Binder1

‘Let bygones be bygones’ for the good of Region 5

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– President Granger initiates RDC reconciliation at Ithaca Emancipation celebrations Nationwide coverage from the best news team in Guyana guyana-times.com

Issue No. 2934

THE BEACON OF TRUTH

Tuesday, August 2, 2016

PRICE

Delays, flight cancellations rock CJIA

WHAT'S INSIDE:

Opposition business to take centre stage at Parliament

Page 9

… as GTT’s Americas II cable damaged offshore Martinique

9-year-old killed during beach outing

Page 3

…allegedly struck in water by jet ski

$80 vat included

Laing Ave man shot dead during fight over money Page 17

…as PPP/C presses for implementation of Rodney CoI recommendations

P7

Vagrant P17 crushed to death by container truck

UG loan defaulters travel ban

“A violation of constitutional rights, lawyers will have a field day” – Nandlall …as announcement makes international news P2

Emancipation Day 2016: In this composite photo, these ladies are seen dancing at the National Park on Monday, proudly displaying their African wear and showing off their cultural dances as they celebrated Emancipation Day

Seized ‘booty’ to fund SARA operations

Page 3

…intelligence, financial institutions to turn over info on request

Farmer killed in Essequibo Coast accident Page 10

Guyana needs a third perspective to solve its problems P7 – Dr Hinds

…says coalition not genuinely a power sharing Govt

Albouystown man P16 drowns at Meadowbrook

2 news ‘Let bygones be bygones’ for the good of Region 5 tuesDAY, august 2, 2016 | guyana-times.com

– President Granger initiates RDC reconciliation at Ithaca Emancipation celebrations

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resident David Granger, on Monday called on the members of the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) of MahaicaBerbice (Region 5) to end the months long impasse, which had been sparked after the Regional Chairman, Vickchand Ramphal had been absent, during several visits to the Region by the Head of State.

However, President Granger called for an end to the standoff, which had seen some Council members staging protest action at Council meetings, demanding an apology from the Regional Chairman for what they believed was an act of disrespect to the President.

However, the Chairman was present at the Emancipation Day Celebrations in Ithaca, West Bank Berbice, where the President called on all Council members to let ‘bygones be bygones’ for the good of the Region.

“Today, I want to make a special appeal so that you understand very well that this country could only work if all three levels of Government work together. The Central Government, represented here by the President and the Minister, the Regional Administration, represented here by Mr Ramphal and the Neighbourhood and Local Government, represented by the Mayors and the

Council member, Carol Joseph, approaches Regional Chairman Vickchand Ramphal and they shake hands after President David Granger called on the Regional Democratic Council to work together for the good of the Region

Councillors and I want all three levels of Government to work together and today in Region 5; Mahaica-Berbice Region, I declare, I do declare that all the members of the RDC must work together for the good of the MahaicaBerbice Region from August 1, 2016,” he said.

It was at this moment as the crowd cheered, Council Member, Carol Joseph approached the Regional Chairman, Ramphal and first shook his hand then they embraced as President Granger declared, “What a blessing! What a Blessing!

Region 5 let us work together…There must be nothing to impede or obstruct the

prosperity of this Region.”

The Head of State, who was thrilled by the reconciliation signaled by this moment, said that while the members of the Council will not always agree, the one thing they can all agree on is that the development of the Region and the country as a whole is a priority. President Granger also reminded residents that the proper administration of their communities and the country is in their hands.

Up to last week, President Granger had called again for cooperation rather than confrontation to be the foundation of a new political culture in Guyana, during a

recording of the television show, The Public Interest.

The Head of State had issued calls for a “consensual outcome so that we can work together for the good of the Region.”

Meanwhile, Ramphal, in an invited comment, said he is very happy that the President has intervened in the matter so that the work of the Council can proceed.

Council member, Delon Crawford said that while work was still being done in the Region, he believes that the President’s move to end the impasse today is a good one and he is ‘excited’ for the holding of the next RDC meeting. Another Council Member, Dolston Hutson

said that he was confident that the impasse would have come to an end soon. He added that while the protest action was in defence of the Head of State, his call for it to end must be respected.

The disruptions, ongoing for the last seven months, have stemmed from APNU/ AFC councillors demanding an apology from Chairman Ramphal, who they say had disrespected President David Granger by not showing up for an event on January 15, where the President commissioned two buses under the Three ‘Bs’ initiative.

However, Ramphal has maintained that he was not invited to the event and that there was no need to apologise.

UG loan defaulters travel ban

“A violation of constitutional rights, lawyers will have a field day” – Nandlall

… as announcement makes international news

I

nstituting a travel restriction for University of Guyana (UG) students with outstanding loan debts is a decision made on the premise of overwhelming incompetence and a blatant violation of constitutional rights, according to former Attorney General, Anil Nandlall.

He was deeply concerned over this announcement grabbing the attention of international media, Fox News.

In a Facebook post on Sunday, Nandlall wrote that, “people in the civilized world must be wondering what the hell is taking place in Guyana.”

He argued that the travel ban goes against all existing laws and pointed out also that one wrong cannot be corrected by another.

“Any first year law student would know, that the Constitution is the supreme law of Guyana; that the Constitution confers upon every citizen certain fundamental rights and freedoms, including the freedom of movement, which includes the right to leave and enter Guyana. Every first year law student would also know that a person cannot lose these fundamental rights and freedoms if they breach a contract, even a contract with the State,” the Opposition Member of Parliament (MP) asserted.

He contended that the principle applies even if the contract provides as a penalty for non-payment, a travel restriction.

“That contractual term would be un-enforceable because one cannot ‘contract away’ one’s constitutional rights.

In any event, these loan agreements contain no provision in relation to prohibiting the borrower

Former Attorney General Anil Nandlall

Finance Minister Winston Jordan

from leaving the country.

Different pieces of legislation specifically provide how and in what circumstances a person can be prohibited from leaving the jurisdiction,” he explained.

Finance Minister Winston Jordan recently announced that all information of recalcitrant borrowers will be placed at all immigration points in an effort to enforce the ban.

He had explained that the decision was taken by Cabinet after the forensic audit, conducted by accounting firm HLB, R Seebarran and Co, into the UG Student Loan Agency revealed that from 1994 to May 2015, some 17,567 or 69.4 per cent of 25,335 student loans were deemed delinquent after students were not honouring their indebtedness.

Among the delinquent students are several prominent attorneys, magistrates and politicians, including former Leader of the Opposition and the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR), Robert Corbin.

Nandlall said he is baffled that the section of legal luminaries at Cabinet

would agree to this decision.

“This will be a naked violation of a person’s constitutional right of freedom of movement. How such elementary legal mistakes can be made by a cabinet of at least five lawyers, including the AttorneyGeneral, is inconceivable.

Sometimes, I fantasize about being a fly on the wall at cabinet meetings of this Government so that I can see and hear for myself how these decisions are arrived at and who is advising whom and what the advice is,” he expressed.

Nonetheless, Nandlall challenged the government to proceed with the decision, predicting that there will be numerous legal repercussions.

“Lawyers will have a field day in Court,” he stated.

Also, the former Attorney General said he will be watching to see whether affiliates and members of the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) coalition who have been listed as defaulters will make the travel ban list.

news

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tuesDAY, august 2, 2016 | guyana-times.com

BRIDGE OPENINGS The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Tuesday, August 2 – 14:30h-16:00h and Wednesday, August 3 – 05:00h-06:30h.

Seized ‘booty’ to fund SARA operations …intelligence, financial institutions to turn over info on request

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The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Tuesday, August 2 – 16:35h-18:05h and Wednesday, August 3 – 17:00h-18:30h

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY Heavy rain showers with light cloud cover can be expected throughout the day, while partly cloudy skies can be expected in the evening. Temperatures are expected to range between 24 degrees and 30 degrees Celsius.

Winds: North easterly to East North-easterly between 0.89 metres and 2.23 metres.

High Tide: 03:53h and 16:21h reaching maximum heights of 2.63 metres and 2.55 metres respectively.

Low Tide: 09:54h and 22:04h reaching minimum heights of 0.57 metre and 0.55 metre respectively.

he functions of the proposed controversial State Asset Recovery Agency (SARA) will be funded utilising monies seized as part of its operations and the proceeds of the sale of properties seized by the unit from persons believed to have acquired state property unlawfully.

The legislation meant to legitimise the operations of the Ministry of the Presidency Department, has proposed that the SARA Director be empowered to utilise the money seized as part of its operations, including paying compensation to victims who suffer losses as a result of an unlawful conduct.

According to the proposed legislation, there shall be established the recovery of state assets fund, for the purposes of receiving credits from civil recovery orders and payments made or debts recovered in relation to civil recovery orders made.

It stipulates too that there shall be deposited into the fund 25 per cent of all monies derived from the enforcement of a recovery order; the proceeds of sale of property which is the subject of an order and any income derived from the investment of any amount standing to the credit of the fund.

The Draft Bill – scheduled for a final round of consultation on August 11 – authorises the director of the outfit, a position currently held by vocal PPP/C critic, Professor Clive Thomas, to make payments out of the Recovery of State Assets Fund.

The legislation essentially empowers the SARA director to release funds accrued from the ‘seized booty’ to facilitate the discharge of its functions.

This includes paying for the commencement of actions for the enforcement of the Act. The SARA legislation also envisages empow-

ering its director to authorise the release of monies from its fund to transfer recovered property to a foreign state or territory or share it in the event of applicable provisions under any treaty, agreement or arrangement.

The SARA fund is also expected to fund training or capacity building as may be required for the unit, payment of fees to counsel, forensic experts, investigators, receivers and other professionals providing expertise and assistance.

Any remaining amounts received by the director shall then be paid into the Consolidated Fund.

Meanwhile, as it relates to the sharing of information relative to SARA investigations, the legislation provides for formal requests to be made by the director to a number of statutory bodies, including Bank of Guyana.

Under the proposed legislation, the SARA director

will be empowered to make official requests for information on persons under investigation from: the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP); the Commissioner of Police; the Director of the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU); the Head of the Serious Organized Crime Unit (SOCU); the Chairman of the Integrity Commission; the Commissioner-General (GRA); the Governor of the Bank of Guyana; the Head of the Central AntiNarcotics Unit (CANU); the Chairman of the Guyana Gold Board; the Chairman of the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board; and a Police officer not below the rank of an Inspector.

The information to be shared as envisaged by the proposed law relating to any unlawful conduct, tax or financial impropriety of any person, or any other relevant information that may assist the SARA director in discharging his functions.

9-year-old killed during beach outing …allegedly struck in water by jet ski

Saturday, July 30, 2016

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young boy lost his life after an alleged freak accident at the Number 63, Beach, Berbice, during an Emancipation Day outing.

Dead is Daniel Mootoosammy, 9, a grade four student of Yakasary Primary and of Lot 1 South Yakasary, Black Bush Polder, Berbice.

Reports are that the child, two of his brothers and an uncle went to the beach and were in the water when tragedy struck. Speaking with Guyana Times the dead child’s sister, Varshtie Mootoosammy, said she was told that her brother was hit by a Jet Ski. According to her, Daniel was pronounced dead on arrival at the Skeldon Hospital where he was taken following the accident.

Daniel and his 13- and 12-year-old brothers, was too traumatised to speak.

The child’s father, Veren Mootosammy told this publication that his son was having fun in the water when the incident occurred.

The grieving father said it was the third time he had allowed the boy to go to the beach with his uncle. “Normally they would

Dead: Daniel Mootoosammy

Meanwhile, Police have since arrested an excavator operator of Crabwood Creek, Skeldon, Berbice, who was using the Jet Ski at the time the child was struck.

The uncle, who took

go in the corner of the water and bathe and play ball when they go to the beach,” he stated.

He said the two elder brothers would visit the beach frequently with their uncle.

Little Daniel leaves to mourn his parents, three brothers and three sisters.

Police are continuing their investigations.

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guyana-times.com

tuesdAY, august 2, 2016

Views Editor: Tusika Martin News Hotline: 231-8063 Editorial: 231-0544, 223-7230, 223-7231, 231-0544, 225-7761 Marketing: 231-8064 Accounts: 225-6707

Mailing address: Queens Atlantic Investment Estate Industrial Site, Ruimveldt, Georgetown Email: news@guyanatimesgy.com, sales@guyanatimesgy.com

Editorial

Jobs and growth

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t has been rather disheartening to listen to both the Minister of Finance and the President disavow a more direct role for government in the creation of jobs in Guyana. This kind of thinking is a reflection of the neoliberal ideology that was imposed on us in 1989 after the government of President Desmond Hoyte was forced to accept the conditionalities of the Washington Consensus via the IMF. The model demanded a small, unobtrusive "night watchman state" that was just a “facilitator” for business that would now run the "commanding heights of the economy". It simply had to create an environment that did not place too many constraints on business – especially in the financial and regulatory arenas.

Over the last three decades, however, almost all of the reforms demanded, under the rubric of liberalisation, stabilisation and privatisation have been completed.

But the private investment that was supposed to create additional jobs - in a country where the population has remained constant and is awash in "liquidity" - failed to materialise.

So what to do? A repeat of the “import substitution strategy” - attempted back in the 1970s and which President Granger is proposing again - with our villagers producing plantain chips and pepper sauce, is not the way to go. For one, our domestic market is much too small.

We have to invest in products that can be exported and from the foreign currency earned use that to import other goods to satisfy a higher standard of living. Our investment, then, must be export oriented. To support this we will have to broaden our export base by both product and market diversification.

But how to achieve this? Even though the neo-liberal model has collapsed in the countries such as the UK, EU and the US that pushed it and are now frantically backpedalling on their shibboleths such as "no government involvement in investment", we appear oblivious to the new dispensation. While the model did lead to growth, much of it was due to the "financialisation" of the economy - that is, making of money from money and not through production - and the wealth generated gravitated to a narrow strata, soon dubbed "the 1%".

And the further irony is that the neo-liberal "night watchman state" dogma had been challenged contemporaneously in the Far Eastern Tigers that achieved higher rates of growth, job creation and a less skewed distribution of wealth than those that went along with it.

Under this model, the state identified strategic areas of production in which the country may have a comparative advantage and provided infrastructure and finance to businesses to manufacture and more importantly, export the products to foreign markets.

Under this scenario even the plantain chips and peppers may qualify. The government would sponsor large manufacturing facilities that would purchase the peppers and plantains from the villagers and package them to international standards so they could be acceptable to foreign markets, which initially could be our diaspora in North America.

But the government has to move even deeper into the new way of thinking about its stewardship of the economy as have the original proponents of the neo-liberal night "watchman state": "creation of jobs" has to replace "growth" - measured by the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) - as the fundamental matrix to measure performance.

We see the old thinking exhibited by the Finance Minister when he insists to the business community and ordinary citizens that the "economy is growing" when of the "six sisters" of the traditional economy, only "gold" production has risen. With the increased mechanisation of this industry, even less jobs are created than in the days of the "porkknocker" and the earnings do not circulate widely in the rest of society.

In our ethnically charged political climate, if the government were to become directly involved in the creation of jobs through the facilitation of new, strategic industries, it should apply the "ethnic impact statement" it proposed in its Manifesto.

These young girls displayed their cultural wear and face paintings at the National Park, Georgetown on Monday during the Emancipation Day 2016 celebrations (Dexter Ceres photo)

Transparent, trust-inspiring appointments of staff, public service officers

Dear Editor, Another section of the media editorial of 1 August commented interestingly on the need for transparent, trust-inspiring appointments and removal of public service staff/ officers and related topical issues. Because this editorial resonates with my own professional interest in Human Resource Management matters, including proper selection, promotion and termination of staff and public service officers, I am inspired to add the following comments: * Human Resource Management leaders, professionals and practitioners who are typically responsible for the recruitment, selection and employment processes must be, like the proverbial

Caesar’s wife, above suspicion of bias in matters of personal integrity, political, ethnic, gender and similar manifestations, especially given what the editorial referred to as “the entrenched ethno-political polarization in the country and the willingness of any number of politicians (including others) to exploit this.” * The entire selection process from wording of the Vacancy Ad to conduct of the Interview and Reference Checks must be based on strict, unbiased professionalism and integrity. For example, and as I have written before, the wording of the Ad must not be a slavish, bureaucratic reproduction of the Job Description/Job Specification (which are typically written

for a variety of purposes). The Vacancy Ad must be a smart, concise distillation of the Job Description/Specification written in typical ‘marketing’ style aimed at attracting a large enough pool of good, viable applicants from among whom a competitive selection can be made. * The screening/shortlisting of ‘qualified’ candidates must also include consideration of the peripheral factors identified in the first bullet point above. * The other substantive steps in the selection process (eg the choice of the Selection Panel, Tests (especially for jobs requiring specific skills such as writing and IT skills), Panel Interviews, Reference Checks etc) are

less prone to bias and can help to bolster the credibility and acceptability of the selection decision.

