Guyana Times - Friday, August 3, 2018

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

THE BEACON OF TRUTH

Friday, August 3, 2018

Issue No. 3644

PRICE

AML/CFT Amendment Bill

$80 vat included

WHAT'S INSIDE:

Opposition Leader to raise concerns with FATF/CFATF Page 3

NWD man charged for killing fatherP8 in-law GDF pilots complete air force fighter P17 course

…says AG should be sent to Privileges Committee for lying

Page 12

Daily earnings snatched from short drop hire car drivers

…as City Council turns park into vending area

Mining stalwart Edward Shields P17 dies

Lindo Creek CoI

Commissioner recommends compensation for dead miners’ relatives

Legal Clerk found murdered in Kuru Kururu P9 home

Page 9

…hands over report to President Chancellor/CJ appointments

Page 11

15 homeless after West Berbice fire

CCJ President urges President, Opposition Leader to Page resolve 7 deadlock

…says non-appointments a “serious concern”

Bandits torch inside Wismar Post Office after foiled robbery P15

2 die in P7&15 separate accidents

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BRIDGE OPENINGS

AML/CFT Bill

The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Friday, August 3 – 09:00h-10:30h and Saturday, August 4 – 10:00h-11:30h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Friday, August 3 – 08:10h-09:40h and Saturday, August 4 – 09:10h-10:40h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY

Lightly cloudy skies in the morning into early afternoon hours interrupted by light mid-morning rain. Sunny intervals will prevail for the rest of the day. Clear skies are expected in the evening hours. Temperatures are expected to range between 21 degrees Celsius and 30 degrees Celsius.

Winds: South-easterly to North-easterly between 1.34 metres and 5.36 metres.

High Tide: 08:38h and 21:03h reaching maximum heights of 2.47 metres and 2.44 metres.

Low Tide: 14:34h reaching a minimum height of 0.78 metre.

thursDAY, august 2, 2018

LOTTERY NUMBERS E

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5 Bonus Ball

FREE TICKET

DAILY MILLIONS 03 10 16 17 26 LUCKY 3 4 3 3 Afternoon Draw DRAW DE LINE

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Evening Draw

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

Opposition Leader to raise concerns with FATF/CFATF …says AG should be sent to Privileges Committee for lying

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ith the recent passage of the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (Amendment) Bill 2018, Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo has said that his party still has many concerns in relation to that legislation and would seek to raise them with the appropriate bodies.

As such, Jagdeo told reporters on Thursday during his weekly press conference that his office would seek to communicate these concerns to the Financial Action Task Force/Caribbean Financial Action Task Force (FATF/ CFATF), which have overarching responsibility for this area.

“Our big concern here is we do not have an independent entity provided for by this Act, to oversee the countering of terrorist financing or the proliferation of arms or weapons of mass destruction…because now you have a politician being conferred with an enormous authority,” the Opposition Leader explained.

He was referring to the Anti-Money Laundering Authority now being replaced by the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism and Proliferation Financing (AML/CFT/PF) National Coordination Committee and headed by Attorney General Basil Williams.

Jagdeo said this move now undermined the technical authority that was there before, which gave the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) the authority to police the Act. Secondly, he reminded that the amended bill is also catering towards controlling budgets and it undermined the authority of the Court.

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo at his weekly press conference on Thursday

“Any independent external body examining the amendments that this coalition Government foisted on the nation, they will conclude that no longer is this authority independent. And no longer can you separate in a technical way, the right of money laundering from the political people,” he added.

Intrusive

In further describing the Government’s move as obscene, the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) General Secretary again raised concerns that the administration was seeking tax-free concessions.

Moreover, Jagdeo said that having a purely political and partisan person would allow the Government to be intrusive into people’s bank accounts information.

He said, “And how he (Williams) he is political, partisan to the core….so now that person will have the records of all the people in Guyana. Their financial, transactional records, everything at his fingertips.

This bothers me a lot and it must bother the business community.”

The former Head of State said he suspected that if the business community was to read and understand the changes that would come with the amendments to the bill, it could lead to an increase in capital flight or deter investments. He said that his party viewed this as very intrusive in people’s lives.

“We see this as a pattern where this Governments gets more and more into people’s lives; we have seen this with the Cyber Crime Bill, which, although there have been some amendments to the terrible provisions of the past, still leaves many questions unanswered,” Jagdeo further stated.

Blatant lie

In making to reference to the debate in Parliament before the passage of the amended bill, the Opposition Leader noted that the Government display was an example of duplicity at its worst. He recalled Williams defending the amendments and saying he was unaware of how the authority was included in the bill.

But Jagdeo recalled that

the first act of the coalition Government in 2015 when the PPP did not attend the sittings, was amend the AML law to insert that same authority. “So, that was a blatant lie. And for someone to come to the National Assembly and say that he did not know this … it is an attempt to mislead the Assembly. And maybe he should be taken to the Committee of Privileges… [for] telling a blatant lie.”

The head of the Opposition said that his party would give serious consideration to the matter and once a decision was made, they could move to recommend that such a course of action be taken. Only recently, Opposition Member of Parliament (MP), Harry Gill was sent to the same committee over open letters he wrote to editors at various media entities, criticising the Speaker’s alleged biased decisions in the House.

“They put in place the authority. In fact, prior to that they held up the amendment to the passage of this bill two times, because they argued that this expanded authority must be in place. They put Guyana at risk, they place it in law.

Parliament met over a year and selected 10 persons to staff this authority and then Williams came back and said we don’t need this authority anymore,” he recalled.

Last week, the amended Bill was passed with Government using its majority, even though several worrying aspects of the Bill were highlighted by the Opposition. A major point of contention was the fact that the Attorney General, who has no expertise in the field of finance, will be heading it. (Samuel Sukhnandan)

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

Discipline in schools

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dults in families are often to be blamed for the moral turpitude of the children under their care, and if inculcating false values into children is an instance of abuse, then many adults are guilty of both abuse and the misdemeanors that the children under their care commit. For instance, some children are encouraged by the adults in their lives to covet and steal the possessions of others.

We will take the privilege of quoting some passages from an enlightening chronicle of times past, documented in an autobiography entitled ‘A Goodly Heritage’ and written by Elma Seymour, wife of A.J. Seymour, renowned Guyanese writer.

(In the absence of their mother, who was visiting her elder daughter in the USA), Mrs Seymour related of their caregiver, “Aunt Car was truly a second mother to us, and papa left many of our problems in her hands. She was always helpful and kind. Besides, we all had to be very polite, well-mannered, and obedient; and no loose-talking or (loose) jesting was allowed in our home.

“Aunt Car was always one for encouraging the members of the family, especially those who were married and had started to raise a family, to establish the ‘Family Altar’, where prayers and Bible reading were said daily every morning.”

On the discipline and administration in the educational system, Mrs Seymour recorded, “The primary school system in those days was administered by a governing body for primary schools, and priests and ministers of the various denominational schools were appointed to monitor the administration of the schools. For example, at Carmel R.C., while I was there, Fr. McCaffrey was the priest who visited the school once or twice per month, to sign the payroll and the attendance register of teachers; look into any problem facing the head teacher; and sign in the logbook the date of his visit and any remarks he might have to make concerning the discipline of pupils or staff.”

This was during the first PPP Government, when C.V. Nunes was the Minister of Education.

There were also schools run by Hindu and Islamic organisations, with similar codes of conduct.

The products of this system were decent, well-behaved law-abiding adults who believed in the basic principles of honour, respect for their fellow humans, and compassion for the less fortunate in society.

The system involved training in decorum, deportment, and good manners, with the requisite and necessary inputs to achieving equitable intellectual, social and physical development, which started from the home, and which was strategically supported by a strong network involving the educational system and the community.

Any objective observer can easily argue how far down the ladder we have descended in social behaviour from the days when Mrs Elma Seymour taught school. Rather than a practice where families “pray together” in order to “stay together”, they instead drink together and fight together, and the only solution to this rapid decay in the moral fabric of society is that a holistic approach be taken, as in the days of yore, wherein there is total involvement of societal sectors to upgrade and enhance social behavioural norms.

The Government needs to take a pro-active approach in dealing with juvenile delinquency in a structured way, where children with severe discipline problems should be sent to obtain their education under rigid disciplinary conditions, which may serve to restore their sense of social responsibility.

Teachers are constrained from punishing children because of widespread concerns about abuse, and the media reported a recent incident where a very dedicated teacher gave an erring student a few lashes and was severely persecuted by students, their parents, and officialdom.

According to her, discipline has to be left completely to the parents, as teachers are allowed no latitude, despite the most provoking behaviour from troublemaking students, who even walk with weapons and threaten other students over trifling incidents.

Parents, on the other hand, can withhold privileges within the home environment, but without a simultaneous programme, wherein the school is allowed some leeway, even with monitoring from officials from the Education Department, the problems of society will continue to deteriorate into an escalation of violent and aberrant behavior, where even authority figures will be helpless to contain.

Refuelling on the river: A floating gas station in the Pomeroon River along the Charity waterfront in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam)

CCJ judgement demonstrates Govt’s concern for sugar workers Dear Editor, The Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) has recognised that several sections of the press reported about the Caribbean Court of Justice’s (CCJ’s) judgement regarding the legal challenge our Union and our colleague union – the National Association of Agricultural, Commercial and Industrial Employees (NAACIE) – mounted to the decision by the Government of Guyana and the Guyana Sugar Corporation Inc (GuySuCo) to close Skeldon, Rose Hall and East Demerara estates at the end of 2017.

Those reports reflected on several aspects of the judgement, which demonstrate the breadth of the matter and the comprehensiveness of the issues that were put before the CCJ. While indeed the CCJ disagreed with our representations regarding the adequacy of consultations on the estates’ closures, the Honourable Justices pointed out that the Government and GuySuCo just met the “…minimum requirements of meaningful consultations …”

Indeed, this says a lot, especially when one considers that thousands of Guyanese have been affected by the estates’ closures. The satisfaction of the barest minimum of engagement when considering the consequences of the decisions that were taken is a matter, we believe, our decision-makers cannot be elated about. It goes to show, in our view, that the decision-makers were engaged in a mere ritualistic exercise, without any sincere consideration of how to avoid the repercussions of the closure.

In fact, the CCJ determined that the consultations between the Unions and the Government/GuySuCo were not perfect or ideal. The Court said “[i]n a matter of such national importance impacting such large number of workers, the process could have been more extensive and more responsive to the concerns of the Applicants [GAWU and NAACIE]”. The Justices opined that “[n]otwithstanding the absence of a statutory obligation, the Respondents ought to have given a considered response (whether written or oral) to the GAWU’s proposals, explaining why they were not adopted”.

Of course, the GAWU contends that such explanation would have been unconvincing, recognising that several of the Union’s proposals have been adopted by GuySuCo towards making the industry viable.

The Court also felt that the Government and GuySuCo should have engaged the Unions regarding their plans for alternative employment for the now jobless workers. On this score, the GAWU’s knowledge is limited to what we read and hear in the press.

The CCJ also found that the High Court and Court of Appeal erred when they deemed the Sugar Commission of Inquiry (CoI) “…was sufficient to satisfy the obligation to consult…”

The Justices found that closure was not recommended by the CoI, and therefore GAWU and NAACIE were not able to make their views known on the matter.

The CCJ also disagreed with the lower courts which determined that the Unions’ only remedy for GuySuCo’s contravention of the Trade

Union Recognition Act was limited to the penalty of a fine of $56,000 and to imprisonment for 6 months, which is prescribed in the Act. The Court also did not find favour with the AttorneyGeneral (AG), who argued that the CCJ should not consider the matter, since it had become academic. He noted that the closure decision had been effected, and the workers were made redundant.

On this, the Justices, citing relevant case law, concluded that “…the determination of the dispute is of national importance…” and thus proceeded to hear the dispute.

