Monday August 13, 2018
Kaieteur News
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POOR COMMUNICATION I WILL REST MY CASE BY DOCTORS IN GUYANA WITH SEVEN PROPOSALS DEAR EDITOR, Please allow me to comment and suggest possible recommendations to address this endemic of poor doctors’ communication in Guyana. It is in response to a letter published on the 29th July, by a concerned patient Juliana Lopes. The letter is titled ‘ the medical council of Guyana needs to give this doctor a reality check’. The experiences of these women are very distressing to read. There is a Facebook page shared with me by a friend where over a hundred women shared their painful experiences with this doctor. I’ve also had confidential conversations with friends in Guyana who described similar horror experiences. One patient was reduced to tears when she was told that her baby is going to be a monster based on what this doctor saw on ultrasound scan. Suffice to say she never went back to the said doctor after that experience and chose to have her baby in America since she is an American citizen. If it was an isolated case, then we could have said the doctor had a bad day, but it is over a hundred patients over an extended period of time.To me that represents much more than a bad day and demonstrates a pattern of behaviour which needs addressing. Editor, my aunt was understandably concerned that I was getting too involved in Guyana’s politics. She is concerned that I may suffer the same fate as my QC buddy and classmate Courtney Crum-Ewing. As a result I will try to avoid the political issues, but focus on social and medical issues. Having said that, this should not be viewed as me taking the coward’s way out. As a matter of fact I’m prepared to take a bullet for women rights, homosexuals’ rights and opportunities for the underprivileged. These groups are marginalised and discriminated against worldwide. Today I will focus on women. I have written extensively on homosexuals and the underprivileged
before. I would humbly suggest that the problem of doctors having poor communication with patients in Guyana has its origin in medical schools. The curriculum in University of Guyana’s medical school is 20th century, focusing on disease prevention and treatment. Absolutely nothing on communication. We need to develop this curriculum for the 21st century. Research done by the medical council in the UK found that about 45% of patient complaints is down to poor communication between doctors and patients. As a matter of fact, this figure is now improving since its recognition and steps taken to address it. As a result of these poor figures, the medical curriculum was redesigned with communication being an integral part. From day one in medical school, medical students in the UK are taught communication. For the five years of their training, communication is integral.So much so that if a student gets all ‘A’s’ in her ‘clinicals’ but fails communication, then she will not advance until she passes communication. I know this much because as a consultant I’m involved in training and assessing medical students from the Nottingham University Medical School. I also worked as a clinical lecturer for Manchester and Cardiff medical schools. And it does not end there. Even after they have completed medical school, their communication is being assessed by patients, nurses and their colleagues. All doctors go through this process. It informs their annual appraisal. Doctors who are found to have difficulties in communication have to go on a communication course and have to show improvement in their subsequent appraisal. Continued failure can put one’s medical registration at risk. Don’t get me wrong, they
are other aspects to a doctors’ appraisal in the UK including clinical work, audits, research, number of patients’ complaints, number of serious untoward incidences, conferences attended etc., but I am focusing on communication today. Communication is not as simple as it may appear. It entails breaking bad news, consenting patients, discussing end of life care with family, discussion resuscitation with patients, communicating with colleagues, explaining diagnosis to patients, conflict resolution, how to actively listen to patients, communication with family, explaining complications of medications etc. Also in the 21st century with internet widely available, patients research their conditions and present to you, their doctor, with a 1000 pages of questions. Doctors in the 21st century should be trained on how to address this. If I’m to now address the communication difficulties of doctors in Guyana, I would humbly suggest that the reasons why patients complain about poor communication by doctors in Guyana is two-fold. Firstly, doctors are not trained to communicate with patients, so they feel threatened when a patient asks questions. And two, the health care service in Guyana is doctor-centred and not patient-centred. By this I mean doctors think they are the bosses and should not be questioned. That may be true in the 20th century, but we are in the 21st century. Medicine is now patient-centred and rightly so. The patients should be allowed to take ownership of what is going to happen to them in terms of treatment. We are merely professional advisers. Advising patients about pros and cons of treatment or non-treatment, but them making the decisions. That’s called patient empowerment and patients making informed Continued on page 6
DEAR EDITOR, I know Professor Clive Thomas to be a patriot who has over the years championed the cause of our people. By every measure a good Guyanese. I respect him for this and have the highest regards for him. His recent statement proposing a sum of money to each family unit, may have been made with the best of intentions, but I believe may not be the best course of action. Those of us who have been in the hustings for generations, happen to know our people, most likely, a little better than Clive. Of course, with the known proclivities of our male and female population, the first high hurdle will be to determine or define what is a family unit. Beyond this, we must not be made to feel that with oil money we can now expect handouts. What we need to do with any additional money available to the State is to have an agreed ‘Master Plan’, so that we can all benefit meaningfully in the short and long term, moreso the latter. Handing out sums to families is too simplistic. The plan or program should in essence provide opportunities for all citizens and help, in a big way, to support those who are willing to help themselves. Will we abandon our farms and import more vegetables and fruits with our money? This has happened elsewhere. Will we abandon our cycles for a motor vehicle just to go around the corner? I related at the Emancipation Support Symposium in Port of Spain, Trinidad, of my encounter with a soul brother who told me that with oil coming, he will no longer have to perambulate, but will motor gate. My own view is that whatever monies are available to the State, same should be used in the following seven (7) areas: 1) Make our educational system solid and top class, geared to produce that new Guyana person we talked about even before Independence. A system that allows us to cope with a fast advancing scientific and technological world, but moreover to fashion a curriculum similar to what was put in place for the first batches of President College in 1985. In the earlier days at President College, the students engaged in several sport and cultural activities, including music, swimming, equestrian skills, producing their own food and mixing with ordinary people in the contiguous communities. At the same time pursuing the highest academic standards, truly a school of excellence. Every school in Guyana with appropriate modifications based on several factors should aim for levels of excellence.
