Guyana Times - Tuesday, November 6, 2018

Nationwide coverage from the best news team in Guyana Issue No. 3738

THE BEACON OF TRUTH

Tuesday, November 6, 2018

Govt nationalises Berbice River Bridge guyanatimesgy.com

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WHAT'S INSIDE:

WBD man P8 found guilty of raping teen

Page 3

…“this is a slap in the face to all private-public partnerships – BBCI Vice Chair … no respect for rule of law, constitutional rights of citizenry – former AG

Father of 2 beheaded by brother-in-law

PM spends millions on constitutional …no tangible progress reform on record – observers

P6 Popular businessman Pradeep Samtani dies

Page 9

Page 7

Education P15 Ministry commissions $17M mobile counselling unit

Thousands of Guyanese lined Vlissengen Road, Georgetown and Rupert Craig Highway on Monday evening to enjoy the beautiful, moving displays of the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha’s Diwali Motorcade as the creative floats made their way to the Chateau Margot Ground, East Coast Demerara (Adam Baksh photo)

Berbice man busted with 300kg illegal pesticides Page 14

Political parties praise cultural diversity as Guyanese celebrate Diwali Page 9

Gunmen P11 strike again in Corentyne …rob 3 families

More should be done to P6 help small businesses – activist …as Women’s Leadership Conference opens

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BRIDGE OPENINGS The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Tuesday, November 6 – a night retraction at 03:30h and a day retraction from 14:30h-16:00h and Wednesday, November 7 – a night retraction at 04:30h and a day retraction from 14:30h-16:00h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Tuesday, November 6 –15:30h-17:00h and Wednesday, November 7 – 16:10h-17:40h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY Sunny intervals can be expected throughout the day.

Partly cloudy skies can be expected in the evening, with temperatures ranging between 22 degrees Celsius and 32 degrees Celsius.

Winds: Ranging from South-easterly to North-easterly between 1.78 metres and 5.36 metres.

High Tide: 15:38h reaching a maximum height of 2.76 metres.

Low Tide: 09:13h and 21:35h reaching minimum heights of 0.55 metre and 0.44 metre respectively.

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Govt nationalises Berbice River Bridge …“this is a slap in the face to all private-public partnerships – BBCI Vice Chair … no respect for rule of law, constitutional rights of citizenry – former AG

T

he Government of Guyana has snatched control of the Berbice River Bridge on Monday in an apparent effort to nationalise the structure, which was financed mainly by private investors.

In a surprise move on Monday, the People’s National Congress (PNC)led Government said that in accordance with the powers conferred upon Public Infrastructure Minister David Patterson by Sections 4 (1) and 11 of the Berbice River Bridge Act, “in the interests of public safety, the Minister issued an order declaring that the functions of the Concessionaire to maintain and operate the Bridge shall be exercised by the Government of Guyana as of 5th November 2018 until the date the Minister specifies by notice on the cessation of the threat to public safety.”

According to the Government, there will be no change to the staffing complement, contractors and suppliers, as they transition into what they described as “this new and hopefully temporary arrangement”.

However, the Government’s unilateral decision did not go down well with Berbice Bridge Company Inc (BBCI) Vice Chairman Paul Cheong, who on Monday told Guyana Times such an arbitrary move was a slap in the face of all public-private partnerships.

Speaking with this publication on Monday, a very livid Cheong said, “The decision came as a shock to us and, so we are working with our lawyers to weigh our legal options. I have a meeting with our lawyers tomorrow (Tuesday). This is a slap on the whole Private Sector … this is something bigger than toll increases … it is a slap to all public-private partnerships ... it was a model project for private-public partnership and so the Government will have to be responsible in its actions.”

Only on Sunday, the BBCI offered Government a chance to extend the life of the contract to spare commuters toll increases.

In correspondence to Minister Patterson, BBCI Finance Controller Stephen Rambajan requested a meeting with the Minister on the Board’s behalf and in the public interest to discuss the terms of this offer.

The BBCI proposed to extend the contract period to 40 years. This extension, according to Rambajan, will make it unnecessary to implement the toll increases the company announced on October 16, 2018.

“We believe that such an extension, with full Government support, will provide BBCI the opportunity to approach its lenders to re-negotiate terms and conditions of the various debts.

If these negotiations with the lenders are successful, it will provide much-needed relief to the cash requirement burden and, therefore, the need for

toll increases at present and in the future.

“We are convinced that this proposal will allow the tolls to remain as is and provides opportunities for toll reduction in the near future, removing the need for Government subsidy to the tolls and maintenance of pontoons,” Rambajan stated, adding that the BBCI would withdraw the toll hikes once a mutual agreement is reached.

But on Monday, several members of the Private Sector were on edge, as, according to a leading businessman, the move by Government did not augur well for investors in Guyana.

State compulsorily acquiring private property

Former Attorney General Anil Nandlall, in weighing in on the issue, said the move by Government to take possession of the Bridge under the guise that it was acting “in the interest of public safety” must have shocked the conscience of every law-abiding citizen of this land.

“This is nothing short of the State compulsorily acquiring private property without any expressed intention to pay adequate compensation at market value as is required by Article 142 of the Constitution

of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana. Article 142 is designed to protect private property against the State expropriating the same without compensation,” the Attorneyat-Law said.

In the 1970s and 1980s, numerous private properties were compulsorily acquired by the then PNC Administration. These properties include what is now Citizens Bank, Hope Estate Limited, a huge tract of land at Liliendaal, Takuba Lodge, Echilibar Villas and dozens more. In many instances, no monies were paid to the owners of these properties and in the cases where there were payments, the price was pegged to a 1939 valuation as was the law during that period.

According to Nandlall,

“this atrocity was obviously inspired by an ideology that has no respect for the rule of law, the constitutional rights of the citizenry and driven by the unbridled arrogance of those in Government then who felt that this entire country was their private property.

“You will recall also the blatant attempt by Attorney General Basil Williams, to confiscate two pieces of private property adjacent to the Attorney General Chambers on Carmichael Street. Every week, dozens of leases for State/Government lands are being revoked by various agencies of State. As a matter of policy, the Central Housing and Planning Authority is cancelling Transports and Certificates of Title of persons who are unable to construct buildings on house lots sold to them under the previous Administration,” he noted.

He added that with the Berbice Bridge, “we see the naked authoritarian nature of this Government being displayed. Rather than negotiate from a position that recognises and respects private property, this Government has chosen the big-stick method of bullyism and the virtual stealing of private property.”

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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

School fairs and sports

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ecently, sections of the media reported on robberies committed on some patrons after they would have left a fair held by a leading city school. While the criminal attacks were horrendous, also worrying were reports alleging unacceptable events unfolded within the confines of the school.

Reportedly, lewd music blared and the event prolonged late into the night. While these can be deemed as normal for certain types of events across the country, in this scenario, an institution of learning was the host. If the reports are true, and it should be noted that there has been no official contesting of what the media reported, then it is nothing short of being unacceptable.

Such a situation raises many questions. In planning the event, the organisers would have been expected to decide on the duration, more particularly, the close-off time. That information would have been a prerequisite for the purpose of Police permission, if necessary given that the venue is a school. Accepting that it was discussed and decided, the question of monitoring and implementation was, therefore, unavoidable.

Ultimately, the big question is: how could such music be allowed to play at a school event, which was apparently allowed to drag on late into the night? Unfortunately, that may not be a unique situation.

There were concerns raised in the past over the conduct of some school events, including sports.

Regarding school sports, there were reported incidents of alcoholic beverages being consumed. While that could not have been a decision of the school, somehow liquor found its way inside. It could have also been possibly bought and taken in by some students. Whatever the source, and again if the reports are true, it speaks to a lack of monitoring mechanisms at some of these events.

In addition, concerns have been raised over some students being involved in other acts considered to be illegal or unacceptable for schools during official events. Only recently, it was discovered that ecstasy pills were being sold in some schools. This is frightening to say the least in the context of children being exposed and influenced and the negative repercussions possible.

It must be pointed out that many schools execute events that are free from such unacceptable behaviour. By and large, there are strong and meaningful relationships between teachers and the Parent-Teachers Associations (PTAs) that work for the best interest of the students and the schools. School events can effectively be executed as just that – school events. Other schools can, therefore, learn from those schools succeeding in this regard.

Over time, many have raised concerns about music laced with lewdness and incitement of violence. Public transportation, which many students use, is not free from this. Much has been said about the minibus “culture” of loud music, overloading and the alleged airing of adult content through DVDs – which is attractive to some schoolchildren.

The influence from this poses tremendous challenges to all with serious implications for society in the long run. It makes it difficult to dismiss any semblance of a direct correlation between violence and lewdness in some schools and the music and images the students are exposed to.

