Guyana chronicle e paper 08 14 2017

Battling maternal deaths Page 14

Safer seas No. 105004

MONDAY,AUGUST 14, 2017

Price: $80

(VAT Inclusive)

–piracy decreases significantly but scars still remain

500 scholarships awarded in past two years Page Pa ge 8 13

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Miner killed in drunken argument

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Kwakwani minibus drivers increase fares

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Prison sentence won’t help Page 3

Minister of State Joseph Harmon with young people in the public sector at an event held by the Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU) in observance of International Youth Day 2017 on Saturday (Ministry of the Presidency photo)

Cop in custody after fatal accident

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-- order non-violent offenders to community service, sociologist urges

Safer seas

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, August 14, 2017

–piracy decreases significantly but scars still remain ARJUNE Permaul called “Bayo”, 45, remembers vividly the night he and two other crew members were attacked by two cutlass-wielding pirates on the “MV Varuni 4” on May 16, 2017 in the Atlantic Ocean in the vicinity of Tain, Corentyne.

The pirates allegedly demanded the catch and took away their 40HP engine, while ordering the men and the captain to jump overboard, which they complied with but not before they were beaten.

However, a blow to the head of Captain Mahadeo Ramdial, 44, rendered him unconscious and he subsequently died while making his way to shore.

Arjune, a father of one and of Lot 146 Kilcoy Squatting Area, recounted he, along with a young fisher Parmanand Nandan, 21, swam for two hours before they were rescued.

Today, he is thankful for life. Speaking with Guyana Chronicle, Arjune said he has been a victim of piracy four times before while plying his trade in the Corentyne River, but he was never harmed as the pirates only collected the catch and engine.

He said after the last ordeal, he decided not to return to the sea, and was even encouraged by his mother and other family members who feared for his safety.

“I get down courage suh me nah guh

back,” he told this publication.

Even though Permaul has left the high seas, he did not give up fishing. His catch now comes from this village and surrounding communities.

“I was able to take care of myself and help meh mother if this thing nah happen I would ah still deh out there,” he said.

The incident with Arjune was the most recent pirate attack; the other attack

From then to now, fishermen have breathed a sigh of relief after being tormented by pirates every few months, especially within the period 2011 to 2015.

During this period, families were

Survivor: Arjune Permaul

Vessels moored at the Number 66 Wharf awaiting departure for sea

“Life goes on, I have to make a living, no body nah provide for me so I does catch meh lil fish and walk and sell around here, me does throw cast net and set saine.”

One thing he missed though is earningthebigincomebuthesaidhewouldnot trade it for his life.

happened about a year earlier. In May 2016, where three fishing vessels were attacked by a gang of men, leaving one dead, three still missing.

The surviving captain on one of the vessels Harripersaud Persaud, 43, swam for over three hours before he was rescued and notified the authorities of the attack.

SIGH OF RELIEF

left without breadwinners and millions in investments (seine, engines, fuel, catch and boats) were lost to piracy.

The current administration during the 2016 elections campaign had promised to help fishers once in power and has since delivered on this promise.

The authorities have been able to the capture and convict several persons, including those that committed the attack of Persaud and others.

Despite the decrease in the frequency of attacks, piracy still remains a threat to the lives of the men who ply their trade out at sea and the government and the fisherfolks are still putting measures in place to ensure the safety of the thousands who depend on this trade for their livelihood.

Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan said his Ministry is working feverishly to have boats that operate, registered and fitted with transponders so that authorities can be aware of their locations in the event of an attack and respond promptly.

PROCESS SLOW This process, he said, has not been moving as fast as he would like.

“We haven’t gotten their full cooperation but a lot of the boat people have already registered, because I believe they

A fisherman assembles a seine that needs repairs after several fishing trips

Upper Corentyne Fishermen Co-op Chairman Pameshwar Jainarine

had to get some licensing arrangements done through the Ministry of Agriculture butmostareusingfishinglicensesfromout of Suriname so the Surinamese authorities know a number of them but I have been trying to get all of them registered so we can develop a system of transponders, but a number of these fishermen with their boats, their culture has remain static. They have not moved forward, they don’t want to think in terms of modern things and the transponders is affordablewhich is nothing compared to what they may lose in an attack,” he said.

Chairman of the Upper Corentyne Fishermen Co-op Pameshwar Jainarine, who was high in praise for the police and government for the decline in attacks, but also shares the view that more still needs to be done.

“The judicial system needs to act in a timely manner. What we find happens is that many times the cases are called and then postponed and that surpass a year. It shouldn’t be that way. Then eventually we find the men are released. So if there are witnesses that want to come forward after the case is called, two to three years after they get fed up and no longer want to testify,” he said.

He also shares the minister’s view that communication is vital for the overall safety and well-being of the 600-plus fishermen who work out of the Number 66 Fishery.

“We have the transmitters set up alreadyandwegetthemasterradioandwe are planning to have each boat equipped with a radio set. The application was approved by the FMU and we will now source the radios,” said Jainarine.

Many are of the view that the gang members who were carrying out the pirate attacks are behind bars and fishers generally feel a sense of safety.

Prison sentence won’t help

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday August 14, 2017

-- sentence non-violent offenders to community service, sociologist urges SOCIOLOGIST Patricia Sheerattan-Bisnauth has pointed out that too many persons are being incarcerated for non-violent offences and suggested the need for change in dispensation of justice when handling these offenders.

She said criminal sentences could involve one or more different elements.

These include incarceration (prison, jail), probation, restitution (victim compensation), and community service.

Sheerattan-Bisnauth pointed out that instead of sentencing non-violent offenders to prison, magistrates can sentence them to community service, contending that this will go a far way in avoiding overcrowding of the prison.

This, she said, should be part of the menu of measures in prison reform.

According to her, real reform will also entail officials asking critical questions about the purpose of incarceration and the relative costs and benefits of the current system.

It all comes down to the need for proper management, she said, and stressed the need for rehabilitation to be an integral role of the prison system.

“Prisoners must be rehabilitated in such a way that

they want to live a more positive life, contributing to the development of themselves and society,” she said.

The sociologist noted that under all circumstances, when humans are housed in a controlled environment such as a prison, they would always find or study of a way to free themselves.

On this score, she stressed the need for rehabilitation, stressing that it will help in keeping them focussed and to build a positive personal image.

Adding to Sheerattan-Bisnauth, criminologist Wendell Jeffery said with about three-quarters of Guyana’s prison population addicted to some form of drug, significant effort needs to be made to detoxify these inmates before they are discharged from prison.

The addiction usually starts with alcohol and tobacco and later lead to marijuana, crack cocaine and other illegal drugs.

He said care and treatment is also important in preventing self-harm and suicide among drug-addicted prisoners, as well as helping them in getting over their addiction.

This, with proper rehabilitation, he said, will go a far way in ensuring some form of rehabilitation of prisoners.

Patricia Sheerattan-Bisnauth

“Even if a guy goes into jail for 40 years or 25 years, he will come back out, so what persons like me do, is go into the prisons and show them the bigger picture and why they need to get involved in academics, why they should get vocational skills and make that cognitive connect for them and this motivates and rehabilitate these prisoners for a meaningful life in society,” Jeffrey said.

True prison reform, he said must extend beyond

the prison walls and into the communities that receive convicts as reformed individuals.

Prominent Attorney Nigel Hughes had told this publication that prison reform should not be isolated from broader criminal justice reform, but stressed that these must be guided by data to ensure proper analyses.

NON-CUSTODIAL SANCTIONS According to Hughes, there is need for non-custo-

dial sanctions and measures which reflect a fundamental change in the approach to crime, offenders and their place in society.

He said attention should move away from punishment and isolation to restorative justice and re-integration.

Hughes said this when accompanied by adequate support, offenders are less likely to return to a life of crime. Ex-inmate Howard Jeffrey said not having a pay cheque is part of the problem which results in recidivism.

He said finding a job is hard these days, “but finding one when you have a criminal record can be all but impossible,” adding that “I made dumb mistakes when I was younger that led to my conviction, but there’s a lot more to me than just that.”

Introduction and implementation of non-custodial sanctions and measures, Hughes said, is a key element in prison reform.

Hughes also contends that there is need for a historical review on the modern philosophy of criminal punishments, along with a review of mandatory sentencing, imprisonment for soft drugs of small amounts and the mixing of hardened prisoners with minor offenders.

In addition, he noted that reliable data is vital in under-

standing the issue of incarceration and the criminal justice system. He made these observations in wake of two prison riots in as many years, the last one of which resulted in the burning down of Camp Street Prison. These riots are due to overcrowding, among a number of other factors.

Former Magistrate, Omeyana Hamilton-Dummett, had contended that the current state of the overpopulated prison system is part of the systemic weaknesses facing the criminal justice system in Guyana.

She too stress the need for abolition of mandatory sentences for “soft drugs” and/or small amounts, pointing out that the focus in these instances should be on counselling and rehabilitation of the addict/offender.

The result of incarceration for soft drugs and minor offences is the criminalisation of persons, who otherwise (with intervention) could have been contributing members of the society.

“Incarceration in and of itself for serious offences, isn’t altogether negative, because society has to be protected from damaging criminality, example, murderers and perpetrators of robbery under arms etc,” Hamilton- Dummett contended.

Miner killed in drunken argument MOHABEER Gangadeen Kooblall, 54, of Lot 1 GAC Old Road, Timehri, East Bank Demerara, died on Sunday after a verbal and physical confrontation with another miner with whom he was drinking on a dredge at the time.

Kooblall was reportedly battered with a spade and thrown overboard by a 35-yearold suspect at Potaro Backdam, Potaro River, Potaro-Siparuni, Region Eight, during the physical confrontation.

Divisional Commander, Senior Superintendent Ravindradat Budhram when contacted, said the suspect is in

police custody.

Reports indicate that the men were overlooking the water dredge in an old mining water pit when Gangadeen accused the suspect of stealing gold with the general manager.

The accusation led to an argument and Gangadeen picked up a spade and dealt the suspect several lashes about his hand, face and body.

The suspect then took away the spade from Gangadeen and dealt him several lashes about his body and reportedly pushed him overboard.

The police later l e a r n t o f t h e c o n f r o ntation and apprehended the suspect, who relat-

Dead: Mohabeer Gangadeen Kooblall

ed that Gangadeen was drinking and fell into the water, resulting in his demise.

However, marks of violence were discovered on the dead man’s body and the spade was recovered by the police.

The suspect, who also had marks of violence on his body, later related to police what had actually happened.

He is in custody at the Mahdia Police Station assisting with the investigation.

Gangadeen’s body, clad in black underwear, was retrieved from the water and bore multiple cuts to the head, hand and back and black and blue bruises.

Brother of the deceased, Rajkumar Ramlal, told the Guyana Chronicle that his brother works with a mining company and would usually be in the interior for several months.

He would spend three to four months caring for his mother when he returns home.

“He was supposed to come back home this Thursday, but his bossman was not giving him the opportunity to leave,” he said.

Commander Budhram said ‘disorderly murders’ have always been a problem in the hinterland, especially when miners imbibe heavily.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, August 14, 2017

17 killed in Burkina Faso attack After criticism, White House says

Trump condemns KKK, neo-Nazis U.S. PRESIDENT Donald Trump’s remarks condemning violence at a white nationalist rally were meant to include the Ku Klux Klan and neo-Nazi groups, the White House insisted on Sunday, a day after he was criticised across the political spectrum for not explicitly denouncing white supremacists.

U.S. authorities opened an investigation of the deadly violence in Virginia, which put renewed pressure on the Trump administration to take an unequivocal stand against right-wing extremists occupying a steadfast segment of the Republican president’s political base.

A 32-year-old woman was killed and 19 people were injured, five critically, on Saturday when a man

plowed a car into a crowd of people protesting the white nationalist rally in the Southern college town of Charlottesville. Another 15 people were injured in bloody street brawls between white nationalists and counter-demonstrators who fought each other with fists, rocks and pepper spray.

Two Virginia state police officers died in the crash of their helicopter after assisting in efforts to quell the unrest.

James Alex Fields Jr., 20, a white Ohio man described by a former high school teacher as having been “infatuated” with Nazi ideology as a teenager, was due to appear in court on murder and other charges stemming from the deadly car crash.

Democrats and Repub-

licans criticised Trump for waiting too long to address the violence, and for failing when he did speak out to explicitly condemn the white-supremacist marchers who ignited the melee.

On Sunday, however, the White House added: “The president said very strongly in his statement yesterday that he condemns all forms of violence, bigotry, and hatred, and of course that includes white supremacists, KKK, neo-Nazi, and all extremist groups. He called for national unity and bringing all Americans together.”

