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Nationwide coverage coverage from from the the best best news news team team in in Guyana Guyana Nationwide Issue No. 4150 guyanatimesgy.com

THE BEACON BEACON OF OF TRUTH TRUTH THE

Sunday, December 29, 2019

Alarming teen pregnancy rate recorded in Region 1 …259 cases documented in 11 months PM candidate Guyana only Caribbean nomination nation without digital process to begin signature services on Monday ꟷ Jagdeo law – IDB See story on page 7

PRICE $120 vat included

WHAT'S INSIDE: With 2 more days before year-end

124 road fatalities recorded for 2019 …11 deaths recorded in December

Page 10

Page 3

P15

Pork-knocker stabbed to P12 death Something P12 is “wrong” with persons who sexually molest children – DPP

Berbice double murder

2nd victim identified

This Smith Creek, Region One (Barima-Waini) family sit comfortably in their canoe as they prepare for a day’s trip. Smith Creek is located in the Mabaruma Subdistrict. The main economic activity of the community of about 250 residents is fishing and crab-catching

Nomination Day

Questions raised over legality of Govt compulsorily acquiring land

GECOM Chair urged to take actions against fraudulent lists …after gazetted notice of land Page 11

Page 7

…cautioned about engaging partisan organisations takeover for Demerara Bridge

PPP promises P2 to help disenfranchised MMA farmers P12 Bartica power plant commissioned

2 news

SUnDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2019 | guyanatimesGY.com

PPP promises to help disenfranchised MMA farmers O

pposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo has promised to restore the viability that small farmers within the Mahaica Mahaicony AbaryAgricultural Development Authority (MMA-ADA) once enjoyed, if the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) returns to office at next year’s March 2 General and Regional Elections. In recent years, farmers within the MMA area have been facing hardships and are struggling to sustain their livelihood. First, the Agriculture Ministry made sweeping increases in land rental rates back in 2017. Land rentals went from $3500 to $15,000 per acre, which represented a 600 per cent increase and other rates from $1000 to $7000. Then a few months ago, several cattle farmers were evicted from lands they had occupied for decades. These persons have been operating on the land, located at Blairmont, which covers 1360 acres, for the past 30 years and throughout that time, applications were filed for lease documents to be granted. However, the farmers received a notice from the agency earlier this year, indicating that they have to vacate the lands since new leases were issued to other persons, some of whom are not even cattle farmers. Meanwhile, farmers who

have applied for state lands to cultivate rice are being told no land is available. But while this is happening, it was recently reported that the Chairman of the MMA-ADA, Kelvin Saul, has allegedly been the beneficiary of some 10,609 acres of land. According to Jagdeo at this weekly press conference on Friday, this land is equivalent to 50,000 house lots – which the PPP promised to create if it gets into office. He pointed out that these lands are being given away at a time when the farmers in the area are struggling. “How could the Chairman of your MMA Board get this when there are thousands of people who need land at MMA – small farmers and thousands of them who have had their lands taken away by the MMA. But here is the Chairman of the Board getting over 10,000 acres,” he contended. Moreover, the Opposition Leader outlined that the party has also received information that an Alliance For Change (AFC) – the minority party in the coalition Government – member allegedly got over 400 acres of land there, and within a matter of weeks, he flipped it and reportedly sold it for $45 million to another person. He went on to outline that not only is this a con-

MMA-ADA Chairman Kelvin Saul

flict of interest but it is happening at a time when applications of small farmers are stalled and thus their livelihoods affected. “What about the lands taken away from farmers now because they can’t pay the $15,000 per acre fee that was increased from $3500. It has to do with a Government policy so you take away from all the small people who can’t afford and who are going bankrupt because they can’t afford to pay for all of these lands and then give it to one crony – 10,000 acres is a lot of land,” the Opposition Leader stressed.

He added that this “…is a policy of transferring resources to people, to cronies because of their connections or some of it could be parking of resources for Ministers and the others. We’ve seen a lot of people who are close to them, suddenly they are getting a lot of these resources and we believe they are parking these resources for after elections.” According to Jagdeo, who is also the General Secretary of the PPP, these instances do not even “scratch the surface as yet” of the massive land giveaway that is ongoing throughout the country.

Nevertheless, he noted that while there is not much that the PPP Opposition can do right now, he assured that if the party returns to office next year, it will reverse these injustices to the farmers. “We hope to rectify it after March 2, so you go back to ensuring that people get land and that we have enough land for the 50,000 house lots that we promised. And right at the MMA area, we take back the lease fees, the land and the water charges down to $3500 back again and we restore the budget to the MMA for farm to market roads and for drainage and irrigation, and so that those small farmers can earn a living too. That’s what we want to do,” he stated.

Not the sole owner

Meanwhile, Saul in response on Saturday said that in August 2014 himself and three other persons registered under the name Mc Agriculture Trading and Investment Services (MATIS) were granted a Forestry Permission SFP DEM 21/14 from the Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC). The SFP DEM 21/14 is a block of approximately 10,609 acres of state lands lying on either side of Captain Creek in Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice), he

said. “This land was essentially Forest Land in the Hinterland and Intermediate Savannahs and MATIS focused on husbandry and harvesting of forestry products with charcoal production through systematic and sustained tree felling and land clearing. In January 2016 (MATIS) took a conscious decision to diversify into other related agricultural activities (Crops). The conversion from Forestry to Crops required the intervention/permission of the MMA-ADA and to this end, an application was submitted to the MMA in January 2016 to lease the said block of land for agricultural purposes,” Saul said in his defence. He claimed that subsequently, the GFC which had granted the SFP in 2014, informed the Agriculture Ministry and the MMA-ADA on August 8, 2019, that it had no objection to the conversion and to the granting of a lease for the said land to MATIS by the MMA-ADA. “I recused myself from the MMA-ADA discussions in 2016 on the conversion and in any event, I was not a member of that Committee that deliberated, nor was I the Chairman of MMA-ADA at the time. The MMA-ADA subsequently approved the conversion,” he claimed.

3 PM candidate nomination process to begin on Monday ꟷ Jagdeo W news

SUnDAY, December 29, 2019 | guyanatimesGY.com

BRIDGE OPENINGS

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

Sunday, December 29 – 05:30h – 07:00h and Monday, December 30 – 05:00h – 06:30h. The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Sunday, December 29 – 06:10h – 07:40h and Monday, December 30 – 06:45h – 08:15h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY Sunshine will prevail during the day. There will be clear skies at night. Temperatures should range between 21 degrees Celsius and 30 degrees Celsius. Winds: North-Easterly to East South-Easterly between 1.78 metres and 4.02 metres. High Tide: 06:17h and 18:29h reaching maximum heights of 2.47 metres and 2.57 metres. Low Tide: 12:03h reaching a minimum height of 0.76 metre.

saturday, DECember 28, 2019

LOTTERY NUMBERS H

03 06 07

12 13 28

FREE TICKET

09 Bonus Ball

DAILY MILLIONS

06 12 17 21 22 LUCKY 3

Afternoon Draw

Evening Draw

DRAW DE LINE

15 16 20

PAY DAY

SUPER PAY DAY FRIDAY, DECember 27, 2019

10 21

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

ith Nomination Day just under two weeks away, the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) is beginning the process to choose a Prime Ministerial (PM) candidate and running mate for Presidential Candidate Dr Irfaan Ali, by Monday. At his weekly press conference on Friday, PPP General Secretary and Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo was asked for an update on the party’s selection of its PM candidate. At the time, Jagdeo had said that the process has not yet started. “We’ve not engaged anyone. I’ve outlined the process. We plan to trigger the process in a matter of hours. And the process involves nominations from the different groups of MPs or members of the central committee.” “Once the nominations are in, there will be an intense period of discussions with the MP’s and then at the party level, we will select a candidate. We have not received any nominations as yet, because we have not triggered the process yet. But that will be done shortly,” Jagdeo had also said. When contacted on Saturday, Jagdeo noted that the process is likely to start by next week Monday. According to the former President, nominations have not yet started. The PM candidate is, by tradition, drawn from the civic component of the party.

PPP General Secretary Bharrat Jagdeo

Meanwhile, this publication understands from well-placed sources that while there has not been a formal nomination as yet, there have been a number of professionals and civic members emerging as possible candidates. Among the names are retired Brigadier Mark Phillips, Juan Edghill, Priya Manikchand and Carolyn Rodrigues. The one on whom most assumption has rested is former Chief of Staff of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), retired Brigadier Mark Phillips. However, sources have also identified former Minister within the Finance Ministry, Juan Edghill, as a possible candidate. In addition, the names of former Social Services and Education Minister Priya Manickchand and former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Carolyn Rodrigues, have also been touted.

Phillips served as Chief of Staff of the GDF from 2013 to 2016. He previously attended the Royal Military Academy of Sandhurst in the United Kingdom and was Guyana’s nonresident Military attaché to Venezuela. Phillips is also the holder of a Master’s Degree in Public Sector Management. Meanwhile, Edghill served in his former ministerial post from 2011 to 2015. Before that, he served as Chairman of the Guyana Post Office Corporation (GPOC) and Chairman of the Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC). The prelate is currently a PPP MP, focused on public procurement issues. Manickchand, an attorney-at-law, was first elected to Parliament in 2006 as Human Services Minister. She became the Education Minister in 2011 and served in that position until 2015. She is presently a PPP frontbencher in Parliament, with a focus on education and social issues. Carolyn Rodrigues was first appointed in the then Bharrat Jagdeo Administration as Amerindian Affairs Minister in 2001, serving in that position until 2008, when she was appointed as Foreign Affairs Minister. After 2015, she moved abroad and subsequently worked with the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) arm of the United Nations (UN).

Nominations Day

The Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) had previously announced in notices published in the media that Nominations Day for the upcoming General and Regional Elections is January 10, 2020. In the notice, GECOM had called for all political parties contesting the 2020 General and Regional Elections to submit their symbol for approval. In the notice, GECOM had said that the approval of the symbols has to be done before Nominations Day. As such, the deadline for the submission is December 13, 2019. After weeks of criticisms and questions as to why he was not dissolving Parliament in accordance with the timeframe set out in the Constitution, President David Granger issued the proclamation for the December 30 dissolution of Parliament, on Friday last. The announcement came after Guyana Elections Commission Chair Retired Justice Claudette Singh and Commissioners informed him that the elections body is on track for the March 2, 2020 General and Regional Elections. A proclamation was also issued for the dissolution of the 10 Regional Democratic Councils (RDC) on December 30, 2019.

guyanatimesgy.com

SUnDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2019

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

Changing politics in Guyana

hatever their faults, our parties, like parties everywhere, do not merely affect, they also reflect the nuances of their societies. So the “fault” – if there is any – might also lie in ourselves. Politicians cannot lead followers wherever the politicians want them to go, for followers will only go in directions they find preferable to the alternatives available: leaders can catalyse but not initiate ethnic reactions. Political parties arose in a Europe that had already “solved” its ethnic problem by transforming it from a national question into an international one. The people in each state were more or less one ethnic group, with minorities who to “go along to get along”. These countries had completed their national revolutions to form nations out of diverse peoples and were moving onto their participatory revolution or democratisation, where subjects would become citizens with the right to choose their governors. Their welfare revolution, focusing on economic justice, was down the road. We, in Guyana, in common with many states in the postWWII era, were forced to confront all three revolutions simultaneously. What was our experience? Firstly, our politicians gave short shrift to the national revolution because of their Marxist orientation, even though we were a textbook case of a “plural” society. They focused solely on participation and welfare but even here ignored the need to adapt our political institutions. Their mobilisation produced an ethnic party system which is qualitatively different from that of homogeneous societies on which it was modelled. In the former, the party competition is on a single axis – ethnicity— while in the latter, there are many crosscutting axes – class, religion, region [rural-urban], etc. In an ethnic party system, especially where there are two major groups that approach each other in size, the ethnic axis of competition controls the party formation, survival and competition. In homogeneous societies, many individuals vote for parties depending on the parties’ stance on issues. Since all parties have to court this bloc of “swing” votes, the parties’ positions tend to converge and preclude extremism. In bi-communal ethnically divided societies such as Guyana, voters gravitate to the two ends of the competition axis depending on their ethnic origins. The party’s stand on issues becomes almost irrelevant since it is supported solely as a protector of the group’s interest. The PPP began as a true multi-ethnic party even though it espoused a socialist non-ethnic line, ie, its members encompassed the main competing ethnic groups and the leadership was seen to represent these sections. The split of the PPP into PPP [Jagan] and PPP [Burnham], subsumed into ethnicity the incipient urban-rural, middle class-lower class dichotomies. The disintegration of the PPP was not only the result of leadership egos: the reasons go to the extreme difficulty in maintaining multi-ethnic parties into plural societies. After an ethnic party system is formed, multi-ethnic parties are even more difficult to sustain. The greatest pressure arising from “flank” parties or groups which inevitably arise to “secure” ethnic rights. They take strong ethnic positions driving the erstwhile “multi-ethnic” party to respond in order to retain its base. The results are the incompatible group claims. In this system, the competition is not between the two ethnic parties, but with their flank parties or groups Another major reason for the lack of successful multiethnic parties is the difficulty of producing a multi-ethnic leadership structure which has the confidence of the various ethnic groups. The “iron law of oligarchy”, ie that power inevitably accretes in a small elite within any organisations, is perceived to operate. In Guyana, the fear is that one ethnic group would dominate and that the other ethnic leaders would be mere tokens. In modern-day Guyana, the demographic shift to create a society of minorities now impels the two major parties to appeal for crossover votes, and it is for this reason that most analysts are surprised at the PNC’s studied rebuff of the Indian Guyanese community. The PPP, on the other hand, has explicitly declared its commitment to courting the “non-traditional” blocks.

Sixteen-year-old sea lion “Leo” writes the Chinese character for rat ahead of the upcoming Lunar New Year at Hakkeijima Sea Paradise in Yokohama, suburban Tokyo, Japan (AFP photo)

We must greet APNU/AFC apologists with truth: Ask them about 2015 Manifesto promises that were delivered Dear Editor, A perverted narrative has recently emerged to cloud the gross mismanagement of our economy by the PNC (now camouflage as the APNU-AFC collation) over the past four-plus years. This narrative, which is propagated by a group of PNC’s apologists, attempts to paint the 23 years of the PPP/C as the most unsuccessful period while projecting the past four-plus years as the most progressive in our post-colonial history. The irony is that this narrative is the complete opposite of the truth. As a researcher, I have a moral and professional responsibility to confront the distorted narrative with every piece of data that is publicly available. The facts about our economic development under the PPP/C are there for everyone to examine. Additionally, the success under the PPP/C during the period 1992-2015, ‘needs no academic gloss.’ The undeniable fact is that when the PPP/C took control of the country in 1992, Guyana was classified as one of the poorest in the Western Hemisphere, with more than 60 percent of the total population living below the poverty line. During the decade before the PPP/C assumed office, inflation averaged 28.9 percent during the period 1980-1990 and G$: US$ exchange rate depreciated from 2.50 in 1980

to 111.8 during 1990. The physical infrastructure of the country was in total disrepair, and the Guyanese couldn’t access essential items because of the shortage of foreign currency. The external debt represented 600 percent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 1989. Indeed, the country was worst off in 1992 than when it gained independence (see study titled “Income Distribution, Inequality, and Poverty Reduction During Economic Reform in Guyana” by John Gaffar). The economy was in such bad shape that the PNC, which has grown accustomed to rigging elections, had to broker a deal with our international partners to have ‘free and fair elections’ while simultaneously embarking on a Structural Adjustment Programme. Over the period 19922015, our economic fortunes were reversed despite the turbulent global economic conditions and attempt by the PNC to make ungovernable with their ‘slow fyah’ and ‘more fyah’ campaign. The country reported two episodes of economic expansion 1990-1993 and 2006-2015 and the displayed greater resilience to external shocks with the diversification of its economic base. Inflation averaged less than 6 percent annually between 1992 and 2015 while the G$: US$ remained stable. By 2012 the

external debt represented 48 percent of GDP. Because of the buoyancy in the economy and stable business environment created by sound macroeconomic management, the country attracted US$1,326.4 billion in Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) between 2006 and 2012. Most of the FDI went into new and emerging sectors such as transportation, telecommunication, manufacturing, and energy sectors. Credit to the private also witnessed concomitant growth. Extreme poverty was reduced from 29 percent in 1992 to 18.6 percent by 2006. Meanwhile, the Human Development Index and Gini coefficient showed significant improvements, with Guyana promoted to a medium human development country. Further, Guyana was praised for achieving the Millennium Development Goals (GDS) in the areas of nutrition and child health, eradication of poverty and hunger, and universal primary education. In summary, the country made significant economic and social progress. All of the policy dividends that accrued from the sound macroeconomic management practiced by the PPP/C are being eroded before our naked eyes because of this incompetent APNU-AFC government. Except for gold production, we have seen contractions in all the critical sectors

due to excessive taxes and willful neglect. The lukewarm response to crime, coupled with the unwillingness of the government to respect the laws, contributed to massive capital flight as businesses searched for safer investment destinations. If we were to subtract the national ‘eye-sore’ often described as the ‘wood-ants’ stadium, Durban Park there is little for the coalition to be proud of. Indeed, everything the shameless APNUAFC boast about today was bequeathed to them by the PPP/C. The production of oil they take credit for today would not have been possible without Janet Jagan. The G$9 billion collected from Norway is the fruit of another visionary leader, Bharrat Jagdeo, who was the brainchild of the Low Carbon Development Strategy. All the significant infrastructure (road projects, airport expansion) originated during the tenure of Bharrat Jagdeo and Donald Ramotar. As we approach the 2020 elections, the APNU-AFC apologists will continue to push there perverted narrative. However, we must greet these apologists with the truth and ask them about the 2015 Manifesto promises that were delivered by their party. Regards, Name and address withheld

guyanatimesgy.com

SUNDAY december 29, 2019

You can send your letters with pictures to: Guyana Times, Queens Atlantic Investment Estate Industrial Site, Ruimveldt, Georgetown, Guyana or letters@guyanatimesgy.com

Guyanese people Billions on GECOM’s H2H given an opportunity Registration nothing but a farce! to fix a mistake

Dear Editor, The Guyana Elections Commission’s (GECOM) recently conducted House-toHouse (H2H) Registration was innately designed and executed with many of the PNC’s clandestine traits of decades of fraudulent intent. The outcomes of the highly suspicious approach reveal and confirm nothing less than a farcical wastage of taxpayers’ money, in covering up and extending the illegal PNC/APNU/ AFC regime. On one side, there are apparent humungous fraudulently realised internal gains for some at GECOM, as its Secretariat seems to be playing ‘catch me if you can’. On the other, the haughty illegal Granger-led cabal benefits from deliberate and unnecessary delays. Thankfully, the new Chairman stopped abusive facilitation by Keith Lowenfield of the Patterson backdated H2H order, or one could imagine the level of contamination that would have ensued. A cursory look at the results of the orchestrated H2H results exposes the violently glaring attempts which now put GECOM on trial! These include: 1. Approximately two months since the activity, some seven thousand (7000) new registrants cannot be found, and some have registered using addresses of empty lots, empty houses in communities as well as schools and other public buildings, etc. 2. After three months of the Claims and Objections, no Identification cards have been issued by GECOM although the PNC/APNU Commissioners wanted the removal of persons who had not collected their ID cards. 3. Numerous duplications with the Preliminary List of Electors (PLE) which are seemingly affecting the organisation’s capacity to release the Revised List of Electors (RLE), which further extends the confirmation of an acceptable Official List of Electors. What has GECOM produced after spending billions of dollars on the unverified Registration? Certainly from the foregoing, GECOM cannot use any of the information from the truncated H2H. The situation glaringly proves that at least some of the enumerators used were fraudulently complicit in the process since they were not under the watchful eyes of Opposition Scrutineers. Another consideration may be the inside job approach, operationalised through an inter-

nally flawed mechanism, to which attention is being given. Regardless, the heavily compromised employment bias and exclusionary approach is intimately part and parcel of the delaying tactics and strategy of the APNU/AFC, to produce a contaminated List that cannot be used for the National and Regional Elections. This certainly, is an attempt at a repeat of the 1990 scenario when the PNC contaminated GECOM produced an unacceptable List which the Carter Center and the Guyanese population rejected. It resulted in the elections being delayed for two years. Guyanese are appropriately asking, how is it that these same GECOM enumerators, who only a few weeks collected large sums of money to register people, cannot find the persons who they claimed to have registered? The evidence certainly points to the involvement of GECOM enumerators in skulduggery during the truncated H2H Registration process, and the PNC/APNU Commissioners’ fight at GECOM to accommodate this worthlessness. It is more serious that unless properly cleansed, the RLE will reveal further duplications since there are many persons who registered during the truncated H2H, that also registered during the Claims and Objections or updated transfers and other transactions. It is of note that the High Court already ruled that the truncated H2H cannot be used to create a new Register of Registrants (NRR), and the timeline will not allow for a New Claims and Objections. Hence the information from the truncated H2H cannot be used. The General Secretary of the PPP/C, in particular, has been at the forefront of a struggle for free and fair elections. It had been a mountainous legal process to overturn and remove the illegal unilateral appointment of the clearly unfit James Patterson. The ID card issue was put to rest, and the truncated H2H must, therefore, be placed in the garbage once and for all. It has been a struggle to have persons of eminence overlooking the GECOM preparation since aid in this respect was dispelled by the unfit Patterson. Significantly, however, the Chairperson has signalled that the organisation will be heading in this direction and this is most welcome. It is noteworthy that some media outlets in particular, as well as in-

dividuals utilising ‘social media,’ are very active in advancing the advocacy for free and fair elections. Additionally, it is also most heartening to observe International support along with several reputable local organisations demanding credible elections. The players in GECOM should recognise by now that the highest level of scrutiny will continue to be given and there would be no relenting based on APNU/ AFC’s visible desperation. The Grangerled APNU/AFC cabal has engineered a massive slide of Guyana’s credentials both locally and on the international front and they are now attempting to camouflage their fraudulent and vendetta-driven incompetence, with the recent oil productivity. Clearly, this illegal cabal cannot be trusted and citizens must all recognise and reject their deceitful entrapment plans. As the Granger Cabal enrich themselves, the outcries from the poorer class get louder. Recently, I noted the screams of workers of the Local Authority Areas, whose condemnation against the Government is justified since the PNC-controlled Local Government Commission blocked the annual bonus although the NDCs budgeted this allowance for their workers. This was because the PPP/C won and controlled most of the NDCs, the vindictive PNC gave instructions not to approve anything favourable for the workers. Further, our Disciplined Services were duly informed that they will not get the well-deserved end of year bonus. The fourteen per cent taxes on water, light and two hundred and fourteen other items have reduced our people into greater poverty. It is a sad state of affairs for our youth and particularly our older citizens, who are passing this festive season with wanting eyes and memories of what they had in the past. Money is not circulating; prices are sky-high, our children have to satisfy themselves with a cheap toy and are ashamed to show their neighbour. Things are bad and I am advocating change on behalf of hundreds of thousands of Guyanese in these upcoming elections that must be free and fair. The results of the $4 billion H2H treachery must be put aside now! Sincerely, Neil Kumar

