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Govt seeking billions from Int’l donors ... to finance agriculture, fisheries, forestry projects guyana-times.com

Issue No. 2953

Saturday, August 20, 2016

Page 3

Assessment urges USAID to push reforms in Guyana Page 7

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WHAT'S INSIDE: P7 Duo arraigned for murder of 13-year-old

PPP blasts Govt over discrimination against Indigenous Page 2 peoples

– calls for restoration of major projects

Olato Sam sent packing …as Ministry begins search for replacement P10

Brazilian P9 national fined $7M for mining in protected area

Pensioner fined for assaulting granddaughter

Rehabilitation works ongoing at a Konawaruk Bridge, Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni) which was recently swept away by flooding caused by bad weather. The bridge is essential to mining operations in that region. Restoration work is being undertaken by MMC Inc

Eric Phillips justifies SARA’s role Page 10

…says it will hound anyone who stole State assets

P8

Embattled PS sues TV Reporter for $20M over $10B claims Page 9

Police granted extension to P9 detain “Satan”

2 NEWS

SATURDAY, AUGUST 20, 2016 | GUYANA-TIMES.COM

PPP blasts Govt over discrimination against Indigenous peoples – calls for the restoration of major projects

T

he People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) on Friday blasted the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Government for what it said is its blatant neglect of the Indigenous peoples of Guyana.

Member of Parliament (MP) and former Amerindian Affairs Minister, Pauline Sukhai, said since the new Administration took office just over 15 months ago, there has been little progress seen in the lives of Amerindians, particularly the youth. She spoke of the disbanding and cancellation of several beneficial projects for Amerindian students and questioned the reason behind Government’s move to do this.

Her comments followed inquiries from the media on whether the PPP was pleased with the way it left the communities back in 2015, and if it should be criticising the current Administration for its move to distribute shoes to Amerindian students.

But Sukhai said there cannot be a comparison be-

The People’s Progressive Party Civic members from left former Minister of Amerindian Affairs

Pauline Sukhai, PPPC Chief Whip Gail Teixeira and Former Head of the National Toshaos Councils Yvonne Pearson

tween the work the previous Administration did and what is currently being done by the APNU/AFC Government.

“What is alarming is the fact that the PPP/Civic Government was in the process and had been giving minibuses and pickups, and boats and other forms of transport to assist children to access education in and out of their communities. Today there is a total turnaround,” the MP stated.

Sukhai said the only item students are receiving is a few boots and it is not even being given to every child of every community.

“In fact, they have de-

nied Indigenous children significant investment to assist them. So how can you compare giving a few children a few boots and handpicked students a few bicycles here and there and you are not continuing these significant investments to Indigenous children. Why should they be denied those forms and mediums of transportation and be given boots,” Sukhai lamented.

Sukhai said the PPP Government had worked beyond simply distributing boots. “We worked to ensure that life was made a lot easier and that the supporting arm of the Government, with

respect to the Village Council, was significant. Giving a child in the hinterlands a boot is not significant investment.

Why deny that investment?

Why these major commitments and investments that are necessary for Amerindians have been discontinued? Why would we want to diminish our Indigenous people?” The former Amerindian Affairs Minister said there is little that can be pointed to with regards to improving the lives of Indigenous peoples. According to her, Indigenous people did not escape the discrimination and “witch hunting” after Government took office.

“We could point to the dismantling of the land titling unit and the dismissal of the Project Coordinator, Associate, and the CDP Project Coordinator… We saw the discrimination against the youth, the dismantling of the Young Entrepreneurship Programme which was replaced with a less effective programme, HEYS.” She said what was more disturbing is that the Minister had assured villages that the new programme would have been much better than the previous programme.

Meanwhile, fellow Member of Parliament and former Head of the National Toshaos Council, Yvonne Pearson said at this point in time, and with the upcoming Indigenous Heritage Month set for September, persons are already asking what will be there be to celebrate.

“Being out in the field and talking to the people, there is nothing new to add to the 2016 celebrations. We have encroachments of the land the former PPP Government had been making special efforts to

address these issues. When we left office, we left vibrant funds to address land issues for Indigenous peoples. Today the big question is what happened to that?” Pearson questioned.

Joining in on the conversation also was the Party’s Chief Whip Gail Teixeira, who said that while the PPP Government does not boast reducing poverty to zero during its tenure, it was able to do significantly well enough to improve the lives of persons living in the hinterland region.

She said when the Party left office in 2015, there was water, lights and every village had a nursery and primary school. “But the process did not end, not in Guyana, nor in the Amerindian villages.”

What happened, she said, was that Indigenous peoples were able to have greater access to opportunities offered to every Guyanese who live on the coastland. She said the PPP would be willing to fully support any venture the Government would take to improve the lives of the Amerindians.

Deeds Registry fiasco

President says he will be guided by AG

Attorney General Basil Williams

Former Attorney General Anil Nandlall

resident David Granger has pronounced on the matter brewing between Attorney General (AG) and Legal Affairs Minister, Basil Williams and his predecessor, Anil Nandlall, over the role of the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) in the appointment of Registrars of the Commercial and Deeds Registry.

While he did not comment directly to the issue of the appointment of Attorney Zanna Frank, the Head of State said he will be taking advice from his Attorney General.

Both Williams and Nandlall have been fighting tooth and nail over the role of the JSC, which is currently taking a backlash from the AG, for appointing what he said was an unqualified and inexperienced person to the post of Deputy Registrar of the Deeds Registry. Williams raised the issue during a meeting with the press on Monday, and said the role and powers of the JSC needed to be reined in, as it does not have the power to make such appointments. In fact, Williams said the powers given to the JSC were not in the 1980 and 1996 Constitutions and was only passed on during the tenure of the previous People’s Progressive Party (PPP) Administration.

On his weekly televised programme, the “Public

Interest “ on Thursday, President Granger said he will be advised by his Attorney General; however, he stated that “in most western jurisdictions, there’s a line between the Judiciary and the Executive and the Legislative arms of Government. What the AG has pointed to is that there is a blurring of the line between the Judicial and the Executive branches”.

Williams said the powers held by the JSC in this regard will have to be looked at and be quickly removed from the law.

He said the Deeds Registry is an autonomous body which falls under the Executive arm of the State, and that the JSC is a part of the Judicial branch.

In a most recent response, Nandlall again maintained that the JSC was in the right in its move to appoint.

“There is no obligation placed upon the JSC to consult with the AG or any other person in respect of this appointment. Secondly, he alleges that ‘the JSC was acting excessively and out of their jurisdiction’. This contention is incomprehensible. A tribunal acts in excess of and without jurisdiction if it makes a decision that it has no lawful power to make.”

He summarised Article 199 of the Constitution, which he said, clearly vests in the JSC the power to appoint a Deputy Registrar of Deeds.

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NEWS

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SATURDAY, AUGUST 20, 2016 | GUYANA-TIMES.COM

BRIDGE OPENINGS The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Saturday, August 20 – 05:30h-07:00h and Sunday, August 21 – 05:30h-07:00h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Saturday, August 20 – 05:30h-07:00h and Sunday, August 21 – 06:15h-07:45h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY

Weather: Light rain showers with sunny intervals can be expected throughout most of the day, while sunny weather is expected in the afternoon. Clear skies can be expected in the evening. Temperatures are expected to range between 24 degrees and 31 degrees Celsius.

Winds: Easterly to East North-easterly between 1.78 metres and 3.57 metres.

High Tide: 05:44h and 18:06 reaching a maximum height of 2.86 metres and 2.82 metres respectively.

Low Tide: 11:40h and 23:59h reaching minimum heights of 0.38 metre at each scheduled low tide.

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 17, 2016

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Govt seeking billions from Int’l donors

... to finance agriculture, fisheries, forestry projects

T

he Guyana Government has said it has several billion dollars worth of projects in the pipeline that would be funded with the help of its international donor partners, even as tax remissions to the local business community plunges significantly.

This information is contained in the recently released financial mid-year report on the national accounts. The report was presented by Finance Minister Winston Jordan to the National Assembly shortly before it went into recess.

Minister Jordan in his report that has since been made public, said Government continues to actively work with donor partners to develop and effect investment programmes in key areas: “The potential projects in the pipeline for agriculture, fisheries and forestry are valued at a total of US$40.45 million (G$8 billion).”

He also highlighted areas of trade, industry and business development, public infrastructure, and energy.

“It is anticipated that several of these projects will be presented to the executive boards of their respective donors during the second half of the year,” he said.

Among the developmental partners that Minister Jordan referred to are; India, China, Germany, the United Kingdom, the European Union, the World Bank, the Inter-American Development Bank and the Caribbean Development Bank.

Among the projects highlighted is the construction of the Del Conte road – Parika to Goshen – with the help of the Chinese.

The EU has been approached, according to Jordan, for €30 million to

Finance Minister Winston Jordan

support the effective implementation of the new 2015 policy, including harmonising the legal framework, developing updated disaster risk management (DRM) policies and enhancing coordination of agencies as part of the promotion of disaster risk management practices through an Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM) approach in line with the approved 2015 Sea and River Defence Policy and Strategy.

The report also documents that the Government of India has already approved an US$8 million grant, meant to augment an earlier US$10 million loan for the purchase of a ferry vessel to ply the Parika to Port Kaituma route.

Other projects identified for international support by donor partners includes US$14 million being sought to support the Ministry of Education with its Education Sector Improvement Project.

The Ministry of Public Health is also looking to secure US$14 million from India to assist with modernising three existing hospitals, namely Suddie, West Demerara and Bartica, “by transforming them into state-of-the-art centres of excellence.”

The Government of Guyana submitted project profiles and preliminary floor plans to the Government of India for consideration and is currently awaiting feedback from the Government of India, according to Minister Jordan.

Several other loans and grants are also actively being pursued by government in order to address areas of Governance and Public Administration, Community, Human and Social Development.

Tax remissions decline

Meanwhile, even as Government actively pursues international assistances, tax remissions af-

forded to the local business community have been on the decline.

The Mid-year report documents that the Guyana Government withheld from the business community almost $6 billion in tax remission for the first six months of this year; and the decline is said to be directly due to Government’s review of concessions to sectors, businesses, and individuals, in order to ensure concessions are in line with the country’s development agenda.

According to the report, tax remissions for January to June 2016 were recorded at $20.7 billion – equivalent to 27.5 per cent of tax collections.

This compares to $26.4 billion representing 37.3 per cent of tax collections for the same period in 2015.

The main categories of reduction in remissions were companies/businesses at $5.5 billion; Ministries and Departments of Government, $430.6 million; and foreign projects, $197.4 million. It was noted however that remissions to diplomats increased by $329.5 million, public officials/officers by $85.1 million, hospitals by $65.9 million, and remigrants, $18.6 million.

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SATURDAY, AUGUST 20, 2016

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

Editorial

The Drop-In Centre fire

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he Commission of Inquiry (CoI) report into the fire at the Hadfield Street Drop-in Centre last month, which claimed the lives of two children, was handed in earlier this week. The report concluded that the incident was a tragedy waiting to happen.

For many this came as no surprise, as for quite some time now, several stakeholders have been raising various concerns about the facility regarding its safety and the level of care it provides for children placed there.

Previously, sections of the media have sought to highlight the many problems plaguing the facility but to no avail. In fact the authorities had always sought to downplay the reports and present a picture that all was well at the facility. In any modern society, there would have been very strong actions recommended against those who were found to be lacking in their response to the tragedy.

It is quite clear that at all levels, including even at the levels of the Minister of Social Protection and the Director of the Childcare Protection Agency (CPA), very little concern was shown towards ensuring those placed in the State’s care were given the kind of protection they deserve.

Minister Volda Lawrence has been in that position for well over a year now and at least should have put certain policy mechanisms in place aimed at ensuring what obtained previously changed for the better. It is quite unfortunate that it had to take another fire and the loss of the lives of two children to cause the authorities to wake up from their slumber.

It should be noted that there was a similar fire a few years back at the facility; and even though no one died, many of the children were left traumatised. One is therefore left to wonder what changes were made, if any, since then, to ensure that our children are well protected from such tragedies.

The findings of the recent inquiry conducted by Retired Colonel Windee Algernon found that the children/staffer ratio was not adhered to and that on the morning of the fire, there were not enough staff on duty to meet the needs of children. Additionally, the house service supervisor, while she had the authority to call out more staff, failed to do so.

The CoI also found that there were written guidelines for the management of crisis situations, including fires; however, the house manager and other senior staff seemed unfamiliar with them. And so when the fire occurred, there was confusion and panic, resulting in the tragedy.

Of note too is that the inquiry found that the fire was caused by a defective electrical outlet fitted with exposed wires on the eastern wall of the girls’ dormitory. This, the report said, played a role in the ignition of the fire by subsequent heat transfer. It should be mentioned that the authorities had also concluded that the 2010 fire at the facility was also as a result of an electrical problem.

The fire department at the time had made some recommendations that would have minimised the possibility of a similar situation occurring. It is still not known what sort of corrective work was done to fix the electrical problems which seem to be plaguing the facility since that time. How did such a situation occur a second time?

Along with the findings, the CoI made some recommendations, including that the Social Protection Ministry and the CPA continue to focus on overhauling child protection, cutting redtape and improving the skills and knowledge of social workers so that they could adequately protect children in the State’s care.

It was also recommended that the emergency evacuation plans be developed and practiced at all childcare facilities, and that in-house training, including rehearsals, be conducted for staff in crises management and childcare centres.

It is hoped that these recommendations will be acted upon immediately by the relevant authorities. The issue of child care cannot be taken lightly. In the meantime, we are still waiting to see what sort of action will be taken against those who are found to be responsible.

Two lads during a performance at a sixday camp hosted by the Guyana Police Force in collaboration with the Guyana Association of Women Police. The youth camp came to a formal close on Friday in Madewini (Dexter Ceres photo)

The nature of the regime and corruption Dear Editor, Over the last year since the APNU/AFC assumed power in our country, the regime took some actions that have caused widespread and deep concern in the population generally.

It is not difficult to ascertain the nature of this Government. Many persons have already noted that they have picked up where the PNC left off in 1992.

Indeed, President Granger is a product of that period and seems determined to pursue some aspects of Burnham’s policies and positions.

This attribute of the administration is not surprising, since the party really in power in Guyana is the People’s National Congress (PNC), the main force within the APNU/AFC. Like the PNC when it was in power, this Government is really a bureaucratic, capitalist group.

Their whole drive for power was not motivated by what they could do to help our country to move forward, but how they can promote their own economic wellbeing and be in the upper echelons of society. One of the first acts of this regime was to give their Cabinet

members substantial pay increases in not only their salaries, but their allowances as well.

The number of advisors has also greatly increased.

These persons are part of the elite and must be handsomely remunerated. It is doubtful if most of them are called upon to advise the President and his Cabinet members. This is just another strategy to create ‘jobs for the boys/girls.’

The new CEOs that have taken over Government departments and public corporations have been given salaries and allowances more than double their predecessors who served in the former PPP/C Administration.

The Opposition PPP/C has publicly stated, including at Parliamentary sessions, that even in the Parliament they are not receiving all the information they ask for. To date, neither the Opposition nor the public have any idea of how much money was collected from the private sector for the D’Urban Park project, for instance.

The recent revelation about the bond being rented for $12.5 million per month to store drugs for the Government is another ep-

isode in the ongoing saga about the shady nature of the government and how it operates.

It is apposite to note a special team comprising cabinet members was set up to investigate this scandal.

The question already being asked is: why was the auditor general not asked to conduct the investigation?

We are also seeing the many cases that the regime, through the attorney general, has been settling. This is very disturbing since these transactions are costing the taxpayers of this country billions of dollars.

Again, one is left to ponder the motivations behind these tax settlements.

Such a regime does not like opposition. They would look for ways to stifle and drown criticisms.

We have already noted how miserly they are with providing information in the Parliament.