This is in no way suggesting that children can be completely insulated from these influences. That in itself brings its own challenges. While parents will do their utmost for such insulation, the reality of aspects of public transportation, easy access to undesirable content and the influence of some students through peer pressure are formidable to withstand.

Many schools have incorporated the use of digital technology to aid learning, with some allowing the use of personal devices. Nothing is wrong with that: adapting to an ever-changing world. That suggests clear and practical mechanisms are needed to try and ensure, as far as possible, that the technical tools are used for academic learning. It is not going to be easy, but the authorities need to begin engaging all involved to help derive the best possible solutions.

Monitoring of school events must be mandatory and if measures cannot be effectively implemented, then strong consideration must be given to not holding the activity. This, if not a current policy, must be made one across the board. This is where the Education Ministry must take a firm position and be seen to be involved in the process. By extension, the Police should ensure, by policy, schools’ fundraising events do not exceed a certain time in the evening.

There was an expectation that following the school fair in question, the Ministry would have been forthcoming with a statement either denying or denouncing what transpired with a firm position of it being unacceptable with clear guidelines given going forward.

In addition, the organisers should have been asked to explain what transpired and corrective action taken where necessary.

The absence of such, at least in the public domain, could suggest that the incident was trivial and could embolden those who were involved. That does not augur well for the efforts to keep schools free from such influences.

As Guyanese ushered in Diwali, the Festival of Lights, as customary a grand motorcade was held on Monday night. Hundreds of patrons lined the Rupert Craig Highway to get a glimpse of the colourful and brightly lit floats which depict the spiritual “victory of light over darkness, good over evil and knowledge over ignorance” (Adam Baksh photo)

Saudi Arabia tells UN it will prosecute Khashoggi killers S

audi Arabia told the United Nations on Monday it would prosecute those responsible for the killing of Journalist Jamal Khashoggi at its Istanbul Consulate, as Western States pressed it for a credible investigation.

Bandar Al Aiban, the head of the Saudi Government delegation at the first UN review of the Kingdom’s record in five years, heard calls from more than 40 nations, including the United States, for a thorough inquiry and a string of rights reforms.

He told the hearing that King Salman had instructed the Saudi Public Prosecutor to “proceed with the investigation into this case according to the applicable laws” with a view to establishing the facts and “bringing all the perpetrators to justice”.

“As regards the passing of citizen Khashoggi, our country is committed to carrying out a fair investigation and all persons involved with that crime will be prosecuted in the justice system,” Aiban said at the end of the halfday session.

Aiban gave no details on the status or whereabouts of the 18 Saudi nationals detained in connection with the case and repeatedly declined to answer Journalists’ questions about them, saying: “The case is still under investigation, as you know...I think my statement was very clear.”

Khashoggi’s sons on Monday demanded the return of the body of the Washington Post columnist and critic of the Saudi Government, who disappeared at the Consulate on October 2.

Saudi officials initially insisted Khashoggi had left the Consulate, then said he died in an unplanned “rogue operation”. The Kingdom’s Public Prosecutor, Saud al-Mojeb later said he was killed in a premeditated attack.

“We condemn this premeditated

Saudi Arabia Human Rights Commission President Bandar al Aiban attends the Universal Periodic Review of Saudi Arabia by the Human Rights Council at the United Nations in Geneva, Switzerland, November 5, 2018

killing,” US Charge d’Affaires Mark Cassayre told the Geneva talks.

“A thorough, conclusive and transparent investigation carried out in accordance with due process with results made public is essential,” he said.

“Arbitrary arrests”

Many Western delegations called on Riyadh to abolish the death penalty and the system of male guardianship over women, and to narrow the definition of “terrorism” in law so that peaceful critics are not prosecuted.

France’s Ambassador, Francois Rivasseau called on Saudi Arabia to “immediate halt imprisonment and arbitrary arrests” of Journalists and activists, and to guarantee freedom of religion.

The Saudi delegation is due to report back on Friday on which recommendations from States it has accepted.

Aiban, who is President of the of-

ficial Human Rights Commission of Saudi Arabia, said the Kingdom was constantly striving to promote and protect human rights “driven by the honourable principles and provisions of Islamic sharia and the traditional values of our society.”

Freedom of opinion and expression were guaranteed, but was limited by laws that protect the rights of others as well as the “prerequisites of national security and public order”, he said.

Women had seen a series of reforms over the last five years, Aiban added.

Women were allowed to vote and stand as candidates in municipal councils and driving licences have been issued to women since June.

No Arab country raised the Khashoggi case.

Egypt’s Ambassador Alaa Youssef praised Saudi Arabia’s efforts to confront terrorism and radicalism, while Kuwait welcomed its creation of training centres for Judges. (Reuters)

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Be inspired for the interest of our people – PPP A

s our nation celebrates the festival of Deepavali, the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) takes this opportunity to extend greetings to all Guyanese, especially the Hindu community.

This festival, which has gone beyond religious borders, is one of the most anticipated events here in our country and has become a major component of the Guyanese cultural mosaic.

The significance of Deepavali, known as the “Festival of Lights”, is pertinent for the upliftment of all mankind through its universal message of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance and good over evil.

The light of the Diyas which will shine throughout our country, symbolises a sense of renewal as light is allowed to dominate and darkness and hatred is banished.

Our Party urges that this message be heeded, so that

darkness from the prevailing despondency, ignorance and hatred can be repelled in the interest of all humanity, knowing that knowledge will defeat ignorance and compassion will triumph over despair. Deepavali offers an opportune reminder for all to do their part to achieve that victory.

The influence of Deepavali over the years to forge better relationships and to bring our people together has grown tremendously. This is continually evident as Guyanese from all spheres of society participate in the various events including the grand spectacle of the motorcades and the beauty of the flickering Diyas.

The PPP therefore hopes that the message of Deepavali will inspire all to work in the best interest of all Guyanese so that the light of prosperity will manifest itself in their lives.

Shubh Deepavali to All!

Celebrating inner light over spiritual darkness – PNCR

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he People’s National Congress Reform takes this opportunity to extend greetings to the Hindu Community in Guyana and indeed, to all Guyanese, on the occasion of Deepavali or Diwali.

Diwali occurs on the night of Amavasya (New Moon) in the month of Kartik, which is considered to be the darkest night on the Hindu calendar, and marks the return of Lord Rama after 14 years in exile. To welcome his return and to light his path, diyas were lit.

Diwali is a joyous celebration of inner light over spiritual darkness; knowledge over ignorance and right over wrong. It is a festive restatement of the Hindu belief that good ultimately triumphs over evil.

The PNCR has always been and will always remain respectful of Guyana’s cultural and religious diversity and believes that our diversity has worked and will continue to work to the country’s advantage. Guyana is a multi-religious, multi-ethnic and multi-cultural coun-

try. We see our diversity as an asset, not a liability. Our party is proud to belong to a society of many faiths.

As we celebrate Diwali, the PNCR remains committed to ensuring unity in diversity so that our beloved country can experience real development and progress.

Shubh Diwali to all Guyanese!

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Best wishes on the auspicious occasion of Diwali – ERC

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n this auspicious occasion of the festival of Deepavali, the Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) would like to extend greetings and best wishes to all Guyanese, especially our Hindu brothers and sisters.

Deepavali signifies, among other things, that light will eventually triumph over darkness which is a profound source of inspiration so that all mankind can remain hopeful.

It also emboldens humanity with hope, giving surety that even in the face of insurmountable challenges,

strength will be imbued for them to be overcome.

These, and the other important lessons of Deepavali, provide guidance for us all as we continue to work assiduously towards the national goal of strengthening the bonds of friendship among our Guyanese brothers and sisters. It is through this that national harmony can be achieved, so that we can confront challenges together and remove the dark veil of division.

This, therefore, becomes essential for the furtherance of peace and goodwill and we can be comforted by know-

ing that our combined efforts can realise that seemingly elusive light which can allow national harmony to shine through, and for which we all yearn.

Deepavali, like our other national festivals, is a much anticipated event. It has not only transcended religious boundaries, but has become a pillar of our cultural landscape. The traditional motorcades and its inherent beauty along with that of the thousands of flickering Diyas, are important conduits through splendor which bring our people from across the country together.

The ERC therefore urges that we endeavor so that particular influence can be built upon for the promotion of harmony, unity and good relations among us all in this multifaceted society.

As we gravitate towards that light of enlightenment, let us be reminded that Deepavali, through its significance, is replete with messages of togetherness.

These, if heeded and inculcated, bode well for the advancement of our nation, its people and humanity at large.

Shubh Deepavali to all!

