Guyana Chronicle E-paper 07-30-2018

MONDAY 30th July, 2018

Better voter turnout expected No.105351

– as towns prepare for Local Gov't Elections 03 PAGE

09 Man consumed

by Better Hope fire PAGE

Phillips talks 02 up communal entrepreneurship PAGE

26 families receive new homes Madramootoo Ram and his wife Jenny Heralall and five of their seven children in front their new home

–– compliments of Food For The Poor

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, July 30, 2018

Phillips talks up communal entrepreneurship –– at second One-Stop Business Conference in Linden

By Vanessa Braithwaite HUNDREDS of Lindeners of African descent were on Saturday empowered as to the role they have to play and the agencies that are on board to assist them in becoming successful entrepreneurs, not only as individuals, but collectively.

This was the second out of three One- Stop Business Conferences that are being hosted by the International Decade for People of African Descent Assembly of Guyana (IDPAD-G), in collaboration with the African Business Roundtable (ABR) and the Nile Valley Economic Community (Nivalecom).

Linden has been identified as a predominantly African town and its economy for too long has been stagnated with limited investment opportunities and a far-fromblooming business sector.

According to Eric Phillips, President of the African Business Round-table, it was most fitting for the conference to be hosted in Linden, given the limited growth rate in the economy.

He highlighted the 1010- 10 economic plan which focuses on a 10 per cent growth rate for the Region 10 economy. He highlighted to the packed audience, approximately 14 business initiatives that would allow

this plan to see fruition and will also create up to 5000 jobs in Linden.

High on his agenda was exploitation of the tourism industry, more so aqua- tourism by developing Linden’s river front. He also spoke of turning the town into a green zone in keeping with the country’s push for the green economy; this too can create a plethora of jobs.

Phillips encouraged the African community of Linden to remain strong and to be empowered, while commending them for even making an effort to turning up to such an event, which was geared towards knowledge-building and informing.

The capacity audience at the Linden leg of the One-Stop Business Conference hosted by the International Decade for People of African Descent Assembly of Guyana (IDPAD-G)

Lindeners interacting with representatives of the Guyana Marketing Corporation on sunday He shunned the myths of Afro-Guyanese not having the capacity to own and manage successful businesses, something that their foreparents had done effectively. “We come from a great entrepreneurial heritage, that our ancestors were the first entrepreneurs, the first business people, we should not feel that business is not for us,” he said.

This, he said, can only be best done through collective efforts as the entire community would benefit and not just one man.

COMMUNITY SPIRIT “We have to come to-

gether in a spirited community, because our ancestors thought communally, so it’s not just about 100 chickens but 10000, not about 100 acres but 10000,” he reasoned.

African Movement Linden branch Chairman Gary Croal, said what is lacking in Linden is technical advice and clerical services for grassroot potential entrepreneurs. Many Lindeners are interested in owning their own businesses, but do not possess the skills needed to even complete a simple business proposal and relevant documentation needed at lending institutions.

While the Small Business Bureau has established a desk at the Linden Mayor and Town Council to assist in this aspect, Croal said more business-oriented agencies should set up shop in Linden, since it takes a lot out of someone to travel to Georgetown to access these services.

Croal also encouraged entrepreneurs to see their businesses as interdependent, since a one-man army can never reap success. In the establishment of one business, many others should be able to profit off of it and in that way, the entire town See page 3

Better voter turnout expected

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, July 30, 2018

– as towns prepare for Local Gov’t Elections

VOTER-TURNOUT at the November 12 Local Government Elections (LGEs) is predicted to increase significantly, but the inability of some town councils to reach the basic needs of residents may act as a deterrent, according to some mayors.

In 2016, when Local Government Elections were restored after 23 years, only 43 per cent of the 507,633 persons registered to vote went to the polls, but this time around, the voter-turnout is expected to improve with growing confidence in the local government system, particularly in the towns of Bartica, Lethem, Rose Hall, and Mabaruma.

On Sunday, Mayor of Bartica Gifford Marshall, said while the masses had lost hope in the local government system prior to March 2016, confidence

is gradually being restored under the mixed system of Proportional Representation and First- Past-thePost.

The mixed electoral system allows for 50 per

tion component and the other 50 per cent through the First-Past-the-Post or constituency component.

“The mixed system, especially the constituency component of it has result-

hopes to tap into the royalties collected by central government from the four quarries – BK Quarry, Big Hope Quarry, Durban Quarry and St Mary’s Quarry – op-

tem, despite the challenges being faced. He said when the elections were held in March 2016, there was not much optimism, especially on the part of the younger population, but persons are

children at a minimum fee, and 50 street lights from a batch of 150, using revenues it collected.

The fee structure now includes vending fees, application fees and fees

Mayor of Bartica Gifford Marshall

Mayor of Anna Regina Rabindranauth Mohan

Mayor of Linden Waneka Arrindell

Former Mayor of Lethem Carlton Beckles

Mayor of Rose Hall Vijay Ramoo

cent or half of the number of councillors of each Local Authority Area to be elected through the Proportional Representa-

ed in increased development in all constituencies over the past two and half years, so yes, I am optimistic that more persons will go to the polls this time around,” Marshall told this newspaper.

He said the local government model creates an opportunity for residents to take ownership of their towns, and in Bartica, the municipality has been capitalising on the system. Marshall explained that while the Mayor and Town Council of Bartica receives an annual subvention of $15M from central government for the execution of capital projects, it collaborates with the private sector and residents to execute minor projects such as maintenance of roads and other facilities within the nine constituencies.

But while the Town Council with support from central government and the private sector has made significant progress, Marshall said with increased funding, the municipality would be in a better position to execute major projects, such as the construction of roads and bridges.

He said the council

erating within the town.

beginning to see benefits.

Beckles, who now sits as a councillor, said under his stewardship the municipality improved its fee structure to rake in much-needed finance to address many of the issues that had affected the town. When the Lethem Mayor and Town Council took office following the March 18, 2016 LGEs, it took over a system from the Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) which saw approximately $25,000 to $30, 000 in revenues being raked in on a monthly basis. Beckles boasted that presently, the council rakes in an average of $3M in revenues every month.

“Using revenues we collected, the council bought a garbage truck for about $9.7 million – that is bringing in even more revenues. Before the garbage truck was purchased, we were using a tractor to collect garbage, and revenues from that alone amount to about $900, 000 to $1.2M a month, so we were encouraged to buy the garbage truck,” Beckles explained. Additionally, the council purchased a 30-seater bus to transport

for the hosting of events, he said, while noting that such fees did not exist in the past.

Because the system is working for residents, Beckles is positive that more residents will go out to vote come November 12. He said while the Lethem Mayor and Town Council is given an annual subvention of $15M, it continues to utilise various avenues to meet the needs of residents.

Mayor of Mabaruma, Henry Smith, like Marshall and Beckles opined that more residents would go to the polls in the coming elections.

Smith said though that there was much skepticism during the last Local Government Elections because of political tactics which were employed by the previous People’s Progressive Party (PPP) government such as the installation of Interim Management Committees (IMC). Residents now feel empowered to address local government issues.

The Mabaruma Mayor and Town Council is not yet collecting rates

Phillips talks up ...

From page 2

of Linden will benefit.

“It helps in the African way to maintain all the businesses all the time because businesses depend on each other; they are all inter-related by one business. That is how our foreparents grew, they interconnect every business along the villages, so if one businesses has a problem, all would know.” He added: “We should shun individuality, because it shows selfishness. If your business fails, then automatically my business will fail, that is how we should look at it. ” The business conference had several agencies on exhibition and representatives also made presentations on how their agencies can aid the African community of Linden to become mobilised and most importantly, to access financing and technical support.

These include the Guyana Marketing Corporation, the Small Business Bureau, Citizen’s Bank, the Guyana Revenue Authority, the National Insurance Scheme and the Commercial and Deeds Registries. Forms were also made available by the (IDPAD-G) for the accessing of loans and grants.

Jamer Sobers took the opportunity to complete a form to benefit from financing. This young African entrepreneur highlighted the many struggles she faced in keeping her business going and was grateful for the information and guidance received from the conference.

“I was in need of help and I am happy I received it, because I have tried several business ventures and I really need one that works for me,” the mother of one told the Guyana Chronicle.

The third outreach is slated for August 8 at Corentyne at the Rose Hall Youth and Sports Club on August 8.

PROPERTY RE-EVALUATION “Central government has made a move to have a re-evaluation of properties done, because municipalities are complaining that they don’t have enough finance to do what they have to do. While we applaud and welcome that move, our demand for finance is very high and so we believe that if the municipality can benefit from a fraction of the royalties that the quarries pay to central government, then of course that will help us a great deal,” the mayor explained.

He explained that the re-evaluation of properties in Bartica could not significantly increase the council’s finances, because the town is not heavily populated as in the case of Linden or Georgetown.

According to him, the Mayor and Town Council would be making a strong case to government soon.

Former Mayor of Lethem, Carlton Beckles, told the Guyana Chronicle that residents are upbeat about the local government sys-

See page 8

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, July 30, 2018

26 families receive new homes – compliments of Food For The Poor

By Nafeeza Yahya EVERYONE strives to have their own home as it provides protection from the elements and helps improve a family’s health, both mentally and physically.

Most invest significantly to improve the quality of their domicile to make it more comfortable while for others, owning their own place is but a pipe dream.

However, for 26 East Berbice, Corentyne families with over 100 members, their dream became a reality when Food For The Poor Guyana Inc. (FFPGI) and the St. Francis Community Developers (SFCD) handed over fully furnished houses to them last week.

The one storey-wooden houses handed over are equipped with solar panels, beds, matrasses, linens, stove and even groceries. The good gesture came at a time when SFCD is celebrating its 32nd anniversary and 27 years of partnership with FFPGI. The joy and excitement of the beneficiaries could not be

contained.

“Me feel so nice, is a shocking thing for me. Is like meh get a big gift. What me could ah never afford to do because it hard to work and maintain seven children, when I work and come home, I buy some stuff it, done the same day, then we have to think what we going to eat tomorrow, and as so it a go every day. So we could a never afford to get wan place like this. Me nah know how we can ever thank them for this, me so happy me a cry,” Madramootoo said.

Ram, 49, and his wife Jenny Heralall, 39, of H & J Street, Albion, Corentyne and their five of seven children were among the beneficiaries.

