit in parliament was thrown into doubt when it was found they were dual citizens, a status that is barred for politicians under Australia’s constitution to prevent split allegiances.

The High Court ruled on October 27 that Joyce, along with four of the seven other lawmakers, was ineligible to remain in parliament, forcing Saturday’s by-election.

Joyce was found to be a dual citizen of New Zealand, a sta-

tus he has since rescinded.

The deputy leader position has remained vacant since the High Court ruling.

Joyce’s chances to regain his seat were particularly helped after an independent candidate considered to be his biggest competition decided not to run. The nationalist One Nation Party, led by Pauline Hanson, also decided against fielding a candidate in favor of campaigning for the recent Queensland state election, in which they are expected to win zero seats, despite polling predicting them winning up to 12 seats.

The last day of campaigning for the by-election was marred by a call for Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull to step down as a “Christmas gift” to the nation. (Reuters)

ope Francis wraps up a high-stakes Asia tour after meeting Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh in a highly symbolic gesture of solidarity with the Muslim minority fleeing violence in Myanmar.

The Catholic leader will address college students and visit a hospital in Dhaka run by the order of Mother Theresa on the final day of a visit to Bangladesh and Myanmar that has been dominated by the plight of the Rohingya.

Pope Francis is known for championing the rights of refugees and has repeatedly expressed his support for the Rohingya, a persecuted people whom he has described as his "brothers and sisters".

The usually forthright pontiff walked a diplomatic tightrope during his four days in Myanmar -- the first ever papal visit to the country -- avoiding any direct reference to the Rohingya in public while appealing to Buddhist leaders to overcome "prejudice and hatred".

But in Bangladesh he addressed the issue headon, meeting a small group of Rohingya refugees in an emotional encounter in Dhaka, including a 12-yearold girl who lost all her fam-

Pope Francis places his hand on a Rohingya orphan girl during an interreligious meeting

ily in an attack.

"Your tragedy is very hard, very great, but it has a place in our hearts," he told them.

"In the name of all those who have persecuted you, who have harmed you, in the face of the world's indifference, I ask for your forgiveness."

The pope referred to the refugees as Rohingya, using the word for the first time on the tour after the archbishop of Yangon advised him that doing so in Myanmar could inflame tensions.

The word is politically sensitive in the mainly Buddhist country because many there do not consider the Rohingya as a distinct

ethnic group, regarding them instead as incomers from Bangladesh.

The pope faced criticism from some rights activists and refugees for failing to address the issue publicly, although Vatican officials hinted he had done so in private meetings with Myanmar's leaders.

Hours after arriving in Bangladesh he also called for "decisive" international measures to address the "grave crisis".

The pope returns to Rome on this having held well-attended open-air masses in Bangladesh and Myanmar, which both have small Christian populations.

(AFP)

Canadian judge suspends Quebec niqab ban

A

Canadian judge on Friday suspended part of a Quebec law banning people from wearing full-face veils when giving or receiving public services, handing a provisional victory to civil liberties groups who argued that the law is unconstitutional and discriminates against Muslim women.

Judge Babak Barin suspended the portion of the act banning face coverings until the Government enacts guidelines for how the law will be applied and how exemptions might be granted.

The Government of the mainly French-speaking province of Quebec now has a chance to clarify in detail how the law would be put into practice.

The law, passed in

October, affects everyone from teachers and students to hospital employees, police officers, bus drivers and transit users.

While the law does not single out any religion by name, debate has focused on the niqab, a full-face veil worn by a small minority of Muslim women.

The judge “recognized the immediate harm the law was causing to the people it affects outweighed any theoretical public purpose of the law,” lawyer Catherine McKenzie, who is representing the people challenging the law, told Reuters.

Quebec’s Liberal government is defending the law in court, saying it does not discriminate against Muslim women and is necessary for reasons of security, identifi-

cation and communication.

The act’s name refers to “religious neutrality” and “accommodations on religious grounds.”

The National Council for Canadian Muslims welcomed the ruling “as a successful first step,” its executive director Ihsaan Gardee said.

Opponents of the law say it targets a visible minority that has been subject to threats and violence.

Quebec had about 243,000 Muslims as of 2011, according to Statistics Canada, out of a population of 8 million.

In January a gunman walked into a Quebec City mosque and shot six people to death. A FrenchCanadian university student has been charged as the sole suspect. (Reuters)

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guyanatimesgy.com

saturDAY, december 2, 2017

Regional

1 dead, scores hurt in protests over delayed Honduran vote count

A

t least one protester died and more than 20 people were injured in Honduras after a delayed presidential vote count sparked unrest amid Opposition accusations of electoral fraud.

Honduras was scheduled to publish the final result of last Sunday’s presidential election at 21:00h on Friday, said the head of the country’s electoral tribunal, David Matamoros.

The electoral court will hand-count some 1031 outstanding ballots, or roughly six per cent of the total, that had irregularities, Matamoros said.

Election results initially favoured Opposition candidate and TV star Salvador Nasralla by five points with half the votes counted. They then swung in favour of

A supporter of Salvador Nasralla, presidential candidate for the Opposition Alliance Against the Dictatorship, walks by a burning barricade set to block a road during a protest caused by the delayed vote count for the presidential election in Tegucigalpa, Honduras, December 1, 2017

US-backed President Juan Orlando Hernandez after the count came to a halt on Monday and resumed over a day later.

With the regular bal-

lot count completed, Hernandez, of the centre-right National Party, had a lead of fewer than 50,000 votes.

Luis Larach, president

of business lobby COHEP, told Reuters that the slim 1.5 percentage point difference between the candidates, meant the handcount would be crucial.

“For me, it’s still up in the air,” he said.

International concern has grown about the electoral crisis in the poor Central American country, which struggles with violent drug gangs and one of the world’s highest murder rates.

Police sources said at least one man had been shot and killed at a protest in the city of La Ceiba, while about 12 members of the military and Police Force had been injured in demonstrations which snarled traffic outside Honduras’ main port on Friday and around the country. (Excerpt from

Reuters)

TT fugitive recaptured

T

hree days after alleged fraudster Vicky Boodram escaped from the Women’s Prison at Golden Grove, Arouca, she was recaptured in Penal Thursday night.

Officers from the Criminal Gang and Intelligence Unit, acting on intelligence, went to a house at Sunshine Drive off Lachoos Road, just before 21:00h. They later found Boodram, 35, hiding in the house.

Boodram was subsequently taken to the Penal Police Station where she was questioned.

A 32-year-old female occupant of the house was also detained and faces charges of harbouring a fugitive.

