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Issue No. 2914

THE BEACON OF TRUTH

Wednesday, July 13, 2016

Guyana’s retail electricity prices among highest in the Region – IMF Page 3

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WHAT'S INSIDE:

Cozier P11 farmers under water – team to be dispatched to area

… proposes oil-dependent power generation is not “best” way to go

Pouderoyen businessman shot during robbery Page 7

– bandit arrested

Kitty stabbing

Bus driver remanded for stabbing woman Page 23 times 8

Sophia access road to be completed in 2 weeks P10 …residents protest dust pollution

Celebrating another victory!

Occupational Health and P14 Safety Officer needed for City Hall – Mayor Cocaine in frozen fish

Police issue wanted bulletin for West Dem man P10

In this composite photo fans of Guyana Amazon Warriors celebrating another victory at the Providence Stadium after their home team defeated the St Lucia Zouks by eight wickets

New HIV infections in Caribbean rise by 9% Page 16

Removal of vagrants “a huge problem” – Minister Page 9

Cook remanded for stabbing ‘child father’ P8

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WEDNESDAY, JULY 13, 2016 | GUYANA-TIMES.COM

news

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BRIDGE OPENINGS The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Wednesday, July 13 – 11:30h-13:00h and Thursday, July 14 – 13:00h-14:30h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Wednesday, July 13 – 10:35h-12:05h and Thursday, July 14 – 11:55h-13:25h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY Thundery showers with chances of sunshine are expected in the morning, while heavy to light rain showers are expected to dominate in the afternoon.

Clear skies can be expected in the evening.

Temperatures are expected to range between 24 degrees Celsius and 29 degrees Celsius.

Winds: Easterly to East North-easterly between 1.34 metres per second and 4.47 metres per second.

High Tide: 11:08h and 23:37h reaching maximum heights of 2.19 metres and 2.23 metres respectively.

Low Tide: 04:38h and 17:05h reaching a minimum height of 1.00 metre and 1.02 metres respectively.

Saturday, July 9, 2016

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FREE TICKET

Tuesday, July 12, 2016

Daily Millions

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…proposes oil-dependent power generation is not “best” way to go

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iting that Guyana depends heavily on imported oil for its power needs, a country report on Guyana produced by the International Monetary fund (IMF) proposed that an oil-dependent power generation is not the best way to go.

Stating the country’s installed power generation capacity is about 83 per cent oil-based and 17 per cent biomass (bagasse) fuelled, the report indicated that the oil-dependent power generation mix contributes to macroeconomic instability. It explained that high oil prices widen the external current account dearth, raise fiscal transfers to the public utility Guyana Power and Light (GPL) and reduce oil tax revenues due to the limited pass-through in the domestic fuel pricing system.

Therefore, unpleasant oil price shocks consume foreign exchange and fiscal resources and the unpredictability in oil prices quickly disseminates to the external and fiscal sectors.

The report stated that these oil price shocks increase the cost of power generation and when those costs are passed on to users, they increase the cost of production and hold back investment.

It emphasised that GPL’s relatively high rate of technical and commercial losses also contributed to high electricity prices, while declaring that the country’s average retail electricity prices were among the highest in the Region in 2014.

Although the recent decline in oil prices has provided some respite, it purported that Guyana “remains exposed to oil price corrections”.

Odds with renewable energy

Draw De Line 04 05 09 13 14

Guyana’s retail electricity prices among highest in the Region – IMF

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The IMF stated further that the oil-dependent power generation is at odds with the vast renewable energy potential. “The country has

An artist's impression of the Amaila Falls Hydropower Project

extensive hydro power potential, estimated at 7600 MW, which by far exceeds its annual consumption and installed capacity,” it said, adding that Guyana’s climate is also apposite for wind and solar power generation, while its sugar and rice industries provide opportunities for co-generation of electricity from biomass .

It noted that a transition to a green power atmosphere has been delayed by various constraints, thus reducing the chances of lowing Guyana’s carbon footprint.

Guyana has always been cited for having high hydro potential, even as far back as the first oil shock in the mid 1970s. Plans were in order to build a large hydroelectric project at Amaila Falls in the late 1980s; this evolved through several proposals and rounds of negotiations but implementation has been constrained by the project’s large size, complexity, cost, and Guyana’s limited fiscal space.