This seemingly insignificant gesture to many is actually a beacon of hope and promise of a brighter future for this family, who which has faced many hardships in life, including when it rains.

Before the intervention of FFPGI and SFCD, the family of seven shared a small and uncomfortable space. Ram, a fisherman and his family have been living at the location for

CEO FFTPG Kent Vincent (second left) and SFCD President Alex Foster (left) with Project Manager Andrea Benjamin, contractor and the beneficiaries of the homes

many years. However, due to four piracy attacks, he no longer felt safe on the high seas and opted to purchase fish wholesale from the boats and re-sell it to maintain his family.

No longer earning as much as he did previously and unable to maintain his home and send five children to school, his third child, Janisa was forced to drop out of high school in Form Two to help her parents in their endeavours and take care of her four younger siblings, ages 13,11,8 and five.

The two older siblings, ages 19 and 24 are married and are living at separate homes.

MUST RECEIVE AN EDUCATION Janisa Heralall, 15, who looks after her younger siblings, told this publication that she wants all of them to have an education. She yearns to return to school, but is of the view it would be difficult in the formal school system given her age, but is open to any programme in business management that can help her to achieve her goal of becoming a business woman.

Already with a knack for business, she encouraged her parents to start a small driedfish business which she manages and desires to own her own business one day.

Ram said because of the new and comfortable environment, he has a renewed desire to work harder to help his family.

“Now me deh more proper, the place clean and is better, more space for the children them face show happiness, me happy, me wife happy, me can now work more hard to get school stuff

and help set up the business to grow,” he said.

Their story is one of many of positive changes, thanks to the work of FFPGI and SFCD. CEO of FFPGI Kent Vincent said the collaboration with SFCD over the past 27 years has been an excellent one and Food For The Poor looks forward to the continued partnership to help those in need.

Together, the two organisations have built shade houses, distributed farming tools, equipment and furniture, host school-feeding programmes, education programmes, medical outreaches and embarked on a housing initiative, among other initiatives in Region Six. WANT TO DO MORE “We want to do much more, we started with 10 houses, we moved to 20, currently, we are building 30 houses per month and in the future we want to do 100 houses per month. The need is there, the demand is there; there are people who have

very little, who have almost nothing; there are some large families who are in need and we are very happy to bring that assistance to you,” he told the beneficiaries at the handing-over ceremony.

President of SFCD, Alex Foster, expressed profound gratitude to FFPGI for making the project a reality and helping to transform many lives over the years. He pledged to continue to work closely with the FFTGI and all SFCD partners to improve the lives of all. He also urged the new home owners to take care of their properties and make the most of the opportunity provided.

Foster said from visiting beneficiaries, he has found that the new home owners showed improved health, happiness and overall transformation of their lives, especially the children who are doing better academically.

From October last to present, 78 families in Region Six have benefited from the housing programme.

Ten more homes are to be handed over shortly.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, July 30, 2018

Queen’s granddaughter Zara Tindall reveals second miscarriage

(BBC) Zara Tindall has spoken about suffering two miscarriages before having her second child.

T h e Q u e e n ’s g r a n d daughter had announced in 2016 that a pregnancy announced the previous month had ended in a miscarriage.

Now she has told the Sunday Times she later suffered another miscarriage before becoming pregnant with her daughter Lena, who was born in June.

She said for a time “you don’t talk about it because it’s too raw”.

“But as with everything, time’s a great healer,” she said.

The Olympic medal-winning equestrian is married to

ex-England rugby captain Mike Tindall. The pair have a four-year-old daughter Mia as well as Lena.

Mrs Tindall does not hold a royal title and is not an HRH but, as a descendant of the Queen, her pregnancies were announced publicly.

After announcing that she had lost her baby in 2016 she said she and her husband had been inundated with letters from people saying they had been through the same thing.

In a joint interview with her brother Peter Phillips, Mrs Tindall said: “For me, the worst bit was that we had to tell everyone, everyone knew.”

The 37-year-old went on:

Zara Tindall and her husband Mike with her oldest daughter, Mia

“I had to go through having the baby because it was so far along.

“I then had another miscarriage really early on.”

Mrs Tindall praised her

“concerned” husband and “protective” brother, saying: “It was a time when my family came to the fore and I needed them.”

Mrs Tindall said: “In

our case, it was something that was really rare; it was nature saying, ‘This one’s not right.’.”

Mr Phillips explained how he and his wife Autumn and their two daughters live 200 yards from Mrs Tindall and her family.

He said: “When Mia arrived it was quite difficult to compute. Zara has always been the little sister and suddenly I thought: ‘Christ, you’ve properly grown up now’.

“That rather annoying little sister is now a well-respected equestrian and an exceptional mother. If my daughters come close to achieving what Zara’s achieved, I’d be happy.”

Too many women being killed‚ Morvant resident laments (Trinidad Newsday) TOO MANY WOMEN are being killed when they try to save themselves from personal situations gone bad by seeking protection from the courts.

Morvant resident Judith Murray raised that concern during a forum hosted by the Judicial Education Institute (JEI) at the Angostura Event Hall, House of Angostura, Laventille, on Thursday.

Murray said in many of these instances, these women are the victims of “truant men.”

She urged the Judiciary to put things in place to deal with the situation because it could “turn justice on its head.”

School principal Wayne Jordan welcomed the open forum but felt another venue like the Success Laventille Secondary School could have been used. He felt a venue like that would have encouraged more members of the community, especially the young people, to come out and express their views.

Saying many young people in the community were pulled into a life of crime, Jordan said he recently attended the funeral of one of his former students who was murdered.

In response to Murray, Justice Peter Jamadhar said all of those issues that had a real gender component show that women were a

Justice Peter Jamadhar noted the Judiciary was addressing gender issues during at a public forum hosted by the Judicial Education Institute in Laventille last Thursday,

vulnerable group that needed “special attention and treatment.” Jamadhar said the Judiciary was looking at

these issues through a gender lens. “Within the Judiciary, we are addressing gender.”

Justice Andrea Smart told the gathering that she presided in the Family Court.

After saying she tried not to take her work home with her, Smart said whether she made the right order was something that kept her awake at night. While she can order people to stay away from homes, Smart said, “I can’t make them obey my orders.”

She added, “It’s something that concerns me and I take it very seriously. My orders can affect families forever.”

Jamadhar assured Jordan that the JEI would broaden its reach to communities over time. Justice Gillian Lucky said bail applications were some of the first matters she dealt with, after she was appointed as judge. She recalled a young man from Laventille appeared before her in one matter. Saying she denied him bail on that

occasion, Lucky said the man told her, “Judge, you don’t know.”

Lucky said she heard that view from other people who complained about the difficulty they face in accessing bail. Saying the same person appeared before her on another occasion in a different court,

Lucky told him then, “Yes, I know.” She said his new question was, “Judge, what you doing?” Indicating that efforts were being made to address accessibility to bail, Lucky said solutions affecting people’s ability to access justice involve a “listen, analyse and solve” approach.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, July 30, 2018

Linden on the rise LINDEN, apart from New Amsterdam, can lay claim to being the most wellknown of the nation’s municipalities.

Enshrined in the national industrial order as the Mining Town, because of its internationally known bauxite mining activity, this enclave was once a developed and self-sufficient community, known as the geographic space, where the “fattest’’ pay cheques were paid; and good pensions to retirees were assured. And this was best borne out because as an industrial community, the entity had the best collective of technical personnel, of significant Guyanese numbers and expatriates, whether in the form of engineers, many multiple trained; sociologists; administrative specialists, medical doctors, and other related expertise that made for the daily operations of an important cog in the national economy.

Since we are aware of the post-independent history of an entity that became subsequently owned by the Guy-

anese people, an exercise of national sovereign right that was fully supported by the late Dr Cheddi Jagan, the then leader of the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic(PPP/C), much will not detain us. Except that such a decision brought swift retaliation from the international powers that be. This was further exacerbated by the gradual slump of world bauxite prices, which would have dire consequences for mining, employment, and socio-economic life of the community.

Its glory days gradually came to an end, as it began to slide into the category of a depressed community, with zero employment opportunities available, and hardships that dampened the once social vibrancy of citizens who were known for their militancy, and enterprise to national development.

Memories are not too foggy, so as to forget the over two decades of glaring neglect of a community, whose constant pleas and calls for help to an uncaring PPP/C government

were ignored; but which responded with deadly force when Lindeners in their thousands protested a decision for them to pay normal energy charges. It was quite obvious that Linden was being punished, for not accepting the political overtures from the then PPP/C administration.

But those depressing days are coming to an end, as Linden and its citizens are now on the rise, up from the ground of being a community where employment opportunities were once non-existent, and youths especially were without hope. There is now a better, certain hope for a brighter future, manifest since the change of government in 2015.

This air of confidence was best exemplified by the report in March, of investors flocking to Linden. Already, this trend is evident by the opening of four supermarkets, a new gas station, an international restaurant, auto spares and motor cycle store, and an insurance company. This has begun to bring much- needed

employment to what had once been described as a gloomy town, as well as causing very scarce finances to circulate in increased volumes.

Minister of State within the Ministry of the Presidency, the Honourable Joseph Harmon, mirrored this optimism during his address to the opening of the mining town, Linden Town Day activities, at which the diverse technical and cultural skills on display, reflected a new-found confidence among the town’s folk.

Referencing President David Granger’s advice given at the unveiling of the Centenniel Bauxite Arch, sometime ago, the minister noted that he was happy that the town’s “citizens were aggressively” pursuing the President’s advice of “venturing” into various forms of manufacturing, rather than depending on mining. Certainly, it is good advice that has fertilised on equally fertile human soil, given the preponderance of industrial skills that are in abundance in the mining town.

Not to be left out in this socio-economic resurgence of Linden are its young citizens.

Through the Linden Youth Network (LYN), a non-governmental organisation, 37 students were able to graduate in ICT skills, hosted by the Board of Industrial Training in collaboration of with the Office of the First Lady. This network is now in the process of enrolling other youths from the Linden communities for similar training.

This is wonderful, not only for the acquisition of a very important technical skill which will make these very young citizens very marketable, while adding to the community’s human capacity; but because of the selfless thought and kind care of getting their fellow youths equipped by paying it forward. It is the kind of cooperative spirit that is pivotal for success in such communities.

