Guyanatimes 10 october 2017

ICT development underscored at Internet Week launch P5

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

THE BEACON OF TRUTH

Issue No. 3357

Tuesday, October 10, 2017

PRICE

Tender Board warned to stand ground against illegalities

Page 2

...as Opposition Leader calls for Police action

No new taxes in Budget 2018 – Finance Minister Page 3

…gives Opposition cold shoulder on consultations

Prison escapee Royden Williams aka “Smallie”Page 5 recaptured

$80 vat included

WHAT'S INSIDE:

Lotto Company P7 gets ‘sweet deal’ after profits dip ...granted go ahead to expand ‘gambling ring’

Grove couple attacked, beaten, P15 robbed

Double murder

Mastermind confesses to killing P10 pensioners

First batch of hurricaneaffected Guyanese arrives

475,202 P14 ounces of gold declared – Ministry …predicts higher declaration by year-end

Sheriff Street road expansion project scrapped P7

Dynamic P5 Airways to honour all financial obligations

After having their homes and lives ravaged by Hurricanes Irma and Maria, a number of Guyanese, particularly children, were on Monday flown home to Guyana as Government and the Private Sector began free evacuation measures to assist those choosing to return. Inset: Minister of State, Joseph Harmon, Citizenship Minister Winston Felix and CDC Director Chabilall Ramsarup greet a gentleman as he disembarked a Trans Guyana flight at Eugene F Correia International Airport (Dexter Ceres photos)

Primary school student attacked by classmate

Page 9

Fire engulfs P5 former BaiShanLin log market

2 news

tuesDAY, october 10, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Tender Board warned to stand ground against Bulkan’s illegalities ...as Opposition Leader calls for Police action

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ecent decisions by Communities Minister Ronald Bulkan to usurp the powers -- as set out under law – of the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB) have caught the eye of the Opposition.

The body has since been called on by the political Opposition to “stand its ground” and administer the legislative requirements, as outlined under the laws of

Guyana and to protect its supervision of national procurement.

The Opposition People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP) has since written to NPTAB Chairman Berkley Wickham, and has called on him to take immediate steps to ensure that the agency ensures that Ministries comply with the laws of Guyana.

The formal complaint was inked by former

Minister within the Finance Ministry and Opposition frontbencher, Juan Edghill.

The correspondence dated Friday last has also been copied to the Communities Ministry Permanent Secretary, Emile McGarrel; Public Procurement Commission (PPC) Chairperson Carol Corbin; Auditor General Deodat Sharma; Public Accounts Committee Chairman Irfaan Ali and

each of the Chairpersons of the Regional Democratic Councils across the country.

According to Edghill, in his complaint, “we have been advised that the Ministry of Communities has written and requested that each Regional Administration submit two nominees to the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Communities for their Regional Tender Boards; the letter indicates that the Regional Chairman

weekly press engagement, had raised concerns about the Executive wanting to take on functions which fall under the purview of the PPC. According to him, with the establishment of the PPC, functions undertaken by the NPTAB should have ceased in 2016.

The Opposition Leader had at the time observed that “a prime candidate for a Police audit in the future will be the Central Tender Administration. They are complicit in a ton of illegalOpposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo

should nominate one nominee and the Regional Executive Officer nominate the other.”

Edghill reminded that the PPP/C’s contention is “that it is solely the National Board (NPTAB), by statute as laid out in Sections 17 (1), 19 (1) and (2), that has such responsibility”.

According to the PPP Executive, the law does not provide for any such role by any line Ministry, and, in this particular case, the Communities Ministry cannot become involved in the process of the appointment of the Regional Tender Boards.

The Opposition has since called on the NPTAB in light of this development to take immediate steps to invoke the relevant sections of the Procurement Act and ensure that they were complied with by all Ministries.

“In this particular case, we call on the Board to immediately advise the Ministry of Communities to desist from further action on the appointment of the Regional Tender Boards, and, furthermore the NPTAB assume responsibility and communicate directly with the respective Regional Democratic Councils on their two appointees to each Regional Tender Board in keeping with Section 19.”

The complaint by Edghill comes on the heels of similar lamentations by Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo, who, during his

Communities Minister Ronald Bulkan

ities”.

Jagdeo had also highlighted too that the matter of public procurement would be among the key issues to be raised by PPP representatives during the upcoming two-day Business Summit organised by the Private Sector Commission (PSC).

On the matter of procurement, the former President had told media operatives, “public procurement will be a major feature – the lack of transparency, the breaches of the Procurement Act and Cabinet’s continued participation in the award of contracts”.

According to the Opposition Leader, “Government procurement is the largest source of economic activity for the Private Sector ... So procurement has to be part of a Business Summit. In every panel, on procurement issues, we will be seeking answers.”

news

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tuesDAY, october 10, 2017 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

BRIDGE OPENINGS

The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Tuesday, October 10 – 08:30h-10:00h and Wednesday, October 11 – 09:30h-11:00h.

…gives Opposition cold shoulder on consultations

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Tuesday, October 10 – 07:30h-09:00h and Wednesday, October 11 – 08:30h-10:00h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY Sunny conditions followed by light rain showers in the late morning and early afternoon hours followed by sunshine again can be expected during the day. Clear skies are expected in the evening, with temperatures expected to range between 25 degrees Celsius and 30 degrees Celsius.

Winds: East South-easterly to East North-easterly between 3.12 metres and 4.77 metres.

High Tide: 07:31h and 19:46h reaching maximum heights of 2.58 metres and 2.61 metres respectively.

Low Tide: 13:19h reaching a minimum height of 0.71 metre.

SATURDAY, October 8, 2017

LOTTERY NUMBERS I

05 10 13 17 19 25 28 Bonus Ball

FREE TICKET

MONDAY, OCTOBER 9, 2017

DAILY MILLIONS 02 03 6 10 11 LUCKY 3 8 8 5 Afternoon Draw

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No new taxes in Budget 2018 – Finance Minister

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Evening Draw

DRAW DE LINE

10 12 14 16 17 19 21 DISCLAIMER: WE ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY ERRORS IN PUBLICATION. PLEASE CALL THE HOTLINE FOR CONFIRMATION - TEL: 225-8902

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espite ongoing consultations on Budget 2018, Finance Minister Winston Jordan has revealed that no new tax measures will be taken. Instead, support will be provided to small businesses; and according to him, due consideration will be given to revising Value Added Tax (VAT) on education.

Addressing a press conference on Monday, the minister said the David Grangerled administration has only attempted to broaden the tax net since assumption to office, and will continue to do so to ensure that the pool of persons paying taxes is widened.

“From day one, when we came in we reduced taxes, we removed VAT from a range of products, we removed things like tax on NIS, we rampedup salaries, we gave one-off bonus to the entire Public Service, and we’ve done quite a bit,” he told the media.

Jordan said certain promises were made to assist various productive sectors, including forestry, and the Government is keen on delivering on them. He also said incentives would be given to small business owners, which would hopefully help to generate economic activity.

He said small businesses and all entrepreneur activities that can increase the pool of household income, community income and the national income are to be considered, encouraged, and grown.

But despite the Government’s continued push to encourage entrepreneurship and small business development, the Opposition Peoples Progressive Party (PPP) has repeatedly criticized Government, stating that Government was visionless and the measures taken cannot help to stimulate economic growth.

“Our focus in the budget now is to make people their own boss; so we are increasingly putting more and more resources that aim to increase the skills pool, and in many ways offering you some assistance,” Minister Jordan said when asked about job creation plans for the budget.

Last year’s budget was used to introduce several new taxes, a development that was heavily criticised by the private sector and the parliamentary Opposition. But despite this, the Minister spoke of Government’s Sustainable Livelihood Programme, which he explained provides $100 million in outright grants.

He argued that entrepreneurship would have to be the driving force for growth.

As many persons continue to approach Government for jobs, they would learn to understand that there are only limited jobs available.

“Even the best of Governments tried going into economic activity, and for the most part it has failed. The latest is GuySuCo, and I always say that the one that

Finance Minister Winston Jordan

has kept us going is GuyOil,” he added.

The Finance Minister was also quick to draw reporters’ attention to the budget of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, where several tax increases were introduced because of harsh economic times. He said their budget could be used as an example of why Guyana needs to produce a budget that would not bring undue pressures to bear on the general public.

“We don’t have hurricanes, earthquakes…but we do have our own hurricane; whether it be GuySuCo or something else. And we have to contend with it and deal with it.”

Asked whether the Opposition had taken part in pre-budget consultations, the Finance Minister recalled that the last such consultation the opposition had attended was in 2015. The Opposition has since been writing him requesting documents, and he has never responded because most of the documents are on the inter-

net.

“That is not a basis for consultations,” he said.

“Anyhow, no other group or agency asked me for any document, because the consultation says ‘to provide an avenue for an exchange of views’,

and the Opposition seems very well attuned to what is going on in Guyana. Every document that could be made public we have made public, including IMF documents.”

Jordan claimed also that the Opposition could as well use the half-year financial reports to “blister” the Government over issues they feel could have been better addressed, and make recommendations to assist with the preparation of the next annual budget.

As part of preparations for Budget 2018, consultations are being held with various stakeholders across Guyana. The budget team plans to meet with several trade union bodies, the private sector and non-governmental organisations.

Budget 2018 will be presented to the National Assembly on November 27.

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guyanatimesgy.com

tuesDAY, october 10, 2017

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

When disrespect for authority festers

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ike the two elderly women recently murdered in their home by four young thieves, there are many victims of violence being perpetrated by young people all across the country. Like we have stated previously: it is recognised that this global phenomenon needs to be addressed holistically, with world leaders eschewing their petty squabbles to take their young people, who are the future human capital of any nation's developmental paradigm, and channel their energies into constructive mechanisms for personal and national development and growth. But it needs to begin with the family, and a restoration of the value systems and moral compass of years past.

The peoples of Guyana, although their ancestors spanned racial and cultural divides, shared one common tradition: absolute respect for one’s elders, who were integral to the survival and sustenance of the individual family and the community in general.

The village elder system of jurisprudence prevailed within British Guiana village enclaves over the system as prescribed by the British Constitution; and, until now, the ‘Panchaayat’ system holds sway over rural communities in India and Africa before the more formalised court system of justice is sought.

Within homes and families, the elders were the one who guided the family in their daily pursuits, and they had the final say in decisions involving the family. That respect the younger members of a family and community had for their elders has been gradually eroding, until it has almost dissipated – although not absolutely, because there are yet some families who adhere stringently to old traditions.

Unless and until governments, through their educational systems; communities, through their church bodies and other social constructs; and families can come together and formulate a holistic plan to address this ever-widening chasm -- which is separating the youths of today from the value systems of the societal framework that inculcated ethical values and moral compasses as guides to behavioural patterns that outline and dictate the way they should interact with authority figures, their peers, and elders within their communities -the degradation of value systems within the younger generation will soon cross irredeemable boundaries, and the consequences to society would be too frightening to contemplate.

Now is the time to re-evaluate the statistical data and societal paradigms that have created such a deceleration of traditional value systems; before there is an irretrievable moral standardisation that infests the young generation with decay that festers in the minds to the extent that they lose all sense of the humane and their own groundings in humanity.

Doves are released for each victim of the Route 91 Harvest music festival mass shooting at City Hall plaza in Las Vegas, Nevada (Reuters)

Sports and economic prosperity Dear Editor, In Guyana, the incentives athletes and sporting disciplines generally receive are praises. Sports are hardly ever linked to economic prosperity in Guyana. Internationally, of all activities in contemporary societies that enjoy incredible development, sports hold an eminent place. In Guyana that is not the case. In sports, the media play an important role.

The media, known as mass communication industry, include newspapers, radio, and internet. The media inform people of the happenings within their locality and beyond. Whenever sport is publicized, do you know who the beneficiary is? The athletes!

Whenever a sports journalist takes the time to

creatively articulate an athlete’s or a sporting discipline’s journey, obstacles and success, something magical happens. Sports in Guyana need all the help they can get, particularly from the media. Almost no sporting discipline in Guyana offers a financial career. For an athlete, association and any sporting discipline, organized sports can provide opportunities such as: A: For growth of individuals’ self-confidence.

“When you have confidence, you can do anything.” Sloane Stephens.

There is a relationship between truancy (school dropout) and lack of confidence in self. Sports offer an excellent opportunity for growth in that area.

Research has found that

kids who play sports, especially girls, are more likely to have a positive body image and higher self-esteem. They also are less likely to be overweight.

B: Physical growth in the form of exercise.

“Laziness isn’t merely a physical phenomenon, about being a couch potato, stuffing your face with fries and watching cricket all day. It’s a mental thing, too; and that’s the part I have never aspired for.” Shah Rukh Khan. Children involved in sports are less likely to take drugs or smoke, because they realize the impact that these destructive activities can have upon their performances. Girls who play sports are also less likely to become pregnant.

C: Playing sports is funto a child; it gives them something to do and a group to belong to. It offers mental growth while having fun at the same time.

D: Sports help children to develop discipline.

They learn to set goals and then work to achieve those goals. They learn that, by working hard, they can accomplish the things that they want to in their lives.

E: Sports help develop teamwork and leadership skills. Children quickly learn that they have to work together as a team to win the game.

F: Opportunities to travel and learn about different cultures and value systems.

Kind regards, Jr Andrew Hercules

Weakening institutions of the State

Dear Editor, I refer to an article captioned “Local Government Commission (LGC) will be given some consideration – Granger”, which appeared in sections of the media. The article stated, “Granger told reporters at State House, when asked about the establishment of the commission, that he was abroad for about a fortnight, resulting in this and other matters be-

ing held up.”

For the record, the PPP submitted its nominations to the LGC since July 2016, and Granger being out of the country for two weeks has very little to do with the delay in setting up this Commission. If Mr Granger cannot count, July 2016 was 66 weeks ago, and his being away for two weeks was nothing but a puerile excuse.

Some might want to say

that Granger is absolutely incompetent and not in control of his Government.

I myself was caught in that cul-de-sac for a while, until I realised that this incompetence may really be a mask for a plan to march dictatorship back into the corridors of power in Guyana. These deliberate presidential actions that mirror incompetence are really schemes grounded in subterfuge and

deception to weaken the institutions of the State, such as the LGC. To deny a nation its LGC because you got a sound thrashing at the local polls exhibits evilness of a special order. This is the punishment to the people for voting against Granger in the local polls.

Regards, Albert Allen

tuesDAY, october 10, 2017

guyanatimesgy.com

News

Prison escapee Royden Williams aka “Smallie” recaptured

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anted man Royden Williams, also known as Royden Durant and “Smallie”, was recaptured on Monday at Weldaad, West Coast Berbice during an intelligence-led operation.