Around 21:05h, after officers had interrogated Boodram for close to two hours, she was taken away in a convoy of Police vehicles.

Police said residents in the area claimed Boodram

was seen earlier Thursday eating at a fast food restaurant. A member of the public who recognised her reportedly alerted the Police.

After gathering more intelligence, officers also tracked her down by tracing a cell phone signal after she tried to use a SIM card previously registered in her name.

Meanwhile, a man who reportedly fell in love with Boodram is said to have as-

sisted in her plot to escape from the Women’s Prison at Golden Grove, Arouca, on Monday.

According to Police sources close to the case, the two met years ago, but had lost touch. However, after meeting by chance at the Tunapuna Magistrates’ Court, where Boodram has some of her 175 pending cases, the two rekindled their love and kept in contact.

M

embers of Venezuela’s leftist Government and Opposition coalition began a new round of talks in the Dominican Republic on Friday aimed at resolving the nation’s long-running and often bloody political standoff.

Various mediation efforts have failed in recent years: foes accuse President Nicolás Maduro of exploiting dialogue to

buy time, while he says the Opposition prefers violence.

Few Venezuelans expect a breakthrough this time, with opponents demoralised at seeing Maduro consolidate power and position himself for possible re-election in 2018.

The Democratic Unity coalition – which failed to dislodge Maduro in months

A

Moravian pastor in Jamaica will know in March next year what punishment he will face for having sex with two girls, both minors, after he admitted to committing the acts.

Reverend Rupert Clarke pleaded guilty to two counts of having sexual intercourse with a person under the age of 16 when he appeared in the St Elizabeth Circuit Court on Wednesday.

The 64-year-old was arrested on December 28, 2016, when Police found him in his car with one of the girls in a “compromising po-

sition”. It was subsequently discovered that he had also had a sexual relationship with that girl’s sister when she was under the consent age of 16.

Clarke, who had initially pleaded not guilty, changed his plea at what was just supposed to be a ruling on the prosecution’s application to have his matter transferred to another court.

The pastor who once led the congregation at Nazareth Moravian Church in Manchester, continues on bail pending his return to court on March 8, 2018 for sentencing. (Caribbean360)

New York model found dead with throat slashed near Jamaican resort

(Excerpt from Trinidad Guardian)

Venezuelan Govt, foes resume talks; breakthrough unlikely

Julio Borges, President of Venezuela's National Assembly and lawmaker of the Venezuelan coalition of Opposition parties (MUD) and members of Venezuela's Opposition attend a meeting to resume talks between the Venezuelan Government and the Opposition in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, December 1, 2017

Jamaican pastor admits to sexual relations with underage girls

of street protests this year that led to about 125 deaths –- is pressing primarily for a guarantee of free and fair voting next year. It also wants a foreign humanitarian aid corridor to alleviate one of the worst economic crises in modern history, as well as freedom for several hundred jailed activists, and respect for the Opposition-led Congress.

“We’ve come to seek solutions to Venezuela’s problems: food, medicines, free elections, and the need to restore democracy,” lead Opposition negotiator Julio Borges said.

“It’s a difficult path.”

The Opposition’s bargaining power has been weakened by a surprising defeat in October gubernatorial elections.

Furthermore, the multi-party group is divided, with more militant sectors opposing the talks.

“The dialogue they are planning to start is a parody ... an instrument for the regime to gain time and keep itself in power,” said Antonio Ledezma, an Opposition Leader who escaped house arrest this month to seek asylum abroad.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

Desiree Gibbon

The family of an aspiring model from New York who was found brutally slain near a resort town in Jamaica have gone to the island to retrieve her body.

Desiree Gibbon, 26, was found in bushes along an isolated road on Sunday with her throat slashed, her family says.

She had been working as a bartender in order to save money for film college, according to her mother.

Police have identified her body, but no arrests have yet been made, and no suspected motive has been released.

Her "blood-caked" body was found on Sunday in the town of Anchovy, several miles outside the tourist resort town of Montego Bay, the website LoopJamaica. com first reported.

Gibbon's grieving family had crowd-funded over

US$22,000 online in order to raise money to travel to the island to retrieve her body for burial in New York.

"We were very close, so you can imagine, when I got the news, 'devastated' doesn't begin to describe it," Gibbon's mother, Andrea Cali-Gibbon, told the New York Daily News.

She said that her daughter wanted to be a travel documentarian, and she had once taught English to children in Brazil.

"She wanted to travel to countries and try things and experience cultures," her mother said.

Gibbon's remains were identified by family members, who reportedly own a nearby hotel in Jamaica.

Jamaican authorities have not released a suspected motive, and so far have released few details about her murder. (Excerpt from BBC News)

St Kitts and Nevis Government gives public servants double salary bonus

G

overnment is spreading some Christmas cheer in the public service this month.

It announced that after lengthy deliberations Thursday, Cabinet agreed that all civil servants of the federal and Nevis Island Administration, pensioners, government auxiliary employees, Skills Training and Empowerment Programme employees and workers at all statutory corporations would

get double their salary in Christmas bonus.

“The bonus payment is indeed expected to bring cheer to all families in St Kitts and Nevis and can be considered as the Government’s Christmas gift to our hardworking and deserving citizens,” the Cabinet said in a statement.

Cabinet said it took account of the many challenges still being experienced by several households following Hurricanes Irma and

Maria and of the Government’s continuing efforts to bring relief to people.

“The fiscal performance of the federal government was also taken into consideration.

Up to September of this year, the fiscal accounts reflected a surplus on the recurrent account, the overall account and the primary account. All economic indicators also point to robust growth for 2018. Several capital projects are expected to come on stream and vari-

ous private developments are anticipated.“In light of the above, the Cabinet took a decision to approve the payment of a double salary for the second consecutive year,” it said.

Recipients of the extra salary were encouraged to spend their money wisely, with a suggestion that those who still have repairs to make to their homes should take advantage of the duty-free concessions being offered by the Government. (Excerpt from Caribbean360)

saturDAY, december 2, 2017

guyanatimesgy.com

Around the World

Trump-Russia: Michael Flynn admits lying to FBI

E

x-National Security Adviser Michael Flynn has pleaded guilty to making false statements to the FBI about meetings with Russia’s Ambassador weeks before Donald Trump became President.

The charges were brought

by Special Counsel Robert Mueller, as part of his inquiry into alleged Russian meddling in the 2016 US election.

Flynn is the most senior member of the Administration to be indicted.

He also revealed he was cooperating with Mueller’s inquiry.