We are very happy for a community and its citizens that have endured some of the worst socio-deprivations in the history of this nation.

That despite the big and empty promises of the 2011 PPP/C presidential candidate, of the creation of 2000 jobs that did not materialise, Lindeners are gradually rebuilding their community, and their self-respect through self-sufficiency, and other forms of employment. There are even success stories of disadvantaged students performing very well at the National Grade Six Examinations. This has resulted in a prominent businessman, donating the sum of $1.5M towards assisting the future scholastic careers of these students.

Like a Phoenix, Linden is rising from the ashes, in time to prepare itself for participation in the coming oil-and-gas economy.

This continued resurgence will have another example when Linden hosts its first Freedom Fest, on August 01. This event has had exemplary support from many prominent citizens.

Minister Harmon was right when he said, “Linden is poised for better days.”

The media seem to be sleeping

ON July 24, Voices Against Violence (the collection of organisations and entities that spearhead the Annual National Anti-Violence Candlelight Vigil to mark World Suicide Prevention Day, to be held on September 9 this year) sent an email to media across Guyana, with a link to a Facebook post alleging rape by a Route #42 mini-bus driver.

It was our hope that all media would have, at least, carried an article on the allegation, if not do their own investigative reporting, since the person making the allegation was identifiable via her FB page.

As far as we are aware, only one newspaper carried a report, but it was not investigative. Now we hope the police would contact the newspaper to get the FB link

and carry out an investigation, so that any possible recurrence of an incident like that alleged would not happen.

A few weeks ago we had sent another email to selected media with three FB links and supporting photos alleging gender-based violence.

Unfortunately, none of the newspapers published any reports on any of the allegations. But aren’t these the kinds of issues that media needs to highlight, if not investigate, as part of their social responsibility? When alleged victims are too scared to go to the police shouldn’t the media be their recourse, if others choose to inform the media of the allegations?

The fact is that social media on the whole and FB in particular are dotted with allegations of rape and abuse,

but often, when we are able to contact the alleged victims they refuse to talk and/or to take action.

Voices Against Violence has also learned of several cases including one of a young lady allegedly raped and murdered by a businessman, who then allegedly bribed the police to drop the case. We learnt about this long after the fact, but because no details were provided we could not go to the media or the police.

The Caribbean Voice has also encountered many cases with the same kind of responses. In fact, we particularly recall a case whereby a woman was badly beaten by her husband because she set up an appointment with a counsellor for both of them, so they could work towards resolving issues that had

arisen in their relationship.

The husband brutalised her because he felt she should not have done that and that he did not need counseling, because there was nothing wrong with him. In fact, The Caribbean Voice has found that Guyanese on the whole are very skeptical of counselling, with some thinking that’s only for ‘maad people’ and some alleging that counsellors do not hold to confidentiality.

Oftentimes, when we deal with cases, they make it clear that they only want The Caribbean Voice to provide counselling, and they absolutely refuse to contact the Suicide Helpline.

This particular woman approached The Caribbean Voice for help but she refused to go to the police, whom she did not trust. So, in collaboration with anoth-

er NGO we persuaded her to seek medical help at the Georgetown Public Hospital where she was kept for treatment. It was our hope that once she was treated and discharged we would still be able to persuade her to go to the police. Sadly, she took self-discharge from the hospital without our knowledge and took her life.

There can be no doubt that lack of trust in the police is a huge issue in Guyana and something that the police top brass and the minister of public security need to urgently address, not in a piecemeal ad hoc manner, but via an ongoing, concerted campaign.

However, the media can play a significant role in helping victims to get justice and counselling as well as encourage the general public to become reporters by re-

sponding to all reports sent to them. Social responsibility aside, there are the issues of humanity and conscience, of helping to drive social change, of the watchdog role encompassing social issues and of reportage that concretely serves the population.

So both Voices Against Violence and The Caribbean Voice will continue to report allegations of rape and abuse to the media with the hope that media will investigate, publicise, and liaise with police to bring perpetrators to trial. Of course, we are aware that there may always be allegations that may be fake, but the media and the police should be able to ferret out those.

Sincerely, Voices Against Violence The Caribbean Voice

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, July 30, 2018

Indigenous language to be taught in nursery schools people and put a new dimension on how we look at Guyana.”

This photo of Indigenous people from 15 communities of the Wapichan tribe in the South Rupununi was taken back in 2016 when they met in the mixed Makushi/Wapichan village of Shulinab to join a global campaign in support of Indigenous peoples and community land rights

COME September, 2018, Wapichan children in three nursery schools in Region Nine will be taught in their native language, creating history in Guyana.

Via a Memorandum of Understanding with the Quality Bilingual Education Programme for Wapichan Children (QBEP), the Education Ministry has agreed to introduce the language course at three pilot schools in Region 9 – Maruranau, Sawariwau and Karaudarnau Nursery Schools.

The project had been a work in progress for approximately two years.

According to the MoU, which was signed on Friday, QBEP, in collaboration with the Education Ministry through NCERD, completed the production of material for the year of nursery education that reflects both national standards for Guyana and the language and culture of the Wapichan people.

The bilingual programme will run from the start of the academic year in September, 2018, to the close of the academic year in 2020.

“With the permission of the Ministry of Education, t h e N u r s e r y Ye a r O n e material will be used from the start of the academic year in September, 2018, to the close of the academic year in 2019. It will be used by teachers for Nursery One in three pilot schools in Region 9: Maruranau, Sawariwau and Karaudarnau Nursery Schools.

“A further three schools have been selected to act as control schools in ongoing monitoring and evaluation of the programme. These schools will be: Shea, Awarewaunau and Katoonarib Nursery Schools,” Clause 2 of the MoU explained.

It was noted that while

the year one nursery school Wapichan children are being taught, QBEP and NCERD will work to produce materials for Nursery Year Tw o t o b e u s e d i n t h e same pilot schools from September, 2019, to the close of the academic year.

During this pilot phase, it was agreed that teachers in the selected schools will adhere to the guidelines established by QBEP, and keep records associated with its delivery and assessment. Additionally, with permission from the Chief Education Officer (CEO) Marcel Hutson, the teachers are expected to attend QBEP Resource Development workshops.

According to the MoU, a comprehensive evaluation of the pilot project will be done to determine whether or not to continue the nursery programme into the first three years of primary education. The MoU was signed by the CEO and QBEP Administrative Coordinator, Silverius Perry, on Friday.

The Ministry of Indigenous People’s Affairs and the Toshaos of Deep South Rupununi are also behind the initiative.

Last month, at the conclusion of a rigorous orientation programme aimed at determining innovative approaches to the teaching of language, mathematics and science, Minister of Indigenous People’s Affairs, Sydney Allicock, said language is key as he alluded to the pilot project.

“Language is very important, especially for Guyana and the unity that is the unifying of our people, our country and our region. We have the dedication of the people and the opportunity to move us forward into that next era, one that can change the mindset of the Guyanese

Weighing in on this new development, Vincent Alexander – technical facilitator to the Education Ministry – said: “What language does is give you identity and recognition and when you have identity and recognition, then there’s currency to deal with the others, so what this should be doing for you is not only helping in terms of

helping to assimilate, but also to give you the kind of scope to outreach beyond your region, your country and into the wider global community, because there are things that you can give to the globe and there are things that the globe can give to you.”

Extensive grassroot level interactions were c a r r i e d o u t t o e n s u re ownership of the proposed programme among the communities ahead of this implementation.

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Better voter...

projects, Mohan explained that the Anna Regina Town Council depends heavily From page 3 on the collection of rates and taxes, but with those rates and taxes being extremely low, there is only so much it can do.

“On average, people pay approxiand taxes, having only recently been el- mately $2000 a month on their properties, evated to a town, however, with the use some are paying as low as $300, that can’t of the government subvention (S$15M), even write a receipt,” Mohan pointed out, and support from the Ministry of Public while noting that the revenues garnered Infrastructure and the private sector, it from rates and taxes “barely carry the has been addressing many of the infra- staff.” structure-related issues within the town.

That council generates approximately Mayor of Rose Hall, Vijay Ramoo, $600,000 a month in rates and taxes when though expressing the view that residents its monthly expenses total approximately will turn out in their numbers to vote, it $2M, of which close to $1M is used to would be because of his own doing. He pay staff. alleged that central government is stifling To increase its revenues, the municdevelopment within the town, and as ipality has been collecting vending fees. such, he has had to use his own resources Currently, it has approximately $10M in coupled with the $15M subvention, and revenues from persons operating within revenues garnered, to execute projects its two markets. within the town.

Mayor of Linden, Waneka Arrindell, “Since April 2016, when I took said there is a sense of dissatisfaction office, the council had $16M in its trea- among the people. “I believe that the sury from subventions from previous expectation of the people in the township years and up to today, central govern- was far higher than the ability of the counment has not given us the blessing to cil to provide,” she said, positing that the utilise the money,” he complained.

Linden Mayor and Town Council does not have the resources to fulfil its mandate.

NOT INTERESTED That council collects approxiMayor of Anna Regina Rabindran- mately 40 per cent of its rates and auth Mohan is not optimistic about taxes on a monthly basis, and with LGEs. On Sunday, he told this news- little or no money to purchase paper that “people seem not to have an much-needed equipment for road interest in Local Government Elections repairs and other key services, it or the local government system.” depends on the Regional Democratic He said the council would often hold Council for assistance. “Our excommunity meetings in various parts of penses far exceed our income,” she the town, but only a few would turn up. added. The Linden Mayor and Town “Sometimes you call a meeting, six per- Council has a debt of approximately sons turn up or seven,” he posited. $200M. According to him, residents have The outdated rate and taxes system lost hope in the system because of the has been blamed in part for the council’s council’s inability to address very basic current financial state. infrastructural and developmental issues.

The government is currently workAside from the $15M subvention it re- ing on a countrywide evaluation system ceives from central government for capital to date the rates and taxes.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, July 30, 2018

Reduction in size of UG Council approved

THE UNIVERSITY Council has considered and approved proposed changes to the University of Guyana Act and the University Statutes which could see a reduction in the size of the Council, once the necessary legislative actions are taken.

