Monday July 09, 2018
Public Health Minister protecting APNU/AFC Activists DEAR EDITOR, The Director of Regional Health Services, Dr. Kay Shako, must be complimented to admit that there is a low circulation of critical items for patients or a shortage of Drugs and medical supplies because of the theft and pilfering in the healthcare system in Guyana. These sentiments was echoed to the Regional Health Officers of the various regional administration at a Healthcare review in order to eliminate the corruption and to improve the healthcare delivery system in Guyana. Dr. Shako went on to identify numerous other
issues pertaining to the RHO’s which are factual but I am convinced that nothing would be done to correct these deficiencies, the main reasons being, that most of these RHO’s are supporters of the government who are protected by high level politicians in the APNU/AFC coalition government. The RHS, Dr. Kay Shako, also admitted that she is aware of who are responsible for the deficiencies that are existing in the health sector but to date refuse to correct these situations that are destroying the Health sector. These are clear evidence that the Riot Act that is being read to the
Congrats to Chris Ram DEAR EDITOR, Please allow me space in your letter column to extend congratulations to Mr. Christopher Ram on his completion of his Masters in Oil and Gas at the Reading University. While Reading University is not part of the elite Russell group of Universities in the UK, it has had university status since 1926 and is well respected in the UK. Unlike the polytechnics, Buckingham University, Nottingham Trent University and University of Aberdeen etc. which all struggle to attract quality academics or students. I’ve read about Mr. Ram since I was in diapers. He came across as quite humble and objective. Even though he supported the APNU-AFC in the last election he was not hesitant to be critical of them in the process of appointing the Chairman of the Election Commission. I supported the stand he took and have great admiration for him being objective and not blinded by political allegiance. I am quite sure Mr. Ram is humble enough to recognise that one year of class studies in oil and gas does not make him an expert or consultant. I am a consultant in the UK and it took me 13 years of postgraduate studies to achieve that status. Also I work in the UK’s fourth largest and at one time Europe largest teaching hospital. This hospital is the only hospital in the UK that houses a medical school on its campus namely
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Nottingham University Medical School (not the same as the polytechnic Nottingham Trent University). I work with world renowned consultants and professors who achieved their status after over 15 years of postgraduate studies and research. I say the above to highlight and educate the Guyanese public about those who are masquerading as consultants and experts without the required qualifications. In closing I should share an experience I had while I worked at the GPHC. There was this doctor who would masquerade as a surgical consultant after only completing a one-year Masters in Surgery. I saw many patients suffered under his knife. His complication rates were quite high. No one could have done anything because of his political connections. He was made medical director at GPHC. Quite a travesty. Once again, Congrats Mr. Ram. You are old enough to be my dad hence the reason for addressing you as Mr. Ram. Regards, Dr. Mark Devonish MBBS MSc MRCP(UK) Consultant Acute Medicine Nottingham University Hospital
RHO’s is nothing but “political gimmicks”. The Minister of Public Health should also be responsible for the shortage of Drugs and medical supplies in the health system because she pledged her commitment to the Guyanese people ensuring that the procurement process was change to get rid of the drugs and medical supplies shortages but unfortunately the system is returning to pre 1992. The Minister of Public Health is refusing to dismiss the Health Officials despite identifying the deficiencies and as such cause the Health system to decline rapidly. Recently in a news article the government boasted about no shortages of insulin in the health system. This is absolutely far from the truth. Certain aspects of the National Psychiatric Hospital in Region Six need to be urgently investigated. The Dietary supplies being purchased by the regional administration are either not being delivered to the Hospital or when delivered are being stolen by
elements within the Health Services and as such the quality of food being given to the patients is much to be desired. A pharmacist that was attached at the Regional Health Services was victimised and placed before the courts. He was freed of any malpractices but the coalition government refused to reinstate him leading to a crisis at the Regional Health Services Drugs Bond and contributing to the shortage of qualified pharmacists in Region Six. So the conclusion is that the “Riots Act “ that was read by the Director of Regional Health Services Dr. Kay Shako is only to get rid of persons who are vocal in identifying the corruption, i n c o m p e t e n c e , mismanagement and perceived to be supporters of the PPP. In conclusion the Minister of Public Health should stop protecting party activists in the Healthcare system at the expenses of the lives of precious Guyanese. Regards, Zamal Hussain
JAGDEO SHOULD BE IN JAIL DEAR EDITOR, It was with a mix of frustration and anger that I read at length the letter by MP Harry Gill raking Public Security Minister Ramjattan over the coals. I hold no brief for this particular Minister or any Minister for that matter, but Gill refuses to observe those three fingers pointing back at him and his PPP party. Guyana, like so many countries in our world is in need of moral transformation. No need to look too far afield either, our Caribbean neighbours Trinidad and Jamaica would relish our circumstance in relation to crime. Gill must be brain dead to have forgotten the state of criminality that prevailed
under his party in recent memory. It is my hope that he either read or will read the response to his leader from businessman Robert Badal. Criminals come in all flavours, not all of them carry guns to stick up their victims or break into homes. Some rob the treasury and victimize their country on behalf of close relatives and friends. Like Mr. Badal and most of Guyana, I must wonder why Jagdeo is still free to assume the role of moral police? As he so clearly states, in most countries this person would be looking out from behind bars never to victimize Guyana again. Respectfully, Claudeston Massiah Queens Village, NY
Re-zoning residential neighbourhoods? DEAR EDITOR, Over the last two years there has been a sleuth of new Governmental and their semi-autonomous offspring rentals in residential neighbourhoods. The latest publicized one being The Guyana Gold Board, opposite a school and next to a community play ground in Queenstown. This followed inter alia those occupied by GWI & GGMC, all in residential areas. To date there has been no governmental de-zoning of neighbourhoods. This leads me to wonder what these actions of knowingly moving governmental
business into residential neighbourhoods foretell. I do admit that there are too many private businesses and schools in residential neighbourhoods. However it is expected that the government would obey the laws as are currently on the books. If the government chooses not to observe the written laws of the land what example and precedent do that set? Is the citizenry then free to obey the laws we choose without legal consequence? Or are some laws “more equal than others”? Yours sincerely, Elizabeth Deane-Hughes
THE REPORTS WERE INCORRECT DEAR EDITOR, I refer to the recent statements and allegations made in the Kaieteur News on July 3rd and 8th and certain television news broadcast, much of which is erroneous, on the incident occurring on the Georgetown-Lethem Road relating to Shawhimshaw Ally (Imty), deceased. Imty worked in my business for a number of years and has earned my respect for his competence, disciplined and diligent disposition towards his work. Within the Takutu organization, we will also miss him for his respectful, generous and willing attitude towards Management and his work colleagues. We deeply regret his unfortunate demise and extend our sincere condolences to his family and friends. While at this time emotions are high,
understandably, we simply ask that there be pursuit of truth in the circumstances of the incident and Imty’s demise. There was no explosion of fuel truck as is alleged, and Imty was questioned by the police on the incident at the Mabura Hill health centre, Linden Hospital and at the Georgetown Public Hospital. I have cooperated fully with the Police in providing information on what occurred, having been present, and having given the names of other eye witnesses. Myself and family have known, and have had a very good relationship with Imty’s family for many years. We have been by their side in this ordeal and will continue to be supportive of his wife (Menawattie Singh) and children. Sincerely, Marlon Johnson Employer
A breach of protocol DEAR EDITOR, The photograph in today’s SG of the Minister holding a newborn has me thinking that maybe protocols were not observed in the haste and eagerness. The Minister is in the Nursery, a very sensitive place. Should she not have been gowned, capped and gloved? Aren’t these things important anymore? Shamshun Mohamed
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Private business in a government office DEAR EDITOR, I would like to bring to the attention of the Prime Minister a matter of concern towards his office in Region Six. A few days back my aunt asked me to accompany her to the Prime Minister’s Office to lodge a complaint concerning some matters affecting her. I agreed and went with her, although I am not really interested in that office holder who only seems to serve a few in Region Six. When we got there we were asked to have a seat and
wait. There were quite a few others in the waiting area. So, we all started various conversations and shared ideas and so on. While deep in the conversations, many talked of the reason for being there. Most of the persons waiting said that they came to the office to fill out their visa application forms. I asked, Who does that here? The reply was that Mr. Harbhajan does that and people come daily to do it. In fact, one of the persons visited the office several times
to do same with relatives. I am so surprised that the Prime Minister’s office in Region Six, which is a government office is being used as personal business place by the Prime Minister’s Representative. This begs for an investigation into the functioning of the Prime Minister’s Office and the work of the office holder, who by the way has a special guard dressed in brown and black. This is total misused of public office. Why is it that taxpayers have to pay the
rent, the bills, the Guyana Police Force, the PM Rep, etc. to do private business in a public office? I hope the PM will ask for an investigation to be done, and we all know that the PM knows it’s happening, so he will ensure the investigation goes his rep way. Just like what happen at NCN Berbice with his AFC member that misused her office. The people of Region Six are looking forward to hear the outcome of this matter. Thank you. Avinash Persaud
The Guyana Prize debate continues From page 4 the Guyanese public by using exquisite Latin phrases like ‘ultra vires’. Some entrants who have won a prize at an international award will sometimes be asked to submit another entry only after five years have elapsed. Why these greedy literary bureaucrats cannot live and let others live by giving them a chance since they are already very rich? A former Judge of any Literary award knows the literary criteria by which an award is judged.