Granger resurrected constitutionally dead National Assembly and dissolved it Dear Editor, President David Granger resurrected the constitutionally dead (since September 18, 2019) National Assembly, and dissolved it. How can the dead Assembly be dissolved? This is another move to claim constitutional legitimacy, notwithstanding the blatant violation of the Constitution, and the rule of law by this caretaker Granger Government. The incumbent APNU/AFC Government came into office since 2015 with a promise of the good life, and to do better than its predecessor, the PPP/C, and to wipe out what it claimed to be much corruption under that regime. The parties in Government must defend and establish their record of promises of their manifestos achievements, as a Government, for all the people of Guyana. On the campaign trail, each speaker of the APNU/AFC is called upon, among other matters, to defend and justify to the population the following:* All the contracts in relations to emerging oil and gas sector; * All the contracts on land “give away” during its caretakership since September 18, 2019;

* The decision to abandon the Amaila Falls, and usher in another period of “blackouts” reminiscent of the 1970 and 1980 period of PNC rule; * Defend the abandonment of the Speciality Hospital which would have been equipped to provide the relevant medical services and care. It is recalled that senior politicians of the Government, at taxpayers’ expense, chose to seek medical attention in New York and Cuba, and to cover the cost for accompanying persons; * The rental of the “drug bond” in South Georgetown for exorbitant and excessive rental to a known party supporter of a “wind power” of proposal. * The modification of the original contract and design for a new CJIA (airport) with eight gates instead of four, and at substantial additional cost. Forensic audit needed. * The excessive cost for the D’Urban Park stadium facilities through a thorough forensic audit. * The cost incurred for the proposal of a new Demerara Harbour Bridge with no positive outcome. * Public money deposited in a Minister’s private bank account. * The financial management of the

University of Guyana under the stewardship of VC Ivelaw Griffith, by forensic audit. * The state of drainage and irrigation in the country, * The state of the city of Georgetown under PNC control and management, continuously for more than fifty years. * Deteriorating public security and health services. * The massive bureaucracy with a bloated number of political advisers. * The non-implementation of the recommendations of its own Commission of Inquiry into the public service. * The declining state of agricultural industries. * The non-implementation of the recommendations of its own Commission of Inquiry into the sugar industry. * The closure of four sugar estates and putting some 7000 workers on the bread line, and negatively impacting the lives of family members and economies of small businesses around these closed estates. And the list goes on. With thanks, Joshua Singh

Dear Editor, History will confirm that team Granger acted and operated in a manner that was totally incompetent, lazy and corrupt over the last 4 years and 5 months. The evidence will confirm that when it came to making decisions for the Guyanese people, team Granger was an absolute clown show. Thus, this statement from Mr David Granger that if he is re-elected, he will launch a “decade of development” starting in 2020. This is nothing but a continuation of this circus. To bolster my conclusion, let us reflect on the last 4 years and 5 months under Mr Granger’s rule (almost half of a decade). What has he done with this valuable time to help the Guyanese people? In May 2015, if one is to read page 49 of the APNU/AFC Manifesto, it says clearly that the Prime

Domestic Product (GDP) on the other hand, measures the income earned within the country boundaries even if those funds are subsequently lifted out of the country to take overseas. So GDP includes all of Exxon spending on its Guyanese investments even if that cash ends up in Holland, USA, Singapore or Trinidad to develop those countries rather than Guyana. The facts will reveal that so far, less than 1.5 per cent of the spending on this Stabroek oil Block, actually landed in Guyana since 2015. So why all of this “hurrah” about “first oil”? There is nothing to celebrate for Guyana, cashwise. The table below computes the actual growth in the wealth of the people during three periods that were dominated by Jagdeo, Ramotar, and Granger. You, the reader, be the judge.

Minister shall have responsibilities for “Domestic Affairs and Chairing the Cabinet”. Never done. How can you trust a man with such low integrity who even cons his own Prime Minister? What would such a man do to the ordinary Guyanese? In May 2015, Mr Granger promised on page 13 of the APNU/AFC Manifesto, that he will “create vocational and business schools which will directly reduce the unemployment rate, especially among youth”. Like so many other empty promises, again not done! And there are dozens more of such empty promises that border on outright untruths after half of the decade. So why does Mr Granger believe that the people will trust him with a new decade to inflict even more policy damage on their human development? The question that is on many people’s minds is this – is the Guyanese economy heading to the ICU over the next under 3 months under this clueless David Granger? The facts tell a story that even the best propagandist cannot wash away. The table below measures the GNI per person. By definition, the Gross National Income (GNI) measures income earned that flows into a local economy only. The Gross

Any right-minded person will know that history shapes the future choices. After looking at the indicators of real growth in wealth for the average Guyanese, over the comparative 4-year periods under three different Presidents, why would anyone with an iota of sanity want to classify the Granger period as deserving four (4) more years? You have to be totally ridiculous to think this is what “backward never; forward ever” looks like? There are four (4) fundamental questions to consider when voting in 2020: 1. Who has added more cash to the personal pocket of the average Guyanese? 2. Who has a track record of making empty promises and not delivering on those promises? 3. Who sat down and allowed the Guyanese economy to be taken into an economic ICU? 4. Who is clueless about how to resuscitate this economy? History may suggest that team Granger was an electoral mistake, but what is clear is that March 2020 has given the Guyanese people an opportunity to fix this mistake. It is time to bring this parade of these policy lunatics to an end. With regards, Sasenarine Singh

sunday, december 29, 2019

Page

Foundation

The surprising reason our parenting resolutions fail

...don't make parenting

resolutions, make feeder decisions instead

By Robyn Koslowitz, PhD

on’t make parenting resolutions this year. If there are things about your parenting you'd like to change, don't resolve to change them! I know that sounds counterintuitive, but there's a better plan than making (and breaking) parenting resolutions. What if we could make some resolutions that hack our brains into responding differently because the underlying conditions for change are there? I call these feeder decisions. These are small behaviour changes that we can stick to that will then enable other changes to take place. Here’s a typical list of parenting resolutions: This year, I will not lose my temper with my kids so much. This year, I will pack nutritious lunches and make homemade meals more. This year, I will eat healthier, exercise more, and make time for that yoga class. I’ll finally lose the rest of that “baby weight” that I’ve been carrying around (considering that the “baby” in question is in first grade, it’s time!) When we don’t quite live up to these resolutions, we feel bad. The first time we break the resolution, it feels like failing, and who wants to fail their children? But we break those resolutions, because we don't set ourselves up for success. Instead, we need to hack our brains and our lifestyles to support change.

Making feeder resolutions instead of resolutions:

Instead of making resolutions about “not losing my temper with my kids”, let’s make a resolution about “setting my brain up for success so that I won’t lose my temper”. One of the reasons we lose our temper, don’t manage time properly, don’t have the energy to cook, and don’t feel motivated to go to the gym is that we don’t give ourselves the crucial resource we need to do that – a good night’s sleep. It’s not that we lack willpower. It’s that we lack the ability to use our willpower because sleep helps replenish the neural circuits that our willpower needs. When we sleep, our prefrontal cortex (the part of our brain that helps us use self-control, think ahead, plan logically, and problem solve) is recharged. When the prefrontal cortex doesn’t get enough sleep, it’s like a cluttered desktop. There are all these sticky notes, remnants of yesterday’s objectives and goals, and maybe some garbage. Sure, you can work with a messy desktop, but it’s harder. Sleep clears the desktop and sets the next day up for success.

Feeder resolution number one: Sleep

I will set a digital bedtime, and I will stick to it. I will set an actual bedtime, and I will stick to it. We don’t set out intending not to sleep. We all want to have slept already! It’s just that we've trained our brains to be so hungry all the time. As Nir Eyal, author of Indistractable says, we've lost the ability to be mildly uncomfortable due to boredom, because there’s no need to anymore. Boredom, or any form of emotional discomfort, has become anathema, and that’s a problem. There’s so much stimulation from our digital media use that we don’t signal our brains that it’s time to relax now. One relatively simple resolution is creating a family digital bedtime and sticking to it. That might mean shutting down the wi-fi entirely! The

Allying with children this holiday season ...teach children that their voices matter By Danielle Render Turmaud, MS

Continued from Saturday

idea is, there’s a time and place for everything, and 90 minutes before bed is time for the wi-fi to go to bed. Our hungry brains can be fed again tomorrow. For a New Year’s parenting feeder decision that can enable all the others, choose this: pick a digital bedtime for the family, and stick to it. Get enough sleep by going to bed early enough. Make the decision that will enable the resolution.

Feeder resolution number two: Parental burnout

I will actively combat parental burnout via self-maintenance and self-care.I I will understand that self-maintenance and self-care are two different things, and I will make time for both. The recipe for burnout is a job with little direct result for effort, shifting standards for success, and occasionally, being ‘punished’ for doing the right thing. That pretty much describes parenting. For the first time in history, parents are admitting that the act of parenting itself can create burnout. We now know that one contributor to parenting burnout is guilt, and a lot of that guilt comes from when we over-react to our kids. The opposite of overreaction is co-regulation of emotion. When we can regulate our own emotions, we can help our children regulate their emotions. We call this ability “attunement”, and it’s one of the building blocks of attachment. When we're over-stressed and burned out, we can’t attune to our children. Burnout blocks attunement. It’s not that it’s harder – it’s that the neurological processes to support attunement don’t exist when we’re stressed. This is going to sound counter-intuitive, but to be a better parent, focus on yourself. Self-care is child care. When we engage in both self-maintenance – making healthy choices, exercising, and taking care of our physical bodies – and self-care – finding time for joy experiences that may not involve our children – ultimately, we recharge our batteries and undo burnout. Then all the “I won’t snap at my kids; I’ll be more patient” resolutions become possible. Let’s use our 2020 vision this year, and not make parenting resolutions. Let’s make feeder decisions that set us up for success instead. (psychologytoday.com)

s with any skill learned, children need to be empowered at a young age to participate in offering consent, saying "no", and setting boundaries when they are uncomfortable. The role that caregivers and adults play in this process is invaluable. Here are some tips to support you in allying with children in setting boundaries this holiday season: 1. Ask a child if they would like to be hugged, kissed, or touched before you do it. 2. If a child says no (or shies away, appears uncomfortable, or demonstrates other “no” non-verbals), respect their boundary.

3. Don’t force a child to do anything they are uncomfortable with (hug, kiss, etc). 4. Don’t make a child sit in anyone’s lap (even Santa's). Allow them to tell you what they are comfortable with (verbally or non-verbally), and ally with them in that decision. 5. If a child seems uncomfortable when someone is touching, tickling, or teasing them, model healthy boundaries, and ask the adult to stop. Even older kids may have a challenging time telling an authority figure (eg, an adult) to stop when they are uncomfortable. 6. Do not scold a child for saying “no” to someone who is doing something that they are uncomfortable with. Applaud them for sharing their needs with the person. 7. If you are a caregiver, speak with your children before interacting with loved ones. Tell them that if they are uncomfortable at any point, they can tell you or ask the person to stop. Let them know that they do not have to give a hug, kiss, or do anything that makes them feel uncomfortable. 8. If you are a caregiver, speak with your loved ones and family members before you see them. Let them know that you are working on teaching your children boundaries and that if at any point the child says no, asks them to stop, or seems uncomfortable, it is important that the child's wishes are respected. This holiday season, let us ally with children and help them to know that their needs for security, empowerment, healthy boundaries, and consent matter. (Excerpt from psychologytoday.com)

7 Guyana only Caribbean nation without digital signature services law – IDB W news

sunday, DECEMBER 29, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

ith countries in the Caribbean digitalising services in Government offices to reduce visits and the use of paper copies, Guyana is the only country that is lagging behind in the region. In fact, it is the only country thus far without legislation in place to authenticate such. This is according to a 2019 report by the Inter-American Development Bank: “Wait No More: Citizens, Red Tape and Digital Government”. With digital signature on frequently used platforms, applicants and other stakeholders can sign documents online, eliminating the need to submit a hardcopy. Without this feature, like the system which currently exists in Guyana, citizens are required to make a visit to finalise their transactions.

“Another key platform service is the digital signature, which enables applicants to sign documents or forms online without having to submit a physical copy, and thereby potentially reduces the number of visits to a Government office. Without the digital signature, there are many Government transactions that – despite being digitised in everything but the signature – still require an in-person visit to comply with this requirement.” In the Latin America and Caribbean region, 25 countries have implemented laws for the validity of digital signature. Guyana is the only one which ‘lacks’ this regulation. The report states that with respect to regulation, there has been significant progress in the LAC region in that 25

of 26 countries have a law establishing the legal validity of the digital signature. It added that only Guyana lacks such a law. “However, having a legal framework does not necessarily mean that there is a digital signature in place that can be used by all citizens and that is accepted by all private and public institutions,” the published report highlighted. Meanwhile, as it relates to Government websites, countries are enabling technology and customising their ‘style guide’ for easier access. It was indicated that having a similar format on every Government agency page creates a uniformed setting and allows for easier navigation. More importantly, it helps persons to identify its authenticity. While neighbouring countries have completed or started this process, Guyana

has not initiated any efforts to do so. “A style guide – a tool that offers guidelines to ensure that Government websites share a single format – helps to avoid these problems. The region has made substantial progress on this front: only 3 out of 25 countries lack a style guide or similar tool. In the Caribbean, The Bahamas, Trinidad and Tobago and Suriname report currently having a guide, Jamaica and Barbados report that it is in process, and Guyana does not have one. The trend, however, is increasingly moving towards having a unique Government portal to reduce transaction costs for citizens of accessing multiple web-

sites,” the IDB concluded. The idea of the report was to focus on various Caribbean countries and the procedure involved in Government transactions such as: requesting a birth certificate, registering property or establishing a business. It specifically noted that “efficient Government transactions enhance the business climate, citizen perception of Government, and access to

crucial public programmes and services”. However, it was revealed in the document that Guyana headed the list for paying bribes to access Government services. The document specifically identified sectors where this practice is common, and the reasons why approximately 27 per cent of the population choose to give bribes instead of going through the process.

Questions raised over legality of Govt compulsorily acquiring land …after gazetted notice of land takeover for Demerara Bridge

he gazette notice announcing the Public Infrastructure Ministry’s intention to appropriate land for the construction of the new Demerara River Bridge has raised questions, particularly since the Government is a caretaker administration. According to Former Attorney General Anil Nandlall, the move to acquire private land for public works is governed by strict laws that must also be observed in tandem with the Constitution of Guyana. He noted that acquiring land in such circumstances should only be a last resort and questioned the rush to do this when a design for the bridge has not even been completed. Since the supreme law, the Constitution guaran- The orders that were gazetted by the caretaker Government tees the protection of priwhether a Government de- Opposition.” vate property as a funda“I must swiftly point out mental right and freedom of feated by a No-Confidence the citizenry. The rule of law, Motion in the National that these restrictions apply naturally, mandates that any Assembly and mandated to to a caretaker government law which authorises the con- call snap elections can lawful- of which this Government is not. This Government’s carefiscation of private property ly perform such an act. He pointed out that the taker status expired on the must enjoy strict and scrupulous compliance whenever Government never received 18th September 2019, at best. such a process is being em- an extension from Parliament Currently, therefore, they do and moreover, elections are not enjoy even that limited lebarked upon. Additionally, since the due in March 2020, at which gitimacy with which a carerule of law frowns upon any time reversing any harmful taker government is cloaked. concept that facilitates the policies might be difficult for This Government’s existence is utterly and absolutely exState compulsorily acquir- a new Government. “In my respectful opinion, tra-constitutional and unlawing private property, such a process must only be em- the answer is a resounding ful.” barked upon as a matter of “no”! Professor Peter Hogg, in Decisions last resort, and those affected the text Constitutional Law Nandlall noted that as must be adequately consulted of Canada Vol 1, at page 9.4B and compensated in the end. writes: ‘For the caretaker pe- a consequence, every deciAgainst this background, riod…in matters of policy, ex- sion the Government makes certain elementary but cru- penditure and appointments, or contract executed can be cially vital questions must the Government should re- deemed as unlawful. In addiinexorably be posed in rela- strict itself to activity that is: tion, he questioned the urgention to the actions of (Public (a) routine or, (b) non-contro- cy of the move, considering Infrastructure Minister) versial or, (c) urgent and in the incomplete designs that David Patterson, Nandlall the public interest or, (d) re- make assessing the size of versible by a new Government land impossible and the cloud said. One of the fundamen- without undue cost or disrup- under which the Ministry is tal questions he raised was tion or, (e) agreed upon by the executing the project.

gotiating compensation and approval from the National Assembly for that compensation before the land is acquired, there is no logic behind the decision. “The only rational explanation is that the move to acquire these lands is but yet another publicity gimmick to convey the false impression that a new Demerara River crossing is on the electoral horizon,” Nandlall said. According to the Order that was signed by Patterson and released on December 16, the lands are being acquired for public purposes to construct access roads for a new bridge. On the East Bank of Demerara, 55.623 acres of the

He added, in fact, Patterson has been found guilty by the Public Procurement Commission (PPC) of spending nearly $200 million (despite) the Procurement Act, “to single-source a contractor to do a feasibility study in respect of this project. In short, this project is far away from even its embryonic stages. So, a case cannot be made out for urgency”. A related issue, he noted, is the reason for embarking upon a course of action at this pre-emptive stage of elections, which a new Government might find it impossible to lawfully reverse. “At this juncture, I can confirm that the Opposition has not been consulted, nor is it in agreement with this course of action by Mr Patterson”. Nandlall noted that when one considers the lengthy process that must be followed including consultations, ne-

land in question comprising of tracts ‘RR’, ‘RR1’, ‘RR2’, ‘RR3’, Parcel 184, 4727, sub-parcel 4220A and sub-parcel 204A, being portions of Plantation Houston and Ruimveldt are being acquired. Meanwhile, Schedule 2 speaks to 36.37 and 7.43 acres of land at Plantation Versailles, West Bank Demerara, also being acquired. Furthermore, 23.9 acres of land located at Plantation Goed Fortuin, Versailles, Malgre Tout, Klien Pouderoyen, Grant 7042 and 7043, at the rear of Plantation Vreed-en-Hoop are also up for compulsory acquisition.

8 NEWS

sunday, DECEMBER 29, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

63 Beach Resort double murder

2nd victim identified The second victim in the Number 63 Beach Resort double murder has been identified as 59-year-old Harry Persaud Prashad of Number 65 Village, Corentyne, Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne). On Friday, the badly-decomposed bodies of Prashad and 68-year old Vivekanand Narpatty were discovered on the balcony of Sun Splash Beach Resort located on the Number 63 Beach. Narpatty, the owner of the resort, was found lying on the back, two toes were severed – one was next to his body and the other missing. Prashad was found about fifteen feet away with both hands tied to a post on the balcony, one foot was also tied to the post but was severed at the ankle. Both bodies were in an advanced state of decomposition with maggots feasting. Information reaching Guyana Times revealed that Narpatty returned to Guyana on December 9 and was residing at his holiday resort. Prashad had been the caretaker/security living at the premises. He had been working there for more than one year. On Saturday, his body

Dead: Harry Persaud Prashad

was identified by his only surviving sibling, Hemchand Persaud.

1979, he got shot on his belly and it had a cut, and that is how I get to know that it is he,” the man told Guyana Times. He related that his brother was not recognisable by his face. “He had no face on him,” Persaud recalled, explaining that worms had already eaten parts of his brother’s body. The discovery of the two bodies was made by Police after Narpatty’s daughter had been trying to contact him from overseas since December 23 but was unsuccessful. On Friday, she

…at bullsh*t politics

Vivekanand Narpatty

to the building, there was a strong stench emanating and he turned away and re-

The Sun Splash Beach Resort located on the Number 63 Beach where the two men were found dead

“I know him by his foot. His foot was broken and there is steel in it. In

telephoned a young man living nearby to check on her father. As the man got

Looking back… C

ported it to the Police. The ranks then went into the building and made the discovery. Meanwhile, Narpatty’s sister, Chrisna “Christ eena” Budram told this newspaper that her brother had always expressed fear of sleeping at the resort, which was not in operation at the time. “He came back to Guyana to do some work on the building and when he came here last week Friday, he told me that he had two friends staying with him and he was safe,” the woman related. While in Guyana, Narpatty had publicly announced his fear and had constructed a building at Number 65 Village on land owned by his two brothers. He had been using the building to sleep at nights. The beach resort is in an isolated area. In 2018, the High Court ordered that Narpatty demolish the building after his two brothers took him to court for constructing on their land. This publication understands that when investigators went to the resort, they found several pieces of documents scattered on the balcony. Parts of the building were also ransacked. Narpatty has two brothers and five sisters. He also leaves to mourn two daughters. Meanwhile, Prashad leaves to mourn one brother and two children. Police are continuing with the investigation, and up to Saturday, no arrest has been made.

aretaker President Granger continues with the bullsh*tting that has characterised his regime for the entire 2019 as he fought off the successful Opposition NCM of Dec 21, 2018. He allowed that GECOM had satisfied him that it had a “credible” voters’ list and as such, he would dissolve Parliament and the NDCs tomorrow. So what happened to his insistence that the list drawn from the NRR was “bloated” by some 200,000 names and as such, a $4 billion H2H exercise was necessary?? In fact, all that exercise did was ADD some 10,000 names to the “bloating”!! At the time, the Opposition Leader had indignantly exclaimed that Granger was “lying”! But your Eyewitness explained that “Granger wasn’t lying, he was bullshitting,” and that’s a crucial distinction we Guyanese will have to appreciate in this “post-truth” era of politics the PNC has plunged us into. The Princeton philosopher Harry Frankfurt originally made this distinction between lying and bullshitting: You lie when you know the facts, but you misstate them to score “points”. Bullshitting, however, is when you don’t give a damn about what you are saying; you just speak for effect! As Frankfurt showed, bullshitting is worse than lying, especially with people in authority, because of the possible consequences. With politicians like Granger – in line with the other bullshitters that have taken over in the US and UK— they’re actually speaking for the effect of “gas-lighting” their followers. That is, convincing them the reality and truth they’re experience isn’t REALLY so! Their followers end up doubting their own sanity and believing something’s wrong with THEM. Take the CCJ ruling on the cases the PNC and Granger brought: every supporter of the PNC KNOWS to their soul that the argument of 33 not being the majority of 65 was pure bullshit! But Granger and his myrmidons (look it up!!) spread the bullshit so thick that those supporters started disbelieving what they knew from Lil ABC – that 33 is greater than 32!! That’s gas-lighting!! So now those supporters are angry at the PPP for “winning” a case which should’ve never been brought!! Ditto on the unilateral appointment of Patterson, a poseur and charlatan of the first order, who claimed his pen had “slipped” when he wrote on his resume that he’s been Chief Justice of Grenada!! Which Guyanese didn’t know the Constitution was amended so that Presidents couldn’t, like Burnham, choose the GECOM Chair on their lonesome!! And even after Patterson proved he was Granger’s myrmidon par excellence, those PNC faithful now FEEL they wuz robbed! Bullshitted and gas-lighted!! The bullshitting started from the moment the PNC convinced the AFC they’d share power with them!! Nagamootoo and Ramjattan are still thoroughly gaslighted!! Bullshitters bullshitting bullshitters!!