While all the above might be difficult to achieve at one go, the responsible HR Management staff must be aware and sensitive to their relevance and importance while never losing sight of the primary focus of selecting the candidate(s) who undoubtedly possess the basic and paramount skills set, necessary experience, aptitude and competencies required for efficient and effective performance on the job.

Sincerely, Nowrang Persaud

It seems that Amerindian or indigenous lives do not matter Dear Editor, I refer to a letter in the Guyana Times (Thur, July 28, 2016) titled “Unconscious Lethem Mother –Public Health Minister disappointed that relatives approached Media first - says Ministry will be looking into the matter.”

I do not (know) what the Public Health Minister Dr George Norton meant when he said that the Ministry will be looking into matter because to date no medical experts from Georgetown have visited the Lethem Hospital to determine why patient Thelma Rebeiro has not regained consciousness some four months after two surgeries for gallstones.

It seems that Amerindian or indigenous lives do not matter. In the Article referred to, the Public Health Minister said, “I was not aware of anything of that sort, I only became aware of the situation

when I read a newspaper but it is surprising to know that these patients would go and tell the Media house everything and would not bother to inform me or my Ministry; however I do commend the media for highlighting the issues.”

The Public Health Minister further said , “I have been in Lethem only a week or two ago in many of the villages because I am concerned with what is happening in these places and none of the relatives made any effort to contact me on this matter.”

Let me quickly respond here that I was informed by the family and relatives of patient Thelma Rebeiro that they were never aware that the Public Health Minister was in Lethem and visiting Amerindian villages. And had they known they would have definitely approached the minister on the health condition of their patient.

But if the Public Health Minister was in Lethem, did he visit the Lethem Hospital where patient Rebeiro is currently? If he did then certainly the doctors would have informed the Health Minister on the condition of patient Rebeiro who is presently suffering. If not, then the Lethem doctors are hiding something from the minister and they ought to be removed and disciplined by both the Minister and the Guyana Medical Council (GMC).

The relatives of the patient have also informed me that a letter was also delivered to the office of the Minister of Public Health but he never responded to their letter. The minister should therefore at once consult with his secretary on the whereabouts of the letter, and if it is found the secretary should be disciplined.

On Saturday 23 July, 2016, I was informed by relatives of patient Rebeiro on

her serious health condition at the Lethem Hospital.

Immediately I called the Public Health Minister about a million times by Landline telephone to his cell but was unsuccessful and neither were my telephone calls returned.

The poor family and relatives of patient Thelma Rebeiro therefore had no other alternative but to inform the media so that the health condition of their patient can enter the public domain, which it did. This is how the Public Health Minister was informed about the condition of Thelma Rebeiro.

I commend the media for highlighting the very serious health condition of Thelma Rebeiro currently at the Lethem Hospital and to monitor her health condition.

Amerindian lives matter.

Yours Sincerely, Peter Persaud

guyana-times.com

tuesDAY, AUGUST 2, 2016

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

Guyana urgently needs a comprehensive local content law

Dear Editor, Oil has been found in Guyana and optimistically production will begin in 2020. This offers Guyana the incredible opportunity of leap-frogging beyond the annual incremental 3-5 per cent economic growth to annual growth rates in the double digit range.

If managed strategically and if good governance becomes the norm in Government and in the Private Sector, exponential growth instead of incremental growth is a real possibility.

The McKinsey Growth Institute has indicated resource-driven countries need a new growth model to transform the potential resource windfall into long-term prosperity.

Based on their research as shown in a Report entitled “Reverse the Curse”, the McKinsey Growth Institute has postulated a model, drawn from the many successful approaches that some resource-driven countries, like Guyana, have employed.

This model has six core elements: Building the institutions and governance of the resources sector.

Developing infrastruc-

ture.

Ensuring robust fiscal policy and competitiveness.

Supporting local content.

Deciding how to spend a resources windfall wisely; and Transforming resource wealth into broader economic development.

The first element of the McKinsey report speaks to our Constitution. It speaks to the type of people we are or want to be. Do we want to have one race superior to the next? Do we want one race to have all the resources? Do we want one race to own most of the businesses?

Or do we want to be a People of equity, equality and inclusion?

The second element of the McKinsey Report speaks to infrastructure. We are a very large country. As President Granger constantly reminds us, the Barima-Waini Region is larger than Kuwait; Pomeroon-Supenaam is larger than Trinidad and Tobago; Essequibo IslandsWest Demerara is larger than Mauritius; DemeraraMahaica is larger than Singapore; Mahaica-Berbice is larger than Cape Verde; East Corentyne-Berbice is larger than Belgium; CuyuniMazaruni is larger than

The Netherlands; PotaroSiparuni is larger than Fiji; the Rupununi (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) is larger than Costa Rica and Upper Demerara-Berbice is larger than The Bahamas.

We need infrastructure.

We need a road to Brazil and a deepwater harbour.

We need better energy infrastructure, free of blackouts and free of exorbitant costs.

We need better drainage, better water supplies, better schools, better bridges, better sewage systems, etc. We need better buses and better roads. This we all know from our daily experiences.

The third element of the Report speaks to “ensuring robust fiscal policies and competitiveness”. With oil on the way, Guyana has to ensure its core economic principles are sound. The macroeconomic policy of the Government of Guyana is centred around Guyana’s fiscal, monetary and exchange rate policy.

Fiscal policy is aimed at increased collection of tax revenues and the gearing of expenditure towards improved services and growth of the economy.

Monetary policy has been aimed at domestic price stability and the controlling

of liquidity in the economy, while at the same time allowing for an increased money supply to facilitate expanded economic growth.

Exchange rate policy has been geared towards the stabilisation of the exchange rate and the maintenance of a rate that is conducive to exports. The announcements by the Minister of Finance and the policies enunciated by the government clearly show we are on the right path as Guyana prepares for oil. Of course, with oil, the very structure of Guyana’s economy will change dramatically.

One of the most pressing needs in Guyana today is for the government, in consultation with the Private Sector and civil society, to enact a Local Content Bill. Currently none exists.

The episodes of the Marriott being built entirely by foreigners even though Guyana has very good construction workers, highlights the need for us as a Society to address this abomination of our democracy and human rights. I don’t think China would allow 200 Guyanese to build a hotel in China.

Matter of fact, they wouldn’t even be allowed into the country.

Where have the labour unions for municipal workers gone?

Dear Editor, City Hall has gone right back to the pre-Carol Sooba era. That is punishing workers by paying them their wages and salaries weeks and weeks after the stipulated times, withholding their contributions to the National Insurance Scheme, the Guyana Revenue Authority and other agencies thus compromising the well-being of the workers, owing every creditor in town that has given them credit of goods and services, owing all of their contractors except for one, failing to purchase tools and materials to allow for municipal works to be completed, lacking in the maintenance of municipal buildings, compromising the occupational health and safety standards of its workers with unsafe and dilapidated buildings and work sites and much much more.

But in spite of all of the aforesaid, it is evident that during Sooba and the other Town Clerks’ tenures, the failure to pay salaries on

time resulted in all sections, inclusive of the Markets, Solid Waste, Drainage, Abattoir, even Gravediggers downed their tools. Those who didn’t went on ‘GO SLOW’. The question then is why? Why then and not now? Hope all concerned are taking note. Indeed politics in Guyana is so interesting!

But the real question to be asked is what has happened to the Guyana Local Government Officers Union and the Guyana Labour Union, the two organisations that were selected to represent the collective interests of workers of the Mayor and Councillors of the City of Georgetown in negotiations with their employers over wages, hours, benefits and working conditions?

It seems as though they have been silenced by the Council. Maybe they are making a new movie called ‘The Silence of the Lambs Part 2’. The poor representation by these two unions to the serious issues affecting

municipal workers should lead to a loss of confidence in the leadership of both of them. Why is there no serious attempt being made to attain justice for the workers of the M&CC whom they represent despite pleas by many for betterment?

It certainly is time that the unions are refreshed and new faces installed to fight for the rights of the workers of the Georgetown Municipality. It would seem as though the President of the GLU, Carvil Duncan, is too busy with his legal troubles to pay any interest to matters which affect the Council’s workers who are represented by his union.

Meanwhile the GLGOU’s new president Wendy DeCunha seems more interested in travelling to overseas conferences rather than

the welfare of the GLGOU’s membership.

It is time for these unions to ensure that municipal workers are paid on time, that they are properly remunerated, that they are not superseded by friends and family who have been employed en masse, that they encourage equality and fairness, ensure job security, facilitate better training for workers, and guarantee the health and safety of the workers by repairing and refurbishing the ramshackle municipal buildings and work site buildings which accommodate its employees; provide appropriate furniture, tools and equipment for employees.

Sincerely, Shanta Singh

A local content Bill is an absolute necessity at this time during the early days of oil exploration.

Exxon and other multinational entities who occupy the value chain of oil production and associated industries, should know from day one, that Guyanese must be involved in the initial spend to produce oil and later as oil is produced.

Guyana will need many thousands of workers to develop its oil industry. Foreigners will flock to Guyana in massive numbers. Caribbean citizens will flock to Guyana given climate change, economic opportunities and CSME facilitation of “the free movement of people”.

If there is no Local Content bill, Guyanese will lose their national patrimony which will be monopolised by foreigners.

There are some basic principles that should inform our Local Content philosophy and legislation.

No lands or concessions of any type should be leased to any foreign entity without having a legitimate local Guyanese partner. And there has to be ethnic parity/ equity in this arrangement similar to the South African

BEE legislation.

No fishing, mining, logging licenses, etc should be issued to foreign companies unless they have a partnership with a local processor.

Technology transfer and skills transfer should be an integral part of any assessment leading to a decision for the participation of foreign firms in any sector of Guyana’s economy.

The last two elements of the McKinsey Report focus on “How to spend the financial oil wealth created from oil production” and the vision of economic development we embrace.

These two topics need to be discussed in greater detail at another time.

Guyana needs to have a National consultation on Local Content.

Land is wealth and we need to stop giving it away to economic migrants. Water is wealth. So is knowledge.

We have pledged our forests to a foreign state. We now need to ensure we don’t pledge our land, water and biodiversity to others.

Yours truly, Eric Phillips

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tuesday, august 2, 2016

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Foundation

critical reasons your child should play team sports

he competitive nature and intense pressure that often comes with team sports may make parents think twice about allowing their children to take part. Before you completely write off team sports, though, consider the many social, psychological and academic benefits that can be enjoyed just by taking part in a sport as a member of the team.

Numerous studies show that there are a number of benefits children gain by taking part in team sports.

Benefits can range from higher grades and a desire to succeed in school to the ability to develop strong, supportive relationships with others.

Beyond that, though, here are five crucial reasons why team sports are definitely worth a try:

in life.

2. Team sports can help improve communication skills

Good communication among team members is essential to sports. Your child, while playing in a sport, will gain valuable communication skills that will last long after your child leaves the playing field.

Sports can help your child develop communication skills not only with their peers/teammates, but w i t h other individua l s such as par-

involved with at least one sport were more likely to get better grades than children who didn’t take part in any individual or team sport, suggests a study conducted by the American College of Sports Medicine.

There are a number of reasons why children who engage in sports get better grades. One of the biggest reasons is because many sports – especially those connected to schools – require children to keep their grades up or risk not playing. Children who

strong, supportive relationships with other adults

Just taking part in a single sport encourages a child to develop strong, supportive relationships with other adults. Children on sports teams are constantly around other parents and coaches who are supportive and helpful.

These individuals truly want to see your child succeed, and the way to do that is through forming positive relationships.

There are a number of benefits reaped from forming a positive relationship with a coach, including learning how to communicate with and building trusting relationships with other adults.

5. Teams sports help develop critical thinking skills

1. Team sports build a child’s self-esteem

Regularly engaging in sports can help subtly boost your child’s selfesteem. This happens as the child sets small goals on the court – such as perfecting a skill or scoring an additional point – and achieves them.

KidsHealth suggests children with low self-esteem are more likely to have social and behavioural problems throughout their teenage and adult years. So signing a child up for an individual or team sport can provide the slight boost in self-esteem that can help him avoid a number of problems later

guyana-times.com

ents, referees and coaches as well. Plus, he will learn how to effectively convey when there is a problem and use a variety of communication skills that include problem-solving abilities and brainstorming.

3. Team sports encourage your child to excel in the classroom

It’s hard to believe that what your child does on the court can impact what they do in the classroom, but it does. Children who were

wish to play must complete their homework, take part in class and study.

Your child’s performance in the classroom will also be influenced by his or her teammates.

Children who engage in sports all want to do well in school in order to play on their team. Your child will be surrounded by others who want to do well in school, which can be highly influential on your child’s efforts in the classroom.

4. Team sports build

Problems can quickly arise when playing sports.

Sometimes the challenge is trying to overcome an opponent on the other team; other times it is trying to figure out how to get the ball in the net from a particular angle. No matter what the challenge is, critical thinking skills are required to solve it. In team sports, kids learn how to take a current problem, assess it and determine how to overcome it using the resources they have available.

Sure, sports may be competitive, but the benefits of being a part of team last long after the players leave the field. So consider these five reasons when sports sign-ups time rolls around. (dailyparent.com)

The dangers of keeping secrets

BY GINA ROBERTS-GREY

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hether it’s about a secret crush, something a sibling confided or that they didn’t do the homework they said they did, most children have plenty of secrets floating around the recesses of their brain. But those secrets – especially the really juicy ones – can be making your child sick, threatening not only his brain’s health, but his entire well-being.

Neuroscience experts say confessing a secret, instead of holding them in, prevents the brain from a sticky situation. That’s because no matter the size of the secret, the brain’s cingulated cortex, the part of the brain involved in emotional responses, desperately wants to tell the truth.

This “logical lobe” tells the rest of your child’s brain to dish the secretive dirt because it wants to move on to other more important things like learning and keeping your child’s body running smoothly.

But standing in the way is the orbital prefrontal cortex, another part of the brain involved in decision-making, complex thought and deception, says Gopal Chopra, MD, a neurosurgeon and CEO of PINGMD, a medical message app. When keeping a secret, this region simulates just how bad telling the secret will be – and all the possible negative outcomes related to unlocking the secret. “And if the prefrontal cortex wins this war raging in the brain, the body ramps up production of stress hormones.”

That means every time your child thinks about the secret, those hormones surge throughout his body and negatively impact things like blood pressure and memory. The bigger or riskier a child perceives the secret to be, the more intense the fight in their head and resulting anxiety, says Chopra.

The production of these hormones returns to normal levels when stress falls away. So keeping a secret is as much a war of the lobes as it is a question of ethics or morals. But it’s also a health risk.

“When a child is stressed, sleep may be disturbed, which could lead to emotional mood swings and a propensity to be ill-tempered. They may also have difficulty with memory and learning,” says Allen Towfigh, MD, a neurologist and sleep medicine specialist at New YorkPresbyterian Hospital/Cornell Medical Centre.

Why we’re secretive

So what is it about human nature that makes children and adults alike keep secrets despite the risk?

Secrets are a part of human nature. “We keep secrets because, even when it’s risky [to our health], we believe there is greater risk in the disclosure of a secret. We decide that the disclosure of the secret will be more painful to us than keeping it hidden,” says Peter Zafirides, MD, a psychiatrist in Columbus, Ohio.

But not all secrets are bad. Some things are important to keep secret, like a present, the surprise of a good report card, etc. “As long as a secret isn’t hurting the secret keeper or anyone else, or isn’t perceived by the keeper as being a bad thing, a secret won’t be hazardous to health.”