Significantly, a statement made by Flynn to Prosecutors appears to implicate a more senior, though

Ex-National Security Adviser Michael Flynn

unnamed, Trump team official – indicating the direction in which Mueller’s investigation may be heading.

Appearing in a federal court in Washington DC, he admitted to one count of knowingly making “false, fictitious and fraudulent statements”.

According to an AFP re-

porter in court, the Judge accepted Flynn’s guilty plea and said he would not face trial.

Flynn then issued a statement in which he said: “I recognise that the actions I acknowledged in court today were wrong and, through my faith in God, I am working to set things right”.

Seoul says North Korea puts Washington in range, but needs to prove critical technology

N

orth Korea’s latest missile test puts Washington within range, but Pyongyang still needs to prove it has mastered critical missile technology, such as re-entry, terminal stage guidance and warhead activation, South Korea said on Friday.

South Korea’s Ministry of Defence said the Hwasong-15 missile tested

on Wednesday was a new type of intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) which can fly over 13,000 kilometres (8080 miles), placing Washington within target range.

The test prompted a warning from the United States that North Korea’s leadership would be “utterly destroyed” if war were to break out, a statement that

drew sharp criticism from Russia.

On Friday, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov termed the threat from US Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley “a bloodthirsty tirade” and said military action against Pyongyang would be a big mistake, Russian news agencies reported. (Excerpt from

Reuters)

Man copying TV starts huge New York fire

A

n amateur blacksmith started a fire that engulfed three blocks after attempting to imitate a sword-forging scene he had seen on TV, reports say.

John Gomes from the town of Cohoes in New York state was trying to bend metal in imitation of the TV series “Forged in Fire” when the yard blaze started.

The series shows professional bladesmiths competing to make “history’s most iconic edged weapons”.

It was the “worst disaster the city has ever seen,”

A

He said his plea and cooperation deal “reflect a decision I made in the best interests of my family and of our country”. He is unlikely to serve more than six months in prison. The White House issued a statement saying that “nothing about the guilty plea or the charge implicates anyone other than Flynn”. A presidential appearance in front of reporters was then cancelled.

In October, Trump’s former campaign manager, Paul Manafort, and his business associate Rick Gates were accused of conspiring to defraud the US in dealings with Ukraine (both deny the charges). Another ex-aide, George Papadopoulos, has also pleaded guilty to making false statements to FBI agents. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Turkey seizes assets of trader in US trial

T

urkish Prosecutors have ordered the seizure of assets of a Turkish-Iranian gold trader who is testifying in a US trial of a banker accused of violating US sanctions against Iran.

Witness Reza Zarrab earlier told a New York court that Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan had approved his and the defendant’s sanctions-breaking deals.

Erdogan has denied that Turkey breached US sanctions on Iran.

The case has strained relations between Ankara and Washington.

In a separate development on Friday, Turkey’s Chief Prosecutor issued an arrest warrant for former CIA officer Graham Fuller.

The Prosecutor accused Fuller, former Vice Chair of

the US National Intelligence Council, of having links to Muslim cleric Fethullah Gulen. Gulen, who lives in the US, is blamed by Turkey for last year’s failed coup attempt. He denies the claim.

On Friday, the Istanbul Prosecutor’s office said the assets of Zarrab and his family would be confiscated as part of an investigation against the trader, Turkey’s State media reported.

They quoted Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildirim as saying that he hoped Zarrab would “turn back from his mistake” in cooperating with US prosecutors.

Reza Zarrab, 34, is a key witness in the criminal trial of Turkish banker Mehmet Hakan Atilla, whom he allegedly worked with to help Iran launder money. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Russian Parliament to discuss ban on access for US media – RIA

R

ussian lawmakers are to discuss a proposal to bar representatives of US media organisations from accessing the Lower House of Parliament, RIA news agency quoted the Chair of one of the chamber’s committees as saying.

Olga Savastyanova, who chairs the chamber’s rules and regulations committee, said her committee would consider a resolution containing the proposal next Monday. It would be put forward for approval of the chamber, known as the State Duma, on Tuesday or Wednesday, according to RIA. “It’s a ban on journalists who represent American media, all American media, visiting the State Duma,” RIA quoted Savastyanova as saying. She represents the ruling United Russia par-

Policemen stand guard in Red Square near the Kremlin wall, Moscow, Russia, November 29, 2017

ty, which holds a majority of the seats in the chamber.

US authorities have designated Kremlin-funded broadcaster RT as a “foreign agent”, after intelligence officials alleged it tried to meddle in the US presidential election last year. RT de-

nies that.

The Kremlin has pledged to retaliate in kind. At the weekend, Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a law allowing the Russian authorities to designate some foreign media as “foreign agents”. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Egypt attack victims pray, mourn in Sinai mosque amid high security

There’s a reason they say, “Don’t try this at home”

Mayor Shawn Morse said.

Fanned by high winds, the flames destroyed three buildings and damaged 18

others. It was brought under control after three hours but then started up again an hour later, CBS reported.

(Excerpt from BBC News)

India: Anger as doctor mistakenly declares newborn dead

newborn baby, declared dead by a hospital in the Indian capital Delhi, was found to be alive while they were on their way to his funeral.

Doctors at the privately run Max Hospital had pronounced the baby dead hours after his twin who was stillborn.

The parents said they

17

noticed one of the babies squirming inside the plastic bag that doctors placed the infants in.

The incident has sparked outrage and a debate over the quality of private healthcare which is often costly.

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal tweeted that he had ordered an inquiry into the matter. The

State Health Minister has also described the incident as “shocking criminal negligence”.

According to the twins’ grandfather, the stunned family rushed the newborn to a nearby hospital where they were told that their baby was still alive, local media reported. (Excerpt from BBC

News)

P

eople wounded in an attack on a mosque in Egypt’s North Sinai region that killed more than 230 returned to the site to pray on Friday and a top Muslim leader urged the army to destroy the “cancer” of insurgency.

One worshipper said a whole village had been ‘exterminated’ in last Friday’s attack on the Al Rawdah mosque, near the town of Bir al-Abed – the deadliest such incident in Egypt’s modern history.

Some of the more than 100 wounded made their way past tight security to the mosque. They prayed and recounted their ordeal at the hands of suspected Islamist militants when a

Grand Imam of al-Azhar, Sheikh Ahmed al-Tayeb leaves Al Rawdah mosque during the first Friday prayer after the attack in Bir Al-Abed, Egypt (Reuters)

bomb exploded and dozens of gunmen opened fire.

The attack targeted wor-

shippers indiscriminately, said wounded school teacher Magdy Rezk. (Excerpt from Reuters)

18

guyanatimesgy.com

saturDAY, december 2, 2017

ARCHIE

A positive change in your status will brighten your day.