Respect sanctity of Diwali – IAC

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he Indian Action Committee (IAC) extends Diwali greetings to all Guyanese, especially persons who are adherents of Sanatana Dharma on the occasion of the now globally-recognized festival of Deepavali or Diwali, which is derived from the Sanskrit language and means “a row of lights”. Diwali falls on the new moon night of the month of Kartika and is celebrated over a period of five days in India.

The IAC is pleased to observe that the major Hindu Sabhas of Guyana have agreed upon one date for the celebration of the festival of Diwali in 2018.

Diwali is associated with several mythological stories, one of them dealing with the belief of Hindus that, on the day of Diwali, Lord Rama returned to Ayodhya after defeating Ravana, King of Lanka, and that the people of Ayodhya celebrated his return by lighting thousands of diyas.

The IAC recognizes that in Guyana, the Goddess Lakshmi Maataa or Maha Lakshmi is venerated on the day of Diwali, with her devotees ardently believing that their veneration of her will

result in wealth and prosperity being bestowed upon them in the future.

The bright lights of Diwali are believed, by Hindus, to guide and welcome Lakshmi Maataa into their homes where she can bestow her blessings on them and their families, and also to guide and welcome Lord Rama back to Ayodhya.

The bright lights of Diwali are also considered to signify the illuminatory power of knowledge, which destroys the darkness of ignorance, and also to represent the triumph of good over evil.

The IAC recognizes that at this time in Guyana, when persons should be happily celebrating the festival of Diwali, they are tens of thousands of Guyanese citizens living in desperate and punishing conditions since the collapse of the economy, especially the virtual destruction of the sugar industry which has seen over seven thousand former sugar workers of the Guyana Sugar Corporation Inc. dislocated and their families living precariously.

Members of the IAC visited rural areas on the night of Diwali 2017 and noticed that many residences that

were brightly lit in previous years were reduced to having only one diya at their front gate signifying severe economic stress, and many residences which were lit, had significantly reduced amounts of diyas- which also reflected the downturn on the economy.

The IAC has noted that the growing economic stress is affecting a vast majority of Guyanese, especially those who are living in rural areas.

The IAC is fully cognizant of the plight of all of these distressed Guyanese and is calling for the Government and the Opposition to work together to restore economic growth in Guyana and thus mitigate the troubles affecting these citizens regardless of class, religious persuasion, ethnicity and political

allegiance.

The IAC calls upon all Guyanese to respect the sanctity of Diwali, and engage in appropriate and fitting observances and activities.

Shubh Diwali.

223-7230-1 (Ext 55)

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More should be done to help small businesses – activist …as Women’s Leadership Conference opens

Community Health Care CEO Abbigale Loncke

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s the second annual Women’s Leadership Conference kicked off on Monday at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre, Liliendaal, Greater Georgetown, organiser of the event and Community Health Care Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Abbigale Loncke has said she believes

more ought to be done for small businesses.

Loncke shared her view on entrepreneurs seemingly being tossed aside, stating, “I think that we need to start a conversation on how we are going to open avenues for women to get more access to capital that are readily available, because a lot of women have small businesses that they cannot go into the bank and say okay, I have a sweetie shop I need you to help me expand.”

She believes the Government should do more for them to help jump start their businesses.

In fact, she noted that the above scenario would evince laughter and that person’s request would be turned down. It was on this note that the CEO pointed to the need for help to be given to women trying to make a livelihood.

“The Government needs to come into play, but I also

oil and the rice in our economy. I realised that not a lot of women are a part of the conversation in business development in Guyana and so this conference this year was birthed through that,” she explained.

Loncke sought to point out the importance of the Conference as it will address juggling business and motherhood, hence focusing on mental health and how the law would impact them.

Popular businessman Pradeep Samtani dies

G Panelists, entrepreneurs and sponsors at the event

see it coming through partnerships and collaboration,” she added.

The event this year is focused on leadership in business for women.

Monday’s session was headlined with speakers such as Mings Products and Services CEO Stanley Ming,

Small Business Bureau CEO Shamane Headley and several others.

Loncke gave a brief history of how the Conference came about.

“The idea came about by us stepping into a different dimension in terms of us having oil or discovering

olden Arrow of Achievement awardee Pradeep Samtani died on Monday after being ill for some time.

Samtani was the owner of the Bhagwan’s Stores on Regent and Water Streets, Georgetown and was also a cultural icon, philanthropist, and producer.

He recently had two pre-Diwali shows and was one of the featured judges of the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha’s annual Diwali motorcade, which was held Monday night.

Following his passing, many persons took to social media to express their shock and offer condolences to his family as they mourn the loss of a true Guyanese patriot.

Samtani, a legendary cinema owner from 1975 to 2007,

Pradeep Samtami

was the proprietor of the famous Liberty Cinema on Vlissengen Road and Garnett Street, Kitty. He was also the producer of “Rainbow Rani” – an internationally acclaimed movie produced in Guyana.

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Father of 2 beheaded by brother-in-law wards the street with the two weapons in hand. The neighbour said he chased the assailant and stopped two vehicles that were approaching, alerting them of what had transpired. He said by that time the Police arrived and immediately took King into custody.

The Grove, East Bank Demerara house where the murder took place

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25-year-old man is now in Police custody after he beheaded his sister’s reputed husband in the wee hours of Monday at the family’s Grove, East Bank Demerara (EBD) residence.

Dead is 39-year-old Justin Peterkin of Paradise, East Coast Demerara (ECD) while the suspect was identified as Anthony King.

Based on information received, the horrific incident occurred at Lot 1323 Block Y, Grove, EBD about 08:20h on Monday.

When Guyana Times arrived at the scene, there was blood splatter about the house and in sections of the yard.

Father of the suspect, David King, explained that only his daughter resided at the house as she and Peterkin lived separately.

He said that his son also visited the house on Monday.

According to the man, nothing was amiss since there was never any altercation between the two. neighbour, Daniel A

Boutrim, recalled that he ventured outside of his house and subsequently spotted the suspect, who was holding a hammer and appeared very “nervous”.

“When I go outside, I spin around and I see a man stand up and breathing hard.

I think to myself that it look suspicious. When I look back again and see, he had a hammer in he hand,” said the neighbour.

The suspect then entered the house, and Boutrim said he then heard a “knocking” sound, which prompted him to check again to see what was happening.

He said to his shock, he saw Peterkin’s motionless body lying on the ground. His brother-in-law was hovering over him, using a knife and hammer to sever his head.

“When I peep, I see he chopping away on the man head down here with a kitchen chopper and lashing the hammer on the knife,” Boutrim recalled.

After finishing the act, the suspect reportedly left the yard and proceeded to-

Bandits stab Enmore man to face during robbery

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wo bandits were on Sunday evening apprehended and handed over to Police, after stabbing a man to his face and subsequently relieving him of his valuables at the Berbice bus park in Georgetown.

Based on information received, the robbery occurred about 22:45h. Guyana Times was told that the men stabbed the 32-year-old victim to his face with an ice-pick and carted off his valuables.

However, public-spirited citizens and personnel of a se-

curity service in the area pursued the two suspects, and they were nabbed and handed over to the Police. However, the items were not recovered.

The victim, who resides in Enmore, East Coast Demerara (ECD), was taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital, where he was treated.

Police have since confirmed that the men of Middle Road, La Penitence, and Hadfield Street, Lodge were being interrogated in relation to several other robberies.

Govt nationalises...

From page 3

According to Nandlall, this act of the Government will certainly cause irreversible damage to Guyana’s image as an investment destination. “No prudent investor would pump scarce finance resources into a nation where the Government’s first resort is confiscation of their investments.”

Dip in confidence

Last week, the World Bank’s 2018 Report signalled a dip in investors’ confidence in Guyana. This year, Guyana placed 126th in the

global rankings. Last year, Guyana ranked 124th, while in 2015, the nation ranked 140th.

The Ease of Doing Business Index is one of the most comprehensive studies done by the World Bank.

In determining ease of doing business, the World Bank looks at key indicators such as registering, compliance, taxation, obtaining loans and similar factors such as administrative procedures. It also looks at legal measures, such as protection and settlements.

“He left the yard and I go behind he. He go out the road and I stop two vehicle and I tell them that this man just kill another man … By then, the Police come and he put down the hammer and the knife and they carry the man to the station.”

By that time, Peterkin

had succumbed to his injuries and his body was taken to the mortuary. His reputed wife, Cassandra King, arrived after hearing the news and was inconsolable.

This publication understands that Peterkin was an electrician and was visiting the area to conduct some

business. Although he and Cassandra lived separately, the couple had two children together.

Relatives were unable to say what could have caused the tragic episode, even as Police continue their investigations.

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WBD man found guilty of raping teen

A

resident of La Grange, West Bank Demerara (WBD), Danraj Persaud was late Monday afternoon unanimously found guilty of raping a 15-year-old girl by a 12-member jury at the Sexual Offences Court.