Managing secret stress

Zafirides says one way to teach children how to manage the stress of keeping secrets is helping them learn whether the information truly warrants privacy. “Take time to help them analyse the reasons they’re keeping something secret and the consequences of disclosing it,” he says.

Children need to know that others’ reactions to a secret are often much less dramatic than we imagine in our minds. “Help them assess the potential implications of disclosing something very embarrassing,” says Zafirides.

“Many people find the reasons we may keep some secrets earlier in life may not be as relevant as we think.”

It may be helpful to encourage older children to write out the pros and cons of keeping a secret, including why they’re are keeping it in. “There is no real physiologic explanation to this, but behavioural studies have shown dramatic reduction in stress hormone levels, blood pressure and mental health by doing this,” says Chopra.

Above all else, it’s crucial that parents differentiate for their children a good secret from a bad secret. An upcoming surprise party? That’s a good secret. Knowing about someone who may be in danger or if a child has been violated by a stranger? That’s definitely one to share with a trusted loved one. (dailyparent.com)

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tuesday, august 2, 2016 | guyana-times.com

Opposition business to take Guyana needs a third perspective centre stage at Parliament to solve its problems – Dr Hinds … as PPP/C presses for implementation of Rodney CoI recommendations

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he People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) – Guyana’s main political Opposition – will on Thursday command priority in the order of business scheduled for the sitting of the National Assembly, and Chief Whip Gail Teixeira has indicated that her party intends to move ahead with a motion calling on Government to implement the recommendations coming out of the Walter Rodney Commission of Inquiry (CoI).

Speaking briefly with Guyana Times on Sunday, Teixeira reminded that Thursday’s sitting has been designated ‘Private Members Day,’ referred to in local parlance as Opposition Members Day. The sitting of the National Assembly on Thursday will be the penultimate session of the House before proceeding on its annual recess on August 8.

The motion related to the recommendations coming out of the Walter Rodney Commission of Inquiry (CoI), is in the name of the Opposition Chief Whip.

Teixeira’s motion, which has since been accepted by Speaker of the National Assembly, Dr Barton Scotland, takes cognisance of the fact that a report from the CoI was presented to the House since February, inclusive of 11 significant recommendations meant for implementation by the Administration.

The CoI was appointed by former President Donald Ramotar, to enquire and report on the circumstances surrounding the death of the late Dr Walter Rodney on June 13, 1981.

It was long suspected that Dr Rodney was assassinated by a Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Sergeant, Gregory Smith, under the political direction of the then President and leader of the People’s National Congress (PNC), Forbes Burnham.

Teixeira contends in her motion slated for de-

Dr David Hinds

bate on Thursday that the Commission in its report presented its findings including “Critical Findings and Summary on Gregory Smith” and 11 significant recommendations.

The motion calls on the 65 Members of Parliament in the National Assembly to, through a vote, call on Government to take measures to implement the recommendations in order to ensure that the democratic architecture of the State is preserved and strengthened.

That report had found that the State at the time did in fact facilitate Sergeant Smith’s departure from Guyana, ensuring that he remained outside of the jurisdiction and beyond the reach of its laws.

The inquiry had found that Burnham had kept tight reins on all aspects of the country’s business, since as Head of State, he was the supreme authority, namely Commanderin-Chief of the armed forces, head of the GDF Board and also head of the National Security Committee. During the course of the CoI, the special Commissioners also heard of the extensive surveillance of Dr Rodney and the Working People’s Alliance (WPA).

Scores of records pertinent to Sergeant Smith, Dr Rodney and the WPA, which had been kept by the Guyana Police Force’s Special Branch and the GDF, were also found to have suspiciously gone

missing – a result of deliberate acts.

The Commissioners in their report had accepted that, Sergeant Smith did in fact hand over an explosive device in what appeared to be a walkietalkie communications device; the device that subsequently detonated, killing Dr Rodney.

It was accepted too by the Commissioners in their report that Smith, the suspected assassin, “was encouraged in providing that device by prominent members of State agencies.”

The Commissioners had since recommended that every effort be made to have a well-trained and highly professional Police Force and Army, loyal only to the interests of the country, regardless of ethnicity or political affiliation. In order to achieve this, the report recommended considerable investments in training at every level of the Force on an ongoing basis, with particular focus on the importance of values and etiquettes.

“It was conceded by the Police in the course of the Inquiry that a thorough investigation was not done into Rodney’s death. In fact, the evidence is that the Police did not act with professionalism, thoroughness or speed. The recommendation is that the department in the Police Force tasked with the responsibility to investigate crimes like murder, should, at all times, strive to do so with thoroughness and urgency…” a section of the report stated.

Additionally, given that important documents could not have been found to be presented during the Inquiry, a recommendation was made for there to be a thorough review of the systems in place to store records of the Guyana Police Force and the Guyana Defence Force.

Other recommendations were based on the need for ethnic harmony and for the Chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) to be an individual of integrity.

…says coalition not genuinely a power sharing Govt

P

olitical activist Dr David Hinds believes that Guyana does not need a third major political party to address its core issues, instead the country is lacking a third perspective on the problems faced.

Highlighting that Guyana is yet to address the issue of constitutional reform, the deterioration of the economy, and its ethnic issue, Dr Hinds asserted that a third political party “will do us no good.”

Recently, there have been debates about a need for a third political party to contest in the 2020 General Elections.

“We don’t have to form a party to solve or to raise issues…we need to say it is not about you, it’s not about them, it is about us. And that is what a third perspective body will do… it will deal with the issues the other two parties are not dealing with because once you become a political party, you give up your right to be objective,” he said.

He stated that the critical issue of constitutional reform is being pushed to the side by both political parties and though the government has talked about it, it has not placed it on the front

Dr David Hinds

burner.

He stated that a third “perspective” party would be in an excellent position to question the two major parties in the National Assembly about the economic state of the country, on whether the direction it is headed is correct or if there is need to focus on the village economy.

“We need to begin to talk about how we will harness the energies of all our people in this country…no one race can develop this country… no one party can develop this country. We have tried that for 50 years and it has failed...the PNC had their turn…the PPP had their turn,” he said, adding that

while the new government is a coalition of parties, it does not include a large party like the PPP, therefore it is not genuinely a power-sharing government.

On the flip side, Dr Hinds asserted that people need to hold their government accountable in order to prevent corruption and to ensure that their needs are being met.

“I think you get the government you nurture. If we get a government that we are not going to be critical of because we support them then we are allowing that government to do what it wants. You have to say you don’t support bad governance,” he said.

He stated that better quality of governance happens when the people and the opposition hold the State accountable and is not afraid to question them for wrong doing.

Economist, Dr Thomas Singh, had recently stated that according to the public choice theory in economics, governments are self-interested and seen as the beasts of the economy. Thus, he indicated that corruption does not lie with a political party, but with governments.

8 news

tuesDAY, august 2, 2016 | guyana-times.com

WBD man jailed for burglary … Magistrate wishes him “Happy Emancipation” after imposing sentence

A

West Bank Demerara man was slapped with six months jail time for burglary.

Appearing at the Wales Magistrate’s Court on Friday, Sheridan Glasgow, 44, answered to the charge which stated that on Monday 5 July, within the company of another, he broke and entered the home of Sylvester Goodridge of Lot 18 Duncan Street, Good Intent, WBD, and stole three items valued $16,200, including a bag of rice.

Glasgow, who resides of Sisters Village, WBD, pleaded guilty, noting that on the day of the incident, the virtual complainant (VC), Goodridge, allegedly asked him to purchase a quantity of drugs, which he supposedly refused.

Based on this explanation, Magistrate Clive Nurse suggested that a not guilty plea be entered but the defendant maintained his guilty plea premised on claims that he cannot afford bail.

The Police Prosecution’s evidence pointed out that on the day of the burglary, at 02:00h, the VC secured his premises and went with a friend to a nearby shop, only to return to his home to find that his western

Sheridan Glasgow will spend the next six months behind bars

door was broken, as the padlock was lashed off.

The defendant requested leniency and asked the magistrate for a twomonth sentence. The court heard that three years ago, Glasgow served a six-

month sentence for simple larceny.

Taking the aforementioned into consideration, Magistrate Nurse issued the defendant with the sixmonth sentence and wished him Happy Emancipation.

PI continues at Wales Magistrate’s Court

M

A

...with paternity claims

our Eyewitness wonders why - in this climate of “race baiting” claims suffusing all discourses Eric Philips of ACDA chose to categorical declare that the “Father of the Nation” HAS to be an “AfroGuyanese”. What’s the point? Is it just to get a rise from the partisans of Cheddi Jagan who’ve made that claim for him?

But wasn’t it Eusi Kwayana who said we aren’t even a nation yet? Well...he actually said that some time ago, but have we sorted out this question since?

“Nation” has to do with the identity of the people in a country and while we may’ve inherited a “state” at independence, we certainly didn’t inherit no nation. Even our independence motto just gave us an ASPIRATION we should work towards: “One Nation, One People, One destiny”. At the time of course, we were “The land of six peoples”.

So are we to have “six fathers of the nation” while we sort out this “national identity” question? And why is it only politicians who’re nominated? Stephen Campbell, Cheddi Jagan, Forbes Burnham, Peter D’Aguiar. And how about John Carter for the “Mixed” and “Walter Raleigh” for the Whites? The latter did come here looking for El Dorado and lost his head (literally) in the fallout later.

But there are those that insist this “father of the nation” business is just the old paternalistic bias in action. What about a “mother of the nation”? Then even historians reject the term as a part of “history as the story of great men” project foisted by Carlyle. Aren’t the “great men” (or women) products of their times and formed more by events than anything? “Cometh the hour, cometh the man”, and all that?

And then there’s those that say “A pox on all those who push this sort of thinking” and insist that history is formed by ordinary people. This view is represented by no other than our historian- turned-President David Grander who, in a 2012 lecture, declared: “There’s no father of Independence, there’s no mother of the nation, father of the nation and I think we need to unlearn some of those myths. If there’s any paternity, that paternity has to be attributed to the working people of the Caribbean.”

So we would suggest to Phillips that rather than push this potentially “race baiting” ethnic “father of the nation” line, he acknowledges the struggle with their blood, sweat and tears of all working peoples of Guyana: African, Indian, Portuguese, Chinese, Mixed and even Whites. Yes...those imported Maltese, Germans and other Europeans also struggled and died.

Say no to “race baiting”!! Say yes to unity!

...with government contracts

Murder accused Kenneth Skeete

case.

The preliminary inquiry will continue on August 29.

In 2009, then Magistrate Fazil Azeez had issued an arrest warrant for Skeete after the murder charge was read in his absence. In October 15, 2008, it had been reported that Allen was stabbed to death by Skeete after he reportedly attempted to rescue another man from being robbed by the

suspect and a group of men.

A fight ensued after which Skeete had reportedly whipped out a knife and stabbed Allen several times about his body. The post mortem proved that Allen died from a stab wound that penetrated his lung and heart. Allen had collapsed and was taken by passersby to the West Demerara Regional Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

Motorcyclist fined $10,500 for DUI motorcyclist who was caught riding under the influence was slapped with several traffic violations and taken before the Wales Magistrate’s Court to answer the charges.

The Prosecution’s case contended that a Police patrol stopped Dwjendranauth Jaikarran and he was unable to produce a licence.

It was further stated that a breathalyser test was ad-

Creating waves...

Y

2008 Goed Fortuin stabbing

urder accused Kenneth Skeete has made another appearance at the Wales Magistrate’s Court as the Preliminary Inquiry into the 2008 death of Kenneth Allen continued before Magistrate Clive Nurse.

Skeete is facing a murder charge which alleged that on October 15, 2008, at Goed Fortuin, West Bank Demerara, he stabbed Allen to death. Skeete was arrested by Police in Georgetown in May 2015 after being on the run for seven years.

Ex-Police Constable Mohan Ramdolai on Friday tendered evidence in the murder case, which stated that on October 20, 2008 he conducted an investigation at the Goed Fortuin Squatting Area. The former constable noted that he witnessed the post mortem of Allen, which was conducted by Government Pathologist Dr Nehaul Singh.

During cross-examination of the witness, murder accused, who is unrepresented, questioned the witness about whether he had known the person for whom he was searching for at the time of the investigation in October 2008. “No” was the response of the exconstable.

The Prosecution noted that it was unable to obtain the death certificate from the mother of the deceased, who had been slated to offer evidence in the

Eyew tness

ministered which proved that Jaikarran was over the legal limit.

The defendant agreed with the evidence provided and admitted that he was riding motorcycle CH 5514 under the influence of alcohol on July 23, 2016 at La Grange Public Road, West Bank Demerara.

He also admitted that on the same day, he rode the said motorcycle without being in possession of a li-

cence, and whilst failing to wear a safety helmet.

Magistrate Clive Nurse asked the defendant to explain why he was drinking and driving. The defendant posited that he just came out on the road to buy Chinese food. When questioned as why he did not wear a helmet, Jaikarran expressed that he forgot.

“I am very sorry, I forgot to put it on,” he stated.

The court took into con-

sideration that the defendant had no prior traffic offences. However Magistrate Nurse, in giving his ruling, reminded the defendant that he was endangering the lives of himself and others on the roadways.

He was fined $10,500 for driving while being over the legal alcohol limit; $7,500 for failure to wear safety helmet; and $30,000 for the unlicensed driver charge.

The APNU/AFC government, after criticising the PPP for doling out contracts to its “own”, have now turned around and are doing the same. Just look at the list of the “big contracts” announced weekly. But that’s only the tip of a very large iceberg that’s floating in an ocean of possible ethnic and political corruption to get a piece of the $150B annual public procurement spending.

After all, what was the reason for jettisoning the old system and handing over procurement of pharmaceuticals to the regions? Isn’t this one of the reasons we also have a crisis in the supply of drugs today? Then there’s the requirement that that 20 per cent of all Government contracts will be awarded to small contractors yearly. Who decides which “small contractors” will get the nod? Shouldn’t there be a list of “pre-qualified ones?

And then look at the mono-ethnic composition of the National Tender Board. And don’t even suggest the “Bid Protest Committee” for justice.

With the same composition, that’ll be like trying your case in hell!

...with Venezuelan refugees

Some are afraid the Venezuelan refugees might be fifth columnists for a later Venezuelan claim to Essequibo. Good point. But rather than turning them away, why not settle them in Berbice?

Readers are invited to send their comments by email to eye@guyanatimesgy.com

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tuesday, august 2, 2016 | guyana-times.com

La Penitence stabbing

Delays, flight cancellations Chopped woman recovering well rock CJIA T … as GTT’s Americas II cable damaged offshore Martinique

A

collapse of the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph (GTT) Americas II cable near the shores of Martinique, has caused hundreds of passengers departing Guyana to experience flight delays and cancellations.

According to sources at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA), hundreds of persons were delayed at the airport as airlines were forced to do manual check-in of passengers. On Monday evening, Public Infrastructure Minister David Patterson, who is responsible for transport, when contacted stated that flights continue to depart the CJIA, but at a “slow pace” as authorities were forced to do manual checkin, which has been leading to delays.

Meanwhile, GTT in a

statement said the cable consortium has been working tirelessly to restore service, the company has redundant infrastructure and is working with the airline reservation management system, SITA, to migrate to redundant routes.

“GTT would like to reassure customers that the Internet infrastructure is working well via the redundant paths,” the statement read.

Captain Gerry Gouveia confirmed that Dynamic Airways cancelled one of its flights early Monday because of the disruption. He stated that the airline’s passengers were informed of the cancellation early and were told to check-in today.

He also explained that InselAir cancelled its flight because the crew time expired. Among those affect-

ed are numerous cub scouts who were in Guyana for a Caribbean Cuboree.

The CJIA also released a statement explaining the situation, and advising the travelling public that it is working with its stakeholders to ensure the Automated Airlines Check-in services are restored as soon as possible.

Apart from the aforementioned explanation, CJIA noted that some airlines are experiencing cancellations due to crew rotation and other operational issues during this peak season.