The CCJ also agreed with the Unions’ submission that the GuySuCo could not have been represented by the AG’s Chambers.

The Justices also determined that “…there was a legitimate expectation that the Applicants would have been consulted prior to the closure of the sugar Estates, both because of longstanding GuySuCo policies and the specific promises by Vice President Ramjattan and Minister of State Harmon…” .

Of great importance to us is the CCJ’s elucidation out of the consultation process. Here the Justices said there should be consultation when the proposals are still at a formative stage; there should be adequate information on which to respond; there ought to be adequate time in which to respond; and there must be conscientious consideration by an authority to the consultation.

Notably, several pieces of legislation require consultative engagements, and thus we believe the setting out of the aforementioned parameters by the CCJ is both useful and timely.

We were also heartened to note that the CCJ recognised that “[t]he sugar industry has undoubtedly played a large part in the socio-economic development of Guyana. Thus its future was an issue of national importance and required vigorous discussions with all stakeholders before an informed decision could be made. In this regard, the Respondents could have engaged with the Applicants on a deeper level…”

This is a stain of notoriety that further demonstrates the Administration’s lack of concern.

While ultimately the verdict was not the one we would have preferred, the CCJ judgement, in our view, addressed several important and critical issues. The scope of the matters addressed goes to justify that our move to the Judiciary was a step in the right direction. While one section of the press, for reasons best known to them, has sought to cast aspersions, we must again reiterate that this decision, like all others, was considered and approved by the Union’s General Council. Such unwarranted and unnecessary attacks on our organisation are nothing more than malicious and wicked.

The GAWU remains proud of its actions to defend and protect the workers. Our commitment is unwavering, and our dedication unquestionable. The consequences of closure, sadly, will linger on, but the legacy of the CCJ judgement will serve all Guyana well now and in the future as well.

Sincerely, Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU)

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News

Private Sector urged to turn to CCJ for redress T he private sector in Guyana and the Caribbean region as a whole is being urged to take advantage of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) in seeking redress against Caricom member states, especially in regard to breaches of the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas.

This encouragement was given by recently appointed CCJ President, Justice Adrian Saunders, on Thursday at an interactive Business Luncheon held by the Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association (GMSA) at the Pegasus Hotel in Georgetown.

“It is unfortunate that, over the 13 years that we have been in operation, only a few private entities have, to date, used the court to make such complaints,” Justice Saunders told the gathering of key private sector stakeholders, Government Ministers, and members of the legal fraternity.

He explained that insertion of the CCJ into the Revised Treaty was done to ensure that member states

CCJ President, Justice Adrian Saunders, delivering remarks at Thursday’s Private Sector interaction session which was also attended by several Government Ministers

discharge their obligations under the Caribbean Single Market and Economy (CSME); and in cases where they do not, he said, they are held accountable.

“The CCJ is the engine – the hub – around which the CSME operates. It is the vehicle through which individuals and states can go and ensure that the promises, that the rights, that the obligations, that are set out in the Treaty arrangement are honoured and enforced,” he declared.

The CCJ President point-

ed out that there is a particular article – Article 222 in the Revised Treaty -- that is of special relevance to the private sector seeking such redress, since it allows for private entities to sue countries for breaching the Treaty, which is an agreement between states.

Against this backdrop, Justice Saunders outlined a few decisions and rulings made via use of this article.

Bringing his case closure to home, Justice Saunders mentioned the legal proceedings filed by Surinamese

beverage company RUDISA International NV against the Guyana Government for imposing an environmental tax on each non-returnable bottle imported into the country, which the company said was in breach of the Treaty – a view the court also held. The CCJ then ordered Guyana to pay the company $1.2 billion in compensation, but after Government failed to make the payment in a timely manner, the cost was increased by $4 million. However, the Guyana Government and the

Surinamese company later came to an agreement, with the latter slashing US$1.5 million from the amount awarded by the court.

“Within CARICOM, the private sector is considered to be all one, and that approach actually led the court to order one state to repay millions of dollars in taxes it had imposed on a private entity from another state in circumstances where local private entities were being exempted. Some of you might be aware of that case,” the CCJ President said in referring to the Rudisa matter.

Moreover, Justice Saunders also recalled the case filed by the Trinidad Cement Limited (TCL) through its subsidiary, TCL Guyana Incorporated (TGI), against the Guyana Government, which had waivered a 15% Common External Tariff (CET) on cement imports.

“We affirmed the principle that the Community could not trample on rights according to private entities, unless there was some overriding interest; and that

overriding interest was, first of all, foreseeable and communicated to private entities in a timely fashion,” Justice Saunders noted.

He also mentioned the landmark ruling by the CCJ earlier this year, which saw Jamaican resident Shanique Myrie being compensated in pecuniary damages in the sum ofBDS $2,240 and non-pecuniary damages to the tune of BDS$75,000 after she was finger-raped by an immigration officer before being thrown out of Barbados, back in March 2011.

President of the GMSA, Shyam Nokta, in a brief presentation, noted that the relevance and importance of the CCJ may be disconnected from many Caribbean societies, given that it is physically removed from most jurisdictions.

Nevertheless, the GMSA President asserted that, in recent times, much attention has been placed on the court’s rulings, whether on high-profile constitutional cases or regarding specific industries or business activities in general.

When will City Hall get serious?

Dear Editor, With massive preparations underway for large-scale celebrations of Georgetown’s 175th anniversary, one question pops up in the minds of several of its citizens, and that is: What is there to celebrate?

Indeed, with poor street lighting, which contributes to the daily armed robberies, car-jackings and wanton lawlessness in the city; pot-holed roads that cause many accidents and destroy the undercarriages of our vehicles; the Le Repentir cemetery in an atrocious, abominable, and horrible condition; the clogged drains that lead to the flooding of most of the city; the massive robberies that occur in and around the municipal markets unchecked by the City Constabulary; with City Hall in cardiac arrest, according to two international experts, with bits and pieces constantly falling off the structure, one wonders how it is that the Council could be in such a celebratory mood.

It has been reported that

not a dollar will be used from the Council’s coffers, but rather, the Council’s friends in the business sector have indicated their willingness to underwrite the whopping $19 million bill that these celebrations will cost. Will the citizens, or even the Councillors, ever be told who these ‘friends of the Council’ are, and how much each contributed?

Will there be a thorough financial audit done after the event, unlike the Council’s accounts for the last two decades? One can only hope that these contributing friends are not contractors, suppliers, and other persons that do business with the Council; or they would only be advancing these monies to the Council with sure ways of getting the money back from us, the citizens.

It is unreasonable, and deserving of ridicule, that the Mayor and Town Clerk could be having a big fancy launch at the front of the Stabroek Market, whilst at the back the roof and other parts are collapsing.

Wouldn’t their time, mon-

ey and effort not be better spent ensuring the safety and comfort of the vendors and shoppers of that market?

What is the logic of the Mayor hosting a fabulous $8000-per-plate dinner party, for which officers, business persons and others are

being coerced to buy into and attend? Would it not have been more meaningful to feed the hungry, homeless and poor in the City? The Bible says we are to care for the poor, which involves feeding the hungry.

Similarly, rather than having a $5,000-per-head

cocktail reception, maybe the Council could have organised a summer programme for the city’s children, particularly the vulnerable ones, with adventure sports in which they could have offered progressive courses, enabling students to become indepen-

dent leaders and to develop their personal skills and group management skills.

When will City Hall get serious about the crises we, the residents, face here in Georgetown?

Regards, Kwasi Sanderson

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Foundation

August: The unfortunate and feisty slide back to school …tips for managing the end of summer

By Bobbi Wegner, PsyD

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ummer vacation is winding down and school is fast approaching. In June, our children could barely wait to put away their backpacks away and spend their days free but now as summer months pass by and camps end, many kids are complaining of being bored and parents are noticing increased irritability.

Kids and parents alike rely on structure to help guide the day and more importantly, manage mental health issues like depression and anxiety.

As a mom, I see my kids’ (and my own) anxiety rise when visions of relaxing unstructured summer days quickly morph into the reality of grumpy children kicking around the house saying, “I’m bored” or “Can I use the iPad?” Many parents know that feeling and are left scrambling to squeeze their child into a last-minute camp or activity to fill the time.

As a clinical psychologist, I often see kids of all ages whose depression and anxiety peak into much more serious clinical presentations when the structure of the day is gone.

Structure holds kids and allows them to feel safe, knowing what to expect throughout the day and the week. Although it is crucial for children to have unstructured, free time each day, it is important for there to be some routine and structure (however you define it) to help children manage their emotions.

Parents and children should sit down and discuss end of summer plans, how much time is left until school, and how the family will spend time until that point. Kids need to know what to expect.

Things to consider Know your child. Is your child someone who does better with structured or

unstructured time?

Create structure somewhere and communicate it. Children do better when they know what to expect and understand the overall plan.

Structure doesn’t have to mean committing to camps or formal activities, but it can include doing expectable activities like reading in the afternoon,

attending regular events (story hour at the library on Wednesdays), and having regular days to play with friends.

Although it is not vital, many children do best when they participate in some organised activity.

Make sure your child is getting plenty of time to eat, sleep, read, and play with peers, with family, alone, and outside.

Begin to lay the expectation that school is starting. It makes the transition smoother.

Collaborate with friends and neighbours and each take half a day to

host a structured activity.

Symptoms to look out for Loneliness. Often, when children lose structure, they can become socially isolated and lonely, which can lead to poor mental health. Stay tuned in to whether your child is maintaining regular, healthy social contact with peers.

Social comparison, also known as FOMO (fear of missing out). Our children are constantly bombarded with regular images of their peers at various social events, leaving our children feeling excluded and sad. Help children manage these emotions by helping them understand their feelings, put the images in context, and respond in a healthy way.

Increased anxiety. Many people (especially children) experience increased anxiety when structure is lost. Look for symptoms of irritability, excessive worry, preoccupation, trouble sleeping (sleeping), change in appetite (more or less), change in energy (more or less), trouble concentrating and physical symptoms (belly aches, headaches).

Increased depression. Look for irritability, anger, feelings of hopelessness, apathy, sadness, social withdrawal, increased crying, changes in sleep/ appetite/energy, and physical symptoms (ie somatic complaints).

Increased screen time. Often children turn to the screen (television, computer, or video games) to help manage boredom.

Although moderate screen time is reasonable, excessive screen time can create other psychological and physical issues. See the American Academy of Pediatrics guidelines for suggestions (https://www.aap.org/en-us/about-theaap/aap-press-room/pages/americanac...). (psychologytoday.com)

Summertime activities for kids

Create family jingles with your kids

By Chris Murphy

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ant to create some unique family memories that don’t cost a dime?

Need a way to help your kids remember important information?

Create a family jingle. It’s fun your family will never forget, and is a great way to improve memory in minds young and old.

In this article, I’ll show you how to create simple, fun and entertaining songs with your kids to make your own family songs.

Why create original family music?

Is there music from your childhood that bring back special memories, emotions and experiences? Would you like to give your children similar feelings when they look back on their youth?

Creating songs together – whether they’re used as art or as information – will give your family something unique to them, something truly memorable and special.

Music makes information stick As a kid, I used to take afternoon breaks from the heat and watch reruns of The Andy Griffith Show on WGNTV with my dad.

Almost without fail, during the commercial breaks an ad for a carpet company would air. I was a little kid in Alabama with no need for flooring that could only be delivered in the Chicago area, but my young mind memorised the telephone number of the Empire Carpet Company.

Why? This song has been stuck in my head for years!

I can still hear the jingle playing in my head 30 years later! And I bet you’ve got a similar story.

What I didn’t know then is that the marketing and advertising folks behind Empire Carpet were using music as a mnemonic device. (The “m” is silent.) A mnemonic device is a fancy term for a memory tool that allows us to remember pieces of information by putting that information into an easy-to-recall sequence.