During an extraordinary session on Friday, July 27, the Council agreed that the membership of the University Council be reduced from 26 to 17, thereby removing the provision for

special interests and international representation from Britain, Canada, the USA and UWI. “These changes are the result of a series of stakeholder consultations conducted by the Governance Review Committee, which was approved by the University Council in November, 2016,” the university said in a release.

It noted that the final revised report and proposed changes were presented by the chair of the Governance

Committee, Professor Lawrence Carrington, a former UG vice chancellor.

The Council adopted the revised Act by majority vote and it is expected to send the recommended changes to the Education Ministry for appropriate governmental and legislative consideration.

It was noted that while the University Act needs legislative action, the council is responsible for approving the revision of the statuses.

Armed bandits rob money changer

POLICE are investigating a robbery in which money changer Rockford Richardson was confronted and relieved of a sum of money on Sunday at Longden Street, Georgetown.

Reports are that the man, called “Bigger Man” was robbed by two gun-toting men who rode up to him on motorcycles shortly after midday, and relieved him of over $100,000 which he had in his possession.

During the melee, Richardson was shot above his left knee by one of the two

bandits. He was rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) and was later admitted for further treatment.

Meanwhile, the police are trying to ascertain if Closed Circuit Television Cameras (CCTV) in the area can assist in their investigations.

There have been several robberies committed on the money changers who ply their trade daily in the city.

In several incidents, the businessmen have been fatally shot.

Woman buries boyfriend’s chain in backyard A 21-year-old woman of Charity Housing Scheme, Essequibo Coast, is in police custody after she allegedly stole her boyfriend’s gold chain during a date.

According to information received, the woman and her boyfriend Rondell English

were on a date at a popular Charity hotel, when he fell asleep in his hotel room.

On waking up, the young man could not find his gold chain reportedly valued $912,000 and his date was nowhere to be seen.

English made a report to

the Charity Police Station and ranks there managed to locate and arrest the woman, who admitted that she stole the chain and buried it in her backyard.

The chain was retrieved and the woman is in police custody.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, July 30, 2018

Man burnt to death in Better Hope fire

UNDERTAKERS on Sunday removed the charred remains of a man in his 60s, whose name was given as Fazal, from his burnt house at Better Hope South, East Coast Demerara.

A tenant who lives in the same yard with the man told this publication that she was inside her house when she saw smoke and smelt something burning.

She said that upon investigating, she found that it was a tarpaulin which she uses to prevent the sun from coming into her house that appeared to be on fire.

It was then that she realised that the house next door to hers was on fire.

She said too that she was aware that the neighbour whose house was on fire, was at home at the time. However, at that point, she did not know whether the neighbour’s wife and children were at home.

The Guyana Chronicle was told that by the time persons realised that the house was on fire, the man was already engulfed by the flames and laying on his landing. The heat from the fire also prevented persons from running to the home and rendering assistance to the now deceased man.

One woman said that she ran out on the street and began to call for help, and to have the other residents come out and

assist in putting out the fire while they called for the fire tender.

This newspaper was told that the man had been living at the location for some time now. The property is said to be owned by his mother, but his sister reportedly took it over and began renting out the house which is situated on the land.

This newspaper understands that the sister who resides in Canada had constructed a small wooden structure on a section of the land and fenced it off.

Speaking with this publication, Senior Fire Investigator Andrew Holder indicated that the Fire Service has been able to assertively come up with the cause of the fire. He said that it started as a result of unattended cooking, and this was further corroborated by the discovery of the stove which was found in an ‘on’ position, along with other signs, such as the remains of food that are indicative of cooking activities.

Holder used the opportunity to call on members of the public not to leave their cooking unattended as they stand the risk of suffering a similar fate.

When this publication arrived on the scene, both police and fire investigators were on the scene gathering information and interviewing members of the community.

Success labourer for court today …faces charges for assaulting wife, relatives

A THIRTY-SIX-YEAR-OLD labourer of Success South Squatting Area, East Coast Demerara (ECD) is expected to be charged today for allegedly wounding his reputed wife, niece and mother-in-law on Saturday morning.

According to a press statement from the police, the victims have all been treated and discharged from the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC).

Police investigations revealed that the suspect and one of the victims, Tiffany McBeth, 19, with whom he shared a common-law relationship, lived at the aforementioned address.

It was reported that a few days ago Tiffany’s mother Lorraine McBeth, 64, a

housewife of 56 Peter’s Hall, East Bank Demerara (EBD), visited them to spend a few days. Lorraine was accompanied by her fouryear-old granddaughter, Nathania Browne.

The police said everything went well until early Saturday morning when the suspect suddenly awoke and began choking the infant.

The other victims, in the process of restraining the suspect, were themselves attacked and repeatedly stabbed with a kitchen knife about their bodies by the suspect, who subsequently fled the scene.

No just reason for the suspect’s aggressive behaviour was given. After he fled the scene, the victims called officers who rushed them to the hospital.

Man kills father-in-law during rage SIXTY-SEVEN-YEAR-OLD Dennis Welcome was killed on Sunday morning in Port Kaituma after his son-inlaw drove a boat on him as he was in the river in another boat.

According to one of the sons of the dead man, his father had just returned from the creek with his greens to sell at approximately 06.30hrs on Sunday. He said that he joined his father’s boat at the mouth of the creek and together they were heading home to his father’s house.

The man said that he heard an engine approaching very fast, but did not take it seriously. He said that as the engine’s sound got closer, he decided to turn

around and there he noticed the boat of his brother-in-law. He said that he looked away and by the time he looked back, the boat had hit his father out of the boat in which they were and his father fell into the water.

The man said that he jumped into the water in search of his father but did not find him. He related that he got back into the boat and returned to the landing to inform his other siblings of what had occurred and together they went back in search of their father.

They said in a statement that the man’s 36-year-old son-in-law has since been arrested.

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The remains of the Better Hope South, East Coast Demerara home after the blaze

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, July 30, 2018

When the cat’s away

SCHOOL holidays are upon us and while most children are enjoying their break from the monotony of attending school, some parents are hard-pressed to find activities and/or adequate supervision for

their children.

There is still a whole month to go before the backto-school count-down, so if you are a parent at work, you must ensure that your children are being properly cared for and that they are

meaningfully occupied and kept out of harm’s way.

Children should not be left alone at home without adult supervision. While there is no specific law that indicates how old a child must be before he/she can

be legally left alone, the Childcare and Protection Agency advises that children under 14 years old should not be left alone (especially all day while their parents are at work). It is a fact that children who spend

long periods of time without adult supervision, get up to mischief and are likely to do things that are quite out of character, usually to quell their boredom. So parents, beware.

Some parents might argue that there are children under the age of 14 who seem mature and sensible enough to keep themselves safe and occupied for extended periods of time. This might well be the case in some households, but these children are still classed as ‘vulnerable’ and parents who leave them all day without adult supervision are in breach of the Protection of Children’s Act (2009).

Parents who have good relationships with their teenage children (14 -18) have a fair idea what their children are likely to do when left alone at home and they can actually create boundaries and guidelines for their children to follow in their absence, knowing fully well that their children will understand and adhere.

Although finding adequate childcare may be difficult during this time, parents should not leave their child with people they do not know well: and if a child refuses to stay with certain people, even family members, then parents should not force the child to stay where he/she feels uncomfortable.

It also follows that wherever a child spends his/her day, it is important that the parent talks to the child at the end of the day to find out exactly what type of day the child has had. Hearing a step-by- step account of what took place during the day will allow parents to gauge whether their child felt secure, occupied and cared for, or whether the facilities or people concerned fell short in their ability to provide adequately for the child.

There are many children who spend their days on the road, in and out of ‘people’s’ yards, playing with friends and simply killing time until their parents return home. Here is where members of the community can keep a watchful eye.

Without knowing all the circumstances surrounding the children in the neighbourhood, adults can still help

a child who seems hungry, thirsty or who just needs a ‘talking to’. Yes, children can get up to all kinds of things during the holidays and if you are in the position where you need to put your foot down and discipline a child, within reason, then do so. Children will always need adults to guide them in a positive way and even more so when their own parents are not around.

Those addictive, obsessive video games that children play on their phones, tablets and computers are not doing children any academic favours or strengthening their minds. So, parents do try to find as many outdoor activities for your children as possible during the holidays, because it is not normal or healthy for children to spend hour after hour looking at a screen absolutely mesmerised by whatsoever it is that has them enthralled. Yes, it keeps them quiet, and yes, they are very much occupied, but this is real life, so help them make the most of it by being creative, productive and energetic.

Taking this extra care during this school break, to help our children, may seem overly protective to some, but children need guidelines and boundaries in every aspect of their lives and just because it’s the school holidays, it doesn’t mean that, ‘anything goes.’

On the contrary, it is time to be even more vigilant than ever.

Which leads to one final point: if you are the parent of a teenager, take measures to prevent things from ‘carrying on’ in your home while you are at work. Use your mobile phone to stay in touch, know your child’s whereabouts. Ask a neighbour or friend to keep a watchful eye, don’t leave anything to chance: try to stay one step ahead of your growing child, because even teenagers need safeguarding.

If you are concerned about the welfare of a child you can ring the CPA hotline 227 0979 or email childcaregy@gmail.com A Message from the Childcare and Protection Agency, Ministry of Social Protection

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, July 30, 2018

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Early Childhood Centre commissioned in Linden

By Vanessa Braithwaite

FINANCE Minister Winston Jordon on Sunday opened a new Early Childhood Development Centre at One Mile, Wismar, Linden.

The simple ceremony

saw in attendance Mayor of Linden Waneka Arindell, Regional Education Officer (ag) Keane Adams, Member of Parliament Jermaine Figueira, Regional Executive Officer Orrin Gordon, other regional officials and residents.

The $38M facility will be accommodating some 45children from three months old to nursery age, and its caregivers will be employed from the community. The funding was made possible by the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB).

Finance Minister Winston Jordan with members of 'For the Children Sake Foundation' that will be trained to manage the facility

The service will be offered at a very small fee and an affordable meal will also be provided for the children.

Chairing the programme, Dikedemma Utoh, Project Manager of the Basic Needs Trust Fund (BNTF), said the centre will allow for more parents to be employed after they would have given birth.

“We acknowledge that a mother needs to return to work after three months, therefore for that mother to return to work, she can bring that child to the centre, therefore, we cater for infants after three months, we cater for toddlers, for pre-schoolers and also if I’m a parent and my child attends nursery school, that child can come to the centre,” Utoh related.