That aside, the management of CJIA said it will continue to work with its service providers to ensure that the Airline Check-in services are returned to normalcy in the fastest possible time.

he 31-year-old mother of five who was chopped multiples times by her estranged husband on Sunday morning, is recovering comfortably at the Georgetown Public Hospital.

At approximately 10:30h on Sunday, Wanita Heralall bumped into her ex-husband, identified only as ‘Buckman’ of Anna Regina New Housing Scheme, Region Two, (Pomeroon-Supenaam), Essequibo Coast, after she left her Lot 8 Liang Avenue, Georgetown, home to commence her usual market shopping.

Speaking to Guyana Times on Monday, Heralall related that her youngest child was in the company of his father “Buckman” when she ran into him at the market, She explained that the man asked the child if he wanted to speak to her and the child indicated that he did not.

“He ask the lil boy if he wan talk to me and the lil bai shake his head ‘no’. So I turn and seh if the lil bai don’t wanna talk to me, I don’t wanna talk to him or his father because I don’t want no problem,” she said.

Heralall relayed that “Buckman” subsequently left after she explained that she did not want any problems with him.

However, the woman’s estranged husband returned as she was approaching the bicycle she rode to the market,

Wanita Heralall

and grabbed her left hand.

“I turn around fuh walk to get my bicycle and leave because I know how he stay.

So by time I coulda reach my bicycle, he come from behind me and he grab this hand and stretch it out and seh come here, I wan talk to you.

I said no. And as I said no, he start chopping,” she recapped.

According to Heralall, the accused then swung one chop to her head, bashing her over the right eye. The man then shouted to her, “don’t scream!” and forcefully pinned the woman’s hand down before hacking at it several times between the elbow and wrist.

With the woman’s mangled hand barely hanging on, the angered Essequibian allegedly told her to “take your hand and move from here.”

Meanwhile, in a bid to escape, the man tried running through the crowd, only to

be captured and dealt a thorough beating before being turned over to the Ruimveldt Police Station.

According to Heralall, she had been married to the accused for 12 years and endured domestic abuse for the sake of her children.

She stated that many reports were made by her against “Buckman” but the Police were always negligent. The woman said she consumed poison on three occasions, with the most recent being in June of 2015, hoping that her ex-husband would change his abusive behaviour towards her.

However, when this proved futile, she ran away from the home in October of 2015 and came to Georgetown where she resides with her reputed husband, Dharmindra Phagoo.

Phagoo and Heralall are well known to the market vendors and people in the community, since they operate a snackette in Industrial Site, Ruimveldt, and go to the market on a daily basis.

This publication understands that the perpetrator had travelled to the capital city nearly one week ago with the intention of harming the woman.

Heralall was admitted to the GPH on Sunday after the incident left her with an almost severed arm.

“Buckman” is still in police custody assisting with investigations.

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news

tuesday, august 2, 2016 | guyana-times.com

Children being institutionalised well beyond 2-year limit – study finds 69 per cent in residential care between 1 to 15 years

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ome 69 per cent of children living in institutional care are between the ages of one and 15 years, a study commissioned by local NonGovernmental Organisation (NGO) ChildLink into “the Nature and Extent of Institutionalisation of Children in Guyana,” has found.

The study, which was conducted by Donelle BessBascom, revealed that children sampled within the seven to nine age group had been placed in residential care between the first two weeks of life. Many of them did not know the length of time that they had been in care.

On the other hand, 25 per cent of the children participating in the study between the ages of 10 and 17, had been in care for less than one year, while 69 per cent had been in residential care between one to 15 years, and among these, 25 per cent were in care for four to six years.

The report indicated that the average length of time children in the sample spent in residential care is four years.

Child Counsellor Abbigale Loncke in an invited comment told Guyana Times that children are not supposed to be institutionalised for more than two years. She noted that after the period of two years, if children remain institutionalised, their social skills surrounding the family setting starts to diminish. There is also the institutional challenge of overcrowding which would eventually lead to

poor child health, she said.

Loncke emphasised that children who have been institutionalised for more than two years tend to develop their personality from other children around them. “This is particularly not healthy for their psychological development. In Guyana, there is no special home for children who have been sexually abused or were caught stealing or wandering. So when we put all of them under one roof they rub off on each other and 70 per cent of the time that is not a good thing,” she added.

The NOG’s analysis found that in some instances, children were completely abandoned by their parents, some having no contact with their parents for more than five years. “This was found to be very painful for the children as they felt that their loved ones no longer cared about their wellbeing,” the study stated, noting that another factor identified as contributing to the children remaining in residential care for extended periods was non-improvement in their parents’ ability to secure employment or a sustainable livelihood.

However, particularly in cases of physical and sexual abuse, children remained in care for four years or more because the perpetrators still remained in the family residence, or at large.

One girl told the researcher that she was living in a home for six years because her perpetrator still lives with her family. She was 12 years old when she was raped by her relative

and became pregnant.

Although she is hopeful that she will return home, she continues to live in institutional care with her fiveyear-old child.

“I just want to see my family… the court case still going on… I want my daughter to know her grandparents and aunts and cousins and her culture… our culture is very different from what she sees in here in this home… I don’t want my child to grow up all her life in a children home. I want her to have a normal life… I myself want a normal life,” she said.

The study indicated that the slow justice system is a contributing factor which resulted in delays that were much too long in bringing perpetrators of child abuse to justice. It stated that key informants of the study opined that these delays which resulted in children remaining separated from their biological families for exceptionally long periods of time suggests that the child is being punished for the perpetrators’ crimes.

“A measure of inaction on the part of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) in following through to apprehend perpetrators, parents (particularly mothers) who ‘cover’ for and hide perpetrators, and a general culture of silence with regards to child abuse were among the reasons why cases remained incomplete for years at a time,” ChildLink outlined in its study.

The Child Care and Protection Agency, the NGO study stated, has indicated that 624 of these children are in residential care

while 179 are in foster care.

Among the children in residential care, 456 (73 per cent) are in privately operated facilities and 168 (27 per cent) are in the three state run facilities.

ChildLink’s study noted that children between the ages of 10 and 15 accounted for 410 (63 per cent) of placement.

The number of placements for children in this age group peaked for both sexes, with girls between the ages of 13-15 recording the high-

est number of placements.

This accounts for 16 per cent of all children in residential care and 30 per cent of the girls placed in care.

Particularly however, girls aged 13-15 are in deeper crisis because care givers are saying their admission is based on sexual abuse.

Gap between parents, children; a factor for suicide – Pandit Ramkisson

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ith Guyana recording more than half of the World Health Organization’s (WHO) expected deaths by suicide per year within three months, a section of the religious community believes that one of the major factors is a communication barrier between the parent and child.

Pandit Vikash Ramkisson, in an interview with Guyana Times stated that if parents would only break the taboo of sex and talk to their children about it, along with discussing topics such as hormonal changes and the opposite sex, suicide would be cut by 60 per cent in the country.

“What I have found is that parents have failed the child, the schools have failed the child, and so have the churches, the temples and the mosques,” he said, noting that lack of communication only exacerbates the situation.

According to the WHO report “Preventing suicide: a global imperative,” in some

countries, like Guyana, suicide is at its highest among youths with most of the cases and attempts arising from vulnerable groups struggling with relationship issues, discrimination, trauma and abuse, isolation and lack of social support from families and friends.

It stated that suicidal behaviour often occurs as a response to personal psychological stress in a social context where sources of support are lacking. It added that isolation occurs when a person feels disconnected from his or her closest social circle: partners, family and friends.

While persons who share close personal and enduring relationships typically have a sense of purpose, security and connectedness.

Ramkisson indicated that all sectors, particularly the religious community, the schools and parents need to work in a cohesive manner to reverse the situation: “Parents, leaders and the schools need to begin to say the uncomfortable things and educate our children before it is too late.”

He added that while suicide is not something a country can completely eradicate, the numbers can be reduced.

However, he stated that

Pandit Vikash Ramkisson

in order for all the institutions to work together they must first be strengthened to handle serious issues like suicide.

The WHO report suggested that the cultivation and maintenance of healthy close relationships can in-

crease individual resilience and act as a protective factor against the risk of suicide.

It stated that a person’s family has the most influence and can be supportive in times of crisis, citing “relationships are especially protective for adolescents and the elderly who have a higher level of dependency.”

Guyana was estimated as having the highest suicide rate in the world in

2012 with an overall rate of 44.2 cases per 100,000 persons.

This rating occurs although there was an 8.5% decline in the country’s suicide rate between 2000 and 2012, which is suggestive that local efforts to fight suicide have simply not kept up with that of other countries.

Suicide is the second leading cause of death among 15 to 29-year-olds.

Seventy-five per cent of global suicides occur in low and middle-income countries, with suicide rates high amongst vulnerable groups experiencing discrimination — such as refugees and migrants; indigenous peoples; lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and prisoners.

In the first three months of the year, over 28 cases of suicide were recorded in Guyana, which is half of the deaths expected from suicide by the WHO each year.

Farmer killed in Essequibo Coast accident

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farmer of Essequibo Coast, Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam) is the country’s latest road fatality after he was struck and killed at Evergreen Village.

Dead is Lorence Tangs, 53, of Charity. Reports reaching Guyana Times stated that the accident occurred at 21:00hrs on Sunday.

This newspaper was told that Gavinendra Lall, the driver who struck the farmer, in his statement to Police said he was heading North on the western half of the Evergreen Village Public Road with his father in their motorcar, which bears li-

cence plate PSS 9926, when another vehicle was approaching from the opposite direction with its high beams on.

Lall, age 20, said the bright light blinded him, causing the young driver to hit the farmer.

Reports further indicate that Lall transported the injured man to the Charity Oscar Joseph Hospital, and Tangs was later transferred to the Suddie Public Hospital.

However at about 22:00hrs, Tangs succumbed to his injuries. The driver has since been taken into Police custody as investigations continue.

11 High festivities at Emancipation Day celebrations 2016 I news

tuesday, august 2, 2016 | guyana-times.com

t was a bit of a disappointment for those who expected a grand explosion of African culture at the annual Emancipation Day celebrations at the National Park on Monday.

The ambiance, though festive and bearing semblance to love and unity, lacked the traditional touches of African culture in several areas, including craft and cuisine.

On the other hand, the fashion display was overwhelming with almost everyone participating in the activities decked out in their finest African prints and patterns.

Just before noon, persons

ing the famous conkie, an African dish made from pumpkin, plantain, and coconut milk whilst wrapped in the trademark banana leaf.

One of the food vendors said she did not prepare a lot of traditional African meals since she was uncertain of receiving enough sales to make an appreciable profit.

Some of the many crafts on display were similar to those seen at other mega gatherings in Guyana.

Cultural Director Ras Leon Saul expressed some displeasure in the absence of vibrant expressions of the African culture at the national Emancipation Day celebrations.

Some of the food on sale at the Emancipation Day celebrations

bubbling with excitement began trickling into the large arena where vendors were now setting up tents along the boulevard.

Barbecued chicken, hot dogs, popcorn, channa, plantain chips were just a few of the all too common foods on sale.

A few stands were sell-

“It’s nice but I guess it’s all about money making right now more than the culture but economics trump sometimes,” he told Guyana Times during a quick interview at the celebrations.

Nonetheless, it was a grand family funday at the park, with some carnival games and face painting ser-

Ejay Reece, one of the younger visitors, was very impressed with the activities taking place: “We’re in Guyana doing a cultural understanding and learning programme. It’s basically to understand the culture and learn a little about what Guyana is all about.”

Another tourist, a young father named Chris is also in Guyana for the first time and decided to stop by to witness the Emancipation Day celebrations: “We’re having

Junior Natural Resources Minister Simona Broomes

vices, as well as a cultural show inclusive of folklore singing, dancing, drumming, skits and other performances.

Junior Natural Resources Minister Simona Broomes was enjoying an afternoon stroll through the park, stopping at the various booths to interact with passersby.

Speaking with Guyana Times Minister Broomes underscored the importance of social cohesion on this auspicious day: “Let us unite. I call for social cohesion among all the races because when our foreparents fought the battle, when they went into the villages, it wasn’t pure Africans, we had East Indians, we had Amerindians and all of that.

So my message would be for Guyanese to just love each other. Love is my message.”

The celebrations piqued the interest of many tourists who turned up at the National Park to share in the experience.

a great time. We just wanted to see the festivities they have down here. I brought my wife and my family down here and we’re having a wonderful time.”

Emancipation Day, also known as Freedom Day, was on Monday celebrated across the Caribbean in former British colonies like Barbados, Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, among others.

Celebrated annually on August 1, Freedom Day marks the abolition of slav-

ery in 1834.

The end of slavery brought about a new phase in Guyana where villages started getting established, the trade union movement struggle commenced, opening of the civil service, among others.

In Guyana, Freedom Day kicked off the arrivals of Portuguese, Chinese and East Indians to the country, who were brought as indentured labourers.

(DevinaSamaroo)

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ay celebrations 2016

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tuesday, AUGUSt 2, 2016

Regional

Bolivia Police seize 7.5 tonnes of cocaine

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olivian Police have seized 7.5 tonnes of cocaine and arrested three Bolivians in a massive bust of drugs headed for Honduras and likely eventual sale in the United States, a Government official said on Monday.

The haul, which was hidden in a cargo of minerals, would be worth over US$160 million in Honduras and US$350 million in the United States, Bolivian interior minister Carlos Romero said at a news conference.

Romero said the cocaine had been intercepted

A member of Bolivian special forces FELCN stands next to bags of cocaine at the Police headquarters in La Paz, Bolivia, August 1

in trucks carrying borates along a remote mountain pass that connects Bolivia with Chile’s sea ports.

In May, Colombian Police

confiscated eight tonnes of cocaine, which officials described as one of the largest in the history of the country.

(Reuters)

Cuba says talks with US over claims cannot be rushed

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uba said on Monday it was not willing to rush talks with the United States over multibillion-dollar claims and counter-claims and would agree only to an accord that addressed the grievances of both sides.

Washington is seeking upward of US$10 billion, mainly for properties nationalised in Communistrun Cuba after its 1959 revolution. Havana, meanwhile, wants at least $300 billion for economic damage wrought by the US trade embargo and for the harm caused by acts of what it describes as US aggression.

Settling the claims is key to normalising relations between the former Cold War foes. The two sides held their second round of talks on the matter last week, after a first round last December.

A State Department official told reporters the United States wanted to resolve the issue as quickly as possible and the two sides had agreed to hold more regular meetings.

Cuban Deputy Foreign Minister Abelardo Moreno told reporters this likely was an “aspiration” of the State Department, given there had been no ac-

tual agreement on future meetings. “We have to follow the appropriate timetable. We cannot force it,” Moreno said in a briefing on the talks in the Foreign Ministry.

Cuba and its northern neighbor re-established diplomatic relations a year ago after decades of hostility and have since signed deals on the environment, postal services and direct flights. The two countries were not yet negotiating their respective claims, Moreno said, but were holding informative talks on a matter of “highly elevated complexity.” (Excerpt from Reuters)

University of The West Indies about to go global

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ith over 50 physical site locations in 17 English-speaking Caribbean countries, the University of the West Indies is well represented throughout the region. Now, UWI is set to expand globally.

According to Pro Vice Chancellor and Principal of the UWI Open Campus, Dr Luz Longsworth, the university plans to take its operations into Latin America and Asia.

“We are about to launch the China UWI Institute for software technology, and also a UWI Institute for Latin American and Caribbean studies in China,” she said. “So we are already conquering China.

Pro Vice Chancellor and Principal of the UWI Open Campus, Dr Luz Longsworth, says the university plans to take its operations into Latin America and Asia

We also have a relationship that is going to be cemented this year with the State University of New York (SUNY) where we will have

a SUNY-UWI Caribbean Institute of Leadership for leadership and sustainable development.”

Dr Longsworth indicated that there has been a drive by the institution to be recognized globally. “We are going out there globally ensuring that the UWI name is seen, is heard and that we have our people from the Diaspora as well as people interested in research in the Caribbean participating in our programming all across the world,” she said.