This same type of mnemonic device is utilised when we all learn the classic

alphabet song. It’s much easier to memorise 26 consecutive letters of the alphabet when we can just sing a song.

Using mnemonics increases learning of all kinds. They’re a great way to help your little ones remember everything from household information to schoolwork to family experiences.

A few years ago, we moved into a new house. My wife taught our two kids our address with a simple song that repeats the address over and over again.

Music makes moments more memorable Think of some of the most memorable scenes in movies or TV. They are often tied to music that enhances your memory.

Every time you hear “Stayin’ Alive” by the Bee Gees, you think of John Travolta’s character strutting down the street in the opening scene of Saturday Night Fever.

Music creates emotion that enhances moments, and also makes life more entertaining.

You can create songs with your kids that will become the soundtrack to your family’s life and experiences. I’ll show you how.

You Will Need: A topic or subject for the songs Simple lyrics Creative music to accompany the lyrics Paper and pen or computer to document the song Musical instruments (optional) Music recording device and/or video recorder (these are also optional, but you’ll thank yourself in the future when your kids are grown and you can still watch or listen to their young selves) Preparation Time: 0-5 minutes. The only real preparation needed is just waiting for inspiration to strike or coming up with information that you want them to remember.

Activity Time: 5-10 minutes. Thinking of the lyrics and music can take just a few minutes, but it’s also fun to let the kids colour lyric sheets, make audio/video recordings or anything else that makes the experience more memorable. (mykidsadventures.com)

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Chancellor/CJ appointments

CCJ President urges President, Opposition Leader to resolve deadlock …says non-appointments a “serious concern”

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo

CCJ President, Justice Adrian Saunders

ustice Adrian Saunders, President of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ), is calling on Guyana’s political leaders to urgently resolve their issues and appoint a substantive Chancellor of the Judiciary and a Chief Justice for Guyana’s courts.

He has said this current impasse has implications for the proper running of the Guyana courts.

Following a session of interaction with the private sector at the Pegasus Hotel on Thursday, Justice Saunders told reporters that the delay in making these substantive appointments of key judicial personnel is a matter of “serious concern”.

“Guyana has not had a Chancellor for 13 years, since Chancellor [Desiree] Bernard demitted office to become a Judge of the CCJ. Since then, there have been persons acting in that position… We are outsiders to Guyana’s political system, but we are entitled to express views we have that directly concern the administration of justice. But ultimately, it’s a matter for the Guyana political directorate, and I just wish that steps be taken to resolve those issues,” the newly appointed CCJ President asserted.

President David Granger had nominated Justice Kenneth Benjamin and Justice Yonette Cummings-

J

President David Granger

Edwards for the substantive posts of Chancellor and Chief Justice respectively.

However, following a meeting with Opposition Leader Dr Bharrat Jagdeo earlier this year, at which the nominations were discussed, and after the Opposition Leader had done his due diligence, the president’s nominees were rejected. There has since not been any consensus between the two political leaders on the matter.

Article 127 (1) of the Constitution of Guyana states, “The Chancellor and the Chief Justice shall each be appointed by the President, acting after obtaining the agreement of the Leader of the Opposition.”

Being cognisant of current Constitutional re-

Cyclist killed in ECD accident

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D Field, Sophia, Georgetown man has become the latest road fatality after he was struck on Wednesday afternoon along the Railway Embankment at Industry, East Coast Demerara (ECD).

Dead is Orin Laundry of Lot 161 D Field, Sophia.

According to reports, the 37-year-old man as riding his pedal cycle when he was struck about 13:15h by a Route 44 minibus with registration number BWW 283, which was heading to Georgetown.

The cyclist reportedly turned south onto the Railway

Dead: Orin Laundry

Embankment from the access road after which he made

a right turn. The minibus, which was heading to the city, reportedly struck him as he turned.

He was picked up by the 29-year-old bus driver and taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries about 19:00h on Wednesday.

The driver, of South Vryheid’s Lust, ECD, passed a breathalyser test, but has since been taken into Police custody as investigations continue. His body is presently at the Georgetown Public Hospital morgue awaiting post mortem.

quirements in making such appointments, Justice Saunders has posited that the Guyanese authorities may want to revisit the procedure that obtains.

“That formula is likely to throw up this kind of situation, and so perhaps some attention should be given to perhaps whether that is an appropriate formula; or if the formula is to be kept, what other mechanisms should be put in place

to break a deadlock. But for the country to not have a Chancellor -- and it has implications for the Chief Justice as well, because it just cascades down for that length of time -- it’s just not right,” he posited, while noting that it is not his place to say what measures should be put in place to break the deadlock.

While the two Guyanese leaders are expected to continue discussions on the

nominations, the local legal fraternity, including the Guyana Bar Association (GBA), has called for the substantive appointments of acting Chancellor Justice Cummings-Edwards and acting Chief Justice, Justice Roxane George.

However, the Head of State has dismissed these calls, saying that he went through the Constitutional process and recommended a candidate.

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NWD man charged for killing father-in-law

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hirty-six-year-old Lance Van-Slyton of Canal Bank, North West District (NWD), Region One (BarimaWaini) was on Thursday remanded to prison by Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan when he appeared in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts charged with the murder of his father-in-law.

The court heard that on July 28, 2018 while in the vicinity of Canal Bank, he murdered Dennis Welcome.

Based on reports re-

ceived, about 03:00h on July 28, the accused and two of his friends were consuming alcohol outside his home and as time swiftly went by, he allowed the two friends to stay over.

Later that night, VanSlyton’s wife and daughter ventured out into the yard to use the washroom, but the man in a drunken state accused the woman of leaving the house to see his friends. As such, he began to beat her.

Upon hearing the com-

motion, her father, who resided across the river, went over to the couple’s home and stopped Van-Slyton from beating his daughter.

To avoid a reoccurrence, Welcome reportedly stayed with his daughter until the break of day. However, about 06:30h, Welcome was returning home in his boat and it was at this time his son-in-law flew into a fit of rage and slammed his boat into the man’s vessel. As a result, Welcome fell into the water and did not re-

surface.

A search was launched, and the now dead man’s lifeless body was pulled from the canal. He sustained severe injuries to his head as a result of the hit he received from the boat.

The body was taken to the Port Kaituma Hospital and Welcome was formally pronounced dead on arrival.

A report was made, and the accused was subsequently arrested and charged.

The matter will continue on August 6, 2018.

Porter remanded on B&E, larceny charges

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porter who was slapped with three counts of breaking and entering and larceny was remanded to prison when he appeared before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan.

Rohan Benn appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts where he denied all the charges.

The first charge stated that between July 6 and July 7 while at One Mile, Port Kaituma, North West District (NWD), he stole items valued $520,000, property of Stephen Wong.

It was also alleged that between July 10 and July 17, while in the vicinity of Fitzburg, also in the NWD, he broke and entered the

dwelling of Chandel Prophet and stole articles valued $220,000. The final charge stated that between July 30 and August 1, 2018, Benn stole another set of articles to the tune of $190,000, property of Cleavan Conway. However, these items were subsequently recovered. Police Prosecutor Gordon Mansfield objected

to bail being granted while citing the serious nature of the offences. He also told the Court that the defendant gave two different home addresses when he was taken into Police custody.

The prosecution's submission was upheld, and Benn was remanded to prison. The case will continue on August 6, 2018.

Cricket…

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…played livelier!! s you, dear reader, would know if you’ve been reading your Eyewitness for any length of time, he’s a “cricket tragic” – that is, a fella to whom the game of cricket is literally a matter of life and death!!

In the beginning, of course, there was Test cricket…and after a few centuries or so, that begat a new form of the game, One Day, 50-over, Cricket. The format said it all.

It began in England in the sixties as a 40-over game… but the One Day International (ODI) which made the format official, was serendipitous. In 1971, it rained on a Test match between England and Australia for three days, and rather than abandoning play totally, the decision was made, with the ICC’s blessings, to play a one-day game.

ODI was born, leading to the ODI World Cup between cricketing nations. It was so popular after Imran Khan led Pakistan to its first World Cup win in 1992, it platformed him to become the soon-to-be-sworn-in Prime Minister of his country!!

It was clear there’d been a revolution rivalling the French Revolution of 1789….which destroyed forever the notion it was the “divine right” of kings to rule over us!

For many of the (cricket) old guard, it was blasphemy that the leisurely game of “gentlemen,” which stretched over five days if need be, would now be truncated to one day! Just as upsetting was the fact that all the players would now be “professionals” – to whom money was the inducement!! “How crass!!” the purists sniffed!!

Your Eyewitness wasn’t one of the sniffers!! He knew change was gonna come, sooner or later, in every facet of life. From travelling faster using motor cars rather than horses and buggies, to flying around the world in one day in jet planes, life was accelerating!! And why not cricket? And before you could say “LBW!” there was another truncation at the turn of the new millennium --2003– with T20 or 20/20 Cricket.

Life and cricket were evolving. But what pleased your Eyewitness more than anything else was that the evolution of cricket was producing a form of the game that was already the stock-in-trade of ours in the Caribbean!! Having to grub for a living, not many of us could afford to spend five days on the cricket fields… instead, “pick-up” games for limited overs were always the ordinary man’s game. Then, of course, there was the boisterous behaviour of our uninhibited spectators. None of that dainty tapping of the fingertips to acknowledge a “six”, thank you!!

And it’s for all these reasons and more that your Eyewitness has a broad grin plastered on his face.

CPL and the Warriors arrive next week!! …as real professionalism And the CPL, of course, represents the epitome of the newly evolved game of cricket – that is, one that’s been completely professionalised. Since the new, shortened forms of the game evolved – as your Eyewitness explained above – out of the maws of the old order, it meant there’s still a mix of the old “amateurism” with the new “professionalism”. And it doesn’t take a genius to appreciate the challenges posed by those two opposing strands of the old versus the new.

Generally, the problem manifests itself in various cricketing boards still retaining the old amateur attitude of “lording it” over the players, who’re seen as peons who should be grateful for their being even deigned recognition!! It has led to the ridiculous spectacle of players having to “strike” for their rights!!

Enter the professional T20 leagues running the now dominant form of the game – led by the Indian Professional League (IPL). It begins by acknowledging right up front - in its name, even – that the players and the management will be ‘professionals”.

And will play for money!! …and nationalism But the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) has shown that, unlike what the old guards think, players can still be nationalistic when being paid for playing cricket.

Maybe it’s because we always had to work for a living?

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

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Lindo Creek CoI

Commissioner recommends compensation for dead miners’ relatives …hands over report to President

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en years after eight miners were killed at a mining camp at Lindo Creek, the completed report of the Commission of Inquiry (CoI) into the massacre has recommended, among other things, that compensation be given to the relatives of the deceased.

The men were killed sometime between June 12 and 24, 2008.

Justice Donald Trotman, who headed the CoI, announced the intended measure at State House on Thursday, when he told reporters that compensation for the families is necessary, since they would have faced economic challenges following the deaths of their loved ones.

Asked about culpability, the retired judge told

reporters that reopening some parts of the investigation was recommended. He added that State officials, including the then Police Commissioner, former President, and Home Affairs Minister, should be questioned.

President Granger, who ordered the Commission of Inquiry earlier this year, has said the intention of his Government is for Guyanese to live in a society without brutality, and that the administration will continue to look into causes of various killings which occurred in what he says was the era of troubles.

“Inquiries will ensure that those accused of crimes are brought before the courts of law. This Inquiry started the process of searching

for the causes and culprits behind some of the most deadly atrocities committed during the troubles,” the president stated.

He also vowed that Government would work to expose the intellectual authors and the perpetrators of the deadly violence.

“It was a time of arbitrary arrests, of disappearances and of torture of young men; of the surge in armed robberies, narco-trafficking and gun-running.

During that first deadly decade, there were 1,317 murders and 7,865 armed robberies,” the president said.