…at the minnows

With less than two weeks to Nomination Day, your Eyewitness wants all the newly-sprouted parties to look at what happened to all their predecessors. Clinging on to PNC with one survivor from each left standing!! Readers are invited to send their comments by email to eye@guyanatimesgy.com

SUnDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

10 NEWS

SUnDAY, december 29, 2019 | guyanatimesGY.com

Alarming teen pregnancy rate recorded in Region 1 …259 cases documented in 11 months

s teenage pregnancy continues to be of major concern, Region One (Barima-Waini) recorded a whopping 259 cases between the period January 1 and November 30 this year. During those 11 months, health authorities in that region discovered that of 850 persons living in that area, 259 females between the ages of 12 to 19 were pregnant. The startling statistics reveal an increase of 70 per cent, to date, when comparing data for the period January to December 2018, where 152 pregnancies were recorded in Region One. According to Region One’s Regional Health Officer (RHO), Dr Latchmie Lall, the figure will be higher when accumulating data for

Dr Latchmie Lall

this month since it has been brought to her attention that more pregnancies occurred after the end of November in the region. Dr Lall noted that the figures garnered in Region One in relation to teenage preg-

nancy is also fuelled by the large influx of Venezuelan migrants that seek health services there. “We have seen a very large influx of migrants and daily we are seeing many patients at our hospitals. More

and more diagnoses are being made with some of those infections being transferred back into the city,” she said. The RHO also disclosed that the region’s Maternal and Child Health programme has resulted in more women reaching out to have family planning done. She stated that this has resulted in a significantly high number of contraceptive implants being used as they seek to curb their “child making” approaches. “This I must say is mainly from the migrants while all the migrants are being vaccinated so we have had to increase our vaccination programme as it has been very active as it seeks to cater for all the migrants. It doesn’t only cover outlining areas but riverine areas too that

are seeing migrants,” Dr Lall said. Earlier this year, global statistics showed that Guyana has a high rate of adolescent pregnancy in the Caribbean. In June of this year, Public Health Minister Volda Lawrence stated that a recently conducted Situation Analysis Report on Adolescents in Guyana revealed that the fertility rate is above average, especially among Indigenous girls,

where there are 74 of every 1000 between the ages 15 and 19 living in Regions One, Seven and Nine becoming pregnant. At that time, the Minister pointed out that Regions One, Seven and Nine are the burdened areas, where the rate of adolescent pregnancies remains consistently high due to a number of contributing factors, but she maintained that plans are underway to target those factors.

Teen allegedly tortured by cops faces more pain

ust about two weeks ago, 17-year-old Ashkay Budhairam of West Minster, West Bank Demerara, was allegedly beaten and burned by two cops after he was kidnapped and held for several hours. However, while his burns and other external injuries are healing, other complications have arisen. During an interview with his mother Seetadai Luj, she explained that her son is now bleeding and his ribcage area also hurts excruciatingly. “His ribs hurting now and he just bleeding from his mouth. I didn’t carry him back as yet with concerning

Injured: Ashkay Budhairam

the blood but the burns healing now. We looking after it,” she explained. When Guyana Times spoke with the teenager, he had detailed the traumatic experience, saying that he was handcuffed, beaten and

burned with hot water. Two law enforcement officers were taken into custody for the alleged beating and torturing of the young lad. They were charged jointly for abducting and assaulting the teen and released on bail. “Right now, I feel that there is no justice for him. We don’t have money to ensure that these persons are jailed. I tell myself to just leave it like that because we know what will happen…I’m a single parent mother with seven children,” Luj expressed. Budhairam had recalled that he was with a few friends in a nearby village, Schoonord, when eight

unknown men showed up with weapons in two cars. They proceeded to attack his friends until he was snatched and put in the trunk of one of the vehicles in an unconscious state. After driving for some distance, the young man said he was taken to a house in the same vicinity. Two constables, who are brothers and occupy the said residence, alleged that Budhairam had stolen some items from their house. He was handcuffed to a bed and questioned about the missing items, to which he denied any involvement. After that, he noted, a few of them proceeded to vis-

it his house to search for the articles, while the beating continued. But the teenager claimed that nothing was found at his residence. Water was then heated and thrown on the lad. This is when he started screaming. He was doused for a second time with the hot substance. The injured teen told this publication that the men were fearful that neighbours might hear his screams and opted to put him back into the trunk. He said that they took him to a house where they handcuffed him to a bed frame, beat him and poured hot water on him while demanding that he reveal where

the alleged stolen items were hidden. He said that the car was moving for approximately 20 minutes and he managed to open the trunk and leap out. The men exited the car, but he had already jumped across the trench – one which they did not attempt to cross. As he looked up, it was a desolate location, some distance from where he lived. After reaching home, Budhairam and his relatives filed a report at the La Parfaite Harmonie Police Station and later went to the West Demerara Regional Hospital to seek medical attention.

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NEWS

SUnDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

Nomination Day

GECOM Chair urged to take new beginning for actions against fraudulent lists AIndian Guyanese …cautioned against engaging partisan organisations

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo

n about two weeks’ time, the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) will be hosting Nominations Day ahead of the March 2, 2020 General and Regional Elections, and the Opposition People’s Progressive Party (PPP) is urging the body to take strong, and even criminal, actions against any party that presents a list obtained by fraudulent means. On Nomination Day, ahead of the November 2018 Local Government Elections (LGE), dozens of lists of names and signatures purporting to be backers of candidates were palpably defective because of forgeries. In fact, some the 50 persons of the Whim-Bloomfield Neighbourhood Democratic

Council (NDC) in Berbice, Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne) had their names fraudulently affixed to the backers’ lists for LGE in the Ancient County. They claimed that they were tricked into signing an Alliance for Change (AFC) nominators’ list to contest the local government polls. This led the PPP to file legal actions to have the names removed. However, High Court Judge, Justice Navindra Singh, dismissed the cases saying that after investigations, he did not find any evidence to convince him that the nominators were forced to sign the list. As such, with preparations ongoing for the upcom-

GECOM Chair Retired Justice Claudette Singh

ing Nominations Day to be held on January 10, 2020, General Secretary of the PPP Bharrat Jagdeo is calling on the GECOM Chairperson, Retired Justice Claudette Singh to take stern action or bring in the Police on those who misled persons to go on their lists as was done in 2018. “So people who had no association with [AFC] ended up being candidates on their lists and backers of their lists. And so stern action, in fact, criminal action, is taken against any party that tries to fraudulently put people as backers and as candidates,” Jagdeo contended. In preparation for Nominations Day, GECOM earlier this month opened

Pensioner dies in Berbice accident

West Coast Berbice pensioner died on Boxing Day after being hit by a speeding car because the driver tried to save a sheep. The incident occurred at Number 41 Village, a few houses away from where the victim lived. Dead is Carloy Moore, also called Carl Moore, 77, of Lot 28 Number 41 Village, Berbice. Moore was struck on December 17 and died on December 26 at the Fort Wellington Hospital. Reports are on December 17, Moore was attempting to cross the road and did not make it to the corner when he was hit. According to one eyewitness, the car was driving at a fast rate of speed when a sheep ran into its path. The driver, who is from Perth Village Mahaicony, reportedly applied the brakes as skid marks can

be seen on the roadway. Moore was nonetheless hit a few feet away from the parapet. He was taken to the Fort Wellington Hospital and transferred to the Georgetown Public Hospital on December 18. A computed tomography (CT) scan revealed that Moore had a concussion to the brain. He was discharged from that institution on Christmas Eve. According to his daughter Carolyn, Moore was still unwell. “He was speaking and we fed him but the night he started to get a fever and we noticed that his condition was not improving. The next day we took him to the Fort Wellington Hospital,” she told this publication. Meanwhile, the driver who was initially detained has been released on station bail.

entries for political parties wishing to contest the 2020 polls to submit their party symbols. Parties contesting the elections are required to submit a symbol for approval by GECOM before Nominations Day. While the two main political parties, the Opposition People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) and the A Partnership for National Unity and Alliance for Change (APNU/AFC) coalition have been gearing up for next year’s polls, there have been the formation of several new and small parties over the past months. These include: A New and United Party (ANUG), Federal United Party (FED UP), Liberty and Justice Party (LJP), Citizenship Initiative (CI) and Change Guyana. At a press conference in November, Public Relations Officer (PRO) of GECOM, Yolanda Ward, had disclosed that some 15 political parties are likely to contest the upcoming General and Regional Elections. Partisan bodies Meanwhile, as preparations continue for polls in two months’ time, the PPP General Secretary is also urging the Elections Commission to stay away from engaging partisan bodies such as the Guyana National Broadcasting Authority (GNBA). GECOM had disclosed that it will be working along with the GNBA as part of media monitoring efforts for upcoming elections. But Jagdeo believes this should be done. “GECOM should hire its own media monitoring unit and deal with it independently of any of these agencies [and] staffed by and with Boards that are partisan,” he contended.

Dead: Carloy Moore

his New Year’s Day is very significant in the history of Guyana: it the 100th anniversary of the abolition of all Indian indentures in 1920. Three years before, on March 12, 1917, “Indian Indentureship”, as an institution, had been abolished but those who had already been shipped out – including those on the SS Ganges, the last ship to British Guiana which landed on April 18, 1917 – would have had to serve out their five or three-year indenture. On Jan 1, 1920, then, every Indian who had arrived as indentured servants or were descended from them, were now full citizens of this land. By then, unfortunately, forces had been unleashed that would influence the politics of Guyana into the present. Up to then, while in an objective fashion, indentured labourers had undercut the bargaining power of the African ex-slaves; this only led to hostilities on a few occasions, notably in Ravi Dev 1856 and 1888 between them and the Portuguese, who had gravitated into businesses very early on. But in 1914, after Marcus Garvey launched his “United Negro Improvement Association” (UNIA), the circulation of his “Negro World” newspaper stimulated a new consciousness and militancy in the African Guyanese population: a local branch was launched in 1919. In 1918, the Government had already raised concerns of the presence of “certain negroes” by the authorities Gov Collett leading to the “Seditious Publications Bill” to prohibit Garvey’s “Negro World Newspaper”. Interestingly, the BGEIA which had been re-launched in Georgetown in 1919, supported African notables and organisations in opposing the bill. But the new consciousness would raise political questions from developments in the sugar industry: it was the precursor to the “Indian and African Security Dilemmas” that fuels our politics to this day. In 1917, there had been 138,140 Indians in the colony (43.99%) by 1920, this had decreased to 124, 586 (40.54%). This was due to over 12,000 of them succumbing to a flu epidemic in 1918 and 880 returning to India in 1919. By then the planters were in a panic about securing the “cheap and reliable” supply of labour they deemed essential to the survival of the sugar industry. Wages in the industry had plunged during the war years but with sugar prices rising, the planters were loath to forego any profits. They persuaded the colonial administration to introduce the “British Guiana Colonisation Scheme” in 1919 to attract new immigrants. Directly after the abolition of Indian Indentureship, a meeting of representatives of the Govt of India, and British Colonial Officers had met in London to devise a “new system” to attract Indian immigrants to the colonies. In British Guiana, a committee was formed to consider the plan as adumbrated by the Secretary of State. But matters languished until the crisis in the sugar industry manifested itself and precipitated the formation of a “Royal Agricultural and Commercial Society” in Jan 1919. This met with a wide cross-section of individuals from all ethnic groups, public bodies and the Combined Court under the Chairmanship of the Mayor of Georgetown. A “General Colonisation Committee” was formed including a special subcommittee to deal with the immigration of “negroes from the West Indian islands and Africa”. On Feb 5, 1919, the Combined Court passed the following resolution: “The Court respectfully requests the Governor to make arrangements to send to the UK a deputation CONSISTING OF MEMBERS OF VARIOUS RACES with the view of laying before His Majesty’s Government a representation of the needs of the Colony both for the maintenance of present industries and for their extension; and to show the advantage which this Colony affords to immigrants from other COUNTRIES”. As such, on 12th June 1919, Attorney General Joseph Nunan noted, “as the head of a seven-member team departed to hold meetings with the Colonial Office in London. The team planned to travel later to India and some British colonies in Africa to discuss migration proposals with their Governments. The other members of the delegation were Dr Hewley Wharton, Parbhu Sawh and Joseph A Luckhoo (representing East Indians); and A B Brown, Mc Farlane Corry and Eric Robinson (representing Africans). “The plan of this delegation was for the Indian delegates to travel to India and the African delegates to West Africa where they would try to explain the advantages British Guiana would provide to immigrants from those countries.” (To be continued)

12 news

SUnDAY, december 29, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

Something is “wrong” with persons Bartica power plant who sexually molest children – DPP commissioned

ith Guyana recording one of the highest numbers of rape cases in the Caribbean, Director of Public Prosecutions, Shalimar Ali-Hack on Friday posited that people who sexually molest children suffer from mental illnesses. This statement was made at the American University of Peace’s Eight Convocation ceremony, which was held at Pegasus Hotel, Georgetown. “There are a lot of cases that come in especially sexual offences, and we are overwhelmed by the number of cases. Without any knowledge, it seems to me it is only natural that something is wrong with people to be interfering with

DPP Shalimar Ali-Hack

children,” she said. Moreover, she added that with the number of rape cases that are on the rise in Guyana,

psychologists are very much needed. “Your study is in demand and you will have a lot of work to do, I urge you to be fair and confidential, to be impartial in your application and in your handling of your clients”, she told the students. Ali-Hack also said that the issue of child molestation is not only happening in Guyana, but it is also evident around the world. “This is happening on a very regular basis throughout society, it cuts across all religions, class, creed, that you can think of. It has no borders, it has no boundaries”, she vocalised. Meanwhile, she said that

the Guyanese society is always quick to jump to violent reactions, and it is only persons who dwell in our society that can attest to the fact. “I see fathers before me every day and it bothers me, people seem to have so much anger and they have no tolerance, and no patience and they are quick to jump to violent reactions… if you're living in this society you would realise this”, she added. Nevertheless, the Director urged the new graduates to apply the knowledge they have acquired into the execution of their duties, now that they are about to venture out into the world of work.

The newly-commissioned Bartica Power Plant

resident David Granger, on Saturday commissioned a US$3.4M power station at Dogg Point, Agatash in Bartica, Cuyuni-Mazaruni (Region Seven), where he noted that it will bring unprecedented relief to residents who have experienced severe power outages over the years. In his address at a simple ceremony, the president said it is inconceivable that Guyana can be on a path of development and ignore the evolution of its hinterland communities. He is quoted by the Public Information and Press Services Unit of the Ministry of the Presidency as saying that the hinterland development must be accelerated to ensure greater equality and the Government has started to reduce and remove hinterland underdevelopment. In this regard, he noted that energy security is essential to hinterland evolution as the enlargement of the economy, the expansion of employment opportunities and the improvement in the quality of life, require investments in energy generation. This is so, particularly in regions where investment and income levels are below the national average, he said. The Head of State noted that while the Government is committed irrevocably, to moving closer to the goal of 100 per cent renewable energy use by 2030, it also recognizes the importance of ensuring adequate, accessible and affordable energy supplies during this period of

transition. He said the energy security during the transition phase will deliver development and that transition measures will be implemented and initiatives undertaken to ensure that the demand for energy is met during the transition phase. In the interim, the President noted, the new power plant will greatly enhance operations and business in the town. “The new 3.3 megawatt Power Generation Plant, which is being commissioned is of great importance at the municipal, regional and national levels. The new Bartica Power Plant replaces the old plant, which has inflicted intolerable electricity disruptions on the town. Those days are behind us. This plant will guarantee a stable and reliable supply of electricity. The Plant’s generating capacity will exceed the town’s peak demand, with sufficient spare capacity to cater for the town’s short to medium-term power needs. The Plant will not displace the renewable energy sources which will one day power, entirely, Bartica,” he is quoted as saying. The President added that the Plant, at the municipal level, will assure the town’s households, businesses and Government agencies an adequate, stable and reliable source of electricity, will eliminate the frequent power outages and will encourage business expansion, since its total generating capacity exceeds the existing peak demand for power.

Pork-knocker stabbed to death

2 2 - y e a r - o l d pork-knocker was found dead on Christmas Day along the Obanna Backdam trail in the Kuribrong village, Region Eight (PotaroSiparuni) with two stab wounds to his chest. Dead is Samuel Gonsalves M Amo who hailed from the Tabatinga village, Lethem, Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo). According to the Police, Amo was employed by a gold miner of Moruca, North West District (NWD), Region

One (Barima-Waini), while working on a four-inch land dredge at Obanna Backdam. He was last seen alive consuming alcoholic beverages with his friends on Christmas Eve. Reports are that on Monday, Amo received his salary in raw gold from his employer and went to a nearby shop where he was seen imbibing with friends. The group is said to have visited various shops before finally settling at one particular bar where they ushered in Christmas. turn to page 15

SUnDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

14 NEWS

SUnDAY, december 29, 2019| guyanatimesgy.com

EPA seeking public feedback Enmore Association of NY fetes over 700 for Christmas on new Parika Stelling

A flooded Parika Stelling in September 2019

overnment is looking at building a new Parika Stelling to replace the old one that has seen its fair share of troubles and it has approached the Environmental Protection Agency for approval. This was revealed in a notice issued by the EPA, which sought feedback from the public on the proposed project. According to the EPA, the public has 28 days to submit any questions or suggestions to the agency to be considered in the Impact Assessment. The agency noted that the project is likely to involve demolition and excavation work, concrete, timber and steel fabrication. In addition, the project will include pile driving, stockpiling of materials and removing construction debris. The EPA noted that the project will, therefore, have some degree of impact on the surrounding environment. “As such, in keeping with the Environmental Protection Act, Cap 20:05, Laws of Guyana, an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) will be required for such a development before any decision

to approve or reject the proposed project,” the agency explained. “Members of the public are hereby invited, within 28 days of this notice, to make written submissions to the agency, setting out those questions and matters which they require to be answered or considered in the Environmental Impact Assessment.” It was only in June of this year that a contract was

structure. Over the years, millions have also been spent on repairs to the facility, which services the Essequibo Islands and West Demerara. Over the years the stelling has been inundated with water as a consequence of heavy rainfall and high tides. A similar situation arose a few months ago when high tides resulted in the flooding of the facility. The flooding had resulted

n what has now become a staple during the holiday season, the Enmore Association of New York (EANY) has once again feted over 700 persons at its annual Christmas luncheon in Enmore, East Coast Demerara. The group, comprising members based mainly in New York and complemented by a local chapter, has been hosting the party for the past 18 years at Ayube Mohamed’s (Wise Man’s) residence yearly, where senior citizens and children of the village are invited to partake in the festivities. This year’s event was once again organised to bring cheer to citizens of the community-while the older folks were given a hamper, a monetary donation and a meal; the smaller ones were presented a gift from Santa Claus and treated to a sumptuous meal. The event was made pos-

approved for repairs to the Parika Stelling, to the tune of $52 million. Last year, it was announced that a US$15 million loan was secured from the Caribbean Development Bank, to finance an upgrade of the

in a number of commuters, who use the Parika Stelling to travel to the Essequibo Islands and other areas, having difficulties accessing transportation to and from these areas.

sible through the kind donations, both financial and otherwise, of members of EANY and well-wishers. EANY member Seurattan Prashad told the senior citizens that they deserved to be recognised and celebrated as they are the ones who have helped to shape the community over several decades. “You guys have set the tone and shaped the culture of this community, knowingly or unknowingly, by following the unwritten rules of society, abiding by them and disseminating them. What

are those unwritten rules? Things like caring for each other, helping each other, respecting each other— that is what had built this society so strong. You guys have done a tremendous job in making this community a better place and that is why we’re here today to recognise your contribution,” Prashad noted. Manzoor Rahaman, another member of the EANY, echoed similar sentiments, noting that the Association is pleased to be of service to members of the community.

40 GPHC nurses trained in foreign languages

The Parika Stelling

A section of the gathering at the senior citizens’ party

orty nurses attached to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) are now certified in speaking French and Spanish having completed a six-month foreign language programme. Director of Nursing, Keith Alonzo recently told the media that the programme was conducted by the Guyana Language Institute (GLI) through a collaborative effort with the GPHC with the aim of improving services at the medical facility by having qualified foreign language medical care staff. He noted that there has been an influx of foreigners,

who visit the hospital to access medical care and that this has posed great difficulty for both patients and staff due to language barriers. According to top officials of the GPHC, among the foreign nationals who visit the hospital seeking medical care are Venezuelans, Brazilians, Haitians and Cubans. Thus, the need for having staff who are able to communicate different languages apart from our official English language in order to be able to facilitate and administer accurate diagnosis and treatment to patients. He added that the newly certified nurses will pass

on their knowledge to their colleagues in the various departments of the medical facility. The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the GPHC, Brigadier (Ret’d) George Lewis, had stated a while back that the hospital will be tackling issues and difficulties which it has been facing through offering various training programmes to healthcare workers which will benefit them in several ways including professionalism, behaviour, attitude, knowledge among others, with the hope of eliminating many of these problems.