The statement was emailed to reporters covering Trump at his golf resort in New Jersey and was attributed to an unidentified “White House spokesperson.” (Reuters)

Seventeen people have been killed and eight wounded in a “terrorist attack” in the centre of the capital of Burkina Faso, Ouagadougou, the government says.

nearby left 30 people dead in January last year.

There are fears that the attack is the work of one of the affiliates of al-Qaeda that are active in the Sahel region,

injured,” said a government statement quoted by the AFP news agency.

A hospital in the city said that one of those killed was Turkish.

An armoured vehicle fires towards the restaurant that was attacked by gunmen

Witnesses were quoted as saying that three gunmen opened fire on customers seated outside a hotel and restaurant.

The city centre has been sealed off by the army, and the US embassy in Ouagadougou has warned its citizens to avoid the area.

A jihadist attack on a cafe

the BBC’s Alex Duval Smith reports.

The shooting began shortly after 21:00 (21:00 GMT) on Sunday on Ouagadougou’s busy Kwame Nkrumah Avenue.

The attack is similar to one in January 2016, when the Splendid Hotel and the nearby Cappucino restaurant, also on Kwame Nkrumah Avenue, were targeted.

Over 170 people were tak-

A wounded restaurant customer sits on the ground after the attack Monday, August 14, 2017

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Two locations, Hotel Bravia and the Aziz Istanbul Restaurant, appear to have been at the centre of the shooting.

“The attack claimed 17 victims, their nationalities are yet to be confirmed, and eight

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en hostage and 30 were killed.

Al-Qaeda claimed responsibility for that attack.

Burkina Faso is part of the Sahel region, which includes Mali where Islamist groups have been active since 2012. (BBC)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, August 14, 2017

Colombia: Searching for an alternative to coca

IN the remote region of Putumayo in southern Colombia, the economy depends almost entirely on one thing: coca, the raw ingredient for cocaine.

From the stores that sell fertiliser and pesticides, to the ubiquitous pool halls where “raspachines” (field hands who harvest the coca leaves) come to spend their modest earnings on cold beer and fried empanadas, it all comes back to one plant.

Colombia’s government wants to change this, as part of the peace deal it reached with the country’s left-wing rebel group, the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc) last year. It will not be an easy task.

“Everyone from here who has gone to university has done so because of money from growing coca,” explains Jon, who has been harvesting the leaf since childhood and is now studying forensic science at a technical institute in Mocoa, Putumayo’s capital.

As per the terms of the peace deal, the government has signed up almost 76,000 families to an ambitious campaign to substitute the growing of coca, poppy and marijuana with legal agricultural projects.

Jon’s family was one of 500 selected from the communities around the village of La Carmelita to participate in a pilot of the national programme.

In the long term, will depend not only on the viability of the new crops, but on the state’s ability to transform its relationship with the marginalised regions where the 50-year armed conflict raged.

“For years, we’ve

made clear that we’re committed to leaving coca behind, given certain necessary conditions for our survival,” said Luz Deify Velázquez Quintero, a community leader in La Carmelita.

“Now it’s time to find out if the government is serious.”

DEEP-ROOTED SCEPTICISM This is not the first attempt to wean Putumayo off growing coca. Under the US-backed Plan Colombia, the authorities attempted to eradicate the plants from the air by spraying them with herbicides.

Hundreds of millions of dollars were also channeled to the country for “alternative development” assistance, resources that locals say rarely found their way to Putumayo and the pockets of farmers there.

While the new programme is largely welcomed by La Carmelita’s coca growers, distrust of government programmes is an all-too-familiar sentiment.

“Unless there’s transparency and a real willingness to involve and empower the communities, what’s most likely is that people end up going back to coca,” warns Yuli Zuluaga, a regional representative of a recently formed national coca-grower ’s

association.

Peace brings new opportunities Government officials say they have learned the lessons of Plan Colombia.

They think that having former Farc rebels on board will make a big difference.

The rebels financed their armed struggle through “taxes” on coca production and therefore had a vested interest in the business flourishing.

But even with a peace process now firmly in place, challenges remain.

In June, participants in the pilot scheme received the first of six bimonthly food subsidies worth 2m Colombian pesos ($665; £500) each.

In exchange, those who received it have promised to take part in a two-month voluntary coca eradication scheme. But whether the farmers’ new projects will be productive will ultimately depend on whether money is invested in Putumayo’s poor healthcare, education, and infrastructure, conflict monitoring group Ideas for Peace Foundation concluded in a recent report.

There are no hospitals or drinking water and only little electricity for miles in any direction from La Carmelita.

The only adequately funded public institutions are the military bases built to protect the region’s oil pipelines.

“The problem isn’t figuring out what to produce,” explained Jesús Antonio Toro Martínez, president of Agropal, a local farmer’s association.

“The problem is that we don’t have electricity to store it, we don’t have the equipment to process it, and we don’t have roads to bring it to market. In other words, we don’t have commerce.”

Mr Toro, a local farmer and former “raspachin”, says that taking plantains the nearest urban centre if Puerto Asís is no easy task.

He says that the costs

for transporting bundles on speed boats or local buses known as “chivas” can add up to as much as 90% of the final sale value.

A volatile environment In March, the US released figures suggesting that a record 188,000 hectares (1,880 sq km) of land in Colombia had been planted with coca last year, an 18% increase compared with 2015.

The report triggered renewed claims from opponents to the peace process in Colombia and conservatives in Washington that the government’s reform-

ist approach has promoted lawlessness.

With pressure mounting and the 2018 national elections looming, President Juan Manuel Santos announced that he intends to eradicate 100,000 hectares by next year, half through substitution, and half through manual eradication.

“We need results, to prove to ourselves, to the country, and to the world that this is the right way forward,” Miguel Ortega, a government substitution official, told La Carmelita residents.

(BBC)

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Editorial

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, August 14, 2017

its World Cup place THE West Indies cricket team have embarked on a tour of England, which will see them playing three Test matches, a solitary T20 match and five One Day Internationals. It is a formidable fixture, given the team’s underwhelming performance back home during the just- concluded series against Pakistan and its poor showing on overseas tours over the years.

The West Indies will also be coming up against a strong English line-up on home soil, which recently wrapped up a series against South Africa beating them 3–1, their first home series win against South Africa since 1998. They also won the ODI series 2-1, as well as the T20 series 2-1.

It is no secret that the West Indies team has had a woeful overseas record over the last decade and

more, in three Tests against the top-ranked team in Test cricket. And as if facing the third-ranked test team in the world in their home conditions wasn’t tough enough, West Indies have been fielding for the longest while a team of youngsters -- many of whom have not yet conquered the game at the regional level. Key players such as Darren Bravo and Marlon Samuels are not on the tour due to various reasons involving Cricket West Indies (CWI).

Undoubtedly, there have been some positive signs so far on the tour with the team declaring twice and bowling out their opponents in a fixture against country side Derbyshire, which ended on Sunday. In the game, West Indies amassed 427/3d & 327/6d in the two innings they batted. Notwithstanding this effort in the warmup match, their game against

the national team would be a different challenge.

Against the background of all of this is that the West Indies are in a race to qualify for the 2019 World Cup. Recently, the cricket board offered “temporary amnesty” to the players who do not fit their selection criteria in order to have them available to play ODIs. This could pave the way for the return of players such as Chris Gayle, Dwayne Bravo, Kieron Pollard, Sunil Narine, and Samuel Badree for the tour down under following the Test matches.

CWI has had a stringent policy of picking only those players who are active in the domestic one-day tournament for 50-over internationals -- a rule which rendered many of the key players ineligible as they would opt to ply their trade around the globe playing T20 cricket. This tour of England, as

much as it would give an indication as to the progress of the Test team under Coach Stuart Law, it is more about ensuring that the Caribbean men pick up valuable points which would guarantee them a place in the World Cup - the game’s global showpiece which the West Indies has won twice. It would be the collective wish of every Caribbean fan that the team succeeds -- ensuring its place among the top nations that will compete in the tournament scheduled to be hosted by England and Wales, from 30 May to 15 July, 2019. This will be the 12th Cricket World Cup competition, and the fifth time it will be held in England and Wales.

For a nation that won the first two competitions in 1975 and 1979, it continues to trouble many endearing fans that the team risks missing out

playing in the game’s marquee tournament and this has to do principally with one issue -- the crisis of governance of cricket in the region. This has been a major factor in the decline in the fortunes of our team. Relations between the board and the players on the one hand and between the board and the support staff on the other hand, have deteriorated to the point where the public is frequently treated to public quarrels among the various sides -- the latest involving Darren Bravo and the President Dave Cameron. But the crisis has also been exacerbated by the attitude of the top players who often place

money before service to the Region. In an era of boundless individualism, our cricketers have not been shy of openly showing preference for playing in the financially lucrative private leagues, rather than for the West Indies.

We are never going to improve if our senior players do not participate in the local and regional competitions -- such participation is critical to lifting the standard of our domestic cricket. Similarly, if we do not make our boards more accountable to the people of the Region by democratising their structures and practices, there will always be tension, which in turn will impede progress.

Maxwell responds to Devonish Dear Editor,

A LETTER by Chevy Devonish in KN, Thursday, August 10th, 2017, under the caption: “The President cannot dictate to a constitutional commission”, attracts both my commendation and my rebuke, or reprimand. I commend him because as a “law student,” his effort at adumbrating for public scrutiny on a matter of such public focus reveals an encouraging cognitive bravery (some might say impetuosity). I reprimand him (as a person yet to be learned in law) for not showing self-restraint and considered caution, in his insinuation of unconstitutionality and arbitrariness against no less a public authority than the President

of this country. As I will show in this letter, both insinuations lack merit and cannot be supported in constitutional law. But, moreover, this letter anticipates and pre-empts similar criticisms (but with much less reticence than that of Mr. Devonish) from a certain popular letter writer who has appointed himself the public nemesis of both the President, and the learned attorney general.

So, I argue my case that the direction given by the President to the Police Service Commission (the PSC) that “there be no consideration of promotion of members of the Guyana Police Force until further notice” (what I call an “appointment-freeze” directive) is constitutionally

permissible on the basis of the following propositions:First, it is article 212 (1) (and not 226 (1)) whereby the function, inter alia, to appoint police officers to the ranks of assistant commissioner, senior superintendent, superintendent, deputy superintendent, assistant superintendent and inspector are exclusively vested in the PSC. So, any unbiased enquiry as to whether the President has purported to give directions to the PSC in the exercise of that PSC’s functions must necessarily begin with the questions: what are the scope and limit of that function? By sheer force of logic (temporary) appointment- freeze by its very nature, self-evidently cannot be, or be understood to be, an appointment as AC, SSP, Supt., DSP,ASP,

Insp. as the case may be. Pro tanto, an appointment-freeze or government policy of non-appointment is not within the embrace of the term “to appoint” (Article 212 (1)) which embraces promotions; and, accordingly, an appointment-freeze is not a function of the PSC. Paradoxically, an appointment- freeze (if that were the internal policy of the PSC) would be an abdication of its function to appoint; and be ultra vires (i.e. outside its function).

Second, the PSC is NOT the employer of police officers, the Government is. The President as head of the executive branch of government has the sole constitutional responsibility and authority by necessary implication of constitutional law (ex necessitate legis) (see Articles 89 and 99 as

to the President being the supreme executive authority) to take such appointment-freeze governmental POLICY action. This freeze is an entirely different matter from the PSC’s role as to which individual officer is, or is not appointed. I emphasise that policy is per force an indispensable incident of administration in any field of government. Police appointments are no exception.

Third, in the alternative, the constitutional doctrine of executive privilege or prerogative (known also as public interest privilege) to the extent that it does not encroach on the PSC’s function to appoint in article 212 (1) (as articulated in my first proposition above); or, is not inconsistent with any provision in the Police Act, Cap. 16:01, authorises

and validates the President’s appointment freeze action.

(As to the residue of these privileges in our legal system - see section 22 of the Civil Law of Guyana Act, Cap. 6:01)

Fourth, the question of constitutional law as to whether an appointment-freeze action is one within the meaning and ambit of the term “to appoint” ; or, is one of permissible governmental policy within the survival or residue of the doctrine of executive privilege, is a NOVEL one for ultimate judicial clarification by the Caribbean Court of Justice (on which opinions may well be divided). Until such clarification, the President’s action attracts a pre-

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, August 14, 2017

The danger of approving the lowest compliant tender Dear editor, I WAS moved to write this letter to highlight to the Government and peoples of this country, the practice of low tenders and the way it is abused by some contractors. I was inspired to do this piece after reading a daunting headline in a national newspaper: “Shoddy Work….Emergency works for Sand Creek Secondary” on Tuesday, 8thAugust, 2017.

This writer is a proud and loyal tax-paying citizen and so I found this to be extremely annoying, disappointing and even painful. It is unfair to us as citizens of this country to receive such haphazard work from contractors. Moreover, I wish

to list some of my concerns that cause contractors to underperform in such projects.