(March 21Spending time with a loved April 19) one and planning for the future look promising. Live, love and laugh.

ARIES

TAURUS (April 20May 20)

dilbert

Emotions will swell if you get into a discussion regarding a joint venture.

Partnerships need to be dealt with innovatively if you don’t want negativity to escalate.

Look for the best place to GEMINI (May 21- invest your time and monJune 20) ey. Don’t hesitate to put your needs first. Staying healthy emotionally and financially should be your goal.

Take pride in what you do if you want to enjoy the (June 21- perks that go along with beJuly 22) ing unique and innovative.

An opportunity to join forces with someone interesting looks promising.

CANCER

Peanuts

Brains plus drive and enLEO thusiasm will help you win (July 23- whatever challenge comes Aug. 22) your way. Don’t lose sight of your goal, and enjoy the process of reaching your destination.

Don’t believe everything VIRGO you hear. Bring up issues (Aug. 23that could prove troublesome Sept. 22) and revamp deals that are not fair or in your best interest.

Calvin and Hobbes

WORD GAME

SUDOKU

LIBRA (Sept. 23Oct. 23)

Spend wisely. If you do your research, you will find a bargain that suits your budget. A change in the way you feel about someone will prompt action.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24Nov. 22)

Emotions will mount when dealing with partnership concerns. Look for a unique solution to counter any bad effects resulting from discord. Choose peace and love over criticism.

Emotional manipulaSAGITTARIUS tion is apparent when deal(Nov. 23- ing with partners, youngDec. 21) sters or seniors. Don’t give in when you should be firm.

Concentrate on your needs, not on what someone else wants you to do.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22Jan. 19)

THURSDAY’S

solution for LAST PUBLISHED Puzzle

You can make a positive change at home based on what’s best for you emotionally, financially and professionally. Look for new ways to use your knowledge and talents.

Expect someone to disAQUARIUS agree with your plans.

(Jan. 20- Emotional outbursts are best Feb. 19) handled with patience and tolerance. Be firm, but don’t burn bridges or let your decision ruin a good relationship.

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

PISCES (Feb. 20March 20)

Rely on your experience to help you avoid a financial loss or run-in with someone.

Don’t feel responsible for what others do. Keep your distance and do your own thing.

saturDAY, december 2, 2017

19

FIFA/ World Cup, Russia 2018…

Favourites dodge tough groups

T

he favourites to win next year’s World Cup in Russia were given navigable paths to the last 16 with the coaches of Germany, Brazil, Argentina and Spain having reason to feel reasonably optimistic after Friday’s draw.

Even hosts Russia, the lowest-ranked of the 32 nations taking part, breathed a sigh of relief after learning they will open the 21st edition of the tournament against Saudi Arabia before tackling Egypt and Uruguay in Group A. Holders Germany will open their bid for a fifth title against dark horses Mexico, with Sweden, conquerors of Italy in last month’s play-

offs, and South Korea also in Group F. Ever-present five-times champions Brazil, have Switzerland, Costa Rica and Serbia for company in Group E while Argentina face an intriguing opener against debutants Iceland in Group D. Lionel Messi’s Argentina, beaten by Germany in the last World Cup final and still awaiting their first title since 1986, will face Croatia and Nigeria as well as Iceland.

While there was no obvious ‘Group of Death’ France were handed some tricky fixtures with 10th-ranked Peru, back after a 36-year absence, Denmark and

Some officials and coaches pose with the official mascot after the draw

Australia in Group C. The standout group match will be European champions Portugal against 2010 world champions Spain, although with Morocco and Iran also in Group B they both should progress.

England, who have made next to no impression at the last two World Cups, will face fifth-ranked Belgium in Group G after they have played Tunisia and firsttime qualifiers Panama.

Diego Maradona, whose infamous ‘Hand of God’ goal for Argentina helped eliminate England in 1986, the last time the south American side won the trophy, drew England’s ball

Wheelchair Tennis Masters…

Reid & Hewett

through to semi-finals B

ritain's Gordon Reid came from 5-1 down in a deciding set to beat top seed Gustavo Fernandez and earn a semi-final place at the Wheelchair Tennis Masters.

The 26-year-old Paralympic men's singles champion defeated his Argentine opponent 6-3 1-6 7-5 and will play Japan's Shingo Kunieda next.

Reid's compatriot Alfie Hewett beat Stephane Houdet of France 2-6 7-5 6-4 and also made the semi-finals.

He will face Belgium's defending champion Joachim Gerard.

In the women's singles, Lucy Shuker forced Dutchwoman Marjolein Buis into a deciding third set but was defeated 6-2 6-7 (4-6) 6-2 and was knocked out.

Anthony Cotterill lost his quad singles match with Australia's Heath Davidson 4-6 6-4 0-6, meaning he too has been eliminated.

out of the bowl in a draw ceremony featuring several former greats.

“He’s good with his hands,” quipped draw host Gary Lineker, who played in that match in Mexico.

Seven years after Russia won the vote to host the tournament for the first time, coaches and officials from the qualifiers, assembled in the State Kremlin Palace to learn their fate in a lavish draw attended by President Vladimir Putin.

“The most coveted trophy will be won by the team showing the most resilience,” Putin said shortly before Russia manager Stanislav Cherchesov learnt who his side would

face.

“I wish success to all the teams and I call upon all loyal fans to come to Russia and enjoy the finals of 2018.”

Cherchesov’s 65thranked team will hope to put a smile on the face of Russian sport blighted by doping scandals.

“I cannot say if I am happy or not after the draw,” he said. “The group is what it is. Uruguay have (Edinson) Cavani and (Luis) Suarez but these are just names.

The pitch shows it all.”

Germany, who qualified with a 100 percent record, will be the team to beat, although they face some lengthy trips with matches

in Sochi and Kazan following their opener in Moscow.

“I was generally relaxed.

There is no reason for us to be nervous,” Germany coach Joachim Loew said.

The top two teams from each of the eight groups go through to the last 16.

Russia, and soccer’s world governing body FIFA, have both been through torrid times since the 2014 tournament in Brazil.

A ‘state-sponsored’ doping scandal still threatens Russia’s participation at the 2018 Winter Olympics, while FIFA has been dogged by corruption, leading to disgraced former president Sepp Blatter standing down. (Reuters)

Ban on Bailey extended T he Court of Arbitration for Sport has increased a six-month ban on former sprinter-turned-bobsledder, Ryan Bailey, to two years.

Bailey had initially been banned after testing positive for dimethylbutylamine in January, meaning he would have been free to compete in his new sport at the Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang.

