GuyanaTimes International 17th August 2018

INTERNATIONAL THE BEACON OF TRUTH

for FRee distribution guyanatimesinternational.com

You can also read Guyana Times daily edition online at www.guyanatimesgy.com

Team of US Congressmen for Guyana visit WEEK ENDING AUGUST 19 , 2018

ISSUE NO. 411

See story on page 14

‘Runway cleared’ for American Airlines in Guyana …Govt grants full approval to begin operations

Page 7

Authorities in Peru launch probe into death of young Guyanese scholar Page 3

Jagdeo hammers Govt over ‘scrapping’ of initial airport modernisation plan

Page 5

2

WEEK ENDING AUGUST 19, 2018 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

NEWS 3

WEEK ENDING AUGUST 19, 2018| guyanatimeSinternational.com

Authorities in Peru launch probe into death of young Guyanese scholar

P

eruvian officials have launched a probe into the sudden death of young Guyanese scholar Yogeeta Persaud.

According to a report in the Peruvian media, police confirmed that Persaud died suddenly while on a medical outreach at Anta Province of Cusco on Sunday.

Prosecutor on duty, Rafael Vasquez Cuba who is in charge of the investigation, said that the autopsy is pending.

Dead: Yogeeta Persaud

Persaud, 22, a past top CSEC performer, met her

demise in a most mysterious manner after she re-

portedly “dropped dead” on Sunday, while she was in-

volved in a medical outreach program in Peru.

According to relatives of the now young deceased lady, Persaud collapsed at about 14:00h on Sunday, while she was reportedly shadowing a professional medical practitioner.

The outreach program was organised by the young lady’s university in New York city, and it has only been a week since it commenced.

In 2013,

Persaud copped the position of Guyana’s second top performer at CSEC and was granted a scholarship to study abroad.

As such, in 2014, she migrated to the United States where she earned a Bachelor’s Degree in biochemistry.

According to her father, the medical outreach was just another stepping stone towards her future, since it was supposed to gain her entry into a medical school.

4 views

WEEK ENDING AUGUST 19, 2018 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

INTERNATIONAL To contact: Guyana Times International

New York Office 106-15 Sutphin Blvd, Jamaica NY 11435 Email: guyanatimesnyint@gmail.com Tel no: 718-658-6804 Fax no: 718-849-2286 Preferred method of contact via EMAIL Guyana Office Ruimveldt, Georgetown, Guyana.

Tel no: (592) 223-7230/1, 225-7761.

Fax (592) 225-8696 Email: guyanatimesint@gmail.com

EDITORIAL

V. S. Naipaul T

he recent passing of Vidiadhar Surajprasad Naipaul, better known as V.S. Naipaul, was widely reported in the media.

Born on Aug. 17, 1932 in rural Chaguanas, Trinidad, he was just six days shy of his 86th birthday. Exposed as a boy to English Literature by his father, his ambition from that time was to “be a writer”.

With dozens of highly praised works of fiction and nonfiction, winner of the Nobel Prize for Literature in 2001, thirty years after winning the man Booker Prize, and being knighted

by Queen Elizabeth in 1989, one could say he accomplished his goal quite adequately.

As a person educated in the grammar school Queens Royal of Trinidad during the colonial period, and then winning a scholarship to Oxford University, he finished his education there, and never returned to live in the Caribbean.

But in mining his experiences in Trinidad for his early novels and non-fiction works, he offered a new perspective to life in the West Indies. For one, as a person of Indian origin born not long after the end of indentureship, he exposed to the world the oft hidden reality of the Caribbean being inhabited by diverse peoples and facing unique challenges to creating viable societies.

His acknowledged magnum opus was the semi-autographical “A House for Mr Biswas”, which details the struggle of a family of Indian descent to create a life with a semblance of dignity after life in British-devastated India and indentureship in Trinidad.

The book was so insightful that it was used by Nobel Prize-winning economist Robert Lucas, a giant in the field of behaviourial economics, to illustrate his approach to development, which he proposed hinges on an increase in the rate of accumulation of human capital: “The novel (A House for Mr. Biswas) begins with the story of Mohun Biswas’s birth and death, all within its first 40 pages.

He is born in rural Trinidad, a grandson of immigrants who had come from India as indentured servants. As a small boy, his ambition is to become a herder of cattle like his older brothers.

“At his death, he is an unemployed journalist in Port-ofSpain, living in a ramshackle house with no assets to support his wife and large family after he is gone. What life within such limits is there to sustain the reader for the novel’s remaining 540 pages? Yet, measured by the cultural distance between Mr. Biswas’s parents and his children, his life is a story of amazing progress.

“By the end of Biswas’s life, his oldest son, Anand — Naipaul’s own fictional counterpart — is a scholarship student at Oxford. Between Anand and Mohun Biswas’s parents is the entire 25-to-1 difference between living standards in India and living standards in Western Europe and the United States.

“Biswas himself is no Horatio Alger figure. His talents are modest, and his willingness to ingratiate himself with those who might advance his career is nonexistent. He passes from one mediocre, limited job to another. But his unwillingness to accept the limits of each current situation as permanent, to make the best of it, turns out to be his strength.

“Through all his misfortunes and setbacks, Mr. Biswas is able to maintain the sense of himself as a man with possibilities, with options; a man who is in a position to set limits on what he would put up with. And equally important, he lives in a society that will let him survive with this attitude.”

Lucas thus highlights Naipaul’s two great insights for poor societies such as ours to achieve “developed” status – the first stresses the responsibility of the individual, and the other, the responsibility of the society. The individual must not accept the limits of his current situation, but strive to overcome them. On the other hand, his society must not stifle, but facilitate that striving, so that the individual can create a better life.

Those who would wish to solve our economic problems by throwing money at poor people miss the concomitant point of the latter’s own responsibility to “strive”.

THE FUTURE: The fourth annual Guyana Youth Parliament is currently in session. Seventytwo students from secondary schools representing the various regions and the University of Guyana (UG) are participating in the debates dealing with important national issues such as climate change, the media and democracy, alternative sentencing in keeping with the narcotics drug and psychotropic substances act and the emerging oil and gas sector.

Shiv Chanderpaul: Deserving appreciation for a true hero

Dear Editor, Guyanese cricket legend Shivnarine Chanderpaul, a former captain of the West Indies team, will be awarded the Honorary Doctor of Laws later this year by my alma mater, the University of the West Indies (UWI). It is a deserving appreciation for an unsung hero, who was denied the chance to become the leading test scorer in West Indies cricket, and “forced to retire.”

His career was unceremoniously derailed by Dave Cameron and the WICB’s whimsical and

people in the West Indies understand exactly his contribution,” the great Brian Lara acknowledges, reminding us that Shiv was instrumental in his many batting feats, and felt his compatriot deserved to go past his record for the most Test runs by a West Indian.

Many cricket pundits have told me that if their lives depended on the professional application and dedication of a batsman to combat, survive the best bowling, and keep his wicket intact, they would choose Shiv Chanderpaul, and then Dravid. Indeed, Shiv famously faced 1,051

Former WI players Brian Lara and Shiv Chanderpaul (centre) and former Indian player Sachin Tendulkar

spiteful actions. The left-handed batsman scored 11,867 runs at an average of 51, with 30 centuries in an illustrious career of 164 Tests, to end at the second place in the list of all-time West Indies run-scorers, 86 runs short of legendary Brian Lara with 11,953 runs.

After all, this is the man who personified longevity and tenacity, surviving while 519 Test batsmen perished at the other end, and sharing a record 771 different partnerships in Tests, worthy world records that speak volumes about his durability and dependability.

Rahul Dravid, the Indian “Wall”, is next, but quite some distance behind at 453 Test dismissals at the other wicket, and 738 partnerships.

Yet, Chanderpaul has rarely been given deserving accolades, like Dravid and Tendulkar. “That guy with the most Test matches for the West Indies, playing for over 20 years, I don’t think

deliveries against India in 2002 without being dismissed, batting for 1,513 minutes. He was the consummate professional, blessed with the heart of a lion.

Brett Lee knocked him out cold when he “could not feel anything, and could not stand or move any limb,” with a fast, vicious bouncer; yet Chanderpaul refused the stretcher, and was up and running in a few minutes, and even went on to score a brave century.

Such was his dedication to his craft that he is the only international batsman I know who used dark stickers below his eyes, as anti-glare patches used to reduce light entering the peripheral area of the eyes, so that he could bat and field without being affected by the sun’s glare. Such attention to minute detail in his improvement continued on page 8

NEWS 5

WEEK ENDING AUGUST 19, 2018| guyanatimeSinternational.com

Jagdeo hammers Govt over ‘scrapping’ of initial airport modernisation plan

B

ased on Guyana’s unique geographic location, it stands to serve as a major hub in the Region, even becoming the new Panama, Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo has suggested.

But Jagdeo, a former President, said Government’s move to scrap the initial plan to expand the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) could prevent this from becoming a reality.

The Opposition Leader claimed that the plan was catered to make CJIA a modern airport to accommodate aircraft from various countries, which would have even-

tually created trade opportunities.

“It’s an enhanced cake shop now…they have cut out all the modern features. The length of the runway was critical to bringing in some types of aircraft here. We can’t even go to market,” he stated.

Jagdeo recalled that under the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) Administration, discussions were held with KLM Royal Dutch Airline and Suriname Airways to look at the possibility of having flights to Europe.

According to him, the idea was to create an avenue where flights could have departed Guyana to

own thing,” he opined.

Boost traffic

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo

Land identified for homestead to accommodateVenezuelan migrants

C

Citizenship Minister Winston Felix along with officials of the multi-agency coordinating committee

itizenship Minister Winston Felix has announced that a plot of land in Mabaruma, Region One (BarimaWaini) has been identified for the establishment of a homestead settlement area or a humanitarian centre for registered Venezuelans who have fled to Guyana.

According to the Minister, the land has been identified as a result of a collaborative effort of the Mayor and Town Council of Mabaruma and the Citizenship Ministry. The decision was taken during a multi-agency coordinating committee meeting on Tuesday.

Felix said the resettlement area was currently privately owned and that the Government would now initiate efforts to determine what arrangements could be put in place to acquire the land for the establishment of the centre.

The Ministry of the Presidency, in a statement, said that while this process was being undertaken, Felix has tasked the regional administration to set up a Regional Coordinating Sub-Committee, which could take charge of the situation on the ground even as the agencies on the national committee continue to lend the necessary assistance to those in the region.

The Public Health Ministry has since established health posts in the outlined areas, including at Mabaruma and Morawhanna, and is expected to establish yet another outpost at Imbotero Village by the end of this week at which migrants and residents would be screened and vaccinated. Additionally, the Ministry would

be bolstering its presence in Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni). Refrigerators for the storage of vaccines at the locations have already been procured and would be dispatched and set up by the end of next week.

Meanwhile, the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) has committed its support to addressing the migration of Venezuelans and to help boost Guyana’s capacity to deal with such situations in the event of future occurrences.

The IOM is currently conducting work in gathering data on the migrants, and has observed trends through a Displacement Tracking Matrix in Regions One (BarimaWaini); Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam); Four (Demerara-Mahaica) and Seven (CuyuniMazaruni).

Following calls by Region One Chairman Brentnol Ashley for Government and donor agencies to provide more assistance to Venezuelan refugees, the Administration on August 6 signalled its intention to construct several facilities to respond to the Venezuelan influx. This was announced by Minister of State, Joseph Harmon at his post-Cabinet briefing. A number of local businesses and Guyanese have provided food and clothing to the refugees.

Venezuelan refugees mainly from the Warrau tribe have been fleeing the economic and political turmoil in the Spanishspeaking country.

According to information provided, there are over 600 refugees in Region One.

Suriname and then onto Europe and vice versa. At present, Guyanese travelling to Europe have to travel to either Panama, Miami or New York, before they can go directly into any European country.

“We could have direct flights into Europe but they will not come because those aircraft can’t land. That was the objective of lengthening the runway. You can’t go and market for a hub until you have facilities. That is what we were doing, but they have done their

The Opposition Leader said that traffic would have been increased had these initial plans been carried out.

He also lamented that Guyana could have had more regular flights to Suriname, Northern Brazil, Barbados, Trinidad and onto Europe and North America. The PPP Administration was also in talks with South African airlines, discussing the possibility of them operating in Guyana, but the runway was an impediment.

“They not marketing anything…If we look at the cost of borrowing, we would have borrowed over $170 million more in debt payment and if you add a small fee to every passenger and security you would have serviced the loan… It was a feasible project… but they need to do much more,” he added.

The US$150 million project was scheduled to be completed within 32 months of its commencement in 2013. However, Thorne noted that the deadline was extended to December 1, 2017, since the project would have experienced several delays.

In 2012, Guyana, under the leadership of former President Donald Ramotar, had secured a US$138 million loan from the China Exim (ExportImport) Bank to fund the expansion and modernisation project, for which the Guyana Government has injected some US$12 million.

However, when the coalition Government came into power in 2015, the project was put on hold, but following discussions between Public Infrastructure Minister David Patterson and the contracting company China Harbour Engineering Corporation (CHEC), it was announced that the project would be continued.

Government was optimistic of the project being completed by 2017.

At a project update briefing, it was noted that of the US$150 million, only US$37.3 million had been expended to date. Of this amount, some US$33 million was spent by CHEC, which included US$1.9 million of local funds put up by the Government of Guyana. To date, the project is still to be completed and the airport remains in a haphazard state.

6

WEEK ENDING AUGUST 19, 2018 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

CPL games in Guyana In favour of giving oil money directly to Guyanese a good example of national cohesion

Dear Editor, After being at Providence, East Bank Demerara, I wish to point out the seminal contribution the Guyana Amazon Warriors are making to our national development. First there is the matter of “national cohesion” of which we have heard so much during the past three years. But who has done more for national cohesion than the Warriors, during that time?

Once again, they have created such a positive buzz in our country that the doom and gloom threatening to put us into a national depression has been dissipated like a bad morning mist. This time it was young Shimron Hetmyer from Canje who provided the sparks during the first game at Providence to light up and lift the spirits of the fans in the jampacked stadium. But every year during the last five years, in every game, one or more

Warriors have done the same with bat or ball, to make them the most consistent team in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL). And if those past five years are any guide, the Warriors will bring together our people like no other event to give expression to the aspirational exhortation of our national motto, “One People, One Nation, One Destiny”!

But while allowing our people to actually experience that there are more that bind us together than divide us, a tremendous achievement in itself, the Guyana Amazon Warriors have brought so many more benefits to Guyana. According to the research agency SMG Insight, the Guyanese economy received a shot in the arm of US$14,183,035 in 2017 for the four pool games. This year the number will expand significantly because of the larger number of games.

But that direct cash injection is just the tip of an iceberg, with almost 500 jobs created and over 5000 hotel rooms booked cumulatively. A big part of that iceberg is the publicity for tourism since more than 19 million persons saw the very best of our people in living colour! I was also very impressed with the professionalism with which the event was organised and executed: it was flawless and should give lie to the report in the NYTimes about Guyana being a sleepy backwater.

I am writing this because as a Guyanese, I have become very tired of the negativity about our country. And when something like the CPL and GAW dispel that negativity, it shows us that things can be different if we put our minds and shoulders to creating positivity.

Sincerely, Jenifer Semple

It seems as if the WPA just awoke from its slumber Dear Editor, It would seem that the Working People’s Alliance [WPA] has just woken up. For three years, with all the scandals — including the move by the Coalition Government, of which it is a part, to hide the US$18 million signing bonus — the WPA has been silent.

Now it claims that it was never “consulted or briefed on the negotiations and other official deliberations” on oil and gas.

This all seems very convenient because we are months out from the Local Government Elections and it would seem that the promise of “advocacy” from the WPA is intended to influence some voters.

You can see this convenience being exposed, because while the WPA has said that it endorses the call by Professor Clive Thomas for petroleum money to be given directly to households, the WPA also admits that its positions are not about “economic correctness”. How can economic correctness not be a factor?

Worse than being convenient are the other comments that have

been made by the WPA. First, the WPA said “the primary function of any State, regardless of ideological orientation, is to look after the welfare of its people.”

But the WPA has not held its partners in the Coalition Government accountable in this regard. All of the increases in taxes and the move to impose measures that hurt people’s welfare — as well as the Coalition Government’s general incompetence, especially in the health sector, which hurts peoples’ welfare — have already happened. In all of this, the WPA has said nothing.

Second, the WPA has said the Coalition Government must “not make final policy and governance arrangements” without inputs from stakeholders. But the WPA has said nothing when the Government ignored the advice of its own Petroleum Advisor, who is no longer employed.

Third, the WPA has said, “We must never underestimate the developmental challenges associated with managing the petro economy.”

But the WPA has said nothing about the

fact that we are two years away from “First Oil” and there still is no management framework in place. The WPA has said nothing about “development challenges” when the list of local companies engaged

by ExxonMobil demonstrated the need for a strong local content framework.

Fourth, the WPA said, “The Government take is estimated at 50 to 60%.” But the WPA, in quoting a big percentage, has said nothing about the millions in pre-contract costs that have been claimed by ExxonMobil, and it has said nothing about what will happen when oil prices drop, and it has said nothing about what the Coalition agreed are costs that ExxonMobil could claim as cost oil.

So the WPA can say that Government take is 50% – 60%, but 50% – 60% of what?

Editor, all the WPA has done is expose itself as being conveniently opportunistic and unwilling to face reality, as I pointed out in the four points above.

Yours faithfully, Attiya Baksh

Dear Editor, I completely agree with Guyana’s distinguished economist Dr Clive Thomas that a significant part of the nation’s oil revenue should be given directly to each household in Guyana at set times.

There is no question in my mind that such a move would have a lasting and positive impact on the people of Guyana. This will be a powerful incentive that will bring our people’s latent aptitude for thrift, creativity, ingenuity and business to full bloom, and enable them to expand their contributions to the country’s sustainable development.

The direct disbursement of oil money to the people will benefit every industry and business in the country because it will increase people’s disposable income and money available for investment. This will cause a tremendous boost in commerce, which would stimulate the economy, promote health and wealth, improve the quality of life, and generally improve everyone’s state of mind.

As Dr Thomas indicated, leaving the nation’s oil money solely in the control of politicians would leave the door wide open for human selfishness, greed and lust for power to step in, so only a small set of people would benefit from Guyana’s oil. This must never happen; oil profits must always be shared equitably.

There will be enough to give every household in Guyana $1 million to 2

million annually to do as they wish.

In anticipation of the oil bonanza, my advice is for Government to revive the disbursement of the “Because We Care” school grant for every child attending school.

The People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPPC) Government initiated this grant, and it was an extraordinary benefit to poor families. When the current Government took power, they stopped it.

When oil money starts to flow, I strongly believe that Government should give as much of the money to the people directly and as soon as possible, so that they can feel a sense of joy and goodwill. Remember, the country does not belong to the politicians or to the Government; they were hired by the people to run the country. Sometimes politicians forget that we, the people, own this country.