Attention is to be paid to our University, Technical and Teacher Training Institutions. This means a massive injection of resources into buildings, grounds, training, laboratories, etc. Finally, let us fulfill the dream and passion of Linden Forbes Sampson Burnham to make education free from Kindergarden to University. 2) Increase with haste, salaries of the Security Services, Educators including Teachers and Medical Personnel. This should be un-negotiable. 3) Provide a State-of-the-Art Health Service where complex surgical and medical procedures are available to all, either free or at an affordable cost. 4) Retool NIS so that we make good the objective of those of us who first conceived and implemented the National Insurance Scheme. And so, for example, remove the present absurdity where health care benefits are available to contributors up to sixty (60) years of age, but not available beyond sixty, when you are more than likely to be in need of medical health support. Both the Late Dr. Gladstone Mitchell and I invade against this oddity. 5) Have an ongoing massive clean-up in urban and rural areas. This will provide jobs, training, and develop a sense of pride in our surroundings and teach people to love and care for their neighbours. 6) Provide delightful holiday resorts at affordable rates so that young and old can share in the natural beauty and charm, of our country with magnificent things to see. 7) A retooled-remigration scheme, geared to encourage young and experienced professionals to return home to contribute to development. This should include second generation Guyanese. They say seven is the number of perfection, so I rest my case with the above seven (7) proposals. But Dear Editor, there is much talk about oil. Will oil provide all of the above? I pose the question ‘Can we do this in the short term?’ I believe with prayers, good management and the integrity of all of our Administrators at every level, and I mean at every level, who will have to sing from the same song sheet. An utopia can be realized in our lifetime. They say the longest journey begins with a single step and that first step should include meaningful dialogue and the creation of an ethic of study, honesty and hard work. Can we do it? Yes we can! Hamilton Green Elder
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Monday August 13, 2018
A million dollars every year end Poor communication by doctors... increase their finances. I From page 5 recommendations: puts the economy in the right gear choices, which are big in the 1. The medical curriculum w o u l d a r g u e t h a t t h e DEAR EDITOR, In the mid-1960s my fatherm Aaron Blackman Snr, worked as a cane harvester and mason who maintained the kiln when the grinding of canes stopped and maintenance crew stepped in. Every year end the workers received a bonus which was commonly known as “once for all”. I remember my father, with a one hundred dollar bonus, was able to purchase wood and zinc sheets that provided accommodation that covered an area of about 20 feet by 10 feet - adding a room to our small house that accommodated twelve of us . Today that same space will cost almost one million dollars to erect, which is an uphill task to obtain as a poor person living in the villages where poverty thrives. Anyone who denies the poor individual to lift himself or herself out of the slums of life, through his or her initiative, is unaware of the plight of the invisible poor, they have never slept on the concrete floor, or in congested spaces, that
causes child molestation and sexual abuse to thrive. They have never known what it is to not have a passage to join the bus that is three miles away from your school, find good friends to take your bag on the bus, then run that distance from Bachelors Adventure to Buxton Government Secondary School. It turned out that I became the school’s top distance runner, Goalkeeper , Cricket all-rounder, and today I am a professional Social Worker and Football Coach. The youth is the truth, and the sooner we come to that realization the better will be the results for positive change in this God-blessed nation. The politics is getting nasty; to deliver to the people of Guyana what is rightfully theirs is now seen as electioneering, while at the same time they are crying out that the poor are feeling the squeeze, sugar workers are suffering, and you are saying don’t give them no money. Where is the sense in your argument? There would be no poor
household that will get the opportunity to receive US$5000 and refuse it. This is what will intensify entrepreneurial development. This does not mean that there will not be negative behaviours from some that are bent in their ways. Businesses will be given a boost in the village community, and there will be smiles on many faces. It is people who develop communities and not communities that develop people. Give people money and they will create a new day for themselves and their family, hence thriving communities. I give Professor Clive Thomas my fullest support in the suggestion he made to give every household a cheque for US$5000 every year. This is very minimal when the magnitude of the financial returns from the oil industry is considered. I pray that the politicians give love a try; stop the fighting for power and support positive development. RAS Aaron Blackman Social Worker
Minister Lawrence has shown... From page 4 $368M contract to HDM Labs, a contractor with little to no experience in procuring and supplying medicines, I asked that the Public Procurement Commission and SOCU immediately investigate this matter. Evidence points to a deliberate violation of the procurement laws of Guyana and misconduct in office at high levels. Outside of the Public Procurement Commission having a constitutional responsibility to investigate this matter, given SOCU’s obsession with spuriously charging ministers of the previous administration with misconduct in office on the most flimsy and outrageous excuses, we expect these clearly
egregious violations will attract their attention. SOCU’s failure to act on these present-day violations represent clear proof that it exists only to harass and intimidate political opponents of this government. In any case, the Minister’s clumsy excuse for not fulfilling her constitutional and parliamentary mandate, her excuse that she is unable to answer questions on a matter involving inappropriate and illegal use of $368M, an amount paid out to an outfit that has no experience for the purpose it was paid, is contempt for the parliament and for the people of Guyana. It is reason enough for people to expect her resignation. Dr. Leslie Ramsammy
UK. As a matter of fact there are lots of research done which show that a patient who is knowledgeable about his/ her condition, who is actively involved in developing a treatment plan and who has family involvement is more likely to comply with their treatment and have better outcomes. Not sure why a research was needed for that, since it is self evident. Also, there are lots of supporting evidence that poor communication has a detrimental physical and mental effect on patients and families with patients having poorer outcomes. In addition, poor communication by a doctor can be distressing to that doctor when a patient makes a complaint which has to be investigated. It is important that employers, as part of their duty of care to that doctor, have processes in place to support such doctors. Finally, poor communication can affect a hospital financially from litigation and compensation payouts. No health service has limitless financial resources, so all pennies count. So I would argue, with these facts, that it is imperative that communication is taken seriously by all medical schools in Guyana and also the medical council. What is playing out in Guyana is a power struggle between patients and doctors. Patients have rightfully moved forward to the 21st century model of health care delivery, but doctors are stuck in the 20th century. Doctors should be given support to move forward to be on the same page with their patients. Also doctors should understand that it is not their bodies that have the ailment. Why should we decide what happens to someone else’s body? So Editor, I do wish to humbly suggest five
at the University of Guyana medical school and all medical schools in Guyana should be reviewed with a view to having communication an integral part of it. It needs to reflect the communication demands require of doctors in the 21st century. There are lots of books available on Amazon with regards to communication, but I would humbly suggest that communication professionals are employed to develop a communication curriculum to teach and assess communication for future and current doctors. 2. All doctors in the health service must have their communication assessed annually. This assessment should take the form of patient survey, staff survey and colleague survey. This survey should be developed by the medical council with active involvement of communication consultants. Doctors who have deficiency in their communication should have remedial work either by undertaking a communication course approved by the medical council and/or University of Guyana medical school. 3. If a serious concern is raised about a doctor’s communication, this should be investigated by the employer by a consultant who is independent of the said doctor. If these concerns are confirmed then remedial work should be recommended before that doctor engages with a patient again. If the concern is about a privately-operating independent doctor, then in the absence of other independent doctors to investigate, the medical council should take the lead in investigating said doctor. 4. The medical council of Guyana is strapped for m o n e y. M o s t m e d i c a l councils are. They should think of innovative ways to
medical council should facilitate the development of a communication course for doctors, conducted by c o m m u n i c a t i o n consultants. This will help to raise desperately needed funds. No medical council can exist on only doctors’ registration fees. Also, the council can have communication sessions as part of their continued medical education. 5. The medical council should set minimum standards for non-Englishspeaking doctors who wish to work in Guyana. This should be tied with English courses for those doctors whose English may be deficient. In closing, I trust that the medical council investigate the said doctor who has some very serious allegations made against him. Allegations of discrimination based on marital status, religion or personal choices are serious. If this doctor was in the UK he would have been suspended from practise and have his fitness to practice i n v e s t i g a t e d . Unfortunately this will never happen in Guyana. Frankly I do not believe that these concerns will be taken seriously, since in Guyanese parlance ‘ he ain’t kill nobody’ . This doctor may never be investigated because of his background and status. And having doctors investigate doctors, as would be the case, never made sense to me. I wrote on this extensively and the fact that the medical council should be independent of doctors or politicians. Nothing seems to have happened, but then again what do I know? For the many ladies affected and offended by this doctor, please accept my humblest apologies on behalf of all doctors. What you have experienced should not have happened. It stemmed from a weak medical council that is failing to adequately regulate doctors and an educational system that is inadequately preparing them. Ladies, please continue to stand up for your rights and hold us doctors to account. We are here to serve you all. We as doctors should see that as a privilege. Regards Dr Mark Devonish MBBS MSc MRCP(UK) Consultant Acute Medicine Nottingham University Hospital UK
Monday August 13, 2018
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Kaieteur News
$367M HDM Labs Inc. contract smacks of corruption Former Health Minister, Dr. Frank Anthony said there are many discrepancies in the narrative provided by Minster of Public Health, Volda Lawrence over the $367M contract awarded to HDM Labs Inc. According to Dr. Anthony, the revelations surrounding the contract make a mockery of the government’s claim that it is fighting corruption, while, on the contrary, it seems that they are actively involved. “If they are not involved in corruption, then they should have no problem with the various statutory agencies investigating this matter urgently and thoroughly,” Dr. Anthony told Kaieteur News. “I therefore call on the Public Procurement Commission (PPC) to launch an immediate investigation into the multiple breaches of the Procurement Act and those cul-
pable must be brought to justice.” He also called on the Auditor General’s Office to carry out a value for money audit to determine whether the medicines acquired by the Ministry of Public Health through this arrangement gave the Guyanese people the best value for their tax dollars. Dr. Anthony stated that the Government Analyst Food and Drug Department (GA-FDD) must immediately investigate the quality of medication to determine if it met the minimum safety standards. Providing a sequence of events based on information provided by the Minister and press reports, Dr. Anthony explained that in the first restrictive tender, of the six companies that were requested to bid, only three submitted bids. These included the International Pharmaceutical
- Former Health Minister calls for probe
Former Health Minister, Dr. Frank Anthony
Minister of Public Health, Volda Lawrence
HDM’s Chief, Dr. Hardatt Singh
Agency (IPA), Caribbean Medical Supplies (CMS) and ANSA Mcal Trading Limited (AMTL). Although HDM Labs Inc. was requested to submit a bid, this was not done in the first round of restrictive tenders.