Doesn’t the fact remain that they were fully aware of the literary criteria of the contest was being judged by, and this helped them to write books to suit the judges’ criteria and thus emerge as winners? Doesn’t the fact remain that they are known to the other judges not give them an advantage over other entrants? Only a few Guyanese writers living and working in Guyana have won the prize. The awards are going to Guyanese who have been living over 30-40 years
overseas. Has the Guyana Prize for Literature helped emerging writers living and writing in Guyana? The answer is no. Writers living and writing in Guyana don’t have a publishing house here to help them get their works published. That is the reason the overseas-based Guyanese writers are winning the prize all the time because their books are properly edited and published by international publishers, and they have already won several
Proof that accusations against Guyana Prize are without merit DEAR EDITOR, In my letter of July 6, 2018, “Proof that the accusations against the Guyana Prize are false, ultra vires and without merit” I did not mention the following. Ryhaan Shah’s career as a novelist virtually began with the publication of “A Silent Life” (Peepal Tree, 2005). She won the
Monday July 09, 2018
Kaieteur News
Guyana Prize for the Best First Book of Fiction, and received that award as a locally resident writer. Shah achieved this with a published book, but it adds to the evidence of yet another local writer who was at that time unknown to most of the judges, earning the Prize in fair competition when there were other writers resident
overseas in the field. Also not mentioned were other local residents who won the Guyana Prize : Martin Carter for “Selected Poems” (1989); and Ian McDonald for “Essequibo” (1992) and “Between Silence and Silence”. They were already established writers at the time. Yours faithfully, Al Creighton Secretary
international literary awards abroad. So how can our local writers compete with these fully established and recognized writers? Writers who won the Guyana Prize here are not even 0.3%. That is very sad. One of my major concerns is the quality of writing that has won the Guyana Prize, I have read all these books with a great deal of interest. Some of them like Essequibo, Martin Carter ’s Selected Poems are great poetry that deserved the prize. Then I read some really vulgar and immoral works that are loaded with ‘cuss words,’ sexual overtures and hardcore material that’s mind boggling to the real academic. My question is this: how can we teach such books as literature to our young students in schools and university? What literary criteria were used to give these immoral books a prize? One of Mr. Creighton’s four-time Guyana Prize Winners Harold Bascom wrote the following: ‘’Dear Minister Norton, there is a way for you to go down as the most effective Minister of Culture Guyana has ever had; and it will redeem you from being regarded as having been a mere political appointee with the least interest in culture—a square peg in a round hole.’’ July 1,2018 Kaieteur News. That is a very disgusting and derogatory statement to the Hon Minister of Culture Dr. George Norton, so the Minister and our current administration must do the honourable thing scrap the Guyana Prize for Literature until further notice demote the Prize Secretary and the incompetent Guyana Prize board with immediate effect. Regards, Rev.Gideon Cecil
An open letter to the Ministry of Education DEAR EDITOR, It’s that time again when teachers will be taking a much-needed vacation, but time flies, and soon we’ll be preparing for back-to-school. While normal people will be deciding what outfits to wear to their jobs, teacher will be deciding how to cut expenditure on their school uniforms in half so as to accommodate the buying of school supplies. Childfriendly classrooms don’t make themselves after all. The Ministry of Education, on average allocates a few sheets of cardboard and markers to each classroom per school year. That certainly cannot facilitate a child-friendly classroom. So teachers, underpaid as they are, are left to buy markers, cardboard, foam sheets, stickers, printstencils, and crayons. Then there are paste, blinds, and table cloths. Let’s not forget paint to cover a school-year of wear and tear. In my view, furniture should be painted every year, especially in nursery and primary. I am certain the Ministry of Education is aware of the shortfall in materials left on teachers to make up. Why are teachers, who find it difficult to make ends meet in their homes, be also unfairly saddled with struggling to equip their classrooms? Why should there be a commonly held sentiment by fellow teachers, that if the proper equipping of a classroom is left to the Ministry of Education it would never get done? There is not a schoolyear that goes by that I don’t spend less than $15000 getting my classroom ready. Let me add that the latter figure is modest in comparison to what other teachers reportedly spend. Sometimes walls have to be painted before aids can go up; ceiling have to be painted so as to lift the brightness of the already small space. As teachers we go those extra miles. To this day my husband doesn’t understand why I have to take materials to my workplace, my school. He doesn’t have to take materials he bought to his job to do his work. He would ask why I, a teacher, am left to do what strikes him as ridiculous. “Aren’t those materials supposed to be provided by your Ministry? My husband thinks it’s ridiculous, but the Ministry of Education’s stand on the above issue warrants a much
stronger word: ‘ludicrous.’ The Ministry has informed parents that no materials are to be given to teachers; and teachers are forbidden to ask parents for materials. Does the Ministry think that teachers would solicit direly needed materials for their classrooms and use it for themselves? What exactly am I going to do with markers and cardboard and foam should I solicit it from parents, decorate my home? My children are all in primary school and when shopping for my classroom I make sure to throw in a few things for their teacher’s classroom. What is even more insulting and ridiculous are Monday mornings when checks are made, and classrooms are not laced with teaching aids and other materials teachers would be written-up, and those records are there forever without any thought as to if that teacher could have afforded to equip her classroom. To talk about unfair is to talk about this education system and teachers. As teachers we have been too quiet, and we have accepted mediocrity for far too long to the point where some of us believe this is all we deserve. To my fellow teachers I say: Be encouraged and speak out! Write and let your voices be heard. Take a page from Sir Mars and his team. Let us stand together and demand what we rightfully d e s e r v e d . Wr i t e u n d e r anonymity if need be, since we know that through vindictiveness you can be targeted. The Guyana Government needs to start doing better for the sake of the Guyanese schoolchildren and the Nation’s future. Things within the school system can change. Of course, we are not expecting betterment in a day. I’m hoping the President is reading this. And if I were before him I would implore: “Mr. President, they are small things, inexpensive things that can improve the lives of teachers and improve the grades of children, please help.” Sincerely, A Guyanese teacher and educator
Bullseye
DEAR SIR, Ever so often your cartoonist hits the bull-eye. That was the case on Sunday July 8th 2018. It was absolute brilliance! Or in the vernacular of the subject “ pure fyah”. Candice Ramessar
Monday July 09, 2018
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Oil and corrupt politicians spell disaster to a nation Oil and corrupt politicians spell disaster to a nation. Attorney at Law Charles Ramson, thinks this is an important lesson that Guyana should learn from oil producing countries. Ramson, who recently expressed interest in becoming PPP/C Presidential Candidate, said as much during a recent presentation he made at Moray House. However, the aspiring leader made additional points during an interview yesterday. Ramson noted that for many years, countries like Angola, Chad, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Nigeria and Venezuela scored very low in clean government practices. He said that that is according to reports by Transparency International. It has been reported that in these countries, public contracting in the oil sector is plagued by revenues vanishing into the pockets of Western oil executives, middlemen and local officials. Read more: https://www.resilience.org/ stories/2004-10-19/oil-producing-nations-rank-highcorruption/. Ramson also cited a 2015 international news article which stated “6 out of 10 top
- no leader of Guyana should have integrity issues, says Ramson oil-producing countries are under serious corruption risk.” Read more: http:// www.businessinsider.com/6out-of-10-top-oil-producingcountries-are-under-seriouscorruption-risk-2015-6. He said that with the overwhelming evidence, Guyanese should not take chances leaving the nation’s future in the hands of politicians with chequered pasts. Ramson said, “We all know that the overall net effect of corruption by persons holding public office is damaging to any country. Oftentimes, the corrupt public officials point to roads, schools, bridges, and buildings being built with the country’s oil money to say ‘this is what we spent our money on’ but many times that is just the vehicle of corruption for public officials and contractors to become very wealthy very quickly while the income of the ordinary citizen remain relatively low. Those examples are numerous as well. This is yet another reason why Guyana’s next elec-
tion is so important.” Ramson noted that in 2020, the same year of election, Guyana will join the list of oil producing countries, “but we do not need Guyana to join the list of highly corrupt oil producing countries. Therefore, no leader of Guyana should have integrity issues.” The Oil and Gas Academic stressed that it is very difficult for a corrupt country to develop. “It is pretty straightforward that every dollar which makes its way to any corrupt public official other than by their official salary is less money available to improve the lives of citizens. But another way how corrupt practices damage a country is that it discourages the critical foreign direct investment needed not just for the transfer of capital but for the transfer of technologies, knowledge, and skills. “Guyana desperately needs to become a high-income industrialized country. Guyana is competing against all other countries around the
world for Foreign Direct Investment so when it comes time for an investing company to make a choice about where to invest, they will choose the not, or less, corrupt country because it means they will have to pay less bribes and will be able to use that money as capital to make greater returns.” Ramson said too that corruption also increases migration rates. The Attorney at Law posited that, “the crime rate is about deterrence and deterrence is about conviction rates. Once the conviction rate is low, then criminals are far more likely to take the risk to commission a crime. In Guyana, our conviction rates are low because, among other things, corruption infiltrates the investigation and prosecution process so magistrates/judges do not have enough evidence for a conviction. Without that feeling of safety Guyanese will continue to leave our shores in droves, especially the educated
Attorney at Law and Former MP, Charles Ramson ones.” Ramson said that corruption also occurs where there is a perversion of fairness through the furthering of a political agenda of a preferred group. He said that that form of corruption destroys countries because it fester an atmosphere of antagonism and conflict. “So if you are a president and you choose your own interpretation of our constitution instead of what has been the mutually accepted interpretation over the last 20-plus
years, then that is a form of corruption. If you are a judge and you give decisions which support the perversion of the spirit of the constitution which underpins the political parties working together then that is a form of corruption. If you are a speaker of parliament and only or mainly see the wrongs of the opposition then you are part of the problem. If you have responsibility for fighting corruption but only investigate and prosecute one political group and ignore totally the corruption from the side that appointed you when it is clear as day that their recently acquired assets do not match their declared income, then that is a form of corruption,” said Ramson. “And who suffers the most? The ordinary man, who put his faith in these so-called leaders of our society who took an oath before God to serve them faithfully and they have betrayed the people and in turn they have betrayed God.” Ramson said that unless there is a strong independent integrity commission with investigating and prosecution powers then there is no serious attempt to control corruption.