However, they are also looking at other mechanisms to shut down dissent. The creation of SARA and the powers which the Government has granted this unit, together with the possibility of a special police prosecutor and special court is designed to kill crit-

icism in the name of ‘assets recovery.’

If they were really interested in asset recovery and transparency, they would have accepted the motion by the PPP/C made in Parliament for public disclosure of all assets held by all members of the National Assembly.

But no, they have moved ahead to establish an elaborate mechanism that will cost millions, with the aim of witch-hunting opposition now and in the future.

It is just over a year since the regime took the reins of power and we already see in clear-cut lines, the fingerprints of the old PNC. The regime has already become corrupt and will become increasingly so with time.

The only way to stop this is for all Guyanese to make their voices heard. We must all speak loudly enough for not only those in authority to hear, but in the corridors of the international community as well.

If not, the regime will become more oppressive and dictatorial as time passes.

Sincerely, Donald Ramotar, Former President

Government’s anti-working class measures Dear Editor, The Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Guyana (FITUG) is aware that not all elections campaign promises can be fulfilled soon after a new government assumes office. However, after some fourteen months since the national election, the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC)

Administration has not merely failed to honour the nice sounding promises they made, many of which are reflected in their manifesto, but actually reneged on issues impacting on the cost of living and wages of workers.

The 2016 National Budget, one of the two presented to Parliament by the coalition Administration, is incredulous. It envisaged

increases for about 140 taxes; some hiked as much as 1200 per cent. The increased taxes nullify the modest wage raise given to workers.

Pensioners have had their water and electricity subsidies withdrawn.

Public servants and the nation’s teachers have waited and wilted as one of the ubiquitous ‘Commissions’ reflected upon what was al-

ready obvious.

Delaying tactics, in the guise of merit increases and differentiated salary adjustments are having deleterious effects on the nation’s working servants who witnessed substantial upfront salary increases for a select few.

The nation’s sugar workers’ morale is at an all-time low.

CONTINUES ON PAGE 5

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SATURDAY, AUGUST 20, 2016

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Criminality on tourists West Indies needs Chanderpaul unacceptable now more than ever

Dear Editor, One of the major industries in Guyana will be tourism. Many of its aspects have to do with Amazonian Trekking (trekking of the Amazon jungle), bird watching, mountainous jungle hikes, fresh water fishing, brown water beaches, natural health cures using natural salt water and our mineralised earth, etc.

Many deficiencies in Guyana as it relates to tourism are the lack of proper training schools for the tourism industry.

The constant attack on various tourists within our country coupled with dishonest taxi drivers is very depressing.

We saw recently a British soldier who had returned to Guyana after 50 years to be a part of Guyana’s Jubilee Celebrations. But a despicable and unpatriotic local citizen robbed him of important sentimental objects at the Stabroek Market Square.

Another occasion was when four Caucasian tourists were enjoying the festivities at D’Urban Park and for some reason, our own local Guyanese were annoyed with them. The Guyanese had cursed and abused these

individuals and almost threw them down the bleachers.

Our people need to be trained to respect, because as it is, we are losing our reputation as a people of hospitality.

Also, on Friday, August 12, we learned of a Chinese trio robbed of millions of dollars in an unmarked vehicle somewhere on the East Coast Seawall.

Can these bandits understand what they’ve done to the psyche of these individuals? Can these bandits understand what they have done to our country?

I have travelled to Japan and moved through all kinds of societies and I was amazed at how I was treated with total dignity and respect by total strangers who bowed when we were passing and were always kind and welcoming.

What has happened to our people since we commenced our experimentation with socialism in the 70s? Is Guyana on the throes of social decay and a disorientation of mentalities? Are we becoming a beastly nation without compassion for even tourists, who are here and are actually contributing to Guyana’s economy?

Government’s anti-working...

Besides the tragedy of retrenchment and redundancy at Wales, the new GuySuCo’s “plans” and “strategies” for “turnarounds” and diversification are closely-guarded secrets it seems.

Dialogue between sugar workers and their unions with the Corporation is hardly taking place.

Sugar workers have been bluntly refused any wage increases since 2015.

The capital city’s municipality – another newly elected APNU/AFC local “government” – is busy seeking to impose container taxes and parking meter fees which will surely be to the

FROM PAGE 4

detriment of the consumers who, undoubtedly, will be made to bear the passed-on fees and taxes.

FITUG wonders how the pursuit of such a course will bring about President Granger’s “good life for all”?

FITUG wishes to remind the Coalition that freedom and lofty values can never triumph when pockets are empty and stomachs are hungry. This growing reality shows that the “Good Life” remains a slogan and is possibly just a campaign delusion.

Sincerely, FITUG

Our people need to learn and be educated, to help a tourist, to display generosity! To show love. To show that we are a matured, disciplined, hospitable people.

I find it most painful in my soul and my heart for these Japanese tourists. I do believe we need serious adjustment to our laws! We need to have another set of laws for persons who commit criminal acts against these visitors.

Tourism is expected to be a backbone of our economic structure. We need to safeguard it with much jealousy as a unique natural resource.

So, in my opinion, anyone who touches a tourist without permission, 10 years imprisonment. Anyone who uses violence against a tourist for the purpose of hurting them, 25 years imprisonment.

These are the kinds of legal enactments we need.

Laws with Claws! Laws with teeth that bite deep! And we must have the structure set in such a way that there will be no stone left unturned to capture the bandits who harm tourists.

Today, I, a patriotic citizen of this country who loves his country immensely, I feel ashamed of our country. I feel greatly pained that we have nothing in place to help support our tourists.

Please, Government of Guyana, please Guyana Tourism Authority! Read the contents of this piece again and again and again.

Sincerely, Roshan Khan RK’s Security Service

Dear Editor, Legendary cricketer Shivnarine Chanderpaul turned 42 earlier this month, but even at that age he can still perform better than almost everyone currently selected to represent the West Indies in the test series against India.

In fact, his performance, though not great, in his last series was better than most of his teammates. Chanders or Tiger, as he is called, has been unceremoniously dumped by the West Indies board although he wants to represent the region one final time to say goodbye to fans and the game. The West Indian selectors and management have refused to give him this final wish unlike say the cricket boards of other nations.

All other nations allow their iconic players a last wish but not Windies. Had the selectors and management granted Chanders his wish, he would have rescued the team from its disastrous performance over the last four series as he did so many times over the last dozen years because he has been churning out respectable scores in first class matches played since he was dumped in a most undignified manner.

The West Indies has performed miserably against India with one-and-a-half days of rain saving the

team in the second test in what would have been another humiliating defeat as in the other matches.

Chanderpaul, who has been the backbone of the Windies batting line for over a decade, is needed now more than ever before as a role model guiding the youngsters how to bat in test matches.

Nirmal Shekar, writing in the prestigious The Hindu newspaper, asserted that Windies players lack pride in playing for nation or region, a justifiable charge that has come in the wake of the dismal performance the current series against India. The writer, not unexpectedly, blames management, players, lack of team spirit, and even the selectors for the poor state of Windies cricket.

The gutsy Chanderpaul, who the selectors discarded because of age even when he was performing better than the youngsters they selected, has played with honour and pride, and not driven by money as is the case of most of the other players.

Recall the tour to India was abandoned because of money. It was to be Chanders’ last overseas tour two years ago. But the

money hungry players did not give Chanders an opportunity to bid farewell to India where he is loved by fans. Chanders would have done much better all alone against the Indians than this entire Windies team.

And this was the best team the selection panel said it could come up with.

Is it not time for the selection panel to go since the team it selected has failed the region time and again?

Because of the management and selectors, Windies cricket is in a free fall in performance.

Windies players need discipline and a recognition that they are playing for a cause - identity and pride.

The selectors must put the best team forward (age, race, and who will break record should not matter.

The selectors must stop its victimisation policy of punishing critics hurting players based on race and disagreements over policy.

It is not too late to bring back Chanderpaul and give him a fitting farewell in a last test match at home and away. He deserves no less. Besides Windies needs Shiv now more than ever.

Yours truly, Vishnu Bisram

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SATURDAY, AUGUST 20, 2016

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BY RAYCHELLE CASSADA LOHMANN

W

ith boxes in hand, Ms James unlocked the door and walked into her classroom. She placed her belongings on her desk and took a quick glance around the room. The bulletin boards were bare and the chairs were propped on top of the desks.

The floor was glossy with wax and the smell of fresh paint filled the air. She could already envision her students sitting at the desks eager to learn. Her mind quickly began to bring the room to life with colourful wall hangings, and decorative ideas she had borrowed from other teachers or got off of the Internet. Soon she’d be making her classroom a fun and engaging place. Ms James was excited to begin a new school year, because she knew this was going to be the best year yet!

Each year teachers are privileged to touch the lives of hundreds of thousands of children. Their enthusiasm and optimism are often met with the harsh reality that many children don’t have a lot of the necessary resources, skills or support they need to fully enjoy their educational experience.

However, by recognising student needs and meeting them where they are, teachers can have a deep and profound effect on the academic experience.

The insights below highlight some of the common needs students have when they show up on the first day of school.

5 insights that can improve a child’s education 1. Not every child has the basic supplies. According to the Kids In Need Foundation,

guyana-times.com

Foundation more than 16 million children live in extreme poverty in the US and arrive on the first day of school without the basic supplies. With many systems experiencing budget cuts, schools are asking parents to help supply tissues, hand sanitizer, crayons and the list goes on and on.

As a teacher, your student and his/her parents may or may not share their financial hardships with you. When a family has to live from paycheque to paycheque, school supplies are at the bottom of the list of priorities.

2. Not every child has access to technology Many educational systems are pushing for students and parents to the use the Internet to complete classwork, communicate with staff, look up school-wide events, and access their child’s grades.

Sure, technology saves a lot of money, and makes communication to home a lot easier, but what about the children who don’t have online access at home? As an educator, it’s important to remember to make assignments/information accessible for all students as well as their families.

3. Not all

parents are involved with their child’s education The positive effects of parental involvement have been demonstrated at both the elementary and secondary levels across several studies, with the largest effects occurring at the elementary level. Research has shown that students with parents who are involved in their education show fewer behavioural problems and perform better academically. They are also more likely to complete high school as compared to students whose parents are not involved. While many parents express wanting to be a part of their child’s education, there are barriers. These barriers include anything from inability to help with homework, to lack of financial resources, to lack of transportation. So, when parents aren’t involved, think of innovative ways to manoeuvre around the barriers that prohibit them from participating.

4. Not every child has it easy academically According to the Learning Disabilities Association of America approximately 2.4 million students are diagnosed with a learning disability (LD).

Children with

learning disabilities often struggle academically.

As a teacher, it is essential to identify the signs and symptoms of a learning disability. Early identification and intervention can help a child not only academically, but also personally and socially.

5. Every child comes to your class with a story Each child comes to your room with a story. Don’t just buy into what you see on the surface level, but take time to get to know your students.

When you show a genuine interest they will respond and connect with you. You are an influential role model in their lives and you can have a positive impact on their educational experience. It’s a great responsibility to be an educator, because it’s not just about teaching – it’s about forming relationships.

Every teacher has a different approach to the first few days of school. Whether you are off to the local art store to decorate your classroom or combing through various lesson plans to help engage your students, take time to... Think about the child who may not come to your classroom with all of the necessary supplies. Think about how you can actively engage students who lack electronic accessibility. Think about how you can involve the parents who aren’t able to make it to the after school meetings. Most importantly, think of innovative ways to connect with your students.

To all of the educators reading this – Thank you for all that you do to enrich the life of a child... Wishing you a successful start to the upcoming school year! (www.psychologytoday.com)

– how to sooth your child's back-to-school angst

BY SEAN GROVER

F

or millions of vacationing, carefree children, the phrase “back-to-school” provokes mass hysteria. Now with September just around the corner, it’s time for parents to put away the beach umbrella, sunblock, and brace for impact.

How can you make the back-to-school transition less of a trip to crazy town?

Soothing back to school angst Anxiety is driven by unknowns; the more unknowns, the more apprehension. The key to a smoother transition back to school is to minimise uncertainties by taking the mystery out of the first day of school and addressing all the troublesome fears that poke at your child, such as: • What class will I be in?

• Will my friends be with me?

• Who is my new teacher?

Emotional stress is the fossil fuel of meltdowns, histrionics and aggressive behaviour. The more insecure children feel, the more likely their parents will become the dumping ground for unrelieved tension.

Taking the sting out of returning to school Let’s look at the five ways to help reduce that risk of your child becoming a back-to-school train wreck: 1. Get sleep back on track Is your child up all night? Raising with the setting sun? That may work for vampires, but it’s doesn’t work for students. Get your child’s sleep schedule back on track – and fast. Start at least two weeks before school begins. Even better, try a few practice days, preparing breakfast, picking out clothes in advance, leaving the house early, etc. Bottom line: starting the new school year sleep deprived spells disaster for everyone. Do whatever you can to get your creature-of-the-night back on a healthy timetable and a avoid meltdown when the big day arrives.

2. Start a day planner Create a framework for the first week. Hang a calendar in your child’s room, start a countdown, review the class schedule, put together a plan for travel, walk to the school, arrange for play dates with classmates, take a school tour, set up a meeting with the new teacher or guidance counsellor. Even if your child resists, he’ll thank you later. These tasks seem mundane, but are crucial in lowering anxiety and keeping the back-to-school crazies at bay.

3. Keep your cool As day one approaches, chances are your child is going to be moody and irritable. Take outbursts in stride. Don’t become reactive or escalate conflicts. As much as possible, listen to your child’s worries; don’t rush to advice. Listening is healing, the basis for all psychotherapies. Listening and understanding your child will relieve anxiety rather than amplifying it. Don’t allow for obsession fears to take root. Shelve the school conversation and make time for having fun together.

4. Get your child moving I’ve said this million times in parenting workshops and I’ll say it again here: a cardio workout is key to lowering tension, stabilising moods and increasing confidence in children. In fact, studies show that working out three times a week can reduce anxiety and depression up to 70 per cent. The nitty-gritty: find a way to get your child active before school starts. Re-boot sports activities, start bike riding, take a hike (literally) – whatever it takes to get your little sloth moving again.

5. Prepare yourself Once you have prepared your child, it’s time to prepare yourself. Remember, self-care and child-care go hand in hand.

Most parents finish the summer in a state of parenting burnout, just as moody and stressed as their children. Get enough sleep, exercise, nurture creative outlets, put aside time for enjoyable activities with your partner or friends. You’ll be a better parent, and a better human being. (psychologytoday.com)

NEWS

7

SATURDAY, AUGUST 20, 2016 | GUYANA-TIMES.COM

Assessment urges USAID to Duo arraigned for push reforms in Guyana murder of 13-year-old …city’s residents impatient against slowness of changes T T he United States Agency for International Development (USAID) is being urged to take advantage of the window of opportunity to support the reform process that is underway to strengthen Guyana’s governance, balance the power of the executive, while starting the devolution of power to local government and ensuring a more accountable and responsive government.

This was outlined in a Democracy, Human Rights and Governance Assessment for Guyana report. The assessment was done by Tetra Tech ARD, a US-based consulting firm.

The report outlined that the election of the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC), brought an opportunity to Guyana to make substantive reforms that could transform its political system and make it more effective, accountable and inclusive.

It was noted that if adopted and implemented, these democratic reforms can address the over-centralisation of power, address politicised and nonperforming institutions that were found during the assessment and increase governance effectiveness and responsiveness.

However, this outcome is far from certain and while there are indications of significant change, there are also reasons for concern.

“Time is of the essence as this window may not be open for long. The assessment team estimates it will close within the next 18 to 24 months as the focus shifts to the 2019 local elections and 2020 national elections. Some believe it will close even sooner if not supported, citing rising citizen anger and impatience against the slowness of the reforms and signs of business-as-usual,” the report stated.

To this end, the assessment team recommends USAID focus on a two-tiered strategy. It explained that in the short-term, focus should be placed on the reform pro-

cesses, key oversight mechanisms, information flow, and newly elected local authorities.