He stated that it is instructive that of the three companies that submitted bids, IPA, Caribbean Medical Suppliers, ANSA Mcal Trading Limited (AMTL) were all disqualified. Dr. Anthony, the Opposition’s Shadow Minister of Health, noted press reports that IPA’s bid was $187M; Caribbean Medical Suppliers, $95.5M; while ANSA Mcal Trading Limited (AMTL) was for $190.6M. Having disqualified the three responsive bidders in the first round, Dr. Anthony noted that the Ministry of Public Health requested permission from the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB) on June 30, 2017, for a second round of restrictive tendering. The same six companies were requested to submit new bids within six days. However, Dr. Anthony noted that press reports show that the Ministry of Public Health wrote HDM Lab Inc. on June 16, 2017 to ascertain whether they were able to supply specific pharmaceutical
items. Dr. Anthony cited that on June19, 2017, the Ministry of Health’s Permanent Secretary wrote to NPTAB requesting sole sourcing to HDM Lab Inc. On June 20, 2017, the Permanent Secretary wrote to HDM Labs Inc. informing them of an award. “If this is the case, then there is a clear breach of the procurement process, where a company was handpicked for the job,” Dr. Anthony noted. Dr. Anthony stated that he had submitted questions to Minister Lawrence on July 17, 2018 to elucidate some of these matters. But the Minister using the Government’s majority in Parliament was granted a request to have her answers deferred. Parliament is currently in recess until October 10. There are reports that HDM Labs, owned solely by US-based Guyanese Hardatt Singh, never did any prior business in Guyana since it was set up in 2012. The companies which par-
CH&PA begins sanitizing list of applications in Govt. housing programme CH&PA staff in the field this year as part of efforts to streamline the agency’s plans.
The Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA) has commenced the sanitization of the government housing programme application backlog. The exercise will help the CH&PA to ascertain which applications are still relevant and which may not. This is to ensure that the Authority’s limited resources are focused on those who are in actual need of a housing solution at the current time. The Authority notes that work on five spatial development plans has commenced, and are at various stages of completion. These plans are intended to guide both central and local governments on zoning and appropriate land usage and development. With regard to the provision of affordable housing, following the successful pilot of the model village, in 2018, which saw various solutions, including duplexes and elevated single homes being
constructed, the Government has expanded its programme for providing complete housing units. In the first half of 2018, the construction of 75 units of various types was completed while 153 additional units are slated for completion before the end of the year. A total of 78 units has been sold (and pre-sold), as at end-June, 2018. In an effort to nudge occupancy rates and increase security of tenure, the CH&PA has embarked on a number of additional initiatives, in 2018, including: the issuance of 1,217 of the targeted land titles, regularization of 98 of the targeted 320 squatters, and the allocation of 499 house lots. In addition, under the Hinterland Sustainable Housing Programme, over 80 percent, or $194.9 million of the budget, had been expended during the first half of 2018. Of the 130 housing subsidies and 38 roof replacement
subsidies scheduled for 2018, 70 and 31, respectively, have been completed. The remainder is expected to be undertaken in the second half. Further, Government has successfully satisfied the preconditions to the US$30 million loan and preparatory work had commenced, in the first half of 2018, involving tendering for works, which will include road and drainage improvements, starting with Sophia before the end of the year. The Authority has also benefitted from technical assistance to support the development and implementation of a housing and urban strategy. In addition to incorporating the recommendations of the position paper on housing, this was also aimed at strengthening CH&PA’s capacity to manage and analyze territorial information and facilitate multi-sectoral knowledge sharing on housing and urban development topics.
ticipated in the restrictive bid process failed various requirements. Interestingly, one of the requirements was technical capacity. Companies needed to have carried out similar transactions before. It is not clear how HDM passed this requirement. But from all indications, the evaluation that disqualified other companies was not applied to this company. CONSEQUENCES Dr. Anthony noted that there seem to be several consequences that have flowed from the reckless action of the Ministry of Public Health. The first, he stated, is a clear breach of the Procurement Act Section 26 (1) on restrictive tendering. In round two, while the Ministry of Public Health claims that they had restrictive tendering, the evidence, according to Dr. Anthony, is suggesting that there was sole sourcing from HDM Labs. He stated that the GAFDD needs to assure the nation, that the medications brought through this contract has met its regulatory standards, and provide the evidence to show that this company was licensed to import, and had met the necessary regulatory standards. Further, Dr. Anthony noted that HDM Labs were awarded a contract of $366.8M which is $271.3M more than the bid from Caribbean Medical Suppliers Inc.; $179.8M more than International Pharmaceutical Agency’s bid; $176.2M dollars more than the Ansa Mcal bid. “These are clear indication that taxpayers of this country did not get value for their monies,” Dr. Anthony stated.
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Monday August 13, 2018
Monday August 13, 2018
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Kaieteur News
THE TEACHERS’ UNION IS WEAK The government cannot be serious about education when all that it offered to teachers is G$700 for increases in wages and salaries. Just how the government could have offered this sum to teachers is beyond understanding. It is highly disrespectful. G$700 is not going to go very far. It is better that teachers not accept anything and wait for the annual imposition by the government. They will be better off. The shameful offer by the government comes at a time when the government in its
half yearly report has announced an increase of some 9 billion dollars in revenue above the same period last year. The money is there to pay the teachers what they are asking. But the government is not interested in ensuring that teachers get the sort of deal that they deserved. The government has the ability to pay the teachers They did claim when they were in opposition that because of the massive corruption by the PPPC, billions of dollars were being stolen and the end of this
corruption would allow for greater sums to be available. The public is yet to see the evidence of the billions which were purportedly stolen by the PPPC administration. Another excuse by the government is that it cannot afford to pay teachers more because it also has other public servants to pay. There is no reason, however, why the monies cannot be found to pay substantial increases to all public servants. And there is no reason why teacher wages should be tied to that of public servants. Given the emphasis on education by the
DEM BOYS SEH
When police can’t rob dem does kill Soulja Bai tell de world de odda day that he want an unbribable commissioner. He didn’t stop to think that de commissioner come from the police force. And if that is de case then he got to find one unbribable policeman. Two of dem who get post into de bush always raiding dem porkknocker camp. Dem use to accompany rangers and dem see how some rangers get rich by collecting from dem miners suh two of dem decide to do dem own collection. Dem visit a camp wheh de Brazilian had an expired permit. Dem shoot and kill de young man. That was only de start of de problem. Dem decide to tek way de man body and try to destroy it. Dem try to bun it. In de end dem dump it by de river. It look like if de police dem can’t rob you dem gun kill you. Dem had three soldiers who do de same wid a young man name Dwieve Ramdass. Dem deh pun Death Row and Soulja Bai claim how he don’t intend to hang nobody. Dem boys want to know if dem think dem woulda get away wid it. Dem probably read how these days people who kill getting manslaughter charge. Well if anybody charge these two wid manslaughter that person got
to get shoot. But is long dem police know that dem can tek bribe and get away wid it. Dem had de set who use to set up roadblock and fleece dem drivers. Couple of dem get ketch. Dem had anodda set who use to tell people to pay dem or get charge. Some of dem get ketch wid marked money. Yesterday dem had a regatta at Lake Mainstay. All dem police lef de station and gone in de trail fuh fleece dem driver. That was when dem drivers do wha dem want pun de public road. There was no policeman. Today dem wouldn’t have no policeman pun de road because all of dem gun deh in de rum shop spending de money dem collect from de Mainstay people. De Crime Chief worried and de commissioner holding he head. He know whoever he transfer is de same thing. Meanwhile, de two who shoot de miner try to cook up an excuse but somebody had de video. Dem gun do like de watchman who was guarding de GPSU. When he get ketch he tell de magistrate, “Of r**s dem ketch me.” De two of dem got to do better. Talk half and help Soulja Bai mek one unbribable policeman.
government, there is no reason why the teachers’ demands cannot be met. The entire approach to teachers’ salaries is wrong. The government should be first establishing a living wage and then deciding how long it will take, and what it will require, to pay this living wage. But this is not what is being done. The government instead seems comfortable with having to pay wage increases to all public employees each year. There is no need for this as inflation is low. As long as inflation is contained, then the priority should be to only pay wage increases every three years to compensate for inflation. There is no need for wage increases every year. Annual wage increases are leaving public servants worse off than before. Right now an entry level clerk within the government earns around $60,000 per month. But an unskilled laborer pushing a wheelbarrow is earning
$80,000 per month for the same number of hours. It means that the unskilled worker is earning 30% higher than the qualified entry level government employee. Labour is not being encouraged to be productive when each year public sector workers know that they will enjoy an increase regardless of how efficient they are. This idea of annual wage increases does not make sense, except to converge towards a living wage. But since the government is not setting a living wage, its annual wage increases are not linked to converging towards this living wage. This is a recipe for continuous dissatisfaction by workers. The teachers right now are dissatisfied. They have
been waiting since the end of 2015 for their increases. It has not been forthcoming. Yet handpicked persons within the government are being handed super salaries. The teachers however have a bigger problem than the government. The problem is their union. The teachers’ union is weak. There is the distinct impression that they do not wish to strike against the government. And if this impression persists, then it is likely that the teachers union will end up settling for the crumbs which is being offered.