Reports are that the prison escapee was cornered at a Police road block erected outside the Weldaad Police Station. Guyana Times understands that the escapee, convicted for the Bartica massacre, was being followed by uncover cops.

This newspaper was told that Williams had cut off his dread locks in a bid to hide his identity.

Following his arrest, Williams was searched but no weapon was found in his possession.

Williams was last month in the company of fellow prison escapee Uree Varswyck, also

known as Malcolm Gordon, when Police confronted them at Central Amelia’s Ward, Linden. As Joint Services ranks approached their hideout, they opened fire. The ranks returned fire, killing Varswyck in the process. A 9MM pistol with 40 live rounds; a haversack and cloth bag containing medication, a gas mask, military camouflage clothing; toiletries and a cellular phone were found when police went to retrieve Varswyck’s body.

Varswyck, Williams and Cobena Stephens, aka OJ, are said to have been the masterminds behind the July 9, 2017 Camp Street Prison fire and escape which left prison officer Odinga Wickham dead.

Durant, also called Royden Williams, had been sentenced to death for the Bartica Massacre.

Recaptured: Royden Williams

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A section of the gathering at Monday’s opening ceremony

Internet governance, social networking, digital responsibility and cyber security during this week.

These stakeholders include the Caribbean Telecommunications Union (CTU); the Internet Society; Internet Governance Day; Caribbean Network Operators Group (CaribNOG); and the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names

and Numbers (ICANN).

Formed in 1998, ICANN helps to promote competition and develops policies for the top level of the Internet’s naming system, while CaribNOG is a group of network operators that deal with the management of IP networks in the Caribbean Region.

Meanwhile, the CTU is inter-governmental in nature, formed by Caricom. It seeks to support the devel-

opment of ICT technologies across the Region.

The discussion will focus on what regional players have implemented thus far to capitalise on the business opportunities and other technological advances that the sector offers. The afternoon session included discussions on net neutrality, Internet services and cyber security. The week of activities ends on Friday.

Fire engulfs former BaiShanLin log market

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fficers attached to the Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC) have reported a mysterious fire, which broke out on Thursday at an old log market formerly operated by BaiShanLin International Forest Development Inc, at Bissaruni, Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice).

The GFC workers were at the time stationed in Kwakwani when they noticed flames began spreading across the large open area.

According to information relayed by the GFC, their staff, along with offi-

cers of the Kwakwani Fire Service, as well as other stakeholders present at the scene, launched a fire-fighting mission and managed to contain the blaze within the location. Eventually, the fire was completely extinguished, but, nevertheless, GFC staff are continuously monitoring the site so as to prevent further damage.

Based on initial assessments, a portion of the old logs were gutted in the flames. However, the GFC has indicated that further investigations will be carried out in the coming days

Dynamic Airways to honour all financial obligations

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ICT development underscored at Internet Week launch

t the launch of the Internet Week on Monday, Public Telecommunications Minister Cathy Hughes expressed that the way in which Guyana developed its Information C o m m u n i c a t i o n s Technology (ICT) sector would determine how the country’s Internet industry was transformed.

She made these comments at the Pegasus Hotel, where stakeholders are gathering throughout this week to discuss solutions and strategies to improve ICT in Guyana.

The discussions are being held as part of Internet Week 2017, which is being held here for the first time.

Minister Hughes told the gathering that Government was working to ensure that citizens have safe and secure access to the Internet.

Regional and international stakeholders are collaborating with the Ministry to lead discussions on

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so as to determine the possible cause of the fire, as well as the extent of the damage done to the logs.

However, it was highlighted that as a result of

the prompt response by the workers and stations within the area, there were no injuries to anyone present nor damage to the surrounding forest.

ollowing its pull out of the local market, Dynamic International Airways has committed to honour all its financial obligations.

In a statement issued on Monday, the airline disclosed that it suspended its operations on October 3rd to facilitate its reorganisation of its Chapter 11 Case under which it has filed for bankruptcy. The airline said it remains committed to honouring all outstanding financial obligations, whether to passengers, airport authorities, or the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority.

The company has said that those passengers who had booked to travel with its chartered service out of Guyana and New York beyond the October 3 suspension date would be issued a refund on the unused portion of their ticket.

However, the airline has disclosed that it is soon to enter into discussions with an interested party about serving the Guyana/New York Market under a new arrangement, which is permitted as it seeks to reorganise.

“The new arrangement, known as an ACMI agree-

ment, would allow Dynamic to serve the Guyana/ New York market”, Chief Executive Officer of the airlines noted. Further, the airlines thanked Roraima Airways for its service as its local partner in Guyana.

The voluntary Chapter 11 petition was filed by Dynamic Airways with the United States Bankruptcy Court in the Middle District of North Carolina.

This chapter of the Bankruptcy Code generally provides for reorganisation. Moreover, Chapter 11 allows a debtor to propose a plan of reorganisation, to keep its business alive and pay creditors over time.

This includes the lawsuits from Hajj flights that Dynamic operated in 2014 for Air India, and an arbitration award against Dynamic Intl., finding that the airline was in breach of contract by failing to pay commissions to BKP Enterprises in connection with the Hajj flights.

Just a month after filing for bankruptcy, one of the airline’s creditors had moved to the courts to force the airline to liquidate its assists; Dynamic then owed some US$1.19 million.

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tuesDAY, october 10, 2017

Page

Foundation

– children don't learn from punishment; they learn best from attention and connection

– do grandparents get their grandkids’ use of devices more than parents?

Amy Howell, PhD

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geism is but one form of oppression in a society in which individuals are judged on the basis of their years of experience –or lack thereof. Although they are separated by two generations, the shared experiences between youth and their grandparents may be a bridge of resilience in protecting each from criticism and stereotype threats from the middle generation: parents and adult children.

Recently, my family was playing Timeline, a card game in which players sort instances of various subjects, such as American history, Diversity, and Discoveries, based on the player’s guess about its place in history relative to other events. As we took turns guessing about the years in which inventions, such as colour television, the computer mouse, smart card, compact disc, and laptop computer joined the rankings of our cultural timeline, we were often surprised at the age of devices that seem so recent in our history. Both of my children expressed disbelief that their grandparents were alive and growing up when these devices and objects made their first appearances.

They seemed shocked that their grandparents could have such a rich technological background.

For a generation that is sometimes on the receiving end of rolling eyeballs, jokes about the VCR clock, and the social media gaffes for those who “just don’t get” the alternative meanings of certain emojis, older adults have earned the right to have a good laugh as younger generations realise that their grandparents were the creative, courageous innovators behind many of the devices and groundbreaking technologies that are a part of their everyday social, academic, and personal lives. This got me thinking about the technologybased interactions between generations – grandparents and their grandchildren –and how their often unrecognised collaboration has created new opportunities for connection in a digital era.

Through the lens of the new sociology of childhood, it’s evident that technology may not be the barrier that popular culture would have us believe. Beyond the health benefits noted for older adults who participate in social media, including reduced levels of depression and feelings of isolation, technology offers a

guyanatimesgy.com

setting for older adults to build and sustain meaningful connections with youth in their lives and a sense of lasting contribution to their legacy—something Erikson noted as key to psychosocial health of an older generation.

Within the new sociology of childhood framework, a key assertion is the active role that children have in their own developmental process and the dynamic role children and youth play in shaping the cultural experiences and development of adults in their lives. Socialisation, from this perspective, is not unidirectional. In short, children play an active role in a developmental process that includes biology, culture, history and their participation inherently influences the very individuals and systems that seek to

“socialise” them into adulthood. Within this framework, Madeleine Leonard introduces the notion of Generagency and the subparts of Intergeneragency and Intra-generagency. Together, these concepts offer a promising context for considering the role of technology in the lives of grandparents and their grandchildren, and for that matter, the influence of grandparents and their grandchildren on technology itself.

Generagency, as described by Leonard in her book, The Sociology of Children, Childhood, and Generation, highlights the importance of understanding childhood and adulthood as positioned across different places, histories, and times—generations. Including “agency” in this underscores that all individuals, including children, play an active role in the relationships

– both within their own generation and with those located in different generations. Intergeneragency focuses on the way in which both childhood and adulthood exist within the same world but in different locations based on generations.

With respect to the way in which grandparents and their grandchildren connect in a digital world, the concept of inter-generagency allows us to see how children and adults inform and influence one another. Through regular digital interactions, whether it’s an interactive game, social media posts, texts, or email exchanges, the relationships between members of different generations – as in the case of grandparents and grandchildren – offer a context for all participating individuals to accept, challenge, resist, and transform technologybased practices and norms for interactive behaviours. In other words, as youth share their knowledge, their frustration, their excitement, and their innovative ideas for applying technology to their everyday lives in and out of school, an older generation has the opportunity to learn from youth and to also share their own experience, over time, with living in a digital era. Through this mutual exchange of ideas, emotions, and expertise, both generations grow.

As a society we will continue to grapple with the overall impact of new technologies, particularly as they challenge the familiar modes of communication and connection from our own formative years. However, within the broader conversation, it is meaningful to consider how the tools we have today allow different types of connections between generations and how technology can afford contexts for inter-generagency in which generations learn, influence, empathise with and understand one another.

May you be well connected! (psychologytoday.com)

Continued from Monday

By Dona Matthews, PhD Ask the child for help. If you can’t think of a good logical consequence, ask the misbehaving child. Children are almost always brilliant at thinking up appropriate consequences, although they can be a bit draconian. You may have to tone down their ideas before implementation.

Move on. Once the child has done their time, you might ask (with a gentle smile) if they’ve learnt anything from the experience, but don’t belabour it.

Logical consequences: some examples Four-year-old Sammy spills his milk, as he’s trying to pour it from one glass to another after you have asked him not to do that.

Do not ask Sammy why he’s so clumsy. Do not remind him you’d asked him not to pour from one glass to the other. Do not tell him he can’t have any more milk. Do not send him for a timeout.

Instead, say something like, “Whoops. What do we do next?”

He will almost certainly know that he needs to get a cloth and clean it up and probably won’t mind doing that if you treat him with good-natured respect. If he doesn’t know what to do next, it may be because you haven’t invested the time in teaching him.

Three-year-old Lauren hits her brother because he’s using the toy she wants to play with.

Do not hit Lauren or tell her to go to a timeout. Look at her as if you can’t quite believe she has done this, and say something like, “You know we don’t hit people in our family. What happens next?”

If little Lauren doesn’t seem to know she needs to apologise, help her get there. Do some role-playing with what an apology looks like, with you and Lauren taking turns playing the role of her and her brother. Once she has told him she’s sorry and told you that she knows she shouldn’t hit people, consider what else might be going on. Is she hungry, tired, thirsty, needing a snuggle? Use her behaviour as a message to attend to what’s happening with her.

Six-year-old Polly has made a big mess. There are blocks and books and toys strewn all around the living room.

Don’t yell. Don’t tell Polly you’ve told her a million times she has to put her things away as she finishes using them. And don’t give her a timeout. More than anything, Polly needs a time-in right now.

Say something like, “My goodness. You have a big job ahead of you. You know what’s next, right?”

She may grumble but stay with her on this. She’s trying to tell you something with this mess, and you want to hear it. She may be feeling overwhelmed, worried, or something else. Ask her if she wants to clean it up by herself, or if she’d like some help. If she’s unwilling to

start the clean-up, start it yourself, telling her what you’re doing, and asking for her help. “How about we start with the books? Let’s put them back in the bookcase.”

If she moves out of the room, let her know you need her to come back and do the clean-up. You might give her a few minutes grace period before you get her to bring her back, just to allow her to retain her selfrespect.

If she still resists cleaning up, tell her that you’ll clean it all up, but that you’ll put everything into a box that she won’t have access to for a day or more (depending on the situation).

Why do logical consequences work?

Obvious connection to the crime. The consequence provides an obvious result of their behaviour.

This is a much more effective way of showing a child why they should behave better than a punishment that has no connection to the crime.

No humiliation. By focusing on the deed as bad, and not the perpetrator, logical consequences don’t shame or punish the child.

With children – like most adults – humiliation is more likely to breed resentment and retaliation than learning.

Encourages responsibility for behaviour. Punishments, including timeouts, show that the adult is the boss, no matter what the adult might tell the child about reaping the punishment they earned.

Logical consequences, on the other hand, show the child how to take responsibility for their behaviour.

Calm and connected. Unlike most punishments, including spanking and timeouts, logical consequences can be imposed in ways that make a child feel safe and secure.

What are the problems with logical consequences?

Not always appropriate.

They provide one way of handling misbehaviour and aren’t always the best way. Sometimes a child needs only a hug and conversation about the behaviour. Sometimes – with bigger or persistent problems – the child and parent need professional help.

Imagination necessary. The adult has to be able to think up an appropriate logical consequence. If there isn’t an obvious one, the child can often help generate something good and inventive.

Temptation to save the child.

Depending on the consequence, the adult might have a hard time not saving the child from the consequence. For example, nobody wants to see a child get cold and wet because they refused to wear a raincoat.

Take time to sink in. Logical consequences don’t always work the first time. Over time, children who experience logical consequences increasingly take responsibility for their actions, but they won’t get it all at once. (Excerpt from psychologytoday.com)

7 Lotto Company gets sweet deal after profits dip news

tuesDAY, october 10, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

...granted go-ahead to expand ‘gambling ring’

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aving complained of sagging profits, the Guyana Lottery Company has been handed a five-year renewable contract that allows it to introduce new games into the country using Video Lottery Teller Machines such as casino slot machines and online gambling.

This as local entrepreneurs complain bitterly, and have even moved to the courts.

Finance Minister Winston Jordan on Monday confirmed the renewable five-year agreement as he was questioned over reports questioning the legality of gambling machines being used at popular night spots locally, despite the establishment not being the holder of a casino licence.

Gambling is prohibited in Guyana under the Prevention of Gambling Act, which incidentally does provide for issuance of special casino licences.

To date, there has been only one operational licence issued -- for the Princess Hotel and C a s i n o , while the G u y a n a Marriott is earmarked.

Guyana’s laws limit the number of casino licences that can be issued, and local hotelier Clifton Bacchus of Sleepin Hotel, along with his investors, has in recent months lamented bitterly the heavy-handed approach

by Government in withholding the issuance of a casino licence to his establishment.

Reports surfaced on Monday in the local media of three entertainment spots where dozens of casino machines are in operation—machines identical in nature to the ones operated in the

Princess Casino.

Guyana’s Finance Minister, when confronted with the reports on Monday, confirmed that the Guyana Lottery Company had given an undertaking together with Government—in the contract that was renewed this year—to introduce new games.

According to Jordan, the contract was renewed after the Lotto Company complained over the traditional annual renewal of its licence.