Regional Executive Officer (REO) Orrin Gordon pledged his input into making sure that the building is managed and cared well. Immediately, he said, a security hut will be constructed and a committee will be estab-

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, July 30, 2018

Children already enjoying the facility lished to ensure the centre is properly managed. Gordon also said that the caregivers will be trained to give the best service to the children.

Minister Jordon in his short address said, the centre is not as the basic daycare centres but is a new model of approach that will enable the children to be well-positioned by the time they are ready for nursery school.

Jordon urged the regional officials and the caregivers to take good care of the facility so that more money does not have to be allocated to its maintenance.

The finance minister affirmed that the centre is just

one of the many plans the government has in store for Linden, adding that these will be made available through the 2019 budget.

“We want to assure Linden that we have your backs so to speak, we are going to do everything possible to assist you in every way,” he said.

Jordon also donated two floodlights and some play equipment for the benefit of the children who would be attending the centre. He also donated a computer to a child who sat the National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA) examination.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, July 30, 2018

Implementation of SDGs high on agenda – Harmon tells UN forum

GUYANA is actively developing policies and programmes to include the private sector and non-governmental sectors as partners in implementing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

This is according to Minister of State Joseph Harmon, during his addresses at the recent 2018 High-Level Political Forum organised under the theme, “Transformation towards sustainable and resilient societies,” held in New York.

In his address, the minister of state said Guyana reaffirms its commitment to the agendas of the SDGs which is over-arching in its national development plans.

“We expect through the execution of the Green State Development Strategy to positively impact our poverty levels, driving them downwards, both nationally and at the local level. In support of these efforts to improve the quality of life of our people, Guyana is also focused on the provision of safe water.

A number of communities now have access to safe water, bringing the national average of households with potable water to 98 per cent.

We continue to work on reliability of supply,” Minister Harmon said.

Further, the minister of state said access to energy is another area in which Guyana hopes to impact both households and businesses.

“Guyana continues to hold onto the ideal of 100 per cent renewable energy supplies, despite the fact that we are on the cusp of becoming an oil-producing nation.

Access to and the availability of sustainable sources of energy is also important as we undertake economic diversification, which is necessary if we are to meaningfully participate in global trade networks,” he said.

Underscoring that Guyana aims to have a vibrant economy by bringing valueadded natural and agricultural resources to the global market, Minister Harmon said this will generate em-

ployment and reduce poverty while implementing social security programmes for the most vulnerable in society.

“With the assistance of the government of Italy, we are using our hinterland town of Bartica to become a model of sustainable energy production and consumption that we hope will eventually replicate throughout the country. We however ask for more support for efforts to increase trade networks through policies and practical programmes,” Minister Harmon said.

In seeking to achieve the SDG targets in investment in sustainable cities, urban and rural areas, Minister Harmon said Guyana is looking at relevant policies for managing its infrastructural development, including transportation.

“Guyana has a coastline compromising approximately 25 per cent of its land area on which 75 per cent of its population lives. The rest of the country is sparsely populated and is accessible mainly by

Police probing torture of Corentyne youth THE Guyana Police Force said it has opened an investigation into the allegations of torture of a Corentyne resident while he was detained at the No. 51 Police Station.

The decision came after sections of the media reported on and provided images of a man, Jamal Hakim, with visible scars and lacerations about his body. The man alleged that he sustained the wounds at the aforementioned police station while being questioned in relation to larceny.

The man alleged being waterboarded, beaten with a wire, kicked and forced to consume pepper sauce, all in an effort to have him provide information to the police into a matter which he said he knew nothing about.

Following this, the man alleged being transferred to another police station in the division and then placed before the court.

At the moment, the young man is claiming to have partly lost his hearing, given the level of sustained torture he was allegedly forced to endure.

This is not the first time that the No. 51 Police Station is making the news for all the wrong reasons.

There were instances where ranks at the station were accused by villagers of being part of a spate of robberies, which was taking place on the Corentyne

coast; a prisoner had been found dead in the lockups at the station and there was former Commissioner of Police Leroy Brummell’s ‘clean sweep’ of all the ranks at the station, after residents expressed reservations in working with that crop of law enforcers.

On Sunday, the police said that they have dispatched a very senior officer from Georgetown to take over and complete the investigation into the teenager’s allegations of torture against ranks of the No. 51 Police Station.

Our efforts on Sunday to make contact with Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan for a comment on the issue were futile.

Minister Ramjattan himself while in private practice, represented a teenager whose genitals were doused with methylated spirits and then set alight by a police rank. That teen had been in police custody being questioned in relation to a murder investigation in West Demerara.

The case against the state was won by the teen and he was awarded damages.

There was also the matter of a 15-year-old whose hands also suffered the same fate at the Sparendaam Police Station while that young man was there being questioned in relation to a matter which was under police investigation.

small aircraft. Reaching the SDG targets in these areas is expensive. We are therefore planning to expand our network of roads and bridges,” Harmon noted.

Adding that Guyana is a low-lying coastline consistently susceptible to flooding, he said the country is pursuing policies of climate mitigation and adaptation.

As such, the necessary governance arrangements are constantly being put in place to enable the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).

“Some of these arrangements include our contribution to the global goals, through diligent monitoring of forest-related greenhouse gas emission and conducting vulnerability assessments.

We expect through these efforts to be able to mitigate the effects of climate change on our economy and globally,” he explained.

Last week marked the conclusion of the 2018 UN High Level Political Forum. The High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF) is the central platform which participates in strengthening sustainable development governance within the United Nations. It was created in 2012 as a result of the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development (Rio+20), in “The Future We Want” outcome document.

Since 2017, the HLPF has been focusing on monitoring progress and reviewing the implementation of the Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development and the SDGs. The follow-up and review were carried out for the following SDGs: ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all; ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all;

Minister of State Joseph Harmon make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable; ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns; protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss; strengthen the means of implementation; and revitalise the Global Partnership for Sustainable Development, that will be considered each year.

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Region Two schools being spruced up

REGION Two Regional Education Officer (REO) Nicola Matthews said millions of dollars are being spent by the regional administration to repair several schools across the region during the summer vacation.

She told the Guyana

Chronicle that in total, some $65 million will be spent on general repairs to over 23 schools while the children are at home.

Several schools are being repainted and lavatories and roofs are being fixed.

“We want to provide children with a conducive

environment to learning and so the department has awarded several contracts to have these schools repairs, so come September children will be able to have better facilities,” Matthews said.

Currently, works are ongoing on the extension

of the Cotton Field Nursery School.

The work is approximately 70 per cent completed. The contract was awarded for the extension after the department realised that the current nursery school was overcrowded.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, July 30, 2018

Regional Education Officer of Region Two, Nicola Matthews

Work progressing well on Region Five capital projects THE Region Five administration says despite the current inclement weather, execution of its 2018 capital works programme is progressing well and on schedule.

Some $3.2 billion has been allocated to the region for current and capital works. Current expenditures account for $2.8 billion while capital expenditures amount to $415 million.

The sum of $155M was allocated for public works, $145M for education delivery, $60M for agricultural development, $2.6M for health services and $2.2M for regional administration.

The monies available for expenditure on capital works in the public works sector reflect a 45 per cent increase on the amount allocated for 2017.

The regional administration had invited bids for its capital works programmes for this year and 65 per cent of these projects have been completed to date, with a projection for the programme to be completed by September.

Public works that have been completed and those in the process of completion, include upgrades of several community roads in villages in West Coast Berbice and Mahaicony.

These roads are being upgraded from earthen dams and crusher-run roads to asphaltic surfaces. These will allow residents easy access to the main road and to public and recreational facilities and connecting streets, especially during rainy weather.

In the area of education, sums allocated are currently being spent on the extension of schools, construction of new facilities and rehabilitation of school buildings, reconstruction of the primary school at Champayne Mahaicony and the construction of two new nursery schools.

The regional administration had awarded contracts for these works for education delivery earlier this year, but had deliberately held back execution because the schools were in session.

Now that schools are closed, the works are being accelerated to ensure completion before school reopens for the new school year.

Under agricultural development, work is currently ongoing on the development of the Regional Agricultural Economic Project at Naarstigheid, West Coast Berbice, for which a total of $35M had been allocated.

This project is expected to be launched at the opening of the Regional Agricultural and Commercial Exhibition (RACE) scheduled for September 28.

The rainy weather had negatively impacted the work on community roads and some other projects in general, but work will soon recommence in earnest with the hope of meeting the September completion deadline.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, July 30, 2018

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, July 30, 2018

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monay, July 30, 2018

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, July 30, 2018

Welshman Thomas takes...

FROM BACK PAGE

Froome’s failure to beat Thomas also showed how difficult it is to complete a Giro-Tour double, with Marco Pantani being the last man to achieve the feat in 1998 during the doping-tainted era.

Thomas, who won two mountain stages - including one on the top of the iconic Alpe d’Huez - emerged as the strongest man in the race as he gained ground on his two rivals after taking the yellow jersey at the end of stage 11.

ABSOLUTE STRONGEST Only in the final time trial did he lose time on Dumoulin and Froome, but he had already virtually wrapped up the title in the mountains.

“He didn’t make any mistakes, he was never put into trouble by anyone – including me – in the mountains or in any stage.”

“The strongest rider won the Tour de France,” Froome said. “It was clear once we hit the Alps, Geraint was in better condition than I was.”

Thomas’s victory will come as a relief for Sky, especially in the wake of Froome’s popularity nose-diving in France after he was cleared of a doping offence months after testing

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positive for excessive levels of an asthma drug.

Froome and other Team Sky riders, including Thomas, were booed by the crowd standing on the side of the road throughout the threeweek race.

The four-time champion was the main target of the jeers, with one spectator even slapping his shoulder in the climb up to l’Alpe d’Huez.

DREAM BIG While team principal Dave Brailsford hit out at the locals, saying booing and hitting the riders was ‘a French thing’, both Froome and Thomas kept their composure.

Thomas, who was cheered during the podium ceremony, also had a message for riders aged 5-18 at the Maindy Flyers Cycling Club in Wales.

“Dream big and go for it.

Don’t let anything hold you back,” he told them.

“You’re going to have ups and downs but keep the faith and keep fighting. If you believe in something, just go for it and don’t let people put you down.