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SUnDAY, december 29, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

With 2 more days before year-end

124 road fatalities

recorded for 2019

…11 deaths recorded in December

ith only two days remaining before 2019 ends, there have been over 100 fatal accidents across the country, which claimed the lives of 123 persons. In the month of December, to date, six accidents at various locations have resulted in 11 persons losing their lives. On Thursday, December 26, “Boxing Day”, a 28-yearold driver, who was allegedly speeding along the Uitvlugt Public Road, West Coast Demerara (WCD), became the country’s latest road fatality. The dead man was identified as Vijai Sankar of Lot 24 Vergenoegen, East Bank Essequibo (EBE). Reports are that at about 03:15h, Sankar was driving his Range Rover, PWW 9100, and was proceeding west along the southern carriageway of the WCD road when the accident occurred. While allegedly driving at a fast rate of speed, Sankar lost control of his vehicle and collided with a light pole and a fence on the southern side of the road. According to the police, as a result of the impact, the man received injuries about his body but was trapped inside of the vehicle until ranks of the Guyana Fire Service (GFS) arrived at the scene and managed to get him out of the wreck. He was transported to the Leonora Cottage Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival. Meanwhile, a West Coast Berbice (WCB) resident died on Boxing Day after being hit by a speeding car as the driver tried to avoid hitting sheep on the roadway. The incident occurred at Number 41 Village on Tuesday, December 17, but the man died nine days later. Dead is Carloy Moore called “Carl Moore”,77, of Lot 28 Number 41 Village. Moore had been attempting to cross the road when the speeding vehicle hit him.

for the period 1993-2019

— a comparative analysis of spending under two different regimes

Dead: 28-year-old Vijai Sankar

Five days prior to the Boxing Day accident, a 78-year-old woman of West Watooka, Linden, Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Upper Berbice), was killed on her way to church after being struck by a speeding car. Dead is Juliet Cornelius of Lot 55 West Watooka, Linden, Region 10. On Sunday, December 22, at about 07:15h on Burnham Drive, Wismar, a motorcar - PVV 2251 - that was driven by a 27-year-old male was proceeding south along the eastern side of the road at a fast pace and while negotiating a left turn, the driver suddenly lost control of the vehicle and ended up on the southern parapet. There, he reportedly struck Cornelius, who was walking. She fell onto the roadway and was picked up by public-spirited citizens and transported to the Linden Hospital Complex (LHC). She died while receiving medical attention. On Wednesday, December 18, five persons lost their lives after the Route 50 minibus they were travelling in crashed into a truck. The horrific accident took place at Fairfield, Mahaicony, Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice), and involved a truck bearing registration GPP 9433, which was heading to Berbice and the minibus (BRR 5478), which was heading to Georgetown. Those who died in this accident were: Ewart

Dead: 78-year-old Juliet Cornelius

Dead: 33-year old anaesthetic nurse, Keon Sealey

Dead: Minibus driver, Seechandall Chandilall

Dead: 28-year-old Medex, Alana Vaughn

Reynolds, 64, of Calcutta, Mahaicony; Alana Vaughn, a 28-year old Medex of Farm, Mahaicony; Keon Sealey, a 33-year old anaesthetic nurse, who was also of Mahaicony; Maxwell Thom, 76, and Seechandal Chandilall, the driver of the bus who lived at Bath Settlement, Berbice. One week earlier, on Wednesday, December 11, a teenager who attended the Bina Hill Secondary School, Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo), died after he lost control of the motorcycle he was riding allegedly at a fast rate, in an effort to avoid slamming into an approaching vehicle. Dead is 16-year-old Danillo Allicock of Surama Village, North Rupununi, Region Nine. On Saturday, December 7, another motorcyclist, Godfrey Willis, who

hailed from Goat Farm, Ituni, Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice), lost his life when the motorcycle he was riding, which did not have a headlamp on, collided with a car. He was taken to the Ituni Health Centre but was pronounced dead on arrival by the doctor on duty. On Tuesday, December 3, 18-year-old cyclist, Deshon Morris lost his life while his pillion rider was injured after the motorcycle they were riding collided with a truck belonging to Muneshwers Limited, at Industrial Estate, Ruimveldt, Greater Georgetown. Morris, of Lot 4 East La Penitence, Georgetown, was pronounced dead on the spot while Keon Granville, 27, of Phase 2 Lot 1 East Ruimveldt, was treated and sent away.

Pork-knocker stabbed... However, Amo allegedly left his friends at that shop stating that he was returning to his camp and ventured into the backdam area. He was never seen again until a ranger discovered his lifeless body almost 19 hours later. Reports are at about 18:30h, the ranger of that district was doing routine checks along the trail and

Analysis of Government expenditure

noticed a large object on the roadway. As he reached closer, he realised that it was the body of a man. The ranger immediately notified the Police and upon the arrival of the Police ranks, it was discovered that Amo had two visible stab wounds to the left side of his chest. His body was taken to the Mahdia Hospital where

he was pronounced dead and was placed in the mortuary pending a Post-Mortem Examination (PME). Police Commander of that Region, Superintendent Ramesh Ashram told Guyana Times on Saturday that several persons were questioned about the man’s murder but at present, there are no suspects in custody. He stated that the loca-

oday’s article extends on the theoretical and empirical work which this author has embarked upon a few weeks ago to examine an interesting monetary theme in a third world developing economy context. The central focus in today’s piece highlights the trend and levels of Government spending for the period 1993 – 2019 (26 years), the rate of growth and allocation towards current and capital expenditure over this period. The period under examination covers a total of 26 years of which 21 years were governed by the previous administration and the latter five years are governed by the current administration. In 26 years, the total Government expenditure amounted to $3.080 trillion which is almost 4 times the nominal GDP in 2018. From 1993 – 2014 total Government expenditure amounted to $1.912 trillion, which gave rise to an average of $476 billion spent over a five years period, while in 2015-2019, total Government expenditure amounted $1.160 trillion, which is almost 2 and ½ times the average expenditure for a five-year period under the previous administration. In other words, the level of Government spending under the current administration is 2 ½ times greater than that of its predecessor. Total Government expenditure is divided into two main categories – that is, capital expenditure and current expenditure. Current expenditure or government final consumption expenditure include goods and services for current use to directly satisfy individual or collective needs of the members of the community; (2) capital expenditure of fixed capital expenditure (or government investment) include government spending on goods and services intended to create future benefits, such as infrastructure investment in transport (roads, rail, airports), health (water collection and distribution, sewage systems, information communications technology, and research spending). To these ends, allocation towards current expenditure for the period 1993-2014 averaged at 70 per cent of total expenditure and the remaining 30 per cent being allocated towards capital expenditure. Further, during this period, current expenditure reached a high of 74 per cent on two occasions: 1993 and 2002, while its lowest was 59 per cent in 2007 and remained within the region of 60 – 74 per cent of total government expenditure. This means more than 30 per cent and close to 40 per cent in some instances of total government expenditure were allocated towards capital projects which are investments that create future benefit, and which help to stimulate economic development. On the other hand, during the period 2015-2019, average allocation towards current expenditure amounted to 78 per cent of total expenditure with the lowest being 75 per cent in 2017 and the highest of 82 per cent in 2015, thus, leaving a meagre 22 per cent of the total budget, on average for capital projects. Next week, the author shall examine the deeper economic implications of these trends in Government spending and the relationship with economic development.

FROM page 12

tion of the crime is not populated and to date, no one has come forward with any information. The Commander noted that all of the now-dead man’s friends that were imbibing with him were also questioned but they alleged that Amo had left their company shortly after 12:05h on Christmas Day. Police are investigating.

Source: Bank of Guyana Annual Reports, Budget Speeches & Estimates, Various

Email: jbbankingadvice@gmail.com (The Author is an experienced Macro-finance and Research Analyst; and a Senior Lecturer of BBA / MBA programs at Texila American University, University of Bedfordshire and the Association of Business Executives (ABE) programs in Guyana. The discussions and analyses presented are exclusively his own and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this newspaper nor the institutions he is affiliated with.)

16 news

SUnDAY, december 29, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

New animal rights group warns against using firecrackers By Devina Samaroo

newly formed animal rights group is calling on the public to help with the elimination of the use of loud fireworks and other explosives typically used during the New Year celebration. The Animal Rescue Adoption and Protection Society (ARAPS) is also calling on the Government of Guyana to lead by example and not use loud fireworks to beckon 2020. “There are alternatives to the use of fireworks, such as silent fireworks, laser lights, and drones, the organisation said. Fireworks mark various celebrations all over the world. It is unclear where fireworks originated but most historians believe it was invented in China and that the Chinese initially believed that it could be used to scare away evil spirits. In Guyana, firecrackers and fireworks are widely used for a number of festivals such as New Year, Diwali and the country’s Republic and Independence Anniversaries. More so, a lot of residents indulge in the usage of these explosive devices, though some were banned many years ago. Despite the ban, firecrackers and other explosives are prominently dis-

played and widely sold throughout peak seasons. Just in October 2019, the Guyana Police Force issued a reminder, warning that vendors caught selling these goods will be arrested and charged. The Force reflected that in the past, the devices have caused grievous bodily harm to adults and children.

Harm to Animals

But according to the ARAPS, it also results in significant harm to animals. It pointed out that the function of hearing in animals is much more sensitive than it is in humans. “Fireworks can emit sounds of up to 190 decibels (110 to 115 decibels above the range of 75 to 80 decibels where the damage to the human ear begins) and can lead to the loss of hearing and tinnitus.” As a result, the explosions of fireworks are not only more painful to them but can cause severe damage to their hearing. In addition to these impairments, the sound effects of fireworks cause animals to become anxious and timid, the organisation explained. “Repetitive exposure to unexpected, random massive sonances can generate phobias in many animals, increasing panic reactions.” For instance, dogs are capable of hearing up to

60,000hz, while humans cannot hear anything above 20,000hz. “This auditory acuity of dogs is one of the reasons the sound of fireworks can be so harmful to them, displaying signs of overwhelming anxiety as they are unable to escape from the noise,” ARAPS stated. Common reactions are freezing or paralysis, uncontrolled attempts to escape and hide, and tremors. Other more intense signs may also be present, such as salivation, tachycardia, emotional vocalisations, urination or defecation, heightened activity, hyper-alertness, and gastrointestinal disorders. Horses have a very similar reaction to dogs. They can suddenly feel threatened by fireworks due to their hypervigilance since they are always on high alert. “As a result, horses and dogs tend to try to flee, potentially causing damage to property, traffic accidents, and severe harm to themselves,” ARAPS explained.

Birds also affected

“The noise of firecrackers can cause birds to experience tachycardia and even death by fright. The high degree of stress birds encounter indicates by the fact that birds may temporarily or permanently abandon their nesting areas, causing them to crash into a building and

Firecrackers on sale at Stabroek Market

to experience disorientation.” And in many cases, animals may take weeks to recover from that traumatising experience.

Alternatives

While many look forward to the colourful display in the night skies, there are quieter alternatives. In 2018, the city of Banff ditched its conventional fireworks display for a “quiet fireworks” show for Canada Day. Basically, the vibrant flashy colours remained while the traditional bangs, crackles and whistles were minimised. And other options like lasers and drones guarantee a similar ‘firework’ experience without damage to animals and even the environment. American cities in states like California, Arizona and Colorado used drones to put on light shows for the Fourth of July last year to reduce the likelihood of wildfires.

However, these alternatives do come with challenges. Quiet fireworks may not go as high as traditional fireworks due to weaker chemical composition. And, drones and lasers are expensive. For drones, each display may need over 100 devices and it will have to be programmed and tested before the real show.

Appeal

But when it comes to firecrackers, the animal rights organisation is urging persons not to use them. “This New Year, animals are at your mercy, please do not use loud bombs,” ARAPS pleaded. “Furthermore, please ensure that children or even adults do not play pranks by throwing bombs at animals or tying crackers to their tails. Yes, this has happened in the past,” the organisation pointed out. ARAPS is also advising

pet owners to keep their pets indoors and supervised to prevent them from escaping. “Let us all strive to be smarter and better human beings by caring for our voiceless friends. Use this season of celebrating goodness, affection, and the act of kindness to spread happiness and inclusivity, and collectively be a citizenry that cares and respects all living things.” ARAPS was formed in November 2019 by a group of animal activists including Shari Rodrigues Dasilva, Alana Singh, Nikie Ramnarace, Tricia Azaire, Melissa Ramdeen, Kesharie Singh, Tammy Quail, Saleema Haniff, Nicole Patricia, Syeada Manbodh, Noreen Gaskin and Micaela Ross. Its mission focuses on eradicating animal cruelty while promoting awareness, rescue aids, and housing for all animals.

Farmers meet with DDL to discuss TOPCO Water recedes from Stabroek Market expansion project …vendors resume selling

…to get price increase from February 2020

s Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL) has embarked on its multi-billion-dollar expansion project for their TOPCO brand, 40 local farmers met with the company’s officials and representatives of other agencies on Friday at Diamond, East Bank Demerara, to discuss a variety of matters which will help to ensure that the project and operations are successful. The farmers present already supply fruit to DDL for its TOPCO juice operations and they are now eager to increase their cultivation in order to meet the increased demand of the company which has since expanded its juice line for the purpose of local consumption as well as export. Representatives of the Agriculture Ministry, the National Agriculture Research and Extension Institute (NAREI), the Guyana School of Agriculture (GSA) and the Institute of Private Enterprise Development (IPED) offered advice and support to help to guide farmers as they ex-

pand cultivation. This included assistance with the provision of agriculture extension services which would deal with cultivation best practices, soil testing, treatment of infestation and advise on measures to reduce post-harvest losses. The farmers raised the issue of pricing for their fruit produce to which DDL’s Chairman, Komal Samaroo, responded by assuring that they will soon benefit from a price increase effective February 2020. That would mark one year since the last price increase. Samaroo also assured the farmers that systems will be put in place to ensure that they receive payment no later than three days of their fruit supply and he also said that payment will be deposited to farmers’ bank accounts. “This is a serious partnership between TOPCO and you, the farmers. Arrangements are for the guaranteed purchase of your fruit at a guaranteed price. So, when the market price goes down

Farmers touring the TOPCO expansion facility

you will still be receiving the price upon which we agreed. This is a contract between you and us. We need each other and must address all the issues that will make this partnership mutually successful,” the Chairman said. Presentations were made by representatives of the various agencies who attended after which they engaged in question and answer segments with the farmers. Among the presenters were TOPCO Plant Manager Rebecca RampherAdams, Benjamin Frank of NAREI and Kaimlall Chattergoon of IPED. The TOPCO Plant Manager emphasised the

importance of the quality of their produce to the farmers and she also stated that a number of agencies will provide technical advice and assistance to help ensure that standards outlined are met. Chattergoon of IPED briefed the farmers on the various services from which they would be able to benefit from, including the development of business plans, financial management and loans which are not subject to the credit ratings of the farmers. Friday’s meeting and tour of the expansion works saw farmers coming from as far as the Pomeroon to be in attendance.

loodwaters at the Stabroek Market have finally receded after high tides caused major inundation at the rear section last Tuesday. During a visit to the area, vendors returned to their respective stalls with produce and other merchandises and began their day as per normal. There was rainfall in the morning hours, which was drained from the premises. While the Mayor and City Council has pledged to fix the issue of flooding in the new year, the merchants said it was too long to abstain from their livelihood. As such, they were capitalising on the favourable weather until otherwise. Guyana Times understands that the main cause of the inundation over the past days was due to a trapdoor, which regulated the drainage, that was left unregulated. This revelation was made by one vendor, who gave her name as Sidita. The Council had issued a statement on the situation, stating flooding would usually occur when there are expected high tides. To factor in a more holistic approach, ‘disruptions’ will take place. But the Council has decided to put the matter on the back

burner until next year. “To treat with the issue holistically, there will be significant disruption of the market operations; selling will be ceased temporarily. The Council contemplated its action and considered the quest of the stallholders to yield sales, especially being the Christmas season. Nevertheless, the Council remains committed to dealing with the issue in early January 2020,” the Georgetown Council disclosed. In October, the market was also closed for a few days, owing to high tides which caused widespread flooding. During that time, all the items stored on the ground were damaged, especially perishable and consumable items. Nevertheless, persons occupying the market area are hoping that the issue can be rectified as soon as possible, so that it does not pose a greater threat in the future.

SUnDAY, december 29, 2019

guyanatimesgy.com

Regional

Uruguay seizes record 6 tonnes T&T: No visa guarantee of cocaine at port and ranch

ruguay says it has seized a record haul of 6 tonnes of cocaine, calling it the biggest setback for traffickers in the country's history. Naval and customs officers seized 4.4 tonnes of the drug in Montevideo port. It had been hidden in four soy flour containers destined for Lome, the capital of Togo. Another 1.5 tonnes was later found on a ranch, local reports said. The drugs have an estimated total street value of about $1.3B. Uruguay is increasingly being used as a transit point to move drugs from Latin America to Africa and Europe. The country's previous record haul was in November when authorities uncovered a container with three tonnes of cocaine, also in Montevideo, bound for Cotonou in Benin via the Spanish island of Tenerife. The 4.4 tonnes found re-

cently came to light when scanners at Montevideo's port showed "anomalies" in the containers, officials said. Suspicions had already been raised by the fact that the export firm had not transported much soya in the past, soya is not widely consumed in Africa and nearly a third of cocaine consumed in Europe is smuggled there via Africa, local media reported. Navy spokesman Diego Perona told journalists that the first container was found to contain more than 3000 "bricks" of cocaine each weighing 1.1kg (2.4lb). The containers were due to be loaded on to an Italian-registered ship, local media reported. Uruguay's customs director Jaime Borgiani said the 4.4 tonnes of cocaine would be worth $1B in the European market. He said it was not known exactly where the cocaine had originated but that it was loaded on to trucks on Tuesday at

The cocaine was discovered in soy flour containers bound for Togo

a ranch in the south-western Soriano department, 290km (180 miles) from Montevideo. The interior ministry said police raided the ranch and found more cocaine there, with Uruguay's El País newspaper reporting that a further 1.5 tonnes of the drug were seized. The ranch's owner and his son were arrested along with two workers. The ministry posted a photo of some of the drugs on Twitter. (Excerpt from BBC)

Protests in Chile as Pinera sets April vote to draft new charter

oters in Chile will decide in April whether they want a new constitution, as President Sebastian Pinera heeds one of the demands of recent anti-government protests. Pinera signed a decree on Friday that set the date for the referendum on April 26, 2020, saying: "Once again, the citizens can decide with pen and paper which path our country should take." The drafting of a new constitution was a key demand of demonstrators who have taken to the streets against the government since October. The current constitution dates back to 1980 when the country was under the dictatorship of General Augusto Pinochet. The demonstrators have also demanded better access to healthcare and education and a departure from the neo-liberal economic system. During the protests, at least 26 people were killed in clashes with security forces

and in looting. During the plebiscite next April, voters will first have to decide whether they want a new constitution and who should draft it. Later, the draft will be put to another vote During the plebiscite next April, voters will have to decide whether they want a in a referendum. first new Constitution and who should draft it Even as [Photo by: Pablo Sanhueza/Reuters] Pinera signed in a television interview that the latest decree, anger continued to brew "many" videos on social meon the streets of the capital, dia showing alleged police Santiago, on Friday, with abuse were "fake news", and protesters clashing with po- that the unrest was being fomented by foreign governlice. A fire also broke out at the ments. Protests have occurred famous Centro Arte Alameda, daily for more than two an iconic building in the capimonths with thousands intal which houses a cinema. It was unclear whether jured in clashes with police the protesters set the fire and who have fired pellet guns authorities have yet to identi- at protesters, leaving at least 300 people with severe eye fy the cause. Protesters are also angry injuries. (Excerpt from Al at Pinera after he claimed Jazeera)

Christmas at home in Trinidad for boys held in ISIS Caliphate

ouses and malls in the Trinidadian capital Port of Spain are festively decorated and the steelpan drums and maracas of local parang carols drift from radios and television sets. Mahmud and Ayyub Ferreira, now 12 and eight, have been taking it all in with wonder. The boys are part of the island’s Muslim community, but have been enjoying the celebrations both in the city and at their mixed-religion school. To their mother, Felicia Perkins-Ferreira, it seems unthinkable that just a year ago, the children were facing another bitter winter alone in Syria, where they had

been stranded since their father abducted them and left Trinidad to join Islamic State in 2014. Their remarkable journey home in January began after the Guardian tracked down the boys’ family in Trinidad. Human rights lawyers stepped in to help them obtain emergency travel documents and then Roger Waters of the rock band Pink Floyd offered the use of his private jet to facilitate Perkins-Ferreira’s brave journey into Kurdishheld Syria to retrieve her sons from a displacement camp. Now they’re home, the brothers are recovering well. Ayyub likes cricket

and Mahmud has gone back to playing football: he also likes art and has just been made a class prefect. Ayyub is adapting to his new English-language school: his form teacher loves him and says his grasp of the language is improving. The boys adore their half-sister, Baiyyeenah, five, who had only just been born when they were taken to Syria, as well as their 12-year-old stepbrother, Siddiq and all four regularly crowd around their mother while she reads a story or they look at a tablet screen to obsess over Roblox online video games. (Excerpt from The Guardian)

he United States Friday said Trinidad and Tobago nationals with expunged drug convictions may not necessarily be granted a visa to visit the North American country as Port of Spain began the process of having persons jailed for the possession of small quantities of marijuana released. Attorney General Faris Al Rawi last week approached the High Court to begin the process to release an estimated 100 inmates who had been jailed for being in possession of small amounts of marijuana in keeping with the decision by the Trinidad and Tobago Parliament to amend the

Dangerous Drugs Act so as to allow for the decriminalisation of marijuana for recreational and medicinal purposes. Under the legislation, which went into effect on December 23, a person could be in possession of 30 grams of marijuana without fear of being arrested and charged. In a statement, the US Embassy here said that the adoption of the Dangerous Drugs (Amendment) Bill 2019 into Trinidad and Tobago law “does not exempt persons with expunged convictions from disclosing such information on visa applications. “Under US immigration law, visa applicants who have

ever been convicted or arrested for any offence, including drug-related offences, still must disclose that information to US officials when they apply for a US visa.” Washington said “prior arrests and convictions, even if expunged, could still indicate visa ineligibilities”, adding “failure to reveal arrests or convictions could lead to visa ineligibilities”. Trinidad and Tobago is among a number of Caribbean countries that have recently tabled legislation allowing for the decriminalisation of marijuana for medicinal purposes. (Excerpt from CMC)

Bolivia is not a Mexican colony, acting Foreign Minister Longaric tells El Pais

olivia is not a Mexican colony, acting Foreign Minister Longaric tells El Pais Mexico should stay out of Bolivian domestic affairs after the collapse last month of former leader Evo Morales’s Socialist government, Bolivia’s acting foreign minister Karen Longaric was quoted saying in an interview published on Saturday. A dispute has been brewing for days between Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador and Bolivia’s interim leaders over Mexico’s granting of asylum in its diplomatic facilities in La Paz to

nine people, including allies of Morales who Bolivia wants to try for sedition and armed revolt. “We simply ask Lopez Obrador’s government to stop meddling in our internal affairs and to respect Bolivian sovereignty,” Longaric told Spain’s El Pais newspaper. “Bolivia is not a Mexican colony,” added Longaric, who took up the ministry under interim President Jeanine Añez last month after Morales resigned and fled to Mexico City following allegations of electoral meddling. The interview was conducted before Mexico reported an

incident at its ambassador’s residence in La Paz on Friday, saying Bolivian police had impeded the departure of visiting Spanish officials from the premises. Longaric said on Friday the officials had been stopped because they were accompanied by masked men deemed to be a security threat. She told El Pais the request for heightened surveillance at the compound had come from Mexican authorities. Spain’s Foreign Ministry said on Saturday it would send a mission to investigate the incident. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Jamaica: Future generations to reduce road fatalities, says RSU head

irector of the Road Safety Unit (RSU) in the Ministry of Transport and Mining, Kenute Hare, says future generations will have a role to play in reducing the incidents of road fatalities. “It takes at least three generations to change a culture, so we are sowing the seeds now with our children. We intend to have them be the catalysts of change because we recognize that the

adults have not been doing a good job – they are killing themselves and children on the road,” Hare said. “It is on us to ensure that the next generation doesn't come up and do these bad things,” he added. The RSU director was speaking on the JIS Get the Facts programme recently. Hare informed that the unit has been using social media and traditional media, as well as community outreach

to inform the general public about road safety issues. He stated that the unit utilises data from accidents in an effort to improve safety on the nation's roads. Hare explained that the data supplied by motor vehicle black boxes provide a “treasure trove of critical information” which the unit intends to analyse with an aim to align its programmes accordingly. (Excerpt from Jamaica Observer)

sunDAY, december 29, 2019

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Around the World

Taliban attack on Afghanistan Truck bomb kills at army base kills 10 soldiers least 90 in Mogadishu – A International organisation

t least 90 people were killed when a bomb-laden truck exploded at a busy checkpoint in the Somali capital Mogadishu on Saturday, an international organisation working in the country said, in the deadliest attack in more than two years. The dead included many students and two Turkish nationals, Somalia’s Foreign Minister said, adding that dozens were injured. Saturday is a working day in the Muslim country and the explosion occurred during the morning rush hour. A report by the international organisation, which did not want to be named, said the death toll was more than 90 and that university students and 17 police officers were among those killed. No-one immediately claimed responsibility for the

blast but the city’s Mayor blamed al Qaeda-linked Islamist group al Shabaab. While al Shabaab carries out frequent attacks, the death tolls are often lower than in Saturday’s blast. The group has sometimes not claimed responsibility for attacks that sparked a big public backlash, such as a 2009 suicide bombing of a graduation ceremony for medical students. A number of attacks this year, including one in September on a base where US special forces train Somali commandos, show the group maintains a strong intelligence network and can mount deadly and sometimes sophisticated operations, analysts say. Turkey’s Foreign Ministry confirmed the death of two of its nationals. Turkey has been a ma-

t least 10 Afghan soldiers have been killed in a Taliban attack on a military base in the southern Helmand province, officials said. The Taliban dug a tunnel into the base, located in the volatile Sangin district, and blew it up before its fighters attacked the compound, Nawab Zadran, spokesman for 215 Maiwand Army Corps in southern Afghanistan told AFP news agency on Saturday. Provincial spokesman Omar Zawak confirmed the attack and said the soldiers