When the jury foreman announced the verdict reached after two hours of deliberations, Persaud had little re-

Guilty: Danraj Persaud

action, walking calmly of the courtroom, escorted by Police ranks.

The girl was 15 years old at the time of the reported unlawful sexual penetration that occurred in a West Demerara village. Justice Jo Ann Barlow delayed Persaud sentencing to November 27, 2018 after his lawyer, Maxwell McKay, requested a probation report. A

victim impact statement and a plea of mitigation will also be presented to court.

The incident was said to have occurred on October 23, 2013 and Persaud was 33 years old at the time. Attorneys Seeta Bishundial and Tiffini Lyken prosecuted the case over the last several days. Persaud was remanded to prison until his next court date.

Vendor remanded for illegal gun, ammo

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3 2 - y e a r - o l d C h a r l e s t o w n , Georgetown vendor, who reportedly attempted to discard of an unlicensed firearm along with matching ammunition right after he reportedly assaulted his spouse was on Monday remanded to prison.

David Bernard appeared before Georgetown Magistrate Judy Latchman and denied that on November 1, 2018 at

Broad Street, Charlestown he had in his possession a 9mm pistol without being the licensed forearm holder. It was further alleged that the Bernard on the same date and same location had 15 rounds of 9mm ammunition in his possession without being licensed holder.

Brenard also denied a charge of assault, which stated that on November 1, 2018 at Lot 17 Broad Street,

Charlestown he unlawfully assaulted Jessica Belle.

Police Prosecutor Quinn Harris told the court that on November 1, a report was made by Belle for the arrest of the defendant in relation to a domestic dispute. However, when Bernard was being approached by Police ranks he was seen taking out the weapon from his pocket and throwing it next to a zinc fence. He was arrested, and the gun and

ammunition were retrieved.

Objections were made in relation to the firearm and ammunition charges citing the seriousness and prevalence of such occurrences.

Magistrate Latchman upheld the prosecution’s submission and remanded Brenard to prison on both firearm related charges. He was released on $20,000 bail for the assault charge. The cases will continue on November 8.

“I don’t want to leave my son unprotected,” mason tells Magistrate after being jailed

A

20-year-old mason of Wismar, Linden was on Monday jailed by Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan after appearing at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

Kester Johnson, of Lot 189 Half Mile Wismar, Linden, denied the first charge, which was read to him and which stated that between August 9 and

21, 2018 at Half Mile, he broke and entered the dwelling of Tia Hohenkirk and stole one cellular phone valued $45,000.

Another charge stated that on August 24, 2018 at Wismar Police Station, he escaped from lawful custody. Johnson admitted to this charge.

Police Prosecutor Simone Payne informed the court that

on August 24, Johnson had been taken out of the Police lock-ups for processing when he dashed through the door and escaped. He was pursued by Police ranks, but made good his escape on foot.

The unrepresented man in a plea of mitigation told the Chief Magistrate that he escaped from custody, because he

had a newborn baby boy and did not want to leave him unprotected.

The Chief Magistrate, however, remanded Johnson to prison on the first charge and sentenced him to one year in jail on the second charge. He will make his next court appearance on November 28, 2018.

Let there be light…

T

…for sugar workers oday is Diwali, or Deepavali, the Festival of Lights brought by Indian immigrants when they were brought to keep the sugar industry going on the pittance the planters insisted on paying. In Guyana today, this year’s Diwali will be commemorated in the midst of the PNC-led Government’s efforts at getting rid of sugar – and therefore sugar workers. For the families of 7000 fired sugar workers – almost 35,000 men, women and children – it will be a very dark time.

Not just dark because of the darkest night of the year -which they cannot do much about, since they will have to cut back, or do away, with lighting “diyas” or clay lamps – but dark because of the extreme poverty that has started to bite in after almost two years on the breadlines, and there are no jobs in sight. But the lighting of the diyas is only one external manifestation of the light that mankind has to light in this eternal struggle against the force of darkness. There has to be the commitment this Diwali to light the light that is latent inside all of us, but needs to be given that spark.

This is the light that acknowledges our essential oneness, regardless of race, colour or creed. Today, we see groups springing up daily to fight all sorts of social ills. In today’s Chronic, your Eyewitness was intrigued to notice a “Give Another Chance Foundation (GACF)”, which is going to make a push to increase “Emotional Intelligence” in our population. Nothing wrong with that, but isn’t it more than passing strange that not a single group has been formed to deal with the trials, tribulations and social pathologies that define the lives of the fired sugar workers?

Even when they were working, they formed a “precariat” – which Wiki informs us is a “social class formed by people suffering from precarity, which is a condition of existence without predictability or security, affecting material or psychological welfare.” They lived from week to week, from paycheck to paycheck…but did not go out to rob and steal or choke-and-rob fellow citizens. They internalised their hurt, and took it out among themselves.

But are they not humans? Do they not bleed? As was asked in another circumstance: are they too, not our brothers? And are we not our brothers’ keepers? This Diwali, your Eyewitness asks you, dear readers, to throw off the social blinders that have been placed over your eyes.

Look at the suffering of these people, whose only fault was to vote for a party of their choice – which they foolishly believed was their civil right – and lend a helping hand.

Tonight, let us light the light of common humanity. …on corruption Every year, the Auditor General shines a light on Government spending, and issues his Report. His office is supposed to be a critical one – in both senses of the word – to buttress “good governance”. The citizens of the land, through their taxes, and loans which their taxes will have to repay, fund the spending of the Government, and the AG is their watchdog, who’s looking out to point out when they’re being fleeced.

And every year it’s the same old story of pillage and plunder by officials of the Government – very often by serial pillagers and plunderers. And how do they do their fleecing?? We’ll never be able to count the ways of getting kickbacks in such a limited space; but we all know the tricks by now, don’t we? Contracts to friends and family bypassing the SOPs; contracts to the highest bidders; solesourcing; payments to contractors for substandard works, and so on and so forth.

The question is: why aren’t we storming the Ministries with pitchforks?

…on Intellectual Property Rights Was a time when some slaves were persuaded by the line handed down by their Massas: that slavery was “for their own good”.

Your Eyewitness is reminded of this by some local “artistes” arguing likewise for Copyright legislation.

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

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Political parties praise cultural diversity as Guyanese celebrate Diwali

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s Guyanese, particularly those of the Hindu community, join in the auspices of Diwali or Deepavali, two of the oldest political groups in Guyana, the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) and the People’s National Congress (PNC), have extended greetings to the nation even as they each praised the country’s rich cultural diversity.

The PPP, the main Opposition party, highlighted that the festival has gone beyond religious borders and has become one of the most anticipated events in Guyana.

Deepavali, w h i c h is also known as the “Festival of Lights”, was described by the Party as “pertinent for the upliftment of all mankind through its universal message of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, and good over evil”.

“The light of the diyas, which will shine throughout our country, symbolises a sense of renewal, as light is allowed to dominate and darkness and hatred (are) banished. Our Party urges that this message be heeded, so that darkness from the prevailing despondency, ignorance and hatred can be repelled in the interest of all humanity; knowing that knowledge will defeat ignorance and compassion will triumph over despair,” the 68-year-old party added.

According to the party, “Deepavali offers an opportune reminder for all to do their part to achieve that victory”, and the festival’s influence has grown in the instance of forging better relationships by bringing the Guyanese people together. “The PPP therefore

hopes that the message of Deepavali will inspire all to work in the best interest of all Guyanese, so that the light of prosperity will manifest itself in their lives.

S h u b h Deepavali to All!” T h e PNC, in its statement, also praised Diwali, highlighting that it is a “joyous celebration of inner light over spiritual darkness; knowledge over ignorance, and right over wrong.” Noting the “festive restatement” of the Hindu belief that good ultimately triumphs over evil, the party, which has been around for 61 years, outlined that it has and will always “remain respectful of Guyana’s cultural and religious diversity”, and

that it “believes that our diversity has worked, and will continue to work, to the country’s advantage.”

Guyana is a multi-religious, multi-ethnic and multi-cultural country, the party said, adding that it sees Guyana’s diversity as an asset, not a liability. “Our Party is proud to belong to a society of many faiths. As we celebrate Diwali, the PNCR remains committed to ensuring unity in diversity, so that our beloved country can experience real development and progress. Shubh Diwali to all Guyanese!” the major coalition Government partner observed.

Diwali occurs on the night of Amavasya (New Moon) in the month of Kartik, which is considered to be the darkest night on the Hindu calendar, and marks the return of Lord Rama after 14 years in exile.

To welcome his return and to light his path, diyas were lit.