“If people don’t agree with you, just shut it out and get on with it. With hard work everything

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pays off in the end,” added Thomas, whose victory was marked in his home town with Cardiff City Hall being illuminated in yellow.

Thomas and Froome focused on bike racing over the past three weeks, making no mistakes and being well protected by the strongest team in the field.

Pundits agreed that the 21-year-old Egan Bernal, who produced some amazing work in the mountains for his leaders on his Tour debut, would probably soon win the race.

Sky’s domination left the others picking up crumbs.

Frenchman Julian Alaphilippe, a one-day classic specialist, confirmed his huge potential by winning two stages and taking the polka dot jersey for the mountains classification.

World champion Peter Sagan ground through the last days after a heavy crash to secure a record-equalling sixth green jersey for the points classification and France’s Pierre Latour emerged as a possible podium finisher in the near future by winning the white jersey for the best under-25 rider.

It was, however, a disappointing race for France as Romain Bardet showed his limits when he ended up sixth overall after two podium finishes in 2016 and 2017.

No Frenchman has won the race since Bernard Hinault took his fifth title in 1985.

Historic CBC...

FROM BACK PAGE

President of the GABF, Nigel Hinds, said the team played against all odds and came out victorious, making the country proud; “Our guys showed the fight that was needed to make this happen” he stated.

Hinds also thanked the government and other sponsors who ensured the team was able to participate in the tournament.

He made special mention of Minister of State Joseph Harmon and Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson, who each donated $1Million towards the team.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, July 30, 2018

Hamilton wins in Hungary to extend Formula 1 title lead

LEWIS Hamilton won a tense strategic battle at the Hungarian Grand Prix to head into Formula 1’s summer break with a 24-point championship lead.

Ferrari appeared to blow their best chance to challenge the Mercedes driver, delaying a pit stop for Sebastian Vettel long enough to lose their advantage over Hamilton’s team-mate Valtteri Bottas and emerge behind the Finn.

It was a critical error that

could have cost Vettel second place - but he fought back and passed Bottas with five laps to go.

Bottas misjudged an attempt to defend from Vettel, who passed on the outside on the run to Turn Two. Trying to keep the place from too far back, Bottas locked a wheel, slid onto the kerb, hit Vettel and damaged the Mercedes’ front wing.

Vettel emerged unscathed and Bottas carried on, only to

have another contact with Red Bull’s Daniel Ricciardo when the Australian tried to pass around the outside at Turn One and Bottas locked up and slid into him.

Bottas’ troubles allowed Kimi Raikkonen to come through into third place behind his Ferrari team-mate, while Ricciardo passed him on the last lap to take fourth.

Despite the late drama, the big picture is that Ferrari have now lost two races in a row

Rabada, Shamsi set up South Africa’s five-wicket win to take South Africa home with an unbeaten 53 off 32 deliveries.

Earlier, Kusal Perera hit a 72-ball 81 to provide some respectability to Sri Lanka’s innings after the hosts were reduced to 36-5 in the face of a devastating opening spell from Rabada.

Kusal and Thisara Perera, who made 49, added 92 for the sixth wicket during a counter-attacking partnership

Tabraiz Shamsi DAMBULLA, Sri Lanka, (Reuters) - Fast bowlers Kagiso Rabada and spinner Tabraiz Shamsi picked up four wickets each to set up South Africa’s five-wicket victory against Sri Lanka in the first one-day international at Dambulla on Sunday.

Rabada, who took 4-41, inflicted the early damage while left-arm spinner Shamsi provided the late breakthroughs with his 4-33 as South Africa bundled out Sri Lanka for 193 under 35 overs after the hosts won the toss and opted to bat.

Off-spinner Akila Dananjaya picked up two early wickets to give Sri Lanka hope but the touring side, who were mauled 2-0 in the test series, recovered to reach the target in 31 overs and take a 1-0 lead in the fivematch series.

Opener Quinton de Kock and captain Faf du Plessis hit identical 47s to steady South Africa’s chase during a 86-run stand for the third wicket before the wicketkeeper-batsman became Dananjaya’s third victim.

It was left to JP Duminy

before Shamsi separated them by dismissing the latter, caught behind to wicketkeeper de Kock.

Shamsi also dismissed Kusal, who was out caught trying to play a reverse sweep, after an entertaining innings that included 11 fours and a six.

The second match of the series will be played at the same venue on Wednesday.

SCORE BOARD SRILANKA 1st innings Niroshan Dickwella c Tabraiz Shamsi b Kagiso Rabada Upul Tharanga Run Out JP Duminy Kusal Mendis c Quinton de Kock b Kagiso Rabada Kusal Perera c David Miller b Tabraiz Shamsi Angelo Mathews c Hashim Amla b Lungi Ngidi Shehan Jayasuriya c Quinton de Kock b Kagiso Rabada Thisara Perera c Quinton de Kock b Tabraiz Shamsi Akila Dananjaya b Tabraiz Shamsi Suranga Lakmal c Quinton de Kock b Kagiso Rabada Lakshan Sandakan Not Out Lahiru Kumara st Quinton de Kock b Tabraiz Shamsi Extras: 0b 4lb 2nb 0pen 13w Total (34.3 overs) 193 all out Fall of Wickets : 1-2 Dickwella, 2-11 Mendis, 3-22 Tharanga, 4-35 Mathews, 5-36 Jayasuriya, 6-128 Perera, 7-166 Perera, 8-179 Perera, 9-189 Lakmal, 10-193 Kumara

2 10 3 81 5 0 49 11 5 5 3 19

Bowling: Kagiso Rabada 8-0 -41 -4,Z(3w), Lungi Ngidi 8 - 1 - 29 - 1, (4w), Willem Mulder 3 - 0 – 34- 0(1w 2nb), Andile Phehlukwayo 3 - 0 – 30-0, (1w), Tabraiz Shamsi 8.3 - 0 – 33- 4, JP Duminy 4 - 0 - 22 - 0. ...........................................................

SOUTH AFRICA 1st innings Hashim Amla b Akila Dananjaya Quinton de Kock c Suranga Lakmal b Akila Dananjaya Aiden Markram lbw Akila Dananjaya Faf du Plessis c Angelo Mathews b Lakshan Sandakan JP Duminy Not Out David Miller lbw Suranga Lakmal Willem Mulder Not Out Extras: 0b 1lb 0nb 0pen 5w Total (31.0 overs) 196-5 Fall of Wickets : 1-31 Amla, 2-31 Markram, 3-117 de Kock, 4-129 du Plessis, 5-172 Miller Did Not Bat : Phehlukwayo, Rabada, Shamsi, Ngidi Bowling: Akila Dananjaya 10- 0 - 50 – 3, Suranga Lakmal 6 - 0 - 37 - 1 (1w) Shehan Jayasuriya 4 - 0 - 23 - 0 (1w), Lahiru Kumara 3 - 0 - 11 - 0 (1w) Lakshan Sandakan 8 - 0 - 74 -1,(1w).

19 47 0 47 53 10 14 6

that they might have won in different circumstances.

Hamilton’s advantage with nine races to go is almost a race victory and puts him in a strong position for when the season re-starts in Belgium at the end of August.(BBC Sport)

Hamilton has won the Hungarian Grand Prix a record six times

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, July 30, 2018

Haniff cops Heineken Golf Tournament PROFESSIONAL player and ex-Coach Nazeem ‘Papo’ Haniff performed well to win the tie in the Championship Flight, while Ayube Subhan won the tie in his ‘B’ Flight, and Mark Lashley was the clear winner in the ‘C’ Flight, in the Heineken Annual Golf Tournament held at the Lusignan Golf Course.

Played on the much-appreciated Flights format, the golfers competed fiercely for one of the top two places in their category as prizes were awarded for 1st and 2nd Best Net performances in each of the three categories: ‘A’ or Championship Flight, h/cap 0 - 9; ‘B’ Flight, h/cap 10 – 18; and ‘C’ Flight, h/cap 19 –28.

Prizes were also awarded for the Longest Drive and the Nearest to The Pin. Winners in the day’s play were: ‘C’ Flight -- 1st Mark Lashley 75/24; 2nd Maurice Solomon 82/22; ‘B’ Flight – 1st Ayube Sub-

han 70/18; 2nd Bholawram Deo 70/18; ‘A’ Flight – 1st Nazeem Haniff 71/7; Richard Haniff 71/9. Longest Drive was won by Richard Haniff and Nearest to the Pin was won by Ayube Subhan.

Papo Haniff, prior to his departure to Suriname as a coach several years ago, was 9 times Guyana Open winner and also 5 consecutive times winner of the Lusignan Open. He explained that having been off of golfing for some five years, he began playing again in December last year and has been steadily regaining his professional form.

Meanwhile, Richard Haniff expressed that he was “very happy to be in the ‘A’ or Championship Flight,” and considered it “a great achievement to be in the single digit handicap group, and even more impressive to compete and lose to a former pro only on

The winners pose with Heineken Managing Director Troy Cadogan, Club President Aleem Hussain and Captain Chatterpaul Deo. L-R: Aleem Hussain, Troy Cadogan, Bholawram Deo, Maurice Solomon, Ayube Subhan, Nazeem Haniff, Richard Haniff and Chatterpaul Deo.

the back 9.” ” Ansa McAl (Guyana) through its Heineken brand has been supporting the Lusignan Golf CLub and sponsoring tournaments for five consecutive years. Manager Troy Cadogan, who

celebrated his birthday the same day of the Tournament, has been distinctively unfailing in causing the company to continue to be of great support to the club over the years.

Tracing its beginning to Trinidad and Tobago in the early 1880’s, the Ansa McAL Group has grown beyond the borders of the twin island Republic to over 50 companies in about eight economic

sectors in Guyana, Grenada, Barbados, St. Kitts & Nevis and the United States of America, making this dynamic enterprise one of the largest and most profitable conglomerates in the Western Hemisphere. The Group has been supportive of sports in many disciplines and continues to do so via whatever brand it services.

Lusignan Golf Club President Aleem Hussain thanked

Heineken (and Ansa McAl) for their continued support and expressed appreciation for the initiative the company has taken throughout the years in helping sports in Guyana.

Manager Troy Cadogan was on hand to congratulate and encourage the golfers, and welcomed them to share in his birthday celebration at the club immediately after the tournament.