City Hall sets up special committee to disburse, manage community projects The Georgetown Mayor and City Council, (M&CC), has set up a special committee to disburse, manage and evaluate community projects as part of its strategy to guide the expenditure of constituency funds. Last Month, the Council announced that the Ministry of Communities released $57,688,022 million to fund community projects in the 15 constituencies. Council officials had confirmed that all of the projects are to be executed under the ‘Restoration Grant.’ Officials said $24M has been set aside for the fiscal transfer plan and that the Ministry has since asked that all procurement procedures be followed. Town Clerk Royston King had explained that a policy is expected to cover a number of issues including what makes a candidate eligible to obtain a contract, in accordance with the laws, that govern the operations of City Hall. During a recent engagement with the press, it was revealed that the ten point guideline was released to the Council. The guideline includes a special committee to disburse and manage the community projects. The M&CC committee is chaired by Mayor Patricia Chase Green, Oscar Clarke, chairman of the
Town Clerk Royston King M&CC Finance Committee, Councillor Phillip Smith, City Engineer Colvern Venture and City Treasurer, (Ag) Sharon Harry- Munroe. Additionally, the strategy outlined that the committee must examine and give their approval in writing for each of the projects. According to the guideline, as part of the process, contractors would be paid upon examination and satisfaction of projects by the committee. The city engineer must also sign off relevant documents upon the completion of all projects in the fifteen constituencies. Additionally, the strategy outlined that fifty per cent of the workforce where manual labour is required should be
made up of residents of the communities in which the works are executed. Further to that, an officer will be assigned by the City Treasurer (Ag) to deal specifically with payment arrangement to contractors within the city treasurers department. “Three quotations must be submitted to the city treasurers for the execution of works or the supply of goods and serviced to the constituency projects. And petty contracts will be done for all projects within the local community using the allocation of $57,688,022 given to the council by the Central Government. Payment to contractors would be made five days after the works have been executed and upon request by the contractors.” In recent remarks to the council, the Town Clerk specifically highlighted sections of the Municipal District and Council’s Act, which deals with the terms and conditions that a member of the Council, who might be interested in a specific contract, can benefit. Alluding to Section Seventy (70), subsection (1) of the Municipal District and Council’s Act Chapter 28:01, the Town Clerk outlined “if any councillor has any pecuniary interests in the contract, direct or indirect including (proposed contracts) or any other matter, he shall at the
meeting, as soon as practicable after the commencement, disclose the fact and shall not take part in the consideration or discussion of, or vote on any question with respect to the contract and any other matter. “Provided this section shall not apply to an interest in a contract or any other matter, which a councillor may have a ratepayer or inhabitant of the council area or as an ordinary consumer of electricity or water or any matter re-
lating to the terms on which the right to participate in any service including the supply of goods, is offered to the public. For the purposes of this section, a councillor shall be deemed to have an indirect pecuniary interest in the contract or other matter; If he or any nominee of his is a member of a company or other body with, which the contract is made or is proposed to be made or which has a direct pecuniary in other
matter under consideration; or he is a partner or is in the employment of a person with whom the contract is made or who has a direct pecuniary interest in the other matter under consideration.” King simplified therefore that law does not prohibit members of the Council from benefiting from projects, “all that this means is that Councillors must disclose whether they may have a financial interest in a specific project or matter.”
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Ramson most likely interrupted a “carefully orchestrated selection process” for PPP presidential candidate Veteran politician, Ralph Ramkarran thinks that Charles Ramson may have interrupted and obstructed a plan that was already schemed within the People’s Progressive Party for one or a few individuals to unilaterally decide on the party’s presidential candidate. Ramkarran, a former longstanding member of the PPP, made his view known in his most recent column. There, he acknowledged that Ramson recently announced publicly that he would seek the PPP’s nomination to be its presidential candidate for the 2020 general elections. But, Jagdeo chided Ramson and said that he deviated from party principles. Ramson’s announcement was made immediately after the CCJ ruled that the twoterm presidential limit did not violate Guyana’s constitution, thereby ruling out former president Bharrat Jagdeo for a third term. Ramkarran said that Ramson
made the move because he “clearly wanted his name to be placed among those under consideration before an anointment is made. He joins Irfaan Ali, Frank Anthony and Anil Nandlall, who have been identified by observers as being the persons from whom a ‘choice’ will be made. While no one has yet emerged as a ‘front runner,’ it could well be that one among the three has already been identified. If this is so, then Ramson may possibly have been seen as an intruder, prematurely disrupting what might have been a carefully orchestrated selection process.” FAKE CAMPAIGNS “Memories are short,” said Ramkarran as he reminded that public announcements were made in the past but saw no such reaction from Jagdeo and other PPP big wigs. Ramkarran said however that the reason the previous announcements were condoned and even encouraged was because it was all a
façade. “In 2011, the candidate did emerge from internal discussions. But Donald Ramotar and I had long before publicly announced our candidacies. Later, Clement Rohee and Gail Teixeira announced theirs. There were interviews, press reports, speculation and subtle campaigning. We were not criticized because everyone knew that this was, apart from my efforts, a fake campaign. The candidate was already anointed and the choice was a foregone conclusion.” ARCHAIC AND USELESS Further, Ramkarran revealed that the PPP has no special rules for the selection of a presidential candidate. He said that it has decision-making rules under which the executive committee of 15 recommends and the central committee of 35 decides. He said, “The latter invariably follows the ‘recommendation’ of the former.” Ramkarran said that the
- Ramkarran few “rules” for selection “are archaic and have long outlived their usefulness.” He posited that in this era of liberal democracy, the public would like to see and hear the candidates before one is selected by the party, especially having regard to the powerful position the president holds under the constitution. “And the selection process for all parties in Guyana, not only for presidential candidates but also for officials, should be determined by members.” Ramkarran said that party supporters are becoming wary of candidates being foisted upon them with barely a nod to the application of democratic principles. Ramkarran revealed, “I had to make a public appeal for a secret ballot for the election of the candidate in 2011, which former presidents Bharrat Jagdeo and Donald Ramotar publicly opposed. The executive committee members were made to state their preferences openly. They unanimously supported Donald Ramotar. This time around it may not be so easy and both the executive committee and central committee might be forced into secret ballots.” DEBATES? Ramkarran said that there is now a sense that both the public and the party are beginning to frown on secrecy and “anointment.” He said, “They would like to see can-
didates engage in public debates. Far from such debates being divisive, they enable the candidates to present themselves, their credentials, their policies and their visions.” Ramkarran said that a debate, and a choice being subsequently made in a democratic and transparent manner, results in the enhanced acceptability of the candidate to the whole party and the public. Mobilization by a party behind such a democratic choice is then easier to accomplish. It is not a surprise that in both 2011 and 2015, the PPP complained that its supporters did not turn out to vote in their numbers. The anointment of the candidate, prior to the official selection by the party, may well have had a negative effect on mobilization of supporters.” He said that as it is, the public does not know whether the same process as in 2011 is likely to be played out again by the PPP. Ramkarran said that it certainly seems as if this was the intention. But, he explained that it is not so easy now. “The PPP is no longer in power and the capacity of a dominant leader, or a section of the leadership, to ‘persuade’ members to accept a designated candidate may have diminished now that the party is out of power.” FRESHAIR OF YOUTH Ramkarran recalled that much emphasis has been placed on encouraging young leaders. “As Mr. Ramson told the PPP, if it is inviting young people to join and play lead-
Veteran Politician, Ralph Ramkarran ership roles, it must be prepared to accept that young people also have different ideas of how things should be done. It appears that for Mr. Ramson, public debate by candidates and an open election process, by secret ballot, would be the preferred methods.” Ramkarran said that Ramson brings fresh air into the “musty decision-making” corridors of the PPP. “He has brought focus on the PPP’s method of selecting its presidential candidate. He has issued a challenge about the way in which things are being done. He has paved the way for himself and those who come after him to speak publicly about their ambitions and hopes for Guyana and for an open election process by party members. His public announcement is also a reminder that in 1999, the PPP gave a 35-year old member a chance. In 2020, Ramson will be 37.”
Students to help plant 15,000 mangrove seedlings along Essequibo foreshore
Students watering the seedlings
By August month-end, mangrove seedlings would be planted along 300 metres of foreshore by Walton Hall, Essequibo Coast. In May, approximately
$1.6 million in contracts were awarded to several individuals and three learning institutions to grow the seedlings in private nurseries within the district. The project is being
managed by the Mangrove Restoration and Management Department of the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (Continued on page 10)
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Is Conservation International compromised? Is Guyana condemned? Government and its actions in Guyana are under intense public scrutiny. There is hardly an issue, involving government, which does not attract comment, favorable or unfavorable. Even the activities of private actors within our society are used as reference, for commenting or comparison with what government does. It therefore is passing strange that there have been little attempts at comparing the US$ 10M deal which the one Conservation International struck with the
Exxon Mobil Trust Fund for the pittance of US$18 M which the government received from the oil giant as a signing bonus. C o n s e r v a t i o n International’s action has raised ethical questions. It is difficult to reconcile CI’s role as a watchdog for the environment with its acceptance sum from a company which is part of the fossil fuels sector. It is like asking regulatory body accepting a donation from the very agency which it is required to monitor.