My advice to the Granger Administration, or any Government that gains power during our oil boom, is to put things in place and listen to the advice of learned men like Dr. Clive Thomas; and listen to the people who elected you to office by giving something to the people directly.

The bottom line is: Dr. Thomas has proposed something extremely good for Guyana; it will definitely work if we handle it properly. I support his suggestion one hundred percent.

Sincerely, Roshan Khan Sr

Guyana Govt must seek answers in death of young scholar Dear Editor, A young, brilliant Guyanese scholar, Yogeeta Persaud, of the simple village of Zorg, on the Essequibo Coast, died suddenly last Sunday in Peru. Guyana lost a young lady, whose potential was unlimited. Guyana lost a young lady who, while still very young, already contributed more than most Guyanese to our national image and national psyche.

When she topped the CSEC at the national level, she made all Guyana proud, but she also brought pride to Essequibo and particularly her school, the Anna Regina Multilateral School, and her village.

While her parents and her family were proud of young Yogeeta, her achievements not only elevated their status, her accomplishment as a teenager elevated Zorg, her school, and Essequibo.

Her achievements included being the top CSEC student in the Caribbean in 2013, bringing pride and honour to a whole nation.

Most Guyanese would have never met her, but all knew her name. I was privileged to have met her more than once.

Yogeeta may not have been our own child or sister or related to us in any way, but at that moment we shared her successes and she was one of us.

Earlier, she was one of Guyana’s top NGSA students and in 2014, was a top performer in CAPE. As a Guyanese scholar, Yogeeta went on to study Biochemistry at Stony Brook University in Long Island, New York, where she again proved to be a top student. Her brilliant journey took her to Peru where she was combining vacation with volunteer work, being a volunteer with “Volunteer Doctors Around the World”.

Yogeeta’s short but brilliant journey on earth ended in Peru last Sunday after a reported fall. Yogeeta died while extending a helping hand to people she did not know personally, but who she felt linked to by her humanity. From the reports, there is noth-

ing for any one of us to think that something untoward happened. There does not seem to be anything suspicious about her death. There is no one that can be blamed.

As her parents, family, friends and fellow villagers mourn her passing, all of Guyana join in mourning and celebrating a life that brought pride and honour to our country. While there is nothing for us to be suspicious and there does not seem like there is anyone to blame, her parents and many of her Guyanese sisters and brothers would like to know more about how young Yogeeta died. The Guyanese Government must help find answers so that as we say goodbye to a brilliant Guyanese soul, we can do so knowing that nothing untoward caused her death.

To her parents, family, friends, villagers and her school, I send my profound sympathies. May her soul rest in peace.

Sincerely, Dr Leslie Ramsammy

WEEK ENDING AUGUST 19, 2018| guyanatimeSinternational.com

news 7

‘Runway cleared’ Police Sergeant placed on G$1.3M bail over for American Airlines in Guyana driver’s licence fraud …Govt grants full approval F to begin operations

M

ajor US carrier, American Airlines, has been granted full approval by the Guyana Government to begin servicing the Guyana market later this year.

This disclosure was made by Minister of State, Joseph Harmon, at his post-cabinet press briefing on Thursday in Georgetown.

The top government official said that the approval came after the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) found the airline’s application to be satisfactory.

American Airlines will begin its service in mid-November with four flights per week between Miami and Georgetown.

Members of American Airlines met with the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) on June 12, 2018 at the Authority’s head office in Kingston.

The authorities in Guyana had expressed pleasure at such a well-established airline showing an interest in the Guyana market.

American Airlines is one of the largest US-based carriers.

Several injured in 2-vehicle collision at WCD

the minibus.

Meanwhile, another accident was also reported on the Den Amstel Public Road after a driver swerved from hitting a cow and careening into a nearby ditch. However, no one was reportedly injured. Police are continuing their investigations into both accidents.

S

The minibus which was involved in the collision at La Jalousie

everal persons were injured on Wednesday morning following a two-vehicle collision at La Jalousie, West Coast Demerara (WCD).

According to information received, the incident involved a Toyota Spacio motorcar and a route 32 minibus bearing registration plate BVV 4757. Guyana Times International was informed that the motorcar was heading to Parika, East Bank Essequibo

and the minibus was a short distance behind proceeding in the same lane.

However, the Toyota Spacio reportedly came to an abrupt halt, resulting in the minibus slamming into its rear. The driver of the minibus reportedly told Police that due to the wet roadway conditions from the morning’s rainfall, he was unable to stop the vehicle in time. All of the injured persons were reportedly passengers in

ormer Police Sergeant Alfred Park of Lot 1129 Diamond Housing Scheme, East Bank Demerara was on Monday arraigned before Senior Magistrate Judy Latchman on 12 counts of fraud relative to the theoretical learner driver’s examination conducted by the Guyana Police Force.

The court heard that on April 12, 2018, while he was the sergeantin-charge at the Felix Austin Police College, Georgetown, with intent to defraud the public, the 50-year-old Park conspired with others to forge 13 examination scripts for persons who did not write the learner driver’s examinations.

The prosecution did not object to Park being placed on bail, thus he was placed on G$1.3 million bail after an application had been made by his attorney, Patrice Henry.

The matter will continue of August 27.

Two members of the Guyana Police Force were recently slapped with a total of 38 counts of fraud relative to the same theoretical learner driver’s examination.

Police Corporal Shanice Fraser, 31, and Police Corporal Ryan Grey, 25, were accused of working together to commit the offence by forging a total of 38 examination papers for persons who allegedly paid to acquire a driver’s licence.

According to the Prosecution’s case, Grey is alleged to have forged 20 of the examination papers, while Fraser, the Traffic Chief’s Confidential Secretary, is suspected of forging 18 of the papers.

Police Prosecutor Gordon Mansfield did not object to either accused being placed on bail, but requested that conditions be attached. The two were ordered to report to the officer in charge of the Criminal Investigation Department Headquarters every Friday until the conclusion of their matter.

Fraser was granted bail in the sum of G$150,000 while Grey was released on G$160,000 bail.

On April 18 last, major irregulari-

Accused: Police Sergeant Alfred Park

ties surfaced in regard to the driver’s licence theoretical examination. Some 174 persons were registered to write the examination, but only 106 persons presented themselves to write same; yet, 207 scripts were submitted at the conclusion of the examination, with 155 completed.

The GPF had said that since members of the Cops and Faith Community Network became involved in the invigilation of the learner driver’s theoretical examination, there have been reports of a significant reduction in the opportunities for corruption, complaints, and allegations, thus this voluntary involvement will continue.

Meanwhile, the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) recently discovered that some unscrupulous members of its staff were working in collusion with members of the public to issue forged drivers’ licences, certificates of compliance, and registrations.

While announcing that details surrounding this development would not yet be divulged, the GRA has announced that an investigation has been launched.

The GRA has also revealed that those individuals who were part of the illegal operations have been sent on leave.

Several other Police ranks were questioned in relation to the matters involving the Police.

8 news

WEEK ENDING AUGUST 19, 2018 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Flag hoisted in Georgetown to celebrate India’s 72nd Independence Day

I

n commemoration of India’s 72nd Independence Anniversary, the Indian High Commission in Georgetown on Wednesday held its annual flag-raising ceremony at the Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre.

In the company of Indian officials and other invitees, the Indian High Commissioner to Guyana, Venachatachalam Mahalingam delivered an address made by the President of India Shri Ram Nath Kovind, on the eve of the country’s Independence Day. Prior to this, the flag of India was hoisted on the lawns of the compound and the National Anthem of India was recited.

One of the themes which were reiterated throughout the day was freedom and the way it should be utilised for the benefit of others.

“We are fortunate that we have inherited the legacy of such remarkable patriots. They left us with a free India, but they also left us with unfinished tasks for the development of our society, for the empowerment of the proverbial last person, for their liberation from a fundamental level, upholding the principles of our freedom struggle,” Mahalingam said in reading the President’s message.

On the sidelines of

The flag-raising ceremony at the Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre

the event, Mahalingam stated, “Today is the Independence Day of India.

We celebrate Independence Day all over the world and today, we would’ve already celebrated the 72nd Independence Day on a larger scale at the Red Fort in Delhi.”

He added, “This is a day that we commemorate to remind both India and the world of how far our ancestors struggled to get independence from the colonial rule and how we should maintain the

peace and independence that we have gained over the years.”

Youths were also urged to build their capacities for technology, entrepreneurship, craft, music, sports and other areas which could harness unlimited human capital.

The High Commissioner noted that in addition to this celebration, India will also be celebrating the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi on October 2.

Shiv Chanderpaul...

from page 4

and comfort as a cricketer defines the man appropriately called “Tiger.”

Shiv has been the rock and anchor of the West Indies since 1994, an unlikely yet worthy Atlas, and has been one of the Caribbean’s most accomplished yet unsung heroes. Chanderpaul’s first Test century came in his 19th match, a testimony to his application and determination, after scoring as many as 15 half centuries in the previous 18 matches. He spent most of the initial phase of his career under the shadows of the legendary Lara, and became a lone warrior after Lara and Sarwan had retired.

With a humble background from Unity, a small fishing village in Guyana, Shiv became the people’s star of David and Goliath vintage, whose struggles and ultimate successes reflected their daily struggles to overcome the odds, the proverbial underdog defeating social and economic barriers that suppressed them.

His batting stance has been described as being ‘crab-like’ and ugly to watch, but those who tolerate this degrading and unfair assessment palpably fail to appreciate that he honed his technique to make the very best of what God gave him, and made up for deficits overwhelmingly in other areas.

It is this single-minded dedication and adaptability that made him the champion and master he is today.

Shiv did not have the genius of Rohan Kanhai or Sir Gary Sobers; the power of Sir Viv Richards, Gordon Greenidge or Clive Lloyd; the dominance of Roy Fredericks; the technique of Alvin Kallicharran; or the finesse of Carl Hooper, Lawrence Rowe or Ramnaresh Sarwan, but the statistical achievements he accumulated that determines how a batsman is measured — runs, centuries, averages — surpassed theirs. This is not to say he was better in the wider context by which batsmen are assessed, but it ensures that one cannot deny his status among the greats of the game.

Those who are critical of his doggedness fail to appreciate that he was often the lone warrior in many lost caus-

es at a time when West Indian cricket sank to unfathomable depths; and responsibility forced him to eschew glamour and style for dependability, audacity for attrition. Like all the great players, the breadth and depth of his achievements provide sound rebuttals, considering that Chanderpaul has the record for the 4th fastest Test century, off just 67 balls against the worthy visiting Australians in 2002. In 2008, he hit a four and a six against the bowling of Chaminda Vaas, with 10 needed off two balls to win a One-Day International (ODI) against Sri Lanka.

He also created history with Sarwan when they combined to help West Indies chase down a 418-run target at Antigua in 2003 against Australia, scoring 105 and 104 runs each. He was named the captain of the team to face the visiting South Africans in 2005, and celebrated it by becoming only the second player to make a double-century on debut as a Test captain, scoring an unbeaten 200 in Guyana.

Another absolutely stunning record Chanderpaul holds is that of being stumped for the first time after having batted in 266 innings, and he has batted with as many as 82 different Test partners.

When I interviewed him about the reason for his longevity and success, he told me, “I have an immense skill and unique gift – concentration, a divine gift bestowed by Lord Shiva.”

Ian Bishop, now an international cricket commentator, said it best in tribute to Chanderpaul, 2008 Wisden Cricketer of the Year, “I played several Test series with him (Shiv), and have seen more esteemed team-mates shrink in the face of the fastest bowling, but never Chanderpaul…That no other West Indian managed a score of more than 60 in the Tests speaks of the yawning gap between his skill, commitment and experience – and theirs.”

Yours respectfully, Albert Baldeo

Jamaica: 13-year-old girl allegedly killed by her Trinidadian teacher (JAMAICA OBSERVER)

W

hen 13-year-old Shanoya Wray left home quietly on the night of July 15, her relatives — who quickly reported her missing — had no clue she would not return home alive.

Not once during the week in which they awaited her return did they think that she would have turned up dead and that her alleged killer would be Trinidadian teacher, Sanju Maharaj, who is currently before the court on a sex charge with her as the complainant.

“I thought she would come back home; I wasn’t thinking that [she would be dead] at all,” said Wray’s mother, Shana-Hay Hall, who was in tears as she spoke with the Jamaica Observer yesterday from her family home on Tavern Drive in Kingston.

The teen’s mother ShanaHay Hall, and grandmother, Sylvia Campbell in tears yesterday.

The teen’s grandmother, Sylvia Campbell, who was also in tears, said, “Everyday we call Biffy (Shanoya), even though she nuh answer. [It seemed] the phone was locked off from the Monday, but we a say Biffy must

answer.”

“The morning after she gone we never did a tek it fi nothing, ’cause pickney go bout dem business and come back, so you expect har fi come back the Monday. You a look fi har a come in a the day or in the evening, but everytime dem call Biffy no answer,” Shanoya’s aunt Lisa-Gaye Hall.

But five days later the family’s hope quickly turned to heart-rending grief when relatives were asked to submit to DNA testing which confirmed that the skeletal remains that were found soaking in a bathtub with chemicals at premises on Walley Close, in Kingston, on July 20 belonged to the missing teenager.

Hall, who said she has been unable to eat or sleep properly since her daughter’s death, said the police were only able to recover few pieces of bone and a skull.

“The doctor say if it did stay one more day no bone wouldn’t leave, and no smell wouldn’t be there,” she said.

The police were alerted to the remains by a neighbour who was concerned about an unpleasant stench from next door after cleaning his home. The neighbour reportedly a used a ladder

Shanoya Wray

to climb up and peep through a window over into the premises and made the unfortunate discovery.

According to Hall, based on the state of the remains, she was informed that an autopsy could not be done. The police, she said, have since theorised that a caustic substance was used to burn the teen’s body.

She said that she was also told by the police that neighbours had allegedly seen a man burning female clothing and braids.

Her daughter, she said, was wearing braids at the time she went missing “We just can’t believe how the man burn up the child, ’cause even the bone weh left back dem

say no substance no inna the bone, so if the neighbour never find it even the next 10 years we wouldn’t find her or know what happen to her, and dem would haffi just throw out the case,” said the child’s aunt, shaking her head.

A 19-year-old resident of Harbour View in Kingston, Lenardo Madden, believed to be a close friend of the Trinidadian and who was allegedly at the house when the police made the gruesome discovery was later charged along with Maharaj with murder, accessory after the fact, and misprison of felony.

The Trinidadian teacher was arrested and charged last year after Shanoya was found at his home a day after she did return home from school.

She said around October of last year her daughter, who was then a 12-year-old grade seven student at New Day All-Age School did not come home after school.

Maharaj, who was on teaching practice at the school at the time, was out on bail and had been scheduled to reappear in court this November on carnal abuse charge.

The teenager’s father, Starkey Wray, who later turned

up at the home yesterday, could not hide his emotions.

“Me cyaan even tell you how I’m coping; it a mad me, it’s the worst thing ever happen to somebody I know.

“The man who kill her is really wicked; first me see a man wicked like that: how you can kill a child like that?”

Similar sentiments were expressed by Shanoya’s older sister, Correy-Ann Morgan, 15.

“It just nuh feel right just to know how she innocent and to know what she go through; maybe if a did something like sickness kill her we wouldn’t feel like we do now, ’cause we not even know how she died. We just imagine the pain that she went through before she die; it’s just hard.”

She described her sister as always pleasant.

“It’s like certain things in a life hard for me to do now. Me try me best not to think about it, but it is like something come in my head back and I can’t be happy to the fullest again,” Morgan said.

The family, meanwhile, is hoping they will get justice in the court.

The two accused are expected to appear in court tomorrow (Friday).

NEWS 9

WEEK ENDING AUGUST 19, 2018| guyanatimeSinternational.com

Sugar workers stage another protest for redundancy payments

S

ugar workers of the Wales Estate staged a protest outside the estate on Wednesday, demanding their redundancy pay after they were asked to move their operations to the Uitvlugt Estate.

These workers were retained by the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) to be engaged mainly in the paddy experiment, which the Corporation was pursuing in the former cane fields of Wales.

However, according to their union, they were instructed on Monday morning without any warning to report for work at the Uitvlugt Estate, which is located some 22 miles from their operation base.

The Guyana Agricultural and General Workers’ Union (GAWU) said the affected workers approached them and upon making enquiries, they were told by the Corporation’s Head Office that the operations were taken over by the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited – Special Purpose Unit (NICIL-SPU).

They said they were further informed that two workers would be retained to maintain the Wales Estate compound and the remainder would be sent to Uitvlugt Estate.

GAWU, taking into account GuySuCo’s explanation, pointed out to the Corporation that the workers’ jobs have

Some of the workers at the Wales Sugar Estate on Wednesday

become redundant and, therefore, the payment of their severance benefits is necessary.

Efforts being made to revitalise Linden airstrip

W

Workers clearing vegetation around the airstrip

hile the Region 10 (Upper DemeraraBerbice) Democratic Council (RDC) has recently managed to solicit G$2 million from the Finance Ministry in an effort to revitalise the once abandoned airstrip at Linden, Regional Chairman Renis Morian said it would cost approximately G$68 million to get the facility back up and running.

The RDC had since 2016 embarked on an initiative to revitalise the abandoned facility, which, according to the Regional Chairman, was ranked among the best airstrips in the country. On Monday, a group consisting of 60 persons contracted by the RDC began clearing unwanted vegetation on and around the airstrip.

Speaking at the location at Mackenzie, Morian stressed the economic potential of

the Linden airstrip once it comes back on stream. “We’re working to preserve this airstrip … We’re clearing almost a mile on both sides,” the regional chairman noted, as he pointed out that vegetation was now attempting to grow underneath the airstrip and this could result in more structural faults and damage.

“We did a survey, and to bring this thing back up and running… (it) is G$68 million …

Our job is to make certain that this airstrip is in readiness for the next stage when the Government comes in … So, we want to preserve it,” he said.

Engineers who visited the site had asserted that it is one of the best structures that they have seen and the Council had expressed interest in bringing the abandoned airstrip back on stream, as a means to drive econom-

ic development in the Region.

Officials also discussed future collaboration with investors and prepared a proposal which was sent to the Public Infrastructure Ministry in an effort to revitalise the facility.

“We recognise, not just the potential for residents of Region 10 (but) nationally. Do you know how many persons from Linden have to travel to Georgetown to charter a plane or board a plane to go where they’re going?

This airstrip gonna do great. The impact of this airstrip – think in terms of oil and gas, the movement of materials, people, etcetera. This airstrip – once it’s up and running – is gonna be a buzz of activities,” Morian noted on Monday. He also pointed to the possibilities when the Linden to Lethem road is developed.

Notwithstanding the coherent position, GAWU noted that GuySuCo is adamant that the excess workers must take up work at Uitvlugt.

This, the Union believes, is in contravention of the Termination of Employment and Severance Pay (TESPA) Act and furthermore sees GuySuCo’s “undemocratic” action as an attempt to make the workers leave their jobs, thus denying them their rightful entitlements.