The project was deemed a no-priority by Government due to its purported lack of financial sustainability.

Finance Minister Winston Jordan had posited that the Amaila project is too costly to pursue. He stated that it will cost GPL US$2.6 billion over 20 years (US$130 mil-

lion per year) and this was too unreasonable.

However, Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo had contended that instead of Amaila Falls costing GPL US$2.6 billion over 20 years, GPL would actually be saving almost US$2 billion, or G$400 billion.

Nevertheless, Guyana has launched a comprehensive review of its power sector strategy and the Government has tasked the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) with a review of its optimal energy matrix. The IDB will assess the optimal power generation mix for the country, looking at a broad array of energy sources.

The Government has also retained an international consultant for a review of the feasibility of Amaila Falls Hydropower Project and the power sector strategy will draw upon the

results of these studies.

Additionally, it has put in place fiscal incentives to promote solar power and will use solar panels and mini hydro stations in remote communities without grid access. Solar power is also increasingly used by businesses to power their buildings and operations.

In this respect, enabling green technology independent power producers to sell their excess power to the grid could reduce energy losses, increase supply, and lower tariffs.

The Government is also exploring the modalities of renewing its ground-breaking low carbon partnership with Norway, which has provided grants for developmental projects in exchange for Guyana’s progress in preventing deforestation and reducing the economy’s carbon footprint.

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

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

Editorial

Oil and the climate

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uyana stands on the precipice of becoming an oilproducing economy and while the knowledge that oil-producing countries are at an advantage economically is comforting, there is an oxymoronic dynamic that is involved with this particular situation.

On one hand, there is Guyana’s push for a “green economy”, which is premised on the reduction of our carbon footprint, while on the other hand, Guyana is advancing the proliferation of oil for economic gains. The end result of which will invariably add to the already colossal greenhouse gas emissions that come with the extraction, production and consequent burning of oil.

Where does this contrasting equation leave Guyana?

One can argue that at this point in time, this concern is not on the minds of the politicians, nor those with the vested interest (ExxonMobil) of extracting the lucrative resource.

This in part has to do with the fact that Guyana won’t be producing oil until another well is drilled (the Liza 3) which gives the country a 5-10-year time line before large-scale production is seriously considered.

That being said, oil production, it seems, is inevitable based on the information being disseminated from ExxonMobil that Guyana has a recoverable resource of between 800 million and 1.4 billion oil-equivalent barrels.

With that inevitability comes the oxymoronic dilemma mentioned above.

We do believe that if Guyana becomes an economy which is based on oil, it will be at a crossroad, ie from its local push for a green economy/ fighting climate change, and from its international obligations and treaties (COP 21) seeking tangible compliance in the reduction of the world’s carbon footprint from developing countries.

Research has shown the deleterious effects associated with climate change. One of the largest contributors to climate change is greenhouse gases and primary among those gases is Carbon Dioxide (CO2), which is produced naturally, but is excessively exacerbated through human activity such as the burning of fossil fuels (oil).

Ironically, the biggest emitters of greenhouse gases are the developed countries, such as the United States, the European Union members, China and Canada among others.

However, the countries that are required to do the most in terms of avoiding further climate change damage are the poor and developing countries. They are being cajoled by developed countries through international organisations to implement changes counterproductive to their projected growth by not utilising the route already advanced and taken by the said developed countries years before.

It is for this reason, former President Bharrat Jagdeo articulated for and succeeded in getting funding from Norway (a developed country) to simply put, pay for Guyana to keep its forest intact. This move ensured that Guyana was compensated for not going down the traditional route of exploiting its natural resource via rapid deforestation for economic gains.

Clearly, Guyana will come under some form of scrutiny and criticism if it digresses from its much-touted going green and combating climate change disposition towards one where the end result would lead to the proliferation of greenhouse gases by contributing to the oil industry and its consequent ills.

To stay clear from such murky waters maybe Guyana should go the route that it did with its forests. A feasibility study should be done to determine the net positive and negative impacts that would be derived if Guyana chose not to mine its oil reserves. Guyana could then be compensated for not going down the path of extracting its reserves.