CI, however, sees no conflict of interest. CI defended its conduct and its independence by claiming that it is committed to helping Guyana achieve its green development goal. That is like saying that one would consort with the devil in order to allow someone to get to heaven. But that is the defence which CI is offering following concerns raised about its deal with Exxon. That deal is however not just about Guyana. Conservation International is one of the organizations
Senior police rank questioned as…
Cops launch probe into alleged evidence tampering in woman’s death was immediately launched, with ranks visiting the home and taking several photographs. Yesterday, the victim’s mother provided Kaieteur News of photographs which she said raised suspicion of a cover-up. One of the photographs showed the woman’s hand covered with fresh paint, which she said came from the area in the bedroom here she believed her daughter was injured. Describing herself as “a Christian,” the victim’s mother said that she was not out for revenge against the man who has been implicated in her daughter’s death. “All I want is justice.”
The woman’s hand with fresh paint from her daughter’s room. Top police officials have launched an investigation into allegations that a senior rank and others tampered with evidence in the recent bizarre death of a young woman. The investigators are focusing on allegations that the injuries that resulted in the young woman’s demise occurred in a city house, and not in the area where some ranks and the accused claimed that they had. The probe is also focusing on allegations that forensic evidence at what may be the real crime scene might have been ‘painted over’. The allegations have reportedly led to several detectives visiting the house where the young woman lived. Kaieteur News understands that Crime Chief Paul Williams and other ranks
have been notified of the developments. The investigation is reportedly being spearheaded by a rank from the Brickdam Police Station. Kaieteur News confirmed that the allegations were made by the young woman’s mother. She told Kaieteur News yesterday that she had visited her daughter’s residence and seen police remove a window curtain with what appeared to be bloodstains. The woman said that subsequently, she and some family members accidentally brushed against a bedroom wall and realised that it was freshly painted. The woman said that she subsequently notified Crime Chief Williams of her suspicions. An investigation
which is supporting a carbon tax to be paid by emitters. This proposal has found support from oil companies such as Exxon, Shell and British Petroleum. But the carbon tax proposal is not as innocent as it seems. What the tax would do is to remove environmental responsibility for the oil companies to those industrial concerns which emit greenhouse gases. In effect, it shifts the burden from the oil producers to those using fossil fuels – all in the name of putting money back in the pockets of the people. The deal between Exxon Mobil and Conservation International comes at a time when a major scientific journal has pointed to the fact that methane leakage from oil operations are far larger than what was originally been estimated and that these leakages contribute to climate
change. It is left to be seen how Conservation International will maintain its independence when the time comes for it to call for action in this area. The US$10M deal with Exxon Trust Fund is not the first time that CI has been accused of being compromised. CI for years have been accused of being an over-bloated organization which is administered by the largesse of corporate polluters. (See Tom Zeller’s critique of CI in a Huffington Post article entitled, “Conservation International Duped By Militant Greenwash Pitch) The Guyanese public should therefore feel no satisfaction from the deal which Conservation International has signed with the Exxon Mobil Trust Fund. The University of Guyana which is said to benefit from
that money should refuse to participate because it will undermine that institution’s credibility. UG should find no comfort in being part of any arrangement between a major environmental polluter and an organization which it listed as one of the world’s foremost environmental watchdogs. But the problem of CI’s deal with Exxon goes beyond conflict of interest. Guyana received a signing bonus of US$18M from Exxon as part of the rights for the oil giant to explore oil reserves estimated at in excess of US$200B. This is tantamount to a billionaire giving $2 to a beggar. It is shameful that CI could have extracted US$10M from Exxon Trust Fund but Guyana’s top oil negotiators could only managed US$18M. It just shows how Exxon took advantage of Guyana.
Monday July 09, 2018
Kaieteur News
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Sophia women seek-self empowerment through $3M Green Life Floral project The women of Cummings Park, Sophia are seizing the opportunity to empower themselves with the establishment of a $3Million Green Life Floral project. This venture is being funded under the government’s Sustainable Livelihood and Entrepreneurial Development (SLED) programme. The project, which was officially launched July 5, is being led by the Green Life Floral Co-operative Society Limited. The ten-member group was birthed out of First Lady Sandra Granger’s Success in Business and Self-reliance workshop held in the area in 2017. The greenhouse project produces croton and other indoor and outdoor plants, vegetables and fruits. President of the group, Rohilda Glasgow explained that while the venture is in keeping with President David Granger ‘green state’ agenda, it also aims to teach the women, especially single mothers, to grow their own food. Glasgow said the group provides seedlings to the
First Lady Sandra Granger
President of the Green Life Floral Co-operative Society Limited, Rohilda Glasgow
women as a start-up. She added “we are trying to teach them to use the local fruits to make things like fruit juice for their children. They can also use the natural fruit to sell juices and icicles. This will bring in an additional income for them because they will also have their vegetables to sell.” Additionally, the group will be expanding to include catering, art and craft, sewing and cosmetology. Glasgow
explained that this training will target mainly young people. During brief remarks at the launching ceremony at the Cummings Park Multipurpose Centre, First Lady Sandra Granger congratulated the women of Cummings Park and Sophia for grasping the opportunity to educate and empower themselves and move into financial independence. “I am happy to see this Green Life Floral takes wings as it were, because it’s not just
Some of the plants available for sale at the Green Life Floral green house. a nursery and greenhouse where they will have the plants, but they are also looking at a sustainable livelihood.” The First Lady encouraged the women to capitalise on the National School Feeding programme. “Once the programme is fully established, the group can apply for contracts to provide vegetables that the children will need for the preparation of their food. I am looking forward to you to participate fully
in these kinds of the project which will bring money to you and the people of Sophia. Maybe you will even inspire for individuals to set up their own gardens and even get into livestock.” The representative from the Ministry of Social Protection’s Projects Department, Tiffany Bobb, urged the residents to ‘keep the society and project alive. She noted that the investment made by the government is the start the group needed and “it is up to
you to keep the vehicle going, let good honesty and integrity be your fuel.” Councillor Andrea Marks, who was instrumental in the establishment of the project, said: “this is just a start of what is to come for Cummings Park”. Marks disclosed that an office will be established where persons can make their purchases. This project is one of 20 sustainable livelihood projects funded under the SLED project in 2017.
Local agro-processors showcase products Joenitta Arthur, owner of Rainforest Honey, proudly displays her produce
A variety of products made from coconuts were also on display
Local agro-processors were given the opportunity to showcase their products last Friday, when the New Guyana Marketing Corporation (NGMC) held a sensitisation programme at New Amsterdam, Berbice. This was the first time the NGMC visited Berbice to sensitise the public on the availability of locally manufactured products in Guyana. It was one of the several promotional events planned for the year. Mr. Kevin Macklingham, Manager of the Guyana
Shop, along with some of the staff of the New Guyana Marketing Corporation and Agro Processing Department, journeyed to Main Street, New Amsterdam where they hosted sensitisation and promotional activities. The aim of the activity is to continually promote locally manufactured products and local entrepreneurs in Guyana and to make Berbice aware of these products. “This is the first series of activities for this part (Region Six),” Mr Macklingam disclosed.
“Persons showed keen interest in the products we took up to Berbice last Friday. They were especially interested in the local soaps, herbal teas, sauces,” Macklingham explained as he expressed how impressed he was with the interest showed by residents. “They asked questions about the products; they asked where the products can be found; so many questions. I am happy that these questions are being asked. It shows that people are interested in local products.” Anne Bristol, owner of
Anne’s Products; Joenitta Arthur, owner of Rainforest Honey, Shania Evans, a representative from Indigenous Oils and a few other agro-processors were in attendance. “This activity was a success on our (Indigenous Coconut Oil) behalf. We got the opportunity to showcase our products and also educate customers on the benefits of our products and the aim behind our brand,” Evans said. “GMC has played a huge role in our community when it
comes to us getting to promote our products. And I am happy to be able to participate in this promotional and sensitization activity,” she continued. Additionally, the Guyana Shop was able to secure a corner at B’s Mart for local products and is expected to start supplying the supermarket with items within the next two weeks. “The people of New Amsterdam, within the next two weeks, will be able to
shop 100 percent locally manufactured products from B’s Mart,” Macklingam revealed. “I am thankful to the owner of B’s Mart for understanding the importance of selling local products and supporting local manufacturers,” he added. There were products such as green seasoning, honey, coconut oil, various skin products, soaps, cassava bread and porridge mix on display.
Monday July 09, 2018
Kaieteur News
Securities Council unable to fulfill anti-money laundering mandate – Chairman The Guyana Securities Council (GSC) is one of the key agents in managing the financial health of the economy. This involves nipping in the bud, money laundering activities. But the Council is unable to carry out this task effectively. According to its 2017 Annual Report, the Council is challenged with accommodation restraints, preventing the hiring of additional staff to assist with fulfilling the mandate of the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT)Act. Commenting briefly on the matter yesterday, GSC Chairman, Rawle Lucas said, “We have not been able to effectively carry out our mandate because we have been unable to hire the staff to do the things we need to do. The funds became available in the budget last year for us to hire people. However, with our current complement of staff, the Council is striving to execute its mandate under the Act effectively.” According to the AML/
GSC Chairman, Rawle Lucas CFT Act, the Council is deemed a Supervisory Authority for reporting entities which perform business activities specified under the Fourth Schedule of the Act. These include: venture risk capital; money-broking; and trading in money market instruments, (such as cheques, bills, and certificates of deposit), foreign exchange, financial fixtures and options, exchange and interest t rate instruments, and transferable securities.