The Finance Minister, in emphasising that a valid five-year contract had been signed between the Lotto Company and the Government, through to 2021, said the contract allows for the introduction of a range of new games by the lottery company.

Jordan told media operatives that the company did some analysis and determined “some of the games were sagging some of the

continue to receive 24 per cent of the proceeds “together with some other sweeteners.”

The Minister did not elaborate on the other sweeteners in the agreement between the Ministry of Finance and the Guyana Lottery Company, a subsidiary of Canadian Bank Note (CBN).

Under the previous arrangement with the Government, while the Lotto Company did pay 24 per cent GLCL General Manager Tracey Lewis

of the proceeds to the state, its contract to operate the gambling games across the country was renewed on an annual basis.

Jordan, in defending the Lottery Company’s five-year deal, lamented the previous arrangement as a ‘shoe string’ arrangement.

Questions had surfaced over the legality of the machines operating in the city—illegal under the Prevention of Gambling Act.

Gaming Authority position

r e turns on

the games.”

According to Jordan, “They do have a contract for 2017 to 2021...they do have a contract that involves them introducing new games and new games that will utilize internet also.”

As a result, the new deal with the Lottery Company will introduce new games, including online gambling; and according to Jordan, Government will in return

The Gaming Authority meanwhile, by way of a public missive on Monday evening attempted also to clear the air and provided details of the arrangement under which the Lottery Company is currently operating.

According to that authority, in the missive inked by its Chairman, Roysdale Forde, Canadian Bank Note, through its agents the Guyana Lottery Company, was operating in Guyana under an agreement crafted by the Government of Guyana and that agreement “has made provision for the right of the Guyana Lottery Company to operate Video Lottery Terminals (VLTs) in

Guyana.”

The Gaming Authority, under the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism Act of 2009 and Amendment 2016, has been identified as the Supervisory Authority for casinos and lotteries.

According to Forde, the Gaming Authority, in its capacity as a Supervisory

Authority, had advised the Lottery Company to await rollout of the enactment of legislation and formulation of regulations to guide the operation’s machines.

The gambling games previously operated by the Guyana Lottery Company through its arrangement with Government include ‘Lotto Supa 6,’ ‘Lucky 3,’

‘Daily Millions,’ and ‘Draw De Line’; along with a range of popular ‘scratch’ games.

Its ring of gambling games has now been expanded to include those using the VLT machines—machines akin to the casino slot machines, also referred to as the one-arm bandit.

Sheriff Street road expansion project scrapped

G

overnment has announced that the multi-million-dollar Sheriff Street/Mandela Avenue Expansion Project has been scrapped, and the funds would be otherwise utilized for other infrastructural works.

Finance Minister Winston Jordan said on Monday that the more than US$60M loan has being sitting since 2012, and Government was responsible for paying interest and

commission fees on undisbursed balance.

He recalled that when the coalition Government was elected in 2015, the InterAmerican Development Bank (IDB) had threatened to cancel the loan, but after much convincing, it was retained and has since been reformulated.

Ever since then, they have been discussing ways in which these funds could be effectively utilized. A decision was made to have

US$30 million of that loan to go towards housing.

“Isn’t that a top priority in this country? So we are now devising a housing programme with the IDB, and another one too that will have innovative features,” he explained.

Jordan said the aim is to move away from having it become a ‘run of the mill’ loan, but rather one that will, in many areas to help, rebuild the homes of several poor families.

“Of the amounts that left back, we are not interested in widening any road, but what we are interested in doing is the bridges along Sheriff Street,” the Minister stated.

These include the bridges located next to the National Cultural Centre; Campbellville Secondary School, and one at the Lamaha canal.

TURN TO PAGE 9

8 NEWS

tuesDAY, october 10, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

IN THE COURTS

2 remanded over $25M theft Klepto T

he two men who were reportedly caught stealing from the Chicka D Restaurant located on Vlissengen Road were on Monday remanded to prison when they appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

Forty-one-year-old Gary Grant and his alleged accomplice, Seon Clarke, 47, stood before Magistrate Judy Latchman to answer to the charges against them.

The duo denied that between September 20, 2017 and October 5, 2017, they broke into the Chicka D Restaurant and stole an ice maker along with other items valued in total $25 million.

Clarke was also charged separately for assaulting a Police Officer and behaving disorderly.

Police Prosecutor Adoni Innis told the court that the men broke and entered the recently-closed business place owned by businessman Deonarine Singh.

Police, however, received a tip and swooped down on the location where they caught the men in the act.

In an attempt to escape lawmen, Clarke pulled out a knife and advanced towards a Policeman. He reportedly punched the officer in his eye and managed to escape, but was later subdued by public-spirited persons and handed over to the Police.

Grant, who managed to escape later, turned himself in to the Police.

Magistrate Latchman remanded both men to prison until October 30, 2017 when the case will be called again.

State…

I

The duo charged: Gary Grant and his alleged accomplice, Seon Clarke

Taxi driver remanded for Security unlicensed firearm, ammo guard

A

28-year-old father of three, Clyde Williams was remanded to prison when Magistrate Judy Latchman refused the bail application made

by Attorney-at-Law George Thomas on behalf of the defendant.

Williams was hauled before the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts on Monday for the alleged possession of one 9mm pistol

and one .32 live round of ammunition on October 6, 2017, in North Ruimveldt, Georgetown, while not being the holder of a firearm licence in force at the time.

The Diamond Housing Scheme, East Bank Demerara resident, according to the Prosecutor, was intercepted in a motor vehicle by law enforcement officers acting quickly on a tip.

The items were found in

the backseat of the motor car, in which Williams was the sole occupant.

Bail was objected to on the grounds of the prevalence and seriousness of the offence and was accordingly refused by Magistrate Latchman. The defendant will remain on remand until October 30 when the case is expected to be called at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

slapped with fraud charge

A

35-year-old woman, of Pouderoyen, West Bank Demerara, pleaded not guilty to two charges of fraud and was released on $300,000 bail after a successful bail application by lawyer Paul FungA-Fat on Monday at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

It is alleged that on September 25, 2017 at Subryanville Georgetown, with intent to defraud, Donnette Jupiter uttered to Paul DeFrietas, a Police Chief Security, one forged Guyana Police Supernumerary Constable percept purporting to show that same was issued by the Guyana Police Force (GPF).

Moreover, Jupiter allegedly conspired with person/s to forge the percept in favour of herself purporting to show that same was issued by the GPF. The prosecution stated that the defendant, on September 17, 2017 applied for the percept, that which was denied on September 26. Nonetheless, Jupiter’s lawyer is contending that the woman was given the percept by Police at Eve Leary in Georgetown.

Bail was fixed at $150,000 for each charge and the case scheduled to continue on October 30.

…metastasises into gambling f it’s another day in Guyana ,then it has to be another bit of thiefin’ – by one or another Government agency or affiliate, if not a Minister and staff – exposed to the eyes of an incredulous populace. “Dem maan can THEEEEIF!!” It’s rather obvious now that all that hollering and screaming by APNU and AFC about the PPP thievery were projections of the sticky-fingered demons lurking in their fetid little minds.

Take the latest one coming from the already shady world of gambling. It’s not that your Eyewitness has seen movies about casinos in Vegas or Monte Carlo (he has!).

But even from the staid business magazines he consumes, he’s gleaned that graft and casinos go together like “batty and po”! Meaning if a country or a city intends to introduce gambling, they’d better introduce and enforce some tough laws!

Well, your Eyewitness though Guyana had learnt this lesson when he read about that SleepIn fella being dragged over the coals (live ones!) by the properly empowered Gaming Authority. He even was told he had to cough up his financial transactions for the past seven years!! Can you imagine what would happen if the upstanding lawyer who heads the Gaming Authority were asked to do that? Heart attack time!! Just ask our head of the GRA! Anyhow, your Eyewitness just confirmed the old folks knew what they were talking about when they said, “There’s more than one way to skin a cat”. So if you can’t get the VERY expensive and stringent licence to run a casino – just work out an arrangement with a bar, install casino slot machines and VOILA!!! You have the best of all worlds! If you think about it, a casino’s basically a bar with slot machines, ain’t it? Didn’t you see Oceans 11, 12 and 13??!!

Buxom waitresses ply you with drinks and you then gamble the night away! Bearing in mind, the Golden Rule of Casinos – namely, “THE CASINO ALWAYS WIN”!

–- bars would give their first-born to have slot machines installed. But since it’ll be “human trafficking” if firstborns are given away, we can only guess what passed below the table for THREE BARS to be given permission for slot machines!!

So, who gave the bars permission for gambling? The answer proves the klepto syndrome is alive and kicking with this Government’s minions. The Government says it’s between the Gaming Authority and the Guyana Lottery Company. But the Gaming Authority says, “Wasn’t us!!

It’s between the Government and GLC!!”

The Chairman of the Gaming Authority is Roysdale Forde and his law partner’s wife is General Manager of the GLC. Just coincidence!! …SOCU and SARA SOCU and SARA, those crack crime-fighting units deployed to bring the aforementioned “thiefin’ PPP to JUSTICE, have been in the news recently. SOCU’s looking for space –- big space – from where it can launch its crack (not “cracked”!!) crime fighters for equity, justice and the Guyanese way!! As part of his public service obligations, your Eyewitness would like to assist them in this urgent task. We can’t afford to leave any corruption un-investigated.

So, SOCU, why don’t you check with Larry Singh about that 10,000 sq ft air-conditioned property in Albouystown that’ll soon be available – IF the Minister of Health’s to be believed. The hundreds of millions for acquiring and renting the property, etc, don’t have to be investigated – the Minister apologised. All’s forgiven.

Then SARA boasted they received 1000 applications for 23 jobs available. Now don’t think this means we have an unemployment problem. Finance Minister Jordan assures us there isn’t.

Patriotic Guyanese just want to get back the property stolen by those dastardly PPP!! …and the Ming Swing There was a report on the homeowners on the East Bank who’d be displaced by the Ming Swing Demerara Bridge. They’re resigned to their fate.

On the West Bank, Ming says he ain’t selling. Clever fella: he’s obviously holding out for more.

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

News

9

tuesDAY, october 10, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Primary school student attacked by classmate A

routine Friday afternoon quickly became terrifying for a nineyear-old student at Eccles Primary School, East Bank Demerara after she was strangled by her classmate, and left to endure the pain, without any efforts to contact her family.

The student, who is said to be among the high flyers of her class, was at the time preparing for an event when she was approached by a male classmate who reportedly removed her ribbon and then went on to strangle the nine-year-old with it.

Witnessing the struggle, another child intercepted the attack and managed to release the student from the grip. The nine-year-old is now left nursing a scar across her neck, but had it not been for the intervention of her peer, the vicious attack could have resulted in her death.

On Monday a social media post of the child’s injury quickly went viral after an enraged family member of the injured girl took to Facebook to express her grievance over the matter, and more so the way in which it was handled by the school’s administration.

The furious young woman, who is the older cousin

injured 9-year-old were treated to a series of racial insults. Moreover, the defensive relatives even threatened those representing the battered girl.

Meanwhile, the cousin, in her social media outburst, questioned the intentions of the school’s administration in concealing the matter. In doing so, she noted, “Guess she would have had to die for someone at that school to see it fit to call her mother. I wonder what action would they have been able to take had she died,

The nine-year-old student displaying the laceration sustained in the attack by her classmate

of the injured student, indicated in her Facebook post that the school failed to inform her family of the incident. However, when the mother arrived at the school at around 15:00h that afternoon, she was greeted by her injured child, who was complaining of severe pain due to the injuries to her neck.

It was then that the mother approached the teacher, only to have her complaint brushed off, leaving her with no satisfaction. Nevertheless, the distressed parent persisted

with her questions, which reportedly infuriated the teacher, and she threatened to have the parent removed from the school’s compound.

The family is yet to be offered an explanation as to what exactly had transpired. However, the school’s administration did promise that the Welfare Department of the Ministry of Education would be notified. Meanwhile, the matter intensified when the relatives of the implicated school boy became involved in the inquiries. Reports are that loved ones of the

Sheriff Street road...

FROM PAGE 7

The previous Government had been working on the project for a number of years after it became clear that the Sheriff/ Mandela link was becoming too congested.

The plan was to upgrade the entire Sheriff Street to the National Cultural Centre. From the National Cultural Centre, a fourlane road, someonewill run to the Banks DIH Junction, at Thirst Park.

Meanwhile, the Finance Minister claimed that several bad loans inherited from the previous administration has affected Government’s

allocation in the new financial cycle Jordan said Government, thorough his ministry is now attempting to clean out the portfolio of all these dead loans, and learn from that experience in the implementation of new loans.

“So, for example, we signed five loans in February of this year in the health sector, child care.

But before signing, we did the pre-conditions, whereby the time it’s ready for signing its ready for implementation.”

However, he claimed that the previous Government

signed loans and then tried to meet a range of conditions for the effectiveness of loans, but he noted that at the very moment the loan is signed, it starts attracting interest. “We are trying to cut that out,” he asserted.

Jordan also revealed that sums of money will be allocated for long overdue road projects as the East Bank Berbice Road Project.

While the project will cost somewhere close to $15 billion, half of that amount has been set aside in the next budget, which will be placed towards the implementation.

and who would have been responsible then?”

Eventually, after much public condemnation, the school’s administration reached out to the family of the now traumatized nine-year-old. In a meeting with the Head Teacher, the child’s parents were reassured that the Welfare Department would address the matter. The implicated child continues to attend school as per normal.

When Guyana Times contacted the Welfare Department at the

Education Ministry in relation to the attack, this newspaper was informed by officials that they are unaware whether a report was filed. However the officers did indicate that only their superiors will be able to release such information.

All the while, hundreds of persons have been sharing and commenting on the Facebook posts, urging relatives to pursue legal action.

Moreover, they are calling for the administration of the Eccles Primary School to be investigated as well.

10 news

tuesDAY, october 10, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

“Trotman used public office for private gain”

...corrupt under any reasonable test – Chris Ram

N

atural Resources Minister Raphael Trotman is being accused of using his high public office for private gain.

This charge is being laid against the Minister by social activist and Chartered Accountant Christopher Ram. Ram made the accusations over the weekend as the infamous Quintet + 1, ministerial delegation to ExxonMobil’s Texas-based headquarters continues to attract scrutiny.

Ram made his views known over the weekend on his chrisram.net media outlet, since the revelation that Minister Trotman has in fact married the technical officer who had formed part of the delegation to Texas, despite having tendered her resignation a month before the trip.

He observed that the technical officer has since been formally married to the Minister at a recent ceremony in Grenada—the spice isle.

According to Ram, “Under any reasonable test, this act by Trotman would be considered as corrupt,” and points to using public office for private gain.