It might be a farfetched idea taking into consideration the legal ramifications and the amount of resources already invested by ExxonMobil to find and extract oil off of Guyana’s shores and to drill two wells already. However, in the final analysis, even the most entrenched agreements can be restructured and compromised.

It all depends on how serious we are in fighting climate change and protecting the world for the future generations to come.

Minister of State Joseph Harmon and Minister with responsibility for Sport Nicolette Henry along with Managing Director of Republic Bank (Guyana), Richard Sammy (second left) present the Man of the Match and Best Catch awards to Jason Mohammed of the Guyana Amazon Warriors

Freddie admits to escaping National Service hardship Dear Editor, Freddie Kissoon (July 12) praised the late criminal mastermind Laurie Lewis for getting him out of the oppressive National Service system that was mandated for anyone seeking tertiary education; high school students were also coerced into participating in National Service.

If someone did not participate in National Service, a diploma was denied. One’s promotion in government service or even a government job (teaching service) was tied to National Service.

Many abuses took place in National Service. There were widespread reports of rapes and violation of dietary needs forcing Muslims and Hindus to eat beef and pork. Pandits and Imams begged Burnham to excuse females from National Service because of reported rapes and unwanted pregnancies, but Burnham refused.

Freddie said he opposed National Service, but Laurie Lewis gave him a break. So he could get his diploma. Laurie was Burnham’s right hand man on terror.

Freedom fighter Leyland Roopnarine said Laurie

was in charge of the terror ring. Leyland was arrested several times by Laurie’s terror squad and beaten in prison. It is commonly known that Laurie was responsible for the disappearance of Burnham’s opponents.

Describing Laurie as a dangerous man, Freddie connected Laurie with Walter Rodney’s murder.

Laurie was also connected to the beating of political opponents.

The DLM political leader, Paul Nehru Tennassee was arrested, stripped naked and placed on an ants nest; Laurie knew about it. Ravi Dev was beaten at the police headquarters. Several of us were beaten by Police at the instruction of Laurie who ran the terror dungeon in town. Laurie’s Police terrorised us when we participated in protests against the PNC dictatorship.

Yet in spite of all the terror unleashed on freedom fighters and advocates for democratic rule, Freddie befriended Laurie for personal gain.

Freddie wrote: “I met Laurie Lewis in 1975 at the University of Guyana.

From 1975 until he died in August 2012, we remained

on very friendly terms.”

When many of us were being beaten, intimidated and some arrested for opposing National Service, Freddie compromised the struggle. Freddie stated: “I agreed to do National Service and Laurie facilitated me by having me work with him in his National Service office at Broad and Charles Street, Charlestown. This is what drove me to like Laurie”.

So Freddie used his connection with Laurie to avoid National Service in the interior of the jungle where one was forced into government propaganda, consuming foods that violated their faiths and where almost every female was raped or targeted for rape.

While others were forced to endure physical and emotional torture far from home in the jungle exposed to malaria and other dreadful diseases, Freddie was in an air-conditioned office and close to his family. No wonder he was grateful to Laurie.

Freddie had such a special relationship with Laurie that he penned: “I do not think Laurie ever refused me a favour. I could have asked him for

anything.”

Freddie described Laurie as “a shrewd, Machiavellian operator.

Laurie Lewis will remain one of the most controversial personalities this country produced. His life story is mired in dangerous and unappealing details”.

Freddie said Laurie would use favours he did for you against you, pointing out that this “was the lesson he internalised from his association with Forbes Burnham”.

He adds: “Laurie was part of the body ... surrounding the Walter Rodney murder. I knew Laurie had a massive amount of intelligence data on people, data he threatened to use against them in order to succeed in the pursuit of his desires, and he did succeed”.

In spite of all Laurie did to political activists who opposed the Burnham and Hoyte dictatorships, Freddie remained close to Laurie for allowing him to escape National Service in the jungle and this while females were being raped.

Has Freddie no self-respect?

Yours truly, Vishnu Bisram

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

Compensation for policymakers, leaders & directors Dear Editor, Ongoing media coverage regarding all forms of compensation (salaries, benefits, stipends, perks, etc.) payable to the top echelons of Government and national, public and civic service organizations suggests that it might be useful to have some public ventilation on the underlying bases and justifications for the apparent dissonances, discrepancies and differentials within the body politic. (It is acknowledged that similar issues are au courant in other spheres within and outside our nation with established avenues and procedures for dealing with them).