Legal clerk found murdered in Kuru Kururu home

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he lifeless body of 46-year-old legal clerk Gregory Frank, also called “Wayne”, was on Thursday, at about 04:30h, found lying face down in a pool of blood in the sitting room of his home at Lot 686 Kuru-Kururu, Soesdyke/ Linden Highway.

Based on reports received, the discovery was made by Frank’s father, who occupies another house in the same yard. The man reportedly saw the back door of his son’s house wide open, and after his several calls had gone unanswered, he went inside his son’s home to check on him.

Confronted with the sight of his son’s motionless body and the home ransacked, the elder Frank immediately raised an alarm. Upon checking further, he realised that several valuable items belonging to his son had gone missing.

Checks also revealed that the dead man’s forehead was swollen, which suggests that he might have been struck to the head by his attackers.

The Police were summoned to the scene, and the

and did not have any children.

The grieving brother related that he had last seen his brother on Tuesday last. He added that as far as he was aware, his now dead brother did not have any enemies, and he said he was convinced that Gregory might have been killed in the commissioning of a robbery.

Although the evidence points to robbery, the Police are looking at several angles,

Dead: Gregory Frank

body was removed to the Lyken’s Funeral Home to await a post mortem. The police have since dusted the scene for possible finger prints.

The sandy terrain made it difficult for Police to trace the foot prints around the house, since, after the discovery, persons from the village had run to the house.

When Guyana Times contacted a brother of the late Gregory Frank, he explained that Gregory had lived alone

as, in the past, there have been instances when the motive of the murder was completely different.

According to detectives, several persons in the area were questioned for any information that may lead to a breakthrough, but everyone questioned maintained that they had neither heard any unusual sounds nor seen any unusual movements.

Police investigations are nevertheless continuing .

That decade of “troubles”, he mentioned, ended in the late 2000s. However, Government’s approach to the first of several inquiries was much criticised by the Opposition, which was in Government at that time.

The Peoples Progressive Party felt the Lindo Creek massacre should not have been the first such CoI, but rather a more comprehensive review of the crime wave should have been undertaken.

The Opposition also contended that the CoI was geared to clear notorious mass killer Rondell ‘Fine

man’ Rawlins’s name.

Now this latest CoI report has been submitted, it is up to President Granger to implement the recommendations which he sees fit.

The miners Cecil Arokium, Dax Arokium, Compton Speirs, Horace Drakes, Clifton Wong, Lancelot Lee, Bonny Harry and Nigel Torres were shot and killed, and their bodies burnt at the Upper Berbice River mining camp which was being operated by Leonard Arokium.

The Lindo Creek killings followed two other massacres in 2008 – at Lusignan and Bartica.

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S RAIGHT F

15 homeless after West Berbice fire

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Guyana does not have an enabling environment for Private Sector growth (Part 3 of 3)

his week, we shall conclude the series by focusing on how special, new, emerging industries can help economic growth.

Providing direct support to special industries Building an enabling business environment that would support diversification is a prerequisite for success. All I have observed from the Granger Administration since it came to office three years ago is more talk but little action with it comes to the question of diversification and incubating the new, emerging economy. As an example, let us reflect on the opportunities lost at the now-defunct Wales Sugar Estate (WSE).

In February 2016, in a newspaper interview, Agriculture Minister Noel Holder defended the move to close the WSE as the “beginning of a process to resuscitate the sugar industry”, and he “assured the nation that there are plans in place to cushion the impact of this decision.” On May 19, 2018, he outlined his plans to use the WSE to “rebrand and revitalise the sugar industry”. His plans were focused on converting WSE into a “national processor of dairy products, fruit juices and rice production”. By the end of 2016, the Minister expressed his satisfaction with the progress being made to convert the estate into a “model agricultural producer, so that other areas of the sugar industry can benefit from this diversification model”.

Unfortunately, nothing the Minister said was the truth, since the hoax was exposed by February 2018. The entire West Bank Demerara area was rendered into an economic dead zone. Very little economic life was injected into the area, and very few social cushions were put in place to cater for the situation on the ground. Yet the Minister, who convincingly failed the nation, kept his job. The entire diversification plan for the former sugar land at Wales never fired-up!

What is unquestionably inside Team Granger is a dire absence of strategic thinkers at the highest levels, especially in the Cabinet. These people have underserved the nation again and again within those three short years, by failing to exercise thoughtful deliberation on the big issues. Every day, there is another crisis that exposes how ill- equipped they are at understanding, measuring, and making decisions on the big national development issues.

The actions in the sugar industry did not need to be such a “roll of the dice” situation. It could have been the moment to use the sugar land to unleash an assortment of emerging industries in the West Demerara area, to rapidly create hundreds of new jobs. First off, why was the Wales Sugar Estate not converted to an ethanol plant, to add to what was in the Guyoil tanks? Why was the area not opened as a tax-free technology corridor for new BPO and ICT service operations using talent sourced from nations like Mexico and India, to take the Guyanese people to the next level? Why were private investors not invited to build new pharmaceutical plants, and all doors broken down to give life to these investments, like tax-holidays, cheap land, subsidised electricity for the first year, free training support from UG, and so on? Can you imagine Guyana being the pharmaceutical hub of the Caribbean region using Indian and Cuban technology? These things are possible.

Why have the senior people in the Granger Government not pondered on these basic questions when they were mulling over the WSE issue?

1. What can Guyana do better with this land in the current market?

2. What are the best strategic assets of the WSE (the river, the land, the people), and how and where can we make the best use of them?

3. What strategic assets are missing, but are needed to succeed in the new market? (Technicians from India, Mexico, China; money and so on) 4. Can we use the WSE land to catch up with, or leapfrog, the competitors at their own game?

5. Since Guyana was missing several of the critical factors for success in the new, emerging markets (ICT, biotechnology, green technology, etc.), could the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in partnership with the private sector, not act as the facilitators to incentivise international players to come and partner with the locals?

National development will never be an easy game, but for it to succeed, it requires strategic thinkers who are prepared to work hard, study their cards carefully, engage partners, and make decisions. These are the critical missing ingredients in Team Granger, and until and unless they buy-in the right skills, which are clearly missing from Team Granger, Guyana is doomed! The debate on Al Jazeera on Guyana oil and gas industry in July 2018 exposed this reality loud and clear.

Please share your thoughts at sasesin1@yahoo.com.

ifteen persons have been rendered homeless after a fire, believed to have been started by unsupervised children, destroyed a three-bedroom home at Lot 31 Kingelley Village, West Coast Berbice on Wednesday.

Reports are that tragedy struck at just before midday, while most persons were enjoying their planned Emancipation Day programmes; and within minutes, the building was reduced to rubble. This newspaper was told that 11 children, aged 17, 15, 13, 11, 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 3 and a 1-year-old baby, are among those homeless.

Also homeless are home owner Maxwell McDonald, his wife and two other adult children.

When this newspaper arrived on the scene, McDonald detailed that none of the children told him what had caused the fire, but he noted that they were all confused.

“One of them go and hide from the fire in a barrel,” he explained.

He told this publication that at the time of the blaze, the only adult at home was a 22-year-old step-child who was asleep at the time, and

with his three-year-old sister, was rescued. Thankfully, no one was injured.

Playing with fire

Some of the couple’s children

was awoken when a gas cylinder exploded.

According to McDonald, as he returned home from work on Wednesday, he observed the thick smoke in the air. He said one of his work colleagues told him that it was his house on fire, and he quickly dismounted from the truck and ran home.

“When I come in I see the fire from the back room, so I try to get a bucket and throw (water), but the (heat) from the fire was too (much) and I couldn’t control the fire, so I had to leave it,” McDonald related.

He explained that it was shortly after that that the gas cylinder exploded, and it add-

ed fuel to the fire in the building.

McDonald said he was only told by the children that the fire started in the back bedroom.

“Dem children can’t do nothing because they small, and I have to do my best to see what I can do… When I checking now to see for everybody, me son run up the step and tell me that the baby lef in the house, and I fall down in the drain in front there, because I tell myself that he so small and he gon can’t run out the fire.”

However, the one-year-old was not the only one trapped inside the house. He, along

Officer in Charge of Operations at the Guyana Fire Service in Berbice, Divisional Fire Officer Clive McDonald, said the fire call was received at about 11:05h on Wednesday, and the GFS responded promptly. By the time they arrived on scene, the building was already flattened. Fire Officer McDonald told this publication that the fire was caused by children who were left unsupervised and were playing with matches.

The family is asking for assistance from the public to get back on their feet. Nine out of the thirteen children attend school.

Several Government Ministers who were in Berbice for the Emancipation celebrations visited the family.

Minister of Social Protection, Amna Ally, invited the family to her office to make further plans to receive assistance. The fire victims have also received donations from Regional officials and neighbours. (Andrew Carmichael)

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Daily earnings snatched from short drop hire car drivers …as City Council turns park into vending area

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ire car drivers who ply the East Bank Demerara route via Ramp Road, Ruimveldt, Georgetown have suddenly been confronted with their car park, situated in the Stabroek Market Square, being modified to temporarily facilitate vendors who have been relocated there to facilitate rehabilitation of the wharf.

As such, the area has been barricaded since Tuesday, resulting in the hire car drivers being without a venue from which to operate. This publication caught up with some of the

operators on Thursday, and Percival Etwaroo explained that the placement of vendors at their designated car park has seriously affected the livelihoods of over 45 operators.

He noted that, on Tuesday, when the drivers entered the Stabroek area to carry out their daily routines, they were confronted by barricades preventing them from entering their parking area.

“When we showed up for work on Tuesday morning, we found that the park was barricaded with metal mesh and poles. We cannot make

Barricades placed along the short drop hire car park

any entry into the park. We don’t know where to operate from, and we were told that this was an act done by the Mayor and City Council,” Etwaroo said.

Another driver added, “We are faced with a problem over the last few days, in that it’s affecting our operation on a daily basis. It is affecting us very misera-

bly because we cannot work to get money to take home to our family.”

He said that prior to this incident, they were never notified of Council’s intentions to use the park to temporarily accommodate the vendors.

As such, all of the affected drivers are calling on the Council to find an area which they can utilise.

“We don’t know the reason for that. We were not notified in a way of a notice or any meeting or nothing whatsoever.

We don’t know what is going on, and we would like to know if anybody from the Mayor and City Council can come and tell us what is going on,” another distraught driver said. continued on page 14

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Environmental economist “fit and proper” to head Energy Dept – President …seems to be “technically sound” – Jagdeo …raises concerns about structure of dept

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resident David Granger has confirmed that Environmental Economist Dr Mark Bynoe’s appointment to Head the Department of Energy came into effect from this month.

On Thursday, the President said Dr Bynoe’s appointment was gazetted as of August 1, 2018.

He has defended making this appointment by saying that the new appointee’s intelligence and experience would be assets as Guyana gets ready to capitalise on the oil industry.

He made these comments on the sidelines of an event at State House on Thursday.

This follows the announcement this past January that the Ministry of the Presidency (MoTP) is taking over responsibility for the petroleum sector from the Natural Resources Ministry, headed by subject minister Raphael Trotman.

However, Dr Bynoe’s nomination to the post did not come without criticisms, as concerns were raised that he was not experienced in the oil and gas sector, nor was the position advertised.

The Head of State was questioned on these matters, but he brushed aside such criticisms. “We decided on a person who is experienced, not necessarily in petroleum, but who has the intelligence and the experience to find people who are experienced and who can administer that important industry. We know he doesn’t know everything, but he know where to find people who know enough to make that sector function, and we believe he is the fit and proper person to do that,” the President outlined.

The President explained that under a 4-phase programme, Dr Bynoe will find and manage experts to oversee the sector, which includes granting oil concessions and licences.

Dr. Byone’s experience includes managing the Project Development and Management Unit of the Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre that was based in the Central American Caricom member State of Belize. His qualifications include a doctorate in Environmental Economics from England’s

University of East Anglia, and a Master’s of Science Degree in Resource Management from the University of Edinburgh in Scotland.