Ram has since ques-

Natural Resources Raphael Trotman

Minister

tioned whether Minister Trotman had informed “his colleagues that he and the young lady were engaged/ about to be married… If he did not, was that not a material non-disclosure... And if he did, did they object; and if not, why not?

The social activist, in his critical observation, quipped, “It would be interesting also to know whether Trotman informed ExxonMobil of his relationship with the young woman, and whether he and the other four Ministers who went on the visit did not consider his action, at the very least,

inappropriate and personally uncomfortable.”

Ram said the matter has to be seen in context, observing, “On the delegation was Minister Dominic Gaskin of the AFC, who described the AFC ministers of the APNU+AFC Government as un-bribable....Despite what Minister Gaskin said, the cost of the visit does not qualify as an expenditure under the petroleum regime, and must therefore be borne by the shareholders of that company. We need to act responsibly and properly with all the oil companies, not compromise our country and our standards.”

Trotman’s misuse of tax dollars came to light recently, when questions surfaced over his assistant at the Ministry of Natural Resources accompanying a Government delegation to Texas, United States of America, to meet with the ExxonMobil executives.

This despite the fact his assistant had already tendered her resignation from that Government agency/ Ministry.

Trotman’s assistant in 2015 resigned her senior level post at the Child Care and Protection Agency, an

Christopher Ram

agency she was poised to take over from its current Director, Ann Greene.

Following the elections,

the young woman resigned her post from the Childcare Agency and was soon employed as a senior technical officer in Minister Trotman’s close circle.

Observers have pointed out that the young woman has since been accompanying Minister Trotman as part of high level delegations.

Sources close to the Ministry have pointed out that Minister Trotman’s assistant holds a Masters in Child Welfare matters—a distinction she earned while serving as a senior functionary in that Government outfit.

The assistant, now Mrs Raphael Trotman, as a technical officer in the Ministry

of Natural Resources, accompanied a delegation at tax payers’ expense to Geneva, Switzerland for a United Nations Conference in Sept. 2015 (26-29).

She also accompanied a Government delegation to the France COP 21 Conference, held in December that year.

Another taxpayer-funded trip that Trotman’s assistant was feted was at the Trinidad Energy Conference, and again in Oslo, Norway, among others. Minister Trotman’s assistant was recently the subject of public scrutiny when questions surfaced over her accompanying a ministerial delegation to Texas for a high level meeting.

Double murder

Mastermind confesses to killing pensioners …trio for court Wednesday

I

mran Khan, also called Christopher Narine, the alleged mastermind in the double- murder at South Road and Albert Street in Georgetown, has confessed to committing the heinous crimes, while holding out that the plan was never the kill the two elderly women.

Khan was nabbed in a Pomeroon riverine community in Region Two on Sunday afternoon, and taken to the headquarters of the Criminal Investigation Department, where he was grilled, during which he reportedly told the ranks that the plan was just to rob the two women, but

Dead: Constance Fraser

one of the co-accused had bound and gagged the women. He also told detectives the conspirators had planned the robbery a few days prior to executing it, claiming that he had gone to the house to do some work and it was then he knew that the two ladies, 87-year-old Constance Fraser and 75-year-old Phyllis Caesar, lived alone.

The suspect recalled that he and two others climbed into the veranda and opened one of the windows to gain entry into the house. Whilst in the house, he noted that the two

Alleged mastermind: Khan, also called Christopher Narine

Imran

women were asleep in separate bedrooms.

He confessed that they went into the first room, woke up the woman, and demanded that she hand over her money and other valuables. As the woman was about to raise an alarm, they stuffed her mouth with pieces of cloth and “choked” her.

Khan claimed she died almost immediately.

They then went to the other bedroom and repeated the action. After they realized that both women were dead, they ransacked the house for money. Apart from cash and jewellery, the trio escaped with a television set and a mobile phone belonging to one of the women.

The mobile phone, a Police source has stated, was found in Khan’s possession after he was arrested on Sunday in the Pomeroon River. The SIM card that was found in the phone belonged to Phillip Suffrein.

The trio are expected to make their court appearance on Wednesday. The file is expected to be sent to the Director of Public Prosecutions today for advice, but according to a po-

lice source, a confession by the three men would make it easier for the DPP. The bodies of Fraser, known as “Mother Fraser”, and Caesar, her niece, were found in the wee hours of Tuesday. The women were found in the upper flat of the home, in their respective bedrooms, lying unconscious on their beds. Caesar’s hands and legs were bound, and a piece of cloth had been stuffed in her mouth.

According to reports, Caesar had failed to report to her place of worship, as is customary, prompting several attempts to contact the duo, all of which were to no

Dead: Phyllis Caesar

avail. A congregation member then alerted the Police, and together they ventured into the home and discovered the two women dead.

The elderly women were last seen alive while attending church on Monday evening. Meanwhile, the autopsy done on the bodies of the two women proved that they died as a result of asphyxiation due to suffocation and manual strangulation, compounded by trauma to the head. The post-mortem was performed by local pathologist Dr Nehaul Singh.

11 Jagdeo alerts Canadian-Guyanese of economic hardships at home O news

tuesDAY, october 10, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

pposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo is currently on outreach to the Canadian Diaspora where he told the overseas-based Guyanese about the hardships facing the country.

Jagdeo was at the time joined by Danny Doobay, former Honorary Consul General to Canada, Mani Singh of the Association of Canadian Guyanese (ACG), and Member of Parliament Irfaan Ali. The activity, which was hosted by the ACG, heard the Opposition Leader’s dim report on the Guyana economy, which is being compounded by a rapid loss of jobs across traditional sectors and with little hope to be gleaned from the emerging oil and gas sectors.

“Few are expecting the promise of new oil revenues to trickle down to the average Guyanese. More likely, as already seen with this Administration, the bene-

fits will accrue to a select few...The model is already in place and one does not have to look far for examples of this works. Just look at Members of Parliament salaries, which have doubled – while ordinary Guyanese come under increasing economic strain,” Jagdeo told the Toronto-based section of the Guyanese Diaspora.

The Opposition Leader in his outreach reported that ever since President David Granger took office in 2015, 25,000 jobs have been lost – a situation compounded by the introduction of 200 new taxes.

“Guyanese people of all stripes, religion or ethnicity are bearing the brunt of the hardships brought on by an administration with no realistic vision and no strategic economic plan...

Instead, they use meaningless slogans...these slogans are devoid of any substantive definition as to what they mean, and are unsup-

SleepIn Casino application

Gaming Authority denies breach of trust

C

hairman of the Guyana Gaming Authority, Roysdale Forde, has denied that the body handed over any confidential financial information to Attorney General Basil Williams or the State-owned Guyana Chronicle.

The denial by the Gaming Authority Chairman comes in wake of reports that confidential financial information handed over to the Gaming Authority was turned over to Attorney General Basil Williams, who has since made the documents public by filing them as part of an affidavit.

That affidavit was filed on Attorney-at-Law Anil Nandlall, who was on Friday last served with copies of the Affidavit which contained his client’s confidential financial information—information that had been submitted to the Gaming Authority.

Nandlall later accused the Gaming Authority of deliberately turning over the information to the AG, and leaking it to the media -- charges now being denied by Forde.

“The Authority is currently reviewing the said application, and can say with surety that it did not hand over any of the information submitted in the licencee’s application

by Sleep-In International Hotel and Casino Inc. to the Attorney General, the Attorney General’s Office, or the Guyana National Newspapers Limited (GNNL),” Forde said.

The Sleepin owners had, in April last, applied to the Gaming Authority for certain casino licences, but were de-

nied. The reason proffered for the denial was that the applications did not contain all the requisite information, which led to a similar application being re-submitted on Wednesday last.

It is the confidential financial information which has been submitted along with these applications which the Gaming Authority is being accused of leaking to the state media and Attorney General Basil Williams.

The Gaming Authority Chairman is contending, however, that the authority is currently looking at an application for casino licences made by Sleep-In International Hotel and Casino Inc dated April 5, 2017, and there has been no subsequent applications for casino licences by SleepIn International Hotel and Casino Inc. post-April 5, 2017, as implied by Nandlall.

“What has been requested of the Directors/Secretary of Sleep-In International Hotel and Casino Inc by the Gaming Authority is the submission of documentation under the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) Amendment Act.” The Authority’s Chairman further said he was not in receipt of any letter of complaint from Nandlall concerning the handing over of any documents, nor of any legal proceedings that he (Nandlall) had instituted against the Guyana National Newspapers Limited or the Editor of the Guyana Chronicle.

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo and team also engaged Guyanese at Rotilicious, Ajax, Ontario

ported by policy underpinnings to make them reality.”

According to Jagdeo, “from the time the Granger Administration took over, Guyana has regressed”.

He told the ACG, “While it has always been recognised that Guyana has the natural physical potential to al-

low all Guyanese to achieve a measure of prosperity... that great promise of the future is regretfully now slipping away – even in the face of developments in the oil and gas sector.”

The former President told Guyanese living in Canada that President Granger failed to see or be

concerned with the people side of the equation.

“The industry sectors are not single companies or single plants, where closure, albeit painful, can be contained. Entire communities – families and the country’s social well-being – depend on the jobs in each of these segments.”

He told the gathering, “not only is President Granger blind to the social cost of neglecting these industries in the form of broken families, increased crime etc, he also fails to recognise the economic impact in increased social payments by the Government, reduced income taxes to the treasury and loss of other essential services now provided by these industries – services such as the upkeep of infrastructure or clearage of drains and canals without which entire communities would be flooded.”

He said the President offered up petroleum as the “transformative” magic bullet; however, while oil was indeed another pillar in Guyana’s promise, the industry would only create 1000 direct and indirect jobs locally, compared to the 25,000 jobs that have already been lost under this Administration.

Family of murdered Berbice man bashes Police F amily members of the murdered Mahendra Ghanie have claimed that they were given the “royal run around” by the Police when they initially reported that the young man had gone missing.

According to the dead man’s mother, Indranie Senanan, they were forced to visit three Police Stations nine times in two days before any action was taken.

What are believed to be the remains of 21-yearold Mahendra Ghanie of Bloomfield Village, Corentyne were dug out from a shallow grave at Number 55 Village on Friday afternoon, when burnt bone fragments were uncovered in a two-foot grave.

Recalling what she described as a tedious task to get assistance from the Police, Senanan related that the family contacted the Police on Wednesday last to inform them that Ghanie had gone missing since Monday.

Senanan explained that on Wednesday morning they went to the Number 51 Police Station and made the report.

The pottery maker had left to go to Number 55 Village and was not heard from again.

Senanan said that on Wednesday afternoon they went to the Whim Police Station, but again in vain. On Thursday morning, when they went to the Whim Police Station for a second time, they were told to go to the Number 51 Police Station. When they got there, they were made to wait for hours; but they then

The shallow grave where the bones were found

decided to leave and start a search for the now dead man.

According to the missing man’s brother Razack, they ventured to his brother’s place of work and was told that he had not been there, and had never worked there. But his mother found a hammock which Ghanie had used at the employer’s house.

With that information, they went back to the Number 51 Police Station, but were told that it was the Whim Station that was going to handle the matter. According to Senanan, the officer in charge of the station told the family that they were going to telephone the family if they got any information. The frustrated family then ventured to the Central Police Station in New Amsterdam, where orders were given and they were sent back to the Whim Police Station.

It was then a small

amount of action was taken, and officers went to Number 55 Village and arrested the suspect and one of his workers, and told the family to go home even after Sananan found what she believed to be a shirt which belonged to her son.

“I walk over by the cemetery, and between two graves I find one of my jerseys that I give my son. I pick it up and told the Police [name given] that this is my son Ghanie jersey, and he turn and ask me if he does wear woman jersey, and I say that he does wear it to work and that I give him it; it is my jersey…”

After that episode, the family was told that they could go home, and would be contacted if the Police got a breakthrough in the case.

However, the family was persistent in finding their loved one, and as such went to the suspect’s yard, where they stumbled on a two-foot deep grave with something

burning.

Razack said he took a piece of stick and used it to find out what was burning, and discovered what appeared to be parts of bones.

He said he first contacted an older cousin and invited him to the site. “And I call the Number 51 Police Station and they send a female and when I did find some more (bones), she call the Sergeant at Number 51.

When the 51 sergeant come now, and I find the next big piece of bone, he tell me that is not bone, but is a piece of wood.”

Razac explained that he also found his brother’s cell phone case, and told this to the Police officer.

On Monday, the family members met with a representative from the Prime Minister’s Office, seeking Government intervention in the matter, claiming they have no confidence in the Police that handled the matter.

12

guyanatimesgy.com

tuesday, october 10, 2017

MAKE IT YOURS

U

nited Commodities Inc is an importer and reseller of red clay bricks, ceramic tiles, cement and machine made blocks, pavers, paint, primer, water glaze, trowel plastic and Trowel Tex and other related products in Guyana.

Troweltex Textured Finish is a professionally applied waterborne acrylic coating, made with Caribbean coral dust to provide a textured long-lasting finish.

Troweltex offers the following: Luxury Appeal – Transforms interiors and exteriors with high-end stone-like finish • Durability – Exceptionally long-lasting surface that seals and resists harsh or challenging weathering conditions • Adds Value – This strong and highly regarded surface can increase the value of your home or other buildings • Customised Options – Available in four grades of texture – Superfine*, Fine, Medium and Coarse and can be tinted to hundreds of colours •

Trowel Tex is a rough and attractive finish that is becoming popular in Guyana. Don’t be left behind, visit UNICOM today to get your supplies.

They are located at Y2Z Providence, East Bank Demerara or call them on 265-7557 or 2657556.

guyanatimesgy.com

S

o it’s almost Diwali, and your homes’ or your place of works’ walls still have moss and dirt accumulated over the past few months- or years

even.

You’re thinking to yourself that it might be quite a task to get your hands on the equipment to power wash; too much labor to clean the entire gunk off your walls-on your own. You’re confused and stressed but that really shouldn’t be.

You open your Guyana Times Newspaper and you’re reading this article right now. You now know that it really isn’t that hard to get the help you very much sought. You’re relieved.

You came to the right place. Contact Pro power wash today, and let’s get cleaning! Also, you can visit and like their facebook page for more information and continuous updates.

Your home is your most valuable asset TREAT IT RIGHT!

W

hen you think of variety, what do you think of?

Maybe it should be Best Buy variety store where you get your one stop hardware shopping needs met.

They offer tools, building materials, household appliances, furnishing items, electronics, you just name it, they have it!

So, for the best prices, the best quality and the best services, stop off at Best Buy and give ‘em a try!