A general view shows the scene of a truck bomb explosion at a checkpoint in Mogadishu, Somalia December 28, 2019

jor donor to Somalia since a famine in 2011, and together with the Government of Qatar is funding a number of infrastructure and medical projects in the country. (Excerpt from Reuters)

China ends forced labour for sex workers

hina is to end a punishment system for prostitution that allowed Police to hold sex workers and their clients in custody for up to two years at so-called education centres. Detainees were forced to work, allegedly making toys and household goods. The detention system will come to an end on today. Those still in custody will be released, according to Xinhua, China's state media. Prostitution remains illegal in China. It carries punishments of up to 15 days in detention and fines of up to 5000 yuan (£546). China's state media claims the "custody and education" system has helped to maintain a "good social atmosphere and public order" since it was introduced more than 20

years ago. It added that over time, the system has become less and less appropriate. A 2013 report by Human Rights Watch interviewed 140 sex workers, clients, Past detainees claim they were forced to work Police and spe- making toys and household goods cialists and "re-education through labour found that many sex workers camps" for petty criminals. were beaten by Police in an China isn't totally abanattempt to coerce confessions. doning the idea of re-educaShen Tingting, Director of tion. Authorities in the counAsia Catalyst, said the move try claim a number of camps to abolish forced labour dein the north-west region of tention centres is positive Xinjiang are voluntary educabut only a small step towards tion camps that help to comsafeguarding the rights of sex bat extremism. (Excerpt from workers. BBC News) In 2013, China announced it had abolished its system of

New Year Honours: 1000 addresses published in error

list of more than 1000 addresses of New Years Honours recipients, including those of senior police officers and politicians, has been accidentally published by the UK Government. The file was uploaded to the official website, but has since been removed. The Cabinet Office told the BBC: "We apologise to all those affected and are looking into how this happened." Among the addresses are those of Sir Elton John and former Director of Public Prosecutions Alison

Saunders. Also on the list of 1097 honours recipients are high-profile names like cricketer Ben Stokes, former Conservative Party leader Iain Duncan Smith, TV cook Nadiya Hussain, and former Ofcom boss Sharon White. A Government spokesman said: "A version of the New Year Honours 2020 list was published in error which contained recipients' addresses. "The information was removed as soon as possible. "We have reported the matter to the ICO [Information Commissioner's

Office] and are contacting all those affected directly." The ICO, which has the power to fine organisations for data breaches, said it will be "making enquiries". Data rights lawyer Ravi Naik said the Government could face legal action from those whose addresses were published, as well as from the ICO. He also warned that anyone who came across the information should tell the ICO and not pass it onto others - because they themselves might face legal action. (Excerpt from BBC News)

were killed by the powerful blast inside the base. In a statement sent to media, Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid claimed responsibility for the attack. The Taliban have increased their attacks in recent days on Afghan army bases and checkpoints across different provinces. On Thursday, a similar attack killed six Afghan soldiers as a Taliban suicide bomber detonated his explosives-laden car outside an army compound in the northern Balkh province. Another attack on a check-

point in Balkh province killed at least seven Afghan soldiers on Tuesday. On Monday, a US soldier was killed in combat in northern Kunduz province. The Taliban claimed they were behind a fatal roadside bombing that targeted American and Afghan forces in Kunduz. Deadly violence continues to grip Afghanistan even as the United States and the Taliban negotiate talks aimed at reducing US' military footprint in the country in return for the fighters ensuring an improved security situation. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Protesters in Turkey denounce Russia over Idlib assault

undreds of demonstrators gathered near the Russian consulate in the Turkish city of Istanbul on Saturday to protest the intensifying Russian and Syrian Government attacks on Syria's last rebel-held province of Idlib. The demonstrators, mostly Syrians living in Turkey, gathered close to the Russian consulate in downtown Istanbul to "show the world that Russia is complicit" in the killing of civilians in Syria's northern Idlib region, according to Mohammed Kreimesh, a protest organiser. Protesters in Istanbul, including women with their children, held pictures of victims of the attacks, while some brandished a banner that read: "Russia is killing our people and children and the world is not doing anything."

While Turkish police blocked the group from walking to the consulate, located in the busy Istiklal Street, they allowed a small number of demonstrators to unfurl a banner that read: "More than 30,000 children killed by Russia and Assad reSince mid-December, Syrian Government gime." Since mid-De-forces and their Russian allies have cember, Syrianheightened bombardment in Idlib Government forces northwest Syria earlier this and their Russian allies have year that has since faltered. heightened bombardment on The International Rescue the southern edge of the final Committee warned on major Opposition-held pocket Saturday that conditions in of Syria. the region are at a "breakRussia, which backs ing point", adding that the Syrian President Bashar continued violence could disal-Assad and Turkey, a long- place as many as 400,000 in time supporter of Opposition the coming weeks. (Excerpt factions, co-sponsored a from Al Jazeera) de-escalation agreement for

Italian PM Conte names new Ministers, sets policy agenda for 2020

talian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte named two new Ministers on Saturday to replace his Education Minister who resigned this week and outlined an ambitious agenda for next year including reform of the justice system and state bureaucracy. In a three-hour year-end news conference, Conte accused right-wing Opposition Leader Matteo Salvini of “insidious” political behaviour and appealed for unity from the fractious coalition backing his own government. He named Lucia Azzolina, also from 5-Star and previously Fioramonti’s junior Minister, as the new Minister for Schools, and named a non-party technocrat Gaetano Manfredi, the rector of Naples University, as Minister for Universities and Research. Three 5-Star senators quit this month to join Salvini’s League party and some politicians say other lawmakers from the in-

Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte and German Chancellor Angela Merkel (not pictured) hold a news conference in Rome, Italy, November 11, 2019

creasingly divided movement are ready to join a new parliamentary group led by Fioramonti but loyal to Conte. The Prime Minister said if any such moves were afoot he disapproved of them and had nothing to do with them. Conte, an unaffiliated technocrat, was originally close to 5-Star but has received growing praise from the PD since the

Government was formed in September, and he is now sometimes tipped as a future centre-left leader. Conte said he would meet with the ruling parties in January to detail priorities for 2020, promising an overhaul of the state bureaucracy that was sure to meet with Opposition but would make the system more efficient. (Excerpt from Reuters)

sunDAY, december 29, 2019

round-up: Bucks rout Hawks without Giannis

hris Middleton and Brook Lopez combined for 42 points, and the visiting Milwaukee Bucks defeated Atlanta 11286 on Friday, handing the Hawks their ninth straight loss. The Bucks did not miss league MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo, who did not play because of back soreness. Veteran Ersan Ilyasova got the start in his place, and equalled his season-high with 18 points even as he grabbed a season-best 17 rebounds. Middleton scored 23, and Lopez matched his season-high with 19 points. Atlanta’s Allen Crabbe came off the bench to make four 3-pointers and score a season-high 20 points. The Hawks lost leading scorer Trae Young with a sprained right ankle late in the first half. He had 12 points when he got injured after stepping on another player’s foot, and he was immediately helped to the locker room.

Miami Heat 113 Indiana Pacers 112

Jimmy Butler scored a game-high 20 points, and Goran Dragic hit the goahead shot as host Miami defeated Indiana. There were 20 lead changes in a game that was tight throughout. Miami is now 14-1 at home this season, and has won four consecutive games

overall. Indiana, which went 3-0 against the Heat last season, was led by Aaron Holiday, who had 17 points and nine assists. The Heat had a 56-34 rebounding edge in the game, including 14-2 on the offensive glass. Neither team had a double-digit lead at any time in the game.

Orlando Magic 98 Philadelphia 76ers 97

Evan Fournier scored 20 points, and Aaron Gordon added 19 points and 11 rebounds as host Orlando held on against Philadelphia. Terrence Ross chipped in 17 points off the bench, and Nikola Vucevic collected 16 points, 12 boards and seven assists for the Magic, who improved to 10-6 at home after defeating Philadelphia for the second time this season. Tobias Harris and Joel Embiid each recorded 24 points and 11 rebounds for Philadelphia, which nearly overcame an 11-point deficit in the fourth quarter, and saw its three-game winning streak end.

Oklahoma City Thunder 104 - Charlotte Hornets 102 (OT

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 27 points and Dennis Schroder added 24 as visiting Oklahoma City won in overtime, aided by Charlotte’s missed free throws. The Hornets had a chance to tie the game with 1.9 sec-

onds to play in the extra session, but rookie forward P.J. Washington missed on a pair of foul shots. Chris Paul, who made a couple of key baskets down the stretch of regulation while playing in his home state, finished with 16 points, and Steven Adams had 14 points and 12 rebounds for Oklahoma City. Terry Rozier’s 26 points paced the Hornets, while Graham ended up with 15 points and 13 assists, and Washington had 14 points.

Boston Celtics 129 Cleveland Cavaliers 117

Jaylen Brown matched his career-high of 34 points, and Jayson Tatum scored 24 of his 30 in the first half, as host Boston cruised to a victory over Cleveland. Tatum, who also made 5 of 10 from beyond the arc, sank 9 of 13 shots from the floor in the first half, and finished 11 of 20 to answer a dismal 5-for-18 performance against the Raptors. Enes Kanter chipped in 14 points and nine rebounds off the bench, as the Celtics collected their fifth straight win overall and seventh in a row versus Cleveland. Kevin Love scored 21 of his 30 points in the first half, and made 6 of 11 three-point attempts for the Cavaliers, who had won a season-high three in a row after losing 16 of their previous 18. (Reuters)

Milwaukee Bucks forward Khris Middleton (22) passes the ball against the Atlanta Hawks in the first half at State Farm Arena

Deontay Wilder/Tyson Fury rematch announced for February 22 in Las Vegas

Barcelona loan Alena to Betis until end of season B

arcelona have sent young midfielder Carles Alena on loan to fellow LaLiga club Real Betis until the end of the season. Spain Under-21 international Alena started Barca’s first league game of the campaign, but has struggled for playing time since, featuring just three more times in the top flight. Speaking this month, head coach Ernesto Valverde admitted he would have liked to have used Alena more often this term, given his impressive display against Inter in the Champions League. The 21-year-old, who worked his way through the academy ranks and has made 39 first-team ap-

Deontay Wilder will face Tyson Fury again at the MGM Grand

D 22.

pearances, will now link up with Betis for the second half of 2019-20.The sixmonth loan deal, confirmed on Barcelona’s official website on Saturday, does not

include any purchase option. Alena is in line to make his debut for 13th-place Betis away at Deportivo Alaves on January 5. (sportsmax)

eontay Wilder and Tyson Fury have confirmed that their boxing rematch will be held in Las Vegas on February

British heavyweight Tyson Fury had battled to a draw with WBC champion Deontay Wilder just over a year ago, and now they will meet again at the MGM Grand in early 2020. Fury had somehow picked himself up from the canvas after being floored heavily in the 12th round, as Wilder salvaged a split decision draw in the first fight at the Staples Center in Los Angeles. The verdict was greeted with dismay from the Brit, who had controlled the fight for long spells, despite suffering an earlier knockdown. Wilder tweeted: “After February 22nd there will be no more unanswered questions.

I will finish what I started, and this time Tyson Fury will not be getting up off that canvas so quickly. “I’ve proven myself time and time again, and I will do it again in February.” Fury replaced Ben Davison with new trainer Sugarhill Steward this month, after stopping Tom Schwarz and then outpointing Otto Wallin this year. Wilder defended his WBC belt with two trademark knockout victories in 2019, as he first blasted out Dominic Breazeale before effecting a clinical stoppage of Luis Ortiz. The Briton Anthony Joshua holds the WBA, WBO and IBF titles after his rematch win over Andy Ruiz Jr, and has reiterated his desire to claim the last remaining belt, the WBC belt. (skysports)

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sunDAY, december 29, 2019

Premier League Review…

10-man Watford cruise against Villa W

ꟷ Ancelotti continues winning start

atford have eased to a 3-0 win over relegation rivals Aston Villa despite having Adrian Mariappa sent off, while Carlo Ancelotti got a second win in succession as Everton boss on Saturday. Nigel Pearson’s impact is becoming impressively clear at Watford, with the new manager guiding them to two wins in a week, having also presided over the 2-0 defeat of Manchester United before Christmas. Watford are now within two points of 18th-placed Villa, and having previously looked doomed for relegation, they have been revived under Pearson. Everton are also enjoying something of an improvement, as they left St James’ Park with a 2-1 win over Newcastle United – Ancelotti’s early work seemingly getting a reaction out of the Toffees.

New managers having desired effect

A tense first half at Vicarage Road remained goalless until just before the interval, when Ezri Konsa’s error allowed Abdoulaye Doucoure to get a shot away and Troy Deeney converted on the rebound. Villa were given a boost just before the

brace either side of Fabian Schar’s strike, allowing the Toffees to move above their hosts in the table and up to 10th.

Seagulls pick off Cherries to arrest slump

hour, when Mariappa was shown a second yellow card for appearing to catch Henri Lansbury late, though replays suggested contact was minimal. Watford, however, got a second goal in the 67th minute – Deeney smashing in a penalty after he had been barged over by

Douglas Luiz, and Ismaila Sarr finished Villa off 19 minutes from time. Ancelotti is overseeing an improvement at Everton, who beat Newcastle to make it two wins from as many matches under the Italian. Dominic Calvert-Lewin got himself a

Brighton and Hove Albion went into Saturday’s clash with Bournemouth having not won any of their previous four matches in the Premier League. But it did not take them long to establish control against the Cherries – Alireza Jahanbakhsh putting them in front within three minutes by lashing into the bottom-right corner, finally opening his account for the club more than a year after costing a reported £17 million. Brighton thought they had sealed the win just before the hour when Dan Burn slammed home, only for a VAR review to adjudge him to be offside by a shoulder. Aaron Mooy, however, wrapped up the victory in style 12 minutes from time, bringing down Leandro Trossard’s cross, cleverly beating a defender, and coolly slotting home. Brighton’s win moved them above Southampton, who could only salvage a 1-1 draw at home to Crystal Palace, Danny Ings cancelling out James Tomkins’s header with 16 minutes to go. (sportsmax)

Hercules hails CPL stint as Savills Chase horse race at Leopardstown… beneficial to coaching career Delta Work pips ꟷ aims to reclaim 50-Over title By Timothy Jaikarran

yan Hercules, coach of the Essequibo Franchise team and of the Guyana Police Force, is, in the new year, looking to make his mark in cricket with the experience gained from his stint in the Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL) tournament. He told Guyana Times Sport, when asked about his high point for 2019: “For me, getting the experience in being a part of the Guyana Amazon Warriors training camp as an assistant coach alongside Johan Botha was

Ryan Hercules

a very crucial (development) in my career. I gained knowledge and experience from him and other senior players. “Well, being around a crop of players like Malik, Green, Laughlin, Pooran and a well-organized coach (like)

Monalee for the win

Hercules, sharing his experience with GAW opening batsman Chandrapaul Hemraj

Botha, I had to make adjustments on (things like) how you go about in the session. Even senior players would share some tips and advice that I could (use), and (have) already put into practice. “It’s amazing how the players expect the fitness level (of) the coach to be high, so you can motivate them; and I learnt that from Johan, as he is a strong believer (in) coaches being fit.” Hercules also disclosed that while being a part of the Hero Caribbean Premier League was a plus, his lowest point for 2019 was when Essequibo was unable to defend the 50 Over title in Franchise Cricket. He said he was disappointed at their not finishing in the top spot. He said he would be looking to win a few titles for

the Guyana Police Force, being their coach; and that he would be working with the players from the Essequibo Franchise to improve on a few things that would have cost them the title in 2019. Hercules declared, “To fans who support the Essequibo Franchise Team: All we ask for is support. I strongly believe Essequibo players are doing very well; a lot of hard work they put in, and that’s all we can ask for. “Over the past 3 years, we can see that Essequibo cricket took a turn f o r the better. We still are the 3-day champions, and with support from the fans, we assure you we will keep competing and stay as one of the top 3 franchise teams in the country.”

Jack Kennedy’s perfectly-timed challenge on Delta Work clinched victory in the Savills Chase

elta Work produced a strong finish to win the Savills Chase at Leopardstown by a head from longtime leader Monalee, with 2018 winner Kemboy back in fourth. Ridden by Jack Kennedy, 11-2 shot Delta Work just got up to deny Rachael Blackmore victory on Monalee (8-1). It was a huge improvement for Gordon Elliott’s six-year-old, who could be a contender for the Cheltenham Gold Cup. Ireland’s top staying novice last season, Delta Work had disappointed at Down Royal in November. It had looked set for a place at best turning into the straight, as Kennedy, who earlier took the other Grade One feature on Apple’s Jade as part of a treble, was asking his mount for everything. Kemboy (7-4 favourite), who had been keen throughout, Road to Respect, Presenting Percy, and the outsider Jett all held chances at some stage, but Monalee had seemingly seen them all off in the three-mile feature. Unfortunately for Blackmore, she lost an iron after the last, and kicked the other

one free as Delta Work began to close. There was nothing in it at the line, but Delta Work got the verdict by a head, and Road to Respect (7-2) was third. The winner was cut from 25 to 10-1 for the Cheltenham Gold Cup in March by Betfair. Apple’s Jade rediscovered the winning form to take the Frank Ward Memorial Hurdle for a third successive year. County Meath trainer Elliott’s star mare had been well below her best for most of 2019, but there was late confidence in the market that she would return to something like the sparkling form she showed in the first half of last season, and she was sent off the 6-4 joint-favourite with Bacardys. Despite giving ground away by repeatedly jumping out to her right, Jack Kennedy kicked on a mile from home, and Killultagh Vic could no longer live with her. Unowhatimeanharry and Penhill tried to close running to the last, but Apple’s Jade had plenty left in reserve to win at the highest level for the 11th time, triumphing by 17 lengths. (BBC.com)

sunday, december 29, 2019

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White Tiger Martial Arts Academy complete taekwondo grading W

hite Tiger Martial Arts Academy completes Taekwondo

grading White Tiger Martial Arts Academy has hosted yet another Taekwondo grading, again held at its headquarters at the New Amsterdam Town Hall. Twenty-two students participated in that grading, and scores averaged between 68 and 85 percent. The following students participated in that examination: Omarion Blair, Chris Hope, Sayyid Rajbali, Jelani Lambert, Andrew Layne, Aiden Kirton, Alyssa Abdulla, Adrian La Rose, Ethan Abdulla, Anthony La Rose, Christopher Drupali, Jai Gopilall, Aliayah Harry, Alisha Harry, Ali Harry, Michael Dundass, Joshua Singh, Reanna Seeram, Nawaz Yang, Micquiel Wilburgh, Daniel Rigby and Neron Bourne. Among other things for 2019, WTMAA held its annual Open Martial Arts

Participants who took the examination

Championship and its second annual Spelling Bee Competition. Graditude is extended to National Sports Commission, Church’s Chicken and the Ministry of Education.

Founder and Chief Instructor of White Tiger Martial Arts Academy, Marcello Small, wishes to extend season’s greetings to the entire Guyana, and especially his students.

Names

Enter Exam at Rank Percentage

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Omarion Blair Chris Hope Sayyid Rajbali Jelani Lambert Andrew Layne Aiden Kirton Alyssa Abdulla Adrian Larose Ethan Abdulla Anthony Larose Cristopher Drupali Jai Gopilall Aliayah Harry Alisha Harry Ali Harry Michael Dundas Joshua Singh Reanna Seeram Nawaz Yang Micquiel Wilburgh Daniel Rigby Neron Bourne

10TH KUP White Belt 6TH KUP Green belt 7TH KUP Green Tip 7TH KUP Green Tip 5TH KUP Blue Tip 5TH KUP Blue Tip 7TH KUP Green Tip 5TH KUP Blue Tip 7TH KUP Green Tip 7TH KUP Green Tip 8TH KUP Yellow Belt 8TH KUP Yellow Belt 8TH KUP Yellow Belt 8TH KUP Yellow Belt 8TH KUP Yellow Belt 8TH KUP Yellow Belt 8TH KUP Yellow Belt 8TH KUP Yellow Belt 8TH KUP Yellow Belt 8TH KUP Yellow Belt 8TH KUP Yellow Belt 8TH KUP Yellow Belt

8TH KUP Yellow Belt 5TH KUP Blue Tip 6TH KUP Green belt 6TH KUP Green belt 4TH KUP Blue Belt 4TH KUP Blue Belt 6TH KUP Green belt 4TH KUP Blue Belt 6TH KUP Green belt 6TH KUP Green belt 7TH KUP Green Tip 7TH KUP Green Tip 7TH KUP Green Tip 7TH KUP Green Tip 7TH KUP Green Tip 7TH KUP Green Tip 7TH KUP Green Tip 7TH KUP Green Tip 7TH KUP Green Tip 7TH KUP Green Tip 7TH KUP Green Tip 7TH KUP Green Tip

75% 75% 70% 78% 80% 80% 71% 85% 70% 84% 70% 72% 70% 71% 72% 69% 70% 75% 68% 71% 69% 77%

Ten Hag will not be leaving Ajax next year, says Overmars E

rik ten Hag will not be allowed to leave Ajax next year, regardless of what club comes calling. This is according to director of football, Marc Overmars. The 49-year-old has been linked with a number of highprofile jobs since leading Ajax to the Champions League semi-finals and a domestic double last season. Among Ten Hag’s rumoured suitors are German champions Bayern Munich, who have placed Hansi Flick in interim charge until the end of the campaign. Bayern have been tipped to make an approach for the Dutchman ahead of next season, but Overmars is adamant his compatriot is going nowhere.