The University of the West Indies states that its aim is to help “unlock the potential for economic and cultural growth” in the region, allowing for improved regional autonomy. (Excerpt from

H

that killed six passengers on a bus filled with people returning from a beach excursion. At least 12 others on board were injured, according to Diego Pesqueira, a spokesman for the Metropolitan Transportation Authority. Conditions from the system may have also caused a tour boat to overturn near the Samana Peninsula on Sunday.

Authorities recovered the bodies of three people and said

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series of accidents and errors by bungling kidnappers led to the release – apparently with no shots fired and no ransom paid – of Bernie Ecclestone’s mother-in-law after nine days in captivity in Brazil, it has emerged.

Aparecida Schunk was found tied-up but unharmed in a rented flat on Sunday night in Cotia, a low-income district of São Paulo, after armed police from the city’s anti-kidnap division smashed down the garage door and stormed the building.

Ecclestone, the Formula One Chief and Britain’s fourth richest man with a net worth estimated at £3.2 billion, had reportedly not paid a penny of the £28 million ransom.

The alleged mastermind of the operation was Jorge Eurico da Silva Faria, a helicopter pilot who was used by the Ecclestone family and others involved in Formula

Relief: Aparecida Schunk, Bernie Ecclestone’s mother-inlaw, hugs a relative last night after being freed by police from kidnappers who were demanding £28million for her safe return

One racing in Brazil. He was arrested in a high-end condominium in Granja Ciana, not far from the flat where Schunk was held.

Two of the other gang members – Vitor Oliveira Amorim, 19, and Davi Vicente Azevedo, 23 – were also arrested, having left an amateurish trail of clues that led investigators to the location.

four others were still missing.

Military spokesman Arsenio Maldonado said a small craft advisory was in effect at the time but a cause of the incident has not yet been determined.

The Dominican Emergency Operations Center said that 19 of the 32 provinces were on alert for potential flooding as the system continued to pass south of the country. (Excerpt from

Jamaica Observer)

The gang told Police they were promised £4600 to snatch the 67-year-old woman by their associates, who reportedly demanded a ransom 6000 times that amount.

Amorim and Azevedo were known petty criminals, though police said they had never been involved in anything on this scale. (Excerpt from The

Guardian)

US$2.6B Pearl of the Caribbean

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t Lucia will become home to one of the Caribbean’s iconic resort and lifestyle developments following Prime Minister Allen Chastanet’s signing of an agreement to build the island nation’s first and only international standard integrated development.

The Pearl of the Caribbean is valued at over US$2.6 billion and occupies a 700-acre site to the South of the island. The project will comprise a marina, a racecourse, a resort and shopping mall complex, casino, Free Trade Zone, extensive entertainment and leisure facilities,

eco-tourism as well as architecturally designed villas and apartments.

Overall, the Pearl of the Caribbean Development is designed to be a well-balanced project with open space making up over 50 per cent of the overall development. It is designed to be a sustainable and selfcontained development and is expected to generate between 500 and 800 jobs in construction during its initial phase of implementation.

The agreement was signed by the Government of St Lucia and the project’s Master Developer DSH Caribbean Star Limited in

St Lucia and construction of the initial phase of the project is set to commence in 2017.

The signing marks a significant milestone in the three years of negotiations between DSH Caribbean Star Limited and key agencies of the Government of St Lucia including Invest St Lucia (ISL), the Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU) and the Development Control Authority (DCA).

The announcement of the Pearl of the Caribbean is the latest high profile step in St Lucia’s drive to create new industry and bring in new investments.

(Excerpt from Caribbean360)

Billion-dollar International Bond a big hit, says T&T

Caribbean360)

Strengthening storm kills 6 in The Dominican Republic eavy rains and strong winds bore down Monday on The Dominican Republic from a strengthening tropical wave that has caused at least six deaths in the country.

The system, which was moving south of the country in the Caribbean Sea, knocked down power lines Sunday near the North-eastern town of Nagua and started a fire

Kidnapped in Brazil: Ecclestone’s mother-in-law rescued after errors made

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he Government of Trinidad and Tobago says it has successfully launched a 10-year bond in New York, marking its first international bond issue in three years.

And international credit rating agency Moody’s Investors Service has assigned a Baa3 rating to the bond which matures

on August 4, 2026.

It said the ratings reflect, on one hand, low gross domestic product (GDP) growth rates, high exposure to oil and gas-related shocks, data limitations and weak fiscal policy execution capacity and, on the other hand, government’s consideration of a moderate and affordable debt burden, a Heritage

and Stabilisation Fund (HSF), and a relatively strong external position anchored by adequate foreign exchange reserves.

The bond issue was formally opened to order on July 28 and by 10:30h, and was more than three times oversubscribed, with US$3.5 billion in orders received from over 250 international investors, the Government said.

The country was therefore able to comfortably raise the targeted US$1 billion, with prospects for raising additional amounts in excess of the required amount.

Proceeds of the bond are to be utilised to finance the country’s Development Programme over the rest of this Fiscal Year as well as over the 2017 Fiscal Year. (Excerpt from Caribbean360)

tuesday, august 2, 2016

guyana-times.com

15

Around the World

US launches air strikes on IS in Libya

Head of Ahmadiyya Muslim community condemns terror attacks

he United States has carried out air strikes on positions of socalled Islamic State (IS) in Libya, following a request by the UN-backed government there, the Pentagon says.

The strikes targeted positions in the port city of Sirte, an IS stronghold.

Libyan Prime Minister Fayez Sarraj, in a televised address, said the strikes caused “heavy losses”.

Western powers have become increasingly concerned at IS’s growing presence in Libya. The air strikes are the first such US military intervention coordinated with the Libyan unity Government.

There have been two previous US attacks on IS targets in Libya – last February and in November.

The Pentagon said Monday’s

he World Head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, the Fifth Khalifa (Caliph), His Holiness Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, has called on Muslim nations around the world to return to Islam’s true teachings of peace.

Speaking during his weekly Friday Sermon delivered at the Baitul Futuh Mosque in London, His Holiness said that the world is facing incredibly precarious and challenging times in light of recent terror attacks in Europe, which he deemed as completely against the teachings of Islam.

His Holiness also addressed the increasingly volatile situation in Turkey and other Muslim nations.

Speaking about the increasing instability in the Muslim world, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said: “With each day that passes, the power and strength of the Muslim nation is continuing to decrease. The fundamental cause is that Muslim leaders and their so-called religious scholars are blinded to Islam’s true teachings and are leading their nations on a destructive and ruinous path.”

He continued: “We see chaos and disorder in every Muslim country because the leaders are prioritising their self-interest over and above the rights of their people and the progress of their nation.”

His Holiness also added that the disintegration of Muslim countries benefit only those who oppose Islam and so instead of destroying one another, Muslims should unite in peace.

Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad noted too that the

T

Government forces say they have made gains in Sirte

strikes, authorised by President Barack Obama, were in support of government forces currently fighting IS militants.

“These actions and those we have taken previously will help deny ISIL a safe haven in Libya from which it could attack the United States and our allies,” the

Pentagon statement continued, using another term for IS. Pentagon spokesman Peter Cook said the strikes hit “precision targets”, including a tank, in response to a request from the Libyan administration in the past few days. (Excerpt from BBC News)

China calls for British nuclear project to proceed

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hina on Monday called for Britain to proceed with a nuclear power plant project partly invested in by a Chinese firm, saying the project had firm support from London, after Britain’s new Government said it would review it again.

The plan by France’s EDF to build two reactors with financial backing from a Chinese state-owned company, China General Nuclear Power Corp, was championed by Prime Minister Theresa May’s pre-

decessor, David Cameron, as a sign of Britain’s openness to foreign investment.

But just hours before a signing ceremony was due to take place on Friday, May’s new Government said it would review the project again, raising concern that Britain’s approach to infrastructure deals, energy supply and foreign investment may be changing.

May was concerned about the security implications of a planned Chinese investment in the Hinkley Point nuclear plant and in-

tervened to delay the project, a former colleague and a source said on Saturday.

In a statement sent to Reuters, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said they had “noted” the decision.

“I would like to stress that this project was agreed upon by China, Britain and France in the spirit of mutual benefit and cooperation, and win-win cooperation, and has always had the strong support of Britain and France,” Hua said. (Excerpt from Reuters)

…calls for world peace

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The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community is a sect of Islam. It was founded by Mirza Ghulam Ahmad of Qadian in 1889

Muslim world and its governments have not learned the lessons of the very recent past.

“They have seen what has happened in Iraq, Syria and Libya, and how those countries have been torn apart and how the futures of those nations have been destroyed. The Muslim leaders should urgently reflect upon these examples and ask themselves who it is that benefits from turmoil and disorder in the Muslim world?”

His Holiness also responded to the recent spate of terror attacks in Europe.

He said that such attacks were a complete deviation of Islam’s teachings.

For example, he said that the recent murder of Father Jacques Hamel in France was “abhorrent and entirely opposed to Islam’s teachings.”

He noted too that terrorist organisations have started to regularly commit the most barbaric atrocities in Western countries by taking

the lives of innocent people.

“The terrorists have no knowledge of Islam because otherwise they would realise that the Holy Prophet of Islam (peace be upon him) forbade the murder of innocent people under any circumstances. The Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) prohibited the targeting of innocent children, women, elderly people and he forbade the targeting of religious leaders and places of worship such as Priests and Churches.”

His Holiness continued, “The only thing the terrorists are achieving is to completely violate the teachings of the Holy Quran and of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). Let it be clear that they are not practicing Islam, rather it seems as though they have invented their own hatefilled and poisonous religion.”

In closing, His Holiness said there was an urgent need for Ahmadi Muslims to pray for peace in the world.

Leader of Indian Prime Minister Modi’s home state resigns Canadian city ravaged by wildfires hit with heavy flooding

Anandiben Patel, the newly appointed chief minister of the western Indian state of Gujarat, takes her oath during a swearingin ceremony at Gandhinagar in Gujarat May 22, 2014

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he Chief Minister of the western Indian state of Gujarat and a long-time confidante of Prime Minister Narendra Modi resigned on Monday, as protests by the low-caste Dalit community threatened to hurt the standing of the ruling party.

Anandiben Patel, who served as the state’s first

woman Chief Minister, posted the resignation letter on her Facebook page.

She said the decision was driven by the fact that she was almost 75 years old, the age at which Modi expects ministers to retire.

Modi appointed Patel as his successor in Gujarat, his home state in 2014. He had run the state for 13 years –

an era of rapid industrial growth that his Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) successfully pitched to voters as a “model” to bring prosperity to India’s 1.3 billion people.

But Patel’s standing weakened after a series of caste-driven protests, which could be politically damaging for Modi. They have also disrupted parliamentary proceedings and may affect state elections in Gujarat and the northern state of Uttar Pradesh in 2017.

About 25,000 member of Dalit community have staged protests since four young Dalit men were stripped and beaten in public after they were seen skinning a cow. The youths said the cow was dead.

Cows are considered sacred by Hindus. Killing them is banned in Gujarat, although villagers said the animal that sparked the attack on the youths had died of natural causes. (Excerpt from

Reuters)

The flooding comes less than three months after a wildfire devastated the area

T

orrential rains have flooded the Canadian city of Fort McMurray just months after wildfires gutted the area.

The Alberta city activated its emergency operations centre to deal with flooding for the first time since a massive blaze forced the

evacuation of thousands of people in May. Rising waters led to road closures across the city as emergency crews worked to drain the flooding. Water levels began to recede on Monday but more rain was expected.

Emergency officials had warned residents to re-

strict travel and to move any valuables from basements that are susceptible to flooding. However, a state of emergency has not been declared and residents were not advised to evacuate the area.

The Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo tweeted on Sunday that road barricades were being removed as roads reopened. Images posted on social media showed residents using canoes and jet skis to navigate the flooded streets.

The flooding comes less than three months after the city’s 90,000 residents were forced to evacuate in the wake of a massive wildfire. The blaze destroyed more than 2000 homes and buildings. Those evacuated during the wildfires were allowed to return in June.

(Excerpt from BBC News)

16 news

tuesday, august 2, 2016 | guyana-times.com

Regional body wants investigation Upper Mazaruni youths excited about into Dynamic Airways HEYS programme

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Caribbean Private Sector Investment Agency, Invest Caribbean Now (ICN), is urging the Guyana Government to launch an investigation into the services offered by controversial airline, Dynamic International Airways.

In a statement to the media on Monday, the organisation called on the country’s Minister of Tourism and Civil Aviation to conduct a thorough probe into the “shoddy” service and treatment being meted out to Guyanese and other persons utilising the services.

ICN Founder Felicia Persaud, also Guyanese, explained that there are many instances when Dynamic Airways left Guyanese New Yorkers and returning Guyanese in the lurch at the JFK International Airport.

She noted that the latest incident occurred on July 31, when dozens of Guyanese with prepaid tickets and confirmation to travel were brazenly told that the flight was cancelled when they showed up at JFK Airport to check in.

The organisation said many passengers were members of the Guyanese Diaspora in New York City and had shelled out

Y

Felicia Persaud

hard earned money to book travel months in advance to coincide with their vacations, as Dynamic promoted specials to their country of birth. According to ICN, the passengers were turned away without much explanation and then told they could not be accommodated with new bookings for weeks.

“As Guyana and its tourism and investment agencies strive to boost visitor arrival numbers and business investors, it is important that airlines flying to the South American nation be held to the highest standards of international service,” the ICN founder said.

She added: “It is unbecoming of any company fi-

Invest Caribbean Now wants Government to launch an investigation into services provided by Dynamic International Airways

nancially benefiting from Guyanese to treat them this way and not be held accountable.”

Over the years, reports cast a bad light on Dynamic Airways owing to the frequency of flight delays which often result in passengers being left stranded at airports for prolonged periods.

In December 2014, the airline was slapped with a multimillion dollar lawsuit over one such incident.

Contacted for a comment on this development, local representative Captain Gerald Gouveia respected the organisation’s right to issue a call of this nature.

However, he pointed out that all airlines have their challenges and that flight delays are not unique to Dynamic Airways alone.

He said that Dynamic Airways has a 90 per cent on time departure rate and that it is very significant in the airline industry.

In this regard, Captain Gouveia said steps are always being taken to improve the services and standards being offered to the travelling public by Dynamic Airways.

ICN was founded in 2011 and it is a company that connects global investors with investment opportunities in the Caribbean.

Albouystown man drowns at Meadowbrook

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27-year-old man met his demise on Monday afternoon when he and a group of friends went swimming by the Meadowbrook canal.

The dead man has been identified as Ryan Jones, a scrap metal dealer who resided at Lot 68 Barr Street,

Albouystown.

According to information received, the young man went with a group of five friends to swim by the popular canal.

Guyana Times understands that he made a plunge into canal and when he resurfaced, some

2015 drag-racing smash-up

Witnesses to give evidence next month

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The late Mahindra Sugrim

early one year after the horrific death of auto-body technician, Mahindra Sugrim, 23,

formerly of Goed Fortuin, WBD, witnesses will give evidence at the Wales Magistrate’s Court next month.

Reports last year had indicated that Sugrim was killed in an accident after one of the two 4-runners, which had been racing along the WBD Public Road, struck him in the vicinity of the Demerara Harbour Bridge.

The driver of that vehicle Ricardo De Santos has since been charged for causing death by dangerous driving.

De Santos the defendant, and relatives of the late Sugrim, who all appeared in court on Friday, will return on September 8 to give evidence in the case.

De Santos is being represented by Senior Counsel Bernard De Santos.

minutes after his friends noticed that he was not breathing.

He was immediately rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

A Division Commander Clifton Hicken told this

publication that there is no suspicion of foul play since there were no marks of violence about his body.

However, he said that Police will await the results of the post-mortem examination for confirmation.

ouths from the Upper Mazaruni District, in Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) who are actively involved in the ongoing Hinterland Employment and Youth Service (HEYS) programme have indicated their gratitude to be able to participate in this youth engagement since it is geared at creating an enabling environment where they can become self-sufficient.

A team from the Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs Ministry which is currently in the district journeyed to several villages, monitoring closely the activities, to which the close to 200 youths are being exposed.

Among the villages visited thus far are Paruima, Waramadong, Kamarang/ Warwatta, Kako, Jawalla and Phillipai with scheduled visits to Chinoweing, Wax Creek, Imbaimadai and Amokokopai.