World Cup 2022

FIFA need to conduct “independent investigation” into Qatar bid claims FOOTBALL’s world governing body Fifa has been urged to conduct an “independent investigation” into claims the Qatar 2022 World Cup bid team ran a secret campaign in 2010 to sabotage competing host bids.

The chairman of the Digital, Culture, Media and Sport select committee Damian Collins said the “serious allegations”, published in the Sunday Times, would be a breach of FIFA’s rules if true.

“It requires a proper independent investigation and FIFA should make clear that will happen,” he said.

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 live, he added: “If the Qataris have broken the rules, they should face some sanctions.”

In a statement Qatar’s Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy said it “rejects each and every allegation put forward by the Sunday Times”.

The paper claims to have seen leaked documents that show the Qatari bid team employed a US PR firm and ex-CIA agents to smear its rivals - mainly the United States and Australia.

The alleged aim was to create propaganda to give the impression that a World Cup would not be supported domestically. The Qatar tournament organisers deny the allegations.

A campaign such as that alleged by the Sunday Times would have broken FIFA’s bidding rules.

Qatar beat rival bids from the United States, Australia, South Korea and Japan to the right to host the 2022 World Cup. FIFA’s rules say World Cup bidders should not make “any written or oral statements of any kind, whether adverse or otherwise, about the bids or candidatures of any other member association”.

The Qatar bid team has been previously accused of corruption, but was cleared following a twoyear Fifa inquiry.(BBC Sport)

21

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, July 30, 2018

EBFA / Juicy Juice U-13 League – Day 6

Three teams secure full points as 32 goals scored in four matches

DIAMOND United, Herstelling Raiders and Agricola Red Triangle secured wins on day six of the East Bank Football Association (EBFA) / Juicy Juice Under-13 League which was contested yesterday at the Timehri Red Ground.

Whilst Diamond United defeated Hararuni Eagles 10-1 and Agricola thumped Samatta Point/Kaneville 10-0 to remain unbeaten, Herstelling secured their first win and points of the league with a 4-1 win over Kuru Kururu Warriors.

The other match Saturday ended in an exciting 3-3 draw between Diamond Upsetters and Soesdyke Falcons.

In the day’s main attraction, Diamond United continued their surge with another emphatic win over first-timers Hararuni Eagles which was orchestrated by a brace each from Joel Ross (6,15), Shakem Welcome (11, 16) and Shaquan Braithwaite who netted in the 51st and 53rd minute.

There was one each for Shaquan Joseph (24), Isaiah

Eon Daniels –Agricola Red Triangle FC

Mc Pherson *45), Daniel Da Costa (57) and Captain Ronaldo Adams in the 60th minute.

Ofancy Winter scored a hat-trick (15, 32, 52) and Solomon Austin the other in the 59th minute as Herstelling Raiders secured their first win via a 4-1 margin against Kuru Kururu Warriors, their first in three matches.

Touted as a scoring ma-

Diamond United scorers from right: Joel Ross, Shakem Welcome, Shaquan Joseph, Isaiah McPherson, Shaquan Brathwaite, Daniel DaCosta and Ronaldo Adams.

chine, having now blasted in 15 goals in just three matches, Agricola Red Triangle’s Eon Daniels, who netted six (6) times, led his side to a 10-0 win over Samatta Point/Kaneville.

An own-goal sent the Agricola side on their way in the first minute of the match; Jeremiah Henry it was who scored by default.

Thereafter, Daniels, who had five against Herstelling Raiders and tucked in four in their opening clash with Hararuni Eagles, was again unstoppable.

He was on target in the 7th, 10th, 20th, 30th, 45th and 60th minute and got support from his captain, Jonathan Andries, who hit the back of the nets in the

21st minute and defender Floyd ‘Brother’ Boyce who accounted for a double in the 42nd and 59th minute.

The first match of the day saw Soesdyke Falcons and Diamond Upsetters battling to an exciting 3-3 draw. Diamond United got their goals from the Amin brothers-- Abdullah and Mohamed-- in the 23rd

and 43rd minute, with the other coming off the boot of Shawn John in the 41st minute.

The Falcons got their goals from Jaden Tasher (25) and Malachi Pollard who netted a brace in the 55th and 60th minute.

Five matches are slated for today at the same venue from 10:00hrs.

Biles wins comeback Yorke ready for managing role in English Premier League after two-year break

K I N G S TO N , J a m a i c a (CMC) – Former Aston Villa and Manchester United player Dwight Yorke believes he is the right man to manage a team in the English Premier League (EPL).

However, the Trinidadian has bemoaned the fact that while managers in the EPL were continually being recycled, new persons were not being given the opportunities to prove they were competent managers.

“I think I made my intentions clear … I am now 46 years of age and I feel that it’s a good time to get into management. I feel like I have got my mojo back so to speak, where football is concerned.

“I feel that it’s been a football merry-go-round when you look at the Premier League, (as) it’s the same managers who are getting the sack and coming round and all that and I feel that there is

Dwight Yorke wants to be given an opportunity to manage a club in the English Premier League.

a young generation bursting to get in there, let alone black managers,” Yorke said.

Yorke scored 123 goals in the EPL, which was a record for a non-European until Sergio Agüero broke it in 2017.

He represented Trinidad and Tobago at the World Cup in Germany in 2006 and also served as assistant manager of the Trinidad and Tobago national team.

Yorke said it was especially hard for black managers to get into the EPL. “Truth be told, there are 92 football league teams in England (and) there are only two, possibly three black managers. And when you think of the number of black players that have represented in the Premier League …

I know for a fact that there are black players out there wanting to be managers, but it’s the lack of opportunity.

So that in itself is another challenge,” he said.

“I have made it clear that I want to be a manager, I want to be given an opportunity to manage. I have put in my CV (curriculum vitae) for the Aston Villa job, also for the Sunderland job, and got very little in return for doing that. So I know that there are challenges, but I feel that I am ready to do it and by doing that I need an opportunity.”

Simone Biles

(REUTERS) - Competing for the first time since winning four gold medals at the Rio Olympics, Simone Biles recorded the top score in the vault, balance beam and floor exercise to win U.S. Classic in Columbus, Ohio on Saturday.

While Biles was just 10th in the uneven bars she still had enough to prevail in the city where she was born.

Her return to competi-

tion represents the start of what she hopes will culminate in further Olympic glory in Tokyo in 2020.

Biles, 21, is among more than 100 gymnasts who say they were abused by former Gymnastics USA team doctor Larry Nassar. Nassar received a prison sentence of up to 175 years after pleading guilty to criminal sexual conduct.

22

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, July 30, 2018

Guinness ‘Greatest of the Streets’ National Playoffs Dave & Celena All Stars move into semis to launch title defence

THE defending national champions of the Guinness ‘Greatest of the Streets’, Dave & Celena All Stars got their title defence off to a great start when the National Playoffs got underway on Friday evening at the Pouderoyen Tarmac, West Bank Demerara.

They passed a stern test when they faced the attacking Leopold Street team and managed a narrow escape with a 1-0 penalty shootout victory after regulation time failed to produce a winner with the scoreline at 0-0.

In their second match of the night, the defending champions faced another team from the mining town of Linden, Swag Entertain-

CAC Games

ment, and secured their semi-final berth with a 1-0 win.

Tyric McAllister’s 10th minute strike was all that was required for the All Stars to win.

Meanwhile, Linden Zone champions Silver Bullets also booked their spot in the last four with victories over West Side Ballers and Bartica’s Disconnection Crew, who were impressive on their debut.

The Silver Bullets required a 3-2 win from the penalty spot to get past West Side Ballers after regulation time ended at a 1-1 stalemate.

In their second match, the Bullets needled Discon-

Round two of the Guinness ‘Greatest of the Streets’ kicks off at Haslington Tarmac, East Coast Demerara on Wednesday night.

Men’s hockey team miss out on bronze, finish fourth

Striker Gabriella Xavier scores the lone goal of the match in Guyana’s defeat of Guatemala.

T H E N a t i o n a l M e n ’s Hockey team ended their campaign at the Central American and Caribbe-

an (CAC) Games in Barranquilla, Colombia, with disappointment as they missed out on the bronze

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Monday July 30, 2018) COMPLIMENTS OF THE TROPHY STALL Bourda Market & The City Mall (Tel: 225-9230) & Cummings Electrical Company Ltd. 83 Garnett Street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158) Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1) Shimron Hetmyer-125 (2) Mushfiqur Rahim-68 Today’s Quiz: (1) How many T20 International the WI and BANG have contested against each other to date?

(2) Who were the captains involved in the first ever WI/BANG T20 Int’l game?

Answer in tomorrow's issue

medal, losing 5-0 to Trinidad and Tobago to finish fourth.

It was simply not the National Team’s day as T&T led 2-0 after the first two quarters, then scoring three more in the third and fourth quarters.

Tariq Marcano got T&T off to a flyer, netting their first after just two minutes had gone by on the clock.

Kwan Browne then doubled their lead six minutes later to put the Guyanese on the back foot.

Guyana recovered and held firm for the remainder of the first half but Trinidad was just too good and notched three goals in quick succession to close

the game out.

Mickell Pierre made it 3-0 in the 51st minute before Browne added his second just a minute later while Shaquille Daniel sealed the deal in the 56th minute.

Meanwhile, the Guyana women’s hockey team managed their first win in the final match of competition on Saturday, when they narrowly defeated Guatemala by 1-0 to earn 7th place in the competition. Striker Gabriella Xavier put Guyana up by 1-0 in the sixth minute of play when she completed a swift attack up the middle by sending her shot into the far corner, past the advancing Guatemalan goalkeeper.

The game seemed destined to be high-scoring as Guyana piled on the pressure, but the lack of scoring that plagued them throughout the competition would haunt them once again as spectators witnessed one rued chance after another.

While Guatemala never threatened Guyana’s goal much throughout the match, the newcomers to hockey could be congratulated for their staunch defence, which left Guyana scoreless for the rest of the match and giving them the narrowest of victories by 1-0.

Cuba defeated Mexico for the CAC gold while Trinidad secured bronze over Barbados.

nection Crew with Jermaine Samuels the man on target in the sixth minute.

Meanwhile, West Side Zone champions, Showstoppers, along with Leopold Street, ESPN, Ballers, Disconnection Crew and Swag Entertainment were the teams to be eliminated.