“Ten Hag can easily last another season after next summer,” he told De Telegraaf. “I certainly won’t let him go yet, although I know that he is on lists at major European clubs. That door will remain closed for the time being.” Ajax could also face a fight keeping hold of attacking midfielder Hakim Ziyech, who has nine goals and 16 assists in the Champions League and Eredivisie this term. Overmars is hopeful the Morocco international will stay put in Amsterdam and become a club legend, but is realistic about Ajax’s chances of keeping him. “With Hakim, I regularly think he has reached his ceiling, but every season he takes another step,” Overmars

said. “I sometimes tell him he can become Mr. Ajax, so why leave? “But if we’re being honest, he is 27 years old and at his peak. If he can make the step he has in mind, then of course it would be allowed of us.” Donny van de Beek is another player in demand, and is soon to enter the final two years of his existing contract. “Next summer, I expect a lot more interest in our players,” Overmars said. “It becomes harder to keep our squad intact. Ajax players are loved everywhere. Think of Van de Beek and Ziyech. They have been here a long time and have brought Ajax so much beauty.” (sportsmax)

GKF/WAKO Guyana to introduce kick-boxing in Guyana CLASSIFIED ADS

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ꟷ Athletes given chance to compete at higher level

here is another avenue opening up to give Guyanese martial artists opportunity to represent Guyana at the regional and international levels. That avenue is the Guyana Kickboxing Federation/World Association of Kickboxing Organisation (WAKO) Guyana, which is affiliated to the World Association of Kickboxing Organization. The Guyana Kickboxing Federation (GKF) is the governing body for all styles of kickboxing in Guyana, and intends to bring about the abovestated objective through a number of programmes, including seminars on refereeing, coaching, Gup promotion and Dan promotion for instructors of affiliated clubs. WAKO representative

for Guyana, Marcello Small, has said it is paramount that athletes are given the opportunity to compete at the highest level. Athletes can compete in creative forms, musical forms, fighting- point sparring, light contact and kick light. The purpose of this new organisation is to sensitize parents and children about the sport; its origin, technique, types and rules; and the many benefits attending a kickboxing athlete. Marcello Small, a New Amsterdam resident, is the Senior Instructor and President of White Tiger Martial Arts Academy. His credentials include Taekwondo 2nd Dan, Wushu, Nature fist kung fu [White Sash], Linjitsu [system] Karate 4th Dan and Shin Kai Do 2nd Dan. In fact, Small has

been trained by the late Grandmaster Dr. Stephen Monasingh, and it is a known fact that he has been practising martial arts for more than 25 years. Small is also President of the Guyana Wrestling Association, which was founded on 25th September 2017 and is affiliated to the United World Wrestling and is recognized by our National Olympic Committee, the Guyana Olympic Association. Practitioners of any form of Karate or Taekwondo can seek affiliation with the Guyana Kickboxing Federation by contacting telephone number 673-9221 or email wakoguyana@gmail.com or by visiting the website www. guyanakickboxingfederation. webs.com which will soon be launched.

guyanatimesgy.comom

SUnDAY, december 29, 2019

GFF clamps down on unsanctioned football events …receives ‘go ahead’ from FIFA

he Guyana Football Federation (GFF), in seeking to put the proverbial foot down on unsanctioned football and futsal events, can now, with the backing of FIFA, exercise full authority over the organization of local football tournaments and players’ participation therein. The Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) has officially written the Guyana Football Federation (GFF), reiterating that the GFF has sole responsibility for organising and supervising all football activities within the confines of Guyana. The FIFA correspondence was received by the GFF after the GFF had written FIFA to inform them of a recent phenomenon in which a number of small-sided football games were being organised and hosted at the National Gymnasium and elsewhere without the permission of the GFF. This trend, with its disregard for the GFF Tournament Schedule, GFF Constitution and FIFA’s regulations, prompted the GFF to seek FIFA’s guidance and direction on the matter as the GFF seeks to protect the product of football. The GFF had also written the Hon. George Norton, Minister of Social Cohesion in the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture, pointing out to him its concerns that permission was recently granted for use of the National Gymnasium for a football event dubbed “Rio Futsol.” Among the other recently unsanctioned tournaments were the 592 Beer Inter-

Village Football Festival, the Dragon Stout Street-Ball Community Cup and the “Beat Dem Bad” competition. These unregulated tournaments also involve players of the GFF Elite League, whose clubs are Members of the GFF, and FIFA was clear in its observations and recommendations. The Federation informed the Minister that these events were not sanctioned by the GFF, and therefore the participation of its players and officials would not have been permitted. The GFF sought the support of Dr. Norton in ensuring that only competitions sanctioned and regulated by the GFF are played at facilities controlled by the Government of Guyana, while pointing out the Federation’s role in the regulation and sanctioning of football. The World Governing Body, in its letter sent by FIFA Head of Member Associations Governance Services, Mr. Luca Nicola, stated that according to Art. 11 par. 1 of the FIFA Statutes, the GFF must be responsible for organising and supervising football in all of its forms in its country. Furthermore, Art. 72 par. 1 of the FIFA Statutes establishes that “Players and teams affiliated to member associations or provisional members or the confederations may not play matches or make sporting contact with players or teams that are not affiliated to member associations or provisional members of the confederations without the approval of FIFA”. “In this context, we further take note

of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, in accordance of Article 1:1 of the GFF Statutes. Articles 13:c and 13:h of the GFF’s Constitution are clear on this issue also.

The roles of the GFF in the regulation and sanctioning of football are:

Luca Nicola, FIFA Head of Member Associations Governance Services

that Art. 13 par. 1 let. c) and h) of the GFF Constitution specifically stipulates that the GFF Members must ‘take part in competitions (if applicable) or other sporting activities organised/approved by the Federation’, and are not allowed ‘to maintain any relations of a sporting nature with entities (e.g. clubs, leagues) that are not Members or Affiliates’ of the GFF. Finally, art. 13 par. 2 of the GFF Constitution provides for the possibility of sanction, as provided for in the Constitution, against any Member who violates any of the aforementioned obligations. The GFF is reminding all that it is the only constitutional body recognised by CFU, CONCACAF, and FIFA for the control of Football in all its forms in the jurisdiction

a. To ensure that the competition is played in accordance with the laws of the game. b. To ensure that the competition is organised in a manner that places the highest priority on the safety and well-being of the players, officials and the general public. c. To ensure that “MATCH FIXING” does not occur. d. To ensure that individuals involved in the organisation of the competition are in good standing with the Federation, and have not been convicted of any crime. e. To reduce the potential of money laundering, illegal gambling, and other illicit financial activities. f. To ensure that all conflicts arising from a competition are adjudicated through the GFF constitutional processes. g. To protect the image of Football. The GFF wishes to once again reiterate in the strongest possible terms that it would be enforcing the Constitution in this regard. The GFF wishes to assure all Stakeholders that it welcomes the heightened interest in the organisation of football competitions, but must insist that this is done in accordance with the Constitution of the Guyana Football Federation.

GFF Super 16 Cup…

Sizzling semis on tonight! O

ld rivalries will be reignited and tensions will reach boiling point when the Guyana Football Federation’s (GFF’s) Super 16 Cup moves one step closer to a curtain call with the semifinal action being staged this evening. The Georgetown Football Club (GFC) Ground at Bourda will be the venue for two extraordinary clashes, beginning at 18:30hrs and 21:00hrs respectively, as four teams battle for a shot at the two-million-dollar grand prize. Georgetown clubs Santos and Fruta Conquerors have had quite a number of rivalries for 2019, especially in the Under-20 department, where they took turns in championing various tournaments. However, tonight’s clash will be the real decider, and their more experienced players will be on show as each club looks to go ‘one up’ over the other for a final time this year. The second fixture will definitely have an authoritative flair, as the two law enforcement services of the nation battle it out on the football field. Both GDF and Police have been among the top-ranking teams this year, but with two million dollars at stake, such a prize is certain to bring out the best in the lawmen. If the semis are anything like the quarterfinal plays, then starved football fans are in for a year-end treat. Elite League 2019 champions Fruta Conquerors FC were the first to secure their semifinal spot, as they trampled Linden’s Milerock FC on Christmas Day. After Eon Alleyne had opened the scoring in the first minute of play, the show was Delon

Guyana Police Force FC

Fruta Conquerors FC

Lanferman’s, whose hat trick was secured by goals netted in the 40th, 75th and 85th minutes to seal Fruta’s four goals. The once optimistic Linden side had no reply for the Elite champions, as they failed to find the back of the net after a handful of chances. The Guyana Defence Force (GDF) FC arrested the Buxton United outfit from the East Coast of Demerara in a close 2-1 encounter in which a winner was decided in additional time. Buxton United drew first blood by way

of 17-year-old Omari Glasgow’s 61st minute goal. However, the Buxton team’s lead was short-lived, as GDF’s Benjamin Opara evened out the scores four minutes later. With a semifinal spot hanging in the balance, Buxton United worked hard to hold off the dominant GDF, who took shots at the goal as if in official combat. Buxton’s luck ran out in the final minutes of the game, as Sherwin Caesar netted the winning goal for GDF in 90+1 of additional time. The question of whether or not the Super

16 tournament would see a new champion being crowned on January 1st was answered by Georgetown’s Santos FC sending 2018/2019 winners Den Amstel FC packing following a 3-0 thrashing. Much of the first half went without fireworks, until Orin Yarde broke the ice in the 43rd minute, just before the break. Stephon Reynolds capitalized on that momentum and opened the second segment with another goal for Santos in the 47th. While there was still room for a comeback, the defending champions upped their game in a bid to level the scores; but luck was not on their side, as the Santos goal keeper and defense remained unbeaten. Kester Jacobs added the final Santos goal in the 90th+2 for their 3-0 victory. Undeniably one of the most anticipated games of the quarterfinal, Police arrested rivals Western Tigers in a 2-1 encounter that was decided in extra time. Western Tigers had a point to prove, after losing some of their more prominent players to other teams. Andrew Murray gave the ‘back road’ team a life in the 89th, as he levelled the scores. Prior to Murray’s goal, Daniel Wilson had netted first for the law officers. With regulation time completed, the nail-biting match was plunged into extra time. It was here that Trayon Bobb played hero, scoring the deciding goal in the 111th for the Police victory. Sponsors of this tournament include MACORP; Pegasus Hotel; Brass, Aluminum and Cast Iron Foundry (BACIF); THAG; Marics and Company; NAMILCO; Impressions; and Hits and Jams.

guyanatimesgy.com

sunDAY, december 29, 2019

Guyana Jaguars 3-Day Practice Match…

Bishoo zips 2 as Adams’ XI ends opening day on 80-2 Story and Photos by Brandon Corlette

he opening day of the first three-day match at the Guyana National Stadium at Providence did

were possible, and Anthony Adams’ XI ended the day on 80-2. Returning leggie Devandra Bishoo has thus far impressed with 2-26, getting purchase out of pitch which had little carry for the seam-

Adams’ XI in gloomy conditions, after Leon Johnson XI took the field. Right arm seamers Keon Joseph and Chris Barnwell began proceedings for Johnson’s XI, but after six overs of cautious

Leon Johnson’s XI celebrating a wicket

Tevin Imlach survived 97 balls in his unbeaten 23

not commence until 15:30h, because there was moisture in the pitch. Only 34 overs of play

ers. Earlier, openers Tevin Imlach and Raymond Perez took centre stage for Anthony

batting, spin was introduced in the form of Veerasammy Permaul. The right-handed Perez

Tri-Nation Series a learning curve ꟷ says Windies U-19 batsman Kevlon Anderson

evlon Anderson, fresh from his maiden stint in West Indies Under-19s colours, has described his time in Antigua as a learning curve ahead of the ICC U-19 Cricket World Cup, which is slated for January 17. Having played the Tri-Nation Series against Sri Lanka and England, the Berbician told Guyana Times Sport in an exclusive interview that wearing the maroon colours for the time that he did was a great experience for him. “It was a good experience, but we (the team) didn’t get the results we expected”, Anderson highlighted. With the World Cup in South Africa looming, and being the team player that he is, Anderson has said he is personally looking forward to

having more positive results. In regard to the team, he said. “I am looking forward for the team to bounce back from what happened in Antigua, and we are aiming to win the tournament”. The Tri-Nation Series was played in Antigua, and Sri Lanka emerged as the champion team. The West Indies won two matches and lost four. Guyanese Ashmead Nedd was among the shining stars with the ball, grabbing seven wickets in five matches, including a player-of-the- match effort of 5-27. The batting, however, was a disappointment for the Caribbean boys. Only one West Indian batsman surpassed 100 runs across the six matches played. Captain Kimani Melius scored 120 runs, while Leonardo Julien accumulated 97 runs. Guyana’s Anderson scored 95 runs, with a high-score of 43 when he looked set for a half-century. With South Africa pitches suiting the fast

bowlers, Anderson will have to be on his toes when the tournament commences on January 17, 2020. Peeking into the future, Anderson, the Most Valuable Player for Guyana Under-19 in 2019, declared that he is excited heading into this global showpiece, but he will stick to the basics. “I am looking to play as straight as possible, and keep my shape”, the right-handed batsman told this daily publication. Wearing the tag of being the “rock in the middle-order”, Anderson added that he is willing to bat at any position that the team requires. Squad: Kimani Melius – Captain, Nyeem Young, Ashmead Nedd, Leonardo Julian, Kevlon Anderson, Daniel Beckford, Matthew Forde, Joshua James, Antonio Morris, Mbeki Joseph, Avinash Mahabirsingh, Kirk McKenzie, Ramon Simmonds, Matthew Patrick, and Jaden Seales. West Indies U-19s will open their campaign against Australia Under-19s on Saturday January 18 from 4:00h local time at Diamond Oval in Kimberley South Africa. (Brandon Corlette)

in particular was on a mission to rotate the strike and put away the loose deliveries. After one hour into the game, Devandra Bishoo was introduced at the Player’s Pavilion end. He got the ball to zip, and was rewarded with the wicket of Perez. The right-handed Perez played back and edged one into Anthony Bramble’s gloves after scoring 24 and with the score on 47-1. As the pitch continued to offer support to spinners, Kevin Sinclair was introduced while Bishoo switched ends but continued to hit testing lengths. Kemol Savory, batting at number three for Adams’

XI, was troubled by Bishoo in the initial stage of his innings. After negotiating the spin threat from both ends, Savory broke the shackles with a four up and over midoff of Sinclair. Bishoo continued to chip away, and breached the defense of Savory, who was adjudged leg before for 18 scored from 48 balls. With the score on 74-2 after 30.5 overs, and with the clock ticking at 17:20h, Nial Smith came to play the role of night watchman. He and Imlach survived the spin trio of Bishoo, Permaul and Sinclair to end the day on 80-2 after 34 overs.

Bishoo, who is returning to the fold after nursing an injury, has bowled 10 overs and returned figures of 2-26. Imlach survived 97 balls in his unbeaten innings of 23, which included a consolation boundary. Smith is unbeaten on five for Adams XI. Day two of the first of two 3-Day Practice matches is scheduled to resume from 9:00h today at the National Stadium Providence. These series of matches will be used to select the Guyana Jaguars squad and provide the final preparation touches for the Regional 4-Day tournament which is scheduled for January 9.

GCB congratulates legendary captain Clive Hubert Lloyd T

he executive and staff of the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) express their heartiest congratulations to former Guyana and West Indies captain, Clive Hubert Lloyd, on having been bestowed the Order of St Michael and St George Knight Commander. The knighthood is very commendable and fitting, since the cricketing icon has given humane service to West Indies cricket as a player, Match Referee, Match Manager, and as a cricketing icon. Lloyd joined the likes of Sir Garfield Sobers, Sir Vivian Richards, Sir Andy Roberts, and Sir Curtly Ambrose, among others. Lloyd, who was born in Georgetown, British Guiana on the 31st August 1944, made his debut for British Guiana at the tender age of 19, and went on to debut for the West Indies against India in Mumbai in 1966. Lloyd, who in his first Test match at Brabourne scored two half centuries, finished his test career with 7515 runs in 110 tests at an average of 46.67. He played 87 ODIs in 1977, and scored at an average 39.5. Lloyd took up the captaincy role on the 1974-75 series against India, and is consid-

Sir Clive Hubert Lloyd

ered the greatest test and one-day captain. He was instrumental in leading West Indies to their World Cup title in 1975 and 1979, and played a significance role during the pinnacle years of West Indies Cricket. Lloyd was, in 1971, named Wisden Cricketer of the Year. The GCB is grateful for Clive Lloyd’s service to cricket development in Guyana and the region, and wishes him continued success in his endeavours. The executive and staff of Guyana Cricket Board also congratulate former Barbados and West Indies opening batsman Gordon Greenidge on his receiving a similar knighthood. (GCB)

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2019

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

guyanatimesgy.com

Guyana Jaguars 3-Day Practice Match… Pg 23

Bishoo zips 2 as Adams’ XI ends opening day on 80-2 GFF Super 16 Cup…

Sizzling semis on tonight!

Pg 22 GUYANA TIMES - www.guyanatimesgy.com, email: news@guyanatimesgy.com, NEWS HOTLINE: 231-8063 EDITORIAL: 223-7230, 223-7231, 231-0544, 225-7761 SPORT: sport@guyanatimesgy.com SALES AND MARKETING: 231-8064 - lezas@guyanatimesgy.com - PRINTED AND PUBLISHED BY GUYANA TIMES INC.

December 29, 2019

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2 Sunday Times Magazine

DECEMBER 29, 2019

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Feature

By Lakhram Bhagirat

hether it is made with mixed beans, black-eyed peas, split peas, calaloo, pigeon peas, or a combination of all , cook-up rice must be present in every Guyanese home on December 31. While for many the origin of the old year’s day cook-up rice is a bit sketchy, the delicious tradition remains unchanged. It is perhaps the only day when you can visit different homes and have the same meal in completely different styles. You see, cook-up rice is versatile. It is one of the dishes where the core ingredients remain the same but the method of preparation changes from person to person, hence the reason for no two cook-ups tasting the same. While there are recipes that guide one's cooking, the responsibility of prepar-

ing the traditional Old Year’s cook-up rice is usually given to the best cook in the family. In my family, that would be my mother. However, the extended family’s favourite cook-up rice would ideally be the one prepared by my aunt, Annie. Her cook-up rice has the right balance of rice-to-bean-to-meat ratio; the right balance of spices and wetness. For me, a good cook-up rice is not too dry or too soupy, and it takes great skills to achieve that level of ‘cook-up perfection’. Like everything in life, everyone has a preference when it comes to food and with cook-up rice, it is no different. Some prefer simplicity while others prefer extravagance and for me, the more extravagant the better. However, there needs to be a balance between the extravagance and the taste because quite frankly, no one wants a tasteless cook-up rice on Old Year’s Night. I remember my grandmother telling me, after I asked her, that cook-up in the house on New Year’s Eve brings good luck and assures you that the incoming year will be filled with promises. In some customs, it is believed that beans signify wealth and having them in the house as well as consuming them assures the promise of wealth in the forthcoming year. Armed with that knowledge, cook-up became one of my must-haves. In Guyana, we go to great lengths to have that pot of cook-up in the house on December 31. I have seen women, and some men, spend hours standing at butcher shops waiting on that tripe, salted beef, pigtails, chicken, oxtail and other cuts of meat to ensure that they have the best for what is considered as perhaps the most anticipated meal of the year. Beans and peas would disappear from the supermarket shelves after Boxing Day as persons would stock to quell the fear of not getting them. Here in Guyana, unlike in other countries, we would not dare make our cook-up rice with canned beans and peas. Everything must be sourced as fresh as possible and every ingredient has a part to play and don’t even think if you miss one, no one will notice. The early hours of December 31 would be spent at the markets and meat shops sourcing the ingredients. The night before the beans and peas would be soaked so as to ensure easier cooking. We got to have the freshest fine leaf thyme, the proper smelling broadleaf thyme, and don’t ever forget the marrid-man poke! These three herbs are the foundation of the cook-up flavour and if you are going to be using canned or packet coconut milk then just forget it. Nah baddah mek no cook-up! After a morning spent gathering the right ingredients, preparation would start around 16:00h. We getting out the pressure pot to cook the beans. One whistle, two whistle, three whistle – yuh bettah air out de pressha pat and check de beans. The beans have to be soft but still retain their integrity because they would get another cooking with the other ingredients. Oh, please don’t forget to add salt to cook the beans. Seasoning is vital people, it is! Now that we have the beans cooked and waiting, we begin with the meats. Properly washed with some vinegar and lime juice to get rid of the ‘rank’ smell and we’re marinating it in the proper things. Yuh homemade seasoning blend of peppers, garlic, onion, and other herbs. Chip up lil mo marrid-man poke, fine leaf and broad leaf thyme and let it soak. Now we come to the rice. Some people prefer the good old white rice while others settle for parboiled rice and yes the rice makes a complete difference. In typical Guyanese, we would say “brown rice is scattah and white rice does stick up”. But no what type of rice you choose, please ensure that yuh wash am! The Old Year’s cook up is sacred, so preparation carries the level of sacredness and the oil to fry up never gets heated before sundown. That cook up has to be finished by 21:00h before the partying starts. So cooking starts around 19:00h when we bring out the big ‘canaree’ or that special heavybottom pot. We firing up the stove or fireside set in a corner of the yard and throwing on that vessel. Oil heating, but here is where things get a little haywire and preparation varies. For me, I would first sauté my meats ensuring that it is browned and all the fat gets rendered down. I would then remove the meat and in goes my rice that has been seasoned with a good helping of herbs and spices. Now is where we resurrect the good cassareep that was left back from the pepperpot. I like a cook up that has vibrancy and since we eat with our eyes my cook up should be a rich chocolate coloured. Not too dark and definitely not too light. Back to the pot, we’re adding the beans, chopped up veggies now and ‘frying up’ until we are satisfied- which is usually about 10 minutes. In goes the browned meat, and we frying up some mo!

Nah fuhget the salt, please. We bringing out the coconut milk and it better be freshly squeezed and nah nothing from a packet or can. The fire should be medium heat, a steady simmer after you add that coconut milk is all you need. The meat is half cooked, the beans almost cooked and we only got to cook that rice and allow those flavours to marry in the pot. So the amount of coconut milk should be just enough to do that. Remember we are making cook-up rice and not soup! Heat should be steady and not too low. If we’re cooking with gas, then we’re making sure there is enough in the tank for a good cook. If you like the good ole fireside, like me, then mek sure yuh get plenty firewood or yuh might have to pull out the paling staves halfway through cooking. Oh, and if yuh think yuh gonna cook that cook-up in a pressure pot then just don’t. Just don’t! Yuh better off buying some from Compton. After we taste enough for seasoning and made sure that our rice is cooked, we taking it off the fire. Make sure you take it off before all the liquid dries out because we have to remember that it thickens as it cools down. Serve up and enjoy before you get all festive ringing in the New Year.