Assistant to the Programme Coordinator, Rohan Bishop is tasked with ensuring facilitators in the district observe the programme’s lesson plan which covers the six months of classroom work.

This phase follows a six-month practical aspect where youths will be given an opportunity to perfect what they have learnt during their stint in a classroom setting.

Meanwhile, parents, guardians, villagers and youths alike were also given the opportunity to learn more about the programme, thus removing any doubts from their minds, while also noting the opportunities that will be created for the youths.

Among the concerns raised by villagers was the

timely receipt of stipend for youths and facilitators and working materials which include sewing machines, carpentry tools and stoves.

Bishop has since assured villagers that the incumbent Administration has the best interest of the nation’s youths at heart, more so the indigenous youths and is working assiduously to ensure there are no hiccups when it comes to the timely delivery of essential components which will determine the success of the programme.

However, according to Bishop, information gathering to compile a data base for youths and facilitators is also a key factor for his visit to the region since the Government has endeavoured to ensure transparency and accountability is achieved in all of its dealings, and the HEYS programme is no exception.

Bishop expressed gratitude to villagers for giving the youths their full support since without that support base, success cannot be achieved.

Moreover, Minister within the Ministry Valerie Garrido-Lowe who is also tasked with the responsibility for youth development has indicated that exposing youths to such a programme can only be beneficial for their overall development.

Upon successfully completing the year’s curriculum, youths will be better prepared to assist in the transformation of their communities by initiating projects aimed at bringing about positive social, mental and financial benefits.

More than 1900 youths country wide will benefit from the HEYS programme.

Calls made for national unity at Emancipation Day celebration in Region 2 By: Indrawattie Natram

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alls were made for national unity at the Region Two Emancipation Celebrations held at the Anna Regina Car Park on Sunday evening.

Hundreds gathered to witness the 178th Anniversary of African Emancipation from slavery. Delivering the feature address during a cultural programme organised

by ACEDA (African Cultural Education Development Association) was former University of Guyana Vice Registrar and current Advisor to the Minister of Education, Vincent Alexander.

Speaking at the ACEDA organised programme, Alexander used the opportunity to define the term emancipation, noting that it is a fact or process where one is set free from legal, social or political restriction. During the definition he stressed

A section of the crowd at the Emancipation Day programme

that there needs to be a collective emancipation where persons work together in Unity for a better Guyana.

Alexander said that emancipation is a constant struggle and it can only be achieved through continuous unison.

At that point he explained that Damon was the first to fight for Emancipation for Essequibians by starting a revolution.

He further noted that Guyana as a country is going through the liberation

process and called on all Guyanese to paddle together towards the development process.

“Freedom can only be realised in wealth not in poverty, as such we need to work together and hold hands, we can do this as a nation” Alexander pointed out.

Representing the Region Two Administration was Regional Vice Chairman Showkat Ali who said that the Regional Democratic Council fully supports

ACEDA and it’s programme.

Ali said that Africans did a lot for Guyana and their efforts should always be recognised.

He used the opportunity to extend Emancipation greetings to all Guyanese and also trumpted the call for unity.

The programme commenced after a candle light march from the Damon Monument at La Belle Alliance to Anna Regina with singing of African cultural songs and drumming.

At midnight the libation ceremony was conducted, accompanied by loud lively African drumming. The ACEDA was formed in 2001 with the aim of promoting culture and education.

Thus far the group has sponsored 26 young people to pursue career courses at the Essequibo Technical Institute. Children are also being taught craft, trade and pottery by the group.

news

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tuesDay, august 2, 2016 | guyana-times.com

Laing Ave man shot dead Vagrant crushed to death by container truck during fight over money A A man of Laing Avenue, Georgetown, was on Monday afternoon shot and killed by two men, following an argument over money.

Dead is Orin David, 32, called “Malik” of Lot 89 Laing Avenue.

According to reports, David had a confrontation with another, who is said to have owed him some $150,000.

This newspaper was told that David approached the man and asked for the money after which the man left but subsequently returned in the company of another man and they were both armed with guns.

According to a teenage nephew of the deceased,

(who preferred not to be named) David was called by the two men who had returned in a black Toyota Raum.

They were heard telling him that they did not want trouble but just wanted to talk.

“When Malik went over to the car, the fat man came out of the car with a big gun and pointed it in his face.

Malik lashed away the gun from his face and the man slap him and chucked him.

Before Malik could realised what was happening, the other man that was in the car came out and shot him in his thigh,” the teen explained.

David was further shot in his shoulder by the oth-

er perpetrator. According to information, he started to run but fell a short distance away, and was shot again.

The two men then hurriedly drove away.

A cousin of the now dead man, who heard the gunshots, went to David’s assistance and he was rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital where he succumbed to his injuries.

The matter was reported to the Police.

‘A’ Division Commander, Assistant Commissioner Clifton Hicken said that the two suspects have been identified and are known to the Police.

Up to press time, Police were still searching for the gunmen.

NGO injects $60M in donation to indigenous villages

T

Some of the items donated

he Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs Ministry has benefitted from the philanthropy efforts of Hope for the Nation Foundation, Guyana.

The Foundation recently donated four 40-foot containers containing $60M worth of clothing, books, pharmaceuticals, spectacle frames, and food items, among other articles which will be distributed to indigenous villages and communities.

The handing over was done at the Foundation’s bond located in Industrial Site, Eccles, East Bank Demerara.

Receiving the donation was Indigenous Peoples Affairs Minister Sydney Allicock.

Minister Allicock, in thanking the Foundation for making such a timely donation to the nation’s first people, assured its support will have a lasting influence on beneficiaries.

In welcoming the birth of what is intended to be a fruitful relationship between the organisation and the Ministry, the minister assured that the indigenous peoples, once given equal opportunities, will be able to make a significant contribution to national development.

He highlighted a number of areas where the in-

digenous peoples, considered to be the custodians of the forest, continue to play an integral role in ensuring its preservation: “We have gold, we have diamond, we have bauxite, we have timber, we have attractions such as Kaieteur, the mountains, the rivers, the species – the giants of Guyana that 80 per cent of Guyanese do not understand or have not seen yet – and we the indigenous peoples have been able to preserve all of this.”

The minister also took the opportunity to remind the nation that in exploiting the country’s natural resources this must be done without causing harm. He cited that, “taking photographs, using fruits, using medicinal plants, to develop industries that can help us in tropical medicine and tourism generally.” The minister mentioned that money can also be made from not harming the natural resources.

President of the Foundation, Dr Abdel Bari, indicated that he was very pleased that the Foundation has collaborated with the Ministry, since it has always been his desire to provide support to the indigenous peoples.

He also expressed delight that Minister Allicock and team were able to success-

fully exchange opinions and posited that future collaboration is imminent.

Dr Bari noted that although the Foundation is relatively new, through collaboration with Cross International, a non-governmental organisation (NGO) based in the United States, they are also very interested in supporting other groups of indigenous peoples worldwide.

He said the Foundation has since requested a wish list from the ministry where support can be forthcoming, with special emphasis on agriculture diversification in the hinterland.

Dr Bari also alluded to the Foundation’s interest in also collaborating with the ministry to assist indigenous peoples to create trade opportunities which will enable their produce to be sold particularly in the international market.

It is Dr Bari’s firm belief that Guyana has great potential of being one of the richest countries in the world, but it can only happen if there is a cohesive approach towards the betterment of society.

Hope for the Nation which was recently established here is an NGO aimed at providing much needed support to groups or communities.

man was killed when his skull was crushed by a container truck on Avenue of the Republic, Georgetown at about 18:30h on Monday.

According to reports, the driver identified as Paul Taylor, 51, was heading south on Avenue of the Republic when he stopped at the traffic light at the intersection of Brickdam and Avenue of the Republic and a driver of a car alerted him that he had crushed someone at the previous corner.

Taylor told Guyana Times that at the time, he thought that the car driver was joking but then he realised that he was serious.

He said that he exited the truck and went to the corners of Croal Street and Avenue of the Republic where he saw the man lying on the road.

Eyewitnesses told this publication that the victim was a well known vagrant and he was seen hours before the accident drunk and staggering along the pavement of Avenue of the

Republic.

Guyana Times was informed that the vagrant, who up to press time had not been identified, walked into the right-side rear wheels of the container truck, resulting in his skull being crushed.

The driver of the truck explained that he has been driving that type of vehicle for five years and has never been involved in an accident of this nature. He is assisting Police with investigations. (Ramona Luthi)

60 T&T pregnant women infected with Zika

T

here are over 200 confirmed cases of the Zika virus in T&T. Of this number, 60 have been diagnosed in women who are pregnant. Contacted, Health Minister Terrence Deyalsingh said 59 cases had been recorded in Trinidad, and one in Tobago.

In seeking to reassure the infected people that every possible measure was in place to ensure they received the necessary treatment, Deyalsingh has maintained his confidence in the specialist team assembled by the Ministry of Health to oversee the diagnosis and treatment of pregnant people.

Asked to explain the disparity in the figures as last Friday he said he was aware there were only two Zika cases in pregnant women locally, Deyalsingh said he only received the official statistics early yesterday.

Pressed to say if the ultrasounds had revealed any of the foetuses contracting microcephaly as a result of the mother being diagnosed with Zika, Deyalsingh said,

“So far, there is no risk of microcephaly in any of the cases we have seen.”

This was later confirmed

by Dr Karen Sohan, Medical Chief of Staff, Mt Hope Women’s Hospital.

Microcephaly is a medical condition where babies’ heads are abnormally small.

Adopting a proactive stance in April, the specialist committee which is led by Sohan was set up to develop specific processes and procedures to respond to the diagnosis of the Zika virus in patients, with special attention being paid to pregnant women and developing foetuses.

The committee is set to meet later this week to discuss how they can strengthen operating procedures.

Urging citizens to continue to ensure their surroundings are free of any items that could act as a possible breeding site since the virus was spread by the Aedes Aegypti mosquito, both Deyalsingh and Sohan agreed that the public’s response had been positive and had helped in keeping

the number of cases down.

The risk of more breeding sites increased with the rainy season at the beginning of June.

However, Deyalsingh said, “While it has been a good thing, the public needs to keep up the pressure.”

He said the ministry would also continue its attack on various fronts including concentrated efforts by the Insect Vector Control Division to spray schools, homes and government buildings.

Owners of vacant and abandoned lots have been asked to make an attempt to clean the premises also.

Zika symptoms include a rash, fever, generalized pains and conjunctivitis.

Responding to questions, Sohan endorsed the ministry’s policy outlining the treatment of pregnant women as she explained, “There is a national policy whereby any woman who tests positive for Zika is referred for Foetal Medicine Services at the Mt Hope Women’s Hospital.” (Trinidad

Guardian)

18

guyana-times.com

tuesday, august 2, 2016

ARCHIE

A romantic opportunity can lead to some very cost(March 21- efficient changes in your life.

April 19) Self-improvements will give you the confidence to present your skills and ideas with ease.

ARIES

Discussions will lead to TAURUS improvements that will make (April 20- your life easier. Don’t give May 20) in to emotional manipulation. Present a solution that is within your means. Learn from the way others respond.

dilbert

You will find it difficult to GEMINI express yourself verbally. Let (May 21your actions speak for you June 20) by bringing about personal changes that will show how much you care.

Opportunities will develop CANCER through courses or organiza(June 21- tions offering self-help techJuly 22) niques. A creative endeavor will turn into an unusual opportunity or partnership.

Trust your inner voice and follow through with your plans.

Peanuts

Make a personal change LEO that will make you look and (July 23feel good. Projecting your imAug. 22) age and skills in a unique and unexpected manner will raise eyebrows as well as attract supporters.

Stop being so hard on VIRGO yourself.

Lighten up and (Aug. 23Sept. 22) make plans to do something you enjoy with someone special. Try something more unusual than anything you’ve done in the past.

You’ll dazzle everyone with LIBRA your upbeat attitude and sav(Sept. 23vy way of handling situations Oct. 23) and people. A well-deserved proposal will change your life.

Celebrate your good fortune with someone you love.

Calvin and Hobbes

WORD GAME

SUDOKU

Jealousy will turn into SCORPIO a costly emotional dispute.

(Oct. 24Think before you do or say Nov. 22) something you might regret.

Reconnecting with someone from your past will turn out to be a mistake.

Plan to have some fun SAGITTARIUS and to make physical im(Nov. 23- provements that will boost Dec. 21) your ego. Presenting what you have to offer in a dynamic fashion will be fruitful and upset your competition.

solution for Last Published Puzzle

A chance to get involved CAPRICORN in an interesting project with (Dec. 22Jan. 19) someone from your past will be inviting, but at the same time, risky. Weigh the pros and cons.

You’ll stand out and be AQUARIUS recognized for your ideas, ac(Jan. 20complishments and skills.

Feb. 19) Once you have taken care of business, romance and physical improvements should be a priority.

RULES OF THE GAME: 1. Words must be of four or more letters. 2. Words that acquire four letters by the addition of “s,” such as “bats” or “dies,” are not allowed. 3. Additional words made by adding a “d” or an “s” may not be used. For example, if “bake” is used, “baked” or “bakes” is not allowed, but “bake” and “baking” are admissible. 4. Proper nouns, slang words, or vulgar or sexually explicit words are not allowed. To contact Word Game creator Kathleen Saxe, write to Word Game, Kathleen Saxe, Universal Uclick, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.

Copyright 2015, Distributed by Universal Uclick for UFS

PISCES Travel is best kept to a (Feb. 20- minimum. You can accomMarch 20) plish more sticking close to home. An unusual partnership will develop if you do something to enrich your community or a worthy cause.

TUESDAY, AUGUST 2, 2016

19

Rio will deliver successful games, says IOC R io de Janeiro will deliver a successful Olympic Games, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) said yesterday, despite delays in preparations, lack of funds and the country suffering from its biggest political and economic turmoil in decades.

The first Games on the South American continent are due to start on Aug. 5 and organisers are still frantically rushing to prepare venues.

A metro extension to the Olympic park opened only on Saturday as Brazil grapples with its worst recession since the 1930s.

The $3.1 billion expansion of the metro to Barra, the area housing the Olympic park and athletes’ village, is key to the smooth transport of tens of thousands of fans and athletes between the Games’ differ-

ent competition zones.

But workers are still busy putting the finishing touches to the venues and dealing with problems in some Olympic accommodation.

The main ramp at the sailing centre collapsed on Saturday, adding another headache to last-minute preparations.

“There are some lastminute challenges but our Brazilian friends are addressing them,” IOC President Thomas Bach said. “It is all coming together. We are looking forward to great Games.”

“We are more confident than ever that we will have great Olympic Games in Rio in five days from now.

Olympic Games a la Brazil.”

CASH PROBLEMS When Rio won the right to host the Olympics in 2009

Thomas Bach

the country was posting near double-digit growth figures, a far cry from the current financial conditions.

Organisers have also had to depend on the IOC making some of the contributions towards their budget

months ahead of the original payment dates.

“We have been informed yesterday by the organising committee that they are still working on a balanced budget,” Bach said.

“With regard to these cash flow challenges the IOC has helped and is helping the organising committee to make sure these Games are the success we all want them to be.”

On a political level, suspended President Dilma Rousseff faces an impeachment trial over alleged budget irregularities, and the Senate is expected to vote against her the last week of August.

Interim President Michel Temer is widely expected to officially take over the presidency just days after the Olympics end on Aug. 21.

Temer has recognised he will probably be booed when he goes to the Games’ opening on Friday, while Rousseff has said she will not attend.

Hundreds of peaceful protesters on Sunday marched on Rio’s Copacabana beach to demand the ousting of Rousseff, A recent study also showed most Brazilians were pessimistic about the impact of the Games on their country.

According to a study by polling group Ibope, 60 percent of Brazilians believe the Games, expected to cost more than $12 billion and also hit by corruption investigations over contracts, will bring more harm than good. Only 32 percent believe the Games will bring benefits. (Reuters)

er Juninho says Neymar must display “emotional control” if he is to deliver his country’s first football gold medal at Rio 2016.

Success at the Olympics is the only major football honour to elude the Selecao, with pressure ramped up to break that run on home soil when the football competition kicks off on August 4.