Whilst, in the mediumto long-term, a Democracy, Human Rights and Governance (DRG) programme should be reinstated to make a more substantive contribution towards strengthening Guyana’s democratic institutions and system. However, it does not recommend political party assistance in the near-term as the parties are internally regrouping and intending to work out their own issues and are not open to assistance at this time.

In this regard, the recommended

DRG objective is a more accountable, responsive, and balanced governance in Guyana. One of the recommended programmatic priorities is Constitutional reform through support for the current reform process and the implementation of previous constitutional reforms.

“These can help balance the power of the executive, address the winner-takesall nature of the political and electoral systems, and devolve power to local government. Near-term priorities are reform content and consultations, constitutional referendum (if held), and constitutional commission appointments. Mid- to long-term priorities are the implementation of the new constitutional reforms and strengthening the Human Rights and Integrity Commissions that provide oversight and citizen protection,” the report outlined.

Furthermore, the report

recommended that USAID strengthen checks and balances through strengthening key institutions and increasing access to information and evidence-based decision making.

This, it was noted, can help increase accountability; balance the dominance of the executive; address issues of cronyism, impunity, and corruption; and ensure the rule of law is applicable to all. The report stated that near-term priorities are assessments in the key areas of rule of law, electoral system, and economic governance and consideration for a small flexible fund to support quick-impact, lowcost changes within key institutions. Mid- to long-term priorities include parliamentary oversight and outreach, it added.

Other recommendations made are to strengthen local governance through support for the devolution process; capacity building for local institutions; and increasing citizen engagement to ensure local government has the authority, resources, and capacity required to be responsive to its communities, serve their needs, and counter the top-down, overly centralised nature of government. priorities “Near-term are the Local Government Commission, newly elected local officials, and constituency engagement. Mid- to long-term priorities include supporting the training curricula for local officials, constituency engagement, and information on and monitoring of the 2019 local elections,” the report cited.

On the other hand, the assessment team remarked that the main challenge to DRG in Guyana is its legacy of political parties organised along ethnic lines; of single party dominance; and its centralised patron-client list system that contributed to weak, unaccountable, unresponsive, and ineffective government institutions. The dysfunction in its political system has led to a feeling of hopelessness among many Guyanese, high levels of emigration, and insecurity.

wo men were on Friday arraigned for the murder of Devanand Sanichar, 13, when they made an appearance at the Sparendaam Magistrate’s Court.

Kevin Sahai, 20, and Raymond Wong, 27, of Triumph, East Coast Demerara (ECD), were not required to plead to the indictment when it was read to them by Magistrate Zamilla Ali-Seepaul.

The Police stated that the two men committed the murder on August 14, 2016.

The duo was apprehended after Police received information that they were involved in the beating to death of the teen a short distance from his home.

The men, along with two other teenagers, were taken into Police custo-

Dead: Devanand Sanichar

dy. However, after the Police would have gathered enough evidence, they approached the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) for legal advice.

The DPP subsequently advised that charges be laid

against these two men.

Meanwhile, the post-mortem proved that Sanichar died from shock and haemorrhage to the brain, with blunt trauma to the head.

The now dead teenager of Lot 83-84 Plantain Walk West Half, Beterverwagting, ECD, was attending a wedding with his family a few houses from his home when he got into a fight with a group of men over a young lady and left the wedding house.

He returned shortly with a cutlass when another argument ensued, during which one of the men relieved him of the weapon and dealt him a chop to the head. Sanichar reportedly fell and was severely beaten with pieces of wood by several persons. He reportedly died on the spot.

Teenage girl charged for stealing handbag

A

girl was taken before the Vreed-en-Hoop Magistrate’s Court on Friday charged with simple larceny.

Stacy Skeete, 18, pleaded not guilty to the charge when Magistrate Christel Lambert read it to her.

It is alleged that on August 16, 2016, at Hague, West Coast Demerara, she stole one Michael Kors handbag valued $13,000, property of Selena McIntosh.

According to the McIntosh, on the day in question, she went to visit a salon with the bag she had just bought.

She explained that the defendant, who was a customer at the salon, was sitting next to her when she left her bag and went to the washroom. She told the court that upon her return, she noticed that the bag was gone as well as the defendant.

The matter was reported to the Leonora Police Station and the defendant was apprehended at her home. The handbag was also recovered.

She was arrested and charged.

According to the defendant, she did not mean to take the bag and told the Magistrate that it was an accident.

She was granted $20,000 bail. The case will continue on September 9.

8 NEWS

SATURDAY, AUGUST 20, 2016 | GUYANA-TIMES.COM

IN THE COURTS Mabura miner EBD man charged with unlawful possession slapped with

wounding charge

A

miner of Lot 40 Mabura, Region 10 (Upper Demerara/ Berbice) on Friday appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts before Magistrate Fabayo Azore to answer the charge of wounding.

Ian Sutton, 24, pleaded not guilty to the charge which stated that on August 17, 2016 at Bamboo Landing, Mabura, he unlawfully and maliciously wounded Leon Thomas with the intent to maim, disfigure and disable.

Police Prosecutor Deniro Jones indicated to Magistrate Azore that he

Ian Sutton

had no objections to bail.

The unrepresented defendant was released on $75,000 bail.

The case will continue on September 8, 2016.

Mason freed on narco charge

A

mason of Lot 3 Mandela Avenue, Georgetown, walked out of the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts a free man after a narcotic charge against him was dismissed by Magistrate Fabayo Azore.

The case was dismissed on the grounds that the Prosecution failed to prove its case against Frank Kowlessar, 36.

Magistrate Azore told the court that she found the statements by witnesses conflicting and confusing.

It was alleged that Kowlessar had 34.5grams of cannabis in his possession for the purpose of trafficking.

Kowlessar made his first appearance on July 5, 2016 before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan where he pleaded not guilty to the charge and was placed on remand.

The Prosecution’s case had stated that Kowlessar threw a

A

Diamond, East Bank Demerara, resident on Friday appeared at the Vreed-en-Hoop Magistrate’s Court charged with unlawful possession.

Narsingh Beepat, 35, pleaded not guilty to the charge when it was read to him by Magistrate Christel Lambert.

It is alleged that on June 14, 2016 at Diamond Housing Scheme, he was found to be in possession of one gas stove and two bird cages, which were not his property.

The Prosecution contended that on the day in questioned, acting on information, the Police went to Diamond Housing Scheme, to a house,

“Spanky” slapped with robbery under arms charge

A Frank Kowlessar

black bag on a neighbour’s roof when he saw Police ranks approaching him. The ranks got the black bag from the neighbour’s roof which revealed several small Ziploc bags that contained stems, leaves and seeds.

Defence Attorney Paul Fung-A Fat had relayed to the court that his client bears no knowledge of the cannabis and in fact it was found two lots away from where the accused resides.

which was apparently locked.

While there, they heard a noise coming from the back of the house and upon inspecting, they saw the defendant attempting to lift a gas stove.

An alarm was raised and the Police attempted to arrest the defendant but he escape.

However, later as the officers were patrolling the area, the defendant was seen walking with the two bird cages in his hand and he was apprehended.

He was taken to the Vreeden-Hoop Police Station where he was charged with the offence. Beepat was granted $30,000 bail. The case will continue on September 13, 2016.

West Coast of Demerara man known as “Spanky” on Friday appeared before Magistrate Christel Lambert at the Vreed-en-Hoop Magistrate’s Court charged with robbery under arms.

Antello “Spanky” Caesar, 25, pleaded not guilty to the charge which stated that on August 12, while being armed with a knife, he attacked and robbed Bruce Kellor of one cell phone valued $75,000 and $5000 cash.

The court was informed by

the Prosecution that on the day in question, Kellor was standing on the roadway at Uitvlugt, WCD, when he was hit from behind.

The Prosecution said that Kellor fell and the defendant pounced on him, placing the knife to his throat and demanded his valuables.

He was later arrested after a report was made. When ask for an explanation by the Magistrate, the defendant refused to speak. He was remanded to prison and will return to court on September 15.

Pensioner fined for assaulting granddaughter

A

pensioner on Friday appeared before Magistrate Christel Lambert at the Vreed-enHoop Magistrate’s Court to answer a charge of assault.

Mark Charles, 70, of Lot 23 Mary, West Coast Demerara pleaded guilty to the charge, which stated that on August 15 at Mary, he assaulted Nikita Murphy.

Charles, who is Murphy’s grandfather, admitted that on the day in question, he and his granddaughter were involved in a heated argument. The court was told that the argument escalated and the defendant dealt the

VC several blows about her body.

The matter was reported to the Police and the man was arrested and charged.

In court on Friday Charles said that his granddaughter was being rude to him and stated that it upset him.

He apologised to her and gave an undertaking that he would never raise his hands at her again.

Magistrate Lambert told both defendant and VC that they are family and should not be involved in such issues.

Charles was fined $10,000.

Eyew tness

Moving...

Y

...back into the party

our Eyewitness had wondered as to what happened to that stalwart of the PNC - ROH Corbin after he handed off the baton to David Granger as leader of the PNC before the 2011 elections. The man'd spent his entire life - literally - doing whatever he was asked to do for the Party, as far back as the Wismar "troubles" of the 1960's. It was common knowledge that he'd earned a graduate degree in "electoral diddling" - which not do incidentally - ensured the PNC remain in power by "garnering" as much as 97% at elections!

As the consummate political operator, no one believed he'd go so quietly out to pasture. But then after taking over from Desmond's Hoyte and leader of the PNC in 2002 and suffering an embarrassing electoral defeat in 2006, maybe he'd concluded there was no way the PNC would sidle back into govt? Can't rig from outside, can you? So it gotta be something else. Either he was struck with a sudden attack of "statesmanship" and decided to hang up his boots "for the good of the party" or he worked out a pro quid quo with Granger.

Now after being quieter that the proverbial mouse for three years, his name's suddenly popped up as a candidate for the Chairmanship of the PNC! He's going up against the incumbent Basil Williams, who's been taking some heat just now for not paying attention to his substantive portfolio of Attorney General. But hey!! That's not PNC's business is it? Don't rush to nod your head in agreement, now, dear reader!

As a matter of fact, Williams himself confessed there's a "very thin line" between party business and government business. He illustrated his point by going right to the top and revealed when President Granger's ostensibly out doing government business, he also doing party business!

So now we return to the billion dollar question...maybe Williams WAS doing party business when he allowed several mega settlements against the government to go through uncontested?

Be as it may, if Corbin does run against Williams, your Eyewitness thinks the dapper, moustachioed one's a goner. Yes...he did defend the "honour" of the PNC at the Rodney's hearings...but with the PNC's membership jumping from 5000 to "over 10,000", since they took office, the average PNC member will demand Corbin.

After all, he's the last of the old guards who know where the bodies are buried. Hamilton Green don't count!

Another reason in his favour is they'll be keeping an eye on 2020 when Corbin will still be younger that Granger.

And he knows all there is to know about winning elections, doesn't he?

...stymied?

Your Eyewitness must confess he's flummoxed by this sudden desire of the government to take over the building that presently houses the Walter Roth Museum. Anyone who might've been curious about our ethnography would know that institution's the Smithsonian of our Indigenous Peoples. Why change a good thing?

And for what? To create some government offices?

So we place bureaucratic comfort ahead of our national heritage? If we're going to be so crass about our history, why not have the Ministry of Public Infrastructure throw up a new building in a couple weeks like he did with Jubilee Stadium?

Where? Why on Parade Ground, which is just across from the President's office!! So what if this site is sacred to African Guyanese because of the 1823 Rebellion?

And then we now know it's ain't so easy to move all those delicate and intricate stuff that's been around for thousands and thousands of years.

It'll be like going up the Itaname Rapids. And Itaname gon hu't dem belly!

...SOCU

After months of ambiguity - and one fatal highpowered car chase - SOCU's finally been told they report to the Police Commissioner.

So could the latter gentleman now look into who's been leaking confidentially gathered info to the Muckraker?

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

NEWS

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SATURDAY, AUGUST 20, 2016 | GUYANA-TIMES.COM

Embattled PS sues TV Reporter for $20M over $10B claims

E

mbattled Permanent Secretary (PS) of the Ministry of the Presidency, Omar Shariff, has sued Television Reporter Travis Chase, for in excess of $20 million over statements he would have made during his HGPTV Nightly News Broadcast on Monday last.

Shariff has also sued television station HGPTV and its proprietor Omar Farouk, also called “Terry Nelson Fraser”.

The legal proceedings were instituted on Thursday and Chase along with the television station owner have since been commanded to make an appearance in the High Court within 10 days.

Shariff in his writ is claiming in excess of $10 million for defamation, libel and slander, charging that Chase during his newscast on Monday last said, “Shariff liquid assets stands at just about 10 billion dollars and “credible sources have told Nightly News that Mr Shariff would not have obtained the billions of dollars overnight and they are suggesting that Mr Shariff is holding the money for someone or a particular group.”

Shariff was sent on leave last month from the Ministry of the Presidency by Minister of State Joseph Harmon, pending an investigation into substantial amounts of cash and holdings, believed to be in excess of $10 billion by the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU).

Shariff in his writ, claims the utterances made by Chase during his newscast, are not only false but malicious, slanderous and libelous.

The PS is also asking for in excess of $10 million for defamation in relation to the publication of the very newscast on social media platforms, including the Facebook page of HGPTV. Shariff in his writ is also asking the Judge to grant an injunction, restraining Chase and the television station

Travis Chase

Omar Shariff

from further writing, printing or publishing or circulating or causing to be written, printed, published of circulated the ‘libelous statements.’

Shariff is being represented by Attorney Sanjeev Datadin.

Chase, himself no stranger to legal proceedings, was recently the subject of a request by Customs AntiNarcotics Unit (CANU) Prosecutor Kunyo SandyfordThompson, in relation to an ongoing drug trial involving alleged ‘drug-baron’ Barry Dataram.

The CANU Prosecutor had requested Magistrate Judy Latchman to issue a summons to have Chase appear in court to give testimony against Dataram.

Chase has since told Guyana Times that he has seen the writ and will be defending the matter vigorously in court.

According to the TV Reporter, he stands by the integrity of the news article.

The embattled Permanent Secretary last weekend broke his silence in relation to the multibillion-dollar affair, to proclaim his innocence in the insinuations that he had stole or laundered public monies for personal gain.

He had at the time also lamented that information disclosed to SOCU which was obtained through a warrant has since found its way into the public domain.

Chase during his news re-

port had also reproduced the documents purportedly of bank accounts and their balances belonging to Shariff.

Responding the publicity of the confidential banking information that was used to generate news reports in sections of the media, Shariff said: “I wish to strongly condemn a series of vile, sensationalist, untrue, propagandistic, and, insubstantial and material respects, misleading news reports carried by sections of the electronic, broadcast and print media in Guyana following a decision by the Special Organised Crime Unit to launch an investigation into a personal matter related to tax remittance and compliance regarding my legitimate business operations over the past few years.”

He has since claimed that the matter of tax remittance and compliance has been an ongoing engagement “between my business and the tax authority from as early as 2007.”

He said the distortion of this personal income tax matter to make it appear to be theft and embezzlement of public funds is without any factual foundation and is in fact, mischief by its orchestrators.

He said the continued publication of “these have caused me and my family great concern – security, hardship and otherwise.”

Police granted extension to detain “Satan”

T

he Guyana Police Force was on Friday given approval by the High Court to further detain Alvin “Satan” Reid, the prime suspect in the murder of Malika Hamilton, 14 whose body was fished out of the Hope Canal.

Acting Crime Chief, Hugh Jessamy, when contacted, told Guyana Times that Police investigations are continuing in the matter.

In addition, he stated that once the Police have gathered enough evidence, they will approach the Director of Public Prosecutions for advice.

The Ann’s Grove, East Coast Demerara resident was apprehended on Thursday morning hiding in a barrel in a cemetery in his village. Prior to his arrest, he appeared on a local newscast pleading his innocence in the murder of the teenager.