PM spends millions on constitutional reform

…no tangible progress on record – observers

O

ut of the 2018 budget, the Office of the Prime Minister has spent millions of dollars on Constitutional reform.

However, observers are questioning what exactly this allocation was used for, as there seems to be little to no movement on an issue the coalition Government based part of its 2015 campaign on.

This revelation came out of questions that were posed to Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo by the Parliamentary opposition.

The questions sought to find out how much of the $109.2 million allocated to the Prime Minister’s Secretariat under the sub heading ‘other’ was spent. In addition, the Opposition wanted to know what it was spent on.

In his response, Nagamootoo revealed that $21.4 million of the amount has been spent as of August

Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo

2018. Of this amount, $5 million went towards Constitutional reform “activities”. Apart from this, $5.5 million was spent on launching regional radios at Aishalton, Bartica and Orealla. Some of the money also went towards training the radio personnel, and on Nagamootoo’s “outreach activities”.

Some $4.6 million was

also spent on a supervisory consultancy for the regional radio project, while $1.2 million was spent on information technology and web services, and $1.6 million on events and functions. In addition, another $1.4 million was spent on repairs to furniture at the official residence, and on office and carpets. The remaining amounts, according to the Prime Minister, were spent on expenses like cell phones and work study students’ stipends.

Constitutional reform

The need for Constitutional reform has been touted over the past few years, especially since the current coalition Government had made a commitment to ensuring that this is done. But little has been said by the Government in this regard. continued on page 16

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Gunmen strike again in Corentyne ‌rob 3 families

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olice in Berbice are investigating three robberies that occurred on the Corentyne over the weekend, and were committed by bandits carrying guns.

Reports are that the robberies occurred on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

According to information reaching this publication, on Friday at about 22:15h, three masked men -- two armed with handguns and the other with a cutlass --robbed a Maida Farm family of two golden finger rings valued $40,000, two cellular phones, four Brazilian bangles valued $20,000, and cash of $6,000.

Reports are that 46-yearold Scarlette Ishmael, her 51-year-old husband and their teenage daughter returned home, and as they drove into the yard, they saw three masked men therein.

Ishmael reportedly opened the door, rushed into the house, and hid herself in a wardrobe. Her teenage daughter ran towards the gate, but one of the bandits discharged a round in her

direction and she fell to the ground. She was dragged back to the car.

The men demanded cash and jewellery from her, and she handed over a bag containing the jewellery, phones and cash.

The men then made good their escape.

On Saturday at about 01:45h, at Maida Farm, Corentyne, three masked men -- two armed with handguns and the other with a cutlass – went to a house, where they robbed the family of four cellular phones valued at $250,000,

one laptop computer, jewellery and $53,000 cash.

Reports are that a teenager was asleep alone in the upper flat of the two-storey building when she was awoken by one of the masked men. The teen jumped out of bed and bolted for the front door screaming.

Ravin Doobay, 33, who was on the lower flat of the house, went to investigate; but as he headed up the stairway, he was confronted by the gunmen, who pushed him down the stairs.

The men then tied his hands behind his back. Elroy

Johnson, 46, who was in the lower flat, was also taken captive, beaten and tied up.

The men then ransacked the house, but made good their escape as the teenager ran for help. Police arrived, and combed the area, but came up empty-handed.

Johnson, who received minor injuries, was treated at the Port Mourant Hospital and sent away.

Investigations revealed that the bandits gained entry to the home through the back door of the lower flat of the farmer’s home.

Meanwhile, on Sunday at about 23:00h, a Fyrish Village couple was on a motorcycle in front of a grocery store when three men approached then and blocked their path. One of the men held on to the bike and slapped the motorcyclist.

Another one pulled his girlfriend, Shavanie Sudoo, 22, off of the bike, and took away a cellular phone and

$15,000. The matter was reported to the Police.

Based on information received, one person was arrested and the stolen arti-

cles were recovered. That person is currently assisting with the investigations.

(Andrew Carmichael)

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Berbice man busted with 300kg illegal pesticides

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he Pesticides and Toxic Chemicals Control Board (PTCCB), along with the Guyana Police Force (GPF), conducted a search on the home of a Berbice man where just about 300 kilo-

grams of illegal pesticides was unearthed According to PTCCB, officials of the two law enforcement agencies stormed the home of Veerasammy Armogan, of Crabwood

Creek Backland, Grant 1779 Corentyne, Berbice around 23:00h on Sunday, uncovering not only illegal pesticides but other contraband.

On Monday, the PTCCB pointed to the fact the confis-

cated products were regarded as highly hazardous pesticides and pose significant risks to human health, agricultural production, economic trade, and even the environment.

P T C C B Registrar Trecia Garnath said the Board strongly condemned acts of this nature, given the major health and environmental impacts these chemicals could cause.

“The global trade in counterfeit and illegal pesticides is growing. With increasing quantities of fake and illegal pesticides being produced, marketed and sold by Inspectors organised criminal pesticides groups around the world, there are greater risks to the safety of handlers, farmers, consumers, and the environment,” Garnath said.

It was noted that legal proceedings have begun against Armogan since there was intent to distribute, sell, or use. The PTCCB is also currently investigating further intelligence gathered to curb the illegal trade of counterfeit pesticides in Guyana.

According to the PTCCB, “counterfeit and illegal products are neither tested nor evaluated and are not subjected to the legislative regulatory process for pesticides.

These products often contain chemicals which are either banned or restricted due to

confiscating

the

illegal

the risk they pose to human health and/or the environment”.

The PTCCB reminded that undeclared active ingredients in counterfeit and illegal products can leave unacceptable residues on produce, rendering goods unfit for market. Further, as the contents of counterfeit and illegal products are unknown, their use can pose a high risk to farmers, their crops, the environment and consumers.

The PTCCB has noted that it will continue to collaborate with law enforcement personnel to carry out its operations to confiscate and safely dispose of counterfeit or illegal pesticides countrywide.

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Education Ministry Robbery suspect nabbed commissions $17M with gun, ammo mobile counselling unit A

The new Mobile Psychosocial Unit

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he Education Ministry on Monday commissioned the first Mobile Psychosocial Unit, valued at some $17 million, which is intended to transport welfare officers to areas where persons are in need of counselling.

“I think everyone of us here can relate to the fact that there is certainly a gap that currently exists across the country, but, more particularly in the education system when it comes to psychosocial support,” Education Minister Nicolette Henry said as she spoke of the benefits of the unit at the Department of Education’s 68 Brickdam, Georgetown office.

As outlined by her, the counsellors will traverse different areas to meet with students, teachers and even parents who might be in need of counselling.

“Many times, we have a lot of students with a lot of needs that are unmet (and) a lot of issues that are not addressed, because we do not have either the capacity or the resources to undertake those,” she said.

Henry pointed out that she hoped more units could be commissioned soon to enable counsellors to touch base with all those who were in need.

According to the Minister, the counselling programme will seek to help students and even transfer them to specialists if needed.

Meanwhile, acting Deputy Chief Education Officer Ingrid Trotman noted that emotional needs of students cannot be overlooked. She added that the Unit would help to reduce stress levels and provide a quick response to areas where trauma is being experienced by persons.

The Unit is fully equipped with a refrigerator, stove, air conditioner, bathroom and other facilities to benefit the officials who will be travelling to hinterland areas, among others, to provide counselling.

Plans were first unveiled

by Chief Education Officer Marcel Hutson back in June for the implementation of the project.

Currently, there are officers in each administrative region who are responsible

for conducting counselling sessions with students – be it one-on-one, small-group or large-group interventions.

The Mobile Unit will, however, be a tool to bring together not only psychologists from the Education Ministry but officials from other agencies who may be necessary for specific cases.

It was clarified that it was not a case where counselling was not being done, but this new initiative was a step taken by the Ministry to ensure that counselling could be done in a more effective manner.

It was further explained that in a situation where students were found drinking alcohol, the team would also be activated, with not only the welfare officers but with public health officials, making the counselling process more influential.

30-year-old resident of Hadfield Street, Georgetown is now in Police custody after he was nabbed following a robbery in Kitty.

Police said the suspect was apprehended on Monday morning after he was sought in connection with an armed robbery committed on a Sophia, Greater Georgetown resident at David Street, Kitty on October 22, 2018. After he was nabbed, a search of his person revealed an unlicensed 9mm pistol with two

The firearm, along with matching ammunition, that was found

live rounds of matching ammunition concealed in his

pants crotch. He is being processed for court.

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Murder charge against CPG member withdrawn

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ony George, the Community Policing Group (CPG) member, who was previously charged with the murder of 15-year-old Ricardo Singh, is now a free man after the charge was withdrawn by the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).

The Police Prosecutor had previously requested that time be granted by the court for additional statements to be obtained after the charge was laid on October 16, 2018.