When we pause and experience silence, we discover answers that activity does not have time to reveal. During your day, take threeminute “vacations”. Relax and re-energise. Take time out to feel the peace of silence.
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AFC’s decision for LGEs hints at complications at next general elections - Former Speaker The decision of the Alliance For Change, (AFC) to contest the Local Government polls alone due to failure to reach an agreement with its coalition partner APNU on certain matters, is an indication of what is likely to happen at the next regional and general elections slated for 2020. Former National Assembly and Political commentator, Ralph Ramkarran made this point during a recent post on his blog site Conversation Tree. Last week, the AFC Leader, Raphael Trotman announced that his party is of the view that contesting the Local Government Elections (LGE) is a necessary move to prove that it is not “dead” and will even refresh and strengthen the ties it shares with its partner, A Partnership for National Unity (APNU). The politician said the decision was made after the APNU failed to meet and engage the AFC on issues regarding entering LGE 2018 as a Coalition. However, political commentators like Ralph Ramkarran view this move by
AFC Leader, Raphael Trotman
Former Speaker, Ralph Ramkarran
the AFC as having implications on the coalition at the future elections. The apportionment was retained for the last local government elections but it is clear that APNU has now likely proposed a smaller proportion for the AFC, which the latter has clearly refused to accept. According to Ramkarran, failure to agree now, hints at a likely similar failure in 2020, as APNU exercises dominance. “Whether the coalition survives beyond 2020 or not,
Minister Khemraj Ramjattan’s prediction that the AFC would be “dead meat” if it coalesces with APNU may still be realised. The Former Speaker noted that while both parties tried to put a brave face on the disagreement, the AFC’s statement said soothingly that the “…decision does not, in any way, change the AFC’s position on coalition politics at the national level.” “Mr. Trotman, displaying relief, said, “the AFC was not rejected by APNU.” Reflecting these sentiments,
President Granger said that both the AFC and APNU remain committed to coalition politics. But APNU has made a serious mistake in seeking to marginalise the AFC. It was the AFC that helped the coalition to clinch victory in 2015. If it demonstrates continuing resilience, it will be needed in 2020. Ramkarran opines nonetheless that the travails of the AFC do not mean that third-party politics in Guyana is dead. “Guyana needs a third party that will not join either of the major parties in a coalition, unless it wins a majority or plurality, because the inevitable result is that it will be entrapped into ethnic politics. The main parties reflect the interests of our main ethnic groups. If either alters this reflective characteristic, it will lose the support of its ethnic base, and this neither party can afford. A third party, however, if it gains sufficient support, can broker a coalition between the two main parties, or support the party which obtains a plurality in return for promoting the alteration of
the constitution engenders the necessity for multi-ethnic politics and multi-party, collaborative, governance.” Following, the AFC’s announcement last week, Executive Member of the Working People’s Alliance (WPA), Dr. David Hinds noted that the decision of the AFC to contest the Local Government Elections (LGE) alone leaves it in an exposed position. Dr. Hinds said that the AFC’s coalition partner, A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), got what it wanted—it forced the AFC to go out and prove its electoral worth in circumstances that
are not favourable to the latter. The columnist said that the not-so-veiled message to the AFC was clear—”Contest on your own or contest with us on APNU terms.” “I think it all came down to leverage—the AFC did not have any bargaining power. Unlike in 2015, when it was able to use its performance at the 2011 election to strike a hard bargain in the Cummingsburg Accord, this time around, it did not have that asset. The votes at the 2015 election were combined, so it couldn’t accurately pinpoint its share,” Hinds commented.
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Kaieteur News
Poor Math performance of LGE brought many benefits to Linden, says Mayor Waneka Arindell Guyanese students troubling With Local Government Elections (LGE) less than four months away, the municipality of Linden believes that many benefits were derived with the reintroduction of local democracy after two decades. This was posited by Linden Mayor, Waneka Arindell, who believes that the town is now better positioned than it was, prior to 2016, when an Interim Management Committee ran the affairs of the Council. A r i n d e l l served as Deputy-Mayor during this period and was only appointed Mayor six months ago. “The main achievement of LGE was that power was returned to the people, thus allowing persons to make decisions in leadership. The councillors are now in a better position to serve, with renewed zest and vitality. Increased knowledge of 28:01 (the constitution governing municipalities), increased interaction with ministers and other knowledgeable persons, and training have allowed the Council to appreciate and delegate responsibilities accordingly,” Arrindell said.
- increased revenue collection - effective garbage collection - fostering of partnerships “It has also allowed for increased public consultations,” she added. Strides made by the Council Since 2016, one of the major gains achieved by the council is increased revenue collection. Though the council inherited millions of dollars in debt from the former council, re-payment systems were put in place to alleviate this financial burden. The council was able to bargain for an increase in government subvention, only mere months after entering office. The reintroduction of the Kara- Kara toll booth played a major role in assisting the Council with the collection of increased revenue. This, in turn, allowed for a raise in the salaries of the staff members of the council, who for many years were taking home mere paltry sums, prior to 2016. Arindell noted this institutional strengthening has also allowed for an increase
in the workforce with the hiring of key personnel such as a Deputy Town Clerk and a Public Relations Officer. Staff members also benefitted from training. The council was also able to foster more national and international partnerships. This was seen in the twinning with cities in America and China. “There have been greater conversations that would have been opened allowing for projects from international organisations,” Arindell related. GARBAGE WOES The council has also addressed one of the biggest challenges – the provision of effective garbage collection services to the town. The council now has two new compactor trucks and the old ones were repaired. With more garbage collection equipment present, Lindeners’ no longer have the burdensome issue of paying (Continued on page 24)
The Ministry of Finance has noted that the public education system continues to deliver mixed results with respect to learning outcomes for school-aged children. But what it finds particularly troubling is the fact that just over one third of Guyanese students passed Mathematics at the National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA). In its mid-year report, the Ministry said that of the over 14,000 students who sat the NGSA, the pass rate for Mathematics stood at 38 percent, a decline from the 45 percent reported, for 2017. Notwithstanding the improvement in English from 52 percent, in 2017, to 60 percent, in 2018, being commendable, the Ministry said that it is worried about the performance of students in Mathematics. The Finance Ministry said, “Guyana requires a populace that is well-rounded with a strong mathematical and analytic skill base, if the economy is to transition to a more diversified, innovative and productive one, as is reiterated in the preliminary inputs of the Green State Development Strategy.” That said, the Finance Ministry noted that efforts have continued to improve every facet of the public education sector. The Ministry said that of the $46 billion budgeted for the education sector for 2018;
- Finance Ministry $17.9 billion had been expended. Capital investments for the first half totaled $1.1 billion, about 19 percent of the budgeted sum. Recurrent expenses were $16.8 billion, representing 41.6 percent of the budgeted operational costs. Of the budgeted $4.7 billion for the construction, rehabilitation, extension and maintenance of educational facilities throughout Guyana, $1.1 billion was spent. For 2018, the Finance Ministry said that such activities include the construction of new secondary schools at Good Hope and Parfaite Harmony, for which procurement was still ongoing at the half year. Final approval is expected in the third quarter and works are expected to commence in the fourth. In addition to this, the Ministry said that the reconstruction of St. Rose’s High is pending the completion of the demolition process and construction is to commence thereafter. The rehabilitation of the Wismar/Christianburg Secondary School will continue during the second half. While the aforementioned will allow for improved capacity and quality of learning environment at the secondary level, especially as the gross
enrollment ratio has grown from 73 percent, in 2017, to 88 percent, in 2018, the Ministry said that newly trained teachers will also be deployed to reinforce the education system across all levels. Based on the current cohort, the Ministry said that Cyril Potter College of Education expects that over 380 trainees will graduate in 2018, and join the pool of trained teachers. In addition, over 370 teachers are currently enrolled in the teacher upgrading programme which, when completed, will prepare them for further development. To support teachers in the delivery of the national curricula, the Ministry noted that the Smart Classroom Programme has commenced the conceptualization process and will undertake a needs assessment at the beginning of the new academic year. This will initially target 93 primary schools across nearly all regions. In addition, to promote an extended coverage of trained teachers, the Government, as previously announced, improved the Remote Area Incentive (RAI) regime. All eligible teachers will receive their new RAI in the third quarter, inclusive of arrears owed for the first half of 2018.