The CAS ruling officially ends that bid.

Bailey found out about the ruling during a race in Park City, Utah on Thursday.

He was in a four-man North American Cup competition. The team was told after the first of two heats that Bailey was ineligible to continue.

According to reports, the American Arbitration Association said Bailey had a "light degree of fault" when it ruled this year his suspension should be for six months, after accepting his explanation that the positive test was triggered by his usage of a high-risk dietary supplement.

Bailey served that suspension, which ended on July 9.

However, The Court of Arbitration for Sport publicly announced the ruling Friday that a six-month ban Bailey served earlier

this year was not enough.

Bailey was part of the U.S. team that won a silver medal in the 4x100-metre relay at the London Games in 2012.

That medal was stripped years later following the doping conviction of relay teammate Tyson Gay. Bailey, still angry about forfeiting that silver, turned to bobsledding last year w i t h hopes of getting back to the Ryan Bailey Olympics. (Sportsmax)

20

GUYANATIMESgy.COM

saturDAY, december 2, 2017

The Ashes, Australia 2017-18…

Australia confident, England in dangerous territory

Craig Overton replace Jake Ball

A

could

ustralia enter the second Test, December 2 to 6 with a 1-0 series lead after their 10-wicket win in Brisbane, and the teams have carried to Adelaide a degree of acrimony that arose from that Gabba Test. The England camp in particular seems to have retained some bitterness from the Jonny Bairstow head-butt saga.

James Anderson has likened the Australians to bullies for the way in which they sledged Bairstow about the incident, and captain Joe Root was unhappy with the manner in which his counterpart Steven Smith laughed throughout a press conference about the issue.

This Adelaide Test represents a milestone: it will be the 330th Ashes Test and the first played as a day-night affair. The first, you suspect, of many.

It is technically possible for England to lose in Adelaide and still retain the Ashes, but it would take a monumental turnaround to achieve that from 0-2 down. In terms of pinkball experience, England have a disadvantage, having played their first day-night Test in August this year against West Indies - albeit for an innings victory. This will be Australia's third consecutive day-night Test at Adelaide Oval, and they have played one in Brisbane as well. Australia have won them all.

Last year's Adelaide Test was a watershed moment for Australia, after their Hobart thrashing at the hands of South Africa led to a major selection overhaul.

Three debutants were included for the Adelaide Test, plus two recalled players. Of those five, Peter Handscomb is the only one still holding on to his place in the Test side a year later. Handscomb has outlasted Nic Maddinson, Matt Renshaw, Matthew Wade and Jackson Bird, and still finds himself averaging more than 50 in Test cricket. He also holds the distinction of having played more first-class games with a pink ball under lights than anyone in the world, averaging 54.64 from his 10 games. Handscomb will be keen to

Australia’s Captain Steven Smith will be key with the bat again

celebrate a year in the Test side with a contribution in Adelaide, after he was trapped lbw for 14 playing deep in his crease at the Gabba.

Who else but Jonny Bairstow?

After the Brisbane Test, which ended with Bairstow addressing the media about his was-it-a-headbutt-or-wasn't-it, there can be no escaping the fact that Bairstow will be under the microscope in Adelaide. The Australians felt that their sledging of him worked at the Gabba, where he fell to an illjudged shot at a key time, but at his best Bairstow has the potential to be a dominant force in the series.

Worldwide, only Joe Root scored more Test runs than Bairstow in 2016, and England will be hoping their wicketkeeper can overcome the mental hurdle created by this saga.

Australia have confirmed an unchanged XI, with Chadd Sayers missing out on a home Test debut while England have hedged their bets slightly with a 12-man squad, with Craig Overton entering the equation to challenge Jake Ball for a seam-bowling berth.

There's no room for the legspinner Mason Crane, despite concerns over Moeen Ali's spinning finger.

Moeen will play, even if his bowl-

ing load is reduced, with Root also able to contribute some of his parttime offspin.

Teams; Australia: Cameron Bancroft, David Warner, Usman Khawaja, Steven Smith (capt), Peter Handscomb, Shaun Marsh, Tim Paine (wk), Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon England from; Joe Root (Captain), Moeen Ali, James Anderson, Jonny Bairstow, Jake Ball, Stuart Broad, Alastair Cook, Craig Overton, Mark Stoneman, David Malan, Chris Woakes and James Vince.

Smalta Girls’ Schools Pee-Wee Football Tournament

St Jules keep

champions perfect on day 1 – quarter-finals kick off today

N

ikasi St. Jules scored the lone goal in two matches to maintain defending champions St Angela’s Primary perfect record on the opening day of the Smalta/Ministry of Public Health Girls PeeWee football tournament at the Ministry of Education ground on Friday.

St. Jules scored in the 8th minute against North Georgetown Primary and in the 15th in their battle with Redeemer Primary, which on both occasions were enough to secure the 1-0 victories.

Additionally, a Navia Thomas strike in the 15th and Akilia Thomas shot

in the 25th minute helped West Ruimveldt to defeat F.E Pollard 2-0 while South Ruimveldt won 1-0 over Stella Maris with Shanera Barker (23rd) making the difference.

The other matches in round one saw teams winning without breaking a sweat since they were three walkovers. Tucville over Enterprise, St. Pius over Sophia and Redeemer over School of the Nations.

In round two, the first three fixtures were another string of walkers as St. Pius, Tucville and North Georgetown were the beneficiaries.

The little action saw

Stella Maris winning 1-0 over F.E Pollard with Keanna Laurence piercing the net in the 25th. South Ruimveldt also hammered West Ruimveldt 3-1 as Fayon Harry netted a double via goals in the 14th and 30th. Her lone goal scoring support came from Kimberly Venerous in the 7th. Akila Smith scored for West in the 31st.

Today round three will commence from 10:00h followed by the quarter-finals. In round three action, F.E Pollard will tackle South Ruimveldt while Stella Maris will clash with West Ruimveldt followed by Enterprise versus Sophia

The matches that were played proved to be wholesome entertainment for the fans

then St. Pius will suit up against Tucville.

The final two round

matches pits North Georgetown and Redeemer followed by School of the

Nations and St. Angela’s.

Quarter-final action is slated to kick-off from 12:00h.

saturDAY, december 2, 2017 | www.guyanatimesgy.com

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sports

Injured female rugby player expected home today

21

…GRFU applaud RAN, FRMU for medical assistance

G

uyana Rugby Football Union (GRFU) female player Aboice Heywood who had suffered a concussion that resulted in her being hospitalised in Mexico City during the just concluded Rugby Americas North (RAN) Sevens championships in Mexico City was discharged on Thursday last and is expected to arrive home this evening via a Caribbean Airlines flight.