Recipe Ingredients • Chicken or meat combination • 2 cups rice • Black eye peas • Red beans • Coconut milk, freshly squeezed • 3 stems celery • Wiri-wiri pepper • 1 onion • 3 stems approx. marrid man poke • 6 stems scallions • broad thyme • fine thyme • cassava cassareep • salt to taste • Chopped veggies – carrot, cabbage, sweet pepper, spinach Method Cut up, wash and season meat with salt, chicken seasoning, black pepper, blended garlic, fine thyme, half of the onion and some cassava casareep. Mix well, set aside. Chop the rest of seasonings, leave the pepper whole. Wash and season rice with chopped seasonings, salt, cassareep. In a pot heat some vegetable oil and add seasoned chicken and cooked for about 1520 minutes. Remove from pan and seasoned rice and beans. Sauté for about 6-8 minutes. Add coconut milk and simmer until rice is fully cooked.

guyanatimesgy.com

DECEMBER 29, 2019

Sunday Times Magazine 3

Feature

and at the same time, was in charge of the Zara Computer Centre at the College, where they have trained hundreds of persons in foundation and advanced computer skills, as well as PC repairs and maintenance. "During that time, I had the privilege to work with Superintendent Shivpersaud Bacchus and ASP Bharat Persaud: men of integrity, honesty, intelligence and professionalism. They taught me most of what I know in training."

By: Devina Samaroo

t the age of 15, Gladwin Telston Hanover was forced to drop out of school to help take care of his family. At the time, he was attending the Richard Ishmael Secondary School, with hopeful dreams of becoming a police officer, just like his dad. But as he got older, those dreams slowly began drifting away, as Hanover became saddled with life's various responsibilities. Hanover grew up in Ann’s Grove, a peaceful little village on the East Coast of Demerara (ECD). He had seven siblings; two brothers and five sisters. Life was not always easy. His father migrated with the intention of trying to provide a better life for his family. But things did not go as planned. It was at this point that Hanover dropped out of school and opened a game shop. “Whilst taking care of my siblings, I learnt to be responsible at a very young age. My main responsibility was to help them to achieve their goal,” he explained during an interview with Times Sunday Magazine. “Ever since, I have developed a desire to help other young people to realise their goals. I love helping others. I think above all things that’s what I love doing the most.” Police dreams

“When I see a policeman on the road, I would always say that’s me, that’s me!” Hanover reminisced, noting that his nickname growing up was “Police”. His father, prior to migrating, was a police officer. He resigned as a Constable. “I remember telling him that ‘daddy I want to be a police like you’, he replied to me saying ‘don’t be a police like me, I come off as a constable, be ten times better than me’,” Hanover explained. However, Hanover found employment as a security driver at MMC, instead of pursuing his dreams. After one year, he became a taxi driver, then a minibus conductor, a minibus driver and a miner. “I was heading further away from my dream than closer,” he explained. According to Hanover, the circumstances were just never right. “At first, it was a time where police were being killed regularly and my parents had fear that it would have happened to me." Eventually, Hanover wrote the police exam and on May 2, 2013, he was enlisted into the Guyana Police Force. He explained that the police took a chance on him, while he had nothing, and for that, he will forever be grateful. "Because it's this job that pulled my life together. The discipline, the dedication, and the determination were developed there." Hanover was attached to the Richard Faikall Police College where he underwent his initial police training. During training, he was recognised for his maturity, leadership skills and command and control abilities. As such, he was retained to perform duties at the College. And so began his policing career, as an instructor at the College

h e

Challenges Hanover was eventually encouraged to further his studies, since he had no CXC subjects. Wanting to be a role model to new recruits and an Ambassador for the Force, Hanover made the relevant sacrifices so that he could acquire a secondary education. He wrote CXC, gaining all Grade Ones, achieved a Distinction in Supervisory Management at the University of Guyana (IDCE), did numerous internal police courses, and is presently in his second year of a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration. All the while, Hanover was performing policing duties ranging from traffic, station visits and night patrols as well as conducting classes at the computer centre. "Getting to this point wasn’t easy, I faced several challenges but each and every one of them helped strengthen me to be the person I am today," he explained. "Working on holidays and wee hours in the night and sometimes all night is a part of policing but I thank God for a supportive and understanding wife who is always there for me through everything." Promotion Hanover's work in the Force did not go unrecognised. From 2014 to 2016, he captained the G Division Debating team, of which he received best speaker of the round on several occasions. In 2015, he trained in excess of 600 citizens on the Essequibo Coast, including cops. The then Police Commissioner Seelall Persaud attended the graduation in August 2015, where he was impressed with Hanover's work. "He promoted me on the spot from Constable to Corporal," Hanover recalled. In 2016, he took over as acting Commandant of the Richard Faikall Police College for a while then was sent on a station management course. In 2018, he piloted an ambitious project, which aimed to help communities. "I had a conversation with the Zara Team with a proposal to implement free transportation. Also, I engaged the Divisional Commander to provide assistance in realising my idea of which they both agreed." "My team and I proceeded into charity, Lima Sands, Sandpit, Red Village, Pomona and Perseverance villages’ conducting door to door registration in an effort to enrol persons for class." In excess of 700 persons were enrolled and trained, with free transportation to and from class. Over the period September 2018 to September 2019 1284 persons were trained. "This initiative was a great success and contributed tremendously in building community-police relationship," Hanover explained. In December 2018, he was promoted to Sergeant. Then, on December 18, 2019, at age 32 and with just six years of policing experience under his belt, Hanover was honoured as the country's Best Cop, a prestigious award given annually to a member of the Force who has done exemplary work. "The Best Cop award is one of the best I have received but seeing the smiles and satisfaction on the faces of citizens is the greatest award I have ever received," Hanover explained. But despite receiving this respected accolade, Hanover has no intentions of slowing down. In fact, the award has only motivated him to work harder and to continue to inspire people, young and old, both within and out of the Force, to strive to become the best versions of themselves. “I believe that my job is very important because of the area I function in. Training plays an integral role in the Guyana Police Force. It is an area that holds the responsibility of producing the standard of Police that is required. That’s why I love my job so much because I get to make a difference in the lives of young people.”

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DECEMNER 29,2019

Feature

By Brandon Corlette

spent her childhood days there before moving to the city when her brother passed away. At a tender age of 10, Schultz found her love in cricket, while attending school and plying her trade. During an interview with Sunday Times Magazine, Schultz, who is fresh from a stint in Trinidad and Tobago where she played female franchise cricket in the Christmas season, stated that her journey in cricket began in the backyard and along the streets where she gained an intro-

Kaysia Schultz bats for Guyana in the Regional Super50 earlier this year

artica is not a well-known area for cricket but Guyana female player and West Indies Women prospective player, Kaysia Schultz is making this change in Region Seven, Cuyuni Mazaruni. This young cricketer brings joy to her hometown as she continues to climb the cricketing ladder. Born in the festive town of Bartica on April 17, 1997, Schultz

Schultz in action at the West Indies training camp in Antigua

duction to the game. “I started to play at a very tender age off of my own, it’s a given talent and as I started school, cricket led me to meeting so many people that led me to my destination where I am currently at. It used to be backyard cricket and playing alongside streets, if not I’d find myself with a ball constantly tossing it to the wall catching and so on for multiple hours”, Schultz stated. The left-arm spinner who bats right-handed played for both Guyana senior and junior female teams. She took her game to the next level in cricket when her friend and National teammate, Lashauna Toussaint advised her to join the cricket club GNIC where the hardball cricket all started. Schultz had found it difficult in the early days as her parents didn’t want her to play cricket at the inception. “It was very difficult after all not even my parents had wanted me to play in the streets so normally I would sneak out and just to go and play wherever the boys were playing. After that, I had many scolding and it never stopped me”, Schultz disclosed. In 2019, Schultz had the opportunity in multiple training camps for the West Indies Women. At first, Schultz explained that she had never known of females playing hardball cricket, and it’s difficult for females but hard work and determination will get the job done. Reflecting on her good year on the field, she recalled her best bowling figure; five-wickets for two runs when s h e represented Demerara at the inter-county level. Orin Bailey, Bharat Mangru and Ryan Hercules were some of the coaches that helped Schultz along the way. “They have helped me in every little area of my game, and I must thank my parents for being there for me at every moment”, Schultz disclosed. Reflecting on her maiden call-up to the West Indies set-up, Schultz stated that it’s a learning process. “Well, every day is a learning process for me. I was happy for this opportunity to go and learn more and learn really fast. I’m utmost dedicated naturally from within to go and do my best at the very best of my ability”, Schultz explained. As the 2020 cricket season looms, the young left-arm spinner is seeking to make great strides after a productive 2019.

guyanatimesgy.com

DECEMBER 29, 2019

Sunday Times Magazine 5

Feature

By Rupa Seenaraine

s many positive stories are shared during this festive time, Sharon Isurdeen’s journey is one that speaks to determination and relentless hard work in order to achieve those goals. Perhaps, her husband, Uttamkumar Isurdeen rings a bell – the avid cricket lover who has been an active voice for wheelchair users across the country, ever since he lost his ability to walk in an accident some nine years ago. However, Sharon’s story brings a sprinkle of inspiration to those who may need a little encouragement in their daily routines or others who are confronted with hurdles that may seem impossible. During an interview with Sunday Times Magazine, she told her story – of taking up the mantle as the breadwinner of the family while working as a full-time teacher and also, attending university. According to the 35-yearold who hails from the Pomona Housing Scheme on the Essequibo Coast, she experienced a lifechanging incident in the year 2010 which she distinctively recalled. “In 2010, two years after marriage, my husband was a victim of a vehicle accident. He was travelling to work as a passenger when a speeding bus toppled, causing him to suffer from spinal injuries which left him confined to a wheelchair to date. Things changed, a lot had to be adjusted. I had to take up the role of a father and husband. I had become the sole breadwinner of my family and I am doing my very best to maintain my family,” Isurdeen remembered. During the time of the accident, she was a student at the Cyril Potter College of Education and despite numerous challenges, she chose to continue, graduating in the year 2012 with credit. This is while caring for her only child, Narindra Isurdeen, who is now 10 years of age. As an agricultural science teacher by profession, Isurdeen said she was given a lifetime opportunity in the form of a scholarship to study at the University of Guyana in 2016. During the 2019 convocation, she successfully graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Education, majoring in Agricultural Science. Of course, this entailed moving from her home to the East Coast of Demerara to facilitate class sessions. Looking back at her early life, the mother of one expressed that opportunities were scarce, and little resources were available to reach new horizons. “I grew up during the harsh time in life where little opportunities were offered and resources were hard to acquire due to minimum availability of resources. But I cooperate and had I clear understanding of the struggle my parents were going through then. So I've developed a sense of contentment and make much with what we had.” Now, she has insisted that this journey has equipped her to handle the bigger challenges that lie ahead. Of course, support from her family and friends has played an integral role. She expressed that the Chairman of Banks DIH, Clifford Reis,

who would have sponsored her university education is also a key individual in her accomplishments. “Having developed these skills, I am now capable of handle even bigger challenges. My greatest support is my family who stood by me until now. My husband and son, my friends especially the ones on social media, my students, and most of all, Mr Clifford Reis, who granted me a scholarship to complete my study. I am so grateful to them all.” At the moment, she said reaching greater heights is also in the future plans, “I want to further my studies. I am praying and hoping to do my Masters very soon but this can be challenging financially [so] I am hoping that I get a scholarship or any other assistance that will help in this venture.” Her advice to women who are faced with setbacks is: “My advice to everyone especially my ladies is that education is the key to success but self-discipline is the key to all accomplishments. Respect yourself and others will respect you. Keep the right people in your circle and stay away from anything that will lessen your value. Always set goals and work diligently to achieve them.” Sharon told Sunday Times Magazine that family time is essential to unwinding after a long week. It also brings the focus into play for the days ahead. Her son and husband, who are ardent cricket fans, would opt to attend most of the matches. She tags along as well. During the holidays, she would collect items for care packages, which would be distributed to families in need. These include any packaged food item that can prove useful.

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DECEMBER 29, 2019

Feature

PRESERVING OUR LITERARY HERITAGE by Petamber Persaud

s we say goodbye to December and to 2019, we ought to spare a thought for the literary luminaries we lost during December. This is not so much to mourn the lost but rather to celebrate and take comfort in the legacy of the work those writers, some of those books made significant impact on the world. It is that time of the year when we do stocktaking in every sphere of human and non-human endeavour. And it is also the time of awards, spectacular, mostly, and mundane affairs. Somehow literature is sidelined into the mundane category instead of being elevated to its rightful place at the top of human endeavours. Woe betide us when we fail to acknowledge our custodians of words and creators of ideas who value us in words. R. Lal Singh died on December 1. Born in 1905 in Morawhana, a little known Amerindian village in the North West District of Guyana, he went on to make significant contribution to the literature of this country. He was technical adviser to the filming of W. H. Hudson’s ‘GREEN MANSIONS’, one of the first novels written on Guyana. His own book, GIFT OF THE FOREST, based on Amerindian Village Life achieved remarkable success in the USA where it was filmed. Singh wrote a number of books of prose and poetry including an autobiography of his years growing up among the Makushi Indians of Guyana. R. Lal Singh lived an active life, travelling frequently in company with his wife, CELEBRATING THE RICHNESS OF LIFE (title of one of his books of poems) yet he longed for escape, ‘o, how I long for the quiet and peace/far from the maddening rush and din/sometimes to give this restless soul release/where I can roam and sing or read a book’. Jan Carew is better known for his novel ‘Black Midas’, first published 1958. His other novels include ‘The Wild Coast’, ‘The Last Barbarian’ and ‘Green Winter’. His plays include ‘University of Hunger’, first performed at the Theatre Guild, Guyana, in 1966, ‘Black Horse, Pale Rider’, ‘Street of Eternity’, ‘Sea Drums in my Blood’, and ‘The Day of the Fox’. He won the Casa de Las Americas Prize for poetry in 1977. As a cultural historian, he wrote ‘Rape of Paradise’, ‘Moscow is not my Mecca’, ‘Ghosts in my Blood’, ‘Grenada, the Hour will Strike Again’ and ‘Fulcrums of Change’; setting history right, that is contrary to Euro-centric bias designs previously forced upon us. Carew, born 1920, died December 2012. E R Braithwaite: Better known for his evergreen book, ‘To Sir with Love’, translated in over

twenty-five languages, will maintain the focus on racial injustice and other forms of discrimination for as long as it is in print. His other books include ‘Paid Servant’ (1962), ‘A Kind of Homecoming’ (1962), ‘A Choice of Straws’ (1965), ‘Reluctant Neighbours’ (1972), and ‘Honorary White’ (1975). Writer, teacher and diplomat, Edward Ricardo Braithwaite, born in 1922 in Guyana, died in the US on December 12. On December 13, 1997, Martin Carter died amidst political turmoil in Guyana. Although his writings reflected the social and political history this country, Carter’s poetry is universally relevant so much so that some were translated into Spanish, Dutch and Hindi. Twice he was honoured by the government of the day: in 1970 he received the Cacique Crown of Honour and in 1994 the Order of Roraima. In 1989, his locally published book, ‘Selected Poems’, won the Guyana Prize for Literature in the category of best book of poetry. All but two of his books were published locally. The writer of books is now the study of at least three books namely, ‘YOU ARE INVOLVED - The Art of Martin Carter’ edited by Stewart Brown, ‘WEB OF OCTOBER – Rereading Martin Carter’ by Rupert Roopnaraine and ‘MARTIN CATER: UNIVERSITY OF HUNGER, collected poems and selected prose’ edited by Gemma Robinson. On December 23, Henry Josiah passed away while exhorting us ‘to rediscover ourselves, to sometimes dig up the ground our forebears have covered and take a long and loving look at our roots’. In 1994, his first and only collection of stories, ‘Tales of Makonaima’s Children’, was published by Roraima Publishers, a local company. Journalist, magazine publisher, radio commentator, playwright/actor, children’s book editor/producer, Josiah was an inveterate word merchant, gaining respect wherever he went. In 1966, ‘Makonaima and Pia’, won a children’s story contest. Reprinted in illustrated book form, that story earned a ‘Book of the Day’ award at the 1967 ‘Man and His World’ international exposition in Montreal and was included in a UNESCO travelling book exhibition ‘Best of the Best’. In 2002, the Henry Josiah Writing Short Story for Children was launched by the publishers of ‘THE GUYANA ANNUAL’. On December 25, A. J. Seymour passed on, hoping (through his many invaluable volumes of autobiography) that some academic at the university will continue his scholarship in Guyanese literature for ‘tomorrow belongs to the people’. His poetry has been translated into French, Spanish, Portuguese, German, Russian, Chinese and Hindi. In Australia, one of his poems is taught in Braille. At least ten were put to music and placed into the national repertoire. A bibliography of his writing compiled by the National Library was 100 pages long! That was in 1974, over forty years ago! Poet, literary critic, radio programmer/broadcaster, anthologist, ‘nativist publisher’ and cultural historian, Seymour was honoured by his country with the Golden Arrow of Achievement in 1970. In 1993, he was awarded an Honorary Doctor of Letters Degree by the University of the West Indies. Some of the works of the above writers effected change in certain communities and also helped in the shaping of Guyanese imagination and literature. Responses to this author telephone (592) 226-0065 or email: oraltradition2002@yahoo.com

Happy New Year!

Brush away old heartaches. Learn from our mistakes. Another year is finally over. A new dawn awakes.

Let the old year out. Welcome the new one in. Bury the bad things of the past As a new year now begins. Make your New Year wishes As simple as you can. Pray for peace and love, Not for wealth or fame. Pray for health and happiness. Pray for your fellow man. Pray for all the ones you love. Pray for those who've lost their way. As the midnight hour chimes, We leave the old and embrace the new. I wish the things you wish for yourself, And may God’s love stay with you. By John Read

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DECEMBER 29, 2019

Sunday Times Magazine 7

Feature

By Dr Steve Surujbally

ome thoughts on the use of explosives (squibs) during the holiday season especially their impact on companion animals (pets) It seems that a compulsory part of our emerging culture is to throw squibs or other explosive devices at or near dogs (pets) just to see how they will react. Somehow, for some people, the poor animal’s terrified reaction elicits merriment. Perhaps such barbarism is nothing new. In fact, such an act has been denounced by our grandparents who observe that: “what is fun for schoolboy is death for crapaud.” I recognise that, for many persons, it won’t be a really enjoyable Christmas/New Year’s/ Phagwah/Diwali celebration if squibs are not exploded, not lastly near to hapless animals, if only just to witness the scared reaction. When I was young – in Jurassic times – we used a piece of carbon and an Ovaltine tin to produce a loud noise at Christmas. There were no squibs in those days. Or, if there were,

we either had no money to buy then or, simply, we found more fun creating the bang with spat – upon carbon. For whatever reason, these boyhood activities seemed not to affect dogs who steered clear from the noise. Nowadays, however, the squib-induced noise continues throughout the day and night; the animals have no respite from this assault. Well, whether it is a firecracker or a squib or any noise-making explosive, it hurts animals. Dogs and cats have sensitive ears. The noise from the explosions disorients and traumatises them. They don’t know what to do. They run indoors and try to hide in secluded places where they think there i s security (bathrooms, under beds, in cupboards, etc). They hurt themselves. They run away from home (you can see them wandering around our roads lost, in a daze, and with anxious looks). They are struck down by uncaring motorists. I recall that one year, a German shepherd from Kitty was picked up by a good Samaritan in South Ruimveldt. They jump off

the verandah, break their legs or, worse, their necks, or damage their spinal cords, causing paralysis for life. The tying of firecracker to dogs’ tails is an unpardonable act of cruelty and an offence under the law. One can be charged, and the offender could be incarcerated. Terrorising dogs and cats is not a joke. If a friend wants to commit such acts of barbarism, distance yourself from him or her. He/she must not be a friend. Such a person might need psychiatric help. Simply put, exposing pets to squibs, firecrackers and to any type of explosive is one of the greatest cruelties one can administer to any animal. Some years ago, a wise Government introduced legislation which prohibits the importation and use of squibs and explosives. Yet, we find these articles being openly sold at our markets and variety stores. It is time – holiday or no holiday, season or no season, celebration or no celebration for the police to make an example of the importers, sellers and buyers. Mahatma Gandhi is reported to have said that one can judge the level of civilisation in a country on the basis of how they treat their animals. Let us make an extra effort this Christmas season to ensure that the use of squibs and any other type of noise-making devices (explosives) is kept at an absolute minimum. Perhaps we will evolve into such a caring nation that such “toys” will not anymore be used, and definitely not to scare animals – our fellow travellers on this spaceship Earth.