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Kaieteur News
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Monday August 13, 2018
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New community centre for Constituency No.14
SERVICES PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION, W E D D I N G S , ANNIVERSARY, ETC. CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620 Visa Application: U.S.A, Canada & UK;Guyanapassport application. G r a p h i c s design, advertisement. Tel: 626-7040; 265-4535. ICONIC MARKETING & PRINTING –TEL: 6004212: We create A/works, logos, busi ness cards, posters, etc, placements of ads included. Installations, Repairs and parts for AC, Fridge, Washing machine, Stove etc call Nick 627-3206, 630-1600
FOR SALE Generac Pressure Wash for sale 3100 PSI. Tel#654-5267/ 652-2244/220-4203 1- Honda 450 ATV. Contact # 275-0367/683-7225 3 Mining Blocks $6M Contact# 650-0402/603-1402 1 (3) bedroom ranch house with business on EBD, 1 acre land. Tel#266-5013/681-8333 Second hand 1500 watt transformers, 1 countertop showcase, hanging baskets, fluffy puppies- Free pair of crutches. Tel#266-5013 Yamaha boat engine 250. 6625524, 681-4563, 627-8000
Need your fence, yard, mat to wash and yard to weed? We also do maintenace. Call: 666-2326 REPAIRS AT LOW COST: FRIDGES, AIR CONDITIONERS, WASHING MACHINES, FREEZERS,SALE OFAC’S TEL:6294946,225-4822
1 Nissan Pathfinder Jeep and 1 Nissan Laurel car in excellent condition- Final sale bargain, call to view: 225-8427/609-7766
PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY,ETC.-CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 2161043; 677-6620
1 Air compressor 5HP 3 Phase 230/220 volts. Call: 628-1486/698-1134.
1 (3) Bedroom apt in Enmore. 662-5524, 681-4563, 627-8000
CAR RENTAL DOLLY’S CAR RENTALCALL:225-7126/ 2263 6 9 3 DOLLYSAUTORENTAL @YAHOO.COM/ WWW.D OLLYSAUTORENTAL.COM PROGRESSIVE CAR RENTAL: CARS FROM $4000 & UP, SUV’S PER DAY- CALL:643-5122/ 6 5 6 - 0 0 8 7 , ,EMAIL:PRO_AUTO RENTAL@YAHOO.COM
Experienced Cashier, Counter server Roti/Puri Cook, cleaner, handy boys. Apply Hack’s Halaal. 5 Commerce St.
1 Downstairs for business at Vreed-en-Hoop W.C.D Tel# 227-4377, 227-0613, 6246013, 645-7248
Wanted experienced hire car drivers at Ramada Princess Hotel, Providence E.B.D. Contact on 616-5419, 2657075
1 Three (3) Bedroom upstairs flat in Atlantic Gardens E.C.D Tel# 227-4377, 227-0613, 6246013, 645-7248
One male able bodied clerk. Call: 231-2029, 616-5954
One and two bedrooms apartments to rent located at Nurses section, Turkeyen. Contact#680-5944/656-4211 2 Two bedroom apartment with AC, ceiling fans, grilled and 24-7 water system & parking. Herstelling. Tel# 2652171, 676-5824, 601-0223
Self contain one (1) bedroom Apt, Preferably working couple $25,000 monthly. Call: 618-8878 No Private Call. 2 apartment for rent : 1 bedroom and 2 bedrooms ECD. Contact Mr Khan #6752550/656-9313 Apartments for rent @ Nandy Park, recently renovated, $60,000 monthly. #641-3318 1 two bedroom apartment, dazzle housing scheme ECD #699-6130 LAND FOR SALE 18,731 acres mining land Gold & Diamond Mazaruni $5,000,000 USD Contact: 6951356, 687-8445 Herstelling (New scheme) 1st Bridge $9M 2nd Bridge $4.5M (110ft x 60ft) 3rd Bridge $4.8M Tel#656-1345
VEHICLE FOR SALE Unregistered 2009 bluebird. Fully loaded. 1500cc front wheel drive. 35,000km. Tel# 265-2171, 676-5824, 601-0223
WANTED
(1)Bedroom furnished apartment at Lyng Street, Charlestown. Single person/ couple. No children. Tel#2251418, 601-1585
Repairs at affordable prices: fridge, air conditioner, washing machines, dryers, TV, microwaves & freezerCall: 610-5846 or 661-8158 Untouchable Pawn Shop 23 John and Norton Street, Werk-en-rust. Tel#681-9948/ 625-3915
FOR RENT
1 Female cook to cook for family in the interior #6889450 Live in or live out babysitter/ domestic- Call: 223-7500 Monday to Saturday 8:15am4:15pm Wanted land to buy. Tel# 6421252
1 Tundra $800,000. Contact #650-0402/603-1402
LEARN TO DRIVE
Audi A4 2.0 65km PTT series, black colour, Female owner $2.5M Call: 647-7988, 602-9495
N. Outar Driving School, Learn to Drive the right way. Affordable package. Call: 6445166/691-2561
Property for sale (1) 3 story building at 97 Sugarcane street S/Rvldt Gardens. Price US 1.5M neg. Tel: 695-1356 & 687-8445 Lot 15 Public road #2 Vill. WCB 3 House Lots. Rice Cultivation 49ftx10,314ft length. Price $18M. Contact# 648-7109/686-4818 House lots for sale at Blankenburg WCD 40ft x 150ft $3.9M. Contact #6500402/603-1402 VACANCY One cashier and sales person for General store. #649-2950/ 642-1141 1 experienced counter staff. Call: 623-8654 Supervisor, Room attendant 30-50 yrs, 233 South Road, Lacytown. Tel#225-0198 One experienced sales girl to work in the interior, Age 30 to 35 years old. #673-5808
Land at Tuschen Housing Scheme, near school, 3 minutes away from main road. Call: 261-2988/695-8215
Semi-skilled man to work in Furniture shop. Tel# 619-9966
Parfaite Harmonie $1.4M Tuchen House $6M $1.5M Farm front $4.5M Diamond front $4M Eccles Uitvlugt front $3M Call: 666-2326
VACANCY
VACANCY
Vacancy for experienced carpenters. Apply at Alabama Trading. 65 Robb Street Bourda
Salesmen - Age 18-40 knowledge in stocktaking & salesmanship, apply with written application KeyFood McDoom Village.
PROPERTY FOR SALE
5 acre to lease, Coconut & other fruit trees on Demerara river. Call: 261-2988/695-8215
Parfaite Harmonie $1.2M Tuschen $1.4M Zeelugt $2M Tel# 697-6311
improve the skills of youths in the neighbourhood. “I hope that this initiative is one that the community representatives continue to develop and gives them the incentive to push for other initiatives which will help in the development of the nation’s future leaders,” Minister Lawrence said. The minister urged the residents to highlight to their community representatives about possible areas that can be developed for the benefit of all. Also addressing the attendees was International Desk Coordinator at the Ministry of Public Health, Denroy Tudor who revealed his plans to represent Constituency 14 at the upcoming Local Government Elections (LGE) in November. “With the establishment of the community centre, I hope to join LGE to become a representative for my community to push for development and to encourage other young people to do the same.