The actions that were taken here is somewhat similar to that which was taken by the Corporation some time ago with re-

gards to the Wales sugar workers, who were later forced to address the matter at the judicial level.

“That matter, we should add, is currently being heard and despite the unambiguity of the law, the Corporation continues to steadfastly hold onto its obstinate position. The GAWU is dismayed that it must, once again, call on the GuySuCo to respect workers’ rights and the protections afforded to them by the laws, agreements, conventions and practices,” the Union stated.

When the Wales Estate was downsized in 2016, just over a hundred

sugar workers from the sugar estate suffered the same fate when they were also sent to the Uitvlugt Sugar Estate for duties there.

Following their refusal to commence work 22 miles away and the Union citing that it was beyond the stipulation that the Termination of Employment and Severance Pay Act (TESPA) allows, the workers staged several protest actions calling for their severance payments.

However, GuySuCo maintained that the workers were not entitled to severance, with former acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the entity, Paul Bhim saying that GuySuCo had honoured all its obligations regarding the payment of severance at the Wales Estate.

GAWU being the representative body for the sacked workers took the matter to court in March of 2017.

Since losing their jobs in late 2016, the former Wales Estate workers, their relatives and other residents in the surrounding communities have complained of depleting finances and sustenance challenges.

10 news

WEEK ENDING AUGUST 19, 2018 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Man, 67, gets 2 life Homeowner could face sentences for child rape possible sanctions over

S

Jailed for life: Convicted child rapist Abdool Jamil

everal weeks after being found guilty of two counts of sexually penetrating a 10-year-old girl on May 30 and June 2, 2014 at a West Coast Demerara (WCD) village, Abdool Jamil, a 67-year-old pensioner, was sentenced to spend the rest of his life in jail.

On Monday, he was ordered to serve two life sentences by Sexual Offences Court Judge Priya Sewnarine-Beharry, who said that the offender must serve at least 45 years before he was eligible for parole.

Justice Sewnarine-Beharry noted that a strong signal needed to be sent to society owing to the prevalent nature of the crime. A probation report was presented to the court. The convicted man’s lawyer, Clyde Forde described him as a community activist, having been recognised by the Pan American Health Organisation/World Health Organisation (PAHO/WHO) for his contribution to health services. However, persons in the community where he lived described him as a “bad man” whom they feared, according to the probation offi-

cer’s report.

When he was allowed to have his say, the pensioner, a father of six, told the Judge that he never raped the child – lamenting several times, via vivid description, that he was impotent. However, it was disclosed that he had been sharing an intimate relationship with an adult female relative of the young girl. That relationship ended after the child complained of what happened to her.

“I never had sex with a young person, much less this person,” Jamil told the court.

According to the facts of the case, the child’s mother travelled to attend a funeral in Linden and had left her young child in the care of a female relative.

Jamil, however, dishonestly informed this female relative that the child’s mother had instructed that the child be left in his care and she was relinquished to his care and it was then that he raped the child on two separate occasions.

The child, through an impact statement read by child counsellor Celeste Mullen, said that she could not concentrate or perform well in school. She said that she could not forget what happened to her.

“I felt really bad and upset. My life has not been the same and my grades started to drop. I trusted him, he was nice to me, but I don’t want to see him again. I want him to be punished,” the now teenaged girl expressed.

In her determination, Justice Sewnarine-Beharry found Jamil to be unremorseful. She said that the then 10-year-old girl would have loved and respected the offender. Furthermore, the Judge said that the girl was scarred tremendously and was even blaming herself. State Counsel Lisa Cave who prosecuted the case requested a stiff penalty to be imposed. (Shemuel Fanfair)

gas eruption at Diamond …situation under control – CDC

T

The two mini eruptions in the yard at Diamond

he well at Sixth Street, Diamond, East Bank of Demerara, which erupted again on Wednesday spewing debris up to 50ft in the air, consisting of mud, water, gas and small boulders on nearby houses is currently under control and is continuously being monitored.

Director General (ag) of the Civil Defence Commission (CDC), Lt. Col. Kester Craig said the eruption of the well occurred around 01:30h and immediately following the 24-hour National Emergency Operation Centre was contacted and a team dispatched to the location.

Officials from the CDC, Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC), the Guyana Police Force (GPF) and the Guyana Fire Service (GFS) were on the ground monitoring the situation.

Lt. Col. Craig explained that about two weeks ago engineers from the GGMC completed the initial capping.

This process entails what is known as “reverse welling” and involves the use of two sets of pipes, which are placed about 25 feet below the ground to trap the gas at the surface, “it involves using cement to seal around the pipes and the affected areas,” Craig noted.

The process takes 21 days to “cure.”

From the assessment conducted yester-

day by Senior Petroleum Technologist, GGMC Mitchell Prince, it was determined that an apparatus would have to be set up to capture the combination of gas, mud and water and then separate the gas from the mixture.

Prince, who performed the initial capping of the well, said this occurrence is normal and indicates that the well is clear. However, accord-

tions were received including the placement of a gas generator to provide electricity to the community or having a private investor collect the gas for commercial distribution.

According to a DPI release, following a complete assessment, a report will be submitted to Minister of State, Joseph Harmon for an executive decision to be made in this regard.

The initial explosion

ing to the Craig “we have to be careful with the size of the boulders coming out because the surface at the top has to be adequate for the release of the boulder from the well.”

An assessment was also conducted by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Massy, which ruled out the presence of excess amounts of methane gas in the atmosphere.

A sample of the methane gas was sent overseas to determine the quantity and potential, which initial tests reveal is in significant amounts.

Lt. Col. Craig said several recommenda-

Craig is also urging citizens to refrain from drilling wells without permission from the Hydromet Office to avoid a similar situation, which has resulted in significant losses.

He disclosed that authorities are currently reviewing the laws to ascertain possible sanctions for the homeowner responsible for the eruption in June after he claimed to have been digging a domestic water well.

Nearby residents were assured that the situation is under control and a solution forthcoming following assessment.

news 11

WEEK ENDING AUGUST 19, 2018| guyanatimeSinternational.com

‘Increased level of bullyism plaguing Guyana’s mining sector’ …mining association calls for CoI into Brazilian’s death

T

he Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association (GGDMA) has called for a Commission of Inquiry (CoI) to be launched into the death of a Brazilian miner who was shot and killed on Saturday by two Police Officers in Puruni, Region Seven (CuyuniMazaruni).

The Association made calls via a strongly worded statement to the media on Wednesday which highly condemned the action, and more so the officers, who committed that act.

“No one in the Government is doing anything to help miners, they are just applying pressure. We are demanding our respect… there seems to be no one in charge of the mining sector and the Government is yet to articulate its policy on continued mining in Guyana,” the GGDMA stated in the release.

The organisation bashed the Finance Ministry for not addressing issues within the sector.

“When the Minister of Finance takes to the media to bemoan and lament the dismal performance

Brazilian miner Estevão Marquês Costa was shot and killed

of the Guyanese economy, he must address the outstanding issues under his portfolio that are negatively impacting the industry and then look squarely in the face of his colleagues who, for the last four years, have mismanaged and neglected the industry which carried Guyana on its back,” the GGDMA added in its

release.

In addition, the body said it has taken note of the increasing levels of bullyism which is seemingly going unnoticed by the Government, which is clearly responsible for the downturn in the mining sector.

“There is an increasing level of bullyism taking place and public offi-

cers are clearly operating outside the law without consequence… death, corruption and frustration are now the pillars on which the current Government seems to be moulding the industry”.

The Association against this backdrop said that “Mining is surely on the down turn and the blame for this lies squarely at

the feet of the current Government”.

It complained that is has now been more than three years since the coalition Government took office and the President is still refusing to meet with the largest Private Sector employer in the country.

“We will not take it anymore.”

Meanwhile, an autopsy conducted on the 37-year-old miner’s body on Wednesday suggested that he died as a result of a single gunshot wound to his head. Reports are that the bullet entered the man’s head from the back and exited the front.

It was reported that Estevão Marquês Costa was shot and killed by two Police Officers; one has since admitted to the killing.

The two Police Officers were taken into custody after they allegedly murdered the Brazilian miner in Puruni, Region Seven and attempted to get rid of the body on Saturday last.

It was reported that a Subordinate and a Constable – who are stationed at the Kurupung Police Station – abandoned their post

on Friday and reportedly left on an All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV) to patrol the area but for some reason left their jurisdiction via a boat and went to a landing in Puruni.

Upon their arrival in the area, the Police Constable reportedly exited the boat and went to a shop a short distance from the landing while his subordinating officer reportedly waited in the boat.

Soon after a loud explosion was heard and the other officer who remained in the boat was told by the Constable that the miner discharged a round at him and in retaliation, he returned fire. This was however refuted but the mother of the now dead man who has accused the Police of murdering her son.

She told detectives that her son was shot at close range by the Constable. The officers, she claimed, even made attempts to burn her son’s body but the miners stopped same from happening.

The two ranks remain in custody as investigations continue.

12 news

WEEK ENDING AUGUST 19, 2018 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Guyana’s Minister of Business responds to critics on country’s readiness for ‘First Oil’ in 2020 …says satisfied with progress made

S

ince the discovery of oil and gas in Guyana, there has been much debate and discussion surrounding the slow pace at which Government is looking to implement policies to guide how revenues are spent from this newfound natural resource.

But Business Minister Dominic Gaskin feels Government has been doing its best to prepare for this sector. As such, he told a recent forum that he is pleased with the progress the coalition has made but said it is now left up to Guyanese to make use of the oppor-

tunities available in the sector.

“Everything may not be perfect, and I don’t think anyone is saying that it is, I am certainly not saying that everything is perfect, but what I am saying is, that I’m satisfied with the progress that has been made in the petroleum sector since the announcement of the discoveries in 2015 and to date.”

The Minister said he is also satisfied that some Guyanese are already benefiting from the sector and many more Guyanese will most likely benefit once oil produc-

tion begins in 2020.

“I’m also satisfied that our Government is doing everything it can to ensure that Guyanese, not just now but for generations to come will benefit from Guyana’s oil,” he stated.

According to Gaskin, with the circulation of oil money in Guyana through local procurement, local employment, and through local spending by expatriate employees, contractors, consultants and other professionals, Guyana’s economy will experience significant growth.

“Should we try and

Ukrainians accused of assaulting Guyanese miners remanded to prison

T

Maksym Furtak and Vitaly Paraschuck being escorted by Policemen following their court appearance

he two Ukrainians who allegedly assaulted and threatened two Guyanese miners were on Tuesday taken before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

Vitaly Paraschuck, 38, whose local address was given as Lot A 173 Robin’s Place, Bel Air Park, Georgetown and Maksym Furtak, 33, who was stationed at Quartzstone, Region Seven (Cuyuni- Mazaruni) where the incident occurred, denied the allegations through a translator.

The men who were represented by Attorney-at-Law Mark Waldron answered to their charges separately.

It is alleged that Paraschuck, on August 3, 2018 at Quartzstone Backdam, Cuyuni River, while employed as a coordinator and security officer by the West Bank Demerara Gold Incorporated Security Service, failed to wear his uniform prescribed by the Guyana Police Force as a supernumerary constable while on duty.

It is also alleged that on the same day at the same location, he made use of threatening behaviour – by pointing a gun – at Charles Clarke, thereby breaching the peace.

Paraschuck also reportedly unlawfully assaulted Clarke so as to cause him actual bodily harm.

The charges against Furtak, who is a general manager of the company, stated that on August 3, 2018 at the same location, he failed to wear his uniform prescribed by the Guyana

Police Force as a supernumerary constable while on duty.

He is also being charged for allegedly making use of threatening behaviour to Rudolph Deane, thereby breaching the peace on July 28 at the said location.

Attorney Waldron, in his bail application, told Chief Magistrate McLennan that his clients did not pose a flight risk, since they have already lodged their passports with the Police.

He revealed that West Bank Demerara Gold Incorporated Security Service has taken the decision to have the men remain in Georgetown until the matter is completed.

The men are also said to be cooperating with investigators.

However, Police Prosecutor Gordon Mansfield objected to bail, noting that the men had no ties to Guyana as no local address was given for one of the defendants as well as contrary to the claims of their attorney, their passports have not been lodged with the Police and as such, they pose a flight risk.

Prosecutor Mansfield also informed the Court that the men were supernumerary constables (a supernumerary is a fully sworn officer who has the same powers as other officers, but does not hold a full-time position or is licensed to carry a firearm).

Both men were remanded to prison.

The case will continue on August 23 at the Bartica Magistrate’s Court.

maximise the benefits that Guyanese will enjoy from oil and gas? Of course! There is more than one way to achieve this…of course, there is,” he added, noting that while some people are questioning Government’s approach, others and taking advantage of the opportunities.

However, he said it is unfortunate that many are not, because they are caught up and distracted by the negative rhetoric coming from a handful of what he described as self-appointed experts, many of whom are quietly positioning themselves to benefit from the industry. “…They (the poor) are looking forward to oil production. They are depending on Government to make the right decisions for their future and their children’s future. I want to assure you all that this is what our Government will do and we will ensure that every Guyanese benefits,” he stated.

He added that the prospect of oil production has created quite a buzz in Guyana as well as outside of Guyana, noting that he believes “it’s generally a good thing for us, in fact, the actual news is extremely positive, the discovery so far and the outfield develop-

Business Minister Dominic Gaskin

ment, the development of the production vessel and the shore-based activity, it’s all very good news for Guyana and we need to turn it into positive outcomes”.

Unpreparedness

With just two years to go before first oil, Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo has said Government has not made any substantial plans for the oil sector.

Jagdeo has urged the coalition to formulate a national oil spill policy as a priority, and said the other key legislations are still not in place.

“I’m saying to you, if we don’t address these critical issues, if we don’t address the rest of the economy, Guyana will be worst off in the next decade than we are now.

You read the experience of many of those countries. Check the assessment of Chad and Nigeria and Venezuela and all

those places. And just hear where they are today,” Jagdeo urged at one of his press conferences.

Further, Jagdeo said, “They were supposed to get the Sovereign Wealth Fund to protect our interest and they failed on that. They failed on the Petroleum Commission.

They failed on local content. It’s the same pattern. They’re failing to address this issue in a manner that protects Guyana.”

However, Jagdeo made it clear to reporters that his position on the state of preparedness for the new industry was at variance to what is contained in the Government publication. “We still haven’t gotten the Petroleum Commission, no local content legislation, no Sovereign Wealth Fund, no decision on whether they will auction the blocks… but all the measures are in place for 2020,” he said.

Some stakeholders and sections of the society in Guyana have said that preparations for first oil should have been at a more advanced stage since the country is less than two years away from production. Government has however maintained that all systems will be in place in time for 2020.

Lawrence underscores important role health workers play in communities ...to push for better salaries on their behalf

P

ublic Health Minister Volda Lawrence said she would be lobbying for an improved salary scale for persons working for basic wages within the health sector.

She was at the time speaking to staff members of the Ptolemy Reid Rehabilitation Centre last Friday, during the closing ceremony of a two-week capacity-building programme for orthotic and prosthetic technicians.

The technicians, most of them hailing from the Centre, were very instrumental in providing prosthetic limbs and orthotic devices for some 25 persons.

Minister Lawrence said while she was grateful for the work put in by the technicians and other staff, there was no

Public Health Minister Volda Lawrence

doubt that the salaries of those who labour so strenuously needed to be improved.

“We are presently at the Ministry of Health trying to work with the Public Service Ministry so that persons who are branded in some particular fields and have been left there to languish, to address your salary scale so you can

be remunerated properly for the important services you provide,” the Minister is quoted by the Department of Public Information as saying.

She noted that the process was “taking a little longer than we thought it would have taken, but good things come to those who wait,” she assured.

“We will continue to fight that fight so that persons in those other Ministries understand the important role that many of you play in the health sector, especially you here at the Ptolemy Reid Rehabilitation Centre.”

Director of the Rehabilitation Centre, Cynthia Massay lauded the Minister’s commitment to health workers particularly those working at the centre.

news 13

WEEK ENDING AUGUST 19, 2018| guyanatimeSinternational.com

American Chamber of Commerce officially launched in Guyana …will help to facilitate investment in Guyana

T

he American Chamber of Commerce was officially launched in Guyana on Monday evening at the Marriot Hotel. The event was attended by a large section of the local private sector and representatives from the United States business community.

Speaking at the event, President of AmCham Guyana, Zulfikar Ally, said the Chamber plans to place emphasis on small businesses to ensure that they, too, have opportunities to grow.

“We see this Chamber as a Chamber that will help to facilitate investment into Guyana.

There are 116 chambers all around the world and… our job will be to help to facilitate and guide [businesses],” he said.

The chamber is not only for American businesses, it is for any business; and not only for corporations, but even to the smallest business,” he said.

He said the Chamber

President of AmCham Guyana, Zulfikar Ally, addressing a gathering at the Marriott Hotel on Monday during the Chamber’s official launch

hopes to augment and expand existing US/ Guyana trade and investment relations, but will also work to improve the investment climate and strengthen the pri-

vate sector.

While noting that there are some challenges, he noted that businesses can only operate in a climate where there is ease and efficiency,

and in a place where it is safe to conduct business as well.

Also addressing the gathering was Vice President of the Americas Department of

the International Affairs Division, United States Chamber of Commerce, Anne McKinney, who noted that the Chamber will become a catalyst for investment.

She stressed the benefits that could derive from the exchange of ideas and cooperation between the US Chamber and that of the local branch, and gave her commitment to working closely with Guyana.

At the cocktail reception to mark the official launch of the Chamber, Business Minister Dominic Gaskin told the gathering that Government has been working to modernise the business sector.

He said that under the current administration, focus is being placed on ensuring that more modern technology is used to bring ease to the way business and money transactions are done in Guyana.

“We are also committed to transparency, and we will ensure that accurate, up-to-date and relevant information is shared to the public and businesses. This is a work in progress,” he added.

Gaskin said the proscontinued on page 21

14 news

WEEK ENDING AUGUST 19, 2018 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Team of US Congressmen to visit Guyana

…a signal of Guyana’s importance on the international scene, says Harmon

G

uyana’s Minister of State, Joseph Harmon, has confirmed that in the coming weeks, Guyana will see the arrival of a team of senior Congressmen from the United States of America for what he has deemed to be a “familiarisation visit.”

The disclosure was made to media operatives during the Post Cabinet Briefing held on Thursday.

“Yes, Minister Trotman did indicate that to Cabinet, that there will be several, I think, seven or eight congressmen that will be coming here along with some senior Military Officers for a short visit. He has been so advised and he has advised Cabinet accordingly,” he said, while not-

ing that Government is presently in the process of making arrangements for their arrivals.

Probed as to what this visit means for Guyana, the State Minister asserted that it is his belief that the arrival of eight Congressmen in the country at one time, signals Guyana’s importance on the international scene.