IMPROVEMENT

tuesday, october 10, 2017

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guyanatimesgy.com

tuesday, october 10, 2017

alifornia Stucco has been in existence for the past five years in Guyana. We have entered the local arena with over 30 years’ experience in the United States and Trinidad. We have been providing our customers in Guyana with the same excellent exterior finishes that have satisfied property owners globally. We want to give you value for your money. No project is too small or too big for us. Our trained and professional teams are always happy to guide you in the final stages of your home.

We offer one-on-one meetings with our valued customers, site visits, free colour consultations, custom designed mouldings, product samples, after sales service and manufacturer warranty on all application jobs. Our products include troweltexture stucco, door and window mouldings, columns, granite for walls, acryl paint and primer. We are the only company in Guyana that supply and install our products. If you already have your own contractor and just want to purchase our products, let us know and we will be happy to serve you. Our troweltexture stucco comes in any colour of your choice. You can trust us to complete your home or office the way you want.

Call 225-5253/5254 or 600-3928. We would love to see you, so visit our showroom at 96 Bonasika and Sheriff Streets, Campbellville, Georgetown. Like us on fb: California Stucco Guyana or visit our website: www.californiastuccogy.com.

You can’t have a house and not have a door!

R

e Am’s Panel Door & Furniture, located at 56 Vryheid’s Lust, East Coast Demerara, offers arch and square panel doors, French doors as well as doors made to suit your specification. It also stocks door frames, mouldings, spindles, cupboards and other pieces of furniture.

Also available are French door designs and arch windows. No door is too big or small for Re Am’s to make!

Established since 1992, there’s no doubt about the company’s experienced craftsmanship. A few other benefits of choosing Re Am’s Panel Door & Furniture are: * free delivery * free estimates * creative furniture to suit any design.

Re Am’s also exports furniture so you know you’re in good hands. Visit the store at 56 Vryheid’s Lust, East Coast Demerara or call 220-6639, 626-8141 or 664-1109.

15 East La Penitence shooting 475,202 ounces of gold Injured brothers return home declared – Ministry news

tuesDAY, OCTOber 10, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

…predicts higher declaration by year-end

T

T

wo weeks after bandits invaded an East La Penitence family, killing one member and injuring two others, the surviving brothers, one of whom was listed as critical, have returned home to North America.

This is after two masked men, one armed with a handgun, had stormed the Lot 194 Freeman Street residence on the morning of Sunday, September 24, just as the Saheed family was preparing for the death anniversary of their father.

Fazal Saheed, a 58-yearold businessman of Albion, Corentyne, was shot several times about his body, and later died while receiving treatment at the Georgetown Public Hospital.

Meanwhile, his brothers: Shalim Saheed, 53, of the United States of America, and Tallim Saheed, 50, of Toronto, Canada, were hospitalised at the Georgetown medical institution for a

number of days as a result of injuries sustained in the attack.

Tallim Saheed was shot once to his shoulder, with the bullet exiting under his armpit, whereas Shalim Saheed was left nursing several gunshot wounds to his stomach, and was said to be in an unstable condition.

The youngest of the siblings was discharged from the hospital early last week, and has managed to return home to Canada without much medical complications. However, his older brother, who had to undergo reconstructive surgery to his intestines, has not yet recovered from his injuries. Nevertheless, Shalim Saheed was flown out of Guyana on Sunday, and was greeted by an ambulance at the airport in New York.

While speaking to the Guyana Times on Sunday, another sibling, Guyanabased Raymond Shaheed,

told this publication that Tallim Saheed “is out of the woods” and Shalim Saheed is “barely mobile.” However, he remains hopeful for the full recovery of his brothers.

Just days after the fatal robbery, three persons residing within the area confessed to carrying out the brutal attack and were subsequently taken into police custody. On Tuesday last, two of the teenagers implicated in the murder appeared before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan, arraigned on the indictable charge.

Eighteen-year-old Stefon Howard and 19-year-old Shawn De Santos, both residents of Freeman Street, East La Penitence, Georgetown, were not allowed to plead to the charge.

The men were unrepresented at their arraignment, and were remanded to prison.

The duo is expected to reappear in court on October 19, 2017.

Grove couple attacked, beaten, robbed

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couple are now pleading for assistance to locate their car after they were attacked, beaten and robbed of their motor vehicle at their Grove Public Road, East Bank Demerara (EBD) home.

The incident occurred about 20:30h on Sunday when the couple were in the process of off-loading the car.

Reports are that Khan (only name given) exited his vehicle PPP 6167, opened the garage, and went back to his car to unload several items.

His wife, Niketa Khan, then exited the car and went into the garage; however, while in the garage, she peered outside and noticed two armed man attacking her husband.

The woman told Guyana Times that as the two unmasked men were attacking her husband, a third man approached her and demanded that she hand over her valuables.

The distraught woman related that she was taken to the car where the bandits proceeded to search the vehicle for valuables.

Several items, including $90,000 in cash, wallets, a licence, an ID card, and two phones, were taken.

The gunmen reportedly started to escape on foot, but quickly returned, subdued the male victim and took his car keys from his pocket.

The men then boarded the silver Toyota Premio motor car and made good their escape.

The Providence Police Station was contacted, but Niketa Khan claimed that she was told by Police that “it made no sense to chase after the men because they have guns”.

During a phone interview with this publication, the woman relayed that the Police did not even attempt to apprehend the men

The stolen car

by setting up a roadblock.

According to her, the men headed towards Providence as a Bible which was left in the car was found in that direction on the roadway.

“They went that side, because we had a Bible in the car and our phone numbers and so was in the Bible and a lady found it and called we,” Mrs Khan disclosed.

The woman described one of the men as being tall and of African descent.

The family is asking persons with information to contact the nearest police station or 592-639-4418/592-266-5084 urgently.

The Guyana Police Force (GPF) just recently urged drivers – especially those of Toyota Allions and Premios – to be extremely vigilant when driving, as there appears to be an increase in carjacking across the country.

That warning came after a total of six drivers reported that their vehicles had been hijacked in the month of August.

he Natural Resources Ministry is moving ahead to achieve its projected target of 700,000 ounces of gold declared for the year 2017, reporting a 475,202 gold declaration thus far.

This is according to the Ministry which is now predicting an increased production for the last quarter of 2017.

The 2017 Budget has set the target of 694,000 ounces of gold, but the Ministry is aiming for 700,000 ounces.

World market prices are being credited with the recent declaration of enhanced production by Guyana Goldfields Inc, one of the two large-scale mines in Guyana.

The Ministry revealed that small and medium-scale miners have thus far produced some 309,787 ounces of gold while the two

Natural Resources Minister Raphael Trotman

large mining operations – Guyana Goldfields and Troy Resources recorded a production of 117,002 ounces and 48,412 ounces respectively.

Total export earnings as at September 29, 2017 stood at US$603,980,775 compared with US$575,869,243 for the same period last

year. As such, the Ministry is applauding all miners “for their dedicated effort despite challenges experienced by the industry, both locally and globally”, and is seeking to “surpass 2016’s record production of 713,000 ounces”.

Not only did 2016 record an unprecedented declaration earning the country some US$730,915,229, but small and medium-scale miners accounted for some 70 per cent, while Guyana Goldfields and Troy Resources contributed the remainder.

The Guyana Gold Board recorded 451,490 ounces of gold in 2015, surpassing the 380,000 ounces targeted.

It was then Natural Resources Minister Raphael Trotman revealed the Ministry’s target for 700,000 ounces of gold for the year 2017.

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tuesDAY, october 10, 2017

Regional

UN Chief urges accelerated Antigua predicting “best ever” climate action after visit to year for cruise sector in 2017 hurricane-stricken Barbuda

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H

aving seen firsthand the destruction wrought by the recent hurricanes in the Caribbean, United Nations Secretary General António Guterres has called for the full mobilisation of the international community to support the people of the affected areas, while stressing the need to accelerate climate action.

“I have just witnessed a level of devastation that I have never seen in my life,” Guterres told a press conference on Saturday following a visit to storm-battered Barbuda.

“I have been in areas torn by conflict. In my own country, I have seen earthquakes, I’ve seen storms […]

I have never seen such a high-level of devastation like the one that I witnessed in Barbuda.”

“This must make us think seriously,” added Guterres, who arrived Monday for a two-day visit to Antigua, Barbuda and Dominica to survey the damage and to assess what more the UN

UN Secretary General António Guterres walks through Codrington Town in Barbuda to see firsthand the devastation left behind by Hurricane Irma

can do to help people recover from the back-to-back, Category 5 hurricanes that struck the region recently.

The Secretary General cited “a clear link” between the level of greenhouse gas in the atmosphere, including CO2, the temperature of the water and the intensity of the rainstorms and of the different hurricanes in the Region and in other parts of the world.

Hurricane Irma, which struck the region in early September, had winds of 300 km per hour for 37 hours – the longest such period ever recorded. “So the link between climate change and the devastation we are witnessing is clear, and there is a collective responsibility of the international community to stop this suicidal development,” stated Guterres. (Excerpt from Caribbean360)

Tropical Storm Ophelia forms in the Atlantic

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ropical Storm Ophelia formed in the Atlantic on Monday, swirling in the open sea and not yet representing a threat to land, US meteorologists said.

At 1500 GMT Ophelia was some 860 miles (1385 kilometres) west-southwest of the Azores islands, the Miami-based National

Hurricane Center said.

The storm is moving northeast at a speed of five miles (eight kilometres) an hour, with winds of 40 miles (65 kilometres) per hour.

“Some strengthening is forecast during the next 48 hours,” the NHC said, but it added also that there are “no coastal watches or warnings

in effect.”

Ophelia is the fifteenth named storm of the 2017 Atlantic season, which is expected to last until the end of November.

Three major hurricanes – Harvey, Irma and Maria – caused catastrophic damage in the Caribbean and the US Gulf Coast. (AFP)

Uruguay: Plane crashes during Andes disaster memorial

A

plane has crashed in Uruguay during a memorial event marking the anniversary of the 1972 Andes flight disaster.

Rescue workers are searching for the light aircraft’s missing co-pilot.

The two men on board the Piper J-3 had been attending a beachside anniversary barbecue near Montevideo, according to Uruguayan media.

A survivor of the 1972 disaster, which was dramatised in the Hollywood film Alive, said he watched the light aircraft fall into the sea.

The pilot reportedly swam to safety.

Images of the scene showed the plane’s yellow tail poking out of the water as rescue boats circled, close to Playa Pascual.

The Chilean co-pilot who is missing, Fernando González Foretic, has worked as a doctor to the Chilean rugby team and

The plane “took off and fell” according to one witness

Santiago’s Universidad Católica football team, according to Uruguayan newspaper El País.

He was part of a group gathering for a meal the day after the annual Uruguayversus-Chile Friendship Cup rugby match commemorating the 1972 accident, which led to the deaths of 29 people.

A survivor of the original crash, Roberto Canessa, told the newspaper the Piper J-3 plane “took off and fell”, close

to where the large group had gathered on Sunday.

The crash on October 13, 1972 happened when a Uruguayan amateur rugby club, the Christian Brothers, and their friends and relatives, were flying to Chile to play a game.

The memorial match, which has been taking annually place for 44 years, alternately in Chile and Uruguay, is held to mark the match that never happened. (Excerpt from BBC News)

he Antigua and Barbuda Government says it has been able to secure an additional 57 cruise ship calls to the island that will make 2017 the best ever year for cruise ship arrivals with over 900 000 cruise ship visitors expected by year end.

Tourism, Energy, Investment, and Economic Development Minister Asot Michael, addressing the 78th Annual Delegates Conference of the Antigua and Barbuda Trades and Labour Union (AT&LU) on Sunday, said he had just

returned to the island following “an intense week” of discussions with cruise ship partners in the United States.

He said the talks were to secure even more cruise ship calls “to help offset the challenges that we will face with air arrivals this winter season.

“It is important that you are aware that we are doing everything possible to safeguard our tourism industry and by extension the livelihood of every citizen and resident of our beloved country. I am pleased to report that we have been

able to secure an additional 57 cruise ship calls that will make 2017 the best ever year for cruise ship arrivals with over 900 000 cruise ship visitors expected by year end.”

Michael said that this growth trend will also continue into 2018 resulting in more jobs and more opportunities for citizens.

He said the passage of Hurricane Irma through the Caribbean last month, destroyed hundreds of millions of dollars’ worth of property, shattering many lives and livelihoods during its rampage. (Excerpt from nationnews)

Bullying in Trinidad schools prompts action by Education Minister

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everal schoolboys are facing disciplinary action after carrying out blatant acts of bullying at a secondary school in Trinidad and Tobago.

The incidents, which included robbery and assault, came to light after videos of the acts were posted on social media over the weekend. Like members of the public, Education Minister Anthony Garcia strongly condemned the incidents and said the offenders would be urgently dealt with.

“It is totally unacceptable conduct on the part of our students,” Garcia told the Trinidad Guardian newspaper.

One of the videos showed several students at Siparia West Secondary robbing another, who was dressed in an overall, of money. One of the culprits then began pushing

Education Minister Anthony Garcia says bullying will not be tolerated

the student he robbed and hitting him in the back of the head as other students cheered on.

In a second video, the same student along with other schoolmates beat another student in a classroom. A third video shows another student striking a

student twice in the back of his head.

Education authorities are meeting to discuss the incident.

Minister Garcia urged students who are victims of bullying, robbery and assault to come forward.

“We are going to deal decisively with that….It must not happen again,” he said, although declining to say exactly what disciplinary action the offenders would face.

Garcia said his Ministry has been working with teachers and principals to crack down on bullying and violence in schools. And he said while they had made much headway in addressing the problem, he expressed concern that “incidents like these…really undermine our efforts.” (Excerpt

from Caribbean360)

Argentine Airlines suspends flights to Venezuela

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rgentine Airlines has become the latest carrier to suspend flights to the Venezuelan capital, Caracas.

The company said it had concerns over security in Venezuela because of increasing criminal violence and political uncertainty.

It joins dozens of airlines who have taken similar action. Iata, the trade body for the world’s airlines, says Venezuela is becoming increasingly isolated.

Peter Cerdá, Vice President of Iata, said last week: “The situation has become increasingly difficult, most of Iata’s members have left Venezuela. There are only six or seven carriers left operating a very low flight frequency.

“Venezuela is becoming disconnected, it’s practically disconnected from the rest of the world, above all by air, and we can’t see any solution in the short term.”

Since 2003 Venezuela has

Aerolineas Argentinas said it would reimburse all passengers who had bought seats on its weekly flights to Caracas

operated a series of currency exchange controls managed by the Government.

Airline companies have been attempting for years to change the local bolivar currency it receives when it sells tickets in Venezuela into dollars.

But the Government strictly controls the amount of foreign currency it allows onto the market.

Cerdá said passenger traffic in Venezuela had dropped by 75 per cent in the last four years.