Wanted land- Parfaite Harmonie, Eccles, Providence, Uitvlugt, Diamond, Tuschen, Zeelugt, Herstelling, Best price pay and cash. Call: 6046724
SALON September Cosmetology Courses $40,000 Nail Technology $25,000 Advance Make-up $15,000, All products provided. Abby #614-6749
Residents living within Constituency No.14, South Ruimveldt Park/Ruimveldt Industrial Estate will now benefit from a brand-new community centre located at the South Ruimveldt Shopping Plaza. The facility, which is a collaborative effort between the Ministry of Public Health and the community, will soon offer Information and Communication Technology (ICT) services, computer classes, reading programmes and sewing classes among others. Address the gathering at the official opening of the centre, Minister of Public Health, Volda Lawrence said that this initiative is one which demonstrates the community taking the necessary steps to develop and prepare for the upcoming oil and gas industry in 2020. The minister also noted that establishment of the centre will assist in the government’s commitment to providing an opportunity to
Farm workers, maintenance workers, Labourers. Call: 2653586 Vacancy for persons with knowledge to work repackaging machine. Apply at Alabama Trading. 65 Robb Street Bourda Maid for East Bank to cook and clean. 614-4358
CSR for Internet Service P r o v i d e r. Must be customer oriented and able to multitask. Email cv to j o b s @ a w n g y. c o m or Tel#227-2001 Fantastic Job Opportunities. Architects, Engineers, Draftsmen, Construction workers. CXC Graduates. Email Experience & Q u a l i f i c a t i o n s guyanajobs@yahoo.com Tel# 656-0075 Carpenter, labourers, tilers. (Must have experience in the installation of sheet rack work) to work in Georgetown. Contact: 6085303 Vacancy exist for 1 Pharmacy assistant to work @ reputable pharmacy in Georgetown. Call: 227-0630/ 628-8811 between 8-4 Pm.
Hick’s Ville Hotel, Receptionist/Washer & Presser/ Hotel attendant/ Bell boy. info@vgiworld.com 2310951/223-3448 Factory workers from 18 years & over must have Police Clearance, for more info contact: 223-0090 1-Grillman,1 live-in mature nanny from Berbice/ Essequibo,1-kitchen assistant Contact X’s Grill & Cuisine 675-2550/656-9313. Looking for a male/female assistant to work in the Kitchen & BBQ stand. No experience required. Happy Acres ECD Tel#687-3640 Valor Security Service have vacancy for security guards, VI’s & supervisors. Contact#670-7920
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Bigger, richer PM Softball Cup unveiled Despite the inclement weather yesterday morning, the highly anticipated launch of the now annual Prime Minister’s T20 Softball Cup went ahead as planned at the Everest Cricket Club ground. The event marks the first step towards the three-day tournament which is set to bring together top softball teams from Guyana and North America battling for cash and other incentives. Speaking at the ceremony, Minister of Public Security Khemraj Ramjattan, who represented Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo, said sport in any form may be used as a public security tool. “Sport helps people to understand the need for open spaces, the need to get fit which means no smoking, no drinking which is healthy,” Ramjattan said.
The minister told the gathering of softball cricketers and enthusiasts, “Young people that are involved in sport take their minds off the negatives and so it [sport] is important since a lot of persons involved in sport have more or less become law abiding citizens by taking themselves off the drugs, guns crimes which helps in the long run to make our societies safer.” In 2017, Prime Minister Nagamootoo made a sponsorship pledge of G$300,000 which was once again done this time by Minister Ramjattan who also spoke of the tourism benefits the country may generate from such a tournament. Also speaking from the head table was President of the GSCL, Ian John who reflected on the inaugural
edition and at the same time boast of the anticipated growth of the 2018 tournament, “Last year we had just two overseas teams but so far seven teams already confirmed their trip to Guyana and that number is expected to increase as we get closer [to the tournament].” Added to that, there is an increase in the winning purse in both categories with the All Stars set to pocket $700,000, while the winning Masters team will win $600,000. Like last year, the Most Valuable Player (MVP) in the Open Category will ride away with a Hero Motor Cycle, compliments of Rose Ramdehol Auto Sales. In the Masters Category, the MVP will once again win a 55-inch television set compliments of Regal Stationery and Computer
Centre who like Rose Ramdehol are repeat sponsors. Also present at the launch were Sarah Persaud of Hero Motor Cycles and Rawl Nedd of Banks DIH Limited who both spoke of their companies’ deep commitment to the success of the tournament. There were 20 teams in 2017 with Regal Masters rising above the 11 other masters teams and Speed Boat powering away from the other seven teams to the titles and G$500,000 and G$600,000 respectively. So far, the GSCL have confirmed that there are 24 teams that will suit up in the two categories from October 19 to 21. In the Open Category; Regal All Stars, Farm XI, Success XI, Boots All Stars, Corriverton
Minister Ramjattan and Sarah Persaud posing with the Hero Motor Bike that is up for grabs in the All-Star category. Spartans, Die Hard All Stars, Bartica Rangers, Ontario Softball Cricket Association and defending champions
Minister of Public Security Khemraj Ramjattan (centre) with Georgetown Softball Cricket League executives and sponsors at the launch of Prime Minister Softball Cup 2 yesterday at Everest Cricket Club.
RONALDO: Brazilian World Cup winner in hospital with pneumonia BBC Sport - Brazil World Cup winner Ronaldo is in intensive care in Ibiza suffering from pneumonia. The 41-year-old former striker tweeted that he was taken ill on Friday but hopes to be discharged today. Ronaldo scored 62 times for Brazil, including both goals when they beat Germany in the 2002 World Cup final. The former Real Madrid forward, who also played for Barcelona, Inter Milan and AC Milan, thanked his fans for their love and well wishes. A spokesperson for Can Misses Hospital, where Ronaldo is being treated, said she was unable to give any information for privacy reasons. Ronaldo was on holiday in Ibiza, where he owns a home. The striker’s career ended seven years ago when he hung up his boots up after two years with Corinthians in Brazil.
Ronaldo scored 62 goals in 98 appearances for Brazil. (Getty images) Ronaldo won two La Liga titles with Real and the Uefa Cup with Inter. He was part of the Brazil squad who won the 1994 World Cup - although he did not play - and helped them reach the 1998 final. He picked up the Ballon d’Or award for the best player in the world in 1997 and 2002.
Speed Boat will battle for G$700,000. In the Masters Over-45 category, the winning purse is G$600,000 where defending champions Regal Masters, Wellman Masters, HS Masters, R.R Masters, Fishermen Masters, Parika Masters, Success Masters, Tropical Spring Masters, Albion Masters, Florida/ Guyana Hope, Impact Masters (Canada), NYSCL Masters (New York), Rebel Masters (New York), New York Hustlers (New York) and Better Hope Masters (New York) are set to lock horns. Another feature of the Prime Minister’s Softball Cup is that Florida Guyana Hope, a charitable organization out of the USA will be distributing various supplies to the value of US$20,000 to various individuals and organizations over the 3-day period.
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Broad propels England to victory over India
Halep beats Stephens in Montreal in repeat of French Open win Simona Halep of Romania serves against Ashleigh Barty of Australia (not pictured) during the Rogers Cup tennis tournament at Stade IGA. (Jean-Yves Ahern-USA TODAY Sports file photo)
England players leave the pitch after winning the test against India. (Action Images via Reuters/Paul Childs) LONDON (Reuters) - England pace bowler Stuart Broad swept aside the India middle order batting in an inspired spell yesterday to propel his team to a crushing innings and 159 runs victory on the fourth day of the second test at Lord’s. After Thursday’s opening day was washed out, England took a 2-0 lead in the five-match series against the world’s topranked side within three days. Bounding in with vigour and determination after replacing James Anderson at the Pavilion End, Broad dismissed captain Virat Kohli (17) and wicketkeeper Dinesh Karthik (0) off consecutive balls in the second innings. He finished with four for 44 in an Indian second innings total of 130. India, dismissed for 107 in their first innings, had needed 289 runs to make England bat again after the home side declared their first innings closed at 396 for seven with Chris Woakes unbeaten on 137. Anderson became the first man to take 100 test wickets at Lord’s when he dismissed opener Murali Vijay without scoring for the second time when India batted again. He then trapped Lokesh Rahul lbw for 10. Broad took over from Anderson to dismiss
Ajinkya Rahane, smartly caught at third slip by Keaton Jennings for 13, and then bowled Cheteshwar Pujara off his pads for 17. Kohli, who did not field when India took the field at the start of play because of a stiff back, was in obvious discomfort. He was given out caught behind when the ball brushed his glove and Karthik was then lbw to the next ball. Both appeals were turned down by onfield umpire Aleem Dar but upheld by the third umpire after England asked for a television review. After the tea interval, Anderson and Woakes combined to sweep aside the tail, with Anderson adding four wickets to his first innings haul of five for 20. Tailender Ravichandran Ashwin again top-scored for India with an unbeaten 33. “I thought we played very well,” England captain Joe Root said. “To come in and put pressure on the opposition in a tough batting period was good. But we haven’t played the complete game yet.” Scores: England 396 for 7 decl (Woakes 137*, Bairstow 93, Pandya 3-66, Shami 396) beat India 107 (Ashwin 29, Anderson 520) and 130 (Ashwin 33*, Anderson 4-23, Broad 4-44) by an innings and 159 runs.