Selecao skipper Neymar’s last international tournament ended in disgrace as he was sent off after the final whistle of Brazil’s 1-0 Copa America defeat to Colombia in 2015, earning him a fourmatch ban which ruled him out of the remainder of the event.

Having sat out this year’s Copa America to focus on the Olympic Games, former Middlesbrough

star Juninho – an Olympic bronze medallist in 1996 says the Barcelona attacker must display more control as he leads his country.

“Neymar is a different player, I think he is unique,” Juninho told Omnisport.

“When the ball lands on his foot everybody expect a goal. He is decisive on the national team.

“He must have extra emotional control, because he knows his importance on the Selecao. The team feels the difference and know how important Neymar is.

“So, Neymar: he is unique, but needs an emotional control. I believe that Brazil can win the Olympics 2016 with his help. I think Brazil has great players and they can bring the dream of the victory.” (SportsMax)

Hamilton wins in Germany to Neymar must control emotions extend championship lead at Rio 2016 - Juninho

Lewis Hamilton cruised to an unchallenged victory in yesterday’s German Formula One Grand Prix to extend his lead over Mercedes team mate Nico Rosberg at the top of the world championship standings.

Hamilton seized the advantage at the start from pole-sitter Rosberg, who drove an underwhelming race in front of his home fans, and was never overtaken.

The Briton crossed the line 6.9 seconds ahead of Red Bull’s Daniel Ricciardo, who was on the podium for the second race in a row on his 100th grand prix appearance.

His team mate Max Verstappen finished third, his fourth top-three result, to give Red Bull their first

LEWIS HAMILTON

double rostrum in more than a year.

Rosberg, who had looked unbeatable after topping every practice session, was only fourth after falling back

at the start and collecting a five-second time penalty for forcing Verstappen off the track.

It was Hamilton’s sixth victory in the last seven races and fourth in succession.

The 49th win of the reigning champion’s career left him two adrift of Frenchman Alain Prost’s mark of 51.

He now leads Rosberg by 19 points in the standings with nine rounds of a record 21-race season remaining.

“It’s been a hard slog for everyone in the team, for the whole year and obviously with ups and downs and the difficulties that we’ve had,” said Hamilton, who trailed Rosberg by 43 points after May’s Spanish Grand Prix.

“The real strength that we’ve shown, through and through, these last races has been inspiring for me.”(Reuters)

N Neymar

eymar can lead Brazil to their first Olympic gold medal in Rio de Janeiro if he can keep a lid on emotions, says former medallist Juninho.

Former Brazil midfield-

Arthur calls for the return of Pakistan ‘warriors’ at Edgbaston

P

akistan were “steamrollered” by England at Old Trafford and must “considerably” raise their game, says coach Mickey Arthur.

Mickey Arthur has demanded the return of Pakistan’s Lord’s “warriors” for the third Test against England at Edgbaston.

Pakistan secured a 75run victory at the Home of Cricket in the first of the four-match series, but were outplayed in all departments by the home side in

the second contest at Old Trafford as England secured a 330-run win to level at 1-1.

The series now reaches a crucial juncture in Birmingham and Pakistan coach Arthur has called on his side to show a marked improvement after their capitulation in Manchester.

“We’re going to have to raise our game considerably from Old Trafford, without a doubt,” said Arthur ahead of the start of the third Test on Wednesday.

“I was really disappoint-

ed with our performance at Old Trafford - really disappointed with the way we lost there.

“There are credible losses, and there are losses when you lie down and are steamrollered - Old Trafford was clearly that.

“I told the guys I thought we were warriors at Lord’s.

We were completely the opposite at Old Trafford.

“We’re doing everything we can to get us back on the right track, and I’m 100 per cent [sure] we will be come

the first ball on Wednesday.

“We had some good, hard conversations around our performance. We were outstanding at Lord’s, and very poor at Manchester. That’s clearly not what we want.

We want to get the gap between good and bad a little bit closer.”

Captain Alastair Cook and Joe Root were in particularly fine form for England in Manchester, the duo putting on a century stand in both innings.

But Arthur suggested

England are still vulnerable further down the order, and wants to see Pakistan do more damage against the likes of James Vince and Gary Ballance, whose place in the Test team remains under threat.

“We see them [Cook and Root] as fundamental to England’s batting,” he added. “I’m not discounting [Alex] Hales, but clearly Cook and Root are the beacon of England’s batting at the moment.

“Vince and Ballance are

quality players. But at this level confidence is such an important thing. They clearly know when they walk out to bat that they are playing for their Test places.

“So that provides another level of pressure. It’s not just the opposition running in and bowling a cricket ball at you. Suddenly that pressure is intensified as they’re playing for their places as well.

“We feel if we can get into them with the new ball we’ve got a real good chance.”

20

GUYANA-TIMES.COM

TUESDAY, AUGUST 2, 2016

Digicel’s schools tourney created opportunities for young talents

Jeremy Garrett

Keyshawn Dey Says Akeem Greene

U

nder its team Unite.

Develop. Excel, the Digicel School’s Football Championships which is in its sixth year ultimately created opportunities for young footballers in Guyana to showcase their talents, hopefully becoming household names in the near future.

The Under-18 tournament is viewed as the Mecca of schools football in the country, unearthing a wealth of talent from across all regions.

One of the many success stories of the tournament is that of Chase Academic Foundation’s Captain

Jeremy Garrett who believes his exposure in this tournament has done him immense justice in improving his skills as a footballer.

“I have been playing the tournament for more than five years, it has played very important element in my life and development of soccer”, he said.

Garrett who is also the captain of the Guyana Under-17 team which recently participated in Caribbean Football Union (CFU) tournament revealed that the players, who would have participated in the championships and played with him on the National team, had an acquired synergy.

Garrett stated, “Most of the players on the team played in the Digicel tournament and you could have seen that the combination between the Digicel players on the field was something special; most of players who played in the tournament [Digicel Football Championships] were those who catch-on quickly in the CFU tournament”.

Christainburg/Wismar Secondary School’s Keyshawn Dey explained that because of the tournament he gets the showcase his talent to a wider populace “It has played an important role in my life because you get to travel to different places in the country that you won’t think of going, you get to meet new players, you get to be seen by scouts to play for the national team; it basically lets you showcase your talent in public so everyone can see what you are capable of doing.”

Certainly, with such a wide talent pool being developed, there should be

avenues for players to attend clinics to enhance their abilities, one of which is the Digicel’s Kick-start clinic.

However, the company’s Head of Customer care Sherwin Obsoure explained that despite that there is uncertainly if there will be a clinic held this year, Guyana must continue to produce good quality youth football.

“I’m not too sure if it [Digicel Kick-start clinic] is going to happen this year but we are talks right now with the Guyana Football Federation to have not just the Digicel kick-start but to have academies where they come and scout players like they do in other territories but we do have to build our own product and quality”, the Osbourne stated.

He added, “They [scouts] are not going to show up because we gave them an invitation, we have to produce something that they think they should come and see, so it all starts from when we started six years ago, to develop these players and get it to a standard in order to

Jobe Caesar

build that product for persons to want to come”.

This tournament is vital in developing the nation’s future footballers, as many would have seen the likes of the Championship’s Most Valuable Player (MVP) Jobe Caesar, the highest goal scorer Keifer Brant and the energetic bunch of players from the interior regions.

Not forgetting, Omar Brewley, David George, Shaquille Campbell, Ryan Hackett, Nicholas McArthur, Kelsey Benjamin and Annai’s Vasoc Cabral.

The list can go on, but the resounding truth that will be posited, is that there is undoubtedly, a fountain of talented youths.

Caesar in particularly, seems worthy of the being in an institution where professionals can help foster his growth, as that scintillating free-kick he took from the edge of the 18-yard box that won Chase Academic Foundation the title this year, is one which will be remembered by many football adorning fans for time to come.

Looking ahead, creating a stronger link between the football and the academic mobility of the outstanding players, is area that could be addressed, with some persons calling for persons to be given at least local scholarships. (akeemg@guyanatimesgy.com)

Persistent rains, poor Western Tigers cop drainage affecting GCC GFA Stag League

W

W

The North Road drainage is swollen beyond capacity

ith the inclement weather of recent weeks, the Georgetown Cricket Club (GCC) has seen a lot of time lost for tournaments and training camps.

Captain of GCC, Graham Alli spoke on the issue on Sunday while the Club hosted a fund-raising tournament to restore the ancient ground to its former glory.

“It’s been nearly five weeks and the weather has not let up. We have slated a number of activities for the ground but only a few could’ve been achieved.

Even the 10/10 competition we hosted was reduced to one day instead of two.” Alli noted.

Even coach of the club, Monty Lynch, who is currently hosting a training camp for youngsters who are home from school with the desire to improve their cricket, in a number of instances, was forced to use the concrete surface and practice mats rather than to actually use the field.

The reality of the matter is that the water has nowhere to go since the drains surrounding the club has swollen beyond capacity.

Last week, a drainage pump was deployed on the North Road drain to relieve some of the water. However, the pump ‘broke down’ a short time after.

The weather however is

not dampening the spirits of cricket supporters and players as they continuously turn up every day to make the best of what is available.

A number of persons who hold interest in the club have already expressed their concerns and demands for the relevant authority to pay a special mind to this problem for the development of the sport at the Club.

The Bourda Ground is the oldest ground in the Caribbean but has been sidelined from international matches in Guyana since the inception of international cricket at Providence Stadium.

estern Tigers defeated Santos 2-0 Friday at the Georgetown Football Club (GFC) Ground,Bourda to be crowned the champion team of the Georgetown Football Association (GFA) Stag League.

Before the match, the West Ruimveldt unit had already sealed the title, as a Dwayne Ali free-kick led to the opening goal in the seventh minute.

The second goal, in the 23rd minute, was more convincing as sharpshooter Randolph Wagner skipped past the goalkeeper inside the

Randolph Wagner (left) and Dwayne Ali

box before slotting into the back of the net.

Western Tigers finished the league on 33 points from 10 wins, three draws and one defeat. They also avenged

their earlier 2-1 defeat to Santos in the first round of the championships.

The youthful Santos unit ended second position on 26 points.

DCC annual summer camp slated for August 8

T

he annual Demerara Cricket Club (DCC) summer camp is slated to commence on August 8, once the weather is favourable.

The camp which is held at the club’s Queenstown ground has been in existence for five years, and

under the stewardship of National Youth Coach Garvin Nedd, it teaches young cricketers the technical aspects of cricket along with the importance of socializing and fundamentals of the game.

The two-week long camp specifically targets the

younger group, namely the Under-13, U15 and U19s, some of whom go on to represent Guyana at the various levels.

Both current and former National players usually make appearances, sharing their experiences with the players

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21

SPORTS WICB Regional Under-19…

Guyana sinks to second consecutive loss — lose by 6 wickets to Leewards

G

uyana’s Poor run in the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) Regional Three Day Tournament continued yesterday as they suffered a humiliating six wicket defeat to the Leeward Islands inside two days at the Arnos Vale Playing Field in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

It was the second loss for the current champions in as many matches, with both ending inside two days in low scoring encounters.

They never recovered from a horrible start on the first morning (Saturday) where they were demolished for 42 and were eventually capitulated in the final hour on the second day as the Leewards moved to two wins from two matches.

New ball partners Javy Benjamin 3-9 and Kian Pemberton 4-28 were the main wreckers for Leewards on the first morning, receiving support from Jerrickson Louis, who took 2-0 to nail Guyana for the small total.

Ronaldo Renee Guyana’s leading batsman in the two matches was the only one to reach double figure on his way to 12 before he was caught by Benjamin off Pemberton’s bowling.

In their first innings, Leewards made 153 all out in 65.5 overs, with a lead of 111 as Camron Pennyfeather 48 and Ross Powell 26 led the way with the bat. Debutant

Kheshram Seyhodan was the pick of the Guyanese bowlers with effective figures of 6-32 from 19.5 overs while Akenie Adams, who got nine scalps in the first match, ended with 2-34.

With a lead of more than 100, Leewards return with

Kheshram Seyhodan

the ball to shatter Guyana as they slipped to 107-8, before recovering to reach 162 all out in 56.1 overs as the Guyanese batsmen failed for a fourth time this season.

Sherfane Rutherford top scored with 41 in a cameo which lasted 31 deliveries as the aggressive left-handed batsman hit three fours and four sixes. Number eight

batsman Bhaskar Yadram 37 and Malcolm Hubbard, both batting in unfamiliar positions added 55 for the ninth wicket before the latter perished for 35. Renee chipped in with 20 at the top of the order.

Benjamin, Kofi James and Daniel Doram captured two wickets apiece in another collaborative effort to rout the South Americans.

Needing 51 to secure their second victory of the season and a chance to claim the title after years of hiatus, the Leewards started shaky losing two wickets for two runs but recovered to win the match for the loss of just four wickets. James was not out at the end on 22 while Seyhodan, Rutherford and Keemo Paul claimed a wicket each.

At the end of the second day in the other two matches, Trinidad and Tobago was 28 runs adrift from claiming first innings with four wickets remaining against the Windward Islands and Barbados are eight wickets away from topping Jamaica outright.

Scores in the Trinidad versus Windwards are Windwards 204 all out and Trinidad 176-6. Meanwhile in the Barbados versus Jamaica clash the scores are as follow, Barbados 149 all out and 153 all out against Jamaica 125 and 2-1.

Bentick wins Mr Fitness Expo H

undreds were treated to a night of astonishment at the Princess Ramada Hotel on Sunday when the Fitness Paradise Gym hosted its 3rd annual Fitness Expo.

In the Miss Bikini contest, Xamiera Kippins was awarded first place, while Adiola Frank walked away with second place followed

by Delice Adonis and Addis Castello in third and fourth respectively.

Kippins also walked away with the Miss Best Legs prize as Castello copped second place. Frank was adjudged third with Delice Adonis finished in fourth.

Vanessa Small placed fifth and Sharon Mohan got sixth.

It was a night of accomplishments for all six of the participating young ladies as this was their debut fitness event and was congratulated by all.

In the males’ contests, Jarryl Moore won both Mr. Hot Body and Mr. Best Abs. Onayi Vasconcellos placed second in the Mr. Hot Body category whilst Jaleel Weekes, Darrin Noble, Travis Clemens and Carlos

Rashleigh Bentick

Overdo ranked third to sixth in that order.

Dwayne Chung was rewarded second place in the Mr. Best Abs category with Rashleigh Bentick finishing off the top three. Carloss Ovedo retained fourth place and Jaleel Weekes Paul Meusa and Darrin Noble claimed fifth, sixth and sev-

enth respectively.

Vickram Jhailu won Mr. Expo for the juniors and Jaleel Weekes was runnerup.

In the seniors Mr. Expo, Rashleigh Bentick copped first followed by Dwayne Chung and Jamaul Tinnie in second and third respectively.

22

GUYANA-TIMES.COM

TUESDAY, AUGUST 2, 2016

West Indies vs India, 2nd Test, Kingston, 3rd day...

Rain ruins play after India declare with 304 lead SCOREBOARD

Jason Holder is jubilant after trapping Wriddhiman Saha leg before wicket

A

Test match can be a bit like a puppy dog.

And great players can lead it wherever they want.

This West Indian XI does not have great players. They have great triers. Captain Jason Holder and coach Phil Simmons put the men on defence - understandable considering the opposition had a fat lead. Despite their best efforts, the only thing that seemed to threaten India's chances in Kingston was the weather. A tropical storm has been forecast to hit the region on the fourth day.

Ajinkya Rahane found himself part of a pattern, one that has been central to India's success on this tour of the Caribbean. They have

batted eleven-and-a-half sessions in this series. And a set batsman had been out there every time. Shikhar Dhawan, Virat Kohli and R Ashwin began the trend in Antigua. It continued with KL Rahul yesterday and Rahane today, as he got to his fifty with a fierce square cut to the third man boundary. It was a shot he used often and his back-foot play overall was excellent.