The most recent highprofile public service cases in point are the amounts being paid to Parliamentarians and Ministers which may be considered as ‘super salaries’ when compared with the paltry, beggarly, sums being paid as ‘stipends’ to Chairmen and Directors of the Boards of governmental Agencies and Authorities. (My understanding is that the stipends paid to Chairmen are $10,000 and Directors $7,000 per month; they were apparently fixed in the last century, and are clearly well below the current national minimum wage and to me quite an insult to the personal pride of the recipients which no amount of altruism and considerations of service to the motherland can assuage).

How can we countenance and knowingly live

with the glaring differentials between the earnings of politicians and the stipends of professionals who are usually appointed to serve on critical Boards where the responsibilities and efforts required are at least apparently equal to, if not superior in some cases. The efforts and responsibilities of Chairmen and Directors of Boards like the GRA and GuySuCo who actually provide leadership and professional oversight for operations within the commanding heights of the economy are virtual ‘full time’ jobs. Besides, as far as I gather, they have ‘fiduciary responsibility’ and can be sued if found to be delinquent in the performance of their duties as Directors.

Contrary to generally held impressions, some, if not most of these Chairmen and Directors do not simply attend monthly meetings (on which impression the current stipends were apparently fixed); typically, they have a lot of ‘home work’ to do to prepare for the meetings and subcommittee work based on their particular areas of expertise; then there are the continual ‘oversight’ and ‘representational’ obligations which they are expected to discharge.

While Parliamentarians enjoy extensive ‘parliamentary breaks’ for example, Chairmen and Directors of State Boards must be on-the-ball continually, especially in some productive and service-oriented operations

like GuySuCo and GRA. I know of a case where one Board Chairman was so engrossed in the affairs of the organization that he was considered and often referred to as the “Executive Chairman”.

Does the Government expect or unwittingly encourage these professionals and upright citizens who are normally requested to serve on the Boards to fall prey to or to seek illicit, under-the-table or round-about means of self-compensation and aggrandizement?

There is also the case where a Director on the Board of one of these operations was so appalled at the miserly stipend payable to him that he quickly sought an opportunity to serve the same outfit, in virtually the same capacity, but as a functional head of the said organization for which he is being paid a handsome salary, plus related benefits.

Such unsavoury moves become unnecessary if proper systems were in place for determining the relative demands, difficulties and other differentials inherent in the different roles within the various organizations.

There are several simple Job Evaluation systems and techniques readily available to establish defensible, systemic and objective bases for fair and equitable compensation arrangements based on relativities and comparability following orderly processes of Job Analyses, Job Evaluation and other Human Resource

Management applications.

Government should seriously consider employing such approaches for a start if it really wants to attract and retain the people with the appropriate competencies and profiles, whether as Board Members or Staff, for all its operations and agencies, and who would not be tempted to do any form of wangling to meet obviously critical demands of the respective positions.

Sincerely, Nowrang Persaud

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Foundation

The power of awe: a sense of wonder promotes loving-kindness

By Christopher Bergland

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new study found that experiencing a sense of awe promotes altruism, loving-kindness, and magnanimous behaviour. The May 2015 study, “Awe, the Small Self, and Prosocial Behaviour,” led

by Paul Piff, PhD, from University of California, Irvine was published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology.

The researchers describe awe as “that sense of wonder we feel in the presence of something vast that transcends our understanding of the world.” They point out that people commonly experience awe in nature, but also feel a sense of awe in response to religion, art, music, etc.

In addition to Paul Piff, the team of researchers involved in this study included: Pia Dietze, from New York University; Matthew Feinberg, PhD, University of Toronto; and Daniel Stancato, BA, and Dacher Keltner, University of California, Berkeley.

For this study, Piff and his colleagues used a series of various experiments to examine different aspects of awe. Some of the experiments measured how predisposed someone was to experiencing awe... Others were designed to elicit awe, a neutral state, or another reaction, such as pride or amusement. In the final experiment, the researchers induced awe by placing participants in a forest of towering eucalyptus trees.

guyana-times.com

After the initial experiments, the participants engaged in an activity designed to measure what psychologists call “prosocial” behaviours or tendencies.