Brooks Koepka sees off Tiger Woods to win US PGA Championship BBC Sport - American Brooks Koepka won his second major of 2018 by seeing off a resurgent Tiger Woods to claim the US PGA Championship on a compelling final day. The US Open champion, who led by two shots overnight, shot a four-under 66 to win by two on 16 under par. Excitement grew at Bellerive as Woods pushed for a first major since 2008, falling short despite a finalday 64. Koepka holed birdies on the 14th and 15th to keep clear of Woods and Adam Scott (67), who finished on 13 under. It was 14-time major winner Woods’ lowest final round at either the Masters, US Open, The Open or US PGA. However, his efforts were still not enough as Koepka became the first man since Woods in 2000 to win the US
Brooks Koepka celebrates after making a birdie putt on the ninth hole during the final round of the PGA Championship golf tournament at Bellerive Country Club. (AP) Open and US PGA in the same season. Koepka, watched by his mother and girlfriend from the side of the 18th green,
fought back tears after tapping in a par to set a new 72-hole PGA Championship scoring record of 264.
(Reuters) - World number one Simona Halep turned back American Sloane Stephens 7-6(6) 3-6 6-4 to win the Rogers Cup women’s title in a rematch of their French Open finale in
Montreal yesterday. Romanian Halep, who had beaten Stephens in Paris in June, claimed her second Montreal title in three years and third for the 2018 season.
Champions City are impressive winners at Arsenal
Arsenal’s Mesut Ozil in action with Manchester City’s John Stones at Emirates Stadium. (Action Images via Reuters/John Sibley) LONDON (Reuters) - Manchester City, who romped to Premier League success by 19 points last season, began the defence of their title with an impressive win away to an Arsenal side playing under new Spanish manager Unai Emery yesterday. Attempting to become the first team since Manchester United in 2009 to retain the title, the champions were good value with goals by Raheem Stirling and Bernardo Silva. Sterling went past two weak challengers to put City ahead in the first quarter of an hour with his 50th league goal. Soon after debutant Riyad Mahrez from Leicester City was substituted, Bernardo Silva added the second in the 65th minute. Defender Sokratis Papastathopoulos and teenage French midfielder Matteo Guendouzi made their Arsenal debuts but like so many teams last season the London side found City hard to cope with. Another new signing, Stephan Lichtsteiner from Juventus, had to replace full back Ainsley Maitland-Niles before the interval and in the second half Uruguayan Lucas Torreira, who is expected to become an important defensive midfielder, also came on. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who finished
last season with four goals in three games, had few chances and Alexandre Lacazette wasted one within a few minutes of coming on in the second half. City’s strength in depth was illustrated when Mahrez made way for Kevin de Bruyne just before the hour mark. Soon afterwards Sergio Aguero was guilty of shooting instead of playing in De Bruyne but in the next attack Benjamin Mendy, making his first league start since last September, set up Bernardo Silva to score. City have now lost only one away game in the league — at Liverpool — of their last 21, and manager Pep Guardiola felt their performance was close to perfect. “We made a good performance in general and day by day we will get better and better. Every season is a major season and this game was complicated but we played at a high level.” “I think we were better than them today,” Bernardo Silva told Sky Sports. “We wanted to be professional and we did it. We defended very well and were a very compact team.” Emery, meanwhile, will know he has much to do, even before a difficult derby with Chelsea next weekend.
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Golden Jaguars meet Consul General Shirley Melville on way to Rio Train/Play Camp
The Guyanese players on arrival in Rio yesterday afternoon. Consul General for Guyana in Roraima and other Northern States of Brazil, Shirley Melville, met with the Guyana based players and staff of the Golden Jaguars on Saturday evening in Boa Vista as the team made its way to the historical Train & Play Camp here in Rio de Janeiro. In extending a warm welcome to the players and staff on Saturday
night at the Recantoda Peixada Restaurant, Melville stated assuredly that she is sure that the players and staff will make Guyana proud. “I have all confidence that that Gold Cup is coming home next year and then the next level of FIFA World Cup, okay. If you gave Iceland as an example where they have only couple hours of sun daily,
but they have made it and you guys can do it too. You need to have the passion, the will to do it; I wish you all the best and I know that you are not going to let us down. Have a really good trip and be very good ambassadors also.” Extending sincere thanks to Consular General Melville on behalf
of the team and GFF President, Wayne Forde and executive, Assistant Manager of the team, Ken Grant noted that they were all delighted that the Consular General made the time to have a chat with the team and dine with them also. “We really appreciate your presence here with us tonight, I am quite sure that this team will take your
kind words of encouragementand make Guyana proud.” The remainder of the team including Head Coach Michael Johnson was expected to arrive in Rio last evening. The local based players and staff arrived at the team Hotel Rio just around 15:00hrs yesterday after leaving Guyana on Saturday in two batches for Lethem.
Austrian MotoGP: Jorge Lorenzo wins Dananjaya’s six wickets hand as Marc Marquez extends title lead Sri Lanka 178-run victory BBC Sport - Jorge Lorenzo overtook fellow Spaniard Marc Marquez on the final lap to win the Austrian MotoGP yesterday. The two riders traded the lead in the final laps before Ducati’s Lorenzo stormed to victory - climbing from fifth to third in the championship. Honda’s Marquez increased his title race lead to 59 points over Valentino Rossi, who was sixth. Italy’s Andrea Dovizioso finished third, while British rider Cal Crutchlow was in fourth place. Lorenzo, who moves to Honda next season, said: “Ten laps from the end, I decided to attack. “I was stronger in some areas, like uphill, he was stronger on the second corner. When I passed him, I gave everything and pushed to the limit. It was one of my best victories.” Result 1. Jorge Lorenzo (Spa/ Ducati) 39mins 40.688secs 2. Marc Marquez (Spa/ Honda) + 0.130secs 3. Andrea Dovizioso (Ita/ Ducati) +1.656secs 4. Cal Crutchlow (GB/LCR Honda) +9.434secs 5. Danilo Petrucci (Ita/
COLOMBO (Reuters) - Sri Lanka’s Akila Dananjaya spun a web around South Africa’s batsmen with a six-wicket haul to help the hosts to a commanding 178-run victory in the fifth and final one-day international yesterday. Sri Lanka captain Angelo Mathews struck a run-a-ball 97 to anchor his side to an imposing 299 for eight after the hosts won the toss and opted to bat. South Africa, who had won the first three matches of the series, appeared clueless against off-spinner Dananjaya’s bag of tricks and were bundled out for 121 under 25 overs. The 24-year-old took 6-29 to register his
best bowling figures in one-dayers and helped Sri Lanka finish the series with a respectable 3-2 result. South Africa’s stand-in skipper Quinton de Kock, leading the side for the injured Faf du Plessis, was the only batsman to provide some resistance for the touring side with a stroke-filled 54. Mathews hit 11 fours and a six in his knock as Sri Lanka scored 93 off their final 10 overs to set South Africa a 300-run target. Scores: Sri Lanka 299 for 8 (Mathews 97*, Mulder 2-59) beat South Africa 121 (de Kock 54, Akila 6-29) by 178 runs.