Firstly, in the previous Government and in the current Government, there definitely appears in the system of tendering a certain level of corruption and favouritism. This infiltrates the entire process (transparency and accountability) and in some cases translates into the termination of genuinely awarded contracts, so that the confederates of those in power are awarded the contracts. I am currently in possession of damning and deadly evidence that could prove extremely embarrassing to the Government of the day. However, I have not released this to the public just yet.

Further, the policy of

tendering is usually, the lowest compliant tenderer wins. This is where the danger lies, because if contractors will tender the lowest cost possible for infrastructural and capital works, it is sometimes confusing to my mind that the evaluators, the Cabinet and/or the ministry cannot understand that this will usually reflect low-quality/shoddy work.

This is because they will use the lowest quality cement, would not use hardeners for longevity of the concrete, they will stretch the paint by using paint oil, thinners or water for emulsion paint, all in an effort to maximise their own profits.

In the case of security services, one stands bewildered as to how the National Procurement and Ten-

der Administration Board (NPTAB), the ministries’ evaluators and others involved, can award tenders at times to certain security firms when it is obvious that they will resort to improper payments (underpayment of workers), lack the proper supervisory and training programmes which are costly, and would resort to theft of taxes. For security tenders and others which are tendered extremely low for awards, some contractors are known to be involved in the large-scale theft of Value Added Taxes (VAT).

Sadly, this can cause an economic crisis and even a social crisis. The employees working for such security companies are not able to claim their NIS as pensioners and have no choice but

to use the Public Health Care System and Social Welfare System which inculcates an over-dependency on the Government. This happens because some of these security companies have a tendency of completely stealing the NIS contributions and hoodwinking the National Insurance Scheme by paying only for a small number of employees.

Other companies are known to declare bankruptcy after stealing hundreds of millions of dollars in National Insurance Scheme contributions (plus their part), which adds up to more hundreds of millions of dollars and this is also done with PAYE taxes, thereby augmenting the economic and social crisis

Maxwell responds ...

sumption of regularity; and it appears to have constitutional soundness, (sections 16 & 29 of the IGCA, Cap. 2:01 as to the construction of provisions as to functions, offers no insight as to the approach to this novelty).

Fifth, the wording and/or scheme of the constitution itself recognise that both the executive government and the autonomous PSC has respective functions touching and concerning (potential) appointees. In interpreting and considering the counterpart provision in the Trinidad Constitution in relation to its Police Service Commission, this is what the Privy Council in the constitutional case of Thomas V. Attorney General (1981) 32 WIR 375 at page 386 said relevantly: “In discussing … the division of functions between the Governor-General and the Police Service Commission in relation to what in the constitution is

called the “police force” … the functions of the Police Service Commission falls into two classes: ( 1) to appoint officers … including their transfers and promotions … and in respect of any matters not dealt with by legislation ( whether primary or subordinate) it is for the EXECUTIVE to deal with in its contract of employment with the individual police officers …”. The main point here, is that this dictum is a clear refutation of some misconceived notion that the executive (headed of course by the President ) has no function whatsoever in relation to police officers, because of article 226 (1). That is an utter fallacy. And as I see it, the Minister of State’s letter to the PSC was in substance and intent a NOTICE of the exercise by the President of his residual function/ power to effect an appointment-freeze. Broad policy directives of a non-discrim-

inatory nature, and as the PUBLIC INTEREST requires, is the privilege of any government of the day. The service commissions were never intended to operate in isolation or immunisation from such public-interest incidents, but rather within these parameters. A freeze on ALL appointments (en bloc) is in no way discriminatory, and is not directed to any particular individual officer; and accordingly, it cannot rationally be argued that any such omnibus freeze negates the whole beneficial constitutional purpose of the autonomous PSC: to insulate individual officers from political influences (for better or worse). Nor, in the circumstances can there be (by any critic) any condescension to particulars of any kind to show how the alleged unconstitutionality has happened. Was President Granger tending to, or purporting to direct or instruct the PSC as

to which individual officer should, or should not be appointed? Plainly NOT. Sixth, the local analogous case of Teemal Vs Guysuco in which the Guyana Court of Appeal rejected an argument that the employer (Guysuco) could unilaterally vary its contract of employment with its workers by imposing a government “wage freeze” directive, is no authority for arguing that President Granger has no authority to effect an appointment-freeze. That case was decided on private lawof-contract principles. In this matter, we are in the sphere of constitutional law (i.e. public law contract). No police officer has any constitutional/statutory vested right to be appointed; and besides by the constitution itself the President in the exercise of his (executive) functions, in this type of matter, acts in accordance with “his own deliberate judgment” (Ar-

in the country.

At this juncture, I thought it pertinent once again as I have been doing over the years to showcase the gaps in the tendering system that contractors have taken advantage of relentlessly. In the previous and current administrations there were clear instances of corruption and manipulation. I hope that the ‘powers that be’ look at this observation very seriously. I would advise that an investigation be launched into such areas which are being exploited by dishonest contractors, both in the construction field and the security industry.

Regards, ROSHAN KHAN SNR

Continued from page 6

ticle 111 (1)), as to what is best in and for the overriding public interest including, but not limited to, the overarching public interest matter of the safety and security of the Head of State (a matter of which there is no greater national security concern and significance). And, national security is no function of the PSC. It is exclusively a function of the Executive.

So, I end with this: Proper understanding of a constitutional matter of this type is no “Jack and Jill went up the hill….” nursery school recitation matter. It involves much reading, comprehension and learning as to the intricacies of relevant constitutional principles. The constitution, even as its newly- created autonomous services commissions, never intended to dispense or abrogate entirely the historic legal concept of executive prerogatives. There

has necessarily remained areas of coexistence. So, this constitution cannot be interpreted in blind disregard of such coexistence, and indifference to the multiplicities of conundrums which contrive to vex any government in the conduct of government administration. Policies are crucial. Matters of national security are always of paramount consideration.

The President in the public interest has acted condignly. He can, and has relied on his residual executive prerogative as the source of that power to take that appointment-freeze action.

I have no doubt that those who advised the President as to the constitutional propriety of his action, are right. That is all that matters.

Regards, MAXWELL E. EDWARDS (Former Senior Magistrate)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, August 14, 2017

500 scholarships awarded in past two years MINISTER of State Joseph Harmon has reaffirmed Government’s commitment to supporting youth development, pointing out that some 500 scholarships have been given out in the past two years.

He said the youth population must be equipped with the skills, knowledge and experience they need to lead the country into prosperity.

The Minister of State was at the time delivering brief remarks at an event organised by the Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU) on Saturday for young people in the public service sector in observance of International Youth Day 2017.

International Youth Day 2017 was celebrated under the theme: “Youth Building Peace.”

Minister Harmon said as a Government, the administration recognises that it is their responsibility to provide the good life for young people and to prepare them for positions of authority, in which they can effect change.

However, in order for this to take place, Minister Harmon said it is incumbent on the Government to ensure that youths are properly prepared to perform to their highest potential.

“We recognised that our youths for over 23 years up to 2015 were the forgotten majority. We recognise that it is important that we train our youth, that we prepare our youth not just to take up positions, but that they can make a success of those positions which they take up.

Additionally, on a weekly basis, we invest in our young people, sending them on short courses abroad so that they become acquainted with international best practices so that we are no longer left back. So as we celebrate, I say that the Government of Guyana will continue to support youth development in all of its manifestations,”

Minister of State Joseph Harmon, with some of the young people in the public service sector, who were in attendance at the event on Saturday night (Ministry of the Presidency photo)

Minister of State Joseph Harmon (centre) and Dawn Gardener, Vice- President of the Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU) with attendees at the event (Ministry of the Presidency photo)

Minister Harmon said.

Minister Harmon noted that during the period this administration has been in power, it has made significant investments in equipping the younger population.

Over the two years, more than 500 scholarships were awarded to students to upgrade their education, so as to be able to give of their best to their country.

“Quietly and without much fanfare, this is what your Government has done to prepare our youth for those positions of leadership. Over the period 2015 to 2017, we have invested and sent on scholarships abroad, 53 young Guyanese in places like the United Kingdom, China, Japan. About 540 young people have gone to

This group seemed quite engrossed in the conversation they were having with Minister of State Joseph Harmon at the GPSU (Ministry of the Presidency photo)

local institutions over this period. We are on the cusp of changes that will take place in this country and it makes no sense putting persons in positions and you do not offer them any training, so while we are the current stewards of the national patrimony, we will prepare the groundwork. It is up to you, the young people to

take up this country and take it forward and I want you to always understand that,” the minister of state said.

NECESSARY INVESTMENT Minister Harmon noted that while Government is making all the necessary investments, it is up to the young people to take advantage of the opportunities

which are presented. In this regard, he sounded a call for youths to become organised, so that they can achieve more for themselves and their communities.

“As a Government, we have given support to religious organisations to invest in the spiritual and moral fibre of our young people.

Various organisations and groups have also received tangible support from Government to improve physical facilities and promote the development of our young people. I also wish to take this opportunity to encourage our unorganised youth to get involved in organised activities, as it is through these bodies that you can get the full benefits of partnership with the state for your own development,” he said.

Meanwhile, Nadeila Allen, a public relations assistant attached to the Parliament Office, in a brief presentation, said that youths are important in any country.

She noted that the necessary investments must be made to improve their lives as they have skills, talent and knowledge, which can positively impact the country.

“Youths are one of the most important assets a country can have. When you give youths voices in politics and public life, orient their schoolworks transition, strengthen their skills and facilitate their access to decent jobs, they can play their full part in building stronger, more inclusive communities.

Simply put, empowering young people and ensuring their participation at all levels will help them to shape a better and more equitable future for us all,” she said.

Dawn Gardener, Vice-President, GPSU, said that the event was organised with the sole aim of recognising the young people who are part of the engine of the public service sector. (Ministry of the Presidency)

Minister Harmon interacting with some of the young people at the event to mark the observance of International Youth Day 2017 (Ministry of the Presidency photo)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday August 14, 2017

Kwakwani mini-bus drivers increase fares -- in protest over deplorable condition of road

By Vanessa Braithwaite RESIDENTS of the Region 10 community of Kwakwani are now forced to pay one-way minibus fares to Linden at $2,500, an increase of $500.

Bus drivers have blamed the increase on the state of the Linden to Kwakwani trail, which state has been described as deplorable, especially when it rains.

Not only is the state of the road resulting in frequent trips to mechanic shops, according to the drivers, but more gasoline, since the commute is sometimes up the two hours longer, given the state of the road.

Speaking to the Guyana Chronicle, chairman for the Kwakwani Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) Merna Adrian bemoaned the situation, since it has created a ripple economic effect on the entire community.

Adrian said the increased fare means an increase in the prices for goods that have to be transported in Linden.

Given the lack of jobs in Kwakwani and the stagnation of the economy, residents have protested the situation, but can do little about it since the drivers too have a valid point.

“With the fares going up, everything gone up and when fares go up, it don’t go back down, is now $2,500. We have to pay to go to Linden and they are saying is be-

cause of the road; last week, I travel on the road and it was bad, because the rain fall but I don’t know what is the state now with the sun shining,” Adrian said.

Speaking to another resident on the matter, the pensioner said the road situation is one that has been plaguing the residents for decades now and while works are currently being done, very little improvement is being seen.

“I really don’t understand what going on, because y’all hearing monies allocated for the road, contractor working on the road and the road not getting better and now they up the fare, and you can’t vex with them bus man, I was a driver and I know what it is like,” the resident expressed.

Regional Vice-Chairman Elroy Adolph, who is also a resident of Kwakwani, told the Guyana Chronicle that extensive repair works had commenced on the road, the first phase being from Linden to Kwakwani, but the rainy season has interrupted the smooth flow.

“What really happen is that they start the road late and when the rains start, the work was affected, but now that the sunny season coming up back, they should be able to start back.”

Adolph said that he hopes the government expedites the repair works and takes advantage of the sunny season.

He also revealed that the bus

drivers promised to return the fare to $2,000, once the road is fixed.

Member of Parliament Audwin Rutherford who has responsibility for Kwakwani, when asked whether he has made representation to central Government on behalf of the residents, answered in the affirmative and said that he was currently in conversation with the engineer with responsibility for the road.

Rutherford also said that Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson, is also aware of the situation.

Residents have also laid part of the blame at the feet of the contractor, whom they deemed incompetent and it has been alleged by an official who sought anonymity, that the materials used to construct the road are sluggishly thrown on the surface and roughly graded down.

When heavy-duty trucks and other vehicles pass, the road is opened and the road is left with huge holes. When it rains, the vehicles experience tremendous difficulty to pass and have to engage in teams pushing as the vehicle is most times stuck.

Under normal weather conditions, it would take a bus driver approximately three hours to reach their destination, but in inclement weather conditions, it would take about 4-5 hours.