Body of missing miner found in Barama River The body of miner was fished out of the Barama River at an area known as Ianna Backdam, North West District at around 08.30 hrs yesterday. The victim had been missing since Friday and is believed to have fallen overboard. According to reports, the victim, along with the captain and two others, were heading to the interior to work. However, on Friday, the boat captain reportedly left the men on the boat, while he went to rest in a camp, with the intention of heading into the backdam the following day. Kaieteur News understands that the young man and his friends imbibed alcohol and he began to behave in an erratic manner. He reportedly even attempted to start the boat engine. When the other men woke on Saturday, he was nowhere in sight. The captain, who returned, and others launched a search. Yesterday, his body was found in the Barama River.
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Monday July 09, 2018
Kaieteur News
NO STONE UNTURNED!
FOR RENT
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PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY,ETC.-CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 2161043; 677-6620
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After two deadly prison riots in two years, including one ending in the destruction of Lot 12 Camp Street, security officials are under intense pressure to prevent similar tragedies. And faced with the added burden of dealing with the smuggling of prohibited items, even Prison Officials are now under scrutiny. Before entering the gates of the Camp Street Prison, junior and senior prison warders are subjected to searches by ranks of the Guyana Police Force. Even Director of Prisons Gladwin Samuels is not exempt. “I am subjected to the same search when I go into the prison, which is a detailed
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search,” he told the media recently. Mr. Samuels also accepted that with all the new security measures in place, prisoners, sometimes with help from corrupt staff, are still finding ways to bring the contraband items in.
Dept. of Education lends helping hand to... (From page 14) provided the families with food and household items, while the Department of Education Region Four, through its welfare department, visited both homes where the REDO and REO expressed their condolences. They also gave words of encouragement that would enable the grieving family to cope during this evidently difficult period. “This is shock to all of us at the Department of Education as this is the last thing we would want to occur, more so, at the end of the school term,” Harvey said. She noted that several teachers and students at the schools of both boys are exceptionally distraught and she hopes that those who were severely affected would find the courage and will power to be strong. “We are all hurting but I firmly believe that in memory of both boys who coincidentally have the same name but are cousins we should remain strong, as one of their common qualities was that they were strong, determined, and very disciplined boys and we should be strong in emulating their qualities,” she said. Both Lucas and FavouriteHarvey expressed sadness both as mothers and officers of the region. They urged the mothers to find solace in the fond memories of their respective sons.
Monday July 09, 2018
Kaieteur News
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Pompeo sees hard road ahead but pursues North Korean denuclearisation talks TOKYO/WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo brushed off North Korean charges that he used “gangster-like” diplomacy in negotiations in Pyongyang, saying yesterday after meeting his Japanese and South Korean counterparts that he would continue to pursue denuclearisation talks with North Korea. Pompeo said in Tokyo there was still a lot of work to do, but he was confident North Korean leader Kim Jong Un would stick to a commitment to abandon
nuclear weapons he made during a summit with U.S. President Donald Trump in Singapore last month. “When we spoke to them about denuclearisation, they did not push back,” Pompeo told a news conference after two days of talks in Pyongyang that ended on Saturday. “The road ahead will be difficult and challenging and we know that critics will try to minimize the work that we’ve achieved.” Leading U.S. senators expressed concern about North Korea’s harsh words and urged the Trump
administration to keep up the pressure on Pyongyang. Republican Senator Joni Ernst, a member of the Armed Services Committee, said joint military exercises with South Korea that were suspended to show goodwill towards North Korea should be resumed “soon” if denuclearisation talks sputter. Pompeo said that while he saw progress in Pyongyang, the United States was not relaxing the current sanctions regime or changing its “ironclad” commitment to the defence of allies South Korea and Japan.
U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, Japan’s Foreign Minister Taro Kono and South Korea’s Foreign Minister Kang Kyung Wha speak with each other after a news conference in Tokyo, Japan, yesterday. Andrew Harnik/Pool via Reuters Pompeo spoke after North Korea said the talks “brought us in a dangerous situation where we may be shaken in our unshakable will for denuclearisation, rather than consolidating trust.” The statement was carried by the official KCNA news agency on Saturday soon after Pompeo left Pyongyang, raising questions about the future of the talks in which he is trying to persuade Pyongyang to give up a nuclear weapons programme that threatens the United States.
Kim made a broad commitment in Singapore to “work toward denuclearisation” but did not give details on how or when he would dismantle North Korea’s nuclear programme. Trump in turn offered security guarantees to Pyongyang and pledged a halt to the large-scale military drills with South Korea. North Korea’s latest comments were a reminder of the difficulties that previous U.S. administrations have had negotiating with the reclusive state.
Monday July 09, 2018
Kaieteur News
Myanmar court to rule on whether to charge jailed Reuters reporters
First boys rescued from Thailand Cave after being trapped for 2 weeks
Wa Lone, 32, and Kyaw Soe Oo, 28 YANGON (Reuters) - A Myanmar court will rule today on whether to charge two Reuters reporters accused of obtaining secret documents, a decision that could either see them freed after nearly seven months in jail or move the landmark press freedom case to trial. The court in Yangon has been holding pre-trial hearings since January to decide whether Wa Lone, 32, and Kyaw Soe Oo, 28, should face charges under the colonial-era Official Secrets Act, which carries a maximum penalty of 14 years in prison. The case has attracted global attention. Some Western diplomats and rights groups say it is a test of progress towards full democracy under the administration of Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi in a country where the military still wields considerable influence. If charges are brought
against the reporters the proceedings would enter the trial phase, during which defence lawyers would summon their witnesses before the judge delivers a verdict, a process likely to take several more weeks, legal experts say. If the judge drops the charges and dismisses the case the reporters would be released after nearly seven months in pre-trial detention. Myanmar government spokesman Zaw Htay has declined to comment throughout the proceedings, saying Myanmar’s courts are independent and the case would be conducted according to the law. He did not answer calls seeking comment yesterday. At the time of their arrest in December, the reporters had been working on an investigation into the killing of 10 Rohingya Muslim men and boys in a village in
western Myanmar’s Rakhine State. The killings took place during a military crackdown that U.N. agencies say led to more than 700,000 Rohingya fleeing to neighbouring Bangladesh. The reporters have told relatives they were arrested almost immediately after being handed some rolled up papers at a restaurant in northern Yangon by two policemen they had not met before. In April, Police Captain Moe Yan Naing testified that a senior officer had ordered his subordinates to plant the documents on Wa Lone to “trap” the reporter. After his court appearance, Moe Yan Naing was sentenced to a year in jail for violating police discipline by having spoken to Wa Lone, and his family was evicted from police housing. Police have said the eviction and his sentencing were not related to his testimony.
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One of the four rescued boys. Four young soccer players have been rescued from the Tham Luang Cave in Thailand after weeks of uncertainty, ominous weather conditions and a concerted effort from divers and rescuers from all over the world working to save the trapped soccer team. The first two boys were freed from the cave before 6 p.m. local time on Sunday, said Narongsak Osatanakorn, the former Chiang Rai governor who has been heading rescue efforts, at a press conference. Two additional boys were later rescued. All four were promptly whisked to the hospital, said Osatanakorn, The Guardian reported. Several ambulances and a helicopter were seen leaving the cave site on Sunday evening. Locals reportedly cheered and
whooped as the helicopter flew by. Osatanakorn said the boys’ health was “perfect” and said the operation had been “more successful than I expected.” “Everyone’s happy,” he said. Nine people remain trapped inside the cave ¯ 8 boys and their 25-year-old coach. Osatanakorn said the rescue mission had been put on hold for the time being because ”we’ve used all the oxygen” and supplies needed to be replenished. He estimated that the rescue operation would resume in “10 to 20 hours.” The Guardian said the mission was expected to recommence Monday at 8 a.m. local time. The mission to rescue the 12 young boys and their coach from the cave, located in the Khun Nam Nang Non Forest Park, began on Sunday at 10 a.m. local time. Eighteen rescuers, including 13 foreign divers and five Thai Navy SEALS, entered the cave with plans to remove the stranded boys one by one, said Osatanakorn during an earlier press conference. Officials had originally said the earliest a boy could be rescued would be 9 p.m. Sunday, but the first two boys emerged from the cave about three hours ahead of schedule. “We can say they are all international allstars involved in this diving operation and we selected five of our best who can work with them,” The Guardian reported the rescue chief as saying. Rescue officials have been preparing for this rescue attempt all week. On Saturday, the “water levels were the lowest they had been,” Osatanakorn said, adding that most of the cave system was walkable. Osatanakorn revealed on Sunday night that the four freed boys had to dive more than half a mile to get to safety nonetheless. The boys wore full-faced masks “while hanging on to the bodies of rescue divers.” (Carla Herreria/HuffPost)
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GREENBRIER CLASSIC: Kevin Na Croatia can deal with Harry Kane wins first tournament in seven years after ‘stopping Messi’ - Zlatko Dalic
Na’s only previous PGA Tour victory was the 2011 Shriners Hospitals Open. (Getty Images) BBC Sport - South Korean-born American Kevin Na captured his first US PGA title in seven years yesterday, with a six-under-par 64 to
claim the Greenbrier Classic by five shots. The 34-year-old finished on 19 under at White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia.
Na, who choked up when thanking fans in Korean on television after his triumph, had made 158 starts since his only prior PGA victory at the 2011 Shriners Hospitals Open. “I failed so many times,” Na said. “I see the records on TV, most starts since winning. I’m always up there. “It took me eight years to win my first title. I told friends it’s not going to take eight years to win the second one. It has taken seven.” Third-round co-leader Kelly Kraft carded an evenpar 70 to claim second place on 14 under, with fellow Americans Brandt Snedeker and Jason Kokrak tied for third a shot further back.