It was quite surprising to the Police that the man would appear on the TV newscast rather than turn-

Murdered: Malika Hamilton

Alvin “Satan” Reid

ing himself in to be questioned.

Jessamy claimed that the now dead teen crossed the canal in the same boat with him, and two others claiming that she was heading to her grandmother.

The teenager was never seen again. “Satan” admitted to the teen’s parents that he did see the young lady but after she exited the boat, they left the area.

The body of the teenager was found in the canal

at Hope, ECD, on August 9.

The post-mortem revealed that she was strangled and sustained blunt trauma to the head.

It is believed that the teen might have been strangled and struck to the head before she was thrown into the canal.

Due to the fact that the post-mortem listed the cause of death as drowning, it is believed that she was alive when she was thrown into the canal.

Brazilian national fined $7M for mining in protected area

A

Brazilian man has been fined $7 million, payable to the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC), following a raid of his operations in April.

According to a statement from the Ministry of Natural Resources, the operator was

caught mining illegally in the Kaieteur National Park area.

The release stated that the GGMC discovered equipment in the form of a dredge, No 9827, and a Doosan excavator, engine No DHKCEFALTB, when they raided the Kaieteur National

Park Buffer area.

The equipment was subsequently held and charges were prepared against Ceso Alves De Alcantara, a national of Brazil. In discussions on August 4 and 5, 2016, Alcantara said that he regretted the situation, noting that he was almost ruined and has become ill with worry since the situation unfolded.

Alcantara’s equipment is to be removed from the buffer area to Grass Falls, with the understanding that there should be no future issue arising from his operation working near prohibited areas or without permission.

10

guyana-times.com

SATURDAY, AUGUST 20, 2016

News Olato Sam sent packing … as Ministry begins search for replacement

C

hief Education Officer (CEO) Olato Sam, with immediate effect, will no longer be holding his position and reports are circulating that he may have been booted.

A source indicated that Sam’s contract had ended and the Education Ministry had chosen not to renew it and so he was sent on his “annual” leave.

“We heard that they would not renew his contract and that his removal was overdue,” the source said.

The Education Ministry released a statement confirming that he will no longer be functioning “effective immediately” as the CEO since his contracted has ended.

“Mr Sam has served the sector with distinction and zeal for the past eight years, five of which he served as CEO. The Ministry wishes to thank Mr Sam for his contributions to the education sector in Guyana and extends best wishes to him for all future endeavours,” the statement read, adding that the position for CEO is expected to be advertised shortly with the hope of finding a suitably qualified candidate by the end of September 2016.

Sam was noticeably absent from the Ministry’s press conference earlier this week, during the announcement of Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) and

Chief Education Officer Olato Sam

the Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE) results. The CEO would usually present the results but this year, he did not. Instead Acting Chief Education Officer (Nursery), Ingrid Trotman made the presentation.

When contacted on Friday, Sam refused on comment on the matter, only stating that he was sent on leave by the Ministry.

“I have nothing to say about this… you need to talk to the Minister. I’m officially on leave from the Ministry,” he said.

He stated that the allegation of his contract termination should be addressed to the Education Minister. However, when this publication attempted to contact Minister Rupert Roopnaraine on the matter,

he was unavailable.

Nevertheless, his Public Relations Officer Suelle Williams indicated that Sam was sent on his annual vacation leave.

Sam was appointed the CEO of the Ministry in 2011 after serving five years as the Technical Advisor to the Education Minister. He also has a Masters’ Degree in International Education, and has lectured at the University of Guyana’s School of Education and Humanities, the Departments of Foundations and Education Management and Curriculum and Instruction.

He has a Bachelor’s Degree in ‘Sociology, Anthropology and Education’ from the Swarthmore College in Pennsylvania.

Eric Phillips justifies SARA’s role

… says it will hound anyone who stole State assets

S

tate Assets Recovery Unit (SARU) member, Dr Eric Phillips, said on Friday that the State Assets Recovery Agency (SARA) is not on a witch-hunt to jail any Opposition members but will ensure that all State assets are retrieved from anyone who has stolen.

He stated that whether the assets are stolen by current Government officials or previous officials, it will be recovered, adding that SARA was not being set up to bring criminal charges against anyone but rather that would be the job of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).

“We are confusing the perception that a lot of the assets were stolen by people in the last Government, but in reality, the Bill doesn’t care who stole the assets. Whether it is former, previous or current, it doesn’t matter. Once you have stolen State assets, the Bill allows for the recovery,” he stated.

The legislation envisages non-conviction based civil recoveries of property over $10 million with a 12-year restriction period and wide powers will be available to the Agency to be set up under the law to gather information.

A number of persons, including Opposition Leader Bharrat Jadgeo, had publicly registered their disgust over the fact that the Government will be spending taxpayers’ dollars on a unit specially designed for political witch-hunting. Speaking on the issue, former Attorney General, Anil Nandlall, contended that it is clear the unit will be used as a weapon to “witch-hunt” the Opposition and any person who opposes the Government.

“What else can be its purpose? After all, the Police Force has these very powers. Why else create a new agency? The answer is simple,” he said, pointing out that the Agency

SARU member Eric Phillips

is staffed with persons who are politically affiliated with the Government.

“This organisation does not.

It is a political unit masquerading as a law enforcement agency. It is authoritarianism and constitutional tyranny. The first victims will be the PPP leadership and parliamentary Opposition. Its next victims after that will be the ordinary citizens,” Nandlall asserted.

Dr Phillips, however, argued that the Bill is a standard piece of legislation that is used around the world to recover assets belonging to the State. “It is a standard legislation around the world and all we are going after are thieves.

It doesn’t matter who they are. More importantly, we are not going to charge them, we just want the assets back. We are not criminally prosecuting anybody that is for the DPP to do base on what the evidence shows” he noted.

He stated that the Bill seeks to create an autonomous agency that would not be reporting to any Minister. He stated that the employments of agents and auditors will all undergo public scrutiny, adding that the Director will be hired by a parliamentary committee that has Opposition members on it.

However, the Guyana

Human Rights Association (GHRA) has warned the Government against using its one-seat majority in the Parliament to pass the bill, fearing that without broadbased political support, ethnically polarised politics would live on.

The GHRA recommended that the legislation be broadened from only asset recovery to a substantive inclusion of the goals of the United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC).

However, Phillips maintained that the bill has received wide-spread approval and was reviewed by international agencies, the ABC countries, the attorneys locally and internationally, and a judge in the UK. “It has a lot of local and international input and it is validated in terms of its powers. We are after civil recovery which means that we are not into convicting people. We want to make sure that the State recovers its assets and it’s not about charging people criminally and putting them in jail,” he said.

He added that due to its broad international scrutiny, analysis and approval in its development, civil recovery has been taken as an alternative but complementary to criminal recovery.

Assets hidden abroad

He added that SARU’s goal is to recover assets hidden outside of Guyana, and so they will be working with foreign jurisdictions “because it is their law and their processes we would have to follow… so it would be in partner with investigations with both countries”.

He stated that part of the bill talks about mutual legal assistance treaties and there are processes involved in many countries that define how this happens.

NEWS

11

SATURDAY, AUGUST 20, 2016 | GUYANA-TIMES.COM

Dutch to assist in designing US$30M water treatment plants utility companies – this is the first time it has involved teams of specialists.

“We have good programmes set up and we can assist with the experience,” he said, even as he pointed to the fact that the Surinamese are keen on learning some of

GWI Water Treatment Plant on the East Bank of Demerara

T

he Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) has turned to its Dutch counterparts in Suriname, to assist in the designing of three new Water Treatment Plants to be built at Diamond, East Bank Demerara (EBD), Uitvlugt, West Coast Demerara (WCD) and Sheet Anchor, Canje, Berbice – at a cost of US$30 million.

The decision was taken following a visit by a team of specialists from the Surinamese Water Supply Company (SWM), which discovered design flaws in the Linden Water Treatment Plant that has since been causing headaches for the residents of the community and GWI. This disclosure was made Friday as GWI wrapped up the Guyana leg of a partnership being fostered between the two countries’ utility companies, with the support of the InterAmerican Development Bank (IDB).

GWI’s Managing Director Dr Richard Van WestCharles provided an update on the two-country partnership, along with IDB Country Representative Sophie Makonnen.

The visiting Surinamese team included: Wendell Purperhart, chief of the Central Water Division Department (SWM); Anushka Salmin process engineer, and Jerrol Ferrier head of the West Division.

Design flaws

Dr West-Charles told the media that it was discov-

ered that the Linden Water Treatment Plant is being supplied through two sources of water – surface and below surface – but the treatment plant was designed to be supplied from only one source and this has led to the problems being experienced.

He further disclosed that water samples have already been taken at the three proposed locations for the treatment plants, and this has since been sent to Suriname to be forwarded to the Netherlands for testing.

He said the results will inform the level of collaboration required in relation to any redesigning of the treatment plants for Diamond, Uitvlugt and Sheet Anchor.

The GWI head surmised that the process is expected to take about two weeks and will inform design parameters to be employed for the new plants.

Guyana/Suriname MoU

Meanwhile, providing an update on the partnership entered between the two countries, Dr West-Charles said GWI is looking forward to inking a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Surinamese, “that lives and helps us to move forward in the level of collaboration.”

He reminded that the initiative is borne, in part, out of meetings between the two Heads of States – David Granger and Desi Bouterse – who would have held several ‘get-togethers’ with each other over the past six months, to discuss increased collaboration

between the two countries.

“We both would like to thank the IDB for this initiative and we will hope that we make this a fruitful venture,” Dr Van West-Charles said, in reference to charting the way forward.

According to Dr WestCharles, the collaboration has been immensely useful to GWI and its team since, “our young engineers have been able to appreciate and improve their knowledge and skills in a number of areas.”

Non-revenue water

He told the local media corps that among the areas of cooperation GWI is keen on is the Surinamese approach to handling ‘non-revenue’ water – a result of theft and line losses in its distribution system.

He said, “the Surinamese Water Company has managed to have 100 per cent of its consumers in the Nickerie region metered, and the ‘non-revenue’ water losses are at 20 per cent – an impressive feat by any comparison.”

The GWI director said that a team from Guyana will be heading to Suriname next month as part of the continued partnership and that team will also be looking specifically at strategies that can be adopted

by GWI in reducing its water losses.

Meanwhile, addressing the local media corps at the GWI Head Office, Jerrol Ferrier welcomed the initiative and pointed to the fact that in the past there would have been visits by individuals between the two

the techniques developed by GWI. The Surinamese team arrived in Guyana earlier this week and over the successive days benefited from a number of site visits, including the beleaguered Linden Water Treatment Plant, GWI’s

Shelter Belt and a number of well facilities, among others.

The team during their visit also met with Vice President and Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Minister Carl Greenidge and Minister within the Ministry of Communities, Dawn Hastings.

12 News

saturDay, august 20, 2016 | guyana-times.com

Security Minister to question media house on SOCU info leaks

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n light of several local banking institutions having expressed concern over the disclosure of confidential information to sections of the local media, Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan on Thursday said that he views the leaks as ‘negative’, not only for the Guyana Police Force (GPF) but the agency involved in the ongoing investigations.

Against this backdrop, the Minister stressed that he intends to question the owner of the media house that reported the leaked documents.

“I’ll have to ask probably the proprietor of the paper that first had the information, where he got it from [but] of course I’m certain they would say ‘we are confidential with our sources’

F

Omar Shariff

from,” the Public Security Minister expressed.

It was only on Tuesday that Bank of Guyana Governor, Dr Gobin Ganga, told this publication that

SOCU Headquarters

but it comes from a variety of sources quite frankly but I have asked SOCU (The Special Organised Crime Unit) and SOCU said they never leaked anything,” Ramjattan expressed.

Guyana Times reported that SOCU had denied that it was responsible for the leakage of the sensitive information in sections of the media regarding the alleged “billions” in assets owned by embattled Ministry of the Presidency’s Permanent Secretary (PS) Omar Shariff.

Ramjattan related that he is unaware from just where the leaks are emanating. “It is something that is indeed a negative but I must say I don’t know where that leak is coming

No improvement on Coomacka access bridge

he was worried over the leaks, pointing out that the divulged information can only serve to bring the entire banking sector into disrepute. Dr Ganga had earlier raised his concerns over the banking community sharing its information with State agencies, such as SOCU. After the Bank of Guyana Governor raised his objections to the disclosures, the Public Security Minister on Wednesday confirmed that some bankers had related to him their concerns over the leaks.

He had told this publication that the banking sector will have to understand that notwithstanding the “derailment” with the leakage of confidential informa-

Public Security Minister Kemraj Ramjattan responds to the “negative” SOCU leaks

tion, they are still obligated under the laws of Guyana to turn over requested information. Ramjattan had also pointed out that the denigrating of SOCU can only in the long run serve to undermine its investigations. He cautioned that those attached to SOCU are quite aware that the divulgence of confidential information is in fact a violation of its protocols.

Speaking directly to those in the banking sector that have publicly or privately expressed their concerns over the leaked information, Ramjattan had stated: “we will have to address this.”

Sections of the media had published the bank account information of Shariff, along with what appears to be a summary of its balances and withdrawals. The published information also pointed to several asset holdings for Shariff, including shares in a number of local organisations, as well as shares owned in two local banks and Banks DIH Limited.

Recently, Shariff, who broke his silence in relation to the allegations, had claimed that SOCU was responsible for leaking the confidential information to the media. He was recently sent on leave by Minister of State Joseph Harmon, pending an investigation

by SOCU into his financial affairs.

ollowing the collapse of revetment works to the Coomacka access bridge, which was caused by a heavy downpour earlier this month, there has since been no improvement to its condition.

This information was confirmed by Councillor of Region 10 (Upper Demerara/Berbice) Regional Democratic Council (RDC) and Chairman of the Coomacka Development Council (CDC) Dexter Harding.

The CDC chairman had indicated that it was the third time the bridge had collapsed. He had pointed to faulty works on the bridge by the contractor who was contracted through the RDC as the main cause.

Another possible cause he had highlighted is the suspected over- topping of ponds/reservoirs in the community belonging to the bauxite company Bosai Minerals Group Guyana Incorporated (BMGGI).

The downpour had also led to massive flooding and

A section of the collapsed revetment

erosion in the small farming community which also caused the main pipelines to be exposed.

Officials of the RDC had reportedly responded to this dilemma within minutes as the REO, an engineer, the bridge contractor, and other officials visited the scene.

Harding said officials were trying to come up with solutions while trying to make contact with BMGGI regarding the issue.

He had also indicated that the Permanent Secretary of

Ministry of Agriculture visited the scene. A meeting, Harding noted, was also hosted with several engineers to see what they could come up with as it relates to the drainage network and to have some solution, to avoid a reoccurrence in the community.

Harding said he was also expecting a visit from the Civil Defence Commission to assess the situation and to see what help could be given to Coomacka, but to date no work has been carried out.

Technical errors resulted in incorrect marks at NGSA – Education Ministry’s PRO

I

n light of many complaints by parents highlighting that their children were awarded incorrect scores at the National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA) 2016, the Education Ministry’s Public Relations Officer (PRO), Suella Williams disclosed that technical errors, which occurred during the process of tallying marks, are to be blamed.

Guyana Times was informed that the information surrounding incorrect marks at the NGSA was disclosed only when parents opted to have their children’s examination papers re-marked. According to many parents, after having the Education Ministry

Ministry of Education Public Relations Officer Suella Williams

review the test scripts, their children were awarded up to nine marks more than was originally recorded.

“The result is that some of them awarded more marks

that were previously given to them. A student got 516 marks, after the review he got nine more marks.”

Speaking to this publication on Friday, Williams highlighted that “In some cases, you’ll find that the Ministry may have made a mistake and so that was corrected and the child got a point or two more and there are cases where maybe the child got a point less.

This happens every time.

The fault has to do with the technical aspect of things.”

She also stated that after the requested recounts are done, the children are likely to be re-appointed to a school that would suit their new scores at the examination.