President Granger noted that the department is currently under the first phase, which will deal with administration. He added that Government will now look at financing and legislation, as the department’s set up moves towards functionality and “rationalization,” as some Government departments will be transferred under the Energy Department.

The President has said he is working with a September timeframe to start implementation.

“We have to advertise for experts all over the world,” he noted.

Opposition position

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo on Thursday commented on the issue as well. Speaking to reporters from his Church Street, Georgetown office during his weekly press conference, Jagdeo said the Opposition has not been privy to Dr Bynoe’s

curriculum vitae (CV). He, however, posited that from his brief interactions with the official, Dr Bynoe seems to be “technically sound”.

“I have not studied his CV; we’re not required to.

They didn’t ask us about it, so I don’t know if he has the skill set to manage the department… If he does not have the skill set, then we will have a problem,” Jagdeo opined.

Jagdeo indicated that his present concern is that very little is known about the structure of the department, especially as it relates to the Petroleum Commission Bill, which is pending in Parliament.

“We know very little about the structure of the department…its mandate, and how it will conflict with, or compliment, the Petroleum Commission…

What will be the responsibility of this department…

What will be the responsibility of the Petroleum Commission, because that

Dr Mark Bynoe

is supposed to be a part of the technical body…How much political involvement (will be involved)?” he questioned.

Earlier this year, when Minister Trotman handed over the oil-and-gas sector via Cabinet’s decision to establish the new department, Government was adamant that he was not stripped of his responsibilities in the oil and gas sector. Trotman at that time was appointed head of the task force which was responsible for submitting to Cabinet a proposal on how the Department of

Energy would be structured and staffed.

However, the changes followed calls to have the subject minister removed from his post as minister after the discovery that Government initially deposited US$18 million in a private account in the Central Bank, which it received from ExxonMobil as a signing bonus. That money was later transferred overseas, which saw it accumulating interest. Trotman had also been criticised for his handling of the oil contract.

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Bourda vendors call for street lights …amid increased robberies

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A section of the Bourda Market

n light of the daily increase in robberies and petty thefts at the Bourda Market, vendors who ply their trade there are calling for streetlights to be positioned in the area very soon, so as to provide some level of security.

When <<Guyana Times>> visited the area on Thursday, many indicated that the Orange Walk entrance section of the market is prone to having robbers in

the night due to the area being dimly lit.

Arif Kahn, who operates a vegetable and fruits stall, explained that the area is opened on a 24h basis, which indicates that persons are traversing that zone every night. As such, many robbers would use the opportunity of the lighting situation to relieve people of their valuables.

“The thing is, we have a norm where, in the night, people getting rob all the time, plenty people. When this happen, you hardly see them back, ‘cause they frighten to come again. Last night they carry way a lady bag,” a vendor explained.

He noted that because of this, the victims cannot identify the perpetrators when they’re apprehended by the Police or City Constabulary officers. Hence, they’re put back on the road to continue the illegal activities.

“We have small lights yeah, but that can’t do anything, ‘cause you can’t see far with that. Now, when the Police catch them, it so dark that you can’t tell is who,” another vendor said.

A neighbouring vendor commented, “It’s true. This is something that they got to look into. It’s very dangerous for us and for people.”

He further stated that

the Mayor and City Council (M&CC) has promised them that lights would be placed along identified sections of the trading area. However, the area is still in need of the lights.

Along with the placement of more streetlights, the vendors are also requesting the presence of additional security ranks at locations where robberies frequently occur.

A few months ago, the City Constabulary had pinpointed the Stabroek and Bourda Markets as “criminal hotspots” after numerous criminal activities has occurred in the area over some time.

Just recently, Chief Constable Andrew Foo revealed that the areas are now considered as key areas for tourists and foreigners to be relieved of their belongings on a daily basis.

Foo noted that while these persons -- mostly Cubans and Venezuelans -- are the main targets, there are citizens who are marked by these criminals. Meanwhile, the Chief Constable also informed this publication that the network of robbers usually operates in gangs, using cellphones as the main medium of communication to divulge information.

Daily earnings snatched...

from page 12

Meanwhile, Alan Rahman, who shared the same sentiments stated, “I think it’s blatant disrespect, not only to the drivers, but to the families of the drivers and the passengers. This should never be. We should learn to give instructions, give notification, and do what is necessary. On top of that, we are being harassed by the Police when we drop off and pick up (passengers) because there is no designated location to pick up or to set (them) down.”

The drivers have opined that since they cannot operate anymore, commuters would also be affected, since many would have to use a taxi to traverse the EBD area. This costs more money and increases their expenditure.

“I think it’s a very irresponsible move, and (shows) lack of respect from the general public, not just the drivers. Doing something like that…because many persons traverse that area, and the hire car drivers are the main movement that you

have across the East Bank area. A lot of drivers have been there for years operating,” Girdharie Singh said.

The hire car drivers are requesting that the matter be looked into by Central Government, in order to facilitate a less impacting approach to addressing the situation.

“We don’t have a problem, but you cannot take out the public transportation operators to facilitate a few market vendors. I think that a more proper approach should be done on this issue, because you can find better accommodation for the few market vendors (instead of having) to displace so many hire cars,” another driver said.

The drivers are awaiting a response from City Council regarding the provision of an alternative space, so that they can continue operating at the park. Meanwhile, efforts to contact the Mayor and Town Clerk for a comment on the decision to leave the drivers out in the cold have proven futile.

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Bandits torch inside Wismar Post Office after foiled robbery

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he interior of the Wismar Post Office at Linden, Region 10 (Upper Demerara- Berbice) was torched in the wee hours of Thursday morning following a foiled robbery.

This publication understands that after bandits had forced their way into the Post Office at about 04:00h, they encountered difficulties in accessing monies from a safe which was believed to contain monies to pay old age pension.

The safe, however, with-

that smoke was emanating from the Wismar Post Office. As a result of this, Police responded along with the other entities, which is the Fire Service, responded. The (fire) was extinguished by the Fire Service, and investigators from the Wismar station detectives are in the process of doing the investigative work," Vanderhyden said.

While the gate to the Post Office compound has since been locked, prohibiting access, this publication

the Post Office Corporation in terms of preparing a bill of quantity, description of works, and we will get it to the Guyana Post Office Corporation. What we're looking for is to get this post office and the services it renders to the community up and running in the shortest possible time,” Morian said.

The Regional Chairman added that there needs to be a paradigm shift as it relates to security at the entity.

Wismar Post Office

stood the attempts, and it is believed that the bandits then set the building alight.

Pensioners who turned up to receive their old age pension on Thursday were unable to access payments since the post office had since been closed.

Pensioners were however advised to access the service at the Mackenzie Post Office across the river.

Police have since launched an investigation into the incident. 'E' Division (LindenKwakwani) Commander, Anthony Vanderhyden, said Police and the Fire Service responded after being alerted about the incident.

"At four hours this morning (Thursday), we got a call

understands that the entire interior of the bottom flat has been destroyed, and all the documents, computers and furniture were completely burnt or water damaged.

Region 10 Chairman Renis Morian and officials of the Regional Democratic Council (RDC), who visited the scene later on Thursday morning, indicated that emergency works will be facilitated to the building.

"On my way to work this morning, I was notified of what seemed to be a breakin and attempt to burn down the building... We from the Regional Democratic Council, I just brought over an engineer who will assist

"There are other institutions in the area that deal with money, that don't have break-ins. The post Office Corporation now needs to move to have security huts.

It's too much a vital service in the community for every time persons doing things to bring this service down. We depend on the service that the Post office renders to the community. So, my thing now is that the administration of the Guyana Post Office Corporation needs now to change the paradigm. You need grilling mesh and cameras, plus we need to have security guards placed within the institution,” the Regional Chairman said.

Meanwhile, he noted that Councillors within the Welfare Committee have also committed to ensuring that pensioners get access to their pension, and would assist with transportation where needed.

Member of the Regional Welfare Department Denise Belgrave said the incident is

unfortunate, as she pointed out that more than once the location has been a target.

She said this will adversely affect senior citizens who were looking forward to receiving their pension.

A pensioner who spoke with media operatives has also expressed concern over security at the Post Office.

Seventy-year-old Thomas Tudor said the Post Office is prone to breakand-entry, since it lacks security. "I am deeply upset", Tudor said. The Wismar Post Office is no stranger to robbery, and has been robbed by bandits several times in the past.

Pedestrian dies on West Berbice road L

indar Jagernaught of Lot 81 Murphy Dam, Rosignol, West Coast Berbice was run over by a car on the village public road, and dragged for some distance before the vehicle came to a halt, leaving parts on his body on the roadway.

According to reports, the 26-year-old father of one, who had been a labourer by profession, had left home at about 18:00hrs on Wednesday, claiming he was going to purchase a phone card. Six hours later he did not return home.

According to his father, Boyo Jagernaught, Police Officers came to his home after 01:00h on Thursday, and “they turn and tell me that he just involve in an accident, and they would like me to go to the station…

They didn’t tell me that he died!” the father said. Boyo Jagernaught said that when he enquired at the Police Station about the driver of the vehicle that had hit his son, he was told that the man is in custody. He said

Dead: Lindar Jagernaught

that all this time he was not told that his son had died.

According to this father, after continuous enquiry, he was told that his son had died. He then went to the mortuary and saw the body of his son.

“He had on no clothes, and everything from his stomach to his legs smash in, and all his guts outside,” this shocked and devastated father detailed.

In regard to details of the circumstances surrounding the accident, family members say there is hardly any information forthcoming from anyone.

“All the people I talk to, they say dem ain’t know nothing, because dem went inside. I even ask a security working at the old bond, and he say that he went at the back to check when he hear the impact, and when he come in front, it did already happen, but he didn’t come out,” Boyo Jagernaught related.

Reports reaching this publication indicate that shortly after the accident, Police arrived on the scene and took the driver into custody. The investigations are continuing. (Andrew Carmichael)

16 news

friDAY, august 3, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

11 of 29 water facilities operating without licence – GA-FDD

T

he Government Analyst-Food and Drug Department (GA-FDD) recently concluded an assessment in Georgetown and Greater Georgetown areas – done over a six-month period – and discovered that 11 water processing factories were operating without the necessary licence from the department.

This GA-FDD recently made this disclosure, stating that samples were analysed for microbiological and chemical parameters to verify compliance with safety requirements. Of the 29 facilities from which samples were taken, 11 were found to be operating without the necessary licence from the department. Of the 87 samples submitted for analysis, 15, or 17 per cent, were found to be unsatisfactory.

The GA-FDD is now urging consumers to be cautious, to request to see a valid licence from water processing factories which retail five-gallon proportions, and to ensure the bottles are

properly labelled and sealed before purchasing same.

Consumers are advised to report any company that fails to comply with the GAFDD’s requirements relative to the sale of treated water.

In an effort to ensure proper health among the citizens, the GA-FDD has vowed to repeat such exercises in the coming months, and is expected to soon draft a list of approved water processing facilities, which it noted will be published.

The GA-FDD is also appealing to water distribution companies to comply with its requirements, or face the penalty of being closed down.

It said manufacturers and distributors must have a valid licence issued by the GA-FDD, which is an indicator of their compliance with good manufacturing practices (GMPs). Also, bottles used must be properly cleaned, sanitised, labelled and sealed. No funnel should be used to transfer water to bottles prior to sale and/or distribution.

Man freed of attempting to murder father-in-law

A

lthough not represented by legal counsel, Sudesh Rambhajue, who was on trial in the High Court for attempting to murder his father-in-law Latchman Narine Persaud at School Street, Vergenoegen, East Bank Essequibo nearly three years ago, has been acquitted of the charge by a 12-member jury on Thursday.