The current state of the Kwakwani road

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, August 14, 2017

A positive impression IF you want to put your children first, it really has to be your choice. You have to ensure that your children see you in a positive light and you leave a positive impression in their minds. Your children need you to discipline them, to be honest, fair and dependable in guiding them toward a positive future and lifestyle.

You need to work at building a trusting, open relationship with your children -- one where the giving and receiving of respect lies at the heart. In all things you must work with their best interest at heart and in mind.

On the contrary, some adults are absolutely incredulous -- their behaviour

and outlook on life leaves a lot to be desired: the things they do! They lie, deceive, cheat, steal, curse, swear, drink excessive alcohol and get drunk, they take drugs… the list goes on and all of this is done in front of their children. In short, so many adults are not setting good examples and what they fail to realise is that their

actions, words, and gestures are shaping the minds, characters and to some extent, the futures of the children in their care. Whether it is obvious or subliminal, the cold, hard fact is: it is happening and happening right now even as you read these words, some parents are making a negative, lasting impression.

Although those same parents may be the last to acknowledge or admit it, the way they behave goes back to their upbringing. (Or maybe even their lack of upbringing). Adults are not aware of when they learnt all the traits that now govern their minds: the traits that make them think the way they do or make the decisions they make. For example, ‘adult number one’ may want to solve a problem by talking it through, while ‘adult number two’ may want to quarrel or fight about the same problem.

While adult number one will never cheat on his/her spouse because it is against everything he/she believes and stands for, adult number two

will flit along quite merrily from one lover to the next with little or no feeling of guilt or thought of possible repercussions in the future.

Where and when did these adults pick up these contrary problem-solving skills or beliefs in values and fidelity? Most probably during their developmental years. So who were the people guiding them through those years and why didn’t someone teach adult number two the value of peaceful problem-solving and the moral of being honest and truthful to others, but firstly to oneself?

Maybe no one had the time or maybe the child taught him/herself these traits (or skills) through trial and error. Either way children become adults, many of them may have missed out on valuable childhood lessons and teachings that could have helped them in their future lives and decision-making.

As a result, we have adults with their own shortcomings or those who have deep-rooted issues or unresolved emo-

tional pain and anxieties from their childhood, who are raising and influencing their children’s lives in a far from positive way.

Adults need to self-evaluate their actions and thoughts from time to time. They need to be truthful to themselves about their past (and even childhood) experiences and how these might be affecting the way they treat their children (or their relationships with their children) today.

No one is perfect, but in seeking betterment for their children and families, parents will need to start by looking within themselves and sorting out their inner turmoil and problems. Only then can they truly be open enough to put their children first and work towards giving them a better future.

If you are concerned about 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

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday August 14, 2017

Boost for Linden seedling producers

By Vanessa Braithwaite SEEDLING producers who are members of the Region 10 Shade House Cooperative Society, on Saturday, received donations of tools and seeds from Member of Parliament, Jermaine Figueira, who partnered with several charitable organisations, to embark on a project aimed at promoting food security for the region.

The organisations which include the Food for the Poor and Caring for Others have responded positively to the MPs call for assistance in the local agricultural sector, which over the years have been struggling.

It has been noted, that the farmers in Linden are forced to purchase seeds and seedlings from nurseries out of the region, since there is not enough to meet their demands locally.

The seedling producers have also noted their challenges. These include the lack of tools, purchasing expensive and low quality seeds and the fluctuating weather which have been destroying the seedlings in the nurseries.

Taking these challenges into consideration, the cooperative society was recently formed to tackle these issues and Figueira came on board to assist in the growth and development of the farmers.

Two pilot nurseries were

identified, one located in One Mile Wismar while the other is located in Half Mile and the farmers who were encouraged to commence shade house and organic farming will be given the needed technical assistance through the coop, in order to produce more.

One of Linden’s most recognised seedling producer, Cleaveland Tappin, told Guyana Chronicle, that he has been experiencing tremendous difficulty in producing the seedlings, thus, he lost the support of the local farmers who have turned to out of town producers for their stock.

In addition to the lack of tools, one of the major challenges he said is sourcing quality seeds, since the ones that he purchase in Georgetown are many times, of low quality.

“Sometimes you would get seed that is not of good quality, sometimes the shelf life does be gone, these places in Georgetown that would sell seed, these seed should be put in a certain temperature but they does get them on the shelf and the shelf life does be gone faster. If you don’t get fresh seed you would get poor germination,” he said.

OPTIMISTIC Tappin said now that he has been receiving the

support from MP Figueira and the cooperative, he is optimistic that with the new tools and seeds, production will spiral and is therefore calling on the local farmers to support their own.

“If you support me, it’s a two-way street. I will grow and you will grow,” he said.

He believes that if farmers give the local seedling producers the support needed, agriculture in Linden will be given impetus since it will be a faster process for the farmers who will no longer have to invest time to care for the seedlings.

Executive Member of the Cooperation, Orin Gordon, who is also a large-scale farmer, praised the initiative and commended the MP for his help since the cooperation was in dire need of the assistance.

He added that it is a real pain to see farmers giving the support to out of town producers.

“One of the first things we are looking at is substitution, instead of the trucks coming in doing the kind of business and not knowing where the stuff is coming from and all of that, we decided to let us do the production in our community and make it more available for the residents.”

This will also benefit the farmers tremendously since they lose about 40 per cent

Farmers, members of the Region 10 Shade House Cooperative Society and Member of Parliament, Jermaine Figueira (centre standing), with some of the tools and seeds that were donated

of the seedlings before they reach Linden.

Figueira, in an invited comment said that he is on a mission to ensure that the people of the region have access to food that is of an organic nature.

“I have collaborated with the coop to have a shade house in each of the eight constituencies of the town-

ship and to eventually have it spread across the region,” he revealed.

The MP explained that to have a boost in the local agricultural sector, farmers have to meet the demands of the customers in their respective communities as it relates to quality and quantity.

“The members of the coop have the experience

and the know how to assist collectively, we in the community will work to realise the vision of food security in this region, one shade house at a time.”

Some of the tools that were donated include cutlasses, spades, fork, file, pick axe, long boots, a hand tool set and a variety of seeds.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, August 14, 2017

Anglican Diocese observes 175th anniversary with youth festival

THE Anglican Diocese of Guyana observed its 175th anniversary since its establishment as a diocese in the Provence of the West Indies on Saturday with a youth festival.

The festival garnered much positive response from youths and agencies involved and was the first event held among the many activities planned in observation of the Anglican Church’s anniversary.

The Youth Festival was held on the lawns of Austin House, High and Barrack Street, Kingston.

Chairperson of the Planning Committee, Monsel Alves, expressed his gratitude towards the agencies and persons whose sponsorship made the event possible.

“August 27 will be our Anniversary Mass which will be starting at 15:00 hrs at Christ Church and everyone is invited … while on

October 20 will be our black tie affair, dinner and ball where we are really looking forward to that time of fellowship where we get the chance to dance and encourage each other.”

Alves added that the church also planned to hold a family fun and sports day which is slated for November11, 2017.

Public Relations Officer (PRO) and a member of the planning committee, Schemel Patrick explained that the church decided to commemorate its anniversary on this date since its International Youth Day 2017, which is dedicated to celebrating young people’s contributions to conflict prevention and transformation as well as inclusion, social justice, and sustainable peace.

The Diocese Youth Festival is being celebrated under the International Youth Day theme “Youth Building

The youths participating in the cook-out listening to the judges before the commencement of the competition

Peace. International Youth Day was endorsed in 1999 by the General Assembly through a recommendation

made by the World Conference of Ministers Responsible for Youth.

“This event is designed

just for the youths to come out, have a good time and hopefully participate in the activities, to learn from the different organisations. We will also have a cooking competition where the dish being done is meta-gee, since we are still in the month when Emancipation Day is celebrated,” Patrick said.

Activities start from 11:00 hours to 16:00 hours for booth participation and exhibition and 16:00 hours to 18:00 hours for the cultural extravaganza which includes music and a fashion show.

Javed Khan, representative of Republic Bank, one of the sponsors of the event, told the Department of Public Information (DPI) that the corporation’s involvement in the Diocese Youth Festival is in keeping with

its agenda to support youth development.

“We (Republic Bank) not only believe in supporting the festival financially, but we are hoping to come on board and to interact with those present (youths) and help them, whether to open their own account, of course with the authority of their parents but those who are hoping to further their education through us,” Khan explained.

The Guyana Responsible Parenthood Association (GRPA), Adolescent Health Unit attached to Ministry of Public Health, Republic bank, Qualfon Incorporated, Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry and Austin Bookstore, among other agencies, were part of the festival.

The Anglican Diocese of Guyana was founded on August 24, 1842 with the ordination and consecration of the Right Reverend William Austin as Bishop of Guyana and St. George’s Cathedral as the seat of the Bishop.

The St. George’s Cathedral is located in Georgetown and is one of Guyana’s national monuments. With a height of 43.5 meters (143 feet), it is the tallest wooden church in the world.

The Anglican Church has played an important role in the development of Guyana, especially the development of youths and education which led to the establishment of Queens College, Bishops’ High School, Christ Church Secondary and St Ambrose, among other primary and secondary schools throughout Guyana. (GINA/DPI)

One of the peer educators of the Adolescent Health Unit showing the proper way to do push- ups

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday August 14, 2017

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, August 14, 2017

Battling maternal deaths

-- Guyana seeks to reduce number of deaths to 10 by 2020

By Svetlana Marshall COGNISANT of the fact that it fell short of meeting the Millennium Development Goal (MDG) target for maternal mortality in 2015, Government continues to put a series of measures in place to bring the numbers down, but said all must get involved if Guyana is to achieve the target set out in the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Globally, maternal mortality has fallen by almost 50 per cent since 1990, according to the United Nations, but for Guyana, the numbers have not been favourable.

The country’s Chief Medical Officer (CMO), Dr. Shamdeo Persaud, said Guyana on average records 16 maternal deaths annually with a rate of 115 per 100, 000 live births. The country records approximately 18,000 pregnancies each year.

SDG 3 (Good Health and Wellbeing) Target 1, calls for the reduction of the global maternal mortality ratio to less than 70 per 100, 000 live births. For Guyana, this means that the country must record less than eight maternal deaths annually by 2030 for the target to be achieved locally, the CMO explained during an exclusive interview with the Guyana Chronicle.

Statistical data coming out of the Public Health Ministry indicates that Guyana in 2015 recorded 14 maternal deaths, two of which were indirect, putting the rate at 106 per 100, 000 live births.

In 2016, 14 deaths were also recorded, but due to the number of births that year, the

rate jumped to 116 deaths per 100,000 live births. Already for 2017, eight maternal deaths have been recorded with one of the most recent victims being 17-year-old Esther Edward, who died at the country’s primary health care facility – the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPHC) – after delivering a baby girl via caesarean section (C-section) on August 1.

NO EASY TASK According to Dr. Persaud, the Public Health Ministry is working to reduce the actual number of maternal deaths to 10 by 2020 and less than eight by 2030, but maintained that it is no easy task.

In 2015, the Government set aside $133.1 million for expansion of the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) Maternity Unit, increasing its capacity by 50 beds. The investment was made at a time when the hospital was faced with serious overcrowding in the Maternity Unit, which had left mothers no other choice than to double on the beds in an effort to access much-needed services.

By October 2016, the Public Health Ministry through the Government of Guyana had secured a US$8M loan from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) to assist in the reduction of maternal, perinatal and neonatal deaths. The programme was designed to improve the quality of care at 140 health facilities and in 88 communities, benefitting at least 140,000 women and 9,000 newborns per year over a period of five years.

The IDB had noted that despite progress achieved

during the last decade, Guyana continues to experience one of the highest maternal and infant mortality rates in Latin America and the Caribbean.

With the funds secured, the CMO said the Public Health Ministry has been increasing its maternal care services across the country.

It was pointed out that the Bartica Regional Hospital, a medical institution in the Cuyuni-Mazaruni District which was plagued with poor services in the past, now has the capacity to facilitate C-sections and blood transfusions, now that it is fully equipped with an operating theatre and obstetrician.

C-sections and blood transfusions, Dr. Persaud said, are two critical services that are most often needed to deal with pregnant women with complications.

“We have already done the same for the Lethem Regional Hospital,” the CMO added, while noting that while the C-section can be conducted at the hospital under the watch of an obstetrician, the hospital does not have the capacity to do blood transfusions.

“We are working to have blood transfusions done there, but there is a system in place to access blood once a case pops up. Once the pregnant woman is identified, blood will be sent in, we have flights daily,” the CMO explained.

The Lethem Regional Hospital is located in the Upper Takutu/Upper Essequibo District.