HOLDER PLEASED WITH “CLINICAL” WINDIES UNIT
From left: Substitute Keemo Paul, Miguel Cummins and Kieran Powell celebrate West Indies’ victory in the opening Test against Bangladesh. (Photo courtesy CWI Media) ST JOHN’S, Antigua, CMC – Captain Jason Holder has praised his side’s “clinical” all-round performance which earned them an emphatic innings and 219-run victory over Bangladesh in the opening Test here Friday. West Indies fast bowlers blew away the tourists for a historic-low 43 in their first innings inside the first session on the opening day at the Vivian Richards Cricket Ground before the batsmen piled up 406 in reply. The hosts then dismissed the Bangladeshis for 144 in their second innings, about 15 minutes before lunch on the third day to complete a comprehensive victory. “I’m happy overall with the performance. I felt we bowled and batted well in this Test match [and] we also supported bowlers in the field,” Holder told media afterwards. “I think it was a clinical performance and looking ahead to the next Test match in Jamaica, I expect the Bangladeshis to come back firing and come at us pretty hard. It’s just a matter of us being consistent and maintaining the pressure we set on them.” Seamer Kemar Roach produced a superb Man-of-the-Match performance in the opening hour of the Test, snatching five wickets for eight runs to cripple Bangladesh. Opener Kraigg Brathwaite’s seventh Test hundred then formed the foundation of the Windies first innings, as they effectively batted Bangladesh out of the contest. “I think the opening burst by Kemar and also Shannon (Gabriel) really set the tone for
us. I was able to come in and get a few wickets at the end and obviously Miguel Cummins got three wickets in the first innings as well,” Holder pointed out. “Again, it was a clinical performance in the first hour of play and obviously we set it up quite nicely with the bat led by Kraigg with a wonderful hundred … and well supported by everyone else who chipped in.” He added: “I think it was a good opportunity for everybody to get a chance in the middle. We wanted to give them as much time to spend some time in the middle. Unfortunately, really only one of our batsmen missed out and that’s Roston (Chase) but hopefully in Jamaica he can come to the party.” The Windies pacers dominated the match taking all 20 wickets, with leg-spinner Devendra Bishoo going wicket-less in his five overs in the entire game. A similar situation obtained in the last Test against Sri Lanka two weeks ago when Bishoo bowled just two overs, as the seamers grabbed the bulk of the wickets. Despite this, Holder said Bishoo was still an important member of the bowling attack. “I think we’ve got a really good balance. I know Devendra Bishoo hasn’t come to the fore as much as expected but I still think he has a part to play. It’s just a matter of seeing how the conditions are in Jamaica and then making a final decision.” The second Test bowls off at Sabina Park in Jamaica Thursday.
Croatia beat Messi’s Argentina 3-0 on their way to topping group D. (Getty Images) BBC Sport - Croatia coach Zlatko Dalic has said his side have already “managed to stop Messi” and so can cope with England’s Harry Kane in Wednesday’s semi-final. The teams meet in Moscow to compete for a place in the 15 July final after Dalic’s side overcame hosts Russia on Saturday. Dalic identified top-scorer Kane and Raheem Sterling as threats in a team with “no glaring weaknesses”. “But we believe in our strengths,” he said. “We don’t fear England.” “He [Kane] is top scorer - he’s not easy to stop. But we have top centre-backs. We managed to stop Messi and [Christian] Eriksson so hopefully we can stop Kane.” Having not scored in an England shirt for nearly three years, Manchester City forward Sterling has been criticised by some supporters and pundits. However, ex-England and Manchester United pair David Beckham and Gary Neville have voiced their support for the 23-year-old and Dalic also rates him highly. The 51-year-old coach, who has only been in charge of the national side since October, was asked about England’s strengths and weaknesses and said: “I wouldn’t say there are any glaring weaknesses - they are in the semi-finals, that says it all. “They showed from the games I’ve seen so far that they play direct football and they are very fast.
“They are really good at set-pieces and their tall players are dangerous at corners. “I think Raheem Sterling is an important player because he is really fast and his combination with Harry Kane is really dangerous.” He went on to further praise Sterling’s “pace and power” and said his coaches would be analysing Gareth Southgate’s team closely over the next two days. “They dealt with Sweden relatively easily so we know they are going to be a difficult opponent and we respect them,” he continued. “But we believe in our strengths too. We don’t fear England or anybody else.” Croatia’s shoot-out victory over Russia was their second straight win on penalties at the World Cup, after they beat Denmark in the same fashion in their last-16 tie. There is relief in the Croatia camp after defender Domagoj Vida was warned by Fifa, avoiding a possible ban, for appearing to dedicate their win against Russia to Ukraine in an online video. Vida, who scored in extra time before his side’s win on penalties, shouted “Glory to Ukraine” in Ukrainian. The slogan was a rallying cry during the 2014 Ukrainian revolution, which was followed by the Russian annexation of Crimea from Ukraine. Vida later said he was joking and “the victory is for Croatia, no politics”.
BARCELONA (Reuters) - Brazil midfielder Paulinho is leaving Barcelona after one season to rejoin Chinese club Guangzhou Evergrande, the Spanish champions said yesterday. “FC Barcelona and Guangzhou Evergrande have reached an agreement for the loan transfer of Paulinho Bezerra for one season, with a mandatory purchase option for the Chinese club,” Barca said in a statement on their website. Paulinho, 29, scored nine goals in 49 appearances for the Catalans after signing for 40 million euros ($47 million) last August, helping them win the La Liga and King’s Cup double. He was part of Brazil’s World Cup squad, scoring in their 2-0 group-stage win over Serbia.
Brazil’s Paulinho celebrates scoring. (REUTERS/Axel Schmidt)
Brazilian Paulinho returns to China’s Guangzhou
Monday July 09, 2018
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Masterful Rohit leads India to series win over England BRISTOL, England (Reuters) - Rohit Sharma’s superb unbeaten century led India to a seven-wicket win over England in a run-filled third and final Twenty20 international yesterday to earn the touring side a 2-1 victory in the series. Rohit struck five sixes and 11 fours off 56 balls as India chased down their target of 199 with eight balls to spare to finish on 201-3. England made a flying start after being put in to bat, Jason Roy (67) and Jos Buttler (34) sharing an
opening stand of 94 in under eight overs, Roy smashed seven sixes and four fours before Alex Hales (30) and Jonny Bairstow (25) chipped in with useful contributions to lift the hosts to an imposing total of 198-9. Unfortunately for England, the Indian batsmen also enjoyed the bright sunshine and short boundaries in Bristol. Lokesh Rahul (19) was brilliantly caught by Chris Jordan running back from mid-on and the all-rounder took another outstanding
catch to dismiss India captain Virat Kohli off his own bowling for 43. But Rohit continued to flay the ball all around the ground with a mixture of raw power and sweet timing, finishing on 100 not out before leaving the field to a standing ovation. The sides start a threegame one-day international series on Thursday before playing five tests. Scores: India 201 for 3 (Rohit 100*, Kohli 43) beat England 198 for 9 (Roy 67, Pandya 4-38) by seven wickets.
Rohit Sharma found his fluency early ©Getty Images
Rohit took away both the Player-of-the-Match and Player-of-the-Series awards and Kohli uncorked the champagne to kick off the celebrations ©Getty Images
Mari and Naomi Osaka could be the next Venus and Serena Williams W Magazine - The Osaka sisters—Naomi and Mari—are two tennis sisters to watch. Like Venus and Serena Williams before them, Naomi Osaka and Mari Osaka have been playing tennis since childhood, and Naomi has made it all the way to the tournaments at Wimbledon 2018. Though Naomi has just been shockingly knocked out of the 16th round of Wimbledon, at just 20 years old, the tennis star has been a professional for nearly five years. At Wimbledon 2018, the athlete channeled Serena Williams, and as her coach told the Women’s Tennis Association, “she likes the big stage.” Her older sister, Mari, made her debut in 2014, the year after Naomi went pro. Now, the Osaka sisters follow in the footsteps of Venus and Serena Williams, as two young sisters who are making waves in the field of professional tennis, and crushing their competition both on the court and on social media. The two sisters were born in Osaka, Japan and grew up in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, where
they trained. For her 62,000 Instagram followers Naomi projects as a regular 20 year old, and she is—she just happens to spend her days competing in some of the world’s most prestigious and most well known tennis tournaments, facing off against the very icons that inspired her. Earlier this year, Naomi achieved a lifelong goal of competing against her idol—Serena Williams. At the Miami Open in March 2018, she faced off against Williams in the first round of the tournament, and as the two went head to head, Osaka won. It’s not every day that a rising talent beats one of the best athletes in the game, but Osaka took home the win, and had few words for the occasion, tweeting “Omg” after she shook her opponents hand and won the match. “Just playing against her is kind of like a dream for me, so I’m very grateful that I was able to play her and it’s even better that I was able to win,” she told the World Tennis Association after being asked about her experience of beating the 8-time champion.