Prosocial behaviour is described as “positive, helpful, and intended to promote social acceptance and friendship”. In every experiment,

Across all these different elicitors of awe, we found the same sorts of effects—people felt smaller, less self-important, and behaved in a more prosocial fashion. Might awe cause people to become more invested in the greater good, giving more to charity, volunteering to help others, or doing more to lessen their

awe was strongly associated with prosocial behaviours.

In a press release, Paul Piff described his research on awe saying: Our investigation indicates that awe, although often fleeting and hard to describe, serves a vital social function. By diminishing the emphasis on the individual self, awe may encourage people to forgo strict selfinterest to improve the welfare of others. When experiencing awe, you may not, egocentrically speaking, feel like you’re at the centre of the world anymore. By shifting attention toward larger entities and diminishing the emphasis on the individual self, we reasoned that awe would trigger tendencies to engage in prosocial behaviours that may be costly for you but that benefit and help others.

impact on the environment?

Our research would suggest that the answer is yes.

Awe is a universal experience and part of our biology

In the 1960s, Abraham Maslow and Marghanita Laski conducted independent research similar to the work being done by Piff and his colleagues. The research that Maslow and Laski conducted separately on “peak experiences” and “ecstasy” respectively, dovetails perfectly with the latest research on the power of awe

by Piff et al.

When was the last time you had an awe-inspiring moment that made you say “WOW!”? Are there places from your past that spring to mind when you think of moments or peak experiences that left you in awe?

After years of chasing

the Holy Grail of peak experiences that practically needed to equal standing atop Mt Everest to seem extraordinary – I’ve realised that some peak experiences can be “other-worldly” in a once-in-a-lifetime way... but there are also everyday peak experiences that are equally amazing and available to each of us if we have our antennae up for the sense of wonder and awe that is everywhere.

For example, in early spring, when the daffodils bloom, I’m reminded that peak experiences and a sense of awe can literally be found in your backyard.

As a kid, I was awestruck by the scope of towering skyscrapers as I walked around the streets of Manhattan.

Skyscrapers made me feel small but the sea of humanity on the city streets made me feel connected to a collective that was much bigger than myself.

One of my peak experiences and cliché moments of awe was the first time I visited the Grand Canyon.

Photographs never capture the awesomeness of the Grand Canyon. When you see it in person, you realise why the Grand Canyon is one of the seven natural wonders of the world.

Clearly, I am not alone in being awestruck by nature and having a sense of wonder diminish my sense of self in a way that shifts the focus away from my own egodriven individual needs and towards something much bigger than myself. (Excerpt from

The National Grade Six Assessment results – and what they mean

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othing. That’s right, I said it. This is by no means an attempt to belittle the efforts of thousands of students, but I don’t believe that anyone should feel defined by their examination results, especially at the age of eleven.

Whilst the papers recently have been plastered with images of successful students – the top ten, the top one per cent, the remaining ninety-nine per cent Ashley Anthony seem to be swept up into the shadows. Yes, it is important to study diligently, and to enkindle a sense of scholarly responsibility from a young age, pressuring children to an obsession, to the point where many feel defined by the schools they were assigned is unhealthy. I’ve read of students in the past recounting how they would spend hours upon hours studying – and these are just the stories that manage to get published.

When you write these exams, the mere difference of a mark could cost you your ‘Ideal’ school. And whilst less-than-satisfying results are disappointing and discouraging, it’s not the end of the world.

psychologytoday.com)

To be continued

That mark is no way an indication of your potential.

Everyone performs differently under exam settings, and everyone has their own struggles.

That being said, the exam is over. For the contented, and for the disappointed, understand that each high school has its perks and its shortcomings. No matter where you’re headed, it’s important to keep this in your head, how successful you will become depends solely on your attitude. Not on the prestige of the school, the colour tie that you wear, or even the teachers that impart knowledge to you. It all depends on you.

As Oscar Wilde once said, “We are all in the gutters, but some of us are staring at the stars.”

Some people are given the world of support – the best teachers, the best schools, yet amount to very little, and then there are some who have almost nothing and achieve the seemingly impossible. It may seem like a distant dream right now, further than a dusty planet on the breaches of the universe, but ultimate success is not unattainable, it just hinges on how determined and focused one can remain.