Round two of the National Playoffs is set for Wednesday at the Haslington Tarmac, East Coast Demerara, with some of the powerhouses like Sparta Boss, Bent Street, West Front Road, Trafalgar, Uprising, Buxton Diamond and Paradise slated to be in action as they battle for the remaining two semi-final spots.

TT cyclist Campbell wins CAC gold in thrilling road race climax

TT’s Teneil Campbell won her first cycling gold at the CAC Games in Colombia on Saturday

TENELL Campbell won her first gold medal and Trinidad and Tobago’s fourth medal cycling medal on Saturday in a thrilling climax to the women’s road race at the CAC Games in Barranquilla, Colombia.

In what was a tough event for the Caribbean team who were only able to field just two riders, Campbell, in a sprint finish to the 99km race, managed to hold off Yudelmis Dominguez of Cuba and Mexico’s Lizbeth Salazar, who were second and third respectively.

All three were credit-

ed with the same time of 2:31:47.

The confident 20-yearold said afterwards that her country was out to take on the world. “Trinidad and Tobago, we have like some of the best cyclists ever and we’re coming. We’re coming for the world, watch out,” she said.

Campbell praised her teammate Alexi Costa for staying with her throughout the challenging race.

Costa placed 19th in 2:31:49.

TT has now won 18 medals at the 2018 CAC Games.

23

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, July 30, 2018

Mid pack finish closes off USF2000 weekend for Ming

By Stephan Sookram in Ohio (Compliments of Mings Products and Services, Mohamed’s Enterprise and the National Sports Commission)

A mid- pack finish on the end of a beautiful drive yesterday capped off rounds 10,11 and 12 of the USF2000 series for Guyanese Calvin Ming.

Driving the number 21 Pabst Racing car in Ohio, Ming started 16th after Saturday’s second race of the weekend which saw the fastest time determining the final race’s grid.

However, he utilised his patience and clinical passing ability to carve out

The event capped a solid weekend for the Guyanese who had a third place finish on Friday, coupled with a fifth place finish on Saturday.

Given that Friday’s qualification left him sixth on the grid for race one and Saturday left him 10th for race two, he felt that the weekend was a good one in terms of points.

“Yeah, all in all it was a great weekend. I picked up some valuable Calvin Ming leads two competitors at the USF2000 weekend in Ohio on Sunday (Stephan points at this round, so Sookram photo) I can continue to fight a seventh place finish be- on the fourth corner which ship winner and Cape driv- for that second spot. It hind teammate, Brazilian served him well all weekend er, Kyle Kirkwood, com- could have been better with Lucas Khol, who finished to execute several of those pleted a clean sweep of the qualifying, but I am happy sixth and Sweden’s Rasmus passes during the 20 lap weekend with DeForce’s nonetheless.

“This is not one of my British driver, James Rasession.

Lindh who finished third. stronger tracks, so to take Unofficial champion- ven, finishing second.

He used the outside line

CPL ticket sales for Guyana leg moving at fast rate Merchandises on sale

TICKET sales for the first three games of the Guyana leg of the sixth edition of the Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL) T20 tournament is moving at a fast rate.

This is according to officials at the ticketing office located at 238 Camp and Quamina Streets, Georgetown.

Guyana is set to host seven games, including the two playoff games at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence, but tickets have been released for the first three games only.

The costs for tickets for this year’s CPL matches in Guyana are: Red and Green Stands ($5,000), Orange Stand ($3,000) and Grass Mound ($2,500).

The local franchise is set to play St Kitts & Nevis Patriots on August 9; St Lucia Stars on August 11, Barbados Tridents on August

12, Jamaica Tallawahs on September 8 and Trinbago Knight Riders on September 9.

The playoff matches, which will see the top four teams from the group stage battle it out, will take place at the Providence Stadium on September 11 and 12.

However, ticket prices for the last two group matches along with the playoff games will be announced shortly.

The Guyana Amazon Warriors have made the playoff stages of the Hero CPL every season and will be looking to make it into the latter stages for a sixth successive season.

The Amazon Warriors have played in three of the five finals to date but are yet to lift the title.

An encampment period for the Guyana Amazon Warriors unit is billed for August 2-7.

away any amount of points from it, let alone a podium and mid pack finishes, really sets me up nicely for the last round in just over a month.”

“I can’t thank the team enough for what they have done,” he added.

With the results this weekend, Ming sits fifth in the championship with 152 points, still within striking distance and in a six-way battle for the second spot.

Also in that battle is Lindh (172 points), Igor Fraga (171 points), Khol (166 points), and Kaylen Frederick (150 points) Ming returns to Miami this week with one round left in the championship at Oregon in four weeks’ time.

Emancipation horse race meet..

T&T wins feature event in calculated finish …Meet was a huge success, says Kennard

Justice Cecil Kennard hands over the winning trophy to Connection of the Botwain Stables for victory in the twoyear-old Guyana bred race.

By Rajiv Bisnauth HORSE racing is not a sport which immediately springs to mind when you think of mass appeal, but it continues to attract huge crowds and provide that excitement for the many spectators whenever there is an event.

Dubbed the Sport of Kings, Sunday’s Emancipation horse race meet held at the Kennard Memorial Turf Club, was not only for the race fans, but it was a day of family entertainment.

While some fans enjoyed the spectacle from the stands, thousands had preferred the informal picnic atmosphere.

Racing fans were rarely short of entertainment, and the large crowd was treated to top quality racing during

the seven-event race card, especially in the feature event-- the E1 and Lower-which was the final race of the day.

Four horses sent the fans into a frenzy after an even break, which saw T&T of the Nand Persaud Racing Stables winning a comfortable race.

T h e t h o ro u g h b re d , which was ridden by jockey Yap Drepaul, took control of the race on the homestretch and ran away from the others for the $600,000 first prize.

Golden Blue Echo sped off with the $300,000 second prize while ‘Isn’t She Charming’ had to settle for the $150,000 third place prize.

Race one saw horses competing in the L Class and Lower non-winners and

Connections of the C. Jorree Stables collect the winning trophy after Secret Flyer’s win in the Class and Lower non-winners and three-year-old maiden earners race.

three-year-old maiden earners. Secret Flyer of the C. Jorree Stables won ahead of Strike Again and See the Moon.

The second race of the day -- L non-winner race, had Byron of the C. Collins Stables taking top honors from The Rock and Red Weasel.

Race three; H2 and Lower, was another competitive one with Lucky Star from the R. Pooran Stables, winning from Seven Dust and Isn’s She Charming.

In race four, the twoyear-old Guyana bred, Victoria, crossed the finish line ahead of Princess Tasha and Perfection, while Guvna Ground Gal won ahead of Barbarosa and Masapeque Dr. in the L Class Open race.

The penultimate race--

the three-year-old Guyana bred and J2 and Lower-was won by Slim Shady, while Not this Time and King Stanley rounded off the prize monies.

Meanwhile, Justice Cecil Kennard expressed that the day’s event was a huge success. Kennard, who is also the President of the turf club, pointed out that horse race has grown into a family tradition over the years because of the atmosphere it brings.

He thanked all involved and fans for an excellent day of racing.

Horse racing fans will now turn their attention to the 12th annual Guyana Cup Horse Race Meet.

The one-day event is billed for August 19 at the Rising Sun Turf Club, West Coast Berbice.

Historic CBC winning Basketball team rewarded by GABF

Members of the National men’s basketball team which won the 2018 CBC Caribbean Championship. (DPI/Ackeem Thomas photo)

THE National Men’s Basketball Team on Saturday was rewarded for their historic Gold medal performance at the 2018 Caribbean Basketball Confederation (CBC) Caribbean Championship.

The members of the team which played undefeated in the tournament

received $100,000 each at a simple ceremony held at the recently refurbished Burnham Basketball Court, as a token of appreciation by the Guyana Amateur Basketball Federation (GABF).

The history-making team comprised Stanton Rose (captain), Shane Webster, Harold Adams,

Orland Glasgow, Travis Burnette, Travis Belgrave, Kevon Wiggins, Ray Victor, Anthony Moe, Denzel Devonish, Timothy Thompson, head coach Junior Hercules and assistant coach, Dennis Clarke.

Eighteen-year-old Rose, who was named the Most Valuable Player (MVP),

has the distinction of being the youngest player to ever captain Guyana and the first to give the country a title which remained elusive for 37 years. Rose thanked his team and coaches for trusting him with such a mammoth task of leading the national team.

“It was a great oppor-

tunity for me to display my skills and to lead the Guyana National team to their first CBC Championship. I want to thank the players, coaches and management for trusting me and it was a pleasure leading you guys and the country to our first national championship and

I hope that I can do this once more” he stated.

Meanwhile, Coach Hercules revealed that from the inception the players believed that they could have won the title and played like true champions throughout the tournament.

CONTINUE ON PAGE 18

Welshman Thomas takes maiden title as Sky extend Tour de France reign

By Julien Pretot

Geraint Thomas is the first Welshman to win the Tour de France(Sky Sports)

PARIS (Reuters) - Geraint Thomas tightened Team Sky’s grip on the Tour de France when he handed the British outfit their sixth title in seven years on Sunday and there is no sign that their domination will end anytime soon.

Weshman Thomas produced a near flawless performance to become the third British and Team Sky rider to triumph after Bradley Wiggins (2012) and Chris Froome (2013, 2015, 2016, 2017).

Dutchman Tom Dumoulin finished second for Team Sunweb after also taking the runner-up spot in the Giro d’Italia won by Froome, who ended up third overall.

N o r w a y ’s A l e x a n d e r Kristoff won Sunday’s final stage, largely a 116km procession from Houilles to

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the Champs-Elysees, during which Thomas enjoyed some champagne before heading to the finishing line in a bunch sprint.

“I got into cycling because of this race. I remember running home from school to watch the end of the Tour de France and the dream was always just to be part of it and that came true back in 2007,” Thomas told the crowd during the victory ceremony.

“Now I’m stood here in the yellow jersey and it’s just insane. It’s incredible and it’s a dream come true.

“To be riding round (the Champs Elysees) and winning it, you’ve got to pinch yourself. It won’t really sink in probably for a few months.

Right now it’s like a whirlwind. I seem to be floating around on cloud nine.”

CONTINUE ON PAGE 18 MONDAY, JULY 30, 2018