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DEMEMBER 29, 2019

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Feature

STANTON ROSE JR: THE JOURNEY…

By Timothy Jaikarran

s the Shakespeare quote goes, “Some are born great, some achieve greatness, and some have greatness thrust upon them”, that was the situation for Stanton Rose as he followed along the lines of his father. As a child growing up in Kwakwani, Rose Jr was taken by his mom to many of his father’s basketball games and was particularly inspired at a tender age on how the sport unified the people in the village. Born on December 26, 1999, to Vashawn Hopkinson and Stanton Rose Snr in the village of Kwakwani, Rose Jr was always destined for greatness from the first breath he took. Twenty-year-old Rose recalled the first time he got into basketball, which was through his former coach, Ann Gordon. He was around the age of eight, but couldn’t play because it was against high schoolers who were on the team but nevertheless, she allowed him to practice, recognising the talent he had. Rose then played his first official school tournament on June 1, 2015, a year after he was cut from the under-19 basketball team, being only 14 at that time. Still full of talent, Rose did not let his disappointment sideline him but continued to press towards the higher mark. “Even though I only got to play three years of high school basketball, it went great. I had a lot of achievements for such a short time. All three years I was the youngest on the team. My first year (2014), I played with a lot of experienced and older players who gave me a lot of knowledge. We played a regional tournament and I left with the MVP and in the national tournament, I got the most assists. That same year I made my first junior national team as well. “I also got called up to play for the Bounty Colts Basketball Club. My second year (2015), I became the captain of the team and finish the National Tournament, with the MVP, best scorer, and most assists. That year I think was the highlight of my young basketball career. I got the MVP of the Road To Mecca tournament and was the youngest to do it. My last year of school basketball was (2016). My last year was the best year, I lead the team to the first and only 3-peat in the school tournament, also won the MVP, best scorer, most assists, and the defensive player of the tournament. That year I was called up to

play f o r friendly in Jamaica with the senior national team,” Rose said. Seeing his career hit an all-time high at such a young age, Rose finally realised that Guyana was not where his career would have remained. But, he would now see the fruits of his hard work and dedication spring to life before his very eyes. “Through playing for the senior national team in the 2018 CBC tournament I got an offer to play overseas. After scoring 41 points against the St Vincent team, I got a call from Baylor University which I was unable to be accepted because of me not having a high school diploma. But there was a junior college in Texas called Jacksonville

Jaguars that I got an offer from to play abroad which was coached by Aaron Smith. He called and talked to me and told me how much he loves my playing style and told me he wanted to give me the opportunity to play for him and that’s where it started but he moved from Jacksonville and is now coaching at Panola College where he took me with him also.” Heading into 2020 with his future brighter than ever, Rose is optimistic that from Panola Junior College he’ll make his way to the National Collegiate A t h l e t i c Association (NCAA) to play for a four-year college which will lead to him playing pro basketball. “It does not matter where but the NBA is my main goal.”

guyanatimesgy.com

DECEMBER 29, 2019

Sunday Times Magazine

Health

By Jarryl Bryan

he is renowned for her passion and dedication to fitness. So much so that when she eventually launched her own fitness club, the only name for it, naturally, was Insane Fitness. In an interview after I personally participated in one of her jarring but effective fitness sessions, trainer Denoila Bristol

shared her tips for staying fit after the holiday feasting. She warned that in the first place, eating and drinking habits have to be monitored. "It's obviously eating a lot of fatty foods. Foods with a lot of high calories, especially when you don't lose it during [the] day in your work out or your normal job. Another way you can have a lot of fat gain is using beer. Beer is made with yeast and that causes weight gain, especially in the tummy area." "Eating a lot of carbs, especially in the evening and

not allowing it to digest. That causes a lot of fat. It might not be in the abdominal region alone, i t might be in the arms and legs," the fitness trainer explained. Bristol advised that in the second place, foods high in calories and a sedentary lifestyle are not a good combination. In a world where so many live a daily routine of driving to work, sitting at a desk all day and then driving back home, the foundation is set for weight gain. "Your level of activity during the day is a factor in weight gain. The person that sits in their office just sits there for 7 hours, and then they sit and drive home. And when they sit at their desk, they eat at their desk." "So when they intake that calorie, there's nowhere to let it out. It's ok if you’re going to take a walk in the afternoon, football cricket or whatever." Asked if, in her experience as a trainer, she has ever noticed a spike in weight gain after the Christmas holidays are over, Denoila confirmed that she had. "Usually when you see people in January, you would say oh you gain a lot of weight. The pepper pot and the bread and the rum and the rice and chicken and all these things. So yes, seriously." Weight management is a responsibility, but it can also be flexible. According to Denoila, the important thing to remember is what, when and how you eat. It is also about knowing

what certain nutrients do to the body. As an example, she noted that certain types of carbohydrates can increase the sense of hunger. "For me, I would tell my clients it's what you eat, when you eat and how you eat. That is how you manage your weight. So for example, in the bread-making, in the cake and stuff like that, you can use low-fat butter. There's low-fat milk. There are options like that to reduce the calorie intake. Watch how you cook." "Watch what you eat. I'm not saying to starve yourself, because it's not good to starve yourself. And for those persons who will be hanging out in the late evenings, it's ok to have your few drinks. But do not consume a lot of carbs in the evening. Because when you go home, you go straight to bed and do not give yourself a chance to digest it properly." And, of course, physical activity, be it from exercise or sports, is by far one of the best methods to burn fat. Denoila's motto is "go hard or go home". Having taken part in an Insane Fitness workout minutes before this interview, I can attest to its motto.

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DECEMBER 29, 2019

Fashion

he 31st December is the one time of year where you can cast aside all the typical fashion editor rules – like, 'buy something you'll wear again', 'invest in a staple wardrobe' and 'balance bare legs with a high neckline'. The mantra for NYE? Go big, or go home. Which means, sequins, satin, velvet, feathers, diamantés and anything that screams highoctane glamour in general. We suggest you take loads of pics of yourself looking fire and if you need some help deciding what to wear, we've rounded up some party dresses that are perfect for any New Year's Eve event.

guyanatimesgy.com

DECEMBER 29, 2019

Sunday Times Magazine 11

Recipes

12 Sunday Times Magazine

guyanatimesgy.com

DECEMBER 29, 2019

Puzzles

ACROSS 1 Sugar amts. 5 Mars explorer 10 Masked superhero 16 Elvis' "Don't Be --" 21 Oodles (2 wds.) 22 Basketball venue 23 Guarantee 24 Hair rinse 25 Santa --, Calif. 26 Encircles 27 Gives way 28 Have being 29 They may get traded 31 Bronze or Iron 33 Jockey, often 35 Vt. neighbor 36 "Dave" actor 37 Dust devil 40 Get -- of that junk! 41 Wk. day 42 Maple syrup base 45 911 responder 46 Score big 48 Formal vote 50 Least taxing 52 Cavort 54 Quick snack 55 Fashion magazine 57 Beauty pack 58 R2D2 or C-3PO 59 Fill the hold 60 Diet 62 Jaunty lid 66 Troubles, to Hamlet 67 Monarchs 69 Not genuine 71 Letter encl. 72 Firefly larvae 74 Yahoo! rival 76 Physicist -- Bohr 78 -- take forever! 79 Huron neighbor 80 Castle features 83 Said to be 85 Broncos great 88 Port near Hong Kong 89 Door or gate 90 1960s foursome 93 Tastes 95 Now, to Caesar 97 Canine command 98 Tugs hard 100 Wind dir. 101 Keeps a low profile (2 wds.) 106 Psyche's beloved

108 110 112 113 115 116 117 118 120 122 123 124 128 129 130 131 132 133 135 137 139 140 142 144 148 150 153 155 156 157 158 159 160 161 162 163 DOWN 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19

Harangue Unnerves Globetrot Units of force Carpet thickness Buys at auction Chase the puck Faint Gloating Johanson's fossil girl Engine part Congenial Biol. or astron. Summer in Cannes A fistful of dollars Grad. class High spirits Strong soap Batter ingredients Wined and dined Beak of a bird Hull parts Common abbr. Ran a store Chilling Limited Flee to the JP "Primal Fear" star Without warmth Complete reversals (hyph.) D.C. consumer advocate Taverns Hibachi sites Envoy Anagram for north Cubbyhole Scarlett's mansion Piggy-bank feature Lavish Hunt down Joplin genre China's place Chapter and -Wrap up Tabula -Sang to the moon Just -- -- thought! Half a fly Ponder Inner fire Tabloids "monster" "Moonstruck" star Oedipus -One of a kind Happens next

KATHLEEN SAXE

WORD GAME TODAY'S WORD -- REPRODUCE (REPRODUCE: ree-pruh-DOOS: To generate offspring.) Average mark 47 words Time limit 60 minutes Can you find 74 or more words in REPRODUCE? TODAY'S WORD -- REPRODUCE record recoup recur redo reduce reed repro rode rope roue rude ruder rued rupee ecru educe

epode erode erred euro peer perdure pore pour pourer procedure proceed procure prod produce producer

proud prouder prude puce pure puree purer purr order ordure decor deep deer deuce doer dope

dour drop drupe dupe updo cede cero code coed cope cord core corer coup coupe credo

creed creep crepe crop croup crude cruder cued curd cure curer

RULES OF THE GAME: 1. Words must be of four or more letters. 2. Words that acquire four letters by the addition of "s," such as "bats" or "dies," are not allowed. 3. Additional words made by adding a "d" or an "s" may not be used. For example, if "bake" is used, "baked" or "bakes" are not allowed, but "bake" and "baking" are admissible. 4. Proper nouns, slang words, or vulgar or sexually explicit words are not allowed.

20 30 32 34 38 39 41 42 43 44 46 47 49 51 53 54 56 59 61 63 64 65 67 68 69 70 73

Most current Go to the polls Kind of pool Red-waxed cheese Go blond Cheers Ocean's motions Bit of holly On -- -- (hot) Cellist -- Casals Most spacious Route for Ben-Hur UFO pilots Hoagie Piece of cake! (2 wds.) Liniment Sewing kit Decoy Kassel's river Singer Bonnie -Organic compound Lingerie item Vive le --! Cheesecake brand (2 wds.) Like a kilt Flamenco shout With dry humor

75 77 81 82 84 85 86 87 91 92 93 94 95 96 99 102 103 104 105 107 109 111 114 117 119 121 122

Fierce whales Blow a paycheck Ms. Thurman Familiar digit Opens the wine Waned Skeptical Prairie schooner Wolf, say Save a coupon Choir selections Miner's trough Makes after taxes -- Enterprise Mr. Kristofferson A famous 500 Horned animals Croc cousin Shaman's findings Family car Tied Just touch Close kin Front of an LP (2 wds.) Mme.'s daughter Band's booking Perchance

123 124 125 126 127 130 134 136 137 138 140 141 143 145 146 147 149 151 152 154

Design Epic by Virgil Take to the cleaners Silk or wool Good-looker Tearjerker Privileged few Migratory flocks Tolkien hobbit Begin eating (2 wds.) Janitor's need Like a bug in a rug Pocket money Lantern-jawed host Cube-maker Rubik Hotel lobby focus Type CD, maybe Big-bang letters -- -di-dah

SEE SOLUTION ON PAGE 13

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DECEMBER 29, 2019

Sunday Times Magazine 13

Tech

ouTube’s recent Studio update is finally giving people an easier way to deal with copyright claim disputes. The new update now lets creators address copyright disputes directly from their digital back-end workspace and gives them the option to trim out the claimed content in question. The “Assisted Trim” option is the biggest feature rolling out with the new Studio update, with the “endpoints of the edit pre-set to where the claimed content appears in the video,” according to a Google product blog. The team is working to allow adjustable endpoints so creators can cut out the specific portion of their video that makes the most sense, but that isn’t available just yet. Copyright disputes between creators and music labels or third-party companies are a consistent problem on YouTube. The company has tried to work with different companies to ensure that creators aren’t constantly facing copyright claims, but it’s been a tedious battle. Earlier this year, creators specifically called out groups like Universal Music, which owns one of the largest catalogs of songs, for being overzealous with copyright claims. YouTube rolled out a new policy update in July addressing concerns, noting that copyright owners like Universal now must state exactly where copyrighted material appears in a video, something they didn’t have to do before when reporting a case of copyright infringement. Creators can also filter through their video feeds in Studio to specifically see which videos were hit with copyright claims — leading to demonetized statuses or blocked videos entirely — much more easily. In an effort to be more transparent, the YouTube team is also showing copyright strikes, which are different and far more severe than copyright claims, directly on their Studio Dashboard. “We’re also providing more transparency about the content of the copyright takedown than ever before, now surfacing the specific description of the copyrighted work provided by the claimant in the takedown notice,” the blog post reads. YouTube’s blog post also notes there are “many more updates” coming in 2020 that will help creators navigate copyright claim messiness that often plagues their experience. For now, the company is trying to make it easier to work with copyright claims, appeal ones they think are unfair, and keep a closer eye on what’s getting hit. (The Verge)

he Galaxy Tab S6 will soon be available with 5G, making it possibly the first tablet with the faster connectivity. As spotted by SamMobile, the Galaxy Tab S6 5G is listed as coming soon on Samsung’s Korean website, even though the company hasn’t officially announced the device yet. There’s no information about how much it will cost or any of its specs apart from the added 5G description at the end of the name. There’s also no timeline for its release. The tablet’s been rumored ever since it passed through the Wi-Fi Alliance and Bluetooth SIG. It’s possible that the 5G version of the tablet will be essentially the same as the Tab S6, which was only released in September. That tablet includes the Snapdragon 855 processor, making 5G possible, so long as its paired additional Qualcomm chips. Huawei is also reportedly working on a 5G tablet, but we don’t have a timeline for that release, either. In The Verge’s review of the original Galaxy Tab S6, Dan Seifert wrote that to justify the cost and existence of the Samsung Tab S6, the tablet “has to be able to do more than just be a personal video player. It has to be able to also be a productivity machine, which is something that can be used to get actual work done.” Despite its gorgeous display, sleek design, and fast performance, it falls short due to frustrating software features and numerous bugs. It’s unclear if 5G can help. (The Verge)

witter is banning animated PNG image files (APNGs) from its platform, after an attack on the Epilepsy Foundation’s Twitter account sent out similar animated images that could potentially cause seizures in photosensitive people. Twitter discovered a bug that allowed users to bypass its autoplay settings, and allow several animated images in a single tweet using the APNG file format. “We want everyone to have a safe experience on Twitter,” the company says in a tweet from the Twitter Accessibility handle. “APNGs were fun, but they don’t respect autoplay settings, so we’re removing the ability to add them to Tweets. This is for the safety of people with sensitivity to motion and flashing imagery, including those with epilepsy.” Tweets with existing APNG images won’t be deleted from the platform, but only GIFs will be able to animate images moving forward. According to Yahoo, Twitter has further clarified that APNG files were not used to target the Epilepsy Foundation, but the bug meant such files could have been used to do so in the future had Twitter not moved to squash it. The attacks on the Epilepsy Foundation’s Twitter handle occurred last month — National Epilepsy Awareness Month — with trolls using its hashtags and Twitter handle to post animated images with strobing light effects. It’s not clear how many people may have been affected by the attack, but the foundation said it’s cooperating with law enforcement officials and has filed criminal complaints against accounts believed to have been involved. An animated image can be considered a deadly weapon, a Texas jury found in 2016, after a man sent a flashing GIF to journalist Kurt Eichenwald, who has epilepsy. The image did indeed cause Eichenwald to have a seizure. Twitter said Monday it will “look into building a similar feature that’s better for you and your Twitter experience” in lieu of APNGs. (The Verge)

Sonos announced that it will increase prices on the Sonos Amp and Sonos Port by $50 as it shifts production out of China and into Malaysia. The Amp will now retail for $649 and the Port will sell for $449; the price increases will be effective January 9th, 2020. Other Sonos products will remain the same price. Sonos telegraphed this move earlier in the year, telling analysts on earnings calls that it would be moving production out of China and prices might be affected. The company says the move is less about tariffs, which it called a “one-time hit,” and more about diversifying production for the future. The Amp and Port are at the upper end of the Sonos product line — they allow custom AV installers and enthusiasts to integrate Sonos whole-home audio into virtually any kind of setup. (The Amp allows you to drive whatever speakers you might have, while the Port allows you to connect components from surround receivers to turntables to a Sonos system.) The Verge reviewed both the Port and the Amp, and they’re great products, but the bump in price — especially for the Port — means that they’re starting to get too pricey for average consumers. Sonos knows this; the company told me the Port and the Amp generally sell to high-end integrators who are a little less sensitive to pricing on devices like these. This tracks with what The Verge heard from integrators, who intend to just pass the price increase along to customers who are generally getting enormous total bills anyway. (The Verge)

14 Sunday Times Magazine

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DECEMBER 29, 2019

ctor Taapsee Pannu has said in an interview that she was advised by people to not take up any more strong female roles in films. Taapsee has played a scientist, a lawyer, a hockey player, a sharpshooter and many other powerful roles in her career so far. Talking to Zoom, Taapsee said she was asked to ‘let men take the centre stage.’ “I have been advised by people in this industry that you should let men take the centre stage now. You are only doing women-centric films. When I tell them that I also did Mission Mangal, they say but that’s again a strong female character. Toh kya karu? Kuch bhi flimsy sa role kar lun? (Then what should I do? Should I do flimsy roles?),” she said. When asked about taking up what many would call a ‘flimsy role’ in Judwaa 2 opposite Varun Dhawan, she said it was only to prove that she could do something like this as well. “Yes, that I did only to prove that I can

rpita Khan and Aayush Sharma have welcomed their second bundle of joy, a baby girl, on Friday. The Loveyatri actor shared the happy news with the paparazzi stationed outside the hospital. He also revealed her name in an Instagram post. “Our little princess has

orth West isn’t just a part of pop culture, she now owns pop culture. As a Christmas present for her 6-year-old daughter, Kim Kardashian purchased a custom velvet jacket worn by Michael Jackson to Elizabeth Taylor’s 65th birthday party in 1997 and again at a screening of his movie “Ghosts.” Kim Kardashian shows off the jacket on her Instagram story. “North is a really big

also do this. Don’t put me in a box. But today, I am in a position that when I do a commercial film, the character will have something for sure. That I can command today,” she said. Taapsee whose last three films - Badla, Mission Mangal and Saand Ki Aankh - fared well at the box office, is now looking forward to multiple new films. She has Thappad with Anubhav Sinha, a Mithali Raj biopic titled Shabaash Mithu, Rashmi Rocket and Haseen Dillruba with Vikrant Massey.

arrived. Ayat Sharma, born on 27th December. Thank you for all your love and blessings,” he wrote. Arpita and Aayush also have a three-year-old son, Ahil. The Khans have double the reasons to rejoice, as Arpita’s brother Salman Khan was also celebrating his 54th birthday. In fact,

Michael Jackson fan and we knew she would love this,” Kardashian, 39, said on her Instagram story. “We won this on an auction for Northie for Christmas.” Kardashian made the winning bid of $65,625 at the auction held by Julien’s Auctions in October, according to E! News. It was only expected to sell for between $10,000 and $20,000, Julien’s said ahead of the auction. Some alterations were made to the jacket so that

Taapsee will start shooting for Shabaash Mithu in the middle of 2020. “It is going to be difficult, I know. I watch cricket a lot but I never played the game. So, it is going to be challenging for me. Mithali (Raj) has already told me that ‘I’d like to see how you play the cover drive!’ So, I dream of cover drives now,” she laughed. “I will start preparing for the film at the start of next year because we are going to start shooting of the film from middle of 2020,” added the actor. (Hindustan Times)

according to reports, Arpita and Aayush planned the arrival of their second child on Salman’s birthday. Every year, Salman rings his birthday in at his farmhouse in Panvel. However, this year, he did not leave Mumbai and instead celebrated at Sohail Khan’s house, reportedly because he wanted to spend time with Arpita. In August this year, Aayush inadvertently let the cat out of the bag, when he shared a picture with Arpita and Ahil on Instagram. One of the comments on the photo of the trio read, “All 4 are looking Amaazing :) :p”, and the actor said thanks. (Hindustan Times)

it could fit North now. The body and sleeves can be lengthened again as she grows up. The jacket was designed by Jackson’s longtime fashion collaborators Dennis Tompkins and Michael Bush and features a vine motif, white stones, pearls and rhinestone tassels, according to Julien’s. North is already starting a wardrobe that other stars would be envious of, including a $10,000 Hermès Birkin bag. (Page Six)

he film on courageous Pakistani activist Malala Yousufzai who defied Taliban, Gul Makai, now has a release date - the movie will hit theatres on January 31. Trade analyst Taran Adarsh tweeted the announcement Friday morning. Gul Makai is the pseudonym Malala used when she wrote blogs for BBC Urdu during the Talibani rule. “#GulMakai - the biopic on #MalalaYousafzai - to release on 31 Jan 2020... Stars #ReemShaikh as #Malala, #DivyaDutta, #AtulKulkarni, #Mukesh Rishi and #PankajTripathi...

ays after making her “Saturday Night Live” debut, Lizzo took to Twitter to respond to a claim from author Dr. Boyce Watkins that she’s only a superstar due to “an obesity epidemic in America.” “Rather than encouraging people to do better, we are simply lying to them and telling them that they are just fine the way they are,” the writer tweeted this week. “Unfortunately, many of these people are dying from diabetes and heart disease.” The “Truth Hurts” singer, 31, soon responded to the controversial orator, writing, “I’m popular because I write good songs and I’m talented and perform high energy hour and a half shows filled with love. The only person who needs to do better is you.” She went on, “Keep my name out ya mouth & look in

Directed by H E Amjad Khan... Produced by Sanjay Singla... Dr Jayantilal Gada and Tekno Films presentation,” he tweeted. Malala Yousafzai was shot in her head and neck by Talibani militants for going to school. Not only did she fight her fate and survive, she also continued her fight for women’s rights and education. Directed by India’s Amjad Khan, the biopic has been majorly shot in Kashmir and traces the then socio-political atmosphere of Pakistan. Actors Reem Shaikh, Divya Dutta,

the mirror before you come for me. Here’s the attention you ordered.” While his initial tweet solely criticized her size — even going so far as to refer to her as “Tiffany Fattish”

Mukesh Rishi, Abhimanyu Singh and Ajaz Khan will be seen in the film. Pankaj Tripathi has also joined the cast, as per Taran’s announcement. The first motion poster of Gul Makai was unveiled earlier and it gave a glimpse of the fire that she fought against. As a girl holds a book in her hands which is on fire, Kabir Bedi’s deep voice echoes, “This is about those times when the Taliban was destroying Pakistan and Afghanistan in the name of Jihad and religion. When from a very small village in Pakistan, a voice arose.” “From a young age, Pakistani student Malala Yousafzai was known for speaking out in favour of the educating girls and highlighting the atrocities of the Taliban,” a United Nations report said calling Malala world’s most famous teenager of this decade. (Hindustan Times)

— Watkins later backtracked, saying the singer’s behavior is truly the problem. The songstress has yet to respond to the follow-up tweets. (Page Six)

guyanatimesgy.com

DECEMBER 29, 2019

Sunday Times Magazine 15

16 Sunday Times Magazine

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DECEMBER 29, 2019

Fun Times

Archie

ARIES

Getting together with peo(March 21- ple who share your beliefs will April 19) encourage you to get involved in making a difference. Romance is in the stars.

Avoid any sort of emotionTAURUS al meddling or interaction (April 20- that could lead to unwanted May 20) results. Bring a positive attitude to any event you attend. Focus on being helpful and optimistic. Look for the best way to GEMINI use your skills, knowledge (MAY 28- and position to help others. June 20) Personal improvement will lift your spirits and help you prepare for what's to come.

Work on your relationships CANCER with others. Lend a helping

(June 21- hand, participate in events that July 22) can improve your community and share your ideas and hopes for the future. LEO

(July 23Aug. 22)

Dilbert

VIRGO (Aug. 23Sept. 22)

Share your feelings, show someone how much you care and choose peace, love and romance over discord and criticism. Choose to make this day one to remember fondly. Love conquers all. A change will be useful for you. Participating in events that make you reflect on your life and where you see yourself heading will encourage you to make positive choices.

Discuss problems civilLIBRA ly and make the necessary (Sept. 23adjustments. Take time to Oct. 23) primp and pamper yourself in preparation to ring in a new year. Romance should be on your agenda.

Peanuts

Take it easy, as rest will SCORPIO (Oct. 24- do you a world of good mentalNov. 22) ly, emotionally and physically. Discussions you have with an older friend or relative will spark your imagination and help you make decisions. EmotioYou'll be drawn to SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23- something or someone from Dec. 21) your past. Indulge your curiosity and make an effort to track down or engage in whatever it is that has been holding you back.

Calvin and Hobbes

Complete your to-do list CAPRICORN and move on to enjoy the (Dec. 22- activities going on at home Jan. 19) or with friends. A positive change will transpire if you are open to suggestions. Personal growth will lead AQUARIUS to a better understanding of (Jan. 20- what's important to you and Feb. 19) how best to go about getting what you want. Romance is in the stars.

PISCES Don't stop now. You can (Feb. 20- get a lot done if you act Mar. 20) quickly. Figure out how best to take advantage of a situation and consider the skills you need to improve your life.