“I believe what it does, is it signals a growing confidence in the relationship between our two states and the fact that there is a growing number of US companies that are operating in Guyana, that the Law- makers will want to come to see what is taking place but I believe that it is quite normal,” he explained.

(Ramona Luthi)

WEEK ENDING AUGUST 19, 2018| guyanatimeSinternational.com

15

16

WEEK ENDING AUGUST 19, 2018 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

WEEK ENDING AUGUST 19, 2018| guyanatimeSinternational.com

17

18

WEEK ENDING AUGUST 19, 2018 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

WEEK ENDING AUGUST 19, 2018| guyanatimeSinternational.com

19

20 news

WEEK ENDING AUGUST 19, 2018 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Kwakwani woman charged for attempted murder of reputed husband gets bail

S

amantha Henry of Potville, Kwakwani, Upper Berbice River (Region 10: Upper DemeraraBerbice) was on Friday placed on G$50,000 bail

by Senior Magistrate Clive Nurse at the Kwakwani Magistrates Court after being remanded on July 20 on a charge of attempting to murder her reputed husband, Hemant Deonarine.

The accused is scheduled to return to court on August 17 for continuation of her case.

RECAP

Henry faces an allegation of attempting to murder 39-year-old Hemant Deonarine on July 12 last, reportedly slashing him to his neck with a broken bottle during a heated argument at their home at Potville.

She was not required to plead to the indictable charge of attempted murder. According to Police information on the case, the accused and the victim, who is an operator, lived together and have four children. On the day of the incident, they were reportedly consuming alcohol at their home, along with the sister of the accused, who was visiting at the time.

The trio were reportedly intoxicated when Henry reportedly accused Deonarine of having an intimate relationship with her sister.

A heated argument ensued between the two, and it reportedly end-

Samantha Henry

ed up in their bedroom.

The sound of a bottle being broken was reportedly heard, and Deonarine exited the bedroom bleeding profusely from a wound on the left side of his neck.

Neighbours summoned the Police, and responding officers rushed Deonarine to the Kwakwani Public Hospital, where he reportedly became unconscious. He was later transferred to the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPHC) where he was admitted a patient in the Male Surgical Ward in stable condition.

The accused was arrested and escorted to the Kwakwani Police Station, where she was told of the allegation and placed in custody.

She allegedly admitted under caution that she had slashed her reputed husband with a broken bottle; and she said it was because she had seen him hugging her sister.

news 21

WEEK ENDING AUGUST 19, 2018| guyanatimeSinternational.com

American Guyana targeting ABC Chamber of... countries in tourism drive I from page 13

pect of oil production has created a buzz in Guyana and further afield, and this is extremely positive for the country, as it will only lead to greater investment opportunities.

Acting Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister Carl Greenidge, a former Finance Minister, also delivered remarks at the opening. He underscored the importance of trade relations between Guyana and the rest of the world, and said services are a major element of Guyana’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). However, he noted that at a time when services constitute one of the most dynamic and buoyant elements in international trade across the globe, Guyana is one of those countries wherein the export of services is negligible. “The future of export success comes from value enhancements of many of the jurisdictions…

Increasingly, it is the service element that enhances the prices, enables them to find niche markets, enables the exporters to keep up with a market where the characteristics of the times (digital and communication) revolutions have changed,” he stated.

Meanwhile, earlier in the day, President David Granger met with the new Chamber and gave his Government’s commitment to do whatever is possible to promote and stabilise trade and investment in the country.

As such, he said Guyana is open for business in all sectors, including agriculture, mining and eco-tourism; and would welcome groups and individuals who would like to come to Guyana.

His statement was made during a meeting held on Monday with the executive members of AmCham at State House.

“I am seeing that we can bring more people to the fold. There is so much we can do. There is absolutely nothing in terms of agricultural products that we cannot supply to the Caribbean hospitality sector, but we need investment capital, and we need to build a stronger manufacturing sector,” he said.

The Head of State noted, too, that as the Chamber opens its operations in Georgetown, it is his hope that small businesses would not be left out, but would rather be given the necessary resources to grow and

develop.

He said, “We will do whatever we can do to promote and stabilise trade and investment, because what’s good for Guyana is good Guyanese. This can only work to the benefit of both sides.”

The President underscored that small businesses are welcome, and if they can be given some training, like how to write a proposal or business plan, then that alone will be a stepping stone.

AmCham Guyana is a private sector association of US enterprises and individuals doing business in Guyana, as well as firms and business executives in Guyana who operate in the United States.

AmCham said its purpose is to “promote America–Guyana bilateral trade opportunities and activities; to improve market access for America-Guyana goods and services; to provide an economic, social, and policy platform for its members; to encourage networking and build business connections, among others.

The current board is comprised of a dynamic mix of both local, regional, and U.S directors who are eager to dedicate their service, knowledge, and expertise to ensuring a productive start for the chamber.

Members of the Board include: Zulfikar Ally, Queens Atlantic; Clairmont Cummings, Corum Group; Liz Wyatt, Sol Guyana; Dave Kissoon, London House Chambers; Justin Nedd, GTT; Rod Henson, ExxonMobil; Davie Sukdeo, Guyana Marriott; George Kalantzakis, HESS Corporation; Rafael Nabi, Nabi Construction Inc; Ms Saskia Wigingaarde, RED Entertainment; Yolander Persaud, Massy Group Guyana; Jorge Medina, MACORP, Richard Sammy, Republic Bank; Marisca Jordan, RAMPS Logistics; Andrew Mendonza, Baker Hughes and Fitzroy McLeod, NAMILCO. Members of the Executive include: Zulfikar Ally as Chairman; Clairmont Cummings as First Vice Chair; Justin Nedd as Second Vice Chair; Liz Wyatt as Third Vice Chair; Fitzroy McLeod as Treasurer; Devindra Kissoon as General Counsel; and Ms Yolander Persaud as Company Secretary.

By Jarryl Bryan

n the Caribbean, specifically the Eastern region, the World Bank last year calculated tourism to account for roughly 52 per cent of earnings on average. Even without festivals, other parts of the Caribbean are famous for their scenic tourist destinations.

New Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) Director Brian Mullis hopes to leverage the increased focus on Guyana, with the oil and gas sector being an international topic of discussion, while ironing out a strategy to effectively market Guyana as a tourist destination.

In an interview with this newspaper, Mullis stressed the importance for the tourism authority to have a master plan for marketing local destinations worldwide and that this plan be used as a reference for implementing tourism policies.

“Right now we are working off a fiveyear strategic marketing plan that was developed in 2015, so you would see things like recent announcements on the launch of our first new website in over 10 years.”

“We’ve just launched phase one; we’re in the process of launching phase two. We’ve also recently announced that we’ve secured market representation in two of our three core markets and one of our investment markets,” Mullis added.

According to the Tourism Director, the United States and Canada are those two core markets, with the United Kingdom being the third. He also referenced Germany as one of those priority markets. The concentration of their efforts in these countries, he noted, is based on the large streams of tourists emanating from them. “(These tourists) are very interested in authentic adventure culture and nature-based experiences and the demographics that we are targeting, in addition to the traditional demographics in the Diaspora, are those people that come to destinations like Guyana to spend more money and stay longer and are typically open to the types of travel that we have, which are well aligned.”

These different things, Mullis related,

GTA Director Brian Mullis

include more emphasis on digital, social media marketing. He noted that once they can boost their success with the core markets, the intention is to target other markets from the Caribbean and South America.

One of the initiatives on the card is for a consultant to soon be contracted, via competitive tender, to formulate a marketing communications strategy and action plan. In addition, it is the intention to build capacity within the GTA and its destination to marketing divisions

Historical tension

But Mullis acknowledged that there has been historical tension between the GTA and tourism operators.

Asked directly whether he has met with local operators in order to hear and address their concerns, he had this to say.

“During my first few weeks, I held an open house and had a number of meetings, one on one and small group meetings, just to get to know individual players at an interpersonal level, build relationships with them, build trust, foster transparency, and open communication,” Mullis explained.

According to the Director, he did this to attain a clear understanding of the challenges faced by the sector. Without this understanding, Mullis noted that it would be more difficult to overcome them.

“The challenges are not unique. Emerging destinations around the world face the same challenges. But the context and the details are unique and with that information we can form solutions that will be contextualised to

Guyana’s needs in order to overcome those challenges. One of the expectations, historically, is that the GTA, its sister agencies and the tourism sector have not worked closely together.”

“But the reality is in the Government… there are a lot of agencies that touch through them. This is international best practice.

You find it in any leading destination, the tourism Private Sector and agencies like the GTA are working more closely together and aligning goals and objectives, then we can achieve a lot more than we can achieve individually. So we’re actively working towards that.”

He further explained that from his understanding, the expectations of the tourism Private Sector are that the GTA more actively market Guyana and that the Private Sector begin to see some economic benefits as market demand and awareness of what Guyana has to offer to tourists grows.

In addition to more market benefits, Mullis said that people want to see more training opportunities. With that in mind, the agency recently completed a training needs analysis to better understand how to address current capacity needs.

“It also became clear that our licensing system has not been working well. It was developed many years ago and many aspects of it are somewhat antiquated, given that the travel and tourism sectors are evolving on a year in year out and the industry looks very different today that it did when those regulations were first developed in 2002 and thereafter, when the GTA Act was established.”

“So we have to look at revising that system entirely and we’ll be going through a stakeholder consultation process, probably starting late August, early September, to get feedback on the system that we’ve developed and be able to bring something to the sector that is much more accessible, user friendly and tied to tangible benefits that the sector can take.

But Mullis acknowledged expectations that the coming oil boon will be leveraged by the GTA to bring more tourists to Guyana. And while he believes tourism will benefit from the economic growth that will accompany the sector, he noted that tourism can also align well with the Green State Development Strategy (GSDS).

“I think that if we look at the GTA’s expectations, my expectations as Director are that we’ll strengthen the GTA so that it can be the best organisation that it can be in the areas of marketing and communications, licensing and capacity building and product development facilitation, which we play a major role in.”

“Part of my mandate is also to raise funding to support tourism product development, capacity building related initiatives, so that’s something I’ve been actively focusing on,” he stated.

Mid-year Report

The recently released 2018 Mid-year Report does paint a favourable image of the sector. It states that in the first half of 2018, tourist arrivals increased by 18.3 per cent to 134,347 visitors, when compared to the same period in 2017.

“This outturn was attributed to national events, sporting events, meetings and workshops, held during the review period. Of the visitors for the first half of 2018, those from the Caribbean and United States of America accounted for the largest share, of 48.6 per cent and 30.3 per cent, respectively.”

“This increasing trend of visitor arrivals will continue in the second half, with the hosting of Caribbean T20 cricket, ICC (International Cricket Council) Women’s T20 Cricket World Cup and at least two international conferences,” the report states.

22 NEWS

WEEK ENDING AUGUST 19, 2018 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

2018 Mid-Year report

Revenue for State agencies on downward spiral – Ali

…projects G$22.8B deficit for public entities

T

he 2018 Mid-Year report, which was laid in the National Assembly, is characterised by disturbing projections for important public enterprises. This is according to Opposition Member of Parliament Irfaan Ali. According to Ali in a statement following the document’s release, a number of such enterprises have had their projected income revised downwards, thus reflecting a worsened financial status than expected.

His examples included the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) and the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB), two of the agriculture sector’s most important public enterprises.

“Failed public enterprises are the hallmark of incompetence and mismanagement,” Ali stated. “GRDB now projects to post a deficit of G$279.5 million for this fiscal year, in stark contrast to the budgeted G$8.5 million surplus that was projected.”

Opposition MP Irfaan Ali

“Guyana Post Office Corporation is expected to record an overall deficit of G$25.9 million for 2018, against a budgeted surplus of G$0.8 million.

Revenues are anticipated to decline by G$41.9 million, while operating expenses and capital expenditures are expected to increase by G$4.1 million and G$11.1 million, respectively,” Ali also noted.

When it comes to the Guyana Power and Light Inc (GPL), Ali noted that

this entity is now projected to record a deficit of G$9 billion, down from G$5.5 billion that was initially projected by Government.

A downward projection also holds true for the Guyana National Printers Limited (GNPL), which anticipates ending 2018 with a deficit of $77.8 million.

This is a reduction from a budgeted surplus of $3 million, as total revenues are anticipated to be $3 million below budgeted

and total expenditures, $81.6 million above.

“GuySuCo now anticipates closing the fiscal year with a deficit of $11.5 billion, a worsening from the budgeted deficit of $5.2 billion that was previously projected by the Honourable Minister,” Ali also noted.

“Further, in Budget Speech 2018, (Jordan) projected an overall deficit of $10 billion for all public enterprises, down from $12.9 billion that was recorded in 2017.

This, however, in 2018 Mid-Year report, was revised to a whopping $22.8 billion deficit, by end 2018. To finance this deficit, $21.5 billion is anticipated to be sourced domestically, up from $7.8 billion that was originally projected.”

Sectors

Interestingly, the Mid-Year report admits that “weak institutions within Government continue to hamper the quality and delivery of Government programmes. Institutional strengthening has been identified as a priority for

budget agencies to accelerate across all sectors.”

And the strength of these institutions is not helped by revenue loss from the sectors they oversee.

Despite the economy growing by 4.5 per cent in the first half of 2018, the report notes that traditional sectors, such as sugar and rice, have seen decline in their performances, with contractions of 30.6 and 3.8 per cent respectively.

The gold sector also suffered a decline of 9.1 per cent. This is equivalent to a decrease of 288,114 ounces in gold declaration. The report also revealed that this represented a 19.4 per cent shortfall.

However, despite these issues, the report indicated that growth in the economy was more broad-based than in 2017, with robust performances in the agriculture, fishing and forestry sectors of 3.4 per cent.

Other crops, fishing, livestock and forestry industries all experienced growth over the same period, with the latter two

growing by a commendable 29.1 per cent and 18.1 per cent respectively.

Growth of 8.2 per cent was also recorded in the services sector, and 13.4 per cent in the construction sector. This significant increase in the construction sector is attributed to higher building imports by 24.7 per cent.

Meanwhile, production in the bauxite industry reached its highest level since 2013, surpassing 2017 by 21.1 per cent. This has led to a revision of the forecast growth of the industry upward from 23.3 per cent to 29.9 per cent.

There was also growth in other mining of 31.2 per cent, driven by the production of diamonds and other stones, which increased by 13.3 per cent and 45.5 per cent respectively.

In addition to that, the Government has also revised its growth rate for 2018 to 3.7 per cent, which is close to the initial rate of 3.8 per cent.

NEWS 23

WEEK ENDING AUGUST 19, 2018| guyanatimeSinternational.com

Opposition Leader not in favour of politicians having full control of Natural Resources Fund

D

Finance Minister Winston Jordan

ays after the Government laid the Green Paper in the National Assembly, Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo raised concerns over the total control of the Natural Resources Fund by the Finance Ministry.

The Green Paper sets out preliminary plans on how the Government hopes to manage the revenue from oil and other natural resources, with clear objectives of the Natural Resources Fund.

Jagdeo reminded that he had initial objections to Government’s plans for the Fund but now that the Green Paper has been made public, he finds the plans to be even more worrying.

The document states that the Finance Ministry will be responsible for the overall management of the Fund, including requested withdrawals in the annual budget proposal. “…calculating the Fiscally Sustainable Amount; drafting the Investment Mandate; entering into

the Operational Agreement with the Bank of Guyana and drafting the annual report and reporting on the Fund through the annual budget,” the document said.

As such, Jagdeo said he disagrees with the Minister’s total control for various reasons, but zeroed in on Jordan’s silence on the signing bonus from ExxonMobil. “This is the same Minister who lied to the country about the US$18 million signing bonus, saying that Guyana never received it and never asked for it. He lied to Guyanese for over a year. And it is the same Minister who will now have full control.”

Meanwhile, in the document, it sets out specific rules, including the Fiscal Rule, which caters for the development gaps, both in terms of human capital and physical infrastructure, that exist and the need to accommodate development spending via the National budget.

To oversee these decisions, the Government has recommended the establishment of a macroeconomic committee which would consist of five members, including a representative of the Finance Minister.

In terms of the management of the fund, a sovereign investment committee would be responsible for advising the Minister on the investment mandate but would also include a representative.

Further, the Green Paper states that the Bank of Guyana (BoG) will be the operational manager of the Fund.

The Opposition Leader has already expressed deep concern about this proposal.

Although the Government has catered for a representative from the

Opposition to sit on the Fund, Jagdeo has already objected to this proposal stating that politicians should not be included.

“We don’t want politicians… we, ourselves, to manage this money. This Fund has to be independently, technically managed … not by politicians again and stored at the Central Bank.

We have a problem with that model. It departs radically from best practices, like Norway and the other countries,” he had stated.

Further, Jagdeo also criticised the Government for peddling a political assessment of the oil and gas sector. “The real substantive matters are still not being addressed,” he said, while noting that Finance Minister Winston Jordan has been engaged in a lot of fluff talks with members of the public on this matter.

Referring to Jordan’s recent comments, the Opposition Leader noted that while the Minister promised billboards to announce the inflow of oil monies, he recalled that it was he who denied that ExxonMobil paid a US$18 A drill shop offshore Guyana

million signing bonus to Guyana for over a year and a half.

“The truth was finally exposed after a document was leaked to the media…

People will see through this game of the APNU/AFC. They talk about oil and gas, but it is not realistic what they are saying… they are painting a rosy picture: that oil will solve everything. This is not so,” he added.

Jagdeo also rubbished Jordan’s statement which sought to create the impression that hotels and flights were filled and this was a direct indication that things would improve in the economy. “What about the economy that is falling apart?” he queried, while noting that 30,000 persons have lost jobs since the coalition took office.

Now that the Green Paper has been laid, it paves the way for the proposed legislation on the Sovereign Wealth Fund to be laid in the National Assembly which looks at addressing two main issues: stability of the economy and saving for future generations.

Advice was sought from international agencies.

24 news

WEEK ENDING AUGUST 19, 2018 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Family outing turns deadly ... father of 5 drowns after saving daughter, grandson

A

Dead: Goldsmith Farook Bacchus of La Grange, WBD

family outing on Saturday at Bushy Park Beach, East Bank Essequibo turned tragic when 42-year-old Farook Bacchus perished by

drowning after saving his daughter and grandson from being swept away by a “big wave” in the mighty Essequibo River.

The dead man had

been a goldsmith who resided at Lot 65 Old Road, La Grange, West Bank Demerara. At his home on Sunday, grieving family members were contemplating their next moves as they considered plans for burial.

Bacchus’s wife of 27 years, Chandai Singh, recalled the horror that unfolded around 16:30h when the father of five lost his life.

According to the housewife, her daughter and grandson were sitting on a rock when a heavy wave swept them off.

Her spouse was nearby, and responding to their screams, he went to their rescue.

“When meh husband jump for them, he put them on he shoulder and tell them stay up; and

then me see the wave carry he out,” she noted.

Singh explained that her son-in-law and another male present on scene jumped into the river to relieve the man of the children.