NEWS

13

SATURDAY, AUGUST 20, 2016 | GUYANA-TIMES.COM

3rd annual Police Force Relocation of Walter Roth Museum Youth Camp concludes Over 500 online signatures gathered to save historical gallery A

six-day camp, which was a collaboration of the Guyana Police Force and the Guyana Association of Women Police, came to a formal close on Friday.

This year’s camp, hosted in Madewini, Linden Hifgway, under the theme “Developing Youths through Community Projects, Discipline and Team Work”, was open to students between the ages of nine and 14 and reported a record number of a 117 participants.

The camp‘s main aim was to expose its attendees to various skills they could use later in life. These included floral and fruit arrangements, woodworking, tie dying, thread-work, sewing of school uniforms and more.

In addition to this, the campers were privy to lectures on a wide variety of pertinent topics such as drug abuse, career opportunities and education.

Camp Mother, Davis,

G

Some of the items the students made during the camp

the children the importance of this attribute, reminding them that, “if you do not have discipline, then you cannot have a proper way of life”.

Assistant Commissioner of Operations, Christopher Griffith, feature speaker of the closing ceremony, expressed elation at the high number of participants as he believed the skills they had learned would be “integral in [their] futures and the fu-

He referred to the children as, “heroes whose glory is yet to be foretold”, and in closing, he asked his heroes to continue working diligently, and encouraged them to “never give up”.

The camp had a strong undercurrent of instilling national pride as well, which was quite notable as the attendees proudly sang their camp song “Let’s all come together to make Guyana safer/ by obeying the laws

Relatives of students who attended the camp proudly viewing the items that were made during the six-day event

praised the camp as it allowed youths from different social backgrounds to intermingle, with “the common denominator of discipline”.

She wanted to impress upon

tures of others.”

Griffith went on to charge the youths to reflect frequently on their time at the camp, and to the greatest possible extent, share their newfound knowledge with their peers.

of this country/ to make our people happy, happy and free.”

The happy youngsters will spend one more night at the campsite before returning home.

overnment seems to be clueless about where it will be relocating the Walter Roth Museum, and as the days progress, Guyanese from all walks of life are expressing their disappointment at such a move.

People’s Progressive Party Chief Whip Gail Teixeira on Friday said the more than 500 online signatures to the petition to save the museum, has also seen widespread condemnation for the move by the Ministry of the Presidency to have the museum relocated: “The latest insult of Government to the Amerindian citizen is the move by the President to remove the Walter Roth Museum and the way it was done by having GDF soldiers moving in to inform staff that they had to move was even scarier.”

She said the museum is a “living tribute to the Amerindian Peoples of Guyana from prehistoric times to now.” Ironically, she said, like the decision to relocate the Stabroek Market vendors or close the Wales Sugar Estate, “they have no clue where they are relocating this museum” as a mandate given by Junior Minister of Public Infrastructure Annette Ferguson has been unsuccessful.

Last week, the Ministry of the Presidency said it was removing the Walter Roth Museum and its em-

The current location of the Walter Roth Museum

ployees to the National Museum by the end of the year. This announcement came one day after Guyana Times broke the story about government’s plan to move the museum.

The museum was founded with the collections of Guyanese Archaeologist, Dr Denis Williams and in 1980, the ethnographic collections of Dr Walter Roth, Mr JJ Quelch and Sir Everardim Thurn were transferred to the museum from the National Museum. The Walter Roth collections also include excavated artefacts from all 10 Administrative Regions.

Former Culture, Youth and Sport Minister, Dr Frank Anthony, had stated that the museum is an institution and instead of dismantling it, “we have to be preserving it and growing it because it has a very important role to play in Guyana.”

Dr Anthony said he does not think the President is aware of the space the

National Museum has, since it has been overcrowded with its artefacts: “They cannot display their current holdings because there is a lack of space and to move an entire museum and somehow cram it into the space of the National Museum, I don’t think that is possible.”

Dr Anthony added that if it is true the President wanted all the museums in one place then the Government would have to construct another building and he does not believe that they are rebuilding the current museum, and “if they are doing that, where are they getting the budget from because there was no budget voted in 2016 for it.”

The Walter Roth Museum was established in 1974 but did not open to the public until 1982. It is located on Main Street, Georgetown and is famous for its journals in some of the leading universities of the world.

14

guyana-times.com

SATURDAY, AUGUST 20, 2016

Regional

Maduro says any Venezuela coup bid would meet tougher reaction than Turkey’s

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enezuela’s President Nicolás Maduro said the purge by Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan meted out on rivals after a failed coup would look like child’s play compared with the action he would take if the Opposition tried something similar in the OPEC nation.

“Did you see what happened in Turkey?” said Maduro, in a televised public event on Thursday evening. “Erdogan will seem like a nursing baby compared to what the Bolivarian revolution will do if the right wing steps over the line with a coup.”

After an abortive military coup in July,

Venezuela’s President Nicolás Maduro speaks during a visit to an industrial sawmill in Chaguaramas, Venezuela, August 18

Erdogan’s Government detained, suspended or placed under investigation more than 60,000 people in

UN admits role in Haiti’s deadly cholera outbreak

T

he UN has finally acknowledged it played a role in an outbreak of cholera in Haiti in 2010 that has since killed about 10,000 people in the country.

Scientific studies have shown that Nepalese UN troops were the source of the disease – but the UN repeatedly denied responsibility until now.

An internal report seen by the New York Times is said to have led to the shift.

But the UN still says it is protected by diplomatic immunity from claims for compensation from victims’ families.

On Thursday, Farhan Haq, a spokesman for UN Secretary General Ban Kimoon, said that “over the past year the UN has become convinced it needs to

do much more regarding its own involvement in the initial outbreak and the suffering of those affected by cholera”.

However, Haq reiterated that the UN’s legal position in on diplomatic immunity and possible compensation “has not changed”. His comments came after the confidential internal report stated that the epidemic “would not have broken out but for the actions of the United Nations,” according to the New York Times newspaper.

It says the report was sent to Ban last week by long-time UN adviser Philip Alston, a New York University law professor who consults the world body on human rights issues. The cholera outbreak has been blamed on leaking sewage pipes at a UN base. (Excerpt from

BBC News)

the military, judiciary, civil service and education.

Ever since Maduro’s mentor, the late President

Hugo Chávez survived an Opposition-backed coup attempt in 2002, the revolution he named after Latin American liberator Simon Bolivar has tarred opponents as intent on retaking power by force.

Maduro is facing plunging popularity as low oil prices and economic mismanagement have dragged one of the wealthiest countries in the Americas into a deep recession, triggering shortages of basics like food and medicines.

The Opposition plans a big march in Caracas on September 1 to demand a recall referendum aimed at cutting short Maduro’s six-year term, due to end in 2019. (Yahoo! News)

Antiguan Govt moving to introduce polygraph testing across public service

T

he Antigua and Barbuda Government says it will seek parliamentary approval to introduce polygraph test for various categories of Public Sector workers.

Immigration Minister Charles “Max” Fernandez told reporters that five Immigration Department employees, who failed a similar test would not be reemployed. The workers are claiming wrongful dismissal.

“Polygraph testing will continue because that it something that needs to be done. We have agreed there have to be something put in place leally and as a result of that we will be going to Parliament very shortly, I know the AG’s office is looking at polygraph testing because it will not be related to the Immigration

Department.

He said the Police, Customs, Army “and other divisions of the Government that polygraph test will be… required”. He said the trade unions which represent Public Sector workers have been informed of the Gaston Browne Administration’s moves, including the union representing workers at the Immigration Department.

The five workers had been dismissed after they were found to have been involved with the use of illicit drugs, after a polygraph test.

But their bargaining agent, the Antigua Trades & Labour Union (AT&LU) is challenging their dismissal on the grounds that the process the Immigration Department took to remove them was inconsistent with the law. (Excerpt from Antigua Observer)

Former Haitian PM denies corruption charges

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former Haitian Prime Minister denied Friday corruption allegations lodged against him by a senate commission probing the use of Government funds in the poorest country in the Americas.

The allegations against former premier Laurent Lamothe and 14 other former Ministers and senior officials also involve nepotism and illegal procurement in the management of a public finance programme.

“It is extremely serious that gratuitous and dishonest allegations peddled by ill-intentioned people have been passed on with no proof in a report from the Senate,” Lamothe said in a statement.

The allegations in Thursday’s report concern Venezuela’s Petrocaribe programme, initiated by the late Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez to

Former premier Laurent Lamothe

supply cheap oil to Haiti and other Caribbean and Central American countries. They have 25 years to pay their bills at an interest rate of one per cent.

Haiti has spent 12 years in the programme, under whose terms the impoverished Caribbean nation has received loans of more than US$2 billion for financing economic and social projects.

The Senate’s Ethics and Anti-corruption Committee investigated management of those funds because “there is a feeling among the population that the funds were poorly used at best and, at worst, partly diverted to personally enrich certain executives with the responsibility to manage them,” the committee said in a report. (Excerpt from

Jamaica Observer)

Mexican Police accused of cover-up after killing 22 cartel suspects

M

exico’s federal Police killed 22 people on a ranch in the western state of Michoacán last year then moved the bodies and planted guns to corroborate the official account that the deaths happened in a gun battle, the country’s human rights commission has alleged.

One Police Officer was killed in the confrontation on May 22, 2015. The Government has said the dead were drug cartel suspects who were hiding out on the ranch in Tanhuato, near the border with Jalisco state.

The National Human Rights Commission alleged there were also two cases of torture and four more deaths caused by excessive force. It said it could not es-

A

over the next several days while the system moves westward at about 15 mph, with a 20 per cent chance of a tropical cyclone forming during the next five days.

A second tropical wave is forecast to move off of the coast of Africa today. Slow development of this system is possible while the wave moves generally westward through a marginally favourable environment, also

with a 20 per cent chance of a tropical cyclone forming during the next five days.

Meanwhile, Tropical Storm Fiona, the sixth named storm of the Atlantic hurricane season, was moving northwestward over the central tropical Atlantic. A motion between northwest and west-northwest is expected during the next couple of days.

Maximum sustained

from The Guardian)

Jamaicans urged to build on Garvey’s legacy

J

Marcus Garvey

amaicans are being urged to build on Marcus Garvey’s rich and enduring legacy by preserving his message of self-reliance and racial pride as a heritage for future generations.

“We have an obligation to build on the intellectual foundation Garvey established and to draw on his vision of a self-reliant, economically independent and confident people as we chart our course forward,” said student of Garveyism and former Deputy Jamaican

2 tropical waves heading towards the Caribbean tropical wave located about 300 miles South-west of Cabo Verde Islands is producing widespread cloudiness and disorganised shower activity as it heads towards the Caribbean.

According to the National Hurricane Center (NHC) in Miami, environmental conditions are expected to be conducive for gradual development of this disturbance

tablish satisfactorily the circumstances of 15 others who were shot dead.

Mexico’s National Security Commissioner, Renato Sales, who oversees the federal Police, denied the accusations, holding his own news conference before the rights commission had finished its own.

Sales said federal Police ordered the suspects to drop their weapons and surrender, but were answered with gunfire. The death toll had led to suspicions that officers might have arbitrarily killed people during the operation against suspected members of the Jalisco New Generation cartel. The rights commission questioned the Government’s explanation of what led to the clash in the first place. (Excerpt

winds are near 45 mph (75 km/h) with higher gusts.

Some slight strengthening is possible during the next day or so, followed by gradual weakening over the weekend.

Tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 35 miles (55 km) from the centre. Fiona, or its remnants, could end up somewhere near Bermuda around the middle of next week. (Caribbean News Now)

High Commissioner to South Africa, John Clarke.

“The international impact of Garvey’s ideas which prevailed over the constraints imposed by the colonial order of the day, serves as a special source of pride for us as Jamaicans,” he said.

The commemoration of the National Hero’s birth and his achievements, Clarke noted, afforded Jamaicans the opportunity to reflect on Garvey’s ideas and the adaptability of those ideas to the evolved challenges of the 21st century.

“Reflecting on Garvey’s ideas serves to remove any doubt about our capacity to triumph over any adversity once we summon the will.

Such reflection also serves to remind us of the obligation we have to ensure that the sacrifices made by Garvey were not in vain,” he said.

Meanwhile, 12-year-old student Kerone McLaughlin, of Retreat Primary School, in Trelawny, was awarded the 2016 Marcus Garvey Scholarship of Excellence.

(Excerpt from Jamaica Observer)

SATURDAY, AUGUST 20, 2016

guyana-times.com

15

Around the World

Civilians evacuated as Syrian Australian PM Malcolm Turnbull pays price Kurds bombed in Hasakah for A$5 handout S yrian Government jets have continued to pound Kurdishcontrolled parts of the Northeastern city of Hasakah for a second day, killing at least 22 residents and forcing thousands to flee.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR), which reports daily on the war using a network of activists, said on Friday that at least 22 civilians, including nine children, had been killed in the past two days.

Thousands of civilians, mostly women and children, were evacuated from the divided city on Friday, said Redur Xelil, a spokesman

Thousands of civilians, mostly women and children, were evacuated from the divided city on Friday, said Redur Xelil, a spokesman for the Kurdish People’s Protection Units

for the Kurdish People’s Protection Units (YPG).

A US-led coalition sent aircraft to Hasakah city

on Thursday to protect American special operation ground forces from attacks

by Syrian government jets,

a Pentagon official said on Friday.

Captain Jeff Davis, the Pentagon spokesman, said the coalition aircraft reached the area around the city as the two Syrian SU24s were leaving.

He said the Syrian planes did not respond to efforts by ground forces to contact them.

The air raids on Hasakah, which is divided into zones of Kurdish and Syrian government control, marks the most violent confrontation between the Kurdish YPG and Damascus in more than five years of civil war. (Excerpt

from Al Jazeera)

Burundi officers flee country over fears of repression

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t least 10 officers from Burundi’s Army and Police Force have reportedly fled the country since the beginning of this month amid ongoing repression in the country.

The group includes several senior officers.

Burundian security expert Gratien Rukindikiza put the total number of deserters at 13 and said they had

fled owing to fears of repression because of their ethnicity or for being perceived as supporters of the country’s political Opposition.

Human rights activists say the Hutu-dominated Government of President Pierre Nkurunziza is increasingly repressing ethnic Tutsis.

Burundi has been in turmoil since Nkurunziza announced last year that he

would seek a third term in office despite a constitutional two-term limit.

His election victory in July 2015 unleashed a wave of political violence in which hundreds have been killed.

In May, a court handed life sentences to 21 people, including senior military officers, who had been implicated in a failed coup attempt against Nkurunziza.

Dozens of soldiers have

been arrested on charges of supporting the opposition, Rukindikiza, the security expert, said. Many of the detainees belong to the minority Tutsi ethnic group.

Burundian army spokesman Gaspard Baratuza denied that the deserters had fled owing to ethnic repression or security fears, and said they were being manipulated by the Opposition.

T

hey say no good deed goes unpunished.

And so it was when Australian Prime Minster Malcolm Turnbull gave A$5 (£3) to a beggar on Melbourne’s streets.

On his way to give a major economic speech on Thursday, Turnbull stopped to shake the man’s hand and slip some money into his coffee cup.

But this minor act of generosity quickly turned into a major talking point on social media, where people were keen to criticise the PM from multiple angles.

Some saw Turnbull as stingy. He is a wealthy man and the five-dollar note was plucked from a substantial wad of cash. Australia’s version of the Daily Mail de-

scribed him as “Miserly Mal”.

But on the other hand, he was also criticised for giving money at all. Melbourne’s Lord Mayor Robert Doyle said giving to beggars helped feed drug habits and entrench poverty, and suggested Turnbull give to a charity instead.

Turnbull, a wealthy former investment banker, has faced a series of debacles since he retained power in Australia’s tightly fought July election. He responded to the beggar backlash on Friday.