India weren't pushing themselves to full tilt though. The mountains on the horizon were obscured by heavy cloud. Rain came seven overs after lunch and spirited 52 minutes out of the game. Offspinning allrounder Roston Chase took

West Indies first Innings 196 India 1st innings K Rahul c †Dowrich b Gabriel 158 S Dhawan c Bravo b Cha se 27 C Pujara run out (Cha se) 46 V Kohli* c Chandrika b Cha se 44 A Rahane not ou t 108 R Ashwin lbw b Bishoo 3 W Saha† lbw b Holder 47 A Mishra c Chandrika b Ch ase 21 M Shami b Chase 0 U Yadav c Holder b Cha se 19 Extras (b 8, lb 3, w 6, nb 10 ) 27 Total (9 wickets dec; 171.1 overs) 500 Did not bat: I Sharma Fall of wickets 1-87 (Dhawan, 19.3 ov), 2-208 (Pujara, 72.2 ov), 3-277 (Rahul, 95.4 ov), 4-310 (Kohli, 103.3 ov), 5-327 (Ashwin, 112.1 ov), 6-425 (Saha, 151.4 ov), 7-458 (Mishra, 163.4 ov), 8-458 (Mohammed Shami, 163.5 ov), 9-500 (Yadav, 171.1 ov) Bowling: Gabriel 288-62-1, Cummins 26.4-4-87-0, Holder 34.2-12-72-1, Chase 36.14-121-5, Bishoo 35-5-1071, Brathwaite 11-0-40-0

two wickets in two balls and had them eight down when play resumed. The run-scoring stayed sedate.

Virat Kohli, sipping tea in the dressing room, was still in his training gear.

He was clearly not thinking about the declaration.

Perhaps Rahane approaching a Test century away from home had something to do with that. And with only Nos. 10 and 11 for company he began to farm the strike.

This was where West Indies' discipline paid off. They had given away only 142 runs in 46.1 overs. They made India bat long for a lead they liked. Three hundred and four runs behind, with more than two days left, saving this Test will be incredibly hard, but with severe inclement weather around, the possibility can't be ruled out. A good chunk of the second session and all of the third was washed off after India had declared.

Rahane squirted an outside edge between slip and the wicketkeeper in the 170th over to reach his third hundred in four innings, captured on camera by the coach Anil Kumble and celebrated vigorously by his team-mates. The locals at Sabina Park had something to cheer too when Chase

Roston Chase leads his team off the ground after picking up his maiden five-wicket haul

induced a top edge from Umesh Yadav to wrap up his first five-for in his second Test. With a high-arm action resembling Nathan Lyon, he got the ball to dip and bounce. Amit Mishra failed to get to the pitch of one and caught at short leg.

Seconds later Mohammed Shami was bowled playing down the wrong line. Chase had worn a sheepish grin yesterday when he conceded he hadn't liked going without a wicket on debut. Now he was leading his team off.

India remain in control at Sabina Park. Their bowling strategies have been clever; their batting plans

responsible. They are favourites to win back-to-back Tests outside the subcontinent. The last time that happened was in 2006; they beat West Indies at this very venue in June, waited six months for their next tour and beat South Africa in Johannesburg.

The last time that happened in the same series was against Zimbabwe in 2005. Dilute that equation to include only the topeight teams, and you end up at 1986 when they beat England at Lord’s and Leeds. History beckons, if weather permits. (Cricinfo)

Queensway Security Service sponsors GSSF practical shooting match Q

ueensway Security Service Inc. (Q.S.S.) is the latest corporate agency to support the Guyana Sport Shooting Federation (G.S.S.F.). The leading security company has over the years continued to recognise shooting as a sport and gives the company's commitment to fostering the continued growth of the sport in Guyana.

This was highlighted as Queensway Security Service gave sponsorship to the growing Federation for their

upcoming Practical Shooting competition.

At a simple hand-over ceremony at the Company’s Head-Office at 153 Regent Road and Oronoque Streets, Bourda Georgetown, Chief Operations Officer of Q.S.S., Lancelot Khan, presented the sponsorship funds to G.S.S.F. Chairman of the Practical Shooting Committee, David Dharry who thanked the security company for the usual support given to the G.S.S.F. In an invited comment,

Khan highlighted that he is happy to be involved and that he has seen first-hand the discipline and high level of safety surrounding the sport not only in Guyana but also around the Caribbean and further afield.

He also mentioned the added benefit sport shooting brings to practical shooters with regards to the training element for safe and accurate firearm use in a totally dynamic environment.

Preparations are on stream for the match which

will feature four exciting stages according to a release from the Match Committee.

Match Director, Vidushi Persaud-McKinnon noted that the divisions which will be recognised are limited and production, which will see trophies handed out for the top three overall in each division. She went on to indicate that the Match will be open to all experienced Practical Pistol Shooters of Guyana and advised competitors to pre-register.

Interested sanctioned

practical shooters wanting to come out to have some safe shooting fun, can contact any Committee Member of the GSSF, visit www.guyanasportshooting.com for further details or simply send an email to info@guyanasportshooting.com indicating their interest to participate.

Practical shooting is regarded as any type of sport shooting that involves engaging targets while having to move with the firearm.

The handgun element of sport simultaneously mea-

sures the ability of the competitor to shoot rapidly and accurately with a full power handgun in a safe, fair, fun and competitive environment. Scoring takes into account three elements – speed, accuracy and power. Every GSSF’s Practical Shooting Match is made up of stages that seek to measure a shooter’s ability in all three elements and coordinated under strict safety guidelines marshaled by experienced Range Officials.

Wolf’s Challenge Cup Softball tournament…

HS Masters hands Regal Masters first defeat — Superior Woods, Wolf Warriors register wins

A

s the Wolf’s Challenge Cup Softball Tournament continued on Sunday, HS Masters played out of their skins to hand Regal Masters their first loss of the competition at the Malteenos Sports Club.

Regal Masters won the toss and decided to field on a wet outfield. HS Masters posted a commanding 143 for 4 in their 20 overs with Danny Mohanram clobbering the Regal bowling for 67 inclusive of five maximums and two boundaries.

Mohamram was well sup-

HS Masters’ (from left) Michael IFIll, Balram Lakhram and Danny Mohanram

ported by Balram Lakhran’s 25 (2x4). David Harper lead the bowling attack for the Regal Masters taking two wickets for 26 runs from his

four overs.

In reply, Regal Masters fell eight runs short of remaining undefeated, having only played with a

nine-man team. The Regal side tattered to 132 with the only resistance coming from Mahendra Chunilall’s 30 (3x6) and Mahendra Hardyal’s 21 (3x4, 1x6).

Balram Lahram returned with the ball to take match figures of 3-0-32-3, well supported by Michael Ifill’s 3-12.

The match between Regal All Stars and Tropical Springs had to be inevitably cancelled with only three players available for Tropical Springs.

Superior Woods recorded a convincing 60 run victory over Albion Masters in the

second match of the day.

Albion won the toss and decided to bowl, only managing to take seven wickets as Superior Woods posted 156. Surrendra Kumar blasting 41 (2x6, 1x4) while Peter Persaud and Rudolph Johnson both chipped in with 22 runs each.

John Sumir was the pick of the bowlers carting away with 4/23 from his four overs.

Albion responded with a dismal batting display, as they were rattled out for 96.

B. Lachard top scored with 36 (3x6, 3x4). Peter Persaud made a return with the ball

for the Superior Woods team, taking 3/18 while Rudolph Persaud gathered 4/8 in his four overs.

In the final match of the day Wolf Warriors triumphed over Fisherman Masters in a close contest.

Fisherman Masters posted 139 for the loss of seven in their 20 overs. Jagdesh Persaud was the stalwart of the innings during his composed 56. Wolf Warriors reached to the target with seven deliveries to spare. R. Narine top scored with 30 with Fallim Bacchus scoring 25.

GUYANA-TIMES.COM

TUESDAY, AUGUST 2, 2016

23

Hero Caribbean Premier League…

Powell, Smith predict challenging encounter breakout star of this Hero CPL, says they want a win to get themselves one step closer to the franchise’s second title.

“We really want to go to St Kitts and get the final place secured. Fort Lauderdale hasn’t been a happy hunting ground for us over the last few days but there are a lot of positives we can take from those games looking forward

T20, anyone can turn up and produce a match winning performance. It is just us focusing on our game plan and not thinking about them too much.”

Dwayne Smith of the Amazon Warriors says that his side is brimming with confidence having lost just three matches this season to finish top of the Hero CPL table.

Hero Caribbean Premier League Play-Offs Fixtures

Christopher Gayle’s last match against the Warriors he made a quick fire 45 that propelled his team to victory and his bighitting will pose a threat once more

T

he fourth edition of the Hero Caribbean Premier League is now into its knockout stage so starting on Wednesday in St Kitts & Nevis the four teams that have reached the playoffs will commence their penultimate quest of becoming the 2016 Champions.

The first match features top of the league Guyana Amazon Warriors against Jamaica Tallawahs on Wednesday night (7pm) for a spot in Sunday’s finals.

The winner will go straight to the finals while the loser will get a second chance to qualify with another match against winner of playoff two which involves St. Lucia Zouks and Trinbago Knight Riders.

The Warriors and Tallawahs clashes have always been very competitive over the years and no different is expected on

Wednesday when the two teams meet for the tenth time in CPL’s history. Prior to Wednesday’s match the Warriors have been the more dominant of the two teams with five win in the nine matches to date. In this year’s event both teams have managed a win each, playing the other. However, it is Guyana that has played the most consistent cricket. In doing so they have qualified for the playoffs at the top of the table after winning seven of their 10 matches.

Meanwhile the Tallawahs on the other hand is doing a good job so far and much will be expected come this Wednesday.

According to CPL the Following is what two players from the opposing teams had to say about the upcoming match.

Rovman Powell of the Jamaica Tallawahs, a

Wed Aug 3 19:00h Playoff 1 - Guyana Amazon Warriors vs Jamaica Tallawahs (1st v 2nd)

Warner Park, Basseterre, St Kitts Thu Aug 4 19:00h Playoff 2 - St Lucia Zouks vs Trinbago Knight Riders (3rd v 4th)

Warner Park, Basseterre, St Kitts Fri Aug 5 20:00h Playoff 3 - TBC vs TBC (Playoff 2 Winner vs Playoff 1 Loser)

Warner Park, Basseterre, St Kitts Sun Aug 7 19:00h Final - TBC vs TBC (Playoff 1 Winner vs Playoff 3 Winner)

Warner Park, Basseterre, St Kitts

to the finals,” said Powell.

Back-to-back losses to the St Lucia Zouks in the Florida leg will have dented the Tallawahs’ confidence somewhat and Powell admits they need to find a way to come back strong.

“It is not really a clean slate, Guyana Amazon Warriors are a good team, it is important for us to come back and get our act together. We have got the next few days to get our plans right for the finals.”

Speaking of the opposition Powell says he is aware of the star men in the Amazon Warriors side but that they need to plan for playing the whole squad, not just the big names.

“They have Jason Mohammad who has been batting well and Chris Lynn as an overseas player, but we are not just focusing on two players we are focusing on all 14 or 15 players. It is

“I think the guys are going to be very upbeat. This is what we wanted to do, to end in the top two, and that is what we just did. It is just to go out there now in St Kitts and perform as best we can. Even when we lost games this season the guys were still upbeat. It is one family here which is good and I hope we can carry on the performances and take it to the knockouts.”

Smith says that moving from playing in Florida to Warner Park in St Kitts will not present a problem for his side and he doesn’t feel the other teams will struggle to make the transition either.

“I don’t think it will be a challenge [to adapt to conditions], everyone knows how the pitch plays in St Kitts already so it is going to be good games, it is going to be tough but I am sure that we can come out on top.”

The Amazon Warriors

Left-arm seamer Sohail Tanvir has been in good bowling form, picking up 18 wickets at an economy rate of 6.7 and will be vital in getting the early break through

lost their captain Martin Guptill to New Zealand duty halfway through the season but the absence of their leader and star opening batsman did not unduly affect them. Smith credits the excellent team spirit the Amazon Warriors have created for this.

“From the time that I went to join the team in the camp before the tournament I could see the camaraderie in the team and to see that where you have people coming from all over the Caribbean and all over the world it is good to see that we were together as one so quick. I knew from that time that we were going to be one of the teams contending for the championship. Any T20 game is a competitive game so once we continue to be consistent with our performances we can continue to come out on top.”

Guyana Amazon Warriors: -Rayad Emrit (captain), Sohail Tanvir, Dwayne Smith, Chris Lynn, Nick Maddison, Adam Zampa, Jason Mohamed, Christopher Barnwell, Veerasammy Permaul, Orlando Peters, Assad Fudadin, Shimron Hetmyer, Anthony Bramble, Paul Wintz, Steven Jacobs, Steven Katwaroo, Muhammad Ahsan Ali Khan.

Jamaica TallawahsChris Gayle: (captain), Shakib Al Hasan, Andre Russell, Kumar Sangakkara, Imad Wasim, Dale Patterson, Rovman Powell, Chadwick Walton, Jon-Russ Jaggesar, Andre McCarthy, Jonathan Foo, Alex Ross, Keswick Williams, Nkrumah Bonner, Garey Mathurin, Timroy Allen and Oshane Thomas.

Guyanese Crandon delighted with JB Masters inaugural T&DCA Super6 50-over trophy — entire team dedicates win to the late Johnny Bujan….

By Ravi Madholall in Toronto

J

B Masters Cricket Club surged to a commanding 187-run win over Mississauga Ramblers in the recent final of the 2016 inaugural Toronto and District Cricket Association (T&DCA) Super6 50-over competition.

JB Masters, formerly known as Brampton Masters, piled on a formidable 286 all out off 49.5 overs on a receptive King City pitch while Mississauga Ramblers, in reply, were scuffled out for 99 in the 32nd over.

Skipper of the victorious team, Royston Crandon, expressed elation and also stated that the side wants to dedicate the championship trophy to the late Johnny Bujan, who was the owner of the club.

Bujan met his demise approximately three months ago at the age of 50 via a mo-

tor vehicular accident in his native country, Trinidad and Tobago.

According to the former Guyana and West Indies allrounder Crandon, Johnny’s ultimate absence is bitterly missed but the team kept their composure to desirably win this trophy for him.

“We want to dedicate the trophy to him; he is obviously missed but I am more than happy to win something for him in 2016; he was a great leader and was very inspiring around the team,” Crandon, who featured in a solitary one-day international and 24 first-class matches, related.

For many, Johnny was an influential figure in the cricketing fraternity in Ontario having served as Canada Cricket Manager for a lengthy time as well while he volunteered his services to T&DCA over the years as a Director.

“We are still very thank-

The victorious JB Masters team strike a pose after winning the tournament

ful to Johnny for what he had done for our team; now with the 50-over Elite tournament still playing we want to come out on top again,” the right-handed Crandon commented.

JB Masters since 2010

have captured the Elite 50over trophy three times and are the reigning champion.

Crandon, in his first year as captain, mentioned what the Masters side has achieved over the years are accurate reflections of Johnny’s liv-

ing examples because he had believed in working hard for success.

On their way to the 2016 honours, JB Masters played 12 preliminary round games before culminated in this triumphant fashion. Varun

Sehdev was in magnificent form scoring an unbeaten 109 while Crandon also placed himself nicely in the runs column with 69.

Sandeep Jyoti and Taresh Beri claimed wickets for the losers. When they batted, only Ravain Yusuf with 28 that helped give the score some amount of respectability.

Spinner Mark Montfort bagged three wickets for four runs from three overs while there were two wickets apiece for Crandon, Asghar Hotak and Saad Bin Zafar.

Crandon attributed the success to total team effort and great consistency in both departments of the game. He is very optimistic the guys are now raring to go for the Super6 T20 which will be in memory of Johnny, according to the T&DCA. That competition (Johnny Bujan Super6 T20 memorial) is expected to bowl off very soon.

TUESDAY, AUGUST 2, 2016

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

Pg 23

Ravmon Powell

Powell, Smith predict challenging encounter

Dwayne Smith

Hero Caribbean Premier League 2016…

West Indies vs India, 2nd Test, Kingston, 3rd day...

Pg 22

Ajinkya Rahane struck his fifth Test century away from home and helped take India's lead over 300 © Associated Press

Rain ruins play after India declare with 304 lead

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