However, Attorney Dexter Todd strongly objected to any delay in the commencement of the

Tony George

Preliminary Inquiry (PI) on the grounds that the charges were bad in law and there was no evidence

to substantiate the charge.

After the charge was read, the Prosecutor sought an adjournment to Monday, November 5.

When the case was called on Monday, the prosecution withdrew the murder charge.

The charge had alleged that the 28-year-old man murdered the teen of Diamond, East Bank Demerara (EBD) on July 9, 2018, in the vicinity of the Soesdyke Public Road.

According to Police Prosecutor Simone Payne, the victim was with several friends at a wedding house at Soesdyke, EBD on July 9,

when an altercation ensued.

Singh was subsequently arrested by George and was later placed in the tray of the Police vehicle to be escorted to the Police Station.

The prosecution was contending that the accused and another male Rural Constable were on their way to the Police station when George allegedly stopped the vehicle, exited with the teen, and reportedly told the driver to leave.

The body of Singh was discovered in the wee hours of July 9 with several stab wounds, including one to his abdomen.

Based on reports received, the former Diamond Secondary School student and his friends had left their

Ricardo Singh

respective homes on that fateful Sunday with the intention of “taking a lime” at the Linden-Soesdyke Highway Junction, but had instead gone to the wedding house, which was close by.

The young man, who would have been celebrating his 16th birthday three days after that incident, was subsequently found in a nearby trench with his intestines protruding. He was picked up and taken to the Diamond hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

Meanwhile, this publication had reported that the young man had been misbehaving at the wedding house, and the Police had been called in to intervene. However, at the time, members of the Community Policing Group (CPG) had been patrolling the area, and as such, they had reportedly arrested the young man.

PM spends millions...

from page 9

In fact, many persons in civil society have spoken out against the current administration for its silence on the matter, especially because it had been a campaign promise. It was only in August that former People’s Progressive Party (PPP) Member of Parliament Dr Kwame Gilbert had urged the implementation of constitutional reform before 2020.

“The call for constitutional reform cannot be any louder than it is right now. The justification for it is in the continuous need to strengthen governance, balance the power of the Executive, and ensure a more accountable and responsive Government,” he told <<Guyana Times>> in

an interview.

According to Dr Gilbert, the Constitution which Guyana inherited post-independence, while it has benefited from several significant constitutional amendments, still remains inadequate in addressing what he described as “mischief endemic in, and symptomatic of, our current sociopath-political realities in Guyana.”

“There are several social and political considerations which distinguish Guyana from the rest of her Caribbean and continental neighbours. These distinctive characteristics demand a particular culture, climate, and conduct which can only be secured through constitutional provisions,” he said.

Gilbert also noted that

Guyana has suffered extensively from the attendant evils consistent with the continued use of what he also described as a backward proportional representation (PR) electoral system.

This is an electoral system in which parties gain seats in proportion to the number of votes cast for them.

“This system has created and maintained political polarisation and ethnic tension consistent with a single-party domination system of politics. The PR system, commonly referred to as the party list system, robs the citizens of true representation, and has zero accountability. It is woefully ineffective in building a strong democracy,” Dr Gilbert has opined.

17 Venezuelan refugees being managed – Minister C news

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itizenship Minister Winston Felix on Monday commended the efforts of the National Multi-Sectoral Coordinating Committee in managing the influx of Venezuelan refugees, successfully averting potential crises that are symptomatic of migratory activities.

This Committee comprises various Government agencies and international bodies such as the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF); International Organisation for Migration (IOM); Pan-American Health Organisation (PAHO) and the United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR).

Taking into account that the influx of migrants was a relatively novel challenge

that the Government was faced with, the Committee’s work has significantly stabilised the situation by ensuring that assistance is directed to where it is most needed.

Coordination with the international agencies has also paved the way for the acquisition of food and other relief items and the introduction of helpful tools such as the Displacement Tracking Matrix (DTM), which hitherto, was not available to the Government.

“Support from the international community assisted us in bringing focus to a number of areas …

These sessions [fortnightly Committee meetings] bring together a number of issues which can enable us to plan and move forward with our

administration of migrants.

When we started, all we knew was that people were assembling here and there, but since then we have been able to provide some sort of temporary shelter for some, while others have been finding shelters for themselves … The coordination has been extremely useful in creating an understanding of what the migrant issues are, what the Government is doing and what the international community is doing,” Minister Felix is quoted by the Department of Public Information (DPI) as saying.

However, he also said that there was no room for complacency at this stage, noting that there were still areas that required much more work, particularly as

it related to the settling of migrants in Region One (Barima-Waini).

Meanwhile, at Monday’s

Committee meeting, it was disclosed that the current number of documented migrants stood at 2943. These

persons have also been screened and vaccinated by personnel from the Public Health Ministry.

Labourer slapped with robbery charge

T

wenty-four-year-old Calvin Belgrave was on Monday remanded to prison by Magistrate Judy Latchman on a robbery under arms charge.

Belgrave appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts where he denied that on November 2, 2018 at Brickdam and Cornhill Street, Georgetown, while being in the company of others and being armed with a knife, he

robbed Delon Anderson of a Samsung cellphone valued $45,000 along with $2000.

According to facts presented to the court, on November 2, the Virtual Complainant (VC) was standing on the road when he observed the defendant among others standing nearby. He was approached by the defendant, who asked him for $100, but the VC told him he had no money. The defendant reportedly pulled out

a knife from his pocket and pointed it at the VC while removing his valuables. The defendant was later identified by the VC and arrested.

Police Prosecutor Quinn Harris made objections to bail being granted, citing the seriousness of the charge.

Magistrate Latchman remanded Belgrave to prison.

The matter will continue on November 19, 2018.

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Stand-alone ICC Women’s World T20…

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Warm-up matches continue today – England, Australia ready to play

By Brandon Corlette

W

arm-up matches will continue to be played today at the National Stadium at Providence, East Bank Demerara, with South Africa playing Australia at 4pm and Bangladesh facing Pakistan at 8pm.

On the eve of Australia’s first warm-up match in Guyana -- against South Africa -- the captains of England and Australia spoke to the local media in an ICC press conference held at the National Stadium.

England captain Heather Knight noted that her team members would be looking to fine tune their performance in the warm-up match against the star-studded India.

She is hoping that all the England players acclimatise before the official matches, since England lost their first warm-up match against West Indies in Antigua.

Knight explained that the pitches here are extremely different from those England players are accustomed to playing on, and she said her team would have to quickly adapt to these new conditions in order to be successful in this tournament.

She also said that worldclass wicketkeeper Sarah Taylor has been replaced

by Amy Jones, who is also a brilliant wicket-keeper.

Team England, have had success this year in the T20 Tri-Nation Series against South Africa and New Zealand, clinching the finals against New Zealand. England opener Tammy Beaumont has been in exquisite form in 2018, top-scoring with 256 runs at an average of 51 in the five innings she batted in that series.

Australia captain Meg Lanning explained that she is looking forward for the test against a strong South African outfit. Lanning said the Australian players are enjoying their cricket, especially in the year 2018, which has been a successful year. Australian women have white- washed New Zealand women at home, and beaten Pakistan women in Malaysia 3-0.

Alyssa Healy has been in top-form for the Australians in 2018, leading the series batting charts. She will also be a key player in this tournament.

This tournament has high expectations, since T20 leagues such as Kia Super League (KSL) and Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) has exposed the players to more competitive T20 cricket.

Both English and Australian captains explained how excited they are to play in this first ever stand-alone ICC Women’s T20 tournament, since the Caribbean countries have a rich and diverse culture.

The England Squad is comprised of: Heather Knight (c), Katherine Brunt, Sophia Dunkley Brown, Sophie Ecclestone, Natasha Farrant, Kirstie Gordon, Jenny Gunn, Danielle Hazell, Amy Ellen Jones, Natalie Sciver, Linsey Smith, Anya Shrubsole, Lauren Winfield, Danielle Wyatt and Tammy Beaumont.

The Australia Squad is comprised of: Meg Lanning(c), Rachael Haynes, Nicole Bolton, Ashleigh Gardner, Alyssa Healy, Delissa Kimmince, Sophie Molineux, Beth Mooney, Ellyse Perry, Megan Schutt, Elyse Villani, Tayla Vlaeminck, Georgia Wareham, Nicola Carey The South Africa Squad is comprisd of: Dane van Niekerk(c), Chloe Tryon, Lizelle Lee, Sune Luus, Shabnim Ismail, Masabata Klaas, Mignon du Preez, Marizanne Kapp, Laura Wolvaardt, Zintle Mali, Robyn Searle, Tumi Sekhukhune, Trisha Chetty, Moseline Daniels, Yolani Fourie The Bangladesh Squad is comprised of: Salma Khatun(c), Rumana Ahmed, Jahanara Alam, Fargana Hoque, Khadija Tul Kubra, Fahima Khatun, Ayasha Rahman, Shamima Sultana, Nahida Akter, Panna Ghosh, Ritu Moni, Sanjida Islam, Nigar Sultana, Lata Mondal, and Sharmin Akhter.