Heywood was admitted to the ICU on Saturday last, the opening day of the two-day championship following a collision with an opposing player during the final game against the Dominican Republic.

According to reports out of Mexico, it is now the belief that her concussion injuries may have been suffered during the previous game against Trinidad and Tobago where both players remained motionless on the ground for several minutes. In a video replay of the game the Guyanese player is seen collapsing to the ground after having gotten up and continued to play.

The Guyana Defense Force (GDF) player, Heywood is scheduled to return home tonight accompanied by Team Physio Abiola Blair also of the GDF and Female Team Manager Petal Adams, GRFU General Secretary.

The GRFU says it wishes to express sincere gratitude and appreciation to fellow Union FMRU (Rugby Mexico) and its supporters along with Governing body RAN for answering the appeal of the GRFU in terms of assistance in facilitating the shortfall in meeting immediate payments to the Spanish Hospital that ensured Heywood’s immediate access to ICU

Aboice Heywood returns home today from Mexico Facilities and after surgery care including discharge.

The GRFU indicated that the final costs for Heywood’s hospitalisation far exceeded the total insurance the Union had on her. Heywood’s costs for hospitalisation was in the vicinity of $200,000 Pesos (1USD = 17 Pesos).

The Union has informed that a full statement on Heywood would be issued in the coming week.

Ortiz avoids Zeeburg beat Met-en-Meerzorg in low-scoring affair ban for failing W drugs test hen action in the West Demerara Cricket Association (WDCA) U-19 50 overs competition continued on Saturday November 26 at the Zeeburg ground the home team registered a close victory. winning After

L

uis Ortiz has been New York.

The American called cleared to fight for the WBC world heavy- out Britain's IBF and weight championship after WBA champion Anthony avoiding a ban for failing a Joshua after the firstdrugs test. round knockout.

The 38-year-old Cuban Promoter Eddie Hearn tested positive for the says there is "absolutebanned diuretics chlorothi- ly no question" Joshua azide and hydrochlorothia- will face Wilder in a heavyweight unification bout in zide in September.

That saw his fight 2018. against WBC champiWBO world heavyweight on Deontay Wilder on 4 champion Joseph Parker is also pushing for a unifiNovember postponed. fight with The World Boxing c a t i o n Joshua.

Council found Ortiz took the (BBC Sport) drugs for high blood pressure, but fined him $25,000 (£18,497) for failing to disclose he had taken them.

"Ortiz is available to compete in WBC-sanctioned events, and shall be confirmed in the WBC ratings in a position consistent with the recommendation of the WBC Ratings Committee," the WBC said in a statement.

Ortiz, who is unbeaten in 27 fights, was previously banned for eight months after testing positive for the banned steroid nandrolone in 2014.

Wilder extended his record to 39 wins as he defendLuis Ortiz is unbeaten in 27 ed his belt against fights, but was banned for B e r m a n e taking nandrolone in 2014 Stiverne on 4 November in

the toss and opting to bat first, Met-en-Meerzorg U-19 were bowled out for 70 in 14 overs. Joshua Reddy top scored with 23 while the next best score of nine came from Deryck Foo. Zeeburg bowling was led by Ushardeva Balgobin with 2 for 9 and Andre Seepersaud 2 for 7.

In the run chase, the hosts stuttered but eventually got to 74 for 5 from 25 overs with Balgobin hitting 24 with support from Rajnesh Rampersaud who made 16.

Bowling for Met-en-Meerzorg U-19, Reyaz Khan took 3 for 33 while Reddy was also among the wickets with 2 for 20.

No work permit needed for Antigua & Barbuda athletes

D

ue to a statutory order made earlier this year, professional athletes will no longer require work permits or skills certificates to work in Antigua and Barbuda.

This is welcome news to a number of clubs - cricket, football and basketball - that have employed overseas players for their respective competitions.

In the past, players required either a work permit of the skills certificate to be employed by sporting clubs in Antigua.

However, according to Janela Evanson, a free movement desk officer within the Labour Department, Order 20 of 2017 of the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Code, declares that a person who is in Antigua and Barbuda for the purpose of being engaged in sports with a local club or has been hired by that club to compete for and or train their team for a particular session, re-

Some football action recently in Antigua

gardless of their nationality, is exempted from a work permit and a skilled certificate.

She said, however, that other agencies would have to ensure that those athletes who earn a salary would have to fulfil their taxation obligations.

“We have no control over the Social Security

Act or the Medical Benefits Act, so the social security inspectors or the Social Security Board is responsible for monitoring that part of it,” Evanson said.

Immigration, she said, would also have to ensure that those athletes leave the country at the end of their respective contracts.

(Sportsmax)

22

GUYANATIMESgy.COM

saturDAY, december 2, 2017

CWI/Digicel Regional 4-Day Championships 2017-18…

Jaguars ahead after rain-affected day

O

peners Chandrapaul Hemraj and T a n g e r i n e Chanderpaul cracked contrasting half-centuries to ensure the Guyana Jaguars kept their momentum heading into day three against the Barbados Pride when round 5 of the 2018 Digicel Regional 4-Day Championship continues at Providence.

Chasing the Pride's 1st inning total of 294 on a rain affected day, the defending champs were 180-4 from 57 overs at close of play, trailing by 114 runs.

Veteran batsman Shivnarine Chanderpaul was 13 not out with two fours while night watchman, Gudakesh Motie will seek to build on his three runs when the battle resumes today.

Twenty-four-year-old Hemraj who was used as a makeshift opener this season following the lack of form by seasoned opener Rajendra Chandrika, followed up his previous scores of 60 and 50 with an aggressive 79 decorated with nine fours and four sixes; which set the tone for his team's chase.

Tagenarine on the other hand was a bit more circumspect as his gritty 52 of 152 balls with just four fours, anchored the Jaguars throughout most of the session before he fell to out-offavor West Indies spinner Jomel Warrican.

After the entire first session was washed out, the visitors were bowled out for 294 in 97.3 overs only adding 14 to their overnight score. Guyana Jaguars pacer Keemo Paul who snared 5-59 and Keon Joseph who ended with 3-69 were the only bowlers employed by Leon Johnson who did the job in the six and a half overs of sheer pace and accuracy in the midday sun which stayed throughout the afternoon.

Middle-order batsman Justin Greaves, who frustrated the opposition with his innings of 72 was the first to go and was followed by wicketkeeper Mario Rampersaud and Warrican in quick succession.