Most of the airlines

that have left reported disputes with the Venezuelan Government over unpaid contracts and worries over crew safety.

In August, the President of the Panamanian airline Copa, Pedro Heilbron, told AFP that the company would continue to operate in Venezuela despite the difficulties.

“We are becoming practically the only operator in the market but our intention is not to leave, not to abandon the market in Venezuela.”

(Excerpt from BBC News)

tuesDAY, october 10, 2017

guyanatimesgy.com

Around the World

Turkey urges US to review visa suspension as lira, stocks tumble

T

urkey urged the United States on Monday to review its suspension of visa services after the arrest of a US consulate employee sharply escalated tension between the two NATO allies and drove Turkey’s currency and stocks lower.

Relations between Ankara and Washington have been plagued by disputes over US support for Kurdish fighters in Syria, Turkey’s calls for the extradition of a US-based cleric and the indictment of a Turkish former Minister in a US court.

But last week’s arrest of a Turkish employee of the US consulate in Istanbul marked a fresh low. Turkey

A woman waits in front of the visa application office entrance of the US Embassy in Ankara, Turkey, October 9, 2017

said the employee had links to US-based Muslim cleric Fethullah Gulen, blamed by Ankara for a failed military coup in July 2016.

The US Embassy in

Ankara condemned those charges as baseless and announced on Sunday night it was halting all non-immigrant visa services in Turkey while it reassessed

Turkey’s commitment to the security of its missions and staff.

Within hours, Ankara announced it was taking the same measures against US citizens seeking visas for Turkey.

Justice Minister Abdulhamit Gul said that if Washington had serious security concerns about its missions in Turkey, steps would be taken to address them.

“But if it’s an issue regarding the arrest of the consulate employee, then this is a decision the Turkish judiciary has made,” Gul told A Haber television. “Trying a Turkish citizen for a crime committed in Turkey is our right.” (Excerpt from Reuters)

Catalan leader under pressure to drop independence

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atalonia’s secessionist leader faced increased pressure on Monday to abandon plans to declare independence from Spain, with France and Germany expressing support for the country’s unity.

The Madrid Government, grappling with Spain’s biggest political crisis since an attempted military coup in 1981, said it would respond immediately to any such unilateral declaration.

A week after a vote on independence which the gov-

17

ernment did its utmost to thwart, the tension also took its toll on the business climate of Spain’s wealthiest region.

Three more Cataloniabased companies joined a business exodus from the region that has gathered steam since the October 1 referendum.

Property group Inmobiliaria Colonial and infrastructure firm Abertis both decided to relocate their head offices to Madrid and telecoms firm Cellnex)

said it would do the same for as long as political uncertainty in Catalonia continued.

Spain’s Finance Minister said it was the Catalan Government’s fault the companies were leaving.

Regional leader Carles Puigdemont is due to address the regional parliament this afternoon and Madrid is worried it will vote for a unilateral declaration of independence.

Catalan officials say people voted overwhelmingly

for secession in the October 1 referendum, which had been declared illegal by the Government. Some 900 people were injured on polling day when police fired rubber bullets and stormed crowds with truncheons to disrupt the voting.

The issue has deeply divided the northeastern region as well as the Spanish nation. Hundreds of thousands of people demonstrated against breaking away in Barcelona at the weekend.

“Ball in your court”: Britain, EU clash over next Brexit move

B

ritain and its European Union partners clashed on Monday over which side should make the next move to unblock Brexit talks, despite concerns they will miss a deadline for a divorce deal and that London is heading for a chaotic departure.

Prime Minister Theresa May made clear in a speech she delivered to Parliament that she hoped her European Union partners would make proposals at a new round of talks opening the way to the next stage of negotiations, saying “the ball is in their court”.

But even before she had delivered her address, an EU spokesman hit back in Brussels, saying “the ball is entirely in the UK court for the rest to happen”.

May is desperate to try to regain some of her au-

thority and refocus on talks to unravel 40 years of union after a speech at her party conference last week, marred by a repetitive cough, a prankster and a stage malfunction, left her weaker than ever.

She has so far fought off attempts to unseat her by critics already angry over an ill-judged election when she lost her governing Conservatives’ majority. But her weakness has opened the door for many in the party to challenge her Brexit strategy with just 18 months to go before Britain leaves the EU. With Brussels quietly preparing for a collapse in the talks and Britain getting ready for what May calls “every eventuality”, some officials and business chiefs worry the country will crash out of the EU without a deal. (Excerpt from

Reuters)

Meryl Streep and Dame Judi Dench speak out about Harvey Weinstein

(Excerpt from Reuters)

At least 37 people were killed in election violence

A

t least 37 people, including three children, were killed in the protests that followed the announcement of the elections result in Kenya, a local human rights group said.

Some of the deaths were caused by “Police using live bullets” while others were killed by Police “bludgeoning using clubs”, Kenya National Commission on Human Rights said in a report on Monday.

Among the dead was a six-month-old baby girl who was “clobbered by

Police using live bullets killed some people, said the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights [File: Hamza Mohamed/Al Jazeera]

armed security agents whilst under the care of its mother in Kisumu

County”, the report said.

Almost all the victims of the violence were killed

violence which the United Nations denounced as ethnic cleansing.

The United States and the European Union have been considering targeted sanctions against Myanmar military leaders, though the European bloc sees its options as relatively limited, with no hard-hitting, direct leverage on the ground.

EU Foreign Ministers will discuss the situation in Myanmar on October 16, and

their draft joint statement said the bloc “will suspend invitations to the commander-in-chief of the Myanmar/ Burma armed forces and other senior military officers”.

The text, which will be discussed further by envoys from the 28 EU states today and may be modified, said the EU may consider further measures depending on developments in Myanmar, but would “respond accordingly to positive developments”.

in Opposition strongholds in the slums of the capital, Nairobi, or the western part of the country.

In August, Fred Matiangi, acting Interior Minister, denied security services used live bullets or excessive force in dealing with protesters and blamed the violence on “criminal elements”.

“I’m not aware of anyone who has been killed by a live bullet fired by a Police Officer anywhere in this country,” Matiangi said. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

EU may shun Myanmar generals in new sanctions – draft

T

he European Union will cut back contacts with Myanmar’s top generals in a first step to increase sanctions over an army offensive that has driven more than 500,000 Rohingya Muslims out of the country, according to a draft document seen by Reuters.

Thousands of the Rohingya fled for Myanmar to Bangladesh on Monday in a new surge of refugees driven by fears of starvation and

The document confirmed support for an existing EU embargo on arms and equipment “that can be used for internal repression”.

It called on Myanmar to discuss repatriating refugees from neighbouring Bangladesh and praised the latter for its role in the crisis, which started when attacks

by Rohingya militants on security posts brought a ferocious military response. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Meryl Streep and Harvey Weinstein have worked together on such films as "The Iron Lady"

M

eryl Streep and other Hollywood stars have spoken out against producer Harvey Weinstein in the wake of the sexual harassment claims that saw him being fired by his own company.

Streep told the Huffington Post she was “appalled” by the “disgraceful” news.

She went on to praise “the intrepid women who raised their voices to expose this abuse”, calling them “heroes”.

Dame Judi Dench also issued a statement saying she was “completely unaware” of the “horrifying” claims.

The British actress also praised those who had spo-

ken up.

“I offer my sympathy to those who have suffered, and wholehearted support to those who have spoken out,” she said.

Emma Thompson, Mark Ruffalo and Seth Rogen are among other leading actors to express similar sentiments.

The Weinstein allegations have instigated a fierce debate about abuse of power in Hollywood and beyond.

Streep’s statement followed criticism that leading Hollywood figures had maintained a “deafening silence” in the wake of the allegations against Weinstein that surfaced in the New York Times on Friday. (Excerpt

from BBC News)

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guyanatimesgy.com

tuesDAY, october 10, 2017

ARCHIE

It’s time to make a change.

Do your research, (March 21plan your strategy and take April 19) action. Making a move, picking up a new skill or updating your technological knowledge is featured.

ARIES

An emotional incident from

TAURUS the past will resurface. Don’t (April 20- let the changes that others May 20) make get to you. Carry on and

dilbert

take care of business as usual.

Time is on your side.

Lay down the foundation for GEMINI the changes you want to bring (May 21about. Staying in control will June 20)

help you maintain a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction.

Avoid emotional conflicts.

CANCER (June 21July 22)

Peanuts

LEO (July 23Aug. 22)

Calvin and Hobbes

Look at the big picture and consider what you can do to counter any personal affront you are feeling. Emotional matters will escalate quickly if you let anger take the reins.

Host an event for a cause you believe in or sign up to volunteer your time, services or skills so that you can make a difference. Your generosity and compassion will encourage others to take part.

A partnership will be on VIRGO shaky ground if one or both par(Aug. 23ties is not up-front about expecSept. 22) tations, goals and feelings. Don’t make demands.

Set up interviews and LIBRA (Sept. 23- business meetings or attend Oct. 23) a seminar or conference. The input you receive will help you make an important decision regarding your future and how you proceed.

WORD GAME

SUDOKU

Take care of personal matSCORPIO ters secretively. Use your in(Oct. 24sight and discipline to make Nov. 22) wise money moves. Avoid joint financial ventures that seem dodgy. Choose a healthy lifestyle.

Put greater emphasis and SAGITTARIUS more energy into getting ahead (Nov. 23- and keeping the peace by usDec. 21) ing your intelligence and incorporating good ideas and hard work into your everyday routine.

YESTERDAY’S WORD — INFALLIBLE

solution for LAST PUBLISHED Puzzle

Upgrade your qualificaCAPRICORN tions to suit the changing job (Dec. 22- market. Learning something Jan. 19) new is never a waste of time.

Having a backup plan is in your best interest. Get fit, eat well and do your best.

Your ingenuity, experiAQUARIUS mental attitude and ability (Jan. 20- to make things happen will Feb. 19) lead you to victory. A financial gain is apparent. Children will play a role in a big decision.

RULES OF THE GAME: 1. Words must be of four or more letters. 2. Words that acquire four letters by the addition of “s,” such as “bats” or “dies,” are not allowed. 3. Additional words made by adding a “d” or an “s” may not be used. For example, if “bake” is used, “baked” or “bakes” is not allowed, but “bake” and “baking” are admissible. 4. Proper nouns, slang words, or vulgar or sexually explicit words are not allowed. To contact Word Game creator Kathleen Saxe, write to Word Game, Kathleen Saxe, Universal Uclick, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.

Copyright 2015, Distributed by Universal Uclick for UFS

Problems will lead to arPISCES (Feb. 20- guments. Don’t jeopardize March 20) your personal or professional life by getting caught in a fib.

Emotional deception and disillusionment will lead to resentment and regret.

tuesDAY, OCTOber 10, 2017

19

World Cup without Messi or Ronaldo

would be disastrous for the game

O

n the face of it, World Cup qualification should be a fairly straightforward equation for both Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.

For Ronaldo and European champions Portugal it's simple against Switzerland in Lisbon on Tuesday: Turn up, win, qualify. For Messi and Argentina, a win in Ecuador on the same day would seal a playoff against New Zealand, and perhaps automatic qualification if other results go their way.

Incredible as it seems, there is now a genuine prospect of the 2018 World Cup taking place in Russia without football's most iconic current players.

A World Cup without Messi and Ronaldo should be unthinkable, especially so with the two players arguably facing their final chance to win the biggest prize that has eluded them both during their stellar careers.

But that final chance may evaporate for both before 2018 even arrives.

The scenario facing Portugal and Ronaldo this week at least offers them the safety net of a two-legged playoff should they fail to defeat the Swiss, who travel to Lisbon with a 100 percent record of nine wins from nine games in UEFA qualifying Group B. A win takes Portugal to Russia, but a draw or defeat will leave them as a seeded team in next month's playoffs, which nonetheless could throw up a difficult home-and-away encounter with the likes of Sweden, Denmark, Croatia or even Italy if results go a certain way in the final round of fixtures.

Currently sitting in sixth place in South America's CONMEBOL qualifying table, Argentina could yet finish fifth and secure a two-legged playoff against New Zealand with a draw in Quito if Peru lose to Colombia, but the 1978 and 1986 world champions are in no position to chance their luck by rely-

ing on the results of others, so they have to win to be sure.

But having failed to win in Ecuador since 2001, Argentina may well need every ounce of Messi's genius to make the difference against a team that cannot even qualify for next year's World Cup. If Argentina make it to Russia, they will instantly be installed as one of the tournament favourites, but a qualifying campaign of three different coaches, a controversial Messi suspension for abusing a match official and those dropped points against nations that would usually be blown away by one of world football's superpowers have left Argentina on the brink.

Ronaldo will want, and expect, to Portugal to claim the victory at Estadio da Luz which would spare his nation the anxiety of the playoffs, but the Portuguese at least know that they do not face the trap-door of elimination with a defeat on Tuesday.

Argentina, meanwhile, are hovering directly above that trap-door and they now need to turn up and deliver.

Despite his incredible success at Barcelona, Messi's international career with Argentina has been a long tale of disappointment, both at the World Cup and Copa America.

If he can help change that narrative by dragging his team to victory in Quito, then perhaps that elusive World Cup winner's medal will suddenly come closer to his grasp.

But there will be no second chances for Messi and Argentina now. It all comes down to one night in Ecuador.(ESPNFC)

F

ly Jamaica is the latest company to hop on board the GT Beer, Berbice Football Association (BFA), Candy Boss and Antics Promotions Inter Club 8 – A Side Football Tournament which is slated for year-end in the ancient county.

In a simple but significant ceremony at Fly Jamaica local office at Ogle International Airport last Thursday, the airline presented two tickets as a gate prize for the tournament.

These tickets will be won via a raffle for patrons who purchase tickets which will be drawn on the night of the finals on January 1, 2018.

Marketing Manager of Fly Jamaica, Carl Bowen highlighted that the airline is pleased to be associated with the young promotion group from New Amsterdam, Candy Boss & Antics Promotion in their football tournament.

Noting that this partnership would enhance sports and cor-

Director Tito Sancho (left) and Fly Jamaica Reservations Supervisor Pat Lewis (centre) present the tickets to co-Director George Simmons Junior at Fly Jamaica office

porate relationship and assist in the positive relations with youth and communities from hence they came to participate.

Candy Boss & Antics

Promotions secretary and media consultant, Mark Bradford in response thanked Fly Jamaica for partnering with the Candy Boss and Antics Promotions in their in-

augural football tournament as he outlined the tournament information.

Twenty-four clubs from member associations West Demerara,

East Bank, East Demerara, Georgetown and Berbice will compete in six groups before qualifying to the round of 16 where the knockout stage will commence.