“I felt sorry for the guy,” he told Melbourne radio station 3AW. “It was a human reaction and I’m sorry if that has disappointed some people.” (Excerpt from BBC News)

US election: Trump campaign Chairman Paul Manafort quits

(Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

China blasts Australian blocking of grid sale; door open to locals

C

hina voiced anger on Friday over a decision

by Australia to rule out on security grounds the preferred Chinese bidders for an energy grid potentially worth more than US$7 billion and restart the sale process.

Australia’s Treasurer Scott Morrison, who must approve major foreign in-

vestments, formally blocked the sale of Ausgrid to State Grid Corp of China and Hong Kong’s Cheung Kong Infrastructure Holdings earlier in the day.

Last month, Britain said it would review plans to build two nuclear reactors at Hinkley Point with financial backing from China General Nuclear. Prime Minister

Theresa May was concerned about the security implications of the proposed Chinese investment, a former colleague and a source said.

The disqualification of State Grid and Cheung Kong Infrastructure prompted the state of New South Wales (NSW) to restart the tender process for a majority stake in the grid.

The decision to halt the A$10 billion ($7.6 billion) sale – Morrison made a preliminary decision to block last week before confirming the stance officially on Friday – has caused a rift with China, Australia’s biggest trade partner, just eight months after their A$100 billion free trade agreement took effect. (Excerpt from Reuters)

India mourns crocodile-wrestling ‘Queen mother’ of tigers

T

he “Queen mother” of royal Bengals, thought to be the oldest surviving tiger in the wild, has died in a northern Indian national park.

Machali, aged about 20, was the star attraction of the Ranthambore national park and one of the most photographed tigers in the world.

Local media had been reporting on the animal’s declining health in recent days after she was discovered semi-conscious and starving on the fringes of the popular Rajasthan nature reserve.

About half the tigers in Ranthambore are descended from Machali, named after the Hindi word for fish for her distinctive facial markings.

Her exact age is unknown, but she was first spotted in 1997 and quickly became popular among tourists for her serene bearing and dominance among

battles took their toll, injuring Machali’s teeth and compromising her ability to hunt.

In her final years, park authorities would reportedly tie calves and other prey to trees to feed the animal, whose celebrity is thought to have generated US$10 million (£7.6 million) in tourism for the national park, according to conservation group Travel Operators for Tigers. (Excerpt from The Guardian)

Machali, from whom around half the tigers in Ranthambore are descended

the park’s tigers, which officially number about 61.

The “Lady of the Lakes” featured on postage stamps and wildlife documentaries and helped spark the revival of Ranthambore, but her legend was sealed when an amateur video captured her wrestling a 14ft Indian crocodile. But such

P

Trump (right) called Manafort a “true professional”

aul Manafort, campaign Chairman for Republican Presidential nominee Donald Trump, has resigned just two months after taking the helm.

He has come under fire for his ties to Russian interests and former Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych.

But he has denied any wrongdoing and it is not yet clear why he left.

The team was overhauled earlier this week with the addition of a new campaign chief executive and a new campaign manager.

Trump, who arrived in Louisiana on Friday to meet flood victims, has come under pressure in recent weeks after a series of controver-

sial remarks and falling poll numbers. Manafort’s lobbying connections to pro-Russia politicians in Ukraine are certainly a distraction for Trump’s presidential campaign – but unlikely to be the main reason for his departure.

In spite of Manafort’s efforts to impose discipline on the Republican nominee, Trump continues to do badly in the polls and has reportedly bristled at efforts to bring him under control. His new team now faces the task of allowing him to be himself while making sure he stays on message – attacking his Democratic rival Hilary Clinton instead of sparking controversy with his own verbal missteps. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Argument over TV show sparks mass brawl in Bangladesh village

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t least 100 people have been injured in a brawl between villagers in eastern Bangladesh sparked by arguments over the plot of an Indian TV serial.

Police said the dispute erupted at a restaurant in Habiganj district on Wednesday night where people had gathered to

watch Kiranmala, a popular Bengali-language drama about a warrior princess who saves mankind from evil.

Officers fired rubber bullets and teargas to disperse the crowd after angry viewers vandalised the restaurant in Dhol village and attacked each other with sticks and knives.

“Two men got involved into an argument over the story of the episode, which later turned into a group skirmish,” the local Police Chief Yasinul Haque said.

“During the fight, the angry mob vandalised the restaurant and [they] continued the fight on Thursday morning.”

Haque said at least 100

people had been injured in the brawl, and 15 needed hospital treatment. The Government was criticised on social media for allowing the broadcast of Indian television channels, which some people believe are responsible for spreading “degenerate” culture in the Muslimmajority Bangladesh. (Excerpt

from The Guardian)

16 NEWS

SATURDAY, AUGUST 20, 2016 | GUYANA-TIMES.COM

Public Health Ministry to heighten promotion of breastfeeding

E

xclusive breastfeeding is a distinctive process that provides perfect nutrition for infants and contributes to their growth and development. The Public Health Ministry will be heightening promotion and awareness of the need for mothers to practice exclusive breastfeeding.

Public Health Minister, Dr George Norton has noted that the breastfeeding programme will now reach out to all aspects of monitoring to foster a more efficient breastfeeding rate.

“The programme has now been revised and updated to reinforce the international code of marketing of breast milk substitute, support mothers who are not breastfeeding, provide modules on HIV and infant feeding and mother friendly care and to give more guidance and

monitoring for assessment,” Minister Norton stated.

The expansion of exclusive breastfeeding awareness is currently being facilitated through accreditation of a number of hospitals to baby friendly status.

Eleven hospitals attained baby friendly hospital status under the Public Health’s Ministry Baby Friendly Hospitals Initiative (BHFI).

This initiative, in collaboration with World Health Organisation (WHO) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), seeks to recognise health institutions adhering to the breastfeeding policy.

The 11 hospitals that were accredited are the Suddie Public Hospital, the Oscar Joseph Hospital , Georgetown Public Hospital, New Amsterdam, Skeldon, West Demerara Regional

Hospitals, Mahaicony Cottage Hospital, Mahdia District Hospital, Lethem Regional Hospital, the Upper Demerara Hospital and Davis Memorial which is a private institution.

These hospitals were accredited after an assessment was carried out, identifying hospitals promoting and adhering to written breastfeeding policies. Each of these hospitals was presented with a report of the assessment.

A formal session was held on Thursday, to hand over the final report of the assessment to the Public Health Ministry and the representatives of those hospitals that were a part of the assessment. The evaluation was carried out by lead consultant of the (BHFI) assessment, Paula Trotter of Dominica.

Labour Department releases report on death of JFL employee ..says company in breach of OSH Act

C

hief Labour Officer, Charles Ogle handed over the official report of the investigation into the death of Orin Anthony Morris to John Fernandes Limited (JFL) on Friday.

The report indicated that the John Fernandes Wharf was found to be in a series of breaches of the Occupational Safety and Health Act, Chapter 99:10 and that the fatal accident could have been avoided.

The breaches of the act which were identified, as stated in a statement read

by Ogle, were: an undated and archaic Employee Safety Manual, an absence of coherent policy implementation programme, a lack of appropriate supervision which led to the death of Morris and a supervisor was not on site at the time of the fatal accident. Violations of the guidelines for loading and clearing lifts and swing paths led to Morris’ death, the report stated.

According to the report, there was an absence of Emergency and Rescue Operation Plan and rogramme. There was no life saving devices such as life

Trotter mentioned that these hospitals’ routines are to be fully supportive of the successful initiation and establishment of breastfeeding. Trotter also highlighted the 10 steps or recommended practices for the hospitals’ maternal health staff.

Some of these steps that are required are; to train all health care staff in skills necessary to implement the policy, inform pregnant women about the benefits and management of breast feeding and help mothers initiate breast feeding within half an hour of birth among others.

Minister George Norton after receiving the report assured that other hospitals involved in the care of infants that have not been accredited will soon be ‘baby friendly’.

The BFHI was launched

by WHO and UNICEF in 1991, following the Innocenti Declaration of 1990. The initiative is a global effort to implement practices that protect, promote and support breastfeeding.

UNICEF stated it had

Public Health Minister, Dr George Norton receives the final report on the assessment of hospitals working towards Baby Friendly Hospital Status from Lead Consultant, Paula Trotter

recognised that there is an alarmingly low rate for exclusive breast feeding in Guyana.

Child Survival Development Officer, Cornelly McAlmont said that “UNICEF would do what you call the Multi-Indicator Cluster Survey. This was completed about two years ago and one of the things we gathered would have been information in relation breast feeding especially exclusive breast feeding. The MICS report indicated that they are 23.3 per cent in relation to exclusive breast

Govt to use NTC to swell its ranks at PNC congress – Teixeira

P

Chief Labour Officer of the Social Protection Ministry, Charles Ogle handing over the report of the investigation into the death of Owen Morris, to the Human Resources Personnel of John Fernandes Limited, Donna Roberts-Benjamin

jackets or life-saving rings that could have been used to rescue Morris, it citied.

“There was admirable cooperation from the John Fernandes Limited during the period of investigation into the death of Morris,” Ogle stated.

“MOSP is uninterested in promoting conflict and antagonism with employers when the need arises to investigate industrial inci-

dents, however the full force of the law will be unleashed against the non-cooperative employers,” he said.

Morris was performing duties while on a pontoon when he was hit by a log being manoeuvred by a crane, causing him to fall into the Demerara River and subsequently died while receiving medical attention at a city hospital.

feeding rates.”

“We need to consider what the inhibiting factors to exclusive breast feeding are. We need to also consider what are the enabling factors to exclusive breast feeding and when we know these things what we need to do is to craft our messages, craft our counselling activities to make sure that we address exclusive breastfeeding counselling, but most importantly to make sure that we continue to give our women the confidence they need to support breastfeeding,” McAlmont said.

eople’s Progressive Party (PPP) Chief Whip Gail Teixeira has alleged that Government has deliberately cancelled the date for the annual National Toshao’s Council (NTC) from July to August to rein in a high presence at its bi-annual congress.

Teixeira said government had an agenda when it cancelled the National Toshao’s Council conference set for July 18 last, and rescheduled it to begin on August 22. She said by the time the conference comes to an end on August 26, it would be just in time for the commencement of the People’s National Congress’ 19th Bi-annual Conference.

According to the Chief Whip, her party was reliably informed and was even shown a letter by the NTC to the Minister, requesting that the Conference be held in July, however this was ignored.

“The change came after

PPP Chief Whip Gail Teixeira

the PNC’s announcement that it will be having its conference on the 26th to the 28th. We also have information that the Government is paying for persons to come for the NTC and that accommodation will continue for a number of areas until next week Monday.”

She told the media Friday that the government has even decided to utilise the ferry service which runs

from Georgetown to Region One (Barima/Waini) to facilitate delegates and observers for the Congress.

The NTC was established in accordance with the Amerindian Act of 2006 as an autonomous body comprising Toshaos representing 212 Amerindian villages and communities. The body’s executive is elected in sub-regional elections every three years.

The PNC Bi-annual Congress will commence on Friday, August 26, and is expected to see an attendance of some 500 persons, including representatives from each Administrative Region.

President David Granger is scheduled to address the congress, making it the first time in decades that the party’s leader would be making an address as Head of State.

Several matters are said to be high on the agenda for discussion, including anything that would arise out of the Head of State’s Address.

17

NEWS

SATURDAY, AUGUST 20, 2016 | GUYANA-TIMES.COM

Traffic ranks to target President plugs national unity, celebration of Guyana’s diversity minibuses violating …attends Lord Hanuman Murti consecration at Blairmont

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resident David Granger has urged residents of Blairmont, West Coast Berbice, to use their religious faith to promote peace, unity and harmony even as the Administration continues to work to transform the country into a more cohesive society.

The President was at the time speaking at the pranapratistha or consecration ceremony of a 4.5 metre tall ‘Murti’ (statue) of the Hindu God, Lord Hanuman at the Blairmont Mandir.

President Granger said that he was extremely happy to receive an invitation to worship with them on this important occasion, which is evidence of the deep roots of Hinduism in Guyana. He reminded the gathering of his Oath to serve as President of all of Guyana and said Guyana is a strong country because each ethnic group brings different strengths and is necessary for national development.

“The Blairmont Mandir stands on sacred ground.

It is central to the spiritual life of residents on the West Bank of Berbice. Devotees assemble there to worship and to enrich their spirituality so that they can learn and live according to the precepts of Hinduism…

[This Mandir] provides services to the community and brings residents together to improve their own lives. It must continue to be a beacon to guide this community,” the Head of State said.

Speaking of Guyana’s culturally diverse society, the President said that he is of the firm view that the different ethnic and religious

A member of the Blairmont Mandir applying the chandantika on President David Granger’s forehead

groups in Guyana need to develop a greater understanding of each other, so as to fully appreciate the richness of the nation’s diversity and strength of the country as a whole.

“We cannot be strong if we are ignorant. We cannot be strong if we misunderstand each other, but through understanding we will be better able to combine our energies and our strengths and ensure that our children live in an age of enlightenment rather than in an age of darkness,” he said.

He also spoke of the importance of Hinduism in Guyana, which dates back some 178 years. It was brought to the country by Indian indentured labourers in 1838 and today constitutes a significant demographic element. “This magnificent Murti of Lord Hanuman is a public manifestation of private devo-

tion. It is a physical expression of a divine spirit. It can be seen far and wide by anyone approaching Blairmont.

It is proof that the adoration of Lord Hanuman is widespread. It is a reminder that his own grace is cast over the entire community,” President Granger said.

Meanwhile, officiating priest, Pandit Rajin Lallaram in his remarks, said that the erection of the Murti must serve as a source of motivation and strength for people as they deal with the everyday challenges that life presents.

“Every day we awake; we are greeted with some trial, some difficulty for which we have to be in the unending process of finding solutions. So today with this establishment of this Murti, I am sure that it will give us an opportunity to reflect on the strengths that lie within us and to use that strength, courage, inner will and pow-

er to contribute to a better society, a better nation and the world by extension,” Pandit Lallaram said.

The Murti, which stands on a concrete platform immediately next to the Mandir, was constructed at the cost of over $900,000 by a privately owned company, located at Strathspey Village, East Coast Demerara.

Social Cohesion Minister Amna Ally, Regional Chairman, Vickchand Ramphal and other regional officials were also present at the ceremony.

road service licence

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he traffic department of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) has intensified its campaign to ensure that minibus operators comply with their road service licence.

“We recognise that there are a lot of public transportation, especially minibuses, that have writings, drawings and other things on their minibuses,” Traffic Chief, Dion Moore told the Government Information Agency (GINA).

The road services licence for public transportation stipulates, among other things, that “there should be no marking, writings, etc.” on vehicles.

Minibuses often times are decorated with advertisements, slogans, artwork and pictures that can be considered lewd and or offensive.

However, during the Jubilee Independence celebrations in May, enforcement was relaxed, Moore acknowledged.

“There was an ease because of the amount of activities for our jubilee celebrations, but we’ve upped our task and we’re trying our level best to ensure that we enforce the laws as far as practicable,” Moore told GINA. The GPF’s traffic department has been working to deter the climbing road fatality toll. For the year already, there have been 80 fatal accidents across the country. Ten of those involved minibuses.

Traffic Chief Dion Moore

‘A’ Division has recorded the greatest number of fatality.

Speeding and inattentiveness on the roadways are primarily responsible for fatal accidents. The traffic department has increased its enforcement drive to curb fatalities on the roadway.

Meanwhile, a special task force has been set up at traffic headquarters to monitor via Closed Circuit Television Cameras (CCTV), minibuses and other vehicles that breach traffic lights.

“We monitor the CCTV breaches, and then we’ll have patrol ranks almost simultaneously working in the field to nab those errant drivers who breach the traffic light control signals,” Moore explained.

This is another measure being utilised by the GPF to curb irresponsible use of the roadways.

18

guyana-times.com

SATURDAY, AUGUST 20, 2016

ARCHIE

Your emotions will be difficult to control. Take care of (March 21- personal, financial or legal April 19) matters. Putting a problem behind you will make it easier to focus on new beginnings.