However, by the time they attempted to grab Bacchus, he had already disappeared. She said they did not know that the tide would have risen at such a fast rate.

Bacchus’s body was later fished out of the water, and is presently at the Ezekiel Funeral Home, awaiting a post mortem.

Singh pointed out that three of her five children are attending school, and she expressed great uncertainty over the upcoming school term.

Housewife Chandai Singh and her grieving family members. To her immediate left is her daughter and grandson whom her husband died saving (Shemuel Fanfair photo)

Cops raid NIS could face serious trouble – university professor EBD ‘strip G club’ …27 foreign women detained

R

anks in A Division (Georgetown-East Bank Demerara) on Friday evening swoop down on an illegal bar on the East Bank of Demerara (EBD) where they found some 27 female foreign nationals. The raid occurred from 21:50h to 23:55h at the Bikers Bar located at Lot 22 Covent Garden Public Road, EBD. Public Relations Officer of the Police Force, Jairam Ramlakhan said in a statement on Saturday that the Police were acting on a report received that a ‘strip club’ was being operated at the road front bar when they visited the establishment.

A search was carried out at the premises and during the two-hour period, 27 female foreign nationals were found in the building. The females have since been detained and are assisting with the investigation.

The ranks also picked up the owner/operator of the facility, who resides at Nutmeg Street, North Ruimveldt, Georgetown.

In addition, a case of liquor was also seized and lodged since there were no licence granted to operate “any business whatsoever” on the premises.

There was a supermarket operated by Chinese nationals at the premises prior to the opening of the bar. Bandits had robbed the Fresh Mart Supermarket back in 2016 of close to a one million dollars in cash and valuables.

iven the recent disclosure by the National Insurance Scheme (NIS) that it stands to lose G$414 million in earnings this year due to a combination of factors, including the closure of sugar estates, Economics Professor Tarron Khemraj has said that could increase the likelihood of a possible collapse.

He told Guyana Times International in a recent interview that the NIS has had serious sustainability issues even two to three years ago, and this was stated in the last actuarial report. As such, he feels that with this recent news, it could only compound the sustainability of the Scheme and further decrease its viability.

“The last actuarial review predicted a negative reserve. From a general standpoint, all of these things will definitely imperil the capacity of the Insurance Scheme to have a growing portfolio.

It could only be able to serve its members when it stacks its portfolio up with revenue,” he explained.

But the economics professor noted that the NIS has been getting problems from many directions, with one aspect being the treasury bills and the fact that the Berbice Bridge Company Incorporated (BBCI) is not earning large profits. “If anything, it does increase the likelihood of a possible collapse, where it may require a bailout sometime. It shows how everything in the economy is connected,” he added.

However, Khemraj explained that NIS is expected to incur losses not only on the basis of downsizing within the sugar industry and the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo). He

Economics Professor Tarron Khemraj

said, “…all the other industries…are contracting right now…dwindling contributions, which is very troubling.”

NIS Finance Controller Jacqueline Scotland, who along with other senior of-

ficers appeared before the Parliamentary Sectoral Committee on Social Services, revealed the information on impeding losses. Scotland disclosed that the Scheme’s current fund stands at G$31.9 billion as at June 30.

It was also noted that GuySuCo is one of the largest defaulters, owing in excess of G$1.5 billion to NIS. However, NIS General Manager, Holly Greaves, told the committee that the sugar company had paid off the debt, except for G$250 million in accumulated interest on the outstanding amount.

Greaves said the Scheme plans to take legal action against GuySuCo to recover the money. It has served a demand notice. “We intend to move to the court to get it,” Greaves stated.

NIS has also implemented a debt management section to pursue persons who owe them. But, even with

this new system, there are fears about continued slippage of contribution, as against the payment of benefits. This year, NIS is expected to pay out G$23.6 billion, with contributions projected to reach $23.2 billion.

With the closure of the Skeldon, Rose Hall, Wales and East Demerara factories, which saw close to 5,000 workers being severed, NIS could see significant loss of contributions.

And with an aging population, NIS has incurred an increase in payments of at least $2 million each year.

It was disclosed in the last actuarial report that the life of the Scheme should come to an end in 2021/22 unless strategic plans for revenue earnings and expansion of the investment portfolio are effectively implemented. The NIS could move to recommend an increase in payments soon.

NIS Headquarters, Brickdam, Georgetown

WEEK ENDING AUGUST 19, 2018| guyanatimeSinternational.com

25

26

WEEK ENDING AUGUST 19, 2018 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

WEEK ENDING AUGUST 19, 2018| guyanatimeSinternational.com

27

28

WEEK ENDING AUGUST 19, 2018 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

29

WEEK ENDING AUGUST 19, 2018| guyanatimeSinternational.com

" T

he name Sonia Noel is synonymous with the Local Fashion Industry and Noel is back again with exquisite pieces. She just returned from her book tour and is back at work. This time she took to the beach in Fort Lauderdale, Florida to show off her new collection.

The pieces are all white and according to her, it is great for summer events especially when they are from an exclusive collection. You can select from unisex shirts to sundresses and convertible kaftan tops to step out to that beach party or enjoy a casual night out with the girls.

"I enjoyed this shoot with my friend Janice. It created a buzz on the beach with many curious onlookers and people interested in buying the outfits," Noel said.

Photos by Tamalee Lynkeechow (Guyana Times Sunday Magazine)

"

30

WEEK ENDING AUGUST 19, 2018 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

WEEK ENDING AUGUST 19, 2018| guyanatimeSinternational.com

Passing…

I

…of a genius

n an age when reading books received a stake in its heart from Internet memes — after being wounded by the spread of TV — the passing of VS Naipaul probably won’t elicit more than a passing mention in the obituary columns of the dailies. Excepting with those columns now dead, the obit will, at best, be a column from some “humanities” academic – itself a dying part of the university curriculum.

And that’s a tragedy, because a close reading of the books by canonical writers like Naipaul wasn’t just a passing whim, but a recognition that, just as scientists may study the world of “nature”, it wasn’t just sociologists and psychologists who studied societies and people, but writers like Naipaul. Because their insights are couched in narratives, they are more accessible to those who read.

So what were Naipaul’s contributions that made him such a well-recognised writer? Firstly, there was the writing itself. Even his critics had to concede it was as good as any other writer in English, living or dead. But this was not just a “talent”. There was that, of course, but more than anything else, there was the brutal honesty to “tell it like he saw it”. For the Caribbean, the “it” was his assessment of us as a people in a world defined by those who “created and produced”.

His assessment was that our “picaroon” societies had created nothing – and so produced nothing beyond what the much-maligned colonial powers had organised us to do. Fifty years after his assessment, Guyana was still thrown into a tailspin when Europe removed preferential prices on our sugar!! We insisted on living out the fantasy of what the Europeans had defined us to be – “Bongo men” who performed for the coins they – now dubbed “tourists” — threw at us!

He saw our politicians as “Mimic Men” who aped the words and behaviours of the European ruling class with absolutely no experience – and thus no real understanding – of what such words and behaviours meant. And so, in Guyana, we have politicians in 2018 talking about “liberalism” and “socialism” that are irrelevant to our fractured plural society. In 1962, he’d advocated the devolution of real responsibility to the people in positions, and their measurement by the standard of efficiency, “to bring political organisation to the picaroon society”. Our politicians are still busy being “Massas”!!

In 1975, long before Walcott’s Nobel acknowledgement of our plurality, Naipaul emphasised that we have to “arrive at some understanding of all the strands of our upbringing. And we have so many strands here, on this island in the New World. We have to acknowledge them all.”

When will we heed his advice? …on Security One of the most potent criticisms the PNC and AFC had levelled against the PPP regime was the latter’s inability to reform the security forces to deal with the security challenges that were overwhelming Guyana.

It might’ve been the feather that broke the PPP’s back at the 2015 elections, since with the top-heavy security types in the PNC top echelons – starting with Brigadier Granger — their promise to clean up the security mess was taken seriously.

One specific PNC/AFC criticism was the PPP’s rejection of the British G$4.6 billion-funded Security Reform Plan. The PPP claimed the Brits’ plan would “recolonise” us. Well, the moment they sneaked into office, the PNC-led coalition invited the Brits back, who sent in their man, ex-Lt Col Russel Combe, in 2017. His profile boasts of: “wide ranging operational experience from the ‘hands on’ tactical level to the strategic political military interface.”

But the latter’s recommendations – now focused just on straightening the GPF — has been gathering dust since its January handing over.

In the meantime, even the Police are turning to crime!! …unremarked?

Isn’t President Granger going to extend condolences to the family of Sir VS Naipaul at his passing? Surely this Caribbean literary icon – who even bigged up his leader Burnham’s oratorical prowess — deserves that!

Or aren’t we part of the Caribbean?

31

32 fEATURE

WEEK ENDING AUGUST 19, 2018 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

O

ne of the things we keep hearing about is the gap between the hinterland and the coastland, and aiding to bridge that gap has resulted in Dr Narash Torres paying a hefty price. Dr Torres came into the limelight when reports surfaced in the media of him calling for help for the residents of Baramita, Region One (Barima-Waini).

Baramita is a small village located in the Barima-Waini region some 20 miles west of Matthews Ridge. It is one of the most populated Amerindian settlements in Guyana, but it is being plagued by a number of issues. Dr Torres was posted there a few weeks ago as part of his one-year hinterland stint and was quite surprised by the level of care afforded to his fellow Guyanese citizens.

Torres, a 26-yearold resident from Annai, Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo), says from a young age he was always taught to do his best to bridge the gap and show just what the hinterland was capable of. He started his education at the Annai Primary School

and then went on to the Annai Secondary School, where he completed his secondary education.

“I grew up in a humble home with my mother, stepfather and brothers and sisters. I was always taught to do what is right and give respect to people. Watching my

mother while growing up is what influenced me to give a voice and ensure that everybody had access to the same things,” he said.

Dr Torres’s mother is the Head Teacher of the Annai Primary School and education was always at the forefront of

their upbringing. He said growing up in a remote village opened his eyes to the disparity between the coast and hinterland and when he entered the medical profession, he vowed to do his best to end that disparity.

Dr Torres would have gained his medical education through the Scholarship Agreement between the Cuba and Guyana. He describes the six years spent in Cuba as an eye-opening experience. He was exposed to different cultures as well as solutions to some of Guyana’s issues.

“Cuba was a great experience and when I returned here in 2016, I was already in helping mode. I completed my internship and 18 months’ rotation at the Suddie Hospital and then was transferred to Baramita for my hinterland assignment.”

According to a study titled “Impact of Mining: Survival Strategies for Interior Communities in Guyana”, conducted by the Guyana Human Rights Association, Baramita has many social ills, and very little is being done to address them. The study indi-

cated that girls as young as 14 were being raped, forcing them to adopt measures to protect themselves.

Dr Torres said he met that exact situation when he was transferred to the Baramita Health Post.

He would have requested emergency assistance from the Regional H e a l t h Authorities and according to h i m they a r e currentl y working collaboratively to tackle those issues.

“I never had any intention to leave the country and I wanted to help people. I want to ensure that the poor people get access to proper education and try to bridge that gap between the hinterland and the coast-

land.

I know it is hard but that is what I want to do. I want to give back to my people.”

W h e n asked how he intends to give back and bridge the gap, Dr Torres says he plans to improve the primary health-care sector.

“Once the primary healthcare sector is functioning then we will have a better system. The hospitals won’t be flooded with patients. For now I educate the residents on how to eat healthy and stay healthy so we won’t have disease outbreaks.”

(Guyana Times Sunday Magazine)

WEEK ENDING AUGUST 19, 2018| guyanatimeSinternational.com

'I give hope to those who need it'

feature 33

- Marva Langevine

T

he name Marva Langevine has been floating around for quite some time and most of Guyana is aware of who she is, since she was honoured with the Queen’s Young Leaders Award earlier this year. Langevine is a 25-year-old teacher from the small village of Den Amstel on the West Coast of Demerara and

their mother died has grown into an organisation dedicated to supporting bereaved children as they cope, grow, and succeed.”

Langevine founded the Guyana Golden Lives Organisation, which was formed to increase general awareness about grief and loss and its related problems with specific at-

“I found my purpose and I received the courage to give hope to those who needed it. What started as ice-cream dates and hugs for two toddlers after their mother died has grown into an organisation dedicated to supporting bereaved children as they cope, grow and succeed.”

ever since her return to Guyana, she has been following her calling by tackling childhood bereavement.

Langevine describes herself as a woman who is passionate about fulfilling her purpose as well as a “teacher, storyteller and advocate for various human rights causes”. She also wants it to be known that she loves giving hugs.

Sounds like a fun person, right? Well, she is!

“I found my purpose and I received the courage to give hope to those who needed it.

What started as icecream dates and hugs for two toddlers after

tention to children. The Organisation encourages bereaved children to grow, cope, and develop

through support, consolation, and mentorship.

The Guyana Golden Lives Organisation conducts a number of awareness programmes about childhood bereavement, and provides specific and general support for the children and families it works with.

The Organisation provides financial and psycho-social support services for bereaved children, job opportunities for widows, and food hampers and building materials for low -families. In the future, Langevine hopes to hold ‘grief in the classroom’ workshops for teachers and community outreach initiatives on bereavement.

Additionally, Langevine has created Camp Golden, a camp for bereaved young people, which provides counselling, food, shelter and educational opportunities.

Looking back at her earlier days, Langevine said she first attended

the Den Amstel Primary School and later transferred to the Wismar Hill Primary. She later completed her secondary education at the St Michael School on the island of Barbados.

Langevine returned to Guyana in 2009 and almost immediately joined the Cyril Potter College of Education and gained an Associate Degree in Education.

It has always been her dream to work with youths and she recently gained her Bachelor’s Degree in Education from the University of Guyana. As a child, Langevine said she had always been bold, and as she aged, her passion became stronger. She then directed that passion to causes that were near and dear to her.

“My desire to practically address issues or phenomena that are not talked about or are underestimated. My number one aim is to equip children with the life skills to cope with loss and a hope for the fu-

Marva receives her Young Leader Award from Queen Elizabeth II

ture. I also hope to develop empathetic communities who can provide specific and general support to bereaved families.”

On June 26, Langevine stood before Queen Elizabeth II and received a Queen’s Young Leaders Award for the work she is doing to transform the lives of bereaved, sick, and underprivileged children.

The Queen’s Young

Leaders programme was established in 2014 by The Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee Trust in partnership with Comic Relief, the Royal Commonwealth Society and the University of Cambridge’s Institute of Continuing Education, in recognition of the Queen’s lifetime of service to the Commonwealth.

(Guyana Times Sunday Magazine)

34 FEATURE

D

ennis Anthony Glasgow is a 20-yearold Caribbean Youth Advocate for the advancements of Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) of young people. His advocacy career began at the Guyana Responsible Parenthood Association (GRPA) some years ago. It was this foundation and involvement in youth development that led him to found ASPIRE Youth Network Guyana.

The Youth Network deals primarily with Adolescent and Women’s Health and Rights while

still preparing young people to take part in meaningful advocacy and political engagement. Glasgow also is a member of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Youth Advisory Group in Guyana.

Glasgow serves on a few Regional Committees that deal with various SRHR issues. These include the Youth Advocacy Steering Committee for PANCAP, the Caribbean Right Here Right Now Platform, the PAHO Technical Working Group for the Elimination of Mother

WEEK ENDING AUGUST 19, 2018 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Glasgow is also an actor and poet, and intends to continue channelling those talents to affect social change through “Art advocacy”.

Apart from his obsession with Soca and Reggae music, he also enjoys reading, writing and socialPart of ASPIRE outreach ising with other persons who to Child Transmission of HIV & Syphilis, Women share the same principle Deliver Young Leaders of human rights for all, Program, the Youth regardless of their backCoalition for Sexual ground.

He completed his earReproductive Health and Rights, and Bold Leader. ly education at the West Primary He holds a Diploma in Ruimveldt Communication Studies School and went on from the University of to the Bishops’ High Guyana, where he is ap- School. It is his intention proaching his final year to study cultural anthrofor a degree in the same pology upon completion field. When he pictures of his communications himself at the prime of degree.

“I aspire to be a culhis career, he sees himanthropologist, self as being a Caribbean tural Cultural and Social dealing primarily in the Anthropologist working area of health and eduin the area of youth de- cation of young people velopment through edu- across Guyana. Given Guyana’s rich culturcation and health. al diversity and the fact that we share so many social issues – each with its own challenges; I strongly believe that we need trained professionals to address these issues in a culturally sensitive way. The way you address something like education or even health in a country like this can never have a onesize-fits-all approach.

The way I address it in Region Four, I cannot do the same in Region Six; and definitely not Region Nine where English is sometimes the third language. Cultural anthropology affords you to see these issues and solutions through cultural lenses and that I want to say I can help with.”

Anthony comes from a family of volunteers, and his mother is still actively involved with the Guyana Relief Council.

It was the values instilled of helping those in need that led him to start ASPIRE Youth Network.

“ASPIRE stands for “Advocates for Safe Parenthood; Improving Reproductive Equity”.

ASPIRE is a regional organisation in a few other Caribbean countries, but Glasgow’s is the first “Youth Network” to be established, followed by one in Trinidad.

“We are a youth led,

youth serving group and we think that this is important to stress, because Guyana has many ‘youth organisations’ and some of them are led/managed by adults who may not always have our interests at heart. Every decision is made by a team of young people who make up the board. The main areas of focus include: Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights Advocacy, Women’s Rights are Human Rights, Gender Based Violence, Mental Health, Youth Leadership, Empowerment and Development, and,

public forums and dialogues with other groups to address the key issues that it represents.

“We fully support young people being able to reach their fullest potential by overcoming hurdles like unintentional pregnancies, contraction of STDs & STIs, violence, mental illnesses and other issues we face.

We believe that through education, awareness, community service, capacity-building training and physical activities, we can create a positive social change that ensures that our young people are “fit and proper”

Anthony at his UG graduation

frankly, any issue that young people deem necessary.

“It was a passion of mine to always do more; however, networks I’ve been associated with were often so adult-infested and they muzzled and shut down young people with vision, so this network was to give young creatives and young advocates a voice to do as they like with other like-minded people working to ensure their vision is realised.

Fostering “initiative” and creating a space for young people to be critical in their thinking, but active and visionary in their lives and actions,” he notes.

ASPIRE does a lot of outreaches to educate people about family planning and gender-based violence. In addition, it also hosts

and, of course, healthy to assume leader positions in the future. " Glasgow says he hopes that his passion and experiences could be the kick starter to something great in someone else’s life. He wants to change the world, but is not naïve to the fact that he cannot do it by himself.

“My favourite line I never fail to share with young people desirous of social changes, is it first starts with “building self-enough, so that self can afford to be selfless”.

I also think that charity literally begins at home: if you can wake up tomorrow and challenge (respectfully) something like gender roles in your home, then you’ve made some impact....”