After several hours of deliberation, the jury returned the unanimous verdict of not guilty.

Rambhajue on Tuesday led his defence, in which he claimed that his father-inlaw had attacked him first.

Rambhajue had been indicted on the first count for the attempted murder of his father-in-law, which occurred on September 18, 2015. He was facing a second count of felonious wounding.

Justice Brassington Reynolds thanked Prosecutor Seeta Bishundial for conducting the case in a professional manner, while the former accused thanked the jury for its verdict. The judge told Rambhajue that the case was closed call for

Sudesh Rambhajue is now a free man

him, and urged him to avoid trouble and acquire stable employment.

According to reports surrounding the matter, Narine Persaud claimed to have been attacked by the suspect after he had asked him to move out of his house.

Persaud explained that after Rambhajue had ignored his request, he sought to repeat it when he saw the man approaching his home on the evening in question.

Narine Persaud reported that Rambhajue became annoyed, and stabbed him before fleeing the scene.

news

17

friDAY, august 3, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

Mining stalwart Edward Shields dies

T

he Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association (GGDMA) on Thursday announced the passing of its former executive secretary and founder member, Edward Anthony Shields. Shields passed away on Wednesday in the United States of America (USA) after a brief period of illness. He was 72 years old.

A former veteran of the USA war with Vietnam, Shields joined the mining association in 1984, and served it faithfully until his passing.

The GGDMA has said it mourns the loss of the mining stalwart, noting that “his guidance and tenacity will be missed”. He has been described as a friend of the miners and a champion for min-

Edward Anthony Shields

er’s rights in Guyana.

The late Edward Anthony Shields will be cremated in the USA, and a memorial service and wake will be held in Guyana at a date to be announced later.

GDF pilots complete air force fighter course

T

wo Guyana Defence Force (GDF) pilots have completed a five-year training at the Chinese Air Force Aviation University of the People’s Republic of China.

Second Lieutenants Steffon Cameron and Teffurn James recently returned to Guyana. Cameron and James successfully completed a Chinese Air Force basic fighter pilot and officer development course, in which they both gained two bachelor’s degrees, one in Aircraft Systems and Operations and another in Military Science Aviation Flight Command; they additionally earned a professional diploma.

The two ranks commenced studies on

Lieutenants Steffon Cameron (left) and Teffurn James

September 1, 2013 at the Chinese Air Force Aviation University and were among military personnel from countries such as Cambodia, Afghanistan,

Kazakhstan, Laos, Namibia, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.

The programme of study was designed mainly to advance young officers by im-

parting command knowledge and skills, as well as to train them to be efficient pilots operating under modern information-based systems. The programme included educational tours and visits to China's cities; exposure to Chinese customs, culture, lifestyle and social values. It was required of the participants to pass the Chinese Proficiency Test (HSK) level six examination.

Both Second Lieutenants have been welcomed back to the Force

by GDF’s Chief-of-Staff, Brigadier Patrick West, who congratulated them on their success. Second Lieutenants Cameron and James will continue their service in the Force.

Body of drunken man pulled Teen given 2nd chance after from Atlantic Ocean threatening stepmother

T

he body of 58-year-old Sheriff Yusuf, called “Bird,” a carpenter of Lot 53 De Kendren, West Coast Demerara, was on Wednesday pulled from the Atlantic Ocean.

Yusuf had lived alone in a flat concrete house, and according to reports received, had been seen consuming alcohol on Monday last, the day he went missing after leaving his home in a drunken state to go fishing.

Guyana Times has been told that after several days had passed and there had been no sign of the man, an alarm was raised and a

A

The house in which the now dead man lived

search was launched. During the search, the boat in which Yusuf had gone out to sea was discovered, but there still was no sign of the man.

Yusuf’s decomposed body

was eventually pulled from the ocean at about 06:00h on Wednesday, and is presently at the Ezekiel Funeral Home awaiting a post mortem.

Suicide prevention

Guyana Foundation facilitates training of 52 persons

A section of the participants at the workshop held on the Essequibo Coast

F

ifty-two participants have benefited from a training workshop in mental health recently held by the Guyana Foundation in collaboration with the William James College, a leader in educating the next generation of mental health professionals through its Counselling and Psychology graduate and undergraduate programmes.

Sessions were held at the Sunrise Centre on the Essequibo Coast in Region Two; and entities represented at the workshop included the Public Health and Social Protection ministries, the New Opportunity Corps, Hope For All, Child Care and Protection Agency, the three

major religious organisations in Guyana, the Richard Fickal Police College, The Caribbean Voice, the newly formed Sunrise Support Group in Wakenaam and the Guyana Foundation. Besides representatives of the abovenamed entities, the workshop was attended by leaders of the Region Two community.

The William James College is located in Newton, Massachusetts, USA. The Guyana Service Learning and Cultural Immersion Programme of the university is headed by Guyanese Dr Natalie Cort, who is an Assistant Professor there.

The 3-day Suicide Gatekeepers Training fo-

cused on increasing the community leaders’ ability to effectively respond to, intervene, and give support to individuals who are suicidal. the workshop was conducted by six (6) Psychology and Mental Health Counselling graduate students, who provided the participants with extensive knowledge on suicide and major depression, which would enable them to intervene in situations where persons are at risk of committing suicide.

In addition, the workshop did practical and effective problem-solving and engaged in stress management methods, which came from interpersonal psychotherapy for depression and from music therapy.

The workshop also included mini-lectures, facilitated discussions, group work and expression arts’ activities, which boosted the level of interaction and participation among its members.

At the end of the workshop, the participants expressed gratitude and appreciation in songs and speeches as they take their knowledge gained back to their communities and practice same in their personal lives.

teenager who threatened to burn down his stepmother’s home was on Thursday given a chance to make amends when he appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

Eighteen-year-old Edward Motilal, of Lot 113 Unity Village, East Coast Demerara (ECD), admitted to the charge after it was read to him by Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan.

The Court heard that on July 30, 2018, at Diamond, East Bank Demerara (EBD), he used threatening language towards his stepmoth-

er, Luanna Walker, whereby breaching the peace.

According to facts presented to the Court, on the day in question, the defendant got into an argument with the Virtual Complainant (VC) over a pair of shoes and he threatened to burn the house down. The VC became afraid and made a report at the Diamond Police Outpost.

In his defence, Motilal told the Court that he was abused by Walker and her daughter for wearing his brother's shoes.

“I just put on de shoe and went to lime with my friends

on the corner, then I hear they calling me, but I didn’t go then, I see they come out to me and start slapping me and then de daughter pull off de shoe, then I start cuss up,” the teen explained.

However, the VC’s daughter, who appeared on behalf of her mother, said that her stepbrother had a mental issue and as such, her mother wanted him to be removed from their home.

The matter was discharged by the Chief Magistrate after it was related to her that Motilal had a mental health problem.

friday, august 3, 2018

guyanatimesgy.com

All set for

Mr and Ms African Roots T

Pageant this Sunday

welve contestants vying for the title of Mr and Miss African Roots are making final preparations for the grand finale on Sunday, August 5, 2018 at the Theatre Guild, Lamaha and Parade Streets, Georgetown.

This year, the delegates will

compete in the Teen and Young Adult categories and will participate in an introduction segment, where they will be decked out in their creative wear, as well as the swim wear, talent, evening wear and intelligence segments. In addition, they will do a presentation on the respective

countries they represent.

The delegates are Joshua Liverpool, Ronald Taylor, Marlon Azore, Orwin Corlette, Elisha D’ornellas, Jamal McCurdy, Adha Joel Ojho, Eon Peters, Kimba Adaro Coates, Shawanna Rachel Shaina Sydney, Madeline Downer, Nickita

Mc Farlane and Nkeshie Annahina Aghusto.

At the end of the various competitions, the King and Queen will be crowned as well as the First and second Princes and Princesses.

The reigning kings and queens are Stephan Johnson, Richard Layne,

Tonya Harris, and Keisha Braze.

The contestants were unveiled two weeks ago at the Umana Yana and have since been involved in rigorous training leading up to the night of reckoning. The 2018 Pageant is sponsored by Aracari Resort, Roraima Airways and other organisations.

Wondamang Productions joins in the fight against suicide I

n recent times, as recent as three weeks ago, through its Facebook page, W o n d a m a n g Productions was contacted by two different individuals who expressed that they were having thoughts of suicide.

The individuals stated that after listening to music available via the company’s Sound Cloud page, they were somewhat redirected and, therefore, sought to commend and thank the label for making available good music which steers good people away from giving up.

Speaking later on the mat-

ter, music producer Simeon Browne said there is not much that can be disclosed about the identity or particulars of the individuals and their issues, but both were male and reside locally.

He further alluded that while it felt honourable to know that the music produced by Wondamang Productions was making such a breakthrough socially, he was concerned about the current state of the minds of especially the youths who, it seems, are most vulnerable.

In a Facebook post, the label wrote: “While it is good to know that music of some of our artistes have aided in the foiling of two suicide attempts in recent times, it is alarming that suicide continues to thrive especially in the minds of many who perceive that there is nothing else left for them to do when faced with turmoil and apparent defeat. We would like to encourage everyone

reading this, fan or not, to continue to seek aid in coping with life’s challenges.

“Wondamang Productions remains dedicated in the fight against suicide. If you are going through tough times and need someone to talk to, please feel free to contact them. Someone is waiting on the other side to provide counselling and further guidance for you and your loved ones in the fight against suicide.”

Artistes such as rising star Lisa Punch and gospel superstar Kester Deane have been lobbying against suicide extensively through social media and outreach programmes. Countless personalities in the music as well as law enforcement fraternity have been active in the fight.

The two individuals communicated with Browne through his company’s Facebook page

and were later redirected to a religious, certified counsellor of a local church.

If you or someone you know is having suicidal thoughts, please call the Suicide Hotline numbers: (+592) 223-0001, 223-0009, 600-7896, 6234444, or email: guyagency@yahoo. com.

guyanatimesgy.com

friDAY, august 3, 2018

Mr & Miss

Den Amstel

Casting call for

Miss Berbice “I’m a Big Deal” Pageant

Emancipation Pageant C

T

set for August 11

he Den Amstel Dynamic Network in its bid to foster togetherness and overall empowerment of youth in the community has started a movement to acknowledge exceptional growth and resilience.

As such, the Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) has planned a Mr and Ms Den Amstel Emancipation Pageant slated for the Den Amstel Community Centre on Saturday, August 11.

The theme for this year’s pageant is “Endearingly Cultured”. The theme was birthed out of the Network’s vision

to nurture youth within the community along the path of health, culture, education and self-confidence.

This is the second year of promoting female empowerment through pageantry; however, the understated need for males to be empowered was factored into this year’s celebration; hence, five male contenders now compete for the honour of being called Mr Den Amstel Emancipation.

The participants represent a vast cross-section of society. The youngest contender this year is a 14-year- old, because it is never too early to get on

the path of success and positively impact lives. Several of the contestants are recognised professionals within their various fields of practice and some of them are very familiar with international pageantry and its benefits.

The Network’s committee comprises youths and young adults who envision a progressive community and expend resources to achieve same. Hard work, passion and integrity are the tools used on their mission to improve the society they call home. Tickets for the pageant cost $500.

Meet the delegates:

Delegate # 1: Tiwana Benn Age: 18 Platform: Drug Abuse

Delegate #2: Timera Crighton Age: 17 Platform: The effects of explicit music on young men in our community

Delegate #3: Donnickher July Age 24 Platform: Diabetes and hypertension awareness

Delegate #4: Colesia Newland Age: 24 Platform: Embracing your melanin

Delegate #5: Norissa Stuart Age: 20 Platform: Empowering women

Delegate #6: Alieca James Age: 25 Platform: The effects the village has on a child

19

asting call for Miss Berbice The Miss Berbice “I am a Big Deal” Pageant is expected to take centre stage once again in November and it promises to be bigger and better than last year’s edition.