The Georgetown Public Hospital, the West Demerara Regional Hospital, the Suddie Public Hospital, the

Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Shamdeo Persaud

Linden Hospital Complex and the New Amsterdam Public Hospital are all up and running with all of the essential services being provided to pregnant women.

CLOSE TIES Additionally, Dr. Persaud said the Public Health Ministry has established close ties with the six private hospitals in the country, St. Joseph Mercy Hospital, the Woodlands Hospital, Dr. Balwant Singh Hospital, Davis Memorial Hospital, Georgetown Medical Centre, Medical Arts and the Annamaya Memorial Hospital.

“All these hospitals can do caesarean sections and provide blood transfusions,” Dr. Persaud assured the Chronicle “Our challenge still remains though in those hinterland regions where these es-

sential services are needed,” he posited while pointing that the majority of the hospitals are situated in urban areas.

As such, he said the Public Health Ministry is working to improve the referral system. While critical patients and those with complications are transferred to the district hospitals, the majority are transferred to the Georgetown Public Hospital.

The CMO posited that health workers have developed a practice of giving patients the referral slip and leaving it up to them to submit it to the referral hospital, but that should not be the case, especially when dealing with pregnant women.

“We would like to move away from that and once we see a complication arising in a pregnant mother, that the system should take charge of that person and ensure that

we look after the logistics,” he posited. Pregnant women, especially those with a second or third pregnancy, have developed the habit of ignoring their illnesses.

“That is the big challenge, especially with the hinterland women, they have other children, and they have their homes and all that. And they would try to delay and they would try to diminish, the importance of this referral. They would say well I had four children before, they say my blood pressure is a little high but not that high, and they would go ahead and ask for some medication, or come up with their own remedy,” the CMO further pointed out.

Dr. Persaud also used the opportunity to call on pregnant women to register at the nearest clinic as soon as they are aware of their pregnancies. According to him, many women wait until they develop a complication before seeking medical attention. Pregnant women, he emphasised, should join clinics during their first trimester.

Target Two of SDG 3 is closely aligned with Target One; however, the Public Health Ministry is still in the process of gathering data, even as it puts systems in place to safeguard the health and well-being of newborns and children under five.

Target Two seeks to end preventable deaths of newborns and children under five years of age by 2030, with all countries aiming to reduce neonatal mortality to at least as low as 12 per 1,000 live births and under-five mortality to at least as low as 25 per 1,000 live births.

FAO Food Price Index rose further in July GLOBAL food prices rose for the third consecutive month in July, driven mainly by higher cereal, sugar and dairy quotations.

The FAO Food Price Index -- a monthly trade-weighted index tracking international market prices of five major food commodity groups -- averaged 179.1 points in July, its high-

est value since January 2015, marking a 2.3 per cent increase from June 2017 and 10.2 per cent rise from its level a year earlier.

The FAO Cereal Price Index was up 5.1 per cent in July. The Index has been rising consistently over the past three months, supported by firmer wheat and rice quotations.

Wheat values rose the most in July, as continued hot and dry weather conditions hampered spring wheat crops in North America, while seasonal tightness pushed up rice prices.

On the other hand, maize prices remained largely steady.

The FAO Dairy Price Index gained 3.6 per cent in July, underpinned by

stronger prices of butter, cheese and Whole Milk Powder (WMP). Tighter export availabilities pushed butter prices to a new high in July, widening further the spread between butter quotations and other dairy products.

The FAO Sugar Price Index rose by 5.2 per cent in July, marking the first monthly increase since the begin-

ning of the year. The strong appreciation of the Brazilian real was the main driver behind this rebound in sugar values. Despite the latest increase, sugar prices remain well below (26 percent) for the corresponding period last year.

The FAO Vegetable Oil Price Index fell 1.1 per cent from June to its lowest level since Au-

gust 2016. The July slide primarily reflected good production prospects for palm oil in South-East Asia and weak global import demand.

The FAO Meat Price Index remained steady.

An increase in international prices for ovine meat in July was offset by downward price movements in bovine, pig and poultry sectors.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday August 14, 2017

Manufacturers, producers cautioned about food additives

DEPUTY Chief Medical Officer (DCMO), Dr Karen Boyle, is calling on food manufacturers and producers to exercise effective control over food additives, residues and contaminants.

While food additives are used to preserve nutritional quality, enhance stability, maintain attractiveness and assist in the processing of food, it is a reasonable requirement that for such additives permitted to be used, there should be a large margin of safety.

Boyle, at a recent forum, said genetically modified products are usually cheaper and sold in poor neighbourhoods.

“A balance must be reached between meeting the demand for produce that look better and almost never rot and those that are organic and therefore smaller and less attractive. The challenge then becomes, that the poor can only afford genetically modified products and the rich are the ones who actually have access to the organic foods and that in itself causes disparities in health, because it means the poor is [sic] going to be exposed to unhealthy foods more and only the rich will be able to afford the healthy foods,” Boyle explained.

While this is not quite the case in Guyana, Boyle said Guyanese are in the habit

of consuming diets that are unhealthy and participating in sedentary lifestyles.

SEDENTARY LIFESTYLES A sedentary lifestyle is a type of lifestyle with little or no physical activity. A person living a sedentary lifestyle is often sitting, lying, while reading, socialising, watching television, playing video games, or using mobile phone/ computer for much of the day.

High Fructose (corn syrup) is the main ingredient in most soft drinks throughout the world. It is added to many fast foods because it is cheaper than sugar and much sweeter.

“When you drink a bottle of soft drink, you already take care of more than your requirement of sugar for the day, that’s for the ordinary person who has a sedentary lifestyle.

For a person holding a normal office job, one bottle of soft drink means you shouldn’t be using any more sugar for the rest of the day,” the DCMO explained.

In the 1970s, most food and drug manufactures switch to fructose corn syrup which drastically altered Americans’ and now the world’s diet. High fructose corn syrup (HFCS) is said to be 10 times sweeter than table sugar.

Dr Boyle said, “the problem with insulin levels -- when

you use these high sugars, that you find in fructose corn syrup the body takes care of sugar with insulin, so when you have a lot of sugar circulating in your body the insulin levels in your body rise up to try and get rid of all the sugars.”

Fructose corn syrup is very quickly converted to fat after consumption. This insulin is left circulating in the body which can cause a person’s sugar level to suddenly plummet, causing a person’s body to crash.

MUST AVOID “One should avoid using too much food that can cause spiking of insulin, because it’s going to make you hungry soon after and it’s going to make you eat again which leads to overeating and that whole cycle of obesity and risk for diabetes and other chronic diseases,” Boyle emphasised.

Science has also found that fructose does not only cause a spike in insulin, but it also raises the level of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, raises levels of triglycerides (fat), and contributes to diabetes, heart disease and obesity.

The DCMO said she is optimistic that Guyana will move to require that the food industry include on their menu the caloric intake or the choleric value of the foods they

and those that are high in fat, salts, sugar or corn syrup.

Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Dr Karen Boyle

manufacture and sell.

“I am not saying we should ban these foods, but the consumer who is educated will know or recognise the need to monitor your portion control and how often you use these foods.” These should be a treat and not a regular something you consume,” Boyle pointed out.

Boyle is also hopeful that the Ministry of Public Health

will consider adopting the traffic light system of labelling which has already been adopted by countries such as Peru and Nicaragua and was endorsed by the World Health Organisation (WHO). The traffic light system of labelling foods, is a simple code that allows the consumer with the least time or the least education to be able to equally determine foods that are healthy

An example of the Colour-Coded/ Traffic Light Guideline Daily Amounts Boyle believes that adopting such a system will require manufacturers and importers to use this system of labelling, which makes it so much easier for the ordinary housewife to choose foods that are healthy for her family.

Some foods that are high in fructose corn syrup includes soft drinks, candy, sweetened yogurt, salad dressing, canned fruit, juice, granola bars, breakfast cereal, storebought baked goods, sauces and condiments and snack foods (processed foods such as chips, cookies and crackers).

Chronic diseases are the top causes of death in Guyana, and the treatment of these diseases consumes over 70 per cent of the Ministry of Public Health budget. A total of $21.5B was approved for the Public Health Sector for 2017, of which $2.025B was allocated for disease control. The Ministry of Public Health, through its Chronic Disease Department, is on a race in taking action and measures to reverse the epidemic of overweight and obesity, and to prevent diabetes, cancers and cardiovascular diseases.

Pensioner died from Cop in custody after fatal accident multiple injuries

– post-mortem report A POST-MORTEM performed on the body of 71-year-old Chitratkha Sankar on Friday revealed the cause of death as multiple injuries.

The pensioner was killed by a canter truck as she stood near the median at Houston Public Road, East Bank Demerara (EBD), Thursday morning.

Reports indicate that Sankar of Lot 61, Houston, EBD, was heading out to a clinic when the accident occurred at 06:45hrs.

It is alleged that the canter truck with logo K&G Shipping, was going north

into Georgetown when the driver crashed into the pensioner as she stood at the median next to a utility pole, dragging her 40 feet away.

The body was removed from the scene by a police pickup and taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital, where she was pronounced dead.

The canter truck driver was taken into police custody as an investigation continues.

“The canter truck pick up this woman from right in the corner, dragging her on the concrete separation,

The two crashed Toyota Allion cars owned by the policemen involved in separate accidents in the wee hours of Sunday morning, parked at the Madewini Police Station Dead: Chitratkha Sankar

Story and photo by Rabindra Rooplall

crushing her to death,” one eyewitness said.

The mother of seven was described by relatives as a very quiet individual.

According to reports from the Traffic Department, Sankar is the country’s 57th road fatality this year.

A YOUNG man of Indigenous descent perished on Sunday after a car driven by a police constable slammed into him on the Soesdyke Public Road, East Bank Demerara (EBD).

The accident occurred around 03:00 hrs and the body of the yet-to-be identified man has been taken to the Lyken Funeral Home.

Investigations revealed that at the time of the accident, the

constable was taking an injured policeman in his vehicle PPP 8497 to the Diamond Diagnostic Centre, EBD, escorted by a police vehicle with siren and flashing lights on.

The injured policeman, identified as Gavin Gentle of Bartica Police Station, had earlier crashed his car on the Timehri Public Road around 02:30hrs.

Reports indicate that Constable Gentle was proceeding south on the Timehri Public Road in motorcar PTT 5444when he lost control of the vehicle and crashed

into a utility pole and sustained injuries.

His police colleague driving PPP 8497 upon noticing the accident stopped his car and gave assistance by transferring the injured policeman to his vehicle, before making a report at the Madewini Police Station.

He was then provided the support of a police vehicle to assist with escorting the injured ranks to the hospital.

It was alleged by the driver of the police vehicle that he swerved from the pedestrian who was in the centre of the road, but Toyota Allion PPP 8497 which was close behind, slammed into him.

The accident victim was then picked up and placed in the same vehicle with the injured policeman and taken to the Diagnostic Centre, where he was pronounced dead.

The injured policeman was treated and transferred to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation and admitted in a serious but stable condition.

The police said the driver of PPP 8497 was tested and no alcohol was detected on his breath. He is in police custody as an investigation continues.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, August 14, 2017

Police win fourth Kares Engineering B & J Classic championship title

By Tamica Garnett IT was action from start to finish as Linden’s Daniel Williams tore up the track to close a sprint treble during the day, while the night climaxed with a fast start and fierce battle in the men’s 800m, then it all came to a close as Police Progressive Athletics Club was inevitably announced as the winners, picking up their fourth overall title in the Kares Engineering Inc Boyce and Jefford Classic VIII, which concluded last night at the Mackenzie Sports Club ground.

Despite Guyana Defence Force taking strong wins when Leslain Baird championed the men’s javelin with a powerful 69.24m throw, and Cleveland Forde showed up to win the men’s 1500m, this was not to be their year at all.

The Army finished 40 points behind the 395 points that Police amassed by the end of the two-day track and field competition. The second place $500,000 earnings helped cushion the blow, but even that was overshadowed by the $1 million grand prize that Police took away for the win.

In distant third place

and earning $300,000 was Super Upcoming Runners with 119 points, while Linden finished fourth with 76 points and took $200,000 for their efforts.

Notwithstanding their fourth place finish, however, Lindeners had much to celebrate as they watched their own Daniel Williams do them proud.

The Lindeners jumped, screamed and shouted, as Williams took a comfortable win in the men’s 100m with a time of 10.7 second, the only athlete in the race to go below 11 seconds.

A fighting Tevin Garraway clocked 11 seconds flat for second place, overtaking his Police clubmate Emmauel Archibald, with just a few metres to go, as an unsuspecting Archibald cruised to the finish line with a 11.20 finish.

In the women’s 100m, Police’s Alita Moore found herself settling for second, as De Challengers Toyan Raymond ripped first place from her with a dip at the line giving her a time of 12 seconds, just 0.2 seconds faster than Moore.