ARIES

Don’t be concerned with TAURUS the actions of others. Stay fo(April 20- cused on what matters to you May 20) and how you can contribute to a community that makes you feel comfortable and safe.

DILBERT

Make changes to your livGEMINI ing quarters or arrangements.

(May 21You can make your life better June 20) if your motives are clear and you do what’s best for you.

Changes at home will CANCER bring you comfort and joy.

(June 21- Host a party or make plans July 22) to do something with a loved one. Try something new and explore different lifestyle choices.

PEANUTS

A joint venture will sound LEO better than it is. Don’t get (July 23roped into a bad deal just beAug. 22) cause someone puts pressure on you. Emotional manipulation will lead you down a dismal path.

Take control and call the VIRGO shots.

If you let someone dic(Aug. 23Sept. 22) tate what you can and cannot do, you will not reach your goals. Stay calm and avoid emotional indulgence.

CALVIN AND HOBBES

Finish what’s expected of LIBRA (Sept. 23- you. Work alone in order to Oct. 23) avoid interference. Abide by the rules and watch out for someone trying to take control. Protect your secrets.

WORD GAME

SUDOKU

Socialising and doing SCORPIO things with the people who (Oct. 24touch you emotionally will Nov. 22) bring greater meaning to your life. Romance is in the stars, and a playful attitude will bring good results.

Overreacting will not help SAGITTARIUS matters. Keep your thoughts (Nov. 23- to yourself until you gather Dec. 21) enough information to make a rational choice. Talks will lead to arguments. Protect against injury and unnecessary mishaps.

SOLUTION FOR LAST PUBLISHED PUZZLE

Emotions and money don’t CAPRICORN mix.

Listen to proposals or to (Dec. 22Jan. 19) those looking for a donation, but don’t make a decision to help based on emotional manipulation. Be blunt in order to avoid being pressured.

Follow your heart when it AQUARIUS comes to work and how you (Jan. 20want to move forward. Not Feb. 19) everyone will approve of what you do, but it’s your life and your choice. Don’t cave under pressure.

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 You will face delays when (Feb. 20- traveling, and you will be misMarch 20) interpreted if you aren’t explicit in the way you express your thoughts. A compassionate and loving gesture is your best defense.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 20, 2016

Usain Bolt seals ‘triple-triple’ - USA disqualified

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o track and field athlete had ever won three consecutive Olympic gold medals in the Men’s 100m and 200m races coming into Rio 2016.

However, Usain Bolt was able to do that through the first two weeks of the Games in Rio. Entering Friday night at Day 14 of the Games, all he needed was a win as part of the Jamaican Men’s 4x100m Relay team in the final to win his recordtying ninth gold medal and to complete his triple-triple.

Bolt was running as the anchor of the relay team, as you might expect. And through the first three legs of the race, Jamaica was neck-and-neck with both the teams from the United States and Japan. However, being right with Jamaica isn’t good enough when Usain Bolt is running the final 100m of a race.

As soon as Bolt got the baton to take off down what is likely the final 100m run of his Olympic career, he started pulling away. Before

Usain Bolt ended his Olympics career winning gold in the men’s 4x100m

you could even blink, the fastest man in the world for eight years running was almost a full second in front of the competition. Just like in the last three Olympic Games that he’s competed in, he was looking back at the competition as he crossed the finish line first.

With the win as part of the Jamaican relay team, Usain Bolt wins his third gold medal of the Rio Olympics. However, it’s the historical implications that are staggering. Bolt

also became only the third track and field athlete to ever win nine gold medals at the Olympics. He joined American Carl Lewis and Finland’s Paavo Nurmi as the only men to ever accomplish that.

It’s only fitting that a career that’s been filled with nothing but world records and accolades that Usain Bolt would make his final run historic.

Japan walked away with the silver medal with a time of 37.60. Canada won the bronze medal in men's 4x100m relay after USA was disqualified due to lane infringement.

Andre De Grasse’s amazing Olympic debut continued as he led the Canadian 4x100m relay team to a bronze medal, his third at Rio. The team which also included Akeem Haynes, Aaron Brown, Brendon Rodney appeared to finish fourth, but the United States was disqualified.(fan-

19

US women overcome controversy to win Olympic gold in 4x100m

R

IO DE JANEIRO After controversy almost kept the United States women's 4x100-meter relay team out of Friday's final, the group instead was able to defend its Olympic title.

The team of Tianna Bartoletta, Allyson Felix, English Gardner and Tori Bowie finished in 41.02, followed by Jamaica and Great Britain.

The Americans, who needed to set a qualifying time in a solo rerun hours after dropping the baton in the preliminaries and getting a second chance on protest, won Friday's final in 41.01 seconds.

It was an impressive comeback after near disaster on Thursday, when Felix dropped the baton after being bumped by a Brazilian runner. That led to the re-run,

The USA women’s 4x100m team upset the Jamaican women to win gold

and the Americans qualified fastest, taking the place of China in the final.

The gold is Felix's fifth, the most of any U.S. female track star in history.

The Jamaican team containing Elaine Thompson and Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce was second in 41.36. Britain won bronze in a national record 41.77.

Felix ran the second leg for the Americans, the same section as 100- and 200-meter gold medalist Thompson, and passed to English Gardner, who ran a powerful curve to give her team the lead.

Tori Bowie ran the anchor leg and held off Fraser-Pryce as the Americans only narrowly missed the world record.(ESPN)

Lochte issues apology, but Germany wins 2016 Olympic stands by gunpoint claim women's soccer gold medal R D zsenifer Marozsan played the hero and Germany have won gold as the 2016 Olympics women's soccer tournament final was decided by a dramatic, high-action second half. Germany beat Sweden 2-1 thanks to a goal from Marozsan and an own goal, then held off a determined Swedish attack to secure their first-ever Olympic gold medal. Sweden will have to settle for their first Olympic medal being silver.

The first half was an exercise in missed chances, with Germany struggling to turn half-chances into highquality scoring opportunities, and Sweden failing to take advantage of numerous set-pieces. A number of corners for Sweden came to naught but a couple of poorly taken shots at goal, and German fans were left holding their heads in their hands when Anja Mittag completely missed a golden opportunity to score late in the half.

The second half, though, was a very different story.

The two teams had barely managed to work up a sweat again when Marozsan had a ball trickle out to her at the top of the box with some space to work with. All she

needed was a quick steadying touch and she rifled home a shot that threaded the needle between two defenders, the outstretched goalkeeper, and the upper frame of the goal to find the back of the net and put Germany up 1-0. It was a high-quality shot that showed fans just how good Marozsan could be, and was an excellent way to demon-

A dramatic second half and a fantastic goal saw Germany win Olympic gold for the first time

strate how well she'd been playing.

An awkward own goal

by Swedish defender Linda Sembrant gave Germany a 2-0 lead just after the hour mark, but Sweden kept themselves in the match with a well-taken goal from substitute striker Stina Blackstenius. That pulled

shared)

Sweden back within one goal thanks to the same woman who scored Sweden's huge goal against the United States in the quarterfinal.

That set off a spell of play that can be best described as a desperate scramble, with both teams pushing extremely hard trying to chase a crucial goal. Germany did their best to slow the match down to play out the string in the last 10 minutes, but that opened up a chance for Lotta Schelin to gut their defence. However, a crucial mistake by the Swedish attacker allowed Germany's defense to get into position to get the ball partly clear and recover by the time Sweden got the ball back into a dangerous area.

It was almost all Sweden in the closing minutes after that, but time and again they failed to take full advantage of the chances presented. When the final whistle blew, it was Germany celebrating and Sweden asking themselves what more they needed to do, though they should feel little shame – Sweden's performance was a magnificent one, but Germany was just that much better to earn their first-ever Olympic gold medal. (SBNation)

yan Lochte wants to draw a line under the saga in Rio which overshadowed his latest gold-medal exploits.

American swimmer Ryan Lochte has issued an apology for "not being more careful and candid" with how he gave his account of an alleged robbery in Rio but maintained he was confronted at gunpoint.

Lochte and three fellow United States relay gold medallists hit the headlines when they claimed they were held at gunpoint after attending a party they were invited to by Brazilian swimmer Thiago Pereira.

However, Rio's civil police chief Fernando Veloso stated that no robbery was committed and the quartet "were not victims of the crimes they claimed".

He added that at least one of the swimmers had vandalised a toilet in a petrol station and offered to pay for the damage.

Lochte on Friday issued a statement expressing his remorse for the way he described the incident, but the 32-year-old stands by his claim that a gun was pointed at him.

He said: "I want to apologise for my behaviour last weekend - for not being more careful and candid in how I described the events of that early morning and my role

in taking the focus away from the many athletes fulfilling their dreams of par-

the great event.

"I am very proud to represent my country in Olympic

American swimmer Ryan Lochte

ticipating in the Olympics.

"I waited to share these thoughts until it was confirmed that the legal situation was addressed and it was clear that my teammates would be arriving home safely.

"It's traumatic to be out late with your friends in a foreign country - with a language barrier - and have a stranger point a gun at you and demand money to let you leave, but regardless of that behaviour of anyone else that night, I should have been much more responsible in how I handled myself and for that am sorry to my team-mates, my fans, my fellow competitors, my sponsors, and the hosts of

competition and this was a situation that could and should have been avoided. I accept responsibility for my role in this happening and have learned some valuable lessons.

Lochte's team-mates Gunnar Bentz and Jack Conger landed in Miami on Friday after testifying about the alleged robbery.

The lawyer for the fourth USA swimmer, James Feigen, said the athlete would make a $10,800 "donation" and leave Brazil later in the day.

The United States Olympic Committee apologised to the Brazilian people and condemned the actions of the athletes.(Sportsmax)

20

GUYANA-TIMES.COM

SATURDAY, AUGUST 20, 2016

GFF launches ‘Road to Portugal’ Campaign

T

he Guyana Football Federation (GFF), on Friday officially launched its ‘Road to Portugal’ campaign which will see a designated Under-17 team, travel to Portugal, should everything go according to plan.

If all goes well, a representing Guyana U-17 team will be an accompanying team in the ‘First Future U-17’ tournament held in Aviero, Portugal from October 14-23, following an invitation on July 12, via GFF’s Facebook page.

According to Technical Development Officer, Linden France, the touring party should include some 18 players accompanied by seven officials and two teachers.

This programme is designed as a developmental programme and the experience will be remarkable for the boys.

He noted that the main role of the teachers is to keep the boys up to date with their studies as the programme is during the academic year.

President of the Guyana Football Federation, Wayne Forde disclosed that the estimated cost for the tour is in the vicinity of $22 million, which he acknowledged is challenging sum to raise.

Nevertheless, GFF has

Laquisha Adonis; Lance Ferreira; GFF Technical Development Officer, Linden France; GFF President Wayne Forde (seated), along with members of the U-17 Golden Jaguars and their parents

seen the potential this trip has to offer for the young players and are fully aware of what is required to make this a reality.

The sum is expected to be raised through a series of fund raisers organised by two groups of parents who will set up fund raisers in aid of this trip.

Additionally, the GFF will be looking to seek assistance from its international friends who are supportive of developing the Guyana football team.

France added that the cost should not be looked at

since the opportunity the youngsters are presented with cannot be measured in figures.

“This trip presents a chance for the guys to rub shoulders with professionals and seasoned footballers, put them on showcase for talent scouts from major clubs, as well as top quality training,” France said.

One of the parents of the youngsters, Lance Ferreira, pointed out that the GFF has been impressed with the performance of the guys, especially in the recently concluded tournament in the

US Virgin Islands. Ferreira guaranteed the audience that the U-17 team will not disappoint.

Another parent pleaded for Guyana to get behind this venture, highlighting the passion and desire the boys possess to make Guyana proud.

Forde indicated that the GFF has not yet had any discussions relating to any specific figure that they will be willing to contribute towards the trip but noted that the GFF has access to funds for developmental programmes, such as this, and it can be

expected that “the GFF will bridge the gap” if it is in their reach, bearing in mind it could be exhausting on the finances of the federation.

The team will travel under the branded name “Flour Power National U-17” squad as part of the contractual obligation the GFF has with National Milling Company (NAMILCO) through its fiveyear sponsorship.

However, NAMILCO has not yet been approached by the GFF to negotiate their contribution towards the trip.

It must be brought into

light that the touring squad has not been named and there is no guarantee that players will automatically be awarded a spot, but rather will have to earn their place.

Countries from all over the world, including South America, Central America, Asia, Australia and Europe, will be participating.

The GFF is asking the general public to support this venture and persons interested are kindly asked to make donations at the Republic Bank’s Water Street location, to account number 652-320-3.

South Africa vs New Zealand, 1st Test, Durban, 1st day

New Zealand makes deep inroads into South Africa T

he first day of Test cricket in August at Kingsmead felt like a play. There was the roguish charmer, Trent Boult, making the new ball weave shapes the batsman couldn't fathom. There was the graceful warrior, Hashim Amla, finding the boundary with the softest of touches.

There was the man who defies pain, Neil Wagner, summoning bouncers late in the day. There was guts from Temba Bavuma. And finally there was Mitchell Santner, the sneaky saboteur who ensured the curtains came down with New Zealand smiling.

South Africa, having opted to bat, lurched from 102 for 2 to 160 for 5 and were finally holding on at 236 for 8 at stumps, with Kagiso Rabada and Dale Steyn at the crease.

There was a distinct narrative in each session of play. The first was for the purists, and for those moved by drama, for Boult was slaying an old demon. Ever since a back injury in June 2015, he had looked a paler force. His average bobbed over 36, he leaked three runs an over, and some were worried he had lost his inswing.

Considering a stress fracture to his back had threatened his career before it even began - he was set to make his Test debut as a 19-yearold in Australia in 2009, instead he spent two years out of the game - Boult running in and hunting for the top of off stump at 140 kph was

Hashim Amla celebrates his half century

a pleasing sight. His first spell of eight overs included three maidens, plenty of jaffas, and the wicket of opener Stephen Cook.

In walked Amla. The ball cringed at the sight of him and hid beyond the boundary every chance it could.

He looked in such ominous touch that his batting average of 18.62 at Kingsmead, his home ground, seemed like a computer error. He

had contributed 40 of the 53 runs South Africa accumulated in the ten overs leading to lunch, favouring the cover drive. Six of his ten fours came in that region as New Zealand attempted to stay off his pads and ended up overcompensating.

So Kane Williamson called on Boult again, who promptly confounded the opposition's best batsman.

An inswinger demand-

ed Amla come forward - he couldn't - nibbled on the inside edge and settled in wicketkeeper BJ Watling's gloves. Boult wasn't able to turn the tide like that on the tours to Australia in late 2015, nor was he his usual self in the home Tests that followed. But at Kingsmead, he pitched the ball on off stump with remarkable precision and the batsman did not know whether it would carry on with the angle or veer back at him. He was a sitting duck.

So it was important that South Africa took the time to find stable ground. That responsibility fell on Temba Bavuma and the stand-in captain Faf du Plessis. The runs came at a trickle but their 54-run partnership was the second-biggest of the day. South Africa had expressed a desire not to accept mediocrity on the eve of the match and though each of their specialist batsmen spent at least 30 minutes at the crease it wouldn't please them that only one managed a fifty. Bavuma came within four runs of the mark, driving serenly and pulling authoritatively. But he was trapped lbw by Santner soon after Quinton de Kock ran down the track and spooned a catch to cover.

New Zealand had been patient, they had strangled run-flow when wickets weren't forthcoming and gave themselves the chance to pounce at the slightest opening. Literally, as it turned out.

In the fourth over after tea, Williamson flew to his right at gully and came up with a one-handed screamer to dismiss du Plessis. The bowler was Wagner, who had already caused frustration for South Africa and in particular JP Duminy by bouncing him out minutes after lunch. No one springs the leg-side trap quite like Wagner, going wide of the crease, summoning effort from some secret dimension very few fast bowlers have access to. He surprised Philander with another short one on what became the fourth over before bad light ended the day.