The reigning queen Farah Valentina Bates has been representing the Ancient County to the best of her ability and is preparing to hand over her crown come November.

One lucky young lady will walk away with the title and more so, cash and other prizes when she is crowned the Miss Berbice “I’m a Big Deal” Queen. However, this cannot be possible if that lucky young lady does not apply.

The casting call has been sounded, and those young ladies who think that they are passionate, eloquent, industrious and ambitious need to apply to be part of the extravaganza.

The applicant must be between the ages 17 and 25 and must be

unmarried, without children and most importantly, must be living in Berbice.

If you possess the abovementioned criteria, then send an application to drakesroyston@gmail.com or inbox us on Facebook with a recent photograph.

Once selected, the delegates will begin the journey of a lifetime – one that will empower them with the necessary tools to deal with social ills in society and more so, be one step closer to the crown.

Once the finalists have been selected, they will undergo rigorous training as they are prepared to compete in several segments on the night of the grand coronation.

The delegates will be judged on costume, talent, swimwear, evening wear and intelligence.

Closing date for entries is August 22. For more information, please contact the organisers on 666-4337 or 6982500.

Males:

Splashmins Resort launches extravagant getaway weekend

Contender #1: Daniel Renee Age: 22 Platform: Unity

Contender #2: Teon Benn Age: 14 Platform: Domestic violence

Contender #4: Shaquille Wellington Age: 21 Platform: Promoting sports and fitness in the community

Contender #3: Shamar Nedd Age: 21 Platform: Child abuse

Contender #5: Nichlous Bailey Age: 17 Platform: Violence against women

W

hile resorts around Guyana are doing all they can to attract traffic, the Splashmins Resort has just launched an extravagant weekend getaway package for a ‘giveaway price’.

For a mindboggling three days, two nights stay with succulent meals included, persons are now required to pay only $49,995 per couple. This, of course, allows them access to all locations around the resort,

for a fun-filled weekend in the tropics Family and group packages are also available.

The getaway weekend package features boat rides, live entertainment and buffet dinner on the beach, bonfire night, a creek tour, beach volleyball, adventure walk and much more.

For inquiries and bookings, persons are asked to contact the resort on 2237301 or 629-1127.

20

FriDAY, AUGUST 3, 2018

Glasgow gears up

for inaugural European Championships

G

lasgow’s George Square will be transformed into a pedestrianised carnival precinct as it hosts the opening party for the 2018 European Championships on Wednesday evening.

The inaugural championships, bringing together for the first time existing European events for cycling, gymnastics, rowing, swimming, triathlon and athletics, will be co-hosted by Glasgow and Berlin.

The 11-day event will involve 4500 athletes from 52 nations competing across Glasgow and beyond, including cycling time trials through the city centre and a golfing world first at Gleneagles, where men and women will compete together in a mixed-team format with equal prize money.

Scotland will host 12 sports – diving, open-water swimming, swimming, synchronised swimming, road cycling, track cycling, BMX, mountain biking, golf team

European Championships Glasgow 2018 branding is seen in George Square

championships, gymnastics, rowing and triathlon – across 12 venues in partnership with the German capital, which will host the athletics.

As well as hosting Wednesday’s “Great Big Opening Party”, George Square, which will be closed on

three sides throughout the sporting event, will be the main city venue for Festival 2018, the cultural programme running alongside the championships. Highlights include a headlining gig by techno duo Orbital and a collaboration between Turner Prize-winner

Douglas Gordon, Scotland’s national poet Jackie Kay, and the Royal Scottish National Orchestra.

While not on the scale of the Commonwealth Games, which Glasgow hosted in 2014, Scots have shown the same enthusiasm for volunteering as they did four years ago, when the number of applicants set a new Games record. Some 10,000 applied last November to work as 4000 volunteer champions during the event, which runs from August 2 to 12.

As of last weekend, 108,000 tickets had already been sold.

Games organisers are expecting up to 250,000 spectators in total, but estimate that 100,000 of those will be attending unticketed, free events, which include the mountain bike finals at Cathkin Braes and the open water swimming race at Loch Lomond.

The Glasgow City Council has warned of serious traffic disruption around the city centre and Strathclyde Country Park, to the

south-east of the city, where a number of key events will take place. A significant number of city centre roads will be closed between August 6 and 8 for the cycling time trials.

Pubs, clubs, and restaurants across Glasgow have been given council permission to stay open for an extra hour during the championships.

According to the European Broadcasting Union, the inaugural Games could reach a potential television audience of over a billion sports fans, with many more across radio and digital platforms.

In the United Kingdom, the BBC will provide extensive daily coverage on television, radio and online of all seven sports, with more than 100 hours of network television coverage planned for the championships, which will be presented by Hazel Irvine, Clare Balding and Gabby Logan.(The Guardian)

“Winner-takes-all” match between Tiger Paire fined £12,500 for smashing and Phil reportedly set for November racquets at Washington Open F T

he hotly-anticipated high-stakes exhibition match between Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson, the two richest and most decorated golfers of their generation, will take place Thanksgiving weekend at Shadow Creek Golf Course in Las Vegas, ESPN reported on Thursday.

The network said the one-on-one showdown will take place on either Friday (November 23) or Saturday (November 24) with a purse to be determined, though initial reports by Golf.com last month indicated it would be for a “winnertakes-all” sum of US$10 million.

Even for Woods and Mickelson, who rank first and second on the career money leaderboard (with US$112.2 million and US$87.6 million respectively), the prize is a differencemaker. Woods has won 14 major titles and 79 to u r n a m e nt s compared to five

majors and 42 tour wins for Mickelson.

“It’s a ridiculous amount of money,” Mickelson said in July when reports of the match were first floated. “No matter how much money you have, this amount will take both of us out of our comfort zone.”

Woods and Mickelson drew lots of attention when they played a practice round together at Augusta National before the Masters in April. When they were paired at the Players Championship a month later, marking the first time they’d played in the same group at any PGA Tour event in nearly four years, Mickelson proposed the idea.

“The excitement that’s been going on around here, it gets me thinking: Why don’t we just bypass all the ancillary stuff of a tournament and just go head-to-head and just have kind of a highstakes, winner-take-all match?,” he said then.

“Now, I don’t know if he wants a piece of me, but I just think it would be something that would be really fun for us to do, and I think there would be a lot of interest in it if we just went straight to the final round.” Woods, who serves on the US Ryder Cup committee with Mickelson, sounded like he was up for it.

“I’m definitely not against that.

We’ll play for whatever makes him uncomfortable,” he said.

Now it looks as if an idea hatched in May will become a reality in the desert. (The

rance's Benoit Paire has been fined US$16,500 (£12,500) after smashing three racquets during an on-court tantrum.

Paire, 29, lost his temper after missing a shot as he trailed Cypriot Marcos Baghdatis 5-2 in the final set of his 6-3 3-6 6-2 firstround defeat at the Washington Open on Tuesday.

He was sanctioned for an audible obscenity, unsportsmanlike conduct, and a lack of giving best effort.

"Yes, yes, it's true I got upset yesterday," he wrote on Instagram.

"What I remember is that I'm on the right track and I'm progressing, since the beginning of the year so for those who want to stay on it there's no problem, but I have already moved on."

The ATP fine is more than double the appearance money he made at the tournament.

The world number 55 smashed his racquet on the ground several times after surrendering the chance to break Baghdatis, then hurled two more racquets across the court as his opponent attempted to calm him down.

He then walked to his chair and kicked it before smashing another racquet into the ground.

Paire next made no effort to return a Baghdatis serve then smashed another racquet before shaking hands.

He was booed off court by spectators – and blew kisses to the crowd as he headed to the dressing room. (BBC Sport)

Guardian)

Phil Mickelson and Tiger Woods smile during a practice round prior to the Bridgestone Invitational at Firestone Country Club South Course

Benoit Paire of France smashes his tennis racquet after losing to Marcos Baghdatis of Cyprus

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sports

21

Lee, Gopaul going head to head

as WMCF tournament continues T he Wendell Meusa Chess Foundation (WMCF) had promised seven rounds of scintillating chess from Guyana’s youngest players and it is safe to say that it has delivered on its promise.

The Kids Tournament was opened on July 31 and attracted the cream of the crop in the sport’s younger division.

Divided into two categories, advanced and beginner’s, the competition saw some expected wins and upsets which have set the momentum for the remaining four rounds.

In the beginner’s category, Angel Rahim and Sopia Singh are currently leading the charge with a perfect three wins from three matches. Rahim, who is a newbie on the chess scene, is making her mark with a series of ever-improving tactics. On the other hand, Singh is now finding herself again after a year off from the sport.

Cutting it close on two points are Mae’s Schools students Triston Singh and Kaiden Ali, alongside Joshua Khan of School of the Nations. Round four will be crucial to these lads as they are expected to meet each other. The results of these games could determine the ultimate winner of this tournament.

Making up the rest of the category are Alia and Asher Gafoor, Jibril Ali, Arysh Raghunauth, and Kyle and Rashad Gilgeous, who are all standing on one point. The students will be looking to make a shocking comeback in the remaining four rounds.

The advanced section, however, produced the most action on the first couple of days with National Junior Chess Champion Joshua Gopaul and potential champion Ethan Lee going head to head at the top of the points table.

Lee, whose superb playing began with the St Stanislaus Chess Championship, has registered big wins in the past couple of months and can now be deemed as the next Junior Champion. He is currently on a 24-game winning streak after he won the Marian Academy Chess Championship and a WMCF tournament just two weeks ago.

Entering the competition with confidence in his skills, Lee managed to sweep away his opponents with what could be described as excellent fighting victories. In round one, he met with former Saints Chess Champion Jorrel Troyer. After Troyer missed his winning chance, Lee made no mistakes with his as he forced his opponent to re-

Ethan Lee (left) and Joshua Gopaul

sign.

In the next round, he was matched up with upcoming talent Rajiv Lee of Queen’s College, who should have won after coming out the Scotch Opening with an advantage of a clear piece after Ethan Lee created a “self-pin”. To protect his Queen, Ethan Lee put one of his knights in a pin where it was then won by Rajiv Lee. But the determined Ethan Lee pressed dynamically in an open position, which saw Rajiv Lee falling to multiple tactical forks and double attacks.

Lee’s round three match was deemed the ‘match of the tournament’ when he played against Jaden Taylor.

In a match excitingly similar to the final of the Saints Chess Championship held earlier this year, Ethan Lee produced a sharp Sicilian Defence, Dragon Variation, but playing on the safe side he played the classical “quiet” line of castling kingside. On move 18, he shocked his opponent by putting his Rook “en prise” where it not only threatened to

sack itself for a Knight, but also force mate in two. Two moves later, the confident Lee sacked another piece, this time his Bishop to break open his opponent’s King’s position; then his Queen, Knight and a pawn forced his opponent to resign by move 34.

Moderators of the tournament are patiently awaiting the match-up between Joshua Gopaul and Lee, which will definitely decide the championship even before the tournament is completely over.

Going into round four, there are four players namely Jaden Taylor, Savir Gookul, Ghansham Allijohn and young Ronan Lee who are all tied on two points each. Followed by Odit Rodrigues, Jonathan, Jorrel Troyer and Rajiv Lee, who all have one point each. Jessica Callender is yet to secure a point.

The final rounds of the competition will continue today at the University of Peace Studies on Sheriff Street, Campbellville. Viewers are welcomed.

Harold, Vasconcellas take top honours in race-walking event N

ational race walker Debidyal Harold outclassed a large and competitive field on Sunday last when the Cavaliers Sports and Tour Club and the Guyana Hemp Industries joined forces to stage their Pre-Emancipation Day 10K race walk around the outer circuit of the East Ruimveldt Community Centre.