Hemraj and Tagenarine set about the response in a positive manner to put together the best opening partnership of the season for the Jaguars, 115.

…Paul snatches 5-59, Hemraj & Tagenarine notch 50 Tagenarine was watchful while the more aggressive Hemraj, who was dropped by the wicketkeeper on one, sought to impose himself at an early stage as he raced into the 30's on the back of some eye-catching boundaries. The pair settled in nicely and by tea the defending champs had already raised their 100 runs without any hiccups as the Pride bowlers sought success on a pitch

bat in the first innings; had Hemraj run out after a terrible miscommunication between the Guyanese openers. Things got worse as Guyana went from 115-0 to 120-2 in a space of a few delivers, when Jonathan Carter knocked over the Jaguars Captain with a beauty.

The Jaguars most productive batsman this year, Vishaul Singh then partTagenarine Chanderpaul compiled a well-crafted half century on Friday (File photo)

when the home team will be grafting to overhaul the Pride’s total with Shiv still at the crease and Keemo Paul, Anthony Bramble and Sherfane Rutherford still to come while the Pride will be looking to utilize the conditions to restrict the champi-

ons.

However, they may be without the services of Ashley Nurse who rolled over his right shoulder while fielding and left the field.

An interesting day three awaits us all.

SCOREBOARD Keemo Paul picked up his second five-wicket haul on Friday at Providence (File photo)

that is challenging to bat on.

After the break, the runs would continue to flow, especially off the bat of Hemraj who muscled a few over the ropes while consistently looking for less dangerous ways to score. The in-form left-hander then reached his half-century with three consecutive fours off of off-spinner Ashley Nurse after nearly more than an hour at the crease.

Barbados would then Chandrapaul Hemraj played another brilliant innings for Guyana pull things back after Justin this season (File photo) Greaves, the savior with the

nered Tagenarine whose score was now peeking into the 30's but Greaves' golden arm would come into action again when Singh was caught at the wicket by Mario Rampersaud.

Chanderpaul senior then joined his son out in the middle for a brief period before the younger Chanderpaul offered Rampersaud another catch in fading light at Providence.

Day three's action is expected to commence from 9:00h; weather permitting

Stumps Day 2 Barbados Pride 1st Innings (Overnight 282-7) A Alleyne c Paul b Joseph 11 S Moseley run out (Permaul) 43 S Brooks lbw b Joseph 0 J Carter st wk Bramble b Joseph 4 K Stoute c wk Bramble b Motie 47 K Williams c wk Bramble b Pau l 68 J Greaves c Hemraj b Paul 72 A Nurse c Johnson b Paul 13 M Rampersaud not out 4 J Warrican b Paul 11 K Harding not out 0 Extras: (nb-4, b-5, lb-12) 21 Total: (All out; 97.3 Overs) 294 FOW: 1-28, 2-28, 3-32, 4-110, 5-123, 6-244, 7-274, 8-282, 9-289, 10-194 Bowlers: Joseph 20-3-69-3, Paul 16.3-4-59-5, Permaul 27-7-67-

0, Motie 18-6-43-1, Rutherford 13-2-34-0, Hemraj 3-1-5-0 Guyana Jaguars 1st innings T Chanderpaul c Rampersaud b Warrican.

52 C Hemraj run out (Greaves) 79 L Johnson* b Carter 02 V Singh c Rampersaud b Greav es 15 S Chanderpaul Not out 15 G Motie not out 03 Extras: (b-4, lb-3, w-1, nb-7) 15 Total: (For 4 wickets, 57 Overs) 180 Still to bat: K Paul, A Bramble, S Rutherford, V Permaul, K Joseph FOW: 1-115, 2-120, 3-147, 4-173 Bowling: Greaves 13-44-1, Harding 10-34-0’ Nurse 5-28-0, Stoute 13-17-0 Warrican 5-231, Carter 6-8-1, Williams 5-19-0 Position: Jaguars trail by 114 runs with 6 wickets in hand

“Weather and entries not encouraging” – promoter

T

he Jumbo-Jet Thoroughbred Racing Committee’s annual Race of champions which was scheduled for this Sunday at the Rising Sun Turf Club has been cancelled. No alternative date has been announced as yet.

In an official Media Release from the organizers, the cancellation became necessary “due to very poor horse entries and rainy weather conditions,” the release stated.

While no date has been

announced for the Race of Champions, the promotor, Nazrudeen Mohamed Jr. said that all efforts will now go towards the Guyana Cup rematch which is set for December 31, 2017.

Mohamed is urging all horse owners to fill out the entry forms

by December 24.

Meanwhile, all horse owners, trainers and jockeys are invited to a special meeting on Sunday December 3 at lot 3, 22 Village West Coast Berbice.

Turfites will have to wait a little longer for the excitement to return on the track

guyanatimesgy.com

saturDAY, december 2, 2017

23

57th National Schools Cycling, Swimming and Track & Field Championships

Clean sweep for Williams,

T

Linden return as champs!

he final day of the 57th National Schools Cycling, Swimming and Track and Field Championships got off with a bang as the highly anticipated Boys Open 40Km Cycling ended in a thriller. The defending champions were once again impressive as they successfully defended their title ending the track and field segment with 781 points.

The athletes, swimmers and cyclists from the district all played their part as they earned their third consecutive title and 16th overall. District 3 (West Demerara) came in behind the champions with 577.5 points while District 13 (South Georgetown) copped third with 499 points.

Young Jonathan Ramsuchit whose lithe, diminutive physical make up belies his strength and endurance rode well but miscalculated his break-

away only to be pipped on the finish line by his fellow Berbician Balram Narine.

Narine claimed gold ahead of Ramsuchit in a time of one hour eight minutes 15 seconds. Ramsuchit will be left disappointed with his silver medal as he is known for his supremacy in road cycling.

While the team honours went to District 10, Williams, Skeete, Chantoba Bright, Joanna Archer (District Three), Anfernee Headecker (District 13) were some of the outstanding who shone the brightest during the six-day fixture.

On the final day District 10’s Daniel Williams set his third record of this year’s meet in the Boys U-18 400m event. The 400m silver medalist at the World Youth Games earlier this year, was in cruise control as he cantered to victory in 49.84s.

District 10’s Daniel Williams and Chantoba Bright claimed Champion Boy and Girl in the U-18 Category

After winning the 100m race (10.65s) and the 200m event (21.78s), the 400m which is his pet event, the

victory came naturally and was Williams final historic mark on the 57th edition of Nationals. He went on to

claim the U-18 Champion Boy without opposition.