This tournament will be played at the All Saint Presbyterian church ground in New Amsterdam and will see matches on Fridays and Sundays including Christmas night and January 1. Local beverage giant, Banks DIH Ltd who are the major sponsors will provide the total prize money of $1,000,000. of which $500,000 will go to the winners, $300,000 to the runners up, $100,000 to the third place finisher, $50,000 to the best goalkeeper and $50,000 to the highest goal scorer. Other sponsors are Jumbo Jet, Homeline Furnishing, H.C Alphonso and Sons, S. D& L certified Accounting and Business Advisors, Candy Shop, Step Up boutique among others.

The tournament is expected to be launched on Thursday October 18 in New Amsterdam.

20

GUYANATIMESgy.COM

tuesDAY, october 10, 2017

Pakistan slightly ahead going into final day

C

Asad Shafiq

hasing 136 at Abu Dhabi, Pakistan lost what seemed to be an un-losable Test. Having been 52 for 5 in the pursuit of 317, they have now left themselves a chance of winning what appeared to be an unwinnable one.

In a series that has been enlivened by a flood of dramatic twists, the final session of day four saw another one: an unbroken partnership of 146 between Asad Shafiq and Sarfraz Ahmed.

Sri Lanka still have five wickets to get. Pakistan 119 runs to square the series. If the visitors break through, it will be the first time since 2010 that Pakistan have been defeated in the UAE. If Pakistan get across the line, it would be their third 300-plus chase against Sri Lanka in four years.

Late in the twilight session, Dilruwan Perera had claimed three wickets inside 10 deliveries, to spark elation in the Sri Lanka camp and despondence in Pakistan's, but following a wicketless night session, it was Pakistan who appeared the more hopeful outfit.

Sarfraz and Shafiq had navigated an immensely difficult period more-or-less perfectly.

Sarfraz had been the more proactive batsman early on in the partnership, nailing a flat sweep off Herath to the backward square leg fence, before carving Dilruwan through point a few overs later, but when Shafiq had played himself in, he quickly became the dominant figure in the stand.

Rangana Herath, Pakistan's great tormentor from Abu Dhabi, was not only wicketless in the innings, he was also defused with surprising alacrity during this partnership. The pitch had worn, certainly, but had not become a minefield yet. By stumps, Shafiq had cruised to 86 off 141 balls. Sarfraz was on 57 off 113.

That Pakistan could dream of chasing down a score at all, was thanks to their bowlers, who had ensured the dramatic collapse they had set in motion late on the third day, continued into the first session on day four.

It was the inscrutable Wahab Riaz who recommenced the wicket-taking, having Niroshan Dickwella brilliantly caught by Sarfraz, who dived to his left to pouch the ball one-handed. Herath and Mendis mounted a 35-run partnership, and even hit Yasir out of the attack, but then another twist. Haris Sohail, bowling his part-time left-arm spin, came to the crease and removed the last three Sri Lankan wickets within the space of an over. Sri Lanka had lost five wickets for 62 in the day, and were 96 all out in the second innings. They had scored more than five times as much in the first innings. But even with that rapid collapse, Sri Lanka would have been confident of defending 317 on a

pitch that has helped both spinners and quicks. Their belief would only have grown when Lahiru Gamage dismissed Sami Aslam in the fourth over. A 20.2-over stonewall ensued, as Azhar Ali and Shan Masood produced a laboured partnership worth 31, but when Pakistan lost four wickets for 16 runs, theirs seemed a lost cause.

Sri Lanka would hope there is another twist on day five.

Pakistan would hope there are two twists. To hope for no twists at all would seem foolish, given the way this series has played out. By this stage, though, a surprise-free conclusion to a Sri Lanka-Pakistan match perhaps counts as a surprise in itself. (ESPN Cricinfo)

SCOREBOARD Stumps Day 4 Sri Lanka 1st Innings 482 Pakistan 1st Innings 262 Sri Lanka 2nd Innings (Overnight 34/5) FDM Karunaratne b Wahab Ria z 7 JK Silva c †Sarfraz Ahmed b Mohammad Abbas 3 S Samarawickrama c †Sarfraz Ahmed b Wahab Riaz 13 BKG Mendis c †Sarfraz Ahmed b Haris Sohail 29 RAS Lakmal lbw b Yasir Shah 1 LD Chandimal* lbw b Wahab Ria z 0 N Dickwella† c †Sarfraz Ahmed b Wahab Riaz 21 MDK Perera lbw b Yasir Shah 0 HMRKB Herath c Babar Azam b Haris Sohail 17 PLS Gamage not out 1 ANPR Fernando lbw b Haris Sohail 0 Extras (lb-1, nb-3) 4 Total (All out, 26 Overs) 96 Fall of wickets: 1-3, 2-22, 3-26, 4-33, 5-34, 6-59, 7-60, 8-95, 9-96, 10-96 Bowling Mohammad Abbas 4-2-6-1, Yasir Shah 12-2-472, Wahab Riaz 9-0-41-4 (nb-

3), Haris Sohail 1-0-1-3 Pakistan 2nd Innings (target: 317 runs) Shan Masood c †Dickwella b Perera 21 Sami Aslam c Mendis b Gamage 1 Azhar Ali c Silva b Pradeep 17 Haris Sohail c †Dickwella b Perera 10 Asad Shafiq not out 86 Babar Azam c Silva b Perera 0 Sarfraz Ahmed*† not out 57 Extras (lb-1, nb-5) 6 Total (For 5 wickets, 73 overs) 198 Yet to bat: Mohammad Amir, Yasir Shah, Wahab Riaz, Mohammad Abbas Fall of wickets: 1-5, 2-36, 3-49, 4-52, 5-52 Bowling RAS Lakmal 11- 4-28-0, PLS Gamage 13-4-27-1 (nb-3), HMRKB Herath 19-2-530, ANPR Fernando 8-3-6-1 (nb-1), MDK Perera 21-1-76-3, BKG Mendis 1- 0-7-0 (nb-1) Position: Pakistan require another 119 runs with 5 wickets remaining

Jones appointed interim Ronaldo, Messi, Neymar, Luis Suarez, Afghanistan Coach Harry Kane on 30-man Ballon d'Or list A C fghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) have appointed former Australia batsman Dean Jones as interim head coach for Afghanistan's Intercontinental Cup fixture in Hong Kong. Afghanistan have been without a coach since August after the board chose not to renew Lalchand Rajput's contract following a year-long stint with the side. Jones, 56, recently covered the Shpageeza Cricket League, Afghanistan's premier T20 competition, in Kabul as a commentator, his style of commentary making him popular with the Afghanistan fans.

"Former Australian cricketer Dean Jones has appointed as interim head coach of the Afghanistan National Cricket Team for the upcoming tour of Hong Kong for the Intercontinental Cup fixture," the ACB announced in a statement. "Both sides will consider a long-term coaching agreement after the tour

of Hong Kong."

Afghanistan have struggled for consistency in the coaching department, having changed five coaches over the past five years. Before Rajput, former Pakistan internationals Inzamamul Haq, Rashid Latif and Kabir Khan all had spells as Afghanistan head coach.

Afghanistan are set to play a first-class game in the ICC Intercontinental Cup on October 20 at Tin Kwong Road Recreation Ground in Hong Kong. Afghanistan are presently unbeaten, in second place with 81 points behind Ireland, who lead the table with 89 points from six games. They won the Intercontinental Cup in 2010, beating Scotland in the final, after bursting onto international cricket's collective consciousness in 2009 when they gained ODI status with a sixth-place finish at that year's World Cup Qualifier in South Africa.

(ESPN Cricinfo)

ristiano Ronaldo will be the favourite to retain his Ballon d'Or as he was named to the 30-man shortlist alongside the likes of Lionel Messi, Neymar, Luis Suarez, Harry Kane and Robert Lewandowski.

Ronaldo, who beat Messi and Griezmann to the award last year, helped Real Madrid to a third Champions League crown in four seasons and a first La Liga title in five years, as well as the FIFA Club World Cup. Ronaldo is set to face competition competition from long-time rival Messi, who finished up as La Liga's top scorer with 37 goals -- 12 ahead of Ronaldo -and helped Barcelona to Copa del Rey success in what was a largely disappointing season for the club.

Spain's La Liga leads all leagues with 11 nominees, followed by the Premier League with seven, Serie A with five, Ligue 1 with four and the Bundesliga with three.

Real Madrid have by far the most players on the list with seven -Ronaldo, Luka Modric, Marcelo, Sergio Ramos, Toni Kroos, Karim Benzema and Isco.

PSG are the only other club with at least three, with Neymar, Edinson

Cavani and Kylian Mbappe. Barcelona, Atletico Madrid, Bayern Munich, Chelsea, Juventus, and Liverpool all have two players on the list.

France lead all countries with four players, ahead of Belgium, Brazil, and Spain with three each.

Ballon d'Or 2017 nominees: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (Borussia Dortmund), Karim Benzema (Real Madrid), Leonardo Bonucci (AC Milan), Gianluigi Buffon (Juventus), Edinson Cavani (PSG), Philippe Coutinho (Liverpool), Kevin De Bruyne (Manchester City), David De Gea (Manchester United), Paulo Dybala (Juventus), Edin Dzeko (Roma), Radamel Falcao (Monaco), Antoine Griezmann (Atletico Madrid), Eden Hazard (Chelsea), Mats Hummels (Bayern Munich), Isco (Real Madrid), Harry Kane (Tottenham), N'Golo Kante (Chelsea), Toni Kroos (Real Madrid), Robert Lewandowski (Bayern Munich), Sadio Mane (Liverpool), Marcelo (Real Madrid), Kylian Mbappe (PSG), Dries Mertens (Napoli), Lionel Messi (Barcelona), Luka Modric (Real Madrid), Jan Oblak (Atletico Madrid), Neymar (PSG),

Sergio Ramos (Real Madrid), Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid), Luis Suarez (Barcelona)

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sports

Windies “A” players

urged to put their hand up W

indies “A” head coach Graeme West said the imminent home series against Sri Lanka “A” is the perfect opportunity for a number of fringe players to advance their claims for recognition by the Selection Panel of Cricket West Indies at the highest levels of the game.

West was speaking ahead of the start of the series that begins with the first of three “Tests”, which opens on Wednesday at the Trelawny Multiplex in Jamaica, where all of the matches in the series, including three One-dayers, will be staged.

On the importance of players showing consistency, West said: “The players that have progressed to the senior team over the last 12 or 18 months have done it on the backs of some consistent performances in “A” Team matches. More of the same is required from the team, as a collective to do well, but with strong contributions from each individual. We have players in this squad at different points in their career, but there a few of them that will feel they need to really make a move forward over the next few weeks and ahead of the start of the next regional season, so this is a really great opportunity to get ahead of the game.

When asked how preparations for the series have gone, West said: “I am very

Vishaul Singh

pleased with the work that the players have put in. The work in Antigua we did was good. Several of the players did not have a great opportunity to practice, due to the hurricanes in the Caribbean, but I feel everyone has got up to speed very quickly, and the two sessions we have had in Trelawny have been excellent. The quality has been high and the intensity has steadily increased as gameday arrives on Wednesday.”

On how he would define success in the series,

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A

ll guests and staff staying at Silverado were evacuated safely, but wildfires did cause damage to the resort and golf course.

Just a few hours after Brendan Steele defended his Safeway Open title a massive wildfire swept through the Silverado Resort and Spa golf course.

All guests and staff staying at the resort were evacuated

West said: “Sri Lanka has come with a good mix of experienced and very promising players, so it would be pleasing to record a series victory against them or any other visiting side for that matter. Apart from this, it would be good to see batsmen like Montcin Hodge and John Campbell, as well as Vishaul Singh, who has had an opportunity to play for the senior team, and captain Shamarh Brooks get significant scores. It will also be a big test for two of our fast bowlers, Reynard

Leveridge and Oshane Thomas, they have just five matches between them, but they great ability and can bowl quickly, so it will be important to see if they can keep it going throughout a day and a four-day match.

In the spin bowling, we have players that are familiar with the “A” Team set-up and have been consistently performing in regional tournaments, so it would be a good opportunity for them to push their claims by taking wickets and bowling effectively in the conditions that we find throughout the series.”

On the value of “A” Team matches in the development of the players, he said: “They are invaluable to the players. It allows them to play against different methods.

This is a home series, but when you travel and play in different conditions, it adds to a player’s methods, it adds to his experience and the beauty of having them back on the calendar, I feel that the players coming through the programme will be better prepared to move

safely on Sunday night, but the fire is reported to have cause significant damage at Silverado.

Jeff Sanders, the Safeway Open tournament director, said the skybox near the the 17th green had burned down. There was also damage to several condominiums on the east side of the resort and to homes across Atlas Peak Road.

“You could see orange

flames coming down the hillside,” Sanders said.

“Luckily, nobody got hurt. ... I had never been involved in a fire like that in my life.

When the fire comes at you, man, it’s quick. I’m just glad we smelled the smoke.”

Sanders was among other PGA Tour professionals and officials who evacuated from the resort.

“We got out of there, thank God,” Sanders said

forward to the next level.

It is required to be fitted in between the regional tournaments and international level, so they must be treated with importance. We use them to develop the players not just for the time we are together, but that they can take back to their franchises that would allow them to progress on a long-term basis than just in a threematch series.

Squad; Shamarh Brooks (Captain), Vishaul Singh (Vice-Captain), Sunil Ambris, John Campbell, Yannic Cariah, Rahkeem Cornwall, Sheldon Cottrell, Jahmar Hamilton, Montcin Hodge, Damion Jacobs, Keon Joseph, Reynard Leveridge and Oshane Thomas.

Team Management Unit; Graeme West (Head Coach), Dwain Gill (Team Operations Manager), Corey Collymore (Assistant Coach), Khevyn Williams (Physiotherapist), Zephrynus Nicholas (Fitness Coordinator) and Dinesh Mahabir (Video Data Analyst).

Schedule of matches

1st “Test” – Trelawny Multiplex, Jamaica – October 11 to 14 2nd “Test” – Trelawny Multiplex - October 19 to 22 Thu 26 to Sun 29 3rd “Test” – Sabina Park, Jamaica – October 26 to 29 1st One-day Match – Sabina Park – November 1 2nd One-day Match – Sabina Park – November 3 3rd One-day Match – Trelawny Multiplex November 5

PGA Tour officials, players evacuate Silverado after Napa fires

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21

Monday. “It was quick. It happened fast. The wind was blowing 40 mph, blowing the fire down the top of the hill on No. 5. It didn’t take long for the embers to cause problems.

"We all left our stuff, ran for our cars and got the hell out of there." Several of the players who were still in the area during the fire posted tweets including pictures of the fire. (Sportsmax)

GCB congratulates new BCB Executives

T

he Executive and members of the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) wish to congratulate the new Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) executives. The GCB notes that it was Berbice Cricket Board's first elections since 2014 and observed the timely conduct of the said process, in accordance with schedule three of the cricket administration act.