In the senior division of the race, Harold showcased his prowess to convincingly take the first in the competition. Minutes later, Anton Vasconcellas strolled in second while Anthony Vasconcellas, Jerry Bernett and Joshua Abel occupied the third to fifth positions respectively.

Aaron Vasconcellas won the junior category ahead of Crystal O’Brien, Ezekiel Coates, and Darrel O’Brien in that order.

The enticing prizes for the event were donated by Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo

and Bedessee Import Inc USA Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Guyana Hemp Industries Chairman Verman Bedessee.

Cavaliers Sports and Tour Club Coordinator Jennifer Major said that the Club was making every effort to keep the sport sector booming despite the lack of sponsorship.

Additionally, she took the time to point out that the Club was currently looking ahead to support the growth of the sport in Guyana.

During the presentation ceremony, a message from CEO Bedessee disclosed that he was indeed happy to contribute to the event once again. The CEO also indicated that he was fixed on supporting race-walking events in the future, since the sport could play a key role in the healthy development of Guyanese.

22

GUYANATIMESgy.COM

FriDAY, AUGUST 3, 2018

Star-studded Guyana begin title defence against Leewards A

glitzy Guyana team will commence their campaign to retain the Cricket West Indies (CWI) Regional One-Day and 3-Day titles as they tackle Leeward Islands today at Amos Vale, St Vincent.

The side led by Bhaskar Yadram departed for the island of St Vincent and the Grenadines on Wednesday morning through the Eugene F Correira

International Airport. The Guyanese, who won the double titles last year, will face stiff competition from the likes of Leeward Islands, Windward Islands, Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, and Barbados.

Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) Secretary Anand Sanasie; Chairman of Selectors, Rayon Griffith and Nazimul Drepaul also met with players. The GCB executives assured the play-

ers of continued support in their careers and challenged them to return home with an unprecedented fifth regional championship.

A number of players in the side have been consistent on the domestic scene, most of them the usual faces in the Guyana Jaguars Academy, which means they are usually fit and ready all year round.

The strong Guyana team – coached by Julian Moore,

who has numerous regional titles under his belt – feature a number of top players who have represented the Windies at one level or the other.

Wicket-keeper-batsman Joshua Persaud, slow-bowler Ashmead Nedd, Yadram, Sachin Singh and pacer Qumar Torrington have all played for the Windies youth sides, with the first three playing in the U-19 World Cup earlier this year.

A number of other highclass players include batsman Adrian Hinds, opener Alex Algoo, Junior Sinclair, and Kevlon Anderson, who have been in the national youth side a few years now.

With a powerhouse team on paper and in form, Guyana will back their evenly-balanced side to deliver this season. Also, the experience of Manager Andy Ramnarine and Moore, who helped the U-19 team to lift

the double titles last year should be a major boost to the team’s confidence.

The 14-man squad: Bhaskar Yadram (Captain); Kevin Sinclair; Alex Algoo; Sachin Singh; Adrian Hinds; Joshua Jones; Junior Sinclair; Kevlon Anderson; Javed Karim; Yeudistir Persaud; Kelvin Umrao; Joshua Persaud; Ashmead Nedd and Qumar Torrington.

Darts youth Essequibo confident of retaining OMSCC competition on today inter-county trophy

Sunil Dhaniram

Rovendra Mandolall

ssequibo are confident of retaining the Ontario Masters Softball Cricket Clubs (OMSCC) four-team 20over competition trophy on Sunday at Ashtonbee Ground, Scarborough, Toronto.

The Essequibians’ Coach, Rudy Bhoopaul has expressed optimism that his boys would once again be the dominant side at the end of the one-day event.

According to Bhoopaul, Essequibo have won the competition for the past five consecutive years and that has given him great motivation in the Khan-Memorial sponsored competition.

The other teams participating are: Demerara, Berbice and an All-Stars XI. “We [are] definitely confident of winning the trophy again; the guys are all pumped-up and ready to go; I know last year only three teams took part, but the addition of Berbice this year would be even more competitive, but we are ready for any challenge,” the Canadabased Guyanese l related.

The skipper of the side, Rovendra Mandolall was equally confident.

The right-handed former Essequibo and Guyana youth player stated that they were not the ‘whipping boys’ in this annual tournament, and he was very upbeat about Essequibo doing well for the sixth time in succession.

“I think we have a bal-

anced team to play against these strong Berbice, Demerara and All-Stars sides, but we just have to go out there and play competitive cricket from ball one again. Obviously, it is a new year and everyone will want to come out on top,” noted Mandolall, who skippered Essequibo at the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) senior inter-county competition.

Apart from Mandolall, Essequibo can pin their hopes high on veteran batsman Jaimini Singh, Azeez Baksh, Radesh Monasar, and Amarnauth Sookoo among others.

Berbice are expected to feature an experienced side as well, and the players include former Guyana and West Indies Under-19 batsman Hemnarine Chattergoon, Canadian player Aftab Shamsundeen, Yadram Bogh, Sunil Dhaniram, and Muniram Karran just to name a few.

Demerara seem to have a formidable line-up with some high-profile softball players including Shiv Seeram, Troy Gobin, Bobby Parasnauth, Zaheer Haniff, Satrohan Balkarran, Ian Baldeo, and Eion Katchay.

The All-Stars side are yet to release some of the cricketers’ names as the side will be picked soon, according to reports. The team comprise players from the three counties of Guyana. The action bowls off at 09:30h. (Ravi Madholall)

E

P

The successful team at this year’s tournament

rior to the return of local dart players from what can be deemed Guyana’s most successful Americas and Caribbean Cup Championship tournament (held from July 6-16 in Trinidad and Tobago), the team have been able to identify a few key areas in the darting world that they are hoping to improve.

The Darts Association of Guyana has noticed that there is an urgent need to have the youths actively involved in darts which is not widely recognised throughout the country. As such, Guyana’s contingent for the tournament has lacked youth participation for the past two tournaments.

However, after gaining confi-

dence from their numerous successes, dart player Sudesh Fitzgerald in collaboration with the Guyana Darts Association will be hosting an inaugural Youth Challenge today (Friday, August 3 2018) at the Malteenoes Sports Complex, Thomas lands. This tournament will commence at 18:00h and it is open to both males and females with two categories, Under-15 and Under-18.

The registration process will be free for all the youth participants and a set of darts will be given to each player. Parents/guardians who are interested and would like to register their child to be a part of the Guyana Darts Association will also have free registra-

tion, compliments of the Association.

While snacks and drinks will be provided for all youth players, the children placing first, second and third will receive trophy prizes.

Parents are asked to bring out their children to participate in this event as the GDA aspires to capture the next Americas and Caribbean Cup Championship Youth Tournament, which will be held in Jamaica 2020.

Sponsorship has been provided by Dr Terence Joseph, Vernon Persaud, Sudesh Fitzgerald, Sheik Vaseen, Brian Valz, Melisa Smartt, Sherwyn Greene and Troy of Malteenoes Sports Complex.

Willian launches legal action over “forged” letter C helsea winger Willian has instructed his lawyers to take legal action over a “forged” letter purporting to authorise a change of agent.

The Brazil international shared the document on Instagram on Thursday with a statement denouncing its authenticity. The let-

ter, which Willian says has been “circulated through the football market”, claims to sanction a change in his representation until August 15.

It comes with the 29-year-old at the centre of intense transfer speculation linking him to Real Madrid and Manchester United.

“I would like to clarify that I never signed such letter, the content of which I completely deny,” Willian

wrote on Instagram.

“Finally, since there seems to be clear evidence that my signature has been forged, or anyway misused, I hereby inform that my lawyers are already instructed to proceed with all appropriate legal measures before any competent courts or authorities.

“I hope I have clarified the matter and any possible misunderstanding.” (SportsMax)

guyanatimesgy.com

FriDAY, AUGUST 3, 2018

23

Hero Caribbean Premier League 2018…

Botha hails Guyana Amazon Warriors’ consistency – overseas players arrive for pre-tournament camp

By Clifton Ross

G

uyana Amazon Warriors’ newly-appointed Head Coach, Johan Botha hailed his team as one of the more consistent franchises and was delighted to be part of the team’s journey this year in their quest for the 2018 Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL) title.

Shortly after arriving in Guyana, Botha, the former South African limited-overs skipper during a brief interview on Thursday with Guyana Times Sport, expressed his joy regarding his role as coach of the Warriors franchise this year.

“It’s exciting to finally get here and I’m looking forward to it. Obviously, we’ve got a good squad; Guyana has been a very consistent team over the course of all the CPLs, and hopefully, we can do something similar this year and go a couple of

steps further,” said Botha.

One of the Proteas goto men during the Graeme Smith era, the 36-year-old all-rounder, who had been a part of the tournament a few seasons ago as a player, said the goal this season was to ensure that the Warriors reach the top four. “Most teams will have in their mind to win it obviously, but I think our main goal for now is to be in the top four and from there, anything is possible.”

He cont i n u e d , “We’ve seen in the past teams come in third and fourth and eventually win the tour-

Guyana Amazon Warriors Head Coach Johan Botha

Van der Dussen, Walsh Jr join St Kitts & Nevis Patriots

T

he St Kitts and Nevis Patriots have made two additions to their squad ahead of the 2018 Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL), which gets underway on August 8.

The Patriots will be joined by Rassie van der Dussen for the second half of the season as Sandeep Lamichhane is leaving for national duty with Nepal on August 26. Van der Dussen is an explosive batsman who has three T20 hundreds in 65 matches.

Graeme Cremer is now unavailable due to injury. He is being replaced by Antiguan cricketer Hayden Walsh Jr. Walsh is a leg-spinner and middle-order batsman who has represented the Leewa rd Islands in First Class and List A cricket.

Rassie van der Dussen

Hayden Walsh Jr

Speaking about the new additions to the squad, Patriots Head Coach Donovan Miller said: “It is always sad to lose players that we drafted, but in Hayden Walsh Jr and Rassie van der Dussen, we have two players that we are very confident will succeed at this year’s Hero CPL as we look to go one game better than last year and win the tournament in 2018.”

The tournament will run until September 16, and will feature matches played in St Kitts, Trinidad, Guyana, Barbados, Jamaica, St Lucia, and the USA.

nament, so it’s in our minds to get to the play-offs; hopefully, we can have a couple of match-winners and some good games, then go all the way.”

Back in 2015, Botha was part of the current champs, the Trinbago Knight Riders (then Red Steel) squad, where his team endured a horrid time at the start of the tournament, but still managed to clinch a play-off spot before winning their final three games and the coveted title.

Lauding the CPL as a tournament, Botha noted that the Windies in particular have been a force in T20 cricket and as such, he expected stiff competition from the other franchises.

Guyana will host three of the five Guyana Amazon Warriors matches on August 9, 11 and 12 before going on the road for their away matches. The Shoaib Malik-led side will then return to Providence for their final two preliminary matches in September and the Coach believes that it is important for the Warriors to have their fans support away and at home throughout the competition.

“We have three games at home to start and we would

Roshan Primus shortly after arriving in Guyana on Thursday

obviously like to start well and it will be great if we can have our fans supporting us before we go away for a few weeks,” Botha ended.

Meanwhile, the international and regional players have arrived in Guyana, where they will join the local players in the Guyana

Amazon Warriors squad for the pre-tournament camp which begins today.

The Warriors will then commence their championship hunt when they play St Kitts & Nevis Patriots on August 9 at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence.

FriDAY, AUGUST 3, 2018

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

guyanatimesgy.com

Hero Caribbean Premier League 2018…

Guyana Amazon Warriors players Veerasammy Permaul, Roshan Primus, Rayad Emrit and Romario Shepherd

Botha hails Guyana Amazon Warriors’ consistency Pg 23

Guyana Amazon Warriors Head Coach Johan Botha shortly after arriving in Guyana on Thursday

– overseas players arrive for pre-tournament camp

The Guyana U-19 team along with their Coach and Manager

Star-studded Guyana begin title defence against Leewards Pg 22

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