As the afternoon began to settle in, Williams was back on the 400m track to compete in his pet event--the men’s 400m.

Having just returned

from the World Youth Championships with a silver medal in the event, his supporters were eager to see him perform, and expectations were high.

He delivered a 50.3 seconds win, and though far from his 46.72 seconds personal best, the first place was enough to appease the fans, after he wrestled it from Army’s Diquan Vancooten, who had to settle for second place with a time of 50.7 seconds.

As night settled in, the Guyanese crowd could wait to see if the highly-touted Julius Mutekanga would live up to expectations. The race, which also included Trinidadian Ashton Gill and overseas-based Guyanese Kevin Bailey, was expected to be heated.

And it lived up to expectations.

After the battle that played out it was no surprise that a new meet record was set in the international race which was won by Mutekanga in a time of 1:53.9 seconds, as Police’s Samuel Lynch surprised with a second place finish in a time of 1:55.9s, and Ashton Gill could only take third, and had a time of 1:57.1 seconds.

Bolt vows ‘never again’ ... the man who has put him through a lifetime of pain.

And the great man even had reporters laughing when he gave them a vision of what a 50-yearold Usain Bolt might end up doing.

“I’ve no idea. Hopefully, with three kids, married, still in track and field, trying to help the sport, watching it grow,” he said.

“I don’t know if I’d take my kids to the track, though. I won’t be one of those parents who force their kids into things they don’t want to do.”

WONDERFUL NIGHT It was a wonderful night of celebration for athletics’ greatest entertainer with Bolt honoured one last time at the stadium where he achieved the second of his three Olympic sprint doubles.

Coe and the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, pre-

sented him with a piece of the 2012 track as a memento before he embarked on his celebration lap, slowly soaking up all the non-stop cheers from the 56,000 full house - all to a Bob Marley soundtrack.

He went over to the 200 metres and 100 metres start lines, knelt down and crossed himself.

“I was saying goodbye to my fans but to my events also,” he said, admitting he had been close to tears.

And after taking rather longer than the 9.63 seconds it took him to win the 100 metres crown here in 2012, he eventually stopped at the finish line and gave everyone his trademark lightning bolt impression.

Before he had set off on the lap, he had told the crowd he just wanted to entertain and put on a show.

He did just that before also getting a rare round

Continued from back page

of applause in the press room from “some of you guys who wrote bad things about me”.

Asked what he hoped his legacy would be, he paused for a moment before saying: “I’ve proved with hard work anything is possible. I personally think this is a good message to the kids. ‘Push on, be strong, be as good as you can be’ - that’s a good legacy to leave’.”

He was also adamant that he would “preach” to youngsters about avoiding the evil of performance-enhancing drugs.

“The sport hit rock bottom last year and the year before and now we’re on the way back up,” he said.

And his immediate aims? In typical Bolt fashion, he just smiled and declared: “The first thing I’m going to do is have some fun. Have a party and have a drink. I need to chill.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, August 14, 2017

Sri Lanka crumble for 135 after Pandaya onslaught

PALLEKELE, Sri Lanka (Reuters) - India’s bowlers left Sri Lanka staring at a big defeat and a series whitewash after another shambolic batting performance saw the hosts being bundled out for 135 in their first innings in the third and final Test on Sunday.

The hosts, who also suffered heavy defeats in Galle and Colombo inside four days, were made to follow on and reached 19 for one at close of the second day’s play, still trailing India by 333 with nine second innings wickets in hand.

Opening batsman Upul Tharanga made seven before he chopped Umesh Yadav onto his stumps for his second dismissal in the day.

Dimuth Karunaratne was unbeaten on 12 with nightwatchman Malinda Pushpakumara yet to score.

It was all-rounder Hardik Pandya’s 108, his maiden hundred, that set the ball rolling in the morning for the whitewash-chasing India, who posted 487 before being all out in the first over after the lunch break.

Pandya smashed his hundred off just 86 deliveries before he was the last batsman out, giving Sri Lanka leftarm spinner Lakshan Sandakan his maiden five-wicket

haul in tests.

India fast bowler Mohammed Shami did the early damage to Sri Lanka’s first innings by dismissing both openers cheaply before left-arm wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav ran through the middle and

bly called for a review after consultation with opening partner Karunaratne.

Replays showed a clear edge and Karunaratne soon joined his departed colleague back in the dressing room after falling in similar fashion for four.

Hardik Pandya brought up his maiden hundred off 86 balls, and imitated Shikhar Dhawan’s century celebration.

lower order with four wickets for 40.

Sri Lanka got off to a terrible start in their first innings when Tharanga edged Shami to wicketkeeper Wriddhiman Saha for five and inexplica-

Kusal Mendis (18) was then run out after a mix-up with captain Dinesh Chandimal before former skipper Angelo Mathews fell leg before to medium-pace bowling all-rounder Pandya without

Lukaku hits double in United rout, Spurs also win

By Neil Robinson

LONDON (Reuters) - Romelu Lukaku scored twice on his Old Trafford debut as Manchester United delivered their biggest Premier League win in nearly three years to rout West Ham United 4-0 on Sunday.

Anthony Martial and Paul Pogba also struck late on as United outshone all their rivals over the weekend to top the fledgling table, leading manager Jose Mourinho to salute their new-found confidence.

Sunday’s other game saw Tottenham Hotspur win 2-0 at newly promoted Newcastle United whose captain Jonjo Shelvey was sent off for a deliberate stamp on Dele Alli in front of the referee.

At Old Trafford, a United side inspired by Nemanja Matic, their 40-million-pound signing from Chelsea, provided another expensive newcomer, the 75-million-pound Lukaku, with the perfect service.

Lukaku, who also scored against Real Madrid in last week’s Super Cup, netted 25 times in the league for Everton last season and looked

equally deadly following his move to United.

The Belgian struck in the 33rd and 52nd minutes, first getting on the end of a perfect through ball from Marcus Rashford and then heading a second goal from a drifted Henrikh Mkhitaryan free kick after the break.

Romelu Lukaku

Martial and Pogba then ruined former City keeper Joe Hart’s return to Manchester with further strikes that sent the crowd away confident that last season’s problems of winning at home will not be repeated.

“It was a dream come true,” said Lukaku. “The win was good, four goals and a clean sheet.

“Jose Mourinho wants me to be the leader and create as much as I can. The fans want to see attractive football. It is just the start.”

Mourinho was not in-

clined to get carried away, pointing out that United also started last season well, but said: “The team was confident -- a word I like.”

At St James’ Park, Spurs’ victory was almost as easy once Shelvey suffered his moment of madness in the 48th minute.

The spark point was Alli’s refusal to give Shelvey the ball after the Tottenham midfielder was fouled.

The 25-year-old Shelvey responded with a stamp that left referee Andre Marriner no choice but to give Newcastle’s captain the third red card of his career.

Newcastle manager Rafa Benitez said Shelvey apologised to his team mates after costing Newcastle the match on their Premier League return.

Shelvey will now serve a three-match ban.

Goals by Ben Davies and Alli himself sealed the Tottenham win with Kyle Walker-Peters named man of the match on his Premier League debut.

Bizarrely, the full back was a replacement for the almost identically named Kyle Walker, who joined Manchester City in the off-season.

scoring.

Chandimal was the only batsman to provide some resistance with a dogged 48 but became one of spinner Ravichandran Ashwin’s two wickets.

PANDYA HEROICS Pandya’s century was also a maiden first-class ton for the 23-year-old righthander, who hit eight boundaries and seven sixes in his knock.

India resumed on 329-6 but suffered an early blow when they lost Saha for 16 in the second over of the day after the keeper guided seamer Vishwa Fernando’s left-arm delivery straight into the hands of the gully fielder.

Kuldeep showed he was a more than capable lower-order batsman with a well-crafted 26, more importantly adding 62 in an eighth-wicket stand that dampened Sri Lanka’s hopes of restricting the touring side to under 400.

Kuldeep fell to his wrist-spinning counterpart Sandakan, who also dismissed Shami for eight.

That brought Pandya, unbeaten on one overnight, and Umesh together for the last wicket, allowing the former a license to free his

bat in search of quick runs.

The clean-hitting Pandya soon tore into the Sri Lanka attack and blasted 26 in one over from Pushpakumara, hitting the left-arm spinner

for two fours and three sixes in five deliveries.

He reached three figures with a straight punch for four off paceman Lahiru Kumara.

SCOREBOARD

INDIA 1st innings (Overnight: 329-6) S. Dhawan c Chandimal b Pushpakumara 119 L. Rahul c Karunaratne b Pushpakumara 85 C. Pujara c Mathews b Sandakan 8 V. Kohli c Karunaratne b Sandakan 42 A. Rahane b Pushpakumara 17 R. Ashwin c Dickwella b V. Fernando 31 W. Saha c D. Perera b V. Fernando 16 H. Pandya c D. Perera b Sandakan 108 K. Yadav c Dickwella b Sandakan 26 M. Shami c&b Sandakan 8 U. Yadav not out 3 Extras: (b-10 lb-6 nb-2 w-6) 24 Total: (all out, 122.3 overs) 487 Fall of wickets: 1-188 L. Rahul,2-219 S. Dhawan,3-229 C. Pujara,4-264 A. Rahane,5-296 V. Kohli,6-322 R. Ashwin,7-339 W. Saha,8-401 K. Yadav,9-421 M. Shami,10-487 H. Pandya Bowling:V.Fernando 26 - 3 - 87 2(nb-1 w-1),L. Kumara 23 - 1 - 104 0(w-1), D. Karunaratne 7 - 0 - 30 – 0, D.Perera 8 - 1 - 36 - 0(nb-1), L.Sandakan 35.3 - 4 - 132 - 5(w-4),M. Pushpakumara 23 - 2 - 82 – 3.

SRI LANKA 1st innings Dimuth Karunaratne c Saha b Shami 4 Upul Tharanga c Saha b Shami 5 Kusal Mendis run out (R. Ashwin, K. Yadav) 18 Dinesh Chandimal c Rahul b R. Ashwin 48 Angelo Mathews lbw b H. Pandya 0 Niroshan Dickwella st Saha b K. Yadav 29

Dilruwan Perera c H. Pandya b K. Yadav 0 Malinda Pushpakumara b K. Yadav 10 Lakshan Sandakan c S. Dhawan b R. Ashwin

10 Vishwa Fernando b K. Yadav 0 Lahiru Kumara not out 0 Extras: (b-4 lb-1 w-6) 11 Total: (all out, 37.4 overs) 135 Fall of wickets: 1-14 U. Tharanga,2-23 D. Karunaratne,3-38 K. Mendis,4-38 A. Mathews,5-101 N. Dickwella,6-107 D. Perera,7-125 D. Chandimal,8-125 M. Pushpakumara,9-135 V. Fernando,10-135 L. Sandakan Bowling: M. Shami 6.5 - 1 - 17 2(w-1), U. Yadav 3.1 - 0 - 23 - 0 (w-5), H. Pandya 6 - 1 - 28 – 1, K. Yadav 13 - 2 - 40 – 4, R. Ashwin 8.4 - 2 - 22 - 2 SRI LANKA 2nd innings Dimuth Karunaratne not out 12 Upul Tharanga b U. Yadav 7 Malinda Pushpakumara not out 0 Extras: 0 Total: (for 1 wickets, 13 overs) 19 Fall of wickets: 1-15 U. Tharanga To bat: K. Mendis, D. Chandimal, A. Mathews, N. Dickwella, D. Perera, L. Sandakan, V. Fernando, L. Kumara Bowling: M. Shami 4 - 2 - 7 – 0, R. Ashwin 6 - 4 - 5 – 0, U. Yadav 2 - 0 - 3 – 1, K. Yadav 1 - 0 - 4 – 0.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, August 14, 2017

Manangoi brings 1,500m joy for Kenya as Kiprop flops LONDON (Reuters) - Asbel Kiprop failed in his bid for a fourth consecutive 1,500 metres gold medal at the World Championships on Sunday - but Kenya still celebrated a dazzling one-two with new champion Elijah Manangoi leading home his friend Timothy Cheruiyot.

Manangoi, the fastest man in the world this year, sped past his young training partner on the home straight of the last individual track event to take the title in 3 minutes 33.61 seconds, just ahead of Cheruiyot (3:33.99).

Kiprop, who had briefly threatened to make it a Kenyan clean sweep, found the pace too hot on the last lap, fading into ninth place in 3:37.24.

It was a fairly tame attempt to emulate the four straight metric mile world golds of Moroccan Hicham El Guerrouj from the enigmatic 28-year-old Kiprop, who had one of his off-days.

N o r w a y ’s E u r o p e a n champion Filip Ingebrigtsen snatched the bronze, throwing himself across the line to just oust Spain’s Adel Mechaal for the medal by 0.18 seconds in 3:34.53.