Give high school your best effort. All the strangeness and novelty of the environment and subjects quickly melt away into enjoyment. It’s a place for far more than traditional learning. It’s where we experience personal growth, discovering ourselves as well as the world around us. We make eternal friendships and irreplaceable memories. Memories which later in life will become so essential to us that we begin to understand we wouldn’t change a thing about our high school experience. It was ours. So go make yours!

It won’t all be easy, but it will all be worth it.

news

Pouderoyen businessman shot during robbery

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Overseas companies must adhere to labour regulations – Minister Scott

– bandit arrested

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olice investigators have managed to arrest one person while the hunt is one for another, following the shooting of a West Bank Demerara (WBD) businessman during a robbery on Monday night.

According to reports reaching Guyana Times, at about 19:00h, two armed men barged into the businessman’s Pouderoyen, WBD home and terrorised the family. During the ordeal, Prakash Seegobin, also known as “Jai”, was shot to his leg. Seegobin operates a shop at his Lot 3 Bella Dam, Pouderoyen home.

This newspaper was told that the two perpetrators; one of whom was armed with a gun while the other was armed with a knife, invaded the house and held the family hostage. The ordeal lasted some 30 minutes.

The man’s daughter, Ravita, recalled that she was walking down the stairs from the upper flat of the house when she was confronted by a man with a gun. She added that a second bandit armed with a knife held onto her brother. Both of the bandits covered their faces with handkerchiefs. She went on to say that at that time, her husband and baby were upstairs and her father was out.

Ravita said that the man demanded that she hand over the jewellery she was wearing, which included her gold bracelet, wedding band and other pieces.

According to the traumatised woman, she and her brother were then taken upstairs by the perpetrators and while there, the gunman slammed her into the wall and pulled her by her hair,

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Bauxite operations in Guyana

The Bella Dam house the bandits invaded on Monday and terrorised the family

demanding that she hand over all the money that she had as well as what was kept in the house. She fell to the ground and the perpetrator kicked her and used his feet to roll her over as he repeatedly demanded money. Ravita pleaded with the bandit, telling him that she had no money, as his accomplice carried out a search of the house for any valuables that may have been stashed. At this point, the young woman said her father, Seegobin, returned home and was immediately gun-butted by the bandit and he fell to the ground.

She recounted that the gunman started demanding money from her father and fearing for the safety of his family, he complied handing over some $200,000 from his pocket. Unsatisfied, the men continued to harass the family for more money and kept on gun-butting the businessman to his face while tugging her about. She added that she then fell to the ground, landing next to her father’s feet and that was when the gunman discharged a round, hitting the elderly man to his knee. The woman further disclosed that the men took her into her bedroom and managed to unearth another $100,000 which she had in

one of her handbags, as well as other pieces of jewellery.

With money and jewellery in hand, the men kept demanding more and even threatened to shoot her baby. The mother of one told Guyana Times that she panicked and pleaded with the bandits to search the house once again and take whatever they wished but not to harm her daughter. The duo then snatched an ipad, a laptop belonging to her brother, and other valuables before making their way down the stairs and escaping. This publication was told that the two bandits ran out of the dam, where it was reported a white car was waiting for them. It was also reported that neighbours were aware of what was transpiring in the family’s home but were too afraid to help. Unknown to the perpetrators, Seegobin’s home is outfitted with surveillance cameras and the footage from the incident was handed over to Police. Diligent work by detectives led to the arrest of a Campbellville, Georgetown, resident on Tuesday.

The suspect is in custody assisting with the investigations.

Meanwhile, the shot businessman has been hospitalised and is in a stable condition.

he Government will “not condone” multinational companies operating locally in breach of the laws of this country. This is according to Minister within the Social Protection Ministry, Keith Scott, who has responsibility for labour. Minister Scott noted that both local and foreign companies will not be allowed to “interfere with the workings of the unions.”

On Tuesday, the Minister met with executives of RUSALowned Bauxite Company of Guyana Incorporated (BCGI). According to a Government Information Agency (GINA) release, this meeting comes in light of the Ministry’s “continued effort to engage employers, trade unions and stakeholders within the labour sector”.

Scott related that the intention of the meeting was “to ensure that both local and

overseas companies understand the Constitution of Guyana and respect the labour laws”.