The Osaka sisters—Naomi and Mari—are two tennis sisters to watch. (Koji Watanabe/Getty Images)
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Vettel wins, Hamilton second at Silverstone SILVERSTONE, England (Reuters) - Sebastian Vettel won a thrilling British Grand Prix for Ferrari yesterday to deny Lewis Hamilton a fifth successive home victory and move eight points clear at the top of the Formula One standings. In a race with two late safety car periods, reigning champion Hamilton went from pole position to the rear of the field before finishing second for Mercedes in a superb fightback. The Briton appeared drained by the effort, and deeply unimpressed by a first-lap collision with Ferrari’s Kimi Raikkonen that sent him spinning to the back. Raikkonen ended up a close third, after incurring a 10-second penalty. The win was Vettel’s fourth of the season, 51st of his career, and oncedominant champions Mercedes’ first defeat at Silverstone since 2012 before the V6 turbo hybrid era started. “You’re a lion,” the elated team told him over the radio at the chequered flag as they celebrated Ferrari’s first win in Britain since 2011. “I was a bit concerned going into the race but I was fine, probably a bit of adrenaline,” said the German, who had struggled with a neck strain on Saturday. “The neck held up and that was a race I enjoyed a lot and I think the people enjoyed it a lot.” Hamilton was on a charge from the first lap, back up to seventh after nine laps but still 26 seconds behind his fellow four-times world champion. The appearance of the safety car on the 33rd of 52 laps, after Sauber’s Marcus Ericsson crashed at Abbey, was greeted with a huge cheer from the 140,500 crowd
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Kaieteur News
Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel celebrates winning the race on the podium with the trophy. (Action Images via Reuters/Matthew Childs) who had already cheered Hamilton’s every overtake. Vettel and Raikkonen pitted but Mercedes kept their drivers out, assuring Hamilton that he was “the fastest guy by miles” with everything to play for on tyres that would last the distance. Hamilton’s team mate Valtteri Bottas led and might have won but for a second safety car, after Renault’s Carlos Sainz and Haas’s Romain Grosjean collided, that kept the front four nose to tail and only fractions apart. GREATEST RACE Vettel passed Bottas at Brooklands five laps from the end, with the Finn’s tyres fading, and Hamilton was also through a lap later and the chase was on to the finish with the German winning by 2.2 seconds. “This is the greatest race of the year and the greatest crowd, I am sorry I could not bring it home for you today,” Hamilton told the crowd. “I will not give up, believe me, I will not give up. “My team did an amazing job this weekend, we got so much support. Interesting tactics I would say from their side (Ferrari), but we’ll do what we can to fight them.”
Raikkonen held his hand up and admitted he had made a mistake. “At the third corner I locked the wheel so I ended up hitting Lewis on the rear corner. He spun, my bad,” said the 2007 world champion. “It was my mistake. I deserved it,” he added of the penalty. “I took the 10 seconds and kept fighting.” Bottas was fourth with Red Bull’s Daniel Ricciardo fifth and Nico Hulkenberg sixth for Renault. Frenchman Esteban Ocon finished seventh for Force India, who are now level on points with McLaren and ahead on podiums. Fernando Alonso was eighth for McLaren ahead of Kevin Magnussen in the Haas while Pierre Gasly finished 10th but was demoted after a five-second penalty that lifted Force India’s Sergio Perez into the points. Monaco’s Charles Leclerc had also been on course to score for Sauber but was ordered to stop after an unsafe release from the pits while in eighth place. Dutch 20-year-old Max Verstappen, winner in Austria last weekend, retired with a brake problem while running in fifth place.
Gayle helps Knights deal Windies B first loss
West Indies batsman Chris Gayle. TORONTO, Canada, CMC – Superstar Chris Gayle fired for the first time, smashing a half-century to help Vancouver Knights deal West Indies B their first defeat of the Global T20 Canada league here yesterday. Sent in at the Maple Leaf North-West Ground, Knights piled up 175 for four off their 20 overs, with the left-handed Gayle stroking 63. West Indies B’s run chase never took flight and they were bowled out for 140 in the final over, to suffer a 35-run defeat. They remain top of the standings on eight points but are now just one clear of the second placed Knights on seven points. Windies B were in early trouble when they slumped to
59 for six in the eighth over but Kavem Hodge, who topscored with 43, put on a valuable 71 for the seventh wicket with Fabian Allen (29) to revive the innings. Hodge struck three fours and a pair of sixes in a 39-ball knock while Allen belted three sixes in his 25-ball stay at the crease. Both perished in successive overs with Allen bowled by a full length delivery from West Indies star Andre Russell and Hodge missing a swing at another Windies speedster Sheldon Cottrell and going bowled leg stump. The innings folded quickly as the last five wickets tumbled for 10 runs. Gayle, who had mustered just 21 runs from his previous three innings, had earlier
blasted five fours and four sixes off 55 balls as he and Evin Lewis (22) put on 50 for the opening stand after Knights were sent in. Lewis and Chadwick Walton (0) fell in the space of three balls in the sixth over but Gayle added a further 71 for the third wicket with Rassie van der Dussen (30) to ensure a recovery. Russell loosened his shoulders late on, smashing a four and four sixes in an 18ball cameo. Just 24 hours later, all-rounder Justin Greaves proved his worth for the second game running, as he led West Indies B to a convincing eight-wicket win over Toronto Nationals. Chasing a paltry 129 for victory at Maple Leaf North-West Ground, the Caribbean side notched their fourth straight victory, overhauling their target in the 15th over. Greaves hit 45 from 33 balls as he put on 64 off just 34 balls for the first wicket with Sherfane Rutherford whose 37 came from only 18 balls and included two fours and four sixes. Earlier, Greaves had used his pace to good effect to finish with two for 20 from his four overs, as Nationals were restricted to 128 for five, despite former Australia captain Steve Smith’s unbeaten 55.
Brazil fans greet team after World Cup knockout
Brazil’s Fred walks out of a bus before the departure at Kazan International Airport, Republic of Tatarstan, Russia. (REUTERS/Alexey Nasyrov)
Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel leads Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton during the race. (Action Images via Reuters Matthew Childs)
RIO DE JANEIRO (Reuters) - Members of Brazil’s national team, which was knocked out of the 2018 World Cup, were applauded by fans greeting their arrival at Rio de Janeiro’s international airport yesterday. Five-time champion Brazil lost to Belgium 2-1 on Friday in Kazan, Russia. Supporters chanted and cheered the players on as they got off the airplane and appeared in the airport lounge. Players Casemiro and Philippe Coutinho stopped to greet some of the supporters and take pictures
with them. Neymar, regarded as one of the most talented players on the Brazilian side, was not seen in the disembarkation area. Brazil’s coach, Tite, who was invited to keep managing the Brazilian team even after its World Cup defeat, thanked the fans for their warm welcome. “I would like to reciprocate this warmth by saying thank you from my heart,” the coach said in brief comments after arriving. Tite said he felt terrible bitterness after they were knocked out on Friday.
Monday July 09, 2018
Tour de France: Peter Sagan wins stage two to take yellow jersey
Sagan (left) held on to win his ninth Tour de France stage from Colbrelli. (EPA) BBC Sport - World champion Peter Sagan won stage two of the Tour de France to take the overall race lead. The Slovak surged past French hope Arnaud Demare on the slight incline to the finish and held off the fastfinishing Italian Sonny Colbrelli. Sagan takes the yellow jersey from stage-one winner Fernando Gaviria, who was unable to contest the sprint after being held up by a late crash. Defending champion Chris Froome avoided the pile-up to finish in the peloton. After his crash on stage one, Froome will be happy to get through stage two unscathed and his Team Sky team-mates worked hard in the closing kilometres to keep him up near the front of the race and out of danger. His team-mate Geraint Thomas is the highest-placed British rider, in seventh, 15 seconds adrift of Sagan. Thomas, who says he is being given a freer role by Team Sky in the opening week, could find himself in the yellow jersey after Monday’s third stage, which is a 35.5km team time trial.
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He said: “We’re communicating well and riding well - the guys are doing well for me and Froome. “We’ll try to get the stage win first in the team time trial and then if we do end up in yellow that would be a nice bonus.” Four-time winner Froome is one minute seven seconds down on Sagan, as are rivals Richie Porte and Adam Yates, who crashed again on stage two but was able to recover quickly. They remain 51 seconds down on the other main contenders Romain Bardet, Tom Dumoulin, Mikel Landa, Vincenzo Nibali and Rigoberto Uran. British sprinter Mark Cavendish was caught behind the late crash, ensuring the Dimension Data rider was again unable to contest the finale. Bora-Hansgrohe rider Sagan provided yet another reminder of his supreme allround talents in securing his ninth Tour de France stage victory after a 182.5km race to La Roche-sur-Yon in the Vendee. The 2018 Paris-Roubaix winner showed great positional sense and bike-
‘Keep Your Five Alive’ now... From page 30 West Demerara Showstoppers, while the young Uprising team from the East Coast go up against Linden’s Silver Bullets. ESPN then collide with East Coast BV, before Ann’s Grove and North East La Penitence take to the court. The rejuvenated Tiger Bay unit then faces California Square, before Sparta Boss and Tucville bring the curtains down for the evening. On Saturday, July 14, Albouystown and Upsetters get things going, before Future Stars and Alpha Warriors square off. Back Circle then tackle Kitty Hustlers, before Linden’s Dave & Celena All Stars go up against Bent Street. The reigning champs West Front Road then close the night with a clash against Alexander Village.
handling to ensure he was not caught up in the crash on a right-hand bend inside the final two kilometres before kicking clear of his rivals on the uphill drag to the finish. He also claimed 17 points for second place at the intermediate sprint, behind solo breakaway rider Sylvain Chavanel, to establish a 26point lead over Gaviria in the green jersey points classification. With Sagan also able to contest stages over hilly terrain, it is already looking very difficult for any rider to deny him a record-equalling sixth green jersey, tying the mark of former German sprinter Erik Zabel. “I have to say a big thanks to all my team-mates because they were at the front for the last 30km - in the end I expected something easier but it was really tough,” said Sagan. However, he added that he would be in yellow “just for one day” as he expects to lose the race lead in Monday’s team time trial. Before the race came back together with around 14km of the stage remaining, French veteran Chavanel had spent nearly 140km out front by himself after early breakaway partners Michael Gogl and Dion Smith, who claimed the polka dot climbers jersey, dropped back following the day’s sole climb. The 39-year-old, who rides for Vendee-based Direct Energie, is competing in a record 18th Tour de France and was given a rapturous reception throughout his solo effort. Today’s stage three is a 35.5km team time trial circuit around Cholet, with the time for each team taken from the fourth rider across the line.