The GCB believes that the membership of Berbice Cricket Board has spoken and looks forward to effectively working with the new BCB executives in organizing, developing and promoting cricket in the ancient county and in Guyana as a whole.

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Pan American Indoor Hockey championships 2017, Guyana

– 2018 WC spot at stake

By Michelangelo Jacobus

T

he seventh International Pan American Indoor Hockey championships will be held in Guyana at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall (CASH) from October 16 to 22 and all odds seem to be in favor of the home sides. However, the onus will be on the players to push for a historic first place finish with a berth at the International Hockey Federation’s (FIH) 2018 World Cup at stake.

The Guyana Hockey Board (GHB) ahead of this historic event pulled no stops to ensure that the country passed the FIH’s assessment of the venue and playing surface. The board imported the removable plastic tile surface which was installed early August which gave the male and female national teams the much needed opportunity to train in international conditions.

This will be the very first time that the players have been afforded this opportunity and at the recently concluded GTT National Championships the gulf in class

was evident as the national teams played against other teams who before that tournament had never played on the surface.

The tile surface is much faster than the floor of the National Gymnasium that local hockey players have been accustomed to competing on; the national sides so far seem as though they have grown accustomed and have even looked completely at home when playing on the new surface. This should be integral to Guyana’s chances at the tournament. In almost all areas of sport the “Land of Many Waters” has proven a formidable competitor, this was proven in 2014 at the last hosting of the tournament in Uruguay where the males finished third; if that same caliber of competitiveness and drive for success is carried into this tournament, then Guyana has their first real shot of qualifying for the world cup in its long international competitive history.

With teams from Argentina, Canada, Mexico, Trinidad and Tobago, Barbados and Uruguay confirmed to participate, the cli-

There are high expectations for the ladies who are likely to give a good account of themselves

mate will also be an influencing factor on their respective games.

In the past, our teams have had to adjust to cold climates which took away from their full potential but this time around it will be a case of the shoe on the other foot for the visitors exclusive of the Caribbean

countries.

This current crop of national female hockey players are very good on the offensive but they remain largely untested in the defensive half due to the lack of quality teams that they have faced as a unit. However, the male team

Sanasie supports new BCB body S

ecretary of the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) Anand Sanasie has revealed that he will be in support of the newly elected Berbice Cricket Board (BCB).

Speaking briefly to Guyana Times Sport on Monday in a personal capacity, the long-time cricketer administrator stated “I’m in support of any administration once they are properly

held its court-ordered elections after 3 years.

Imtiaz Baccus, David Black and Winston Roberts were elected as the three vice-presidents while Vickram Seubarran (Secretary), Carol Nurse (Assistant Secretary), Godwyn Allicock (Treasurer) and Leslie Solomon (Assistant Treasurer) were then elected to the executive. It is understood,

The new BCB; from left standing: Vic Suebarran, Carol Nurse, Leslie Solomon, and Godwyn Allicock. Front row sitting: David Black, President Dhierandranauth Somwaru and Imtiaz Baccus

elected.”

On Sunday, Dhierandranauth Somwaru was elected as the new President of the BCB when they body

Black and Baccus are the BCB’s representatives at the national level.

Based on reports emanating from the ancient county, the elections were

is built on a core of young players who were part of the squad that finished third in Uruguay at the 2014 tournament, this mixture of youth and talent is a sure recipe for success.

Sport enthusiasts and patriotic citizens must be heartened by the chances of the locals and as the saying goes, Jack must be given his jacket, the GHB must be congratulated for ensuring that our players have had all the possible help afforded them.

The tournament will begin on Monday October 16 with the opening game between Argentina and Barbados in the women’s competition set for at 10:00h. The men’s and women’s competition will run simultaneously until October 22.

Seven teams are participating in the women’s tournament while there are six men’s teams. Those teams are Uruguay, Argentina, Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago, Mexico, Canada and home side Guyana.

Ninvalle to chair AIBA meeting in Guyana

Anand Sanasie

not fairly held since only Berbice River Association, West Berbice Cricket Association along with first-division clubs Albion and Port Mourant were allowed to vote, leaving clubs such as Blairmont Cricket Club - were given the opportunity to vote, but declined in solidarity, Canje Hospital Club, Rose Hall Community Centre Cricket Club, Guymine Sports Club, Chesney Cricket Club, Kildonan Cricket Club, Berbice Police Sports Club, Mount Sinai Cricket Club, and Whim and Upper Corentyne Cricket Association on the side-lines.

Commenting further on the elections, the Sanasie expressed, “the election which was ordered by the court and it appears to me to be done with the flawed Cricket Administration Act.” While not disclosing where the Act is flawed, the Cricket West Indies Director is hopeful for the development of the sport in the county.

Meanwhile, the results of the elections are set to be challenged with Rabindranauth Saywack, a member of ‘Team Hilbet Foster,’ confirming that they will be approaching the court over the legitimacy of the elections.

Saywack explained that based on the ruling given by the Judge, none of the directions were followed especially that of electing the returning officer at the election.

T

GBA President Steve Ninvalle

he President of the Guyana Boxing Association (GBA) Steve Ninvalle will on Saturday, host the International Boxing Association (AIBA) meeting of the Caribbean, at the Resource Centre in Georgetown from 10:00h.

Ninvalle, an Executive Committee Member of the sport’s governing body, was recently elected to the AIBA Executive Committee Bureau and stated that the meeting on Saturday will address several critical areas of development for the Caribbean.

Initially, a meeting was scheduled for September 10, but due to Hurricane Irma, that meeting was later postponed. William Louis-Marie, AIBA’s Executive Director, is expected to be in Guyana for the important meeting, as well as a representative from the America Boxing Confederation (AMBC) with Ninvalle pointing out that their presences represents the Caribbean’s desire to en-

sure equal exposure for its fighters.

Ninvalle commented that the meeting comes on the heels of the Court of Arbitration ruling in the impasse between long-serving AIBA president Wu Ching-Kuo and an Interim Managing Committee (IMC).

Wu is set to remain in power for the immediate future after the Swiss Court of Lausanne dismissed attempts from a rival organisation to seize control of the sport’s world governing body.

AIBA Executive Director William Louis-Marie

The IMC, which was established in July following a vote of no confidence in Wu has been seeking to remove the Taiwanese official from power amid allegations of financial mismanagement under his administration.

However, the Lausanne court rejected all of the IMC’s claims in full, upholding the position of Wu and executive director William LouisMarie, who the IMC has also been seeking to oust.

guyanatimesgy.com

tuesDAY, october 10, 2017

23

Lots at stake in Kadir Mohamed Cycle Road Race

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– winner will ride off with 1 oz of gold

he sixth edition of the Kadir Mohamed Memorial Road Race is set for Sunday October 15 and will attract the country’s top cyclists as the lucrative first prize is one ounce of raw gold.

With over a million dollars in prizes across five different categories, the race is sure to be intense and packed with quality.

Guyana’s lone professional cyclist, Geron Williams is back on home soil and competed during the past weekend where he took top honours, surely he will be in the hunt for that ounce of gold.

However, to predict a winner for that race would be whimsical as there is Raynauth “Obeah Man” Jeffrey also back on the local scene as well as Jamaul John who is currently at the top of the Classification table. The likes of

GCB, CGI/Jaguars 3-Day League…

Rain spoils Essequibo-ECD heated clash

P

Bhaskar Yadram

lay on the third and final day of the Guyana Cricket Board, Cricket Guyana Inc Jaguars 3-Day League round six match between Essequibo and East Coast Demerara was badly affected by rain and eventually ended in a tame draw.

Resuming on 51 for 4 with an overall lead of 82 runs, East Coast Demerara battled to 187 for 7 before the players shook hands at the start of the final hour after recognizing that an outright victory was not insight.

In all, 23 overs were lost due to rain but Bhaskar Yadram (62) and Rajendra Chandrika (57 not out) cashed in after the delay.

Amir Khan was 17 not out when the game was called off.

For the points leaders, Kevin Gordon took 3-23 while Anthony Adamd and Akinie Adams had one a-piece.

Scores in the match; ECD 289 and 187/7 Essequibo 1st Innings 258.

Result: Match drawn The final round of matches will begin on Friday.

Guyana’s top cyclists will be in action on Sunday as they race for an ounce of gold

Paul DeNobrega, Raul Leal and Alanzo Ambrose will also have their eye on the top podium spot, cycling fans can look forward to a highly competitive and entertain-

ing race.

The race will begin from Homestretch Avenue at 07:30h then proceed to Dora on the Linden/Soesdyke Highway be-

fore returning to the point of origin for the finish at Homestretch Avenue. The Junior and Open category riders will make the trip to Dora but the Veterans, Mountain

Bikers and Juveniles will turn back just past Splashmins.

In the Open category, first place finisher will win the ounce of gold while second to eight placed riders will receive cash prizes. The first to fourth placed junior riders, first to third placed Veteran and juvenile riders will be awarded cash prizes as well.

There will be 10 sprint point prizes up for grabs as well.

The event is organized by the relatives of the late Kadir Mohamed in collaboration with the Flying Stars Cycling Club and is in its sixth year. Mohamed was an avid sports fan who hailed from Bartica, the race was organized as a memorial and is designed to further develop the talents of seasoned campaigners as well as to attract new blood to the sport.

Lusignan East CC stun Fairfield T

he newly formed Lusignan East Cricket Club had a mixed bag last weekend when action in the East Coast Cricket Committee competitions continued.

In their third round match of the 40-over competition, Lusignan East CC beat the previously unbeaten and well-established Fairfield Cricket Club by five runs. Playing at the Fairfield ground, the visitors batted first and got to 121 before they were bowled in 19.4 overs.

Hiradeo Jailal made an attacking 77 and got useful support from his brother, Ramchand Jailal with 14. National youth player, Trevon Charles with 3-19 from five overs and Deon Lovell with 3-33 from six overs shared six wickets to break the back of Lusignan East batting.

In reply, the home team found the bowling of Ayube Sammy (4-47) and Khemraj Jailal (3-7) too much to handle and eventually folded for 116 from

Hiradeo Jailal

23.1 overs. Alex Marshall top scored with 39 while L. Trgonchandru made 18.

However, in their second match of the busy weekend Lusignan East CC went down to Enterprise Cricket Club “A” team by a whopping 167 runs at the Enterprise Community Centre ground. The hosts batted first and thanks to a brave 151 from Vivian Albert they managed to tally 318/6 from their 40

Ayube Sammy

overs. Arif Habib weighed in with 70 as the pair crashed the ball to all parts of the ground.

Only Travis Persaud with 2-39 from his eight overs looked threatening for Lusignan East who then folded for 151 from 24 overs to complete the one-sided match. Hiradeo Jailal’s good form continued with a solid innings of 44 while Travis Persaud came back with the bat to

support with 41. For the victors, Rohan Mangal picked up 3-15.

In their final fixture, Lusignan East beat Golden Achievers by 39 runs. Lusignan East had first strike and got to 136/9 in allotted 27 overs after the game was reduced. Their total was built around Ayube Sammy with 30 not out, Hiradeo Jailal 29 and Roy Singh who made 20. Bowling for Golden Achievers Ronald Wolford bagged 4-15 and O. Gardener 3-25.

Chasing a small total, Golden Achievers entertained thoughts of a victory but could not negotiate the let-arm spin of Ramchand Jailal (4-19), his nephew Vidyanand Jailal (2-11) and the experienced Ayube Sammy (226) and were bundled out for a meagre 97. Kevin Da Silva showed some amount of fight with 29 while K. Roberts made15.

The competition continues this weekend.

GRFU Bounty Farms 15s…

Army too strong for Police T

he Guyana Rugby Football Union (GRFU) Bounty Farm 15s continued on Sunday in the National Park and it was another blow out, this time at the will of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF).

GDF subjected the Guyana Police Force’s Flacons to a humiliating 6210 defeat with Cloyd Prowell leading the route accumulating 13 points (1 try and 4 conversions). The dynamic Patrick King played his part slipping in 12 points Patrick King

(two ties and one conversion).

The result of the match could have been clearly seen at half time since Police trailing in the dust at 26-5.

The second stanza was just a greater serving of that of the first which saw Toyton Braithwaite, Delon De Abreau, Breon Walks, Rodwell Hutson, Aluka Venture and Dwayne Schroeder all scoring to add misery on their opponents.

Only Rashad Butcher and Daniel De Abreau stepped up and scored a try each for the Falcons Action in the tournament is expected to continue this weekend.

GCA/Noble House Seafood 2-day competition…

Everest secure 1st innings against GCC

E

Saheed Mohamed

verest Cricket Club (ECC) and Georgetown Cricket Club (GCC) played to a tame draw at Camp Road but it was the home side who walked away with the bigger smile after securing first innings in their Georgetown Cricket Association (GCA) Noble House Seafood Second Division two-day cricket competition on Sunday.

In response to Everest’s 213, GCC were bowled out for 153 in 65.3 overs with Malcom Persaud, who took 3 for 64 in ECC first innings top-scoring with 51 (6x4s; 1x6) while Timothy Mcalmon 50 (1x4; 1x6) also showed some fight.

Left-arm spinner Dwayne Adams took 3 for 21 from 16 overs while fellow spinner Javed Rasheed snared 2 for 39. Saheed Mohamed who fell for 97 in Everest’s first innings, was handy with the ball, taking 2 for 36.

With a lead of 60, Everest ended the day on 141 for 6, with Mohamed smoking 46 (3x4s; 3x6s). Khemraj Ramdeen (35) and Kevin Paul (18) were the unbeaten batsmen at the crease.

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2017

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

guyanatimesgy.com

WIFBSC/GNRA 150th Anniversary shoot…

Historic championships open

The composite photos show Chief-of-Staff Brigadier Patrick West posing with the Guyana Team and also firing the first volley, to declare open the West Indies Full Bore Shooting Council (WIFBSC) Championships and the Guyana National Rifle Association (NRA) 150th anniversary shoot on Monday morning at the Timehri Rifle Ranges. The skills of shooters from Guyana, Antigua, Bermuda, Trinidad and Tobago, Barbados, Jamaica, the Falkland Islands, the United States, Britain, Ireland and Scotland will be on show during the competition which is to run until Friday. See results in a subsequent edition of the Guyana Times (Photos courtesy of Sergeant Oslen Quamina and Private Kenneth Richards of the GDF G5 Branch)

Pan American Indoor Hockey championships 2017, Guyana

Odds in favour of local sides

– 2018 WC spot at stake

Pg 22

The national teams have to use every possible advantage in their favour if they are to succeed and secure World Cup berths

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