“The team put the cards on the table and they have some concerns with the ongoing dispute… but what we did, we put aside those areas that are very contentious and emotional and we discussed the principles in terms of respecting the Constitution of Guyana, the laws of Guyana and the trade union recognition that exists,” GINA quoted Scott as saying.

According to the Minister, the Russianowned company has indicated its willingness to facilitate trade unions.

RUSAL’s Human Resources Manager Tolpykin Igor explained that the company has been doing “all in its power” to ensure that workers are “comfortable”, claiming that they are being “paid above the minimum

wage”. Igor also pointed out that the bauxite company is willing to facilitate trade unions and have amicable solutions to any issues affecting workers, and is also encouraging the Ministry to conduct inspections at any time.

In 2009, 57 workers engaged in strike action for increased wages and improved working conditions.

In December of that year, the Russian company axed a labour agreement with the Guyana Bauxite and General Workers Union (GBGWU). However the GBGWU spoke out against this action.

Earlier this year, Minister Scott met with the company and subsequently, the GBGWU, to facilitate “amicable discussions” between the union and employers. The Moscow Times had noted that RUSAL is the world’s largest producer of alumina and aluminum.

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wednesDAY, july 13, 2016 | guyana-times.com

IN THE COURTS

Cook remanded Bus driver remanded for for stabbing ‘child father’ stabbing woman 23 times Kitty stabbing

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Uttanpad Sewnaraine

he minibus driver who stabbed the mother of his child 23 times, was on Tuesday remanded to prison after appearing at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

Uttanpad Sewnaraine, 39, Lot 55 Campbellville, Georgetown, shared a relationship with the Virtual Complainant, Selina

Ramotar, which produced a daughter.

Sewnaraine was not require to plea to the indictable charge which stated that on July 9 at David Street, Kitty, Georgetown, he unlawfully and maliciously wounded Ramotar with the intent to commit murder.

The case was adjourned until July 29.

According to reports, on the night in question, Ramotar had just returned home after visiting a nearby grocery store when her attacker, who was parked in front of her home, asked for her to give him a few minutes of her time.

It was reported that shortly afterwards, family members heard screams and noticed Ramotar lying on the ground with the father of her child bent over her while seemingly punching her. The Police were told that upon further investigation, they noticed that the woman was stabbed. She was subsequently rushed to a city hospital where she remains a patient.

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Alexis Turpin

cook appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan, to answer to the charge of attempted murder.

It is alleged that Alexis Turpin of Campbell Street, Lodge, Georgetown, while being in the company of another, unlawfully and maliciously wounded the father of her child, Sherwin Johnson, with intent to commit murder on July 2.

The prosecution is contending that on the day in question, the 25-year-old defendant went to the home of the Virtual Complainant and stabbed him with a claw bar.

She was remanded to prison until July 28.

Lindener jailed, fined for ammo possession

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Lindener who appeared before Magistrate Clive Nurse at the Linden Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday was sentenced to three years in prison for the unlawful possession of ammunition.

Andre Walcott, 23, had initially pleaded not guilty to the charge which stated that on August 7, 2014, he had 10 live .32 rounds of ammuni-

tion in his possession, while not having a firearm licence in force.

However, when the case was called on Tuesday, the defendant changed his plea to guilty.

Responding to questions posed by the presiding Magistrate, he also indicated that he had not consumed alcohol or narcotics over the last 24 hours and as such,

Eyew tness Passages...

he is changing his plea of his own free will.

Magistrate Nurse then related to the defendant that the offence was a serious one, carrying a minimum penalty of three years in prison.

In his plea of mitigation, Walcott asked the court to take into consideration the fact that he had been on remand for the offence since 2014, added to the fact that

he has a three-year-old daughter.

Magistrate Nurse told the court that he took that into consideration, adding that he gave the defendant credit for not wasting the court’s time. As such, he deducted two years from the original sentence, leaving three years. Additionally, the defendant was fined $50,000.

...over Demerara River

he Demerara Harbour Bridge is in the news again.

Seems the pontoons under the retracting span that allows larger ships to proceed up and down river have to be repaired. It’ll cost some $50 million at least. Now somebody will have to make a decision soon about what they’re gonna do with this bridge. At the fag end of the PPP’s term, there was a seeming “done deal” – a new fixed-span bridge was to be constructed.