The Bangladesh team going through their warm-up phase at the Everest Cricket Club Ground on Monday

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Rajiv Lee triumphs at WMCF tournament

G

uyana’s top junior chess players were again given opportunity to demonstrate their mental acuity when the Wendell Meusa Chess Foundation (WMCF) hosted yet another children’s chess competition.

Dubbed the Diwali Kids Chess Tournament, this competition attracted some of Guyana’s top junior players and upcoming sensations in the chess fraternity.

Thirteen-year-old rising star Rajiv Lee of Queen’s College played undefeated in the Under-20 category of this competition, gathering 5.5 points from 6 games to take top honours.

This former member of the Marian Academy Chess Club made his debut into the local chess fraternity last July, and is already displaying signs that he has what it takes to be the next national junior champion. Just a few weeks ago, at the Marian Academy Scholastic Chess Competition, he played undefeated as well when he played in the team section for his school, Queen's College.

Rajiv Lee’s only draw came against Guyana's number 4 ranked junior national player Ethan Lee of Marian Academy, who should have lost the contest but played stubbornly to savage half of a point from a classical and

theoretically drawn H-Pawn and King endgame.

Rajiv Lee also defeated Guyana’s #3 ranked national junior player Jaden Taylor of St. Stanislaus College in a highly anticipated match.

The only game in which Rajiv Lee stumbled was against 13-year-old Ronan Lee of Marian Academy, who superbly sacrificed his mighty Queen for 3 passed Pawns (G4, F5 & E6) with a Rook on E4, to gain a dangerous initiative. This was a massive advantage; however, under time pressure, Ronan Lee made an illegal move which resulted in a deduction of 5 minutes from his clock, and he ended up losing the contest.

School of the Nations’ fresh-faced talent, 11-year-old Joshua Khan, won the Under-12 category with 4 points from 6 games. He fought back in rounds 4 & 5 to take 1st place.

Even though it was a 4-way tie with Noah Rahaman, M i l a n

Ramautarsing and Joel Wong, the Swiss program placed Khan in first position with the better progressive rating.

Joshua Khan took his first tournament win in style, with 3 beautiful check mates in the last 3 rounds. Noah, Milan and Joel, all from Marian Academy’s Primary Department, played superbly to gain 4 points as well.

However they had to settle for 2nd, 3rd & 4th places respectively.

Ethan Lee continued to have a great 2018 chess year by taking 2nd place, with his only loss being to Jaden Taylor, who finished third.

The young and promising Savir Gookul drew his last game against Jaden Lee, resulting in him dropping to 3rd place even though Jaden Taylor and Ethan Lee each finished on 4.5 points.

Savir Gookul, Chelsea Juma (both St. Stanislaus College students), Ronan Lee and Jonathan tied in 4th position with 3 points each; followed by Odit Rodrigues and Samirah Gobin on…

A keen eye must be kept on the lone female in the section, Italy TonChung, who played some beautiful games, even sacrificing pieces as well. The young lady showed that she is a promising chess player, especially in her game against Milan, when she sacked her minor pieces to carry out a brutal King side attack.

Arysh Raghunauth also managed to obtain 3 points to finish 6th. Jibril Alli and his brother Kaiden Alli continue to show a lot of

improvement after learning chess only last August at the Foundation’s summer chess camp.

Prize Winners:

Under-20 1st - Rajiv Lee (Q.C) 2nd - Ethan Lee (Marian) 3rd - Jaden Taylor (Saints) Best Girl - Chelsea Juma (Saints) Youngest Player - Ronan Lee (Marian)

Under-12 1st - Joshua Khan (Nations) 2nd - Noah Rahaman (Marian) 3rd - Milan Ramautarsing (Marian) Best Girl - Italy Ton-Chung (Marian) Youngest Player - Jibril Alli (Marian) Special Prize - Joel Wong (Marian)

Paradise and Rosignol register wins as GT Beer Football season opens in Berbice

T

he West Coast Berbice villages of Paradise and Rosignol have each registered wins in the second edition of the Candy Boss and Antics GT Beer 8-a-side Football Knockout tournament, which opened on Sunday evening at the All Saints School Ground on Princess Elizabeth Road in New Amsterdam.

The double-header saw a total of 19 goals being scored, as with a 13-1 drubbing of Black Sharks FC of Fyrish, Paradise FC signalled their intention to remain in the competition until the final night.

A helmet trick by Keyron McKenzie and hats tricks from Shaquille De Heart and Olvis Mitchell led the way for Paradise. McKenzie scored in the 15th, 17th, 35th and 40th minutes, while Mitchell opened the scoring in the 9th, and found the back of the net in the 3rd and 44th minutes.

De Heart scored in the 12th, 14th and 27th minutes of play. Aubrey Joseph, with goals in the 30th and 55th minutes, supported well, and there was one goal scored by Niol Reynolds in the 45th minute.

Wesley Crandon scored a consolation goal for the Black Sharks in the 51st minute.

Meanwhile, although Rosignol FC got off to a slow start, they were able to brush aside Corentyne All Stars 4-1. Corentyne All Stars dominated the twenty minutes of play, but could not find the back of the net despite six shots on target in that period.

Even with their dominance, they were down 1-nil after 20 minutes, when Rosignol seemed to be

waking up.

Adrian Prince’s 9th minute goal and good goal-keeping from Rosignol summed up the first half of play.

However, in the second half of play, Prince’s two goals, backed up by Oddly Mickle’s 34-minute goal, accounted for the Rosignol dominance. Shane Campbell scored in the 24th minute in a losing effort for the All Stars.

The competition continues on Friday at the All Saints School Ground on Princess Elizabeth Road, when defending champions GT Police FC take on Pouderoyen FC in game one, and Santos and Timehri Panters battle in game two.

Officially launched on Friday at the New Amsterdam Town Council, the tournament will see 32 matches being played with teams stretching from Linden to Corriverton. The final is set for January 5, 2019. At stake in the competition is $600,000 for the winner and $300,000 for the runner-up team. The third place team will relieve $200,000.

Speaking at Friday’s launch, New Amsterdam Mayor Winifred Haywood thanked the beverage giants for coming on board for a second year to bring quality football to the town.

Banks DIH, she said, is evidently committed to the development of sport and to giving back to the communities which support the company. “ We want more of this in this town,” s h e declared.

“This town is known as an ancient town, but if we can have lots of persons coming onboard and promoting not only football, but other disciplines...

“It is also said that this town is a dead town, so I am happy that Antics and the Candy Shop and all the others can come to remove the ‘dead’ from the town and cause it to be a live town,” the Mayor said.

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Transport crush Sophia – Redman records inaugural hat-trick

W

ith a successful season behind them, Transport Sports Club (TSC) were set to take on Sophia as the 2018-2019 season of the New Building Society (NBS) 40-over second division tournament commenced over the weekend.

TSC brushed aside the struggling Sophia team after winning the toss and giving them first strike.

Due to inclement weather, the 40-over affair had been reduced to 30 overs per side. After the rain ceased, TSC favoured their chance even more, as the pitch saw some swing being extracted from it.

Batting first, Sophia re-

corded a meagre 114 all out in 17.4 overs, with Dwayne Peters top-scoring for the East Coast side with 43, and Z. Rasheed supporting with an attacking 22.

In their demise, Akeem

A

ssistant Instructor of the White Tiger Martial Arts Academy (WTMAA), Marminanda Small, a few weeks ago completed an IOC Sport Administrators Course at the Guyana Teachers Union (GTU) Hall in New Amsterdam.

The course, hosted by the Guyana Olympic Association (GOA) in collaboration with the Olympic Solidarity, covered areas such as mental health, governance, nutrients, sport for law, value and ethics in sport, budgeting and money management, Women in sport, and many other areas.

Small, who has now completed the course, is very thankful for the experience, and says she intends to implement the knowledge she has gained during her period of teaching. She also believes that, through her teaching, she will be well equipped to encourage more women to become involved in sports.

Over the past eight years, Small has been involved in Taekwondo, and has acquired her Kukkiwon certification to add to her list of achievements. She is also involved in wrestling, and sits on the board of the White Tiger Martial Arts Academy.

The WTMAA has expressed its gratitude to the Olympic Association, Olympic Solidarity, and course director Charles Corbin for making this Sport Administrators Course possible in the Ancient County.