EBFA/Juicy Juice U-13 League
Timehri in pole position on goal difference after first weekend of action Timehri Panthers are atop the points table following the first weekend of rivalry in the Juicy Juice sponsored East Bank Football Association (EBFA) Under-13 League. The Timehri boys have kept an unblemished record after two matches, the same as Swan FC, Samatta Point/ Kaneville and Diamond Upsetters Football Clubs. Following up on their first day triumph over first timers Hararuni Eagles via a 1-0 margin, home team Timehri trounced Kuru Kururu Warriors 6-0 yesterday, led by a double each from Joshua Clenkian (17 & 59) and Antoine Denny (23 & 57) with one each off the boot of Jadon Ceres (58) and Keyron Williams in the 60th minute. The other match played yesterday saw Diamond Upsetters defeating Hararuni Eagles, 3-1. The winners were led by Shaquan Gilkes with a brace in the 24th and 54th Points Table Team Timehri Panthers SC Swan FC SPKV FC Diamond Upsetters Diamond United Hararuni Eagles Herstelling Raiders KK Warriors Soesdyke Falcons Grove Hi Tech Agricola
P 2 2 2 2 1 2 1 2 1 2 2
Diamond Upsetters goal scorers from right, Shaquan Gilkes and Mohamed Amin.
minute, Mohamed Amin in the 26th minute accounting for the other goal. Cebasio Peters pulled one back for Hararuni in the 49th minute of play. W 2 2 2 2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0
L 0 0 0 0 0 2 1 2 1 2 2
D 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Swan raked in three points as a result of a walk over from Soesdyke Falcons, whilst there was a similar result in favour of Samatta Point/ Kaneville over Grove Hi Tech. GF 7 5 4 5 7 1 1 0 0 0 0
GA 0 0 0 1 1 4 7 9 2 4 2
GD Points +7 6 +5 6 +4 6 +4 6 +6 3 -3 0 -6 0 -9 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Luis Enrique to be named Spain coach - reports MADRID (Reuters) Former Barcelona coach Luis Enrique is to be named as the new Spain coach, according to widespread reports in the Spanish media today. Leading newspaper Marca said on their front cover the 48-year-old has been chosen by Spanish Football Federation president Luis Rubiales as the successor to Julen Lopetegui, who was sacked the day before the World Cup. The story was echoed by radio station Onda Cero and the website of daily AS. The Federation have scheduled a media conference on Monday to announce changes to the organisation’s structure after Fernando Hierro, who took charge of the team during the World Cup, left his role as sporting director. The 2010 champions were knocked out of the tournament by hosts Russia in the second round, losing
Barcelona coach Luis Enrique. (Reuters / Albert Gea Livepic) 4-3 on penalties after a 1-1 draw. A former midfielder for Sporting Gijon, Real Madrid and Barcelona, Luis Enrique won two Liga titles, one Champions League and three King’s Cups as Barca coach between 2014 and 2017.
He also coached Celta Vigo and Barca’s reserve team and has spent the past year on sabbatical since leaving the Nou Camp in May 2017. The Spanish Football Federation were not immediately available for comment.
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GBA President to celebrate International Boxing Day in Russia Steve Ninvalle, President of the Guyana Boxing Association (GBA) and an Executive of AIBA has accepted an invitation to for an all expenses paid trip to Moscow from the Russian Boxing Federation (RBF) for him to participate in the International Boxing Day celebrations. The celebrations will be observed in Moscow, Russian Federation from July 2023. On the first day there will an official weigh-in of the Boxing show participants, while the official draw for the next season of the World Boxing Super Series (WBSS) will be done. On the second day the Finals of the WBSS will be held in the Moscow Sports Complex ‘Olypiskiy’ where the main event will be between Russian Cruiserweight Murat Gassiev and Ukrainian Alexander Usyk. On the final day, in the heart of Moscow on Red Square, major celebrations for International Boxing Day will be held while the countdown Clock will start before the World Boxing Championships 2019 with a unique performance with participation of legendary Boxers and World Pop stars. Also in the day’s programme is the laying of flowers at the tomb of the unknown Soldiers in the Alexander Garden of the Kremlin in addition to an International Match meeting and Master Classes from leading Russian Coaches.
‘Keep Your Five Alive’ now set for Thursday start - fixtures remain the same Forced to reschedule opening night action last Saturday, Organiser of the sixth Annual ‘Keep Your Five Alive’ Indoor Competition Kevin Adonis has now set this Thursday for kickoff in this year ’s event, at the National Gymnasium. According to Adonis, the forced rescheduling was due mainly to his adherence to a mandate from the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) that cautioned the appearance of players participating in the current Elite League. Adonis said he received a letter from the GFF which among other regulations governing the tournament, barred all players who’re participating for clubs in the Elite League from appearing for their community teams in his indoor competition. “This recent development ordered by the GFF ultimately forced me to reschedule the opening night from last Saturday to this Thursday to ensure that teams have the opportunity to discuss the directive set by the Federation in order to avoid any consequence (s) of their decisions,” Adonis said. He added that it was unfortunate that the order was not part of an earlier notification he received from the GFF which would have allowed him sufficient time to have discussions with the teams confirmed to participate in the event so as to avoid the unfortunate cancellation of the previously announced opening night’s action. He, however, disclosed
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Kaieteur News
that he intends to meet with the governing body shortly to address all issues related to the requirements stipulated by the GFF so that further delays or miscommunication will not occur. Teams have been drawn from Georgetown, Linden, Berbice, West and East Demerara and the East Coast of Demerara and prize monies in excess of $1million will be up for grabs. He added that thirty-two of the best teams in the country have been assembled including defending champions West Front Road ‘Gold is Money’ and beaten finalist Future Stars. Among the other teams making the shortlist are: Sparta Boss, Bent Street, Leopold Street and most of the zone champions of the Guinness ‘Greatest of the Streets’ Competition. In opening night action: Rhythm Stars (Mocha) tackle recently-crowned Berbice Guinness champions Trafalgar and this encounter will be followed by the clash between Agricola and Broad Street. Kingston square off against Swag Entertainment out of Linden, before another Mining Community team NK Ballers take on Sophia. In the final game of the night, Leopold Street play host to East Coast Melanie Damishana. The fixtures for the next two playing days are seen below. On Thursday, July 12, Buxton Diamond engage Continued on page 29
Belgium and France face off in mouth-watering semi-final
France’s Ousmane Dembele, Nabil Fekir and Thomas Lemar during training. (REUTERS/Sergei Karpukhin) ST PETERSBURG (Reuters) Roberto Martinez’s swashbuckling Belgium side head into tomorrow’s semi-final with familiar foes France as the World Cup’s leading scorers, but their old rivals have evolved as the tournament has progressed and will also be full of confidence. Belgium have scored 14 goals in five matches and were hugely impressive in their 2-1 quarter-final victory over Brazil, with Romelu Lukaku, Eden Hazard and Kevin de Bruyne combining to devastating effect to oust the five-times world champions. In contrast, France sleepwalked through the group stages, eking out wins over Australia and Peru before a stultifying 0-0 draw with Denmark. Their early struggles had ‘Les Bleus’ being written off in some quarters, but all that
changed when they faced Argentina in the last 16 in what must be a leading contender for the most exciting match of the tournament. Didier Deschamps tweaked his formation, effectively freeing up Kylian Mbappe on the right to run at the Argentine defense, and what followed was a wonderful display of attacking football that France won 4-3. The victory boosted France’s morale, and they followed it up with a workman-like 2-0 win over Uruguay that was impressive because of how well they managed to control the game against tricky opponents. Belgium faced a heartstopping moment of uncertainty in the first knockout round against Japan, when Martinez’s decision to rest players in their final group match
against England almost backfired spectacularly. B e l g i u m ’s r e t u r n i n g first team players made a sluggish start against the Samurai Blue and suddenly found themselves trailing by two goals with time ebbing away. Stung into action, Martinez sent on Marouane Fellaini and Nacer Chadli in the 65th minute, and both were heavily involved as Belgium pulled off a late comeback, with Chadli securing victory with practically the last kick of the game. Against Brazil in the quarters, Martinez showed tactical adventure, as he pushed target man Lukaku to the wing to allow De Bruyne to operate as a ‘false nine’. The strategy worked, and De Bruyne scored his first goal in Russia.
Tuesday’s clash in St Petersburg has all the makings of a classic, with fans and viewers likely to be treated to the sight of two wonderfully attacking teams going toe-to-toe. “It’s a super exciting game with great players on both sides,” France defender Benjamin Pavard said. “It’s going to be a man’s match and we will have to step up.” France, world champions in 1998, are slight favorites to go through according to most bookmakers, but Belgium tend to step up their game against these particular European rivals, if history is anything to go by. Of the 73 meetings between the teams, Belgium have won 30 and France 24, with 19 draws between them, although if Belgium are to reach their first World Cup final they will have to do so by beating France at the tournament for the first time. France came through their quarter-final unscathed, and Deschamps has his entire squad to choose from, while Belgium are only slightly worse off. Full back Thomas Meunier is suspended after picking up a second yellow card of the tournament against Brazil, with Martinez likely to bring in Yannick Carrasco in his place.
General view during Belgium Training Camp at Dedovsk, Russia. (REUTERS/Sergei Karpukhin)