(Guyana Times Sunday Magazine)

WEEK ENDING AUGUST 19, 2018| guyanatimeSinternational.com

35

36 NEWS

WEEK ENDING AUGUST 19, 2018 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Residents complain of deplorable roads as Mahdia declared Guyana’s newest town

C

ommunities Minister Ronald Bulkan on Monday announced that the community of Mahdia in Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni) has been designated a township in accordance with the pronouncement of President David Granger when he addressed the opening of the 11th Parliament.

During his address on that occasion, President Granger announced that his administration would be upgrading four hinterland regional administrative centres: Bartica, Mabaruma, Lethem and Mahdia.

The Communities Ministry on Monday said there had been some challenges in the demarcation of constituency boundaries, which had resulted in delay in establishing the township.

“It is the intent of the administration to foster people’s empowerment through the strategic embrace of a decentralised form of governance. Mahdia will be the capital town of the Potaro/Siparuni region, which is part of Government’s vision of establishing, in collaboration with regional administrations, a capital town in each of the ten (10) development regions that will serve as the engine of growth and development of same,” a statement from the Communities Ministry related.

The Ministry said it is encouraged by the transformation that has taken place in the three recently established townships as a result of local leaders seizing this opportunity of this empowerment exercise. It also said these new urban centres are important allies in assisting to close the gap that exists between the hinterland and coastland regions.

The Communities Ministry also related that the foundation for the transformation of Mahdia has already begun to be laid with the upgrading of 80 per cent of the internal roads from laterite

to concrete, which will last for decades.

Moreover, plans have been advanced for the construction of a Government compound that will house a number of Government agencies, such as the Guyana Revenue Authority, Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission, Guyana Water Inc, and other agencies.

“It is important to note, as stated in the Order, the boundaries of the new township exclude the titled Amerindian Villages of Campbelltown and Micobie, as is the expressed desire of those village councils following a series of consultations,” the Ministry said.

But residents and observers are now questioning whether this is the opportune time to make Mahdia a township, considering that the community is yet to be equipped with the relevant services offered in a town, and that the road leading into Mahdia is in a deplorable state.

“The access road to this new town is in a deplorable state. How can you have a town and no road to access it? I think the Government, in the haste for Local Government Elections, has put the cart before the horse in this case,” a resident said.

Another pointed out that persons are forced to walk at a section of the road leading to Mahdia, as minibuses and trucks often are stuck in the slush and must be pulled out by other vehicles.

“Something needs to be done immediately to fix the road. There is Mekdeci Mining right nearby, and they have equipment right there. Government should approach them and work out an arrangement to fix this road. I bet you if a Government minister come by land and (is) forced to walk…I bet you the road gon fix,” a mining operator told this publication.

An amazing two years; off to a new chapter

By Ashley Anthony

B

y this time next week, I will already be off, stepping into a new chapter of my life: college. Considering this, after much deliberation, I have decided that this will be my last article.

Writing for Guyana Times has been a transformative experience.

When I started some two years ago, I could not have imagined that one small column every Sunday would eventually become such a part of my life.

Foremost, the column provided me with a platform with which I could articulate my thoughts on things that I was passionate about: whether it was art, science, or social issues.

My initial intention when I started this column was to provide a perspective that might not be represented much else – that of a student. I tried to centre my articles on school, CSEC and CAPE examinations, and careers in the Sciences. There were two major reasons I wanted to do this. The first was to humanise myself, and other “top students”. I, and they, know that we are just normal teenagers. Yet, it appeared to me that the public perception was one far from the reality of the situation. We were seen as unapproachable, as “robots”, and we were accused of being onedimensional. I wanted to show people that top students were people just like them, that we had normal social lives, and that we faced the same anxiety and uncertainty when it came to

examinations and results.

This leads into the second reason I tried to centre my articles on school. I wanted to provide advice for those who were facing examinations. I know that the time can be incredibly stressful, and I think we have become obsessed with the “secret to success”.

Every time there are examinations, reporters rush to the houses of the top students eager to learn of their habits to report to others, as if you the reader were to follow this exact regimen you would have the same results. I wanted to speak directly to young people to remind them that everyone is different, and that they shouldn’t necessarily get caught up in what everyone else is doing or did.

Essentially I wanted to explain that what works for one person might not for another. This is a point which I think is not stressed enough. You as a student need to take the time to figure out what works for you and stick to that. If that’s studying one hour every day of the week, or if it’s studying five hours straight on the weekends, it’s your process. Young people

need to take agency and responsibility over their future. They need to be working for themselves, and not to compete with others or to please their parents/society.

Of course, there was only so much that I could write about school.

And after time, as my audience grew, I began to become more confident in writing about social issues. I became I suppose, in some ways an activist. Writing this column forced me to become more attuned to societal problems: both in Guyana and the rest of the world. Ultimately, I think this helped me to grow as a person. I had to begin to read more widely so that I could develop an informed opinion.

Having a platform to present these thoughts made me feel even more empowered, almost like I had some ability to effect change.

The idea that I, at 19 years old, have the access to effect change; to make a difference in people’s lives is astounding, and humbling. I am so grateful that a few hundred words published in a paper on a Sunday could make a difference in someone’s life. Even if it is just one person, I am happy.

During the next few months, I will dedicate myself wholly to University and adjusting to living in a new country.

Perhaps I will begin to write again, but for now, this is goodbye. Thank you all so much for your support, and thank you to Guyana Times for what has been an amazing two years.

WEEK ENDING AUGUST 19, 2018| guyanatimeSinternational.com

37

38

WEEK ENDING AUGUST 19, 2018 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

WEEK ENDING AUGUST 19, 2018| guyanatimeSinternational.com

39

40

WEEK ENDING AUGUST 19, 2018 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

NEWS 41

WEEK ENDING AUGUST 19, 2018| guyanatimeSinternational.com

Former Indian Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee dies

N

ew Delhi: Former India Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee died at a New Delhi hospital on Thursday. He was 93 years old.

The Central Government has announced a sevenday mourning period throughout India.

The former prime minister was admitted to the AIIMS hospital on June 11 with a kidney tract infection, urinary tract infection, low urine output and chest congestion.

The funeral will be held tomorrow at Smriti Sthal. A half-day holiday in all Central government offices and CPSUs across the country as well as Delhi government offices has been declared.

For now, his body has been taken to his home.

His body is to be kept at BJP headquarters in New Delhi tomorrow, for final tributes.

Punjab has also declared a state of mourning.

Earlier in the day, a stream of party leaders headed to the hospital to enquire about his health, which had been critical for nearly 24 hours.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi in a series of tweets expressed

Former India Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee (Photo: The National)

his grief at Vajpayee’s passing.

Vajpayee was one of India’s most admired politicians. There was no secret behind this mass appeal. It was just that he was simple, straightforward and honest.

If his inimitable oratory, repartee and ready wit tugged at the hearts of the masses, his patience and width of vision influenced the minds of many a head of the state. Whether it was international affairs or matters of national interest, Vajpayee spoke with authority.

And he spoke without mincing his words, especially where criticism was due. In recognition to his services to the

country, he was awarded the Padma Vibhushan in 1992 and the Best Parliamentarian Award in 1994.

A bachelor, Vajpayee had during the IndiaPakistan partition in 1947, taken a vow not to get married. And he said time and again that he never regretted the decision. Sensitive at heart, he was never attracted to the materialistic. His ambition was that people spoke well of him.

A skilled parliamentarian and statesman, he was born on December 25, 1925. Son of a poet and writer Krishna Bihari Vajpayee, his grandfather Shyam Lal Vajpayee was a Sanskrit scholar and

Aretha Franklin, 'Queen of Soul', dies aged 76

A

retha Franklin, the "queen of soul" who became the first woman inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, has died in Detroit at the age of 76, the BBC has reported.

The legendary singer was diagnosed with cancer in 2010 and announced last year she was retiring from music.

According to BBC, known for hits like Respect and Think, she had more than 20 US number ones over a career spanning seven decades.

She gave her final performance last November at a gala in New York held in aid of the Elton John Aids Foundation.

Born in Memphis to a gospel singer/pianist and a celebrated Baptist preacher, Franklin was tutored from an early age by such gospel stars as Mahalia Jackson and Clara Ward.

She struggled to find fame in the early years, with record label Columbia unsure how to frame her impressively powerful voice.

A move to Atlantic Records in 1966 saw her paired with the famed Muscle Shoals Rhythm

Ten years later she reduced President Barack Obama to tears when she sang (You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman at a Kennedy Center Honours ceremony, having previously performed at his inauguration, the BBC reported.

Aretha Franklin,

Section, prompting some of her most soulful and fieriest performances.

By 1968 she was renowned throughout America and Europe as "Lady Soul" - a symbol of black pride who appeared on the cover of Time and was given an award by Martin Luther King.

After an eye-catching cameo in cult comedy The Blues Brothers, she scored a number of big hits in the 1980s including Who's Zooming Who? and the George Michael duet I Knew You Were Waiting (For Me).

She was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President George W Bush in 2005, when she was saluted for "capturing the hearts of millions of Americans".

poet. Vajpayee grew up in Gwalior and later moved to Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, to do his Masters in political science from Kanpur University.

He became a member of Rashtriya

Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and when the organisation decided to launch a monthly journal, he was asked to edit it. Simultaneously, he edited Panchjanya, the RSS mouthpiece and the daily Swadesh. As the assassination of Mahatma Gandhi witnessed a ban on RSS, Vajpayee went to Kashi and started editing a journal named Chetna. In 1953, he was posted to Delhi as the editor of a daily newspaper Veer Arjun.

As a journalist, he accompanied Dr Shyama Prasad Mukherjee, founder of the RSS, to Kashmir, where Mukherjee offered satyagraha and was arrested and imprisoned.

Vajpayee was told to go back to Delhi. He quit journalism and plunged headlong into politics.

Vajpayee was first elected to Parliament in 1957 from Balrampur in Uttar Pradesh.

He was a Lok sabha MP from 1967-1984 and later a member of the Rajya Sabha.

His first stint as Prime Minister in 1977 lasted for 13 days. Subsequent elections saw him as Prime Minister again. This time the term lasted 13 months. The results of the 13th Lok Sabha elections in 1999, finally made him take oath of office for the third time.

Vajpayee was fond of poetry. He first wrote poetry when he was in Grade 9. He had a few books in Hindi to his credit including Amar Aag Hai and Meri Ekavan Kavitayein.

(Excerpts from Gulf News India)

42

WEEK ENDING AUGUST 19, 2018 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

WEEK ENDING AUGUST 19, 2018| guyanatimeSinternational.com

43

44

WEEK ENDING AUGUST 19, 2018 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

WEEK ENDING AUGUST 19, 2018| guyanatimeSinternational.com

45

46 Feature

WEEK ENDING AUGUST 19, 2018 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Preserving our literary heritage

Remembering… by

P etamber P ersaud

S

ugar in Guyana is writing another chapter in its history, another sordid chapter but hopefully not the final chapter nor a chapter in finality in its bitter sweet history. For almost all of its two hundred years history, sugar was a dominant factor in the social, economic and political arenas of this country. Now sugar is a grave concern for all, as per Martin Carter all are involved! all are consumed!

Historians, academics and commentators have adumbrated the basic facts. The creative writers are filling in the gaps. Here are some novels, dated from 1877 to present, speaking to the issue.

country barely emerging from the savage brutalities of slavery.

Having abandoned their families and a country that seems increasingly like a paradise, they must come to terms with their problematic encounters with an Afro-Guyanese population hostile to immigrant labour, with rebels such as Kampta who has made an early abandonment of Indian village culture, and confront the truths of their uprooted condition. (PTP**)

Those that be in Bondage

by ARF Webber, 1917 Set

in

Guyana,

James Walton, Edwin Hamilton, marries Bibi – ‘that smooth-skinned, bare-toed East Indian young lady’. The union produces a daughter, Marjorie, ‘and the rest of the text is taken up with the romantic love that develops between Harold Walton and Marjorie on the idyllic island of Tobago’.

Harold eventually becomes a priest but had to free himself of that yoke when he becomes romantically involved with Marjorie.

The Mudheads by Jack Bayley, 1990

‘The main events in The Mudheads oc-

The Counting House by David Dabydeen, 2005

Set in the early nineteenth century The Counting House follows the lives of Rohini and Vidia, a young married couple struggling for survival in a small, caste-ridden Indian village who are seduced by the recruiter’s talk of easy work and plentiful land if they sign up as indentured labourers to go to British Guiana…

There, however, they discover a harsh fate as ‘bound coolies’ in a

Drums of my Flesh by Cyril Dabydeen, 2005

Boyo, a seven/eight boy, growing up in a sugar plantation setting in British Guiana, a country about to become an independent state, traumatised by racial friction and labour unrest... escapes into flights of imagination with frequent and swift changes in scene, tone and rhythm, in order to deal with trauma.

The Last English Plantation by Jan Lowe Shinebourne, 1988

Lutchmee and Dilloo

by John Edward Jenkins, 1877.

‘Begun in India, Dilloo and Hunoomaun’s rivalry over Dilloo’s wife, Lutchmee, is continued on a sugar estate in Guyana, where it leads to the planning of an armed rebellion among the indentured labourers and a tragic denouement.’ This novel published in 1877 sets a number of landmarks, chief among those landmarks was the fact that for the first time in English literature ‘coolies’ were made a subject for fiction. Jenkins, in the preface, admitted ‘the field is a new one for fiction, but human nature still bears out the wisdom of the poet who declared that it does not change with clime’.

istrative personnel on the sugar estates [this is] probably the most reliable fictional account that we have of the role of sugar in the history of European exploitation, in Guyana and the Caribbean (Frank Birbalsingh).

June has to confront her mixed IndianChinese background in a situation of heightened racial tensions, the loss of her former friends when she wins a scholarship to the local high school, the upheaval of the industrial struggle on the sugar estate where she lives, and the arrival of British troops as Guyana explodes into political turmoil. (PTP)

Guyana Boy by Peter Kempadoo, 1960

Tobago and Trinidad between 1890 and 1913, it traces two generations of the Walton family wherein the protagonist always seems to be on the run - he runs from Guyana to Tobago, from Tobago to Trinidad and back to Guyana. And the book ends with him contemplating running to London after it was suggested that he was responsible for the destruction by fire of the Brickdam Cathedral.

The ‘run’ was designed to focus on the issue of various types of bondage.

The story opens on a sugar plantation in Guyana where the brother-in-law John

cur between 1936 and 1938, largely in Georgetown, in colonial Guyana, although some events spread further out to sugar estates as far away as Springlands, in the county of Berbice. At the beginning of the novel, the twentytwo-year-old narrator, Allan Miller returns home to his native Guyana after studies in England. As son of the Assistant Colonial Secretary, Miller belongs an elite corps of Guyanese - people of European (chiefly British) descent who serve as government officials like his father, professionals, businessmen and admin-

The 1940s British Guiana, sugar estate life is still 'too slavish'.

Under the iron rule of the white manager and with work practices little changed since the days of slavery and indenture, the workers' children are expected to follow their parents into a life of unremitting toil. This, though, is not to be the fate of Lilboy. His access to education, limited though it is, takes him inexorably away from the world of his parent.

(PTP) *Title borrowed from the novel of the same name by Cynthia McLeod ** PTP – Peepal Tree Press Responses to this author telephone (592) 226-0065 or email: oraltradition2002@yahoo. com (Guyana Times Sunday Magazine)

L

…our Indigenous Peoples

ast Thursday was recognised by the UN as “International Day of World’s Indigenous Peoples” and this year the theme is about their “migration and movement”. In Guyana, there’s been an ever increasing noticeable movement of Indigenous peoples from the hinterland to the coastland which hasn’t been commented on enough.

For the past three centuries, after the Dutch decided the Indigenous peoples weren’t suitable for plantation labour, most don’t appreciate the implications of that singular act. While we were called the “Land of Six Peoples”, one of those “peoples” – the Indigenous ones – never really mixed or mingled with the others.

All the Indigenous Peoples were exposed to were missionaries determined to “civilise” them by converting them to Christianity and “western ways”!

Much of their own culture, including their Indigenous spiritual practices, were wiped out in this “civilising” mission. Thus today, when some talk about reviving the “old ways”, those ways are really being reinterpreted through western lens. As that old Greek fella Zeno said, you can’t dip your toe twice in the SAME river!!

While that may be the story of all the other five peoples, it’s most noticeable with the Amerindians since the western scorn for their way of life has been drummed into the hearts and minds of those on the coastland – who were exposed more thoroughly to western “education”. Remember that nasty incident at the “elite” Mae’s Schools in Georgetown when that Indigenous kid who’d moved to “town” was told to show up in traditional wear, but was turned away because being in a grass skirt was too “primitive”?

Another point about the movement of Indigenous peoples from the hinterland to the coastland is it brings home the sordid fact that even those in the latter locale who complain about “the shi*hole” with clapboard houses they live in, should appreciate it’s still attractive enough to pull those people here!! In every survey that’s been conducted over the past centuries – into the new millennium – the Indigenous peoples have stubbornly been relegated to the “poorest of the poor”.

But it’s of more than passing interest that those who purport to be championing the cause of the “poor and the powerless” have never directed their suggestions for doling out the oil money directly to the Indigenous peoples. Even though they’re the paradigmatic example of the “poor and the powerless”.

They’re veritably, “invisible peoples”.

But it is said “time longer than twine”. Because of the changing demographics where Indian and African Guyanese have pretty much the same numbers, Indigenous peoples now hold the balance of power in the land. Just look how the politicians will be courting them!!

They should insist on writing their own ticket though!! …elections troubles GECOM invited a UN team to assess possible risks following the 2020 elections. After the PNC rigging years, our elections have been marred by violent PNC protests since the first free and fair elections of 1992!

It took a call from US President Clinton to have Hoyte call off the Hamilton Green-led goons who’d stormed the elections centre.

The PNC refused to accept the 1997 elections and that precipitated another round of violence that escalated into “Buxton Freedom Fighters” leaving hundreds dead. So it wasn’t surprising the UN assessment team predicted there will be myriad 2020 post-electoral challenges – chief among them being “non-acceptance” of the results!!

But that doesn’t take a genius to figure out, does it? Right off the bat, there’s the outrage of Granger’s unilateral appointment of the GECOM Chair!! He’s confirmed the worst fears of being a PNC “toothless poodle” by using his casting vote to push the PNC line in every decision of a supposedly “balanced” Commission.

So why’s the UN waiting until AFTER the elections to sanitise matters? …Lombard Street For decades, Lombard Street was our Red Light District in Georgetown. And was accepted as such by the powers-that-be. The villages weren’t so liberal!

But the 27 “strippers” nabbed at a joint in Covent Gardens suggests changing times!!

47

WEEK ENDING AUGUST 19, 2018| guyanatimeSinternational.com

National footballer slapped with 10 robbery charges Mo’ money… A

T

…mo’ problems

he debate continues to swirl around Clive Thomas’s suggestion that the Government dole out some of the funds from the coming oil bonanza as cash payments directly to Guyanese citizens. He’d give G$1 million annually to each family. The suggestion was accepted by his party – the WPA – a member of the APNU combine, as its official position. Those members said they’ll be canvassing people – especially the “poor and the powerless” — on the suggestion!!