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Akeem Redman

Redman managed to pick up the first hat trick of the season and his career, as he struck early in the second over to end the game at 4-44. He dismantled the Sophia top order, leaving all the pressure on the lower order, which was picked apart

by Azim Azeez, who grabbed 4-3.

Needing only 115 for victory, TSC chased the score down in 7.2 overs. Devon Nandan’s was the first wicket to fall when he was caught leg-before-wicket after taking part in an explosive start to the innings.

No other wicket fell, as A. Hinds steadily supported the innings with a resistant 28 not out, while Azeez was

also left unbeaten on 33.

Speaking with Guyana Times Sport , Redman said he was elated with his performance, as wanted to orchestrate a hat trick in his career. He also said, “I’ve improved a lot from my past 2 seasons wherein I didn’t do much, but I’ve been putting in some extra work during the week, and, so far what I put in is totally paying off for me.”

Redman continues to grow as an all-round; he was awarded best fielder in the recently concluded 20172018 NBS 40-over second division tournament, which was followed by a magnificent 62 two weeks ago.

(Timothy Jaikarran)

WTMAA Instructor completes IOC Sport Administrators Course

TIMES

223-7230-1 Phone: 223-7230 (Ext 55)

21

223-7230-1 (Ext 55)

Assistant Instructor Marminanda Small receiving her certificate from course director Charles Corbin

22

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tuesdAY, november 6, 2018

GTT Indoor Hockey Championships…

Pepsi Hikers sweep double I

t was all smiles and celebrations for The Pepsi Hikers, as they secured an emphatic double victory in the men’s and women’s first division competitions when the curtain came down on the GTT National Indoor Hockey Championships on Sunday evening at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall.

GCC managed to secure the three other divisions, being the male and female second division competitions and the over-35 division.

The final event of the evening was a fitting highlight of an exciting tournament when Old Fort Lamborghini squared off against the Pepsi Hikers in a final that would see a new winner crowned, as both teams had dispatched defending champs Bounty GCC in the pool round. The Hikers, littered with Guyanese national players, started the match in their usual dominant fashion, but it was Old Fort to first break the deadlock in the sixth minute through an Aderemi Simon penalty corner delivered high in the right corner of the Hikers’ net.

As the high-paced game whizzed back and forth, the Hikers managed to draw even

The women’s First Division MVP Nicole Eastman

when top midfielder Jamarj Assanah made a brilliant individual run up the right to finish with the equalizer and taking the game into halftime at 1-1.

Skilful striker Aroydy Branford put the Hikers up by four minutes into the second half by finishing off an attacking play with a lethal shot past David Williams in goal for Old Fort. Old Fort then went on a goal-scoring run with three unanswered goals

by Warren Williams, Askofu Simon and Aderemi Simon, whose goal was his second of the match.

With five minutes left in the match, Old Fort would struggle

to hang on to their lead, as the Hikers scrambled desperately to make up the deficit. Hikers’ and national Captain Robert France would lead from the front by pulling his team within one through a 35th minute field goal, and the very next minute the Hikers would earn a penalty stroke through a desperation tackle by Old Fort’s Jason Clarke.

With nerves of steel, Aroydy Branford scored the penalty to draw the scores even at 4-4.

The game drawn at full time would go into a penalty shootout, and then into sudden death after the first series of penalties. Ironically, it was MVP of the tournament, Aderemi

‘Dove’ Simon -- who had put in a sterling performance to get his team to this position -- who would fail by missing the goal on his final shootout, giving Hikers the victory by the narrowest of margins.

The women’s final saw much fewer opportunities, as the underdog Woodpecker Hikers clogged the middle of the floor with a rock-solid defence, and held the game even for the entire first half despite GBTI GCC Tigers enjoying the majority of possession.

Marzana Fiedtkou would eventually break the tie and put the GBTI ladies up by one with a nifty reverse stick shot in the 37th minute. With the clock winding down and the game entering its final two minutes, the Hikers earned a penalty corner that was converted by a high flick from MVP Nicole Eastman.

With the scores tied at 1-1, Eastman found herself free in the scoring circle after receiving a pinpoint accurate pass from right back Marisha Fernandes.

Goalkeeper of the tournament for GCC, Briawna Gordon, advanced to cover the angles, but Eastman let loose a cracker of a shot into the roof of the GCC

net, sending the crowd into a frenzy.

The come-from-behind victory ended a ten-year dominance of the trophy by the GCC ladies and crowned the new champions, the Woodpecker Hikers.

Earlier in the evening, the GCC Pitbulls and Old Fort Top Form drew their men’s second division match 2-2, but GCC

dominated the shootout to win it 2-0.

The Bingo GCC Spartans duplicated the effort in the women’s second division when they defeated Saints by 3-2, after the regulation time ended with the scores tied on 1-1. The GCC Vintage completed the club’s hat trick by crushing the Old Fort Mustangs by 6-3 in the 0ver-35 division.

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tuesdAY, november 6, 2018

23

Windies hope for more than sparks in must-win game H

aving snapped their four-match winless T20I streak to Windies with a laboured five-wicket win in Kolkata, India would be looking to make their Diwali brighter by sealing the series in Lucknow's T20I debut on Tuesday (November 6).

It was the sort of game at Eden Gardens where the experience of India's KKR boys - Kuldeep Yadav and skipper Dinesh Karthik - separated the two sides, while Windies were left to rue the gaping hole left in their line-up due to the eleventh hour withdrawal of their "local" man Andre Russell. Pacers from both sides enjoyed the rare assistance from a subcontinental track to pin the opposition on a mat. However, it was Kuldeep and debutant Krunal Pandya's combined figures of 8-0-28-4 in the middle overs that helped India sustain the pressure on Windies' batting.

Sailing in the same boat later in the evening, Karthik produced yet another of his pressure-absorbing knocks a resilient 31 not out - while Pandya followed up his miserly bowling figures with a classic finishing act of an unbeaten 21 off 9 to ultimately together steer their team home comfortably.

In their bid to keep the series alive till Chennai, the onus would be on Windies' batsmen to avoid another capitulation that spelled their

with the ball, but his team missed his flamboyance with the bat more.

As much as the hosts would be hoping to prolong Windies' misery, they'd know better than to dismiss the potential threat from this young side that stretched the game to the 18th over in a seemingly simple chase of 110. That said, two chances is all Windies are left with to prove - that they didn't embark on this tour to return with more questions than answers in their quest to build towards their title defence in 2020.

India Squad: Squad: Rohit Sharma (c), Shikhar Dhawan, Lokesh Rahul,

Manish Pandey, Dinesh Karthik (wk), Rishabh Pant, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, K Khaleel Ahmed, Yuzvendra Chahal, Washington Sundar, Shreyas Iyer, Umesh Yadav, Shahbaz Nadeem.

WI Squad: Carlos Brathwaite (c), Shai Hope, Denesh Ramdin (wk), Shimron Hetmyer, Kieron Pollard, Darren Bravo, Rovman Powell, Fabian Allen, Keemo Paul, Oshane Thomas, Khary Pierre, Nicholas Pooran, Obed McCoy, Sherfane Rutherford (Cricbuzz)

Windies would be buoyed by Oshane Thomas's lively spell in the opening T20I

doom despite transitioning to the format they have a firm grip on. Promoted to No. 4, Kieron Pollard brought his matured side to the wicket, demonstrating his evolution as a T20 batsman who can dig in and find scoring opportunities in the face of early trouble. But the lack of application from others, who were either too aggressive or overtly defensive, meant Windies' top and middle order caved in.

They were rescued by debuting all-rounder Fabian Allen (27* off 20) and Keemo Paul (15* off 13), who looted 23 off Umesh Yadav's and 17 off

Jasprit Bumrah's two overs each in the death to give Windies' total some sense of respectability.

On the bright side, the biggest takeaway for Windies was another debutant, Oshane Thomas, who made a match out of what was rapidly turning into yet another no-contest on this tour. He consumed up the experienced opening pair of Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan with 146 kmph thunderbolts in a fierce opening spell. Carlos Brathwaite did cast another magic spell to stun the Kolkata crowd, this time

West Indies' Fabian Allen, left, leaves the field after being dismissed by India's Khaleel Ahmed

tuesdAY, november 6, 2018

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

guyanatimesgy.com

GTT Indoor Hockey Championships…

The victorious Pepsi Hikers Men’s and Women’s teams

Pepsi Hikers sweep double Stand-alone ICC Women’s World T20…

Warm-up matches continue today Page 19

Page 22

Windies hope for more than sparks in mustwin game Page 23

– England, Australia ready to play

England Captain Heather Knight (Brandon Corlette photo)

Australia Captain Meg Lanning (Brandon Corlette photo)

Fabian Allen

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