Manangoi’s first major title had come with a little help from the master Kiprop, from whom he reckoned he had learned so much over the years.

Two years ago in Beijing, Manangoi had burst through from fifth to second over the last 20 metres to take the silver behind Kiprop.

Yet after a barren Olympic

year in 2016 when he suffered from illness and injury, the 24-year-old looked rejuvenat-

ed this year, coming into the championships off the back of a fine win in the Monaco Diamond League meeting.

for me to win this title for my country,” he said.

Yet though he may not have realised it, for all of

ST. JOHN’S, Antigua – Cricket West Indies (CWC) announced last Thursday the schedule of matches for the 2017-18 Digicel 4-Day Tournament.

The #D4Day opens on

October 26 and finishes on January 21, and all matches are now regularly scheduled to start on a Thursday, rather than Friday, in a break from the long-standing tradition in the modern history (1966

onwards) of the West Indies first-class championship.

“We have tightened up the schedule, due to the heavy amount of cricket we have coming up, and it would also allow us to

complete the #D4Day ahead of the Regional Super50 Tournament,” said Roland Holder, CWI manager for cricket operations.

“A Thursday start also gives fans the option of coming out to see the end of the matches over the weekend, rather than having to take Monday off, so this is being done with them in mind.”

Reigning three-time champions Guyana Jaguars will open their title defence against Jamaica Scorpions on home soil at the Guyana National Stadium.

The other first round matches feature Windward Islands Volcanoes and Leeward Islands Hurricanes at the National Cricket Stadium in Grenada, and the fiercest rivalry in Caribbean sport between hosts Barbados Pride and Trinidad & Tobago Red Force at Kensington Oval in one of six day/night matches on the season schedule.

By Ian Chadband

“We have had very good champions in the event over the years so it is a proud moment

Elijah Motonei Manangoi of Kenya celebrates winning gold medal.

Kenya’s rich background in the event, only Manangoi and Kiprop have won the world metric mile title for their country. The Kenyan-born Bernard Lagat won for the USA in 2007.

“I knew I was in pretty good form and thought I could make the podium but to win this gold is wonderful,” added Manangoi.

All the hard work for his victory, though, had been carved out by the 21-year-old Kenyan champion Cheruiyot, who took up the running on the second lap and stretched out the field to breaking point with a couple of 56-second laps.

With the three Kenyans in a line on the final back straight, Ingebrigtsen muscled his way into contention and, as Kiprop began to

struggle as he has done too often this summer, it became a two-man duel between his less heralded compatriots.

Wi t h 5 0 m e t r e s l e f t , Manangoi finally battled his way past for gold while Ingebrigtsen toppled over the line as he felt the fast-finishing Mechaal coming up close behind.

“It was just such a good race and I’m so pleased to be a world champion. I had a difficult race as Timothy (Cheruiyot) raced very well but I had that extra strength,” said Manangoi.

Cheruiyot added: “I am happy we [the Kenyan athletes] prepared well for this.

Me and Elijah [Manangoi] train together and he is my friend, so I am happy for him and for me.”

4-DAY TOURNAMENT (Scheduled daily start time 10 am, except where indicated in brackets) ROUND 1 – October 26 to 29 Jaguars vs Scorpions – National Cricket Stadium, Guyana (9:30 am) Pride vs Red Force – Kensington Oval, Barbados (3 pm) Volcanoes vs Hurricanes – National Cricket Stadium, Grenada ROUND 2 – November 2 to 5 Red Force vs Scorpions – Queen’s Park Oval, Trinidad Volcanoes vs Jaguars – Daren Sammy National Cricket Ground, St. Lucia Pride vs Hurricanes – Kensington Oval ROUND 3 – November 9 to 12 Scorpions vs Pride – Sabina Park, Jamaica (3 pm) Hurricanes vs Jaguars – Vivian Richards Cricket Ground, Antigua Red Force vs Volcanoes –

Queen’s Park Oval ROUND 4 – November 16 to 19 Hurricanes vs Scorpions – Warner Park, St. Kitts Red Force vs Jaguars – Queen’s Park (3 pm) Volcanoes vs Pride – Arnos Vale Sports Complex, St. Vincent

11:45 hrs Weekend Offenderm 12:15 hrs Haymarket

Ballinrobe 12:30 hrs Thomas O ‘Malley 13:00 hrs Don’t Let Go 13:30 hrs Rumson 14:00 hrs Denham Sound 14:30 hrs Fabulous Saga 15:00 hrs vRosie Alice 15:30 hrs Diamond Hill

2017-18 Digicel 4-day tournament schedule unveiled

DIGICEL REGIONAL

South Africa Racing Tips Flamingo Park 08:20 hrs Bonfire Heart 08:50 hrs Antarctica 09:25 hrs Kali’s King 09:55 hrs Too Cool 10:25 hrs Florrick English Racing Tips Ayr 08:45 hrs Kirbec 09:15 hrs Magic Journey 09:45 hrs Darvie 10:15 hrs Breanski 10:45 hrs Benjamin Thomas 11:15 hrs Star Cracker

Ripon 09:00 hrs Bungle Jump 09:30 hrs Voicemail 10:00 hrs West Drive 10:30 hrs Eagle Creek 11:00 hrs Tewafeed 11:30 hrs Green Howard Wolverhampton 12:20 hrs Forever In Love 13:20 hrs Hello Girl 13:50 hrs La Vie En Rose 14:20 hrs Commodity 14:50 hrs Clear As A Bell 15:20 hrs Anna Medici Irish Racing Tips

***BREAK*** ROUND 5 – November 30 to December 3 Scorpions vs Volcanoes – Sabina Park Hurricanes vs Red Force – Vivian Richards Cricket Ground Jaguars vs Pride – Guyana National Stadium (9:30 am) ROUND 6 – December 7 to 10 Scorpions vs Red Force – Sabina Park Hurricanes vs Pride – Warner Park Jaguars vs Volcanoes – Guyana National Stadium (9:30 am)

American Racing Tips Saratoga Race 1 Champagne Ruby Race 2 Vigor Race 3 Baby Bear’s Soup Race 4 Pocket Book Race 5 She’s Stunning Race 6 Win With Pride Race 7 Battlement Race 8 Literta Race 9 Snag

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, August 14, 2017

U.S. reclaim 4x400m title, more injury woes for Jamaica

DCC Summer Camp to start today

THE Demerara Cricket Club (DCC) summer camp will start today at the club’s Queenstown, Georgetown, ground.

The 15-day camp specifically targets children ages seven-years-old to Under-17 level, and is aimed at ensuring the youngsters learn the joys of cricket, while acquiring and developing the basic skills of the game.

Travis Dowlin

Members the U.S. relay team celebrate after winning the 4x400m relay gold medal.

By Christian Radnedge LONDON (Reuters) - Olympic champions the United States reclaimed their women’s 4x400m relay world title as Jamaica suffered more injury heartbreak in the World Championships final on Sunday.

Twenty four hours after Usain Bolt sensationally pulled up in his relay event, Anneisha McLaughlin-Whilby slowed down clutching her leg 20 metres into her second leg and

went to ground, ending Jamaica’s reign as world champions.

Jamaica had been in the lead, but American Allyson Felix surged clear of the field to open up a 15-metre gap in a superb split of 48.7 seconds.

Team mates Shakima Wimbley and individual 400m champion Phyllis Francis duly extended the gap to win gold in a world leading time of 3 minutes 19.02 seconds.

Felix enhanced her record as the most decorated

athlete in World Championships history by winning her 11th gold to equal Bolt’s haul. It was her 16th medal overall.

The 60,000 spectators inside the London Stadium were on their feet as Britain finished second in 3:25.00 to clinch silver, an upgrade from their bronze at the Olympics last year. Poland came third in 3:25.41 to claim bronze.

McLaughlin-Whilby had to be taken off the track in a wheelchair and her with-

drawal meant there was no farewell run for Novlene Williams-Mills.

The 35-year-old, who made her debut in this event at the 2004 Olympics in Athens where Jamaica won bronze, overcame breast cancer in 2013 and won six World Championship medals overall.

She was due to take the baton from McLaughlin-Whilby for her final run but was left stranded on the start/finish line due to her team mate’s misfortune.

Farah says British media trying to destroy his achievements LONDON, (Reuters) - Britain’s Olympic and world champion Mo Farah said the British media were trying to destroy his achievements and repeated that he was a clean athlete during an emotional outburst on Sunday.

“It’s like I have achieved what I have achieved and you are trying to destroy it,” he told reporters. “You guys, so many times towards me, you have been unfair. I don’t know why.”

Farah won silver in Saturday’s 5,000 metres at the World Athletics Championships -- his final track race of a career in which he won two successive Olympic 10,000 and 5,000 gold medal doubles.

The 34-year-old, who was born in Somalia and moved to Britain at the age of eight, has also won three world titles each in the 5,000 metres and 10,000 metres.

In February, Farah’s

coach Alberto Salazar denied administering banned supplements to his athletes and issued a firm rebuttal of what he said were false allegations against him in a British newspaper.

citing what the newspaper said was a leaked United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) report.

Farah has repeatedly denied wrongdoing.

“It’s like a broken re-

Britain’s Olympic and world champion Mo Farah

The Sunday Times had reported that Salazar had used prohibited infusions of supplements to improve the performance of his runners,

cord repeating myself,” said Farah when the subject was brought up on Sunday. “If I have crossed the line, and Mo Farah has done something

wrong, then prove it.”

“You can write what you like but I’m a clean athlete... and I sleep well at night, loving my kids, hugging my kids, showing (them) what’s right. That’s all that counts.”

Farah, speaking calmly but looking exasperated, said his achievements spoke for themselves.

“History doesn’t lie -everybody’s proud of me,” he said.

“The fact is, I work hard at what I do and I achieve (it) through hard work... putting my balls on the line, year after year, and delivering for my country, and for the people out there.”

“I’m going to still keep fighting, keep working, making my country proud,” said Farah, who will now concentrate on running marathons. “I am proud to be British and put my GB vest on and do it for my country.”

The programme also involves classroom style sessions, lectures by a variety of expert presenters, cricket and fitness drills, game simulations and matches.

Quality and experienced coaching will be done by Travis Dowlin, Garvin Nedd, Mark Harper, Reon King and Orin Bailey, with Roger Harper as technical consultant .

Registration fee is $6 000, and interested participants can make contact with Dennis Squires (Club Captain) on telephone number 6657400, Nedd (Club Coach) on telephone number 617-9381) and Harper (Technical Director of the Camp) on telephone numbers 611-0735 or 678-9973.

Refreshment and lunch will be provided. A dress code will be in effect, and confirmed participants are asked to be attired in track pants or short sports, white tee or polo shirts, track boots and socks.

Youths will be placed in groups according to age and skill level. Participants are encouraged to walk along with their own equipment, water bottle, rag and hats.

However, DCC will also provide gear for participants to use as well. The camp runs from 09:00hrs to 15:00hrs daily.

Powell warms up for Edgbaston Test with century

Left-handed opener Kieran Powell

DERBY, England, (CMC) – Opener Kieran Powell hit a stroke-filled hundred as West Indies rounded off their preparation for the next week’s first Test in style, with another strong batting display at Derbyshire here Sunday.

Playing on the final day of the day/night encounter, West Indies piled up 327 for six declared in their second innings, to follow up their first innings 427 for three declared.

The left-handed Powell, who missed out on three figures on Friday’s opening day with 92, made no mistake this time around as he converted his overnight 41 into exactly 100 before retiring.

Roston Chase carved out an unbeaten 60 to follow up his unbeaten hundred in the first innings while tail-ender Kemar Roach chipped in with 40 not out and wicketkeeper Shane Dowrich, 37.

The work out for the batting group would have been much welcomed, coming five days before the day/night opening Test against England at Edgbaston.

Powell led the effort in an innings which came from a mere 103 deliveries and included 19 fours, as he posted his seventh first class hundred.

He put on 70 for the second wicket with Jermaine Blackwood (29) before retiring with a leg niggle on 158 for two.

Captain Jason Holder (18) stretched the third wicket partnership to 68 with Dowrich before falling just before lunch to left-arm spinner Matt Sonczak (2-56).

When the Caribbean side lost three wickets for 11 runs to slide to 223 for six, Chase and Roach further frustrated the hosts in an unbroken seventh wicket partnership of 104.

Chase, with a score of above 50 in all of his four innings on tour, punched seven fours and two sixes in a breezy 85-ball knock while Roach faced 89 deliveries and counted seven boundaries.

West Indies declared at tea with no outright result left in the encounter and Derbyshire were 51 without loss when the two captains called it quits.

26

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, August 14, 2017

New comer Vera’s Finally at his best at Guyana Cup - Harmon pledges Government full support for the sport

By Rajiv Bisnauth HORSE racing always prepares for the perfect blend of glitz and competition, and during yesterday’s 11th edition of the annual Guyana Cup, it was definitely one of the most glamorous moments in horse racing locally.