Things were tough at the start too. Like freshmen at a college party, Cook and Dean Elgar had spent the first several minutes assessing conditions. They tried to keep to their little corner and hoped they eventually would feel comfortable enough to shake a leg

or two. Boult hit the perfect spot in the 14th over. Cook was caught in the crease, defending inside the line and with soft hands. Had that ball carried on with the angle, he would have been safe, but Boult brought it back in and claimed the edge. Quite unplayable.

Elgar was worked over in a similar manner by Doug Bracewell, who switched around the wicket to draw the batsman into pushing outside his off stump and edging to second slip.

Williamson at gully put his head down and clapped his hands hard. He had said his bowlers had to be "creative" to get their wickets in Zimbabwe a few weeks ago. Nothing of that sort was required at Kingsmead, where the red ball swung just enough to play on the nerves of a top order that hadn't played Test cricket in seven months. (Cricinfo)

SCOREBOARD Stumps - Day 1 South Africa 1st innings SC Cook c †Watling b Boult D Elgar c Guptill b Bracewell HM Amla c †Watling b Boult JP Duminy c Boult b Wagner F du Plessis* c Williamson b Wagner T Bavuma lbw b Santner Q de Kock† c Bracewell b Santner VD Philander c Southee b Wagner K Rabada not out DW Steyn not out

20 19 53 14 23 46 33 8 14 2

Extras (lb 4) 4 Total (8 wickets; 77.4 overs) 236 To bat: DL Piedt Fall of wickets 1-33 (Cook, 13.6 ov), 2-41 (Elgar, 16.6 ov), 3-102 (Duminy, 31.3 ov), 4-106 (Amla, 34.5 ov), 5-160 (du Plessis, 57.3 ov), 6-208 (de Kock, 67.4 ov), 7-208 (Bavuma, 67.6 ov), 8-228 (Philander, 74.4 ov) Bowling : TG Southee 18-163-0, TA Boult 17-3-42 -2 , DAJ Bracewell 15.4-6-53-1, N Wagner 15-4-47-3, MJ Santner 11-2-22-2, MJ Guptill 1-0-5-0

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21

SPORTS Seagram’s Royal Stag Cup Test Series 4th test day 2

No play on day 2 of fourth West Indies-India Test

T

he fourth Test between West Indies and India lost another day on Friday after Thursday's action was also cut

short.

There was no play on the second day of the fourth Test between West Indies and India in Port of Spain due to a soggy outfield.

The rain that caused day one to be abandoned after just 22 overs failed to drain away and, despite prolonged periods of sunshine, the surface remained unplayable.

Ground staff - without the benefit of a super sopper - made their best effort to dry the outfield but the day's play was called off shortly after lunch when the heavens opened once again.

India hold an unassailable 2-0 lead in the four-match series after routing the hosts by 237 runs in the third Test at Gros Islet, and they made early inroads on Thursday.

Kraigg Brathwaite and Leon Johnson (9) made a solid start to their innings before Ishant Sharma (1-7) dismissed the latter with his first delivery, Rohit Sharma taking the catch at short leg.

Dwayne Bravo's (10) presence was shortlived, Ravichandran Ashwin (1-22) slinging one down off stump immediately after being sent to the boundary.

The second day ended without a ball bowled

Brathwaite managed to put on an unbeaten 32 and Marlon Samuels four as the Windies hit 62-2 before play was called 68 overs short amid a heavy deluge.

India will have to pull off an unbelievable victory inside three days to retain their number one ranking but if they fail to do so they will lose that spot to Pakistan. (Sportsmax)

WICB Regional Under-19

Guyana, Windwards book finals berth – both teams finish preliminaries with 5 wins

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uyana made light work of Barbados to cruise into Sunday’s final of the West Indies Cricket Board’s (WICB’s) Regional Under-19 against Windward Islands.

Yesterday at the Arnos Vale Playing Field in St Vincent, reigning champions, Guyana, dominated Barbados by 85 runs as the latter was dismissed for 98 in reply to Guyana’s 183.

For the winners three batsmen got starts of over 20 but failed to improvise.

Opener Ronaldo Renee made 25, while Raymond Perez and Keemo Paul hit 37 and 33 respectively as the defending champions were bowled out for 183 in 49.5 overs. Four of the remaining batsmen also chipped in with scores of 15 or more, as a collective effort saw Guyana to a competitive total.

Tremaine Harris and Nicholas Kirton were the pick of the Barbadian bowlers with three wickets apiece, while Chemar Holder and Dominic Drakes got a wicket each.

In reply Barbados was shaky at the start as they never got going and were stopped at 98 all out in 37.5

Kheshram Seyhodan

overs. Only three batsmen made it to double figures as opener Shian Braithwaite top scored with 35. Part-time spinner Malcolm Hubbard orchestrated the collapse, as he collected four wickets to

Keemo Paul

finish as his team’s leading bowler. Looknauth Chinkoo supported with two wickets, while Sherfane Rutherford, Keemo Paul and Kheshram Seyhodam had a wicket each. Left arm spinner Akenie Adams was also good with the ball although he finished wicket-less in the match. He had figures of seven overs three maidens, no wickets nine runs (7-

Ronaldo Renee

3-9-0).

The win secured Guyana’s place in the finals as they completed their fifth win from six matches.

At Park Hill ground, leaders Windward Island defeated Trinidad and Tobago by three wickets with eight overs to spare. Batting first Trinidad made 258 in 48.3 overs, with Joshua Da Silva top scoring with 88. Akick Anthanaze got four wickets while Ryan John and Rasheed Fredericks took two wickets each.

Windwards were led by Emmanuel Stewart (92), who’s scintillating half century came with nine fours and two sixes off just 89 deliveries. He was assisted by Johann Jeremiah 61 and Anthanaze, who made 45.

Jonathan Bootan and Bryan Boodram captured three wickets each for Trinidad and Tobago.

Like Guyana, Windwards finished on five wins from six matches.

In the other match, Leewards’ bowlers did well to restrict Jamaica to 167-8 in 50 overs, but their batsmen failed for a second time as in many days, as they fell for 95 in 42 overs. Jamaica won the match by 72 runs.

22

GUYANA-TIMES.COM

SATURDAY, AUGUST 20, 2016

NSC closes off Digicel bats with summer camp on high DCC summer camp

T

A large crowd gathered for the closing ceremony

he Ministry of Education, through the National Sports Commission (NSC), on Friday held a closing ceremony for its annual August vacation summer programmes at the Durban Park.

A total of 678 children participated in the vacation programmes, spanning nine different sporting disciplines and four venues across Guyana.

Over 300 youngsters were engaged in swimming, which was hosted at the National Aquatic Centre, Liliendaal, and the Colgrain Swimming Pool, Camp Street. These participants aged from as young as seven years all the way up to 17 years. The children were all in good hands with 13 experienced instructors including, Paul Mahaica and Bamidele Olaleye.

National Table Tennis Coach, Linden Johnson, was another integral figure, teaching some 75 kids in the art of table tennis at the National Gymnasium.

These children were thought a wide range of skills that

Director of Sport, Christopher Jones addressing the crowd

were essential in developing them to be able to play the sport competitively.

Johnson highlighted that this programme was incorporated into NSC's programme to help groom these youngsters and extract talent to represent Guyana at the senior level.

At the Durban Park Tarmac, 140 children participated in some of the more traditional sports, such as Cricket and Football, but they were also introduced

to sports that were developing into main sports for the country, such as Boxing, road tennis, circle tennis and Track and Field athletics.

The coaches, including Latchman Yadram and Allister Munroe, thought the children the essentials such as rules and techniques needed to better understand the game.

The Annual Music is Fun Camp was also integrated into the NSC's programme and saw 91 children participate this year. From the teachings of specialists, such as Andrea Mentore and Peter Callender, these participants were able to put on display what they had learnt through a musical display at the closing ceremony.

Director of Sport, Christopher Jones, pointed out that youths are the future and the NSC is especially proud to have hosted a successful event such as this one and is positive that many young talents were spotted from this programme, hopefully one day representing Guyana.

Digicel’s Communications Manager, Vidya Bijlall-Sanichara makes the donation to Demerara Cricket Club President Alfred Mentore, in the presence of Digicel Brand Ambassador Christopher Barnwell (left) and National Youth Coach Gavin Nedd along with the club attendees

By Akeem Greene

T

he “Bigger Better Network” continues to invest in sports, as on Friday they gave the annual Demerara Cricket Club (DCC) summer camp

Communications Manger revealed that “our brand ambassador [Christopher Barnwell] told us that he is a part of the summer camp and that he would like us to partner with him as a way of giving back”.

bers of its attendees going on to play for the National Youth teams. Currently, Ashmead Nedd, Qumar Torrington and Sachin Singh, all of whom were graduates of the camp and club members, are currently

4th annual ‘Non-Alcoholic Malt’ Cycling meet set for today

T

he fourth annual ‘Non-Alcoholic Malt’ cycle racing meet is slated to ride off today at the inner circuit of the National Park from 09:30h with the top riders across the country on show.

The event is sponsored

by Banks DIH who has continuously thrown their support behind this event and is in collaboration with the Guyana Cycling Federation to make this meet possible.

Cycling Co-coordinator, Hassan Mohamed, has expressed his delight in the efforts made by corporate Guyana in developing the sport.

He pointed out that, “if there is no competition, there is no way the riders will develop and it is because the business community has constantly invested in activities such as this”. It is no surprise that the sport is developing over the years and every year in this meet, we see a new winner emerging.

The last time the event went under way; Hamza Eastman rode off with first

Christopher Barnwell made a donation towards the Most Valuable Player of the camp, compliments of his new sports store Leading Edge

Stefano Husbands will look to defend his title today

place in the 35-lap School Boys open, while Stefano Husbands pedalled his way to victory in the 10lap Juvenile race. Other winners included Keon Thomas who was victorious in the five-lap mountain bike race, Ralph Williams who won the five-lap veteran’s race and Amika Gomes won the under-14 boys and girls three lap race.

Among those to look out

for today are Orville Hinds, Michael Anthony, Marlon Williams, Christopher Cornelius, Raphael Leung and others.

11 races are set to get under way.

After the races, Banks DIH representatives, Mortimer Stewart, Outdoor Event Manager, and Clayton McKenzie will be present to distribute the winning prizes.

a timely boost by giving a financial contribution and donating tokens which are expected to aid in the development of the younger generation of cricketers at the club and its environs.

The donation was made by Digicel’s Communications Manager, Vidya Bijlall-Sanichara and Brand Ambassador, Christopher Barnwell, to the club’s President Alfred Mentore in the presence of the camp attendees.

Sanichara said that cricket and Digicel are synonymous and the company is honoured to be a part of the summer camp. The

She ended saying, “Digicel, being in Barnwell’s corner, we will always support cricket, DCC, the community and the youths; the youths are why we are here”.

Mentore echoed words of gratitude and posited that Digicel is the network that contributes to sports and such partnership would mean enormous benefits for the club if the telecommunications giant continues to invest with the club.

In addition, the club’s president explained that the camp has been in existence for some nine years now and usually sees a large num-

in England on tour with the West Indies Under-16 team.

Barnwell was in praise of the impact of the camp, stating, “When I was this age, I never had these opportunities, so it gives me great pleasure to come here and see these young players engage with Coach Gavin Nedd; it’s great to see we are producing players who will represent Guyana”.

The camp which operates from 09:00 hrs to 15:00 hrs, Monday to Friday, will conclude next Friday after three rigorous weeks of both indoor and outdoor activities.

GUYANA-TIMES.COM

SATURDAY, AUGUST 20, 2016

23

Gonsalves looking to make a statement!

By Romario Samaroo

W

ith just one week to go, the ‘Bad Intentions’ boxing card is definitely heating up and arguably Guyana’s best young fighter, Dexter Gonsalves is looking to stamp his name in the record books on his way to a world title shot.

When Guyana Times Sport visited Gonsalves, the young man was putting sweat and blood into his training at the Gym located in his neighbourhood of Albouystown, which has produced some of the best boxing talents the country has ever seen.

President of the Guyana Boxing Board of Control, Peter Abdool has already indicated that DeMarcus ‘Chop Chop’ Corley is here to win and is not going to take this fight lightly, but Gonsalves is taking his training seriously to ensure he gives Guyana a win over the United States bred boxer.

Heading into this fight,

Gonsalves has, for the first time in his career, a dietician and new set of gears, all compliments of NexGen Promotions, who has been assisting him in his preparations.

Coach of the 27-year-old talent, Sebert Blake, noted that he has intensified his training approximately one month ago, doing a lot of road work inclusive of sparring, strength training, bag training and a lot of speed work.

He added that the tempo is high and regardless of the situation, Dexter Gonsalves will emerge victorious because he is an adoptable young man, sighting the fight against Atwell as an example of his capabilities.

Corley is a world rated boxer, having fought the likes of Mayweather and Cotto but Blake has pointed out that the team has watched tapes of Corley’s fights and have found a few weaknesses that they will be looking to capitalise on.

Gonsalves said he is focusing on his countering

GBTI/GLTA to host fifth annual summer tennis camp

F

Action from a previous GBTI tennis camp

or a fifth time the Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry (GBTI) has seen the need for youth development, thus it has decided to utilise its resources in collaboration with the Guyana Tennis Association (GLTA).

Together the two entities will be hosting the GBTI/ GLTA fifth annual summer tennis camp.

The camp will be in full flow from today at the GBTI Diamond Tennis Courts. Residents within and beyond the vicinity of Diamond Housing Scheme, who are eager to learn tennis and might be looking for a mode of relaxation during their summer vacation are all invited to participate in the camp free of cost.

The camp will run for three consecutive weekends, commencing on August 2021, August 27-28, and con-

cluding on September 3-4.

Children, ages 14 and under, will be accommodated from 15:00h-16:30h, and adults from 16:30h-18:00h.

Persons are required to walk with a cap, snacks, water bottle and a tennis racket, if they have one. Rackets will also be provided.

This initiative that is being upheld by the GBTI is simply an expression of their support for the development of youths and adults in the Diamond Community through the sport of tennis.

On completion of the camp, persons would not only be able to play tennis, but will also improve the development of their physical, technical, mental and social well being.

Interested persons can register by calling telephone numbers 639- 1735 and 6747198.

Dexter Gonsalves will be looking to make a statement heading into the main event at ‘Bad Intentions’

skills but the environment is very difficult for boxers to actually develop this technique and has called on the government and the boxing board to help develop the sport.

Gonsalves currently has fought 11 fights with seven

knockouts.

There is much anticipation when the two square up in the ring for 12 rounds, battling for the Fecarbox Lightweight Title.

In the middleweight category, Mark Austin will look to stop the mighty Jamaican

Michael Gardener in his boots.

One of the most favoured clashes of the night will be in the lightweight category where Imran Khan will look to redeem himself against Quincy Gomes.

Gomes had emerged vic-

torious against Khan the last time these two met, but Khan has identified his mistakes from the last fight and has already started to correct them. However, Gomes does not intend to go the full six rounds with Khan, and wants to finish the fight in round one.

Another lightweight bout for the night will see Anthony Narine making his debut when he shares the square with Keeve Allicock for four rounds.

The first fight slated for the night will have the crowd on their toes to witness Kelsey George, a young Berbician, looking to defeat Barbadian Chadwin Estwick.

Estwick, who is on a winning streak, is looking to extend it, while George will be aiming to gain some momentum for his future.

‘Bad Intentions’ is slated for August 27 at the Giftland Office Max Mall, Lilliendaal, East Coast Demerara. Admission costs $3000 (ringside) and $1000 (general admission).

SATURDAY, AUGUST 20, 2016

Pg 19

Sports is no longer our game, it’s our business

Seagram’s Royal Stag Cup Test Series 4th test day 2

No play on day Usain Bolt seals 2 of fourth West ‘triple-triple’ Indies-India Test

Digicel bats with DCC summer camp

Pg 21

Gonsalves looking to make a statement!

Pg 23

Pg 22

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