Canvassing poor folks to find out what they think about getting a million dollar paycheck every year for doing absolutely nothing?? What the heck do they expect those people to tell them?? That they don’t think it’s such a good idea?? It just shows you how unrealistic these ivory tower types are!! What they should do is look at studies that have been conducted on the subject – and not by academic types, but by those that experienced the experience of suddenly getting cash injections.

The best study your Eyewitness saw – actually heard, since it was set to music – was done and presented by Notorious B.I.G, the Brooklyn rapper.

He summarised his findings in the title to his song “Mo Money; Mo problems”! And this is what your Eyewitness would like to expand on today, since it’s clear that Thomas and crew don’t have the slightest clue about what’s it like to have come into money.

Let’s sample Notorious’s observation on the downside of affluence: “Now, who’s hot, who not?/ You tell me who flopped, who copped the blue drop?/ Whose jewels got rocks?/ Who’s mostly Dolce down to the tube sock?/ The same old pimp, Mace” The most potent message, of course, is that the song was released and became a mega-hit AFTER Notorious was gunned down on the West Coast in a rapper war!

The money, according to B.I.G., will be blown on all the bling and luxuries the advertising world convinces us we MUST have to be SOMEBODY. And that’s what the poor want, don’t they? If it was Dolce back in ’97, it’s still them in 2018, even if they just used drones to carry their handbags down the runway this year! And they, or their replacement “pimps” – will still be calling the shots!

What Thomas and crew refuse to acknowledge is the role of culture in determining what we’ll do with the windfall. Have our poor been exposed to the notion of “deferred gratification” beyond just telling them “don’t spend it all in one place”??

What incentive will the poor have to engage in the drudgery that is their “work” when they know another G$1 million is in the mail to buy more Dolce and Gabbana?? …but no power Imagine you’re manager of a furniture store, but you’re told you’re in charge of just barstools while another fella handles household, office and all other furniture. What does that say about what your boss thinks of you? Well, Raphael Trotman’s just been told he’s still Minister of Natural Resources – even though the new OIL sector – which dwarfs every other “natural resource” – has been snatched from him and given to a fella with even less experience in oil!! What does that say about what Granger thinks of Trotman?

After the elections, Trotman appeared to be Granger’s fair-haired boy – explained by the former’s revelation of a discussion in “Nassau” between him, the leader of the AFC, and the latter as leader of the PNC. But it would seem this may not have gone down well with the die-hard PNC types, who wouldn’t have forgotten the “presumptuousness” of Trotman – who was recruited into the PNC by Desmond Hoyte – to walk out when he wasn’t made leader!! …denied to public servants!

Government workers were stung when they got a measly 1-10% raise after the elections, compared to 50% for Ministers. The Government’s now making up by issuing a dress code for them.

Your Eyewitness understands it’ll be pyjamas!!

RIP!!

member of Guyana’s national football team was on Tuesday remanded to prison

by Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan when he appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts slapped with 10 counts of armed robbery.

Omalla Williams, 26,

mobile phone valued G$140,000; a quantity of medication valued G$80,000; one MP3 player valued G$5000; a US passport and US$2100 among other valuables.

It is also alleged that Williams, while being armed with a gun, robbed Dr Guy Low on Smyth Street, Georgetown

Reports are about 13:00h on July 27, 2018, Gaines, Hughes, Christina Gaines-Sluss, Daisy Gaines-Sluss and Dennis Grant were all in the city to do some shopping, but were robbed by Williams.

According to reports, all five victims are members of the Coomacka

Street, Collins slowed down at Breda Street to allow other vehicles to pass.

At that point, Williams reportedly walked up to him and held him at gunpoint.

The perpetrator then pulled out the bus keys, while three other suspects rushed up and re-

of Lot 83 Leopold and Breda Streets, Werk-enRust, Georgetown, was not required to plead to the indictable charges.

It is alleged that on July 27, 2018 while in the vicinity of Breda Street and armed with a gun, he robbed Darlene Gaines, Joe Hughes, Christina Gaines-Sluss, Daisy Gaines-Sluss and Dennis Grant of one Samsung Galaxy S8

on April 24, 2018; Jannel Walters and Avil Crowther at Cross Street, Georgetown on April 27, 2018 and Rodwell Maynard at Leopold Street on April 30, 2018.

Further, Williams was also accused of discharging a loaded firearm with intent to cause actual bodily harm to Damion Elliott on April 30, 2018.

Church of Christ, who arrived in Guyana from the USA. Darlene, Daisy, Joe and Christina were picked up at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) by Robin Collins, also of Coomacka Mines, in minibus BKK 337. They all then proceeded to Georgetown to do some shopping, and as they were proceeding east along Leopold

lieved the other occupants in the vehicle of their belongings. The four suspects then made good their escape by running east along Leopold Street. However, based on investigations, Williams was arrested.

The father of two was remanded and was expected to return to court on August 27, 2018.

S

Cricket fever

atiricus was still smiling at the thought of his Warriors’ first victory. What a sight it was!! Every seat in the Stadium filled – but suddenly emptied, as their occupants spontaneously jumped to their feet, arms in the air, and screaming in unison!! How sweet it was!!

As he hurried over to the Back Street Bar, Satiricus knew he’d been taught that winning wasn’t everything. And it was how you played the game.

“But damn!! Winning is better than losing!!” he said aloud emphatically as he reached the table where the fellas were already seated.

“Ah wha’ yuh win, Sato?” asked Bungi as he pushed a beer towards Satiricus. “Latto?”

“No! I wish!!” said Satiricus as he took a long pull of his beer. “I’m talking about our Warriors’ win Thursday night!!”

“Yeah! Da bin good!” agreed Cappo. “Me hope dem win tonite.”

“Of course they’ll win!” said Hari. “I put my black tongue on them!!”

“With that kid Hetmyer on his streak, we don’t need that black tongue!” joked

Satiricus. “Maybe you can put it on me for this week’s lotto!”

“Ta’king ‘bout luck,” said Bungi, “Me cyaan believe dem people run out ah beer!”

“Budday! Yuh see dem fella sid-dong nex’ to abee drink beer?” asked Cappo. “Dem mek abee look like lil bai!!”

“Well today, we’re going to the mound,” said Hari. “I hear they have unlimited beer there!”

“For free?” asked Satiricus hopefully.

“Nutten na free in life, Sato,” advised Cappo. “’Cept de free ball when dem bowl no ball!!”

“Well, me know how me ca mek some free money,” said Bungi. “Yuh waan bet de Warriah dem win again tonite?”

“You know we don’t bet against our own team,” said Hari. “It’s bad luck!”

“Here you go again with the ‘luck’ business!” complained Satiricus. “Our boys don’t need luck; they have us backing them from the stands!!”

“Abee a de 12 maan!” chuckled Cappo.

“Let’s drink to us!” said Hari, raising his beer bottle.

48 Bollywood

Sara Ali Khan makes her Instagram debut S aif Ali Khan’s daughter and Simmba actor Sara Ali Khan has finally made her Instagram debut. On Independence Day, Sara shared her first post, a visual popart featuring renowned poet Rabindranath Tagore. She shared the post with a caption that read, “Happy Independence Day #merabharatmahan #proudtobeindian.” Interestingly, Sara is related to the Nobel laureate from her father’s side.

Sara is already a hit among the youth, thanks to the numerous photos shared by various fan handles. Earlier, there were reports that Sara would be making her debut on the photo and video sharing app on her birthday, which

A

kshay Kumar says he is in “the best phase” of his career as he is now getting an opportunity to do different types of films. Regarded as an action star in his early days, the 50-year-old star has cemented his place in the industry over almost three decades by featuring in romance dramas, comedies and issue-based movies. “This is the best phase for me as an actor. I was always wary of having an image. When I came in the film industry I was given action hero tag, no one would offer me a romantic or comedy film, only action films were offered to me.

“I kept doing action films for 14 years. There was no growth. I would call this as the best phase as I can do

A

ctor Jackky Bhagnani, who is gearing up for the release of his forthcoming film Mitron, says that the film is important for him to create his credibility as an actor.

Jackky was interacting with media to promote Mitron along with his coactress Kritika Kamra on Tuesday.

Jackky has earlier worked in his home production Pooja Entertainment And Films Limited, who made films like Kal Kisne Dekha, FALTU and Rangrez but Mitron will be his first film outside his own production house.

Sharing his feeling working in the film, he said, “This film is not

WEEK ENDING AUGUST 19, 2018 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

was on August 12.

On the work front, Sara has quite a few projects lined up.

She will be seen in Abhishek Kapoor’s Kedarnath with Sushant Singh Rajput and in Rohit Shetty’s Simmba alongside Padmaavat actor Ranveer Singh.

“She is happy to be a part of this. In fact, Sara wants to be part of an action film. I am happy to know that she wants to do all kind of cinema and doesn’t want to get stuck to a film or genre. She wants to do solo heroine film, ensemble film, hardcore commercial film, love story, comedy, women-oriented subject… She wants to experience everything. She comes from that schooling and I like that in her,” Simmba director Rohit Shetty had earlier said about Sara. (Indian Express)

lot of things like Kesari, as an action film, Housefull 4 as a comedy film and some socially-relevant movies. I get to play so many characters and do all kind of films,” Akshay said in an interview here.

The actor said it was tough for him to break out from the action hero mould. “… It was a difficult phase. It was hard to break an image and come out of it and I feel lucky I could do so,” he said.

He credits frequent collaborator, filmmaker Priyadarshan, for trusting him with light-hearted movies. “I also have to thank David Dhawan who gave me Me Aur Mrs Khiladi and Rajkumar Santoshi for Khakee. Things started changing since then,” he added. (Indian Express)

produced by my company so, as an actor, it is my first film outside my home production so I hope this film works and it gets appreciated by the audience so that, I can create credibility for myself as an actor.

“It has been beautiful journey shooting for the film and it’s all credit goes to Nitin Kakkar

who is the director of this film because if he wasn’t there then this film wouldn’t have been made because he used to work on minute details with us while shooting for it. And therefore, I feel this film is important for me and it’s close to my heart.”

Sharing his feeling on audience response to

F

ans finally got a glimpse of Priyanka Chopra’s engagement ring and we need to thank Raveena Tandon for it. Priyanka attended designer Manish Malhotra’s party and photos were shared by Raveena on her Instagram account.

Sharing a few photos with Priyanka, Raveena wrote, “Peecee and I getting our pouts in order!” In one of the photos, Priyanka is seen flaunting her

engagement ring. But not only with Raveena, Priyanka was also seen posing with Sophie Choudry, Karan Johar and others at the bash and her ring was very evident.

Nick Jonas had, reportedly, shut down a Tiffany store in order to buy a ring for his lady love. The two, reportedly, got engaged on the eve of Priyanka’s birthday. (Indian Express)

Manikarnika’s first poster sees a fiery Kangana Ranaut charging at the enemy

T

he first poster of Kangana Ranaut starrer Manikarnika: The Queen of Jhansi is out.

The official poster was released by the makers on Independence Day as they thought no other day would have been better suited to let the world have a glimpse of what the film has in store for the audience.

According to the press release by the makers, the movie celebrates the Queen of Jhansi, Rani Laxmi Bai’s strength, passion, and courage as she led India’s fight for independence ages ago.

The film is slated to release on Republic Day, 2019 along with Hrithik Roshan’s Super 30, which is based on Patnabased mathematician Anand Kumar.

Manikarnika: The Queen of Jhansi stars Kangana Ranaut as Rani Laxmi Bai, Jisshu as Gangadhar Rao, Atul Kulkarni as Tatya Tope, Sonu Sood as Sadashiv, Suresh Oberoi as Peshwa Bajirao II, trailer and songs of the film, the actor said, “I am really happy because for the first time people are

Vaibhav Tatwawaadi as Puran Singh and Ankita Lokhande as Jhalkaribai. The movie has been directed by Krish, who is also helming the highly-anticipated NTR biopic. It has been produced by Zee Studios, Kamal Jain, and Nishant Pitti with a screenplay by K V Vijayendra Prasad, who is known for penning the

scripts of Baahubali: The Beginning, Mersal, and Baahubali 2.

On the work front, Kangana Ranaut has her plate full. Apart from Manikarnika: The Queen of Jhansi, she will also be seen in Mental Hai Kya alongside Rajkummar Rao. The actor was last seen in 2017’s Simran. (Indian Express)

liking trailer and songs of my film and more importantly, they are saying that I have acted in the film so it is just heartwarming to know that if you work hard towards a right direction then people do support you.

“I am right now soaking in that feeling because I had different journey in the film industry so I am not able to believe that they are liking trailer and songs of the film.”

Set in the backdrop of the Gujarati mi-

lieu, Mitron traces Jai (Jackky Bhagnani) and Avni’s (Kritika Kamra) personal journey, as they both find themselves and discover the true meaning of friendship in the bargain.

It stars Jackky Bhagnani, Kritika Kamra, Pratik Gandhi, Neeraj Sood and Shivam Parekh in lead roles. It is directed by Nitin Kakkar and produced by Vikram Malhotra. It will release on September 14.

(Indian Express)

WEEK ENDING AUGUST 19, 2018| guyanatimeSinternational.com

B

lack Panther actor Sterling K Brown is torn about the Academy Awards new popular film category. At an event for This Is Us at Paramount Studios, Brown, who played N’Jobu in the Marvel blockbuster, told Variety.com that his stance on the category — particularly as it relates to Black Panther, which is eligible for 2018 nominations — goes “back and forth”.

“When I

first heard of the category, the first question I had was, ‘What is the criterion for being nominated in this category?'” Brown said. “If it’s something that can give it some sort of merit and legitimacy, then I think it’s cool. But I think Black Panther stands on its own merits regardless of its popularity as being a wonderful piece of art.”

“Ryan Coogler is an artist,” Brown continued. “The man is three for three in his films thus far, and I don’t see him striking out anytime soon. So whether

D

P

Gal Gadot to feature in sequel of Wreck-It Ralph

W

onder Woman star Gal Gadot has joined the cast of Disney’s upcoming animated film Ralph Breaks the Internet, which is a sequel to Wreck-It Ralph. In the Walt Disney Animation Studios’ project, Gadot will be voicing the character Shank, a tough and talented driver in an intense and gritty online racing game called Slaughter Race.

“Shank is amazing at driving cars and has this bad-girl vibe to her. But as the movie goes on you realise how fun-loving, wise and warm she really is on the inside, which is what I like most about her,” Gadot said.

The actress on Friday also shared the news on her social media handles, along with an image of her character.

“I’m so excited to finally announce that I am playing a character named Shank in Disney’s ‘Ralph Breaks The Internet’ hitting theaters this November! Such an amazing experience to be a part of this project with such great creators and cast! Welcome to Slaughter Race,” she posted.

In the film, Shank meets Ralph (John C. Reilly) and Vanellope (Sarah Silverman) during the digital duo’s journey onto the internet, where they hope to find a replacement steering wheel for Vanellope’s own racing game, the arcade classic Sugar Rush.

“She is the coolest character in this world of Slaughter Race,” said co-director Rich Moore. “Shank’s lived a lot, she’s seen a lot, yet she’s got nothing but kindness in her heart — that’s the duality of that character,” he added.

According to co-director and cowriter Phil Johnston, Gadot adds extraordinary dimension to the character. “There’s so much texture to her voice and so much living in her voice,” he said.

“If Ralph is Vanellope’s big-brother figure, we wanted a big-sister figure.

We wanted someone that Vanellope would look up to, and Gal is definitely someone kids — and a lot of adults I know — aspire to emulate. I can’t imagine anyone else embodying that part.” (Indian Express)

Chris Hemsworth and Ryan Reynolds joke about swapping superhero roles

isney just unveiled the first look of its upcoming movie, Mulan, which stars American-Chinese actress, model and singer Liu Yifei in the titular role. In the photo, Liu Yifei can be seen posing with a sword in a red and white gown like the animated version of the iconic Disney character.

The actor will be seen portraying the role of a girl who disguises herself as a man in order to refrain his old father from joining the military to fight the invading Huns. The film is set in China during the Han dynasty.

Mulan later went on to join the Imperial Army herself and saved China from the invaders. According to The Hollywood Reporter, the casting director saw 1000 candidates across five continents before zeroing in on Yifei.

The movie also stars Donnie Yen, Jason Scott Lee, Yoson An, Utkarsh Ambudkar, Ron Yuan, Tzi Ma, Rosalind Chao, Cheng Pei-Pei, Nelson Lee, Gong Li and Jet Li. Directed by

op star Lady Gaga has said the experience of working with actor Bradley Cooper on A Star is Born has “changed” her and she feels “blessed” for the film. In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, Gaga, 32, said Cooper was phenomenal in the film that also marks his directorial debut.

“It just has changed me.

Watching Bradley work was phenomenal and then having him believe in me – it gave me more ammunition to believe in myself, and I just feel so blessed to have had that expe-

it’s in one category, the other, or both, the movie is worthy of recognition.”

Earlier this month, the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences announced a number of changes to the Oscars, including the introduction of a new category.

From next year, there will be an award for Outstanding Achievement in Popular Film. This is the first time a new Oscar category has been introduced since Best Animated Film in 2001. Details on eligibility are yet to be announced.

Brown’s sentiments echo those of many who have weighed in on the new category, saying it may give the Academy an excuse to leave commercially successful films — which have historically not made serious headway with the Academy despite their potential artistic merits — out of the Best Picture category in favour of more typical Oscars fare. (Indian Express)

Hollywood 49

The Zookeeper’s Wife filmmaker Niki Caro, the movie will be filmed in New Zealand (Niki Caro’s home country) and China.

This live-action film will be based on the 1998 animated film Mulan, which grossed over 300 million dollars.

It was also nominated for Golden Globe and Academy awards.

Producers on the Disney live-action remake include Jason T. Reed, Chris Bender and Jake Weiner. Executive producers are Barrie M. Osborne, Bill Kong and Tim Coddington. The film will release on March 27, 2020. (Indian Express)

rience,” Gaga said.

“I think what I learned from Bradley (is) it’s OK to be relentlessly sure of your vision and to go after it with every fibre of your being and to never stop white gloving what you’re making. Sometimes, as an artist, I second-guess myself when I go, ‘Am I pulling the thread? Am I unravelling the whole blanket now? Do I need to stop?’ It’s changed the way that I work today,” she added.

The musical romantic drama is a remake of the 1937 film of the same name. Cooper has also penned the screen-

A

ustralian actor Chris Hemsworth, best known for playing the role of Thor in the Marvel Cinematic Universe movies, celebrated his 35th birthday yesterday. Hemsworth posted a photo of himself with his wife and a cake.

He also wrote that he will now be playing Ryan Reynolds’ mutant superhero Deadpool because his son (who Hemsworth reveals has had ninja training) slammed his face into the flaming can-

dles just after the photo was taken. Even for the god of thunder, this must have been rather painful.