The event provided that traditional hotspot for a pulsating afternoon of togetherness, but for the races themselves, the turfites didn’t left the Rising Sun Turf Club

disappointed, with nine thoroughbred races taking centre stage.

However, it was the feature D ‘1’ and Lower event (Race 7) which highlighted the magnificence of the country’s top racehorses.

Watched by a capacity crowd, included Minister of State, Joseph Harmon, a star-studded field with a full gate of 11 horses broke even, but it was new comer, Vera’s Finally, duly confirmed his status as the country’s top sprinter in winning by ¾

length.

Apprentice and champion jockey, Colin Ross, definitely enjoyed one of his best days in the saddle as he held off a late charge to win comfortably.

Trained by Fazil Habibulla for popular owner and champion stable, Jumbo Jet Racing Stables, the newcomer was quite out of the running, at least for the first 1200 metres, but as the animal approached the final turn in the 1600 metres, Ross took full command by passing early race leader, Just Call Me Boss.

Connections of the Jumbo Jet Stables along with Minister of State, Joseph Harmon, celebrating the feature event victory.

Newcomer, Vera’s Finally, duly confirmed his status as the country’s top sprinter in winning the feature event yesterday in the 11th edition of the Guyana Cup by ¾ length.

It was quite easy from there on, as Ross piloted his charge for a thrilling victory ahead of Just Call Me Boss, It’s My Choice, Golden Blue Echo and Settling Star, respectively.

The Jumbo Jet Racing Stables took the top prize of $2 million and the Banks DIH champion’s trophy.

Meanwhile, Harmon pledged the government’s full support for horse racing, adding that events of such nature definitely adds to the government mission of social

cohesion.

Results for the other races are as follows: Race 1: 12 and Lower: Miss Olympic, Party Time, Liquid Lion and Red Jet. Race 2: L and Lower: Supreme Cat, Irish Boy, Angel Eye, Little Star and Not This Time.

Race 3: E2 and Lower: Release the Beast, Red Rockets and Strom Bird.

Race 4: H2 and Lower: Quite Dance, Got To Go, Isn’t She Charming.

Race 5: Three-year-old

Guyana Bred: Seven Dust, Fresh Dancer, Miss Olympic, King Stanley and Born To Dance.

Race 6: Two-year-old Guyana Bred: The Final Line, Release The Heat, Touch Gold and Princess Showan.

Race 8: G2 and Lower: Keep On Swinging, Mid Night Blues, Red Rocket and Isn’t She Charming.

Race 9: K and Lower: Slim Shady, Ready To Romance, Red Region, De Rocket and Confusion.

Trinidad deny U.S. seventh successive 4x400 world title

By Brian Homewood

LONDON (Reuters) - Trinidad and Tobago denied United States a seventh successive world 4x400 metres relay title when Lalonde Gordon overhauled Fred Kerley on the final straight to win a breathtaking final at the World Athletics Championships on Sunday.

The U.S led for most of the race and appeared to be on course for another win after Michael Cherry ran a strong third lap to extend their lead before handing the

baton to Kerley.

But Gordon gave chase and ran a superb final lap for the Caribbean islands, catching the American on the home straight to give Trinidad their first world title in this event and add to the list of upsets at the championships.

It was just reward for Lalonde who was part of the Trinidad team which took bronze on the same track at the London Olympics five years ago and won silver at the Beijing World Championships in 2015.

Jereem Richards,

bronze medallist in the 200 metres, and Machel Cedenio also kept them in contention in the second and third legs as Trinidad claimed their first and only gold of the championships.

Martyn Rooney put up a brave chase for Britain but was unable to haul in the leading pair and the hosts took bronze.

Tr i n i d a d ’s t i m e o f 2:58.12 was the fastest this

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Monday August 14, 2017) 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) Johnson Charles & A. B. DeVillers (2) Warriors & Tallawahs (August 17) Today’s Quiz: (1) Who were the finalists in the inaugural CPL? (2) Which two played two CPL finals apiece?

ANSWERS IN TOMORROW’S ISSUE

Members of Trinidad and Tobago relay team celebrate after winning the gold medal.

year.

Jamaica and Bahamas, Olympic silver and bronze medallists respectively in Rio de Janeiro last year, both failed to qualify for the final as did Botswana, another

of the favourites, after they dropped the baton in the semi-finals.

The United States, who are also Olympic champions, last failed to win the world title in Paris in 2003.

27

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, August 14, 2017

Tamayo’s ‘four’ helps Cuba to flatten Guyana 9 – 0 to top Group ‘D’

By Rawle Toney

CUBA showed no mercy to Guyana yesterday in the final Group D match in the CONCACAF Women’s U-17 Qualifiers, when they flattened the ‘Lady Jags 9 – 0 at the Leonora Track and Field Facility.

The result meant that Cub topped the group with a superior goal difference (+9) over Barbados (+4), despite the two sides finishing on four points.

Cecil Tamayo scored four goals, Elianne Sarmiento netted a double, while Amanda Dominguez and Sulenys Barrios scored a goal each for the Cubans, who will now move on to the final stage of qualification in Haiti later this year.

Meanwhile, the Cubans game-plan was evident from the start of the game – score a lot of goals – and it was Sarmiento who opened the account when she scored a free-kick that stunned Guyana’s Indera Amardeo in the 24th minute.

One minute later, Cuba’s Captain Dominguez doubled the score and Sarmiento completed her brace just on the stroke of half time (45th minute) to hand the visitors a 3 – 0 cushion at the interval.

Guyana’s two attempts on goal came from Tiandi Smith when her free-kick attempt landed safely in the gloves of Elaine Fournier

Cuba’s Yeisika Munoz being marked closely by Odessa Smith during yesterday’s encounter.

Beaten! Guyana’s Indera Amardeo failed in her effort to stop the ball from crossing the goal line from an Elianne Sarmiento shot.

Cuba’s Cecil Tamayo (third from left) joined in celebration by teammates after scoring the first of her four goals.

and ‘Wonder Kid’ Jalade Trim, who, after some fancy foot moves to evade two defenders, placed her well placed effort to the keeper.

But it was in the second half that the Cubans unleashed an onslaught on Guyana’s goal. Tamayo, who came on as a second half substitute for Ye-

dasi Zayas, seemed hungry in her approach to the game and from her first touch of the ball- a hard shot from inside the penalty area that was stopped

by Amardeo-- it was clear that the Guyanese defence were in for a long night.

Tamayo would score her goals in succession – in the 62nd, 73rd, 77th and 78th minutes.

Three minutes after Tamayo’s last goal, Barrios, who also came on as a second half sub, put the finishing touches on the Guyanese.

Thanks Trim, those in support of the Guyanese had something to cheer about.

The 12-year-old striker who hails from Kwakwani, used her Neymar Jr-inspired moves throughout the game

and on one occasion, she almost placed Guyana on the scoresheets, but the Cuban custodian was equal to the task to stop her powerful shot.

She seemed beloved by supporters of both teams, as they cheered her almost every move, since most persons were amused by her fearlessness in spite of her size.

Warriors beat St.Lucia Stars to record first win of the season

AN assured team performance from the Guyana Amazon Warriors produced a six-wicket victory against St Lucia Stars in Match 12 of the 2017 Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL) last night.

After pulling the Stars back from 91 for 2 to 152 for 8, a calm cameo from Gajanand Singh guided the Amazon Warriors to the target, despite a late blip which took the match deep into the last over.

After winning the toss and electing to bat, the Stars innings was given a quick start by Johnson Charles and Andre Fletcher.

Fletcher only lasted eight balls however, before being beaten for pace by a back of a length ball from Sohail Tanvir.

Fletcher’s demise did not seem to perturb his partner Charles who clattered a four and a six off the two balls immediately after the wicket

and then hit an enormous Hero Maximum off Rayad Emrit which bounced off the roof of the stadium and down the road. A scratchy innings of 2 off 7 balls from Marlon Samuels was ended with a

Leg-spinner Rashid Khan was named Manof-the-Match for his splendid figures of 2-9 from 4 overs.

top-edged pull off Emrit and a tight sixth over, bowled by Rashid Khan meant the Stars ended the Powerplay 47 for 2.

Two driven fours from Shane Watson gave the innings fresh impetus before Charles tore into some full tosses from Keemo Paul, taking the 9th over for 21. At the half way stage the Stars were 90 for 2, thanks largely to Charles who batted with typical belligerence, muscling the ball across the line, scoring 50 of his 53 runs on the leg side.

His dismissal off the second ball of the tenth over by Rashid Khan changed the complexion of the innings. Kamran Akmal was stumped for 2 off 4 balls, charging down the pitch to Khan. Some tight overs and two more wickets - Watson for 32 and Kyle Mayers for 1 meant the Stars had lost 4 for 19.

More quiet overs followed as Darren Sammy and Rahkeem Cornwall struggled to get the ball away, particularly from Rashid Khan who finished with 2 for 9. With 12 balls remaining the Stars were just 122 for 6.

Those 12 balls brought the Stars 30 runs as Sammy finally found his range, slamming three sixes—two over mid-wicket and one straight-before he was dismissed looking for a fourth, for 26 off 24 balls. The Stars finished with 152 for 8 - well below the two previous first innings at this venue of 196.

Chadwick Walton gave the Amazon Warriors chase a frantic beginning by hitting four boundaries in the first two overs. However, the Stars pulled things back in the next three overs, conceding just 15.

After Walton was dismissed by

a good short ball from Jerome Taylor, the Amazon Warriors ended the Powerplay 42 for 1 with Martin Guptill being kept quiet on 4 off 12.

Once the field dropped back the Stars bowled accurately, giving the Amazon Warriors very few boundary balls. After a brief but unspectacular partnership, Babar Azam was caught and bowled by Shane Shillingford for 12 off 14. At the halfway stage the Amazon Warriors required 84 more runs to win.

When Guptill was eventually dismissed, well caught at deep point by Samuels off the bowling of Mayers, the Stars probably felt they were in with a chance. Although the required run rate of 8.93 was not steep, it required an acceleration that the Amazon Warriors had shown little sign of giving.

It did however eventually come with 48 required from 30 balls as Jason Mohammad and Gajanand Singh took Shillingford’s final over for 16, putting them back in charge of the contest. A brilliantly flicked six and two slapped drives from Gajanand further reduced the equation.

Despite the boundaries the Amazon Warriors never truly pulled away and a tight penultimate over from McClenaghan ended with the wicket of Mohammad and left them requiring 8 from the last over.

After only two runs came from the first three balls, bowled by Sammy, the Stars had come from nowhere to stand on the brink of winning.

However, Roshon Primus heaved a four and scampered two to ensure The Amazon Warriors recorded their first victory of the season.

Warriors beat St.Lucia Stars to record first win See Page 27

Police win fourth Kares Engineering B & J Classic championship title See Page 22

Police athletes celebrate their fourth title win at the Kares Engineering Inc Boyce and Jefford Classic which concluded last night at the MSC ground: (Samuel Maughn photo)

Bolt vows ‘never again’ after emotional London farewell

By Ian Chadband

Usain Bolt of Jamaica during a lap of honour. (Phil Noble) Printed and Published by Guyana National Newspapers Limi ted, Lama Avenue, Bel Air Park, Georgetown. Telephone 2 2 6- 3243-9 (General); Editorial: 2 2 7- 5204, 2 2 7- 5216. Fax:2 2 7- 5208

LONDON (Reuters) Usain Bolt took an emotional final bow on the track at the end of the World Championships in London on Sunday before declaring that, definitely and definitively, there was no way he would ever return to sprinting.

After embarking on a special lap of honour so slow that you could not believe that we were saying farewell to the world’s fastest man, Bolt was asked by reporters already missing him whether he might ever change his mind.

“No, I’ve seen too many people come back and make things worse and shame themselves.

I won’t be one of those people who come back,” Bolt said firmly.

Twenty four hours earlier, the 30-year-old Jamaican’s matchless sprint career had ended painfully on the last leg of the 4 x

100 metres relay final as he crumpled to the ground in the London Stadium with a hamstring injury.

Bolt, who admitted that it had been a terrible end of a “stressful” championship for him after also losing his 100 metres crown, said he had felt consoled on Sunday when someone told him “Muhammad Ali lost his last fight too -- so don’t be too stressed about it”.

Already he was looking forward to an exciting future, he said, with his management camp talking to IAAF President Sebastian Coe, about what he might be able to do for the sport in an ambassadorial capacity.

He also revealed that his coach Glen Mills, the sage of Jamaican athletics, wanted him to become his coaching assistant.

“So we’ll see how that goes,” Bolt smiled about

Turn to page 22 MONDAY, AUGUST 14, 2017