Jorge Lorenzo’s win in Austria lifts him to third in the overall standings. (Reuters) Ducati) +13.169secs 6. Valentino Rossi (Ita/ Yamaha) +14.026secs 7. Dani Pedrosa (Spa/ Honda) +14.156secs 8. Alex Rins (Spa/Suzuki) +16.644secs 9. Johann Zarco (Fra/ Yamaha Tech) +20.760secs 10. Alvaro Bautista (Spa/ Ducati) +20.844secs Championship standings 1. Marc Marquez (Spa/ Honda) 201 points 2. Valentino Rossi (Ita/ Yamaha) 142 3. Jorge Lorenzo (Spa/
Ducati) 130 4. Andrea Dovizioso (Ita/ Ducati) 129 5. Maverick Vinales (Spa/ Yamaha) 113 5. Jorge Lorenzo (Spa/ Ducati) 105 6. Danilo Petrucci (Ita/ Ducati) 105 7. Johann Zarco (Fra/ Yamaha Tech3) 104 8. Cal Crutchlow (GB/LCR Honda) 103 9. Andrea Iannone (Ita/ Suzuki) 84 10. Alex Rins (Spa/Suzuki) 66
Sri Lanka’s Akila Dananjaya (C) celebrates with captain Angelo Mathews (L) and Niroshan Dickwella after taking the wicket of South Africa’s Reeza Hendricks (not pictured). (REUTERS/Dinuka Liyanawatte)
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Monday August 13, 2018
Regional Under-19 Championship – 2nd Day, 3rd Round
Thomas, Brathwaite Barbados in strong position against Guyana hurt TKR as Patriots win
Kevelon Anderson during his knock of 71. (Robertson Henry Sports Caraibe)
KINGSTOWN, St Vincent, CMC – Barbados were in a strong position against Guyana on the second day of the third round of matches in the Regional Under-19 Championship here yesterday. Barbados require a further 101 runs for victory with all 10 second innings wickets intact after a poor batting performance by the Guyanese saw them being dismissed for under 150 in their second innings despite another good batting performance by Kevelon Anderson (71 and 44) and good bowling from Kelvin Umroa with 5-83. Scores: At Park Hill: Barbados require a further 101 runs for victory with all 10 second innings wickets intact. GUYANA 203 (Kevelon Anderson 71, Joshua Persaud 39, Kevin Sinclair 33; Camarie Boyce 3-27, Nyeem Young 2-47) and 142 (Kevelon Anderson 44, Sachin Singh 37, Javid Karim 31; Nyeem Young 4-6, Camarie Boyce 3-43). BARBADOS 214 (Nico Reifer 69, Matthew Forde 35 not out, Kadeem Alleyne 35, Jaden
Edmund 28, Mekhail Marshall 21; Kelvin Umroa 5-83) and 31 without loss. At Arnos Vale Stadium: Jamaica trail by 115 runs with seven second innings wickets intact. JAMAICA 190 for nine decl. (Ricardo McIntosh 56, Raewin Senior 23; Rivaldo Ramlogan 3-35, Justyn Gangoo 2-23) and 95 for three (Kirk McKenzie 54 not out). TRINIDAD & TOBAGO 400 for two decl. (Cephas Cooper 173 not out, Navin Bidaisee 93, Leonardo Julien 56, Christian Thurton 36 not out). At Sion Hill: Leewards won by four wickets. WINDWARD ISLANDS 115 all out (Johnel Eugene 34, Jeron Noel 22; Uri Smith 311, Zawandi White 2-25, Elroy Francis 2-31) and 98 (Kimani Melius 30; Elroy Francis 5-23). LEEWARD ISLANDS 156 (Demari Benta 54, Elroy Francis 52, Lincoln Durand 5-35, Simeon Gerson 3-37) and 60 for four (Mikyle Louis 31; Micah Joseph 2-24).
PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad, CMC – Twenty20 World Cup star Carlos Brathwaite shone with both bat and ball as St Kitts and Nevis Patriots inflicted reigning champions Trinbago Knight Riders with their second defeat of the Caribbean Premier League here late Saturday night. Asked to chase a challenging 204 or victory at Queen’s Park Oval, TKR were held to 161 for eight off their allotted 20 overs, to slip to a 42-run defeat. Sent in, Patriots racked up 203 for seven off their 20 overs with Man-of-the-Match Devon Thomas top-scoring with 58 from 34 balls and Brathwaite bludgeoning a stunning 41 from a mere 15 deliveries. They were backed up by an unusually sedate Chris Gayle who made 35 from 30 balls and Australian Ben Cutting who chipped in with an unbeaten 25. Fast bowler Ali Khan was outstanding with three for 23 from his four overs while offspinner Sunil Narine finished with two for 24 from his full complement. Left-hander Evin Lewis’s wretched form continued when he fell to the second ball of the match without scoring, pulling Ali Khan to Narine at mid-wicket, and when Tom Cooper was brilliantly caught one-handed at first slip by Dwayne Bravo three balls later, Patriots were three runs for two wickets.
All-rounder Carlos Brathwaite … struck 41 and claimed two wickets.
Thomas arrived to add impetus to the innings, striking nine fours and a six as he added 66 for the third wicket with Gayle and 39 for the fourth wicket with Anton Devcich (15). When Thomas played on to Narine in the 14th over, Brathwaite took responsibility for the innings, blasting a four and five sixes in posting 60 for the seventh wicket with Cutting. In reply, TKR slumped to 34 for three in the fourth over before Kevon Cooper, with an unbeaten 42, Darren Bravo with 41 and Colin Munro, 35, adding respectability to the innings. Brathwaite proved miserly with his medium pace,
Salah on target as Liverpool start with easy win
Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah applauds their fans as he walks off the pitch after being substituted. (Action Images via Reuters/Carl Recine) (Reuters) - Last season’s Premier League top scorer Mo Salah was on target again as Liverpool began their campaign with an easy win at home to West Ham United. The Egyptian gave Juergen Klopp’s side the lead
after 19 minutes from Andy Robertson’s precise low cross. West Ham’s new manager Manuel Pellegrini gave debuts to five of their 10 close-season signings, but his revamped team rarely
threatened Liverpool’s expensive new Brazilian goalkeeper Alisson. Poor defending cost them a second goal just before the interval, to Sadio Mane, who added a third after 53 minutes from an offside position. Substitute Daniel Sturridge made it four just seconds after coming on. “We played as good as possible today and we extended a really good preseason into the Premier League,” Klopp told the BBC. “It was better than I could have expected. The performance of all the boys and the midfield of James [Milner] and Georginio Wijnaldum was outstanding. “It’s only the middle of August and then in September the games will come. The future of football will be rotation. We need to be ready and have that quality.”
Pellegrini conceded that West Ham need to do better. “We knew before the game that our start was very difficult,” he said. “In our first few games we need to play some of the big teams. “We need to improve in attack and continue working.” Salah’s goal featured an important contribution from new signing Naby Keita, who cost 50 million pounds ($63.84m) from RB Leipzig. Guinea’s Keita was excellent throughout. Liverpool’s other debutant, Alisson, was much less involved as the London side struggled to make chances. Their best one followed a lucky bounce off the referee but Marko Arnautovic miscued his shot. By the interval they had conceded again after leaving three attackers unmarked in front of goal. Mane was the one who knocked in James
Milner’s pull-back. He scored Liverpool’s third and Sturridge came off the bench in the final few minutes to score at the far post from a corner with his first touch. The result continued West Ham’s dreadful record at Anfield, which now extends to one win in 46 league games. Liverpool, meanwhile, have not conceded a goal in their last six home games in the league — since West Ham scored against them in February. Pellegrini gave debuts to Lukasz Fabianski, Ryan Fredericks, Fabian Balbuena, Felipe Anderson and Jack Wilshere, then introduced a sixth newcomer Andriy Yarmolenko as a substitute. Anderson and Yarmolenko had their moments but overall the visitors were comprehensively outplayed. ($1 = 0.7833 pounds)
finishing with two for 19 as Jeremiah Louis (2-42) and Cutting (2-43) also ended with two wickets apiece. Narine (4) recklessly skied left-arm pacer Sheldon Cottrell to point off the third ball of the innings and Chris Lynn was undone by a Sandeep Lamichhane googly and bowled for six at 32 for two in the fourth over. Cutting then got the prized wicket of Brendon McCullum, taken at point off a leading edge and the in-form Munro followed in the seventh over after striking six fours and a six in a 17-ball cameo, whipping Brathwaite to square leg. Darren Bravo tried to rally the innings but lacked momentum, needing 38 balls for his knock which included a four and two sixes. The real burst came from Cooper at number eight, the right-hander slamming two fours and four sixes off just 22 balls but by then the game had slipped away from TKR. Scores: PATRIOTS 203 for seven off 20 overs (Devon Thomas 58, Carlos Brathwaite 41, Chris Gayle 35; Ali Khan 3-23). TKR 161 for eight off 20 overs (Kevon Cooper 42 not out, Darren Bravo 41, Colin Munro 35; Carlos Brathwaite 2-19, Jeremiah Louis 2-42, Ben Cutting 243).