Wade Wilson, Deadpool’s alter-ego, has a burnt and messed up face thanks to the experimental treatment he went through to cure his body of cancer. After the treatment, he got powers like superhuman healing and strength. Also, he cannot be killed. Even if he blows himself up, the body parts can be sewn

together and the Merc with a Mouth will begin mouthing off again. Thor turning into Deadpool may be the greatest plot twist anybody ever pulled off in cinema.

Ryan Reynolds, ever ready with a quick repartee, quoted the tweet and replied that his daughter “JUST” stabbed him in his right eye and they can finally trade roles (it is a well-known fact that Reynolds is either a reallife Deadpool or is never out of character).

Jokes apart, it could be fun, seeing these two actors swapping roles, but you know what would be even better? If the two superheroes teamed up against a common enemy. Now that the Disney-Fox deal is confirmed, both the characters would fall under MCU and legally appear together in the same movie. (Indian Express)

play alongside Will Fetters and Eric Roth.

The story follows a harddrinking country musician (Cooper) who discovers and falls in love with a young singer (Gaga). Both the actors have performed original songs for the film, which also features collaboration with artistes like Lukas Nelson, Jason Isbell and Mark Ronson.

The film is set for a world premiere at the 75th Venice International Film Festival on August 31. (Indian Express)

50 sport

WEEK ENDING AUGUST 19, 2018 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Scores of overseas-based Guyanese expected to ‘come home’ for remainder CPL matches

I

t was a mad rush for last minute tickets leading up to the first three Guyana Amazon Warriors home matches in this year’s edition of the Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL) with long lines at the central ticketing office in Georgetown even on match days.

Several overseas-based Guyanese cricket fans; including those from the USA, Canada and UK, were present for the first three home matches and many more are also expected to ‘come home’ to view the other games; including two play-offs scheduled for Guyana.

On Monday when the sale of tickets for the second phase of Guyana Amazon Warriors matches began it was no differ-

Cricket crazy fans waiting to purchase tickets for matches when the Hero Caribbean Premier League returns to Guyana

ent as the ‘early birds’ flocked the Camp and Quamina Streets office for their share of tickets for the September 8 and 9 clashes at Providence.

On a cool Monday

morning in Georgetown, there were approximately 25 persons waiting at the central ticketing office for the scheduled 09:00h opening. At the front of the line was

Tenesha Chappelle, who was also the first to the counter when ticket sales began on July 19 for the August matches.

The Newtown Georgetown resident was

with her grandmother and she just wanted her favourite seats again.

“My family and I like the view and the action from the green stand so I am here to secure our seats early,” she told Guyana Times International Sport with excitement and relief in her voice.

Chappelle said that her family from overseas will be coming in their numbers and were encouraging her to purchase their tickets early. “It’s about 20 of us including those from the United States who come every year for CPL. We were there last night and for the two earlier matches and we are going again in September,” granny Serojanie said.

Also getting his tickets was Anand who came from Mahaica. “I don’t

want to join the line like last week so I come early. I am safe now. I am all set,” Anand said as he checked his six tickets while exiting.

This year is the first time in the six-year history of the tournament that Guyana will host five home matches for the Amazon Warriors and also the first time that the matches are separated into two phases. After hosting the St Kitts and Nevis Patriots, St Lucia Stars and the Barbados Tridents, the Amazon Warriors are heading on the road for five away matches before returning to wrap up against the Jamaica Tallawahs and Trinbago Knight Riders respectively.

Ticket sales for the first phase or the August matches began on July 19, three weeks before the first match at Providence, and anxious patrons flocked the office early. However, there were others who waited until the very last moment to get into the ‘Biggest Party in Sport’ and by then the lines grew.

In the first three home matches, the powerful Amazon Warriors won two games and lost one in front of sold out crowds and the same is anticipated when they return home in three weeks.

Smith’s experience useful for Barbados Tridents, says captain Holder

W

Steve Smith

est Indies bowler Jason Holder, who is leading Barbados Tridents in the ongoing Caribbean Premier League (CPL), has said that former Australian captain Steve Smith is helping the team with a ‘wealth of knowledge on the field’.

The comment came after Smith played his debut match at CPL, where he helped Tridents register a 30-run victory over Shoaib Malikled Guyana Amazon Warriors.

“Definitely it does

(help having Smith’s experience). We’ve got a wealth of knowledge on the field,” Cricket.com.au quoted Holder, as saying.

“Smithy was a successful captain. He shared a lot of knowledge,” he added.

Smith, along with young West Indies batsman, Shai Hope, built a steady third-wicket partnership of 105 runs to stabilize his team’s position after they lost two early wickets at a meagre score of 11 runs. He contributed 41 runs to the scorecard, before getting out at one of Imran Tahir’s deceiving deliveries.

The Australian batsman is currently serving a 12-month ban from International cricket for his alleged role in the massive ball-tampering scandal during the third Test match against South Africa at New Lands.

Barbados Trident’s next encounter is with Keiron Pollard-led St. Lucia Stars on August 18.

Sport 51

WEEK ENDING AUGUST 19, 2018| guyanatimeSinternational.com

Tough training ahead for Guyana’s national footballers …as “Project 100” kicks off in Rio

T

he Guyana Football Federation (GFF) this year made a promise to all Guyanese that come 2026 they would be able to cheer for their home team at the FIFA World Cup. As such, the Federation is currently putting plans in place which would allow for that dream to become a reality, beginning with qualifying for the CONCACAF Gold Cup for which the Caribbean Nations League is the gateway.

The first of those plans is “Project 100”, which began on Monday in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Project 100 – according to newly-appointed Head Coach Michael Johnson, who is leading the biggest technical staff ever put together in the history of the GFF – aims to break into the FIFA top 100 rankings.

The core of the player pool is Guyana-based and mostly Under-23 players, as the focus of this new project is to give the young players an opportunity to show that they have what it takes to be a part of this programme, Johnson stated.

“This Project 100 is pretty simple: while we are here, we have a lot

Some technical work being done prior to session two

of young players who are given an opportunity to try and be involved in the qualification campaign for the CONCACAF Gold Cup starting in September. So, this is a great chance for them to showcase themselves and to show that they really mean business.”

The former Jamaican national player noted that this is not just a camp to improve players.

“It’s a camp that we’re saying to them, ‘go and

make yourself visible, make yourself known to the staff that you are capable of meeting the demands necessary to go and play or be part of this squad, come September.”

Johnson reiterated that it’s an opportunity for the U-23s. “Let’s have a look at them, let’s see which ones are capable of stepping up, not just on the field, also off it.”

The programme here in Rio at the Estadio Municipal Jose Maria De

Guyana’s Karatekas confident ahead of IKD World Championship

eam Guyana will be eyeing top awards at the 2018 IKD World Championships

W

ith gold on their minds, 23 members of the Association Shotokan Karate-Guyana (ASK-G) winged out on Monday ahead of the third International Karate Daigaku (IKD) World Championships.

Led by senior instructor and Karateka Roger Peroune, the Kata Captain, and Kumite Captain Keith Beaton, the team, which also in-

cluded ASK-G Senior Instructor, President and judge Amir Khouri, left Guyana on August 13 and are expected back on August 20.

The international competition will see over 350 highly-skilled and trained competitors vying for the top spots. The Guyanese contingent will have their hopes at an all-time high, as members are anxiously awaiting their events

with optimism of returning home with medals for their country and Association.

Meanwhile, the Association extended its heartfelt gratitude to all the sponsors and the parents of students, most of whom are self-sponsored fighters, as well as the ASK-G fundraising team who ensured the karatekas were able to compete.

Brito Barros would be intense, Johnson posited, referring to the fact that Monday saw the players being involved in three sessions, two on the field (morning and afternoon) and one classroom session Monday evening at the team hotel.

“There’ll be down time, of course, we can’t go at this pace all the time, but what we wanted to showcase from the very first stage is that we are here to work; yes we want

to have fun at the same time, but we want to be doing things the right and proper way. That means we want to take them out of their comfort zone, we want to make them uncomfortable and see how they handle the training. We’ve also got some interesting runs for them just to see the character of them without the ball. So this camp is really about challenging them physically, mentally, tactically, and techni-

cally,” he noted.

The first day’s session was summed up by Johnson: “I think it was really good for us to get an insight into some of the players, the staff as well, the intensity and what they want to play at; they’re a good group.

What we’ve seen today is that they’re an honest group: they give you everything; technically they are ok and also physically, you know the players can move. I think where we really need to work is tactically and that’s why we did a session this afternoon based upon where should you be when somebody’s got the ball, what’s your movements off the ball, how do you receive it.”

The Head Coach believes that if significant gains were made without the players having the ball; composure; technical ability and physicality, which some of the players already have, Guyana can be in an interesting place in the next few years.

The sessions continued on Tuesday with a game between the players as they prepared themselves for the first of several matches in Rio de Janeiro.

Concacaf Men’s Under-20 Championship 2018…

Guyana among 35 teams to battle for supremacy

…top 4 finishers to play in FIFA U-20 World Cup

T

he Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football (Concacaf) on Tuesday confirmed the programming for the draw of the 2018 Concacaf Men’s Under-20 Championship, scheduled to be played November 1 -21, at the IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida.

The official draw, which will sort the thirty-five participating teams into six groups, for the first round of the competition, will be broadcast Thursday, September 13, 2018 at 10:00 am ET. Fans will be able to follow the event through Concacaf.com and the Confederation’s rights partner networks.

Unlike the previous format of the men’s under-20 competition, which included regional qualifiers in the Caribbean and Central America and one final championship, the redesigned 2018 edition will ensure that all the participating teams have access to play more top-level football matches.

The draw will be conducted using a single-blind system, involving five pots.

Based on the Concacaf Men’s Under-20 Ranking, the top six ranked teams will be seeded into position one of each group, while the remaining 29 teams will be distributed in five pots as follows: Seeded Teams (group and position): United States (A1), Mexico (B1), Honduras (C1), Panama (D1) Costa Rica (E1) and El Salvador (F1) Pot 1: Cuba, Guatemala, Trinidad & Tobago, Haiti, Canada and Jamaica

Pot 2: Antigua and Barbuda, Bermuda, St. Kitts and Nevis, Curacao, Aruba and Suriname Pot 3: Nicaragua, Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Guadeloupe, St. Lucia and Guyana Pot 4: Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Grenada, Cayman Islands, Barbados, Belize and Dominica Pot 5: US Virgin Islands, Martinique, Saint Maarten, Saint Martin and Monserrat The draw will begin by placing the seeded teams in their respective groups. Once they have been confirmed, the first team will be drawn from Pot 1 and placed in position A2.

The same will be done for the remaining five teams of Pot 1, placing them in positions B2, C2, D2, E2 and F2 according to the order in which they are drawn. The procedure will be repeated for Pots 2, 3, 4 and 5, using group positions 3, 4, 5 and 6 respectively.

The thirty-five participating teams will be sorted into six groups, five groups of six teams and one group of five teams, for the first-round group phase. After round robin play, the six group winners will advance to the qualification stage, where they will be divided into two groups of three teams.

After a second-round robin play, the two group winners plus the secondplace finishers will qualify for the FIFA U-20 World Cup. Additionally, the two groups winners will advance to the tournament’s final to determine the regional champion.

52 sport

WEEK ENDING AUGUST 19, 2018 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

USA to host 3 matches of CPL 2018

E

xcitement is building as Florida is set to host 3 matches of CPL 2018 The Sixth Edition of the Caribbean Premier League Twenty20 Cricket Tournament began on 8th August 2018. This is one of the most popular West Indies Domestic T20 tournaments. The biggest party in sports, CPL 2018, will be more popular as a few of the matches will be played in Florida on 18, 19 and 22nd August.

Meanwhile, fans are hyped up and ready for the games.

Many of them have secured their tickets and would certainly be part of the action.

Hero Caribbean Premier League 2018…

Ross Taylor top scoring for the Jamaica Tallawahs with an unbeaten 51 off 35 which included two fours and four sixes

A

Jamaica Tallawahs celebrate the dismissal of Evin Lewis

…records 47-run victory over Patriots

nother astounding performance from the Jamaica Tallawahs led them to a 47-run victory over St Kitts and Nevis Patriots to make it three consecutive wins, and an absolute excellent start to their campaign of the 2018 Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL).

It seemed the Tallawahs had more than enough in the tank to steamroll the Patriots in front of their home crowd at Sabina Park in Kingston on Wednesday evening, after disposing of a luckless St Lucia Stars on Tuesday.

The tournament leaders, Tallawahs, are now on six points while the Guyana Amazon Warriors are second on four points.

Patriots won the toss and gave Tallahwas the first strike. They were able to post 178-4 before the overs expired, a target that proved an uphill task for a squad which included the likes of Chris Gayle, Devon Thomas and skipper Carlos Brathwaite.

The St Kitts team eventually got to 131-9 in their allotted overs. Gayle did top score for his side, but with just 24 to his name and Mahmudullah’s 22, Patriots made a mess of the chase.

On the other hand, a disciplined bowling attack was what made the challenge quite tuff for the visiting side.

Krishmar Santokie led with 2 – 13 and was resolutely supported by Imad Wasim and Adam Zampa who had 2 – 21 and 2 – 38, respectively. A wicket each also went to Oshane Thomas, Steven Jacobs and Andre Russell.

Evin Lewis (00) and Tom Cooper (07) were back in the dugout in underway five overs as Patriots slumped to 9 – 2. Gayle cautiously launched back but was the next to fall when he held out to Oshane Thomas off

Steven Jacobs.

The wickets continued to fall; Devon Thomas (10),

Anton Devcich (11), Ben Cutting (02), Mahmudullah, Brathwaite (10) and Sheldon Cottrell (18) were all part of the paltry effort.

Jeremiah Louis (11) and Sandeep Lamichhane (02) were the final two batsmen left standing, the final pair.

E Lewis c †Phillips b Thomas 0 Earlier in the night, it was the openers who TLW Cooper c Russell b began the show for the Tallawahs. Kennar Lewis Santokie 7 moved up the order and played an entertaining DC Thomas † c Lewis b Zampa 10 innings which included four maximums and an AP Devcich c †Phillips b equal amount of fours but got out on 49 after facRussell 11 ing 24 deliveries.

Mahmudullah b Zampa 22 His partner, Glen Phillips faced a bit more of BCJ Cutting b Imad Wasim 2 the Patriots bowling but was still effective in his CR Brathwaite c Powell b Imad 41-run performance that took 38 balls to construct.

Wasim 10 Patriots struck in quick succession with the JS Louis not out 11 removal of Lewis and then new batsman Andre SS Cottrell b Santokie 18 McCarthy without scoring.

S Lamichhane not out 2 However, Ross Taylor immediately made Extras: (b 2, lb 5, w 7) 14 amends for missing out on scoring in the first two Total: (9 wickets, 20 Overs, RR: matches and rebounded with an aggressive 51.

6.55) 131 The 35-ball innings was just what the doctor orFall of wickets: 1-1 (E Lewis, dered to keep the run rate pumping; it was laced 2.2 ov), 2-9 (TLW Cooper, 3.5 with two fours and four sixes. ov), 3-39 (CH Gayle, 5.6 ov), Rovman Powell tried to get into his stride 4-54 (AP Devcich, 8.3 ov), 5-57 (DC Thomas, 9.2 ov), but 18 was all he could muster before he fell to 6-61 (BCJ Cutting, 10.3 ov), Brathwaite in the 17th over.

7-89 (Mahmudullah, 13.4 ov), Russell was left unbeaten once again on ten 8-93 (CR Brathwaite, 14.5 ov), alongside the experienced New Zealander, Taylor.

9-122 (SS Cottrell, 17.6 ov) Meanwhile, Lamichhane finished with 2 – 21 Bowling: O Thomas 4-0-27while Brathwaite and Cutting had one each.

1, K Santokie 4-1-13-2, SA Tallawahs will face the Guyana Amazon Jacobs 2-0-18-1, AD Russell 2-0-7-1, A Zampa 4-0-38Warriors in their next match on Saturday, August 2, Imad Wasim 4-0-21-2 18 in Florida while Patriots take on St Lucia Stars next Tuesday, August 21, at Gros Islet, St Lucia.

SCOREBOARD Jamaica Tallawahs Innings (20 overs maximum) K Lewis c Cooper b Lamichhane 49 GD Phillips † lbw b Cutting 41 AM McCarthy lbw b Lamichhane 0 LRPL Taylor not out 51 R Powell c Lewis b Brathwaite 18 AD Russell (c) not out 10 Extras: (lb 5, nb 1, w 3) 9 Total: (4 wickets, 20 Overs, RR: 8.9) 178 Did not bat: Imad Wasim, SA Jacobs, K Santokie, A Zampa, O Thomas Fall of wickets: 1-64 (K Lewis, 6.2 ov), 2-65 (AM McCarthy, 6.4 ov), 3-107 (GD Phillips, 13.1 ov), 4-146 (R Powell, 16.5 ov) Bowling: SS Cottrell 4-0-44-0, JS Louis 1-0-14-0, AP Devcich 3-0-25-0, S Lamichhane 4-021-2, CR Brathwaite 4-0-431, BCJ Cutting 4-0-26-1 St Kitts and Nevis Patriots Innings (target: 179 runs from 20 overs) CH Gayle (c) c Thomas b Jacobs

24

WEEK ENDING AUGUST 19, 2018| guyanatimeSinternational.com

Guyana’s national basketball captain gets Jacksonville College scholarship

E

ighteen-year-old national basketball team captain Stanton “Mr Fantastic” Rose is now a prime example of the phrase “hard work pays off” after he was awarded a scholarship to attend the Jacksonville College in Texas, United States.

Rose, who has been celebrated for leading the Guyanese national basketball team to their first Caribbean B a s k e t b a l l Championships (CBC) win in Suriname last month, has excelled in local basketball over the years. The young man ,who plays club games for the three-time Road to Mecca Champions Bounty Colts, was said to be very mature and able to handle pressure well and was selected as Captain of the national team on the premise that he could step up to the plate.

In doing exactly that, the Lindener registered an all-time high of 41 points against the St Vincent and the Grenadines – the most points ever netted by a Guyanese in a single game.

Rose, who is also the young-

est national captain ever, was also named as the Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the 2018 CBC games.

In a statement from the Guyana Amateur Basketball Federation (GABF), it was revealed that the young man was recently offered a scholarship, which he gladly accepted.

He is expected to depart Guyana later this week as his first semester will begin on Monday, August 20, 2018.

National Coach Junior Hercules was the first to congratulate the teenager on behalf of the GABF, stating: “Guyana Basketball Federation wishes to congratulate and thank Stanton Rose for his commitment and dedication to Guyana and we wish Texas him further success bound! in his life and basStanton “Mr ketball career.”

Fantastic” Rose

SPORT 53

54

WEEK ENDING AUGUST 19, 2018 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

WEEK ENDING AUGUST 19, 2018| guyanatimeSinternational.com

55