Skeete, a gold medalist at this year’s South American Youth Games was almost as brilliant as Williams after standing atop the podium for the third occasion to add the 400m gold to her collection. En route to winning the 100m and 200m races, she set a new bar when she reset her own 200m record on Thursday. Bright was top of the podium for almost all her events in the field and on the track, winning the long jump, high jump and triple jump events. She also copped silver in the U-18 400m behind Archer who also recorded three wins during the championship. The duo shared the honour of being U-18 Champion Girl of the championships. Archer took the top honors in the 400, 800 and 1500m events further cementing herself

as Guyana’s leading female middle distance athlete.

Headecker was also consistent in the middle distance races. He placed first in the 800, 1500 and 5000m races.

Another standout athlete yesterday was Laurindo Prince. The quarter miler from New Amsterdam/Canje, lowered Yaw’s previous U-20 400m record (48.7s) by 100ths of a second. While District 10 (Upper Demerara/ Kwakwani) took first overall, District 13 (South Georgetown) came in second overall while District 11 (North Georgetown) copped third and District 3 (West Demerara) closed out the top four.

The well attended event concluded under the floodlights in the presence of Minister of State, Joe Harmon, Minister of Social Cohesion, Dr. George Norton and other notable attendees.

Wagner gives Kiwis opening day honours

N

eil Wagner's role in New Zealand's setup is unambiguous.

In an attack with worldclass swing bowlers, Wagner is tasked with pushing batsmen back with a hard length.

When West Indies' openers put on a display of impeccable defensive technique on the first morning, New Zealand changed tact, employing a barrage of short balls to a solid top order. It played right into Wagner's

After Kraigg Brathwaite and Kieran Powell put on a 59-run opening partnership, captain Kane Williamson's hand was forced.

Wagner, from around the wicket, continued to angle short deliveries into their ribs. Brathwaite, trying to defend with a straight bat, then awkwardly fended a catch to short leg, only giving Wagner more oomph in his spell.

On the stroke of lunch, a short ball from Trent Boult

who struck three delectable boundaries in his 13, also fended a catch to second slip, unable to sway out of the line of a short delivery from Wagner. Those wickets prior to lunch did substantial mental damage, and their change in technique was evident.

Shai Hope gloved a wafted pull to the keeper down the leg side two balls after the break. Sunil Ambris, standing deep in the crease anticipating another bounc-

that helped him do was clip a leg-side delivery into the hands of leg gully. The ball of the day came immediately after. Wagner delivered the perfect yorker to Jason Holder off his first ball. Not crouching as much as he should have, the ball crept under Holder's poke to hit off stump.

A score of 59 for 0 quickly turned miserable as West Indies slumped to 105 for 9. The last pair of Shannon Gabriel and Kemar Roach added a defiant 29-run stand before Wagner had Gabriel caught at second slip to fin-

ish with seven wickets.

New Zealand's openers Tom Latham and Jeet Raval were rather comfortable for the majority of the evening session. On a pitch with sufficient grass, but almost no lateral movement, it was hard grafting for the seamers.

Latham left well, a n d drove and pulled effectively too en route to 37 before he swatted a pull to midon off Holder.

Roach then gave West Indies

a chance by dismissing New Zealand's best batsman, Williamson. A short ball that started wide enticed Williamson into a cut, but inward movement after pitching made it a risky stroke. Williamson ended up slashing a ball too close to him to the finer of two gullies.

It was a sour start to the tour for West Indies. (ESPN

Cricinfo)

SCOREBOARD

Debutant Sunil Ambris became the first batsman to be dismissed ‘hit wicket’ off his first ball in Test cricket

hands, who ripped through West Indies with a career-best 7 for 39, the fourthbest Test figures by a New Zealand bowler, to topple the visitors over for 134 on the first day in Wellington.

New Zealand then added 85 runs for the loss of two wickets, cutting their deficit to just 49 at stumps.

didn't climb as steeply as Powell had expected. He dropped his hands to let it go, but the ball ricocheted low to third slip off the glove. The scales evened out after a dominating morning for West Indies.

The session turned decisively in New Zealand's favour as Shimron Hetmyer,

er, clipped a back-of-alength delivery to fine leg, but his backward momentum meant his back foot clipped the stump. Ambris hit wicket b Wagner 0 (1) on debut.

Roston Chase also chose to stand leg side of the ball to get into a better position to face the short delivery. All

West Indies 1st Innings KC Brathwaite c Nicholls b Wagner 24 KOA Powell c Raval b Boult 42 SO Hetmyer c Latham b Wagner 13 SD Hope c †Blundell b Wagner 0 RL Chase c Raval b Wagner 5 SW Ambris hit wicket b Wagner 0 SO Dowrich† run out (Santner) 18 JO Holder* b Wagner 0 KAJ Roach not out 14 ML Cummins b Boult 1 ST Gabriel c Latham b Wagner 10 Extras (b-2, lb-5) 7 Total (All out, 45.4 Overs) 134 Fall of wickets: 1-59 (KC Brathwaite, 21.5 ov), 2-75 (KOA Powell, 26.4 ov), 3-79 (SO Hetmyer, 27.4 ov), 4-80 (SD Hope, 27.6 ov), 5-80 (SW Ambris, 29.1 ov), 6-97 (RL Chase, 33.3 ov), 7-97 (JO Holder, 33.4 ov), 8-104 (SO Dowrich, 34.6 ov), 9-105

(ML Cummins, 36.3 ov), 10134 (ST Gabriel, 45.4 ov) Bowling Boult 16-8-36-2, Henry 11-1-39-0, de Grandhomme 4-113-0, Wagner 14.4-2-39-7 New Zealand 1st Innings TWM Latham c Roach b Holder 37 JA Raval not out 29 KS Williamson* c Hope b Roach 1 LRPL Taylor not out 12 Extras (b-4, nb-2) 6 Total (For 2 wickets, 38 Overs) 85 Yet to bat: HM Nicholls, TA Blundell †, MJ Santner, C de Grandhomme, MJ Henry, N Wagner, TA Boult Fall of wickets: 1-65 (TWM Latham, 26.1 ov), 2-68 (KS Williamson, 29.3 ov) Bowling Gabriel 10-2-22-0 (nb-2), Roach 9-4-271, Cummins 8-5-6-0, Holder 9-4-19-1, Chase 2-0-7-0 New Zealand trail by 49 runs with 8 wickets in hand

Neil Wagner celebrates his career-best bowling figures

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2017

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

guyanatimesgy.com

57th National Schools Cycling, Swimming and Track & Field Championships

Clean sweep for Williams,

Linden return as champs!

Pg 23

Threepeat! District 10 successfully retained their title on Friday

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