When the British announced they’d be giving a grant to the Caribbean – some £300 million – of which Guyana was getting about £50 million – the new APNU/AFC Government hinted they’d use the money to jump start the new bridge. They conceded that with the traffic skyrocketing across the span, it just couldn’t keep up. The present mile-long backups at rush hour – morning and afternoon – will inevitably end up with some road-rage induced violence as most of the 9000 vehicles that pass daily converge in those hours. Yet, they’ve now said the £50 million will be used for a bridge at Mackenzie. Go figure!

But apart from that – there’s the matter of the upkeep for a structure that’s long past its useful life.

Built in 1978, it was expected to go for another 25 years, if it had been properly maintained....which takes us up to 2003. But it hadn’t been “properly maintained” and we saw portions of it floating downriver with terrified motorists during the late 1980s. It gave a whole new meaning to the term “floating bridge”.

The PPP Government did start maintaining it after 1992 and pretty soon some said that there were no real lifespans to such structures since worn parts could be replaced. But these worn parts are repaired at a cost, nuh? And what has been shown is that capital injections into the Bridge since 2008 have been averaging more than $400 million annually, while even with the new, higher volumes of traffic, the bridge is still taking in at best $300 million. Plus another $200 million for operating expenses? So this means the taxpayers are coughing up at least $500 million annually to subsidise the Bridge. And this will keep going skywards. Not to mention during non-rush hour times, motorists are held up by the constant welding of replacement plates covering the bridge.

But even if the Government’s gotten cold feet on a new Demerara Harbour Bridge”, why haven’t they moved to overcome one major source of frustration – the “openings” of the Bridge for ship crossings.

With the long-promised navigational lights, weren’t we supposed to have ships “passing in the night”?

...of rites in Britain

Well, the other foot has dropped in Britain on their Brexit. PM Cameron has – in proper stiff upper lip tradition – announced the timetable of his stepping down and Interior Minister Theresa May stepping up to lead the Brexit tango. And a tango it will be – since any attempt at a “charge” would be a repeat of the “Charge of the Light Brigade”! Mass suicide.

But we wish our politicians would notice the traditions that underlie the formal institutions of “democracy” in Britain. There’s no statute, much less a constitutional requirement for Cameron to step down. He believed a particular course of action was best for his country, he espoused that course, and the majority of the people disagreed with him.

He properly took that as a vote of “no confidence”.

He could’ve gone on to lead Brexit as Theresa May will. But it wasn’t the moral thing to do. Our leaders don’t have to’ve attended Eton to learn that lesson.

...of financial chutzpah

So, just as we’re banned from having transactions with the Bank of America because of “laundering fears”, word’s out that the US justice dept worked out a deal with mega bank HSBC which laundered US$billions from Mexican drug cartels. HSBC has assets of US$2.6 TRILLION!!

Too big to thief?

news

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wednesday, july 13, 2016 | guyana-times.com

Removal of vagrants “a Ogle hotel shooting huge problem” – Minister Suspects released on bail

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A

n inter-Ministry team is being established to remove vagrants from the environs of Parliament Building.

This comes in light of the recent report that the Project Restore Guyana (PRG) is cash strapped, so the initiative to relocate vagrants has been put on hold. The Public Security Ministry was said to be seeking technical advice on the permanent removal of vagrants who currently “squat” around Parliament Building.

The Government Information Agency (GINA) quoted Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan on Tuesday as saying that the removal of such person posed “a huge problem” to the Guyana Police Force.

“We have a huge problem there…when you start taking them and putting them in the lock-ups because we don’t really have space for them,” the Minister explained.

Ramjattan observed that some vagrants would usually return to the area once released from holding cells.

According to GINA, the Public Security Ministry is “part of a committee established by the Ministry of Social Protection to address the welfare management of the homeless, mentally challenged and addicted persons on the streets. The committee also includes representatives from the Ministry of Agriculture and the Georgetown Mayor and City Council.”

Ramjattan also observed that a half-way house needed to be constructed, with funds from the Social Protection Ministry.

PRG is a multi-disciplinary task force that was set up by Government to address, among other social ills, the welfare management of the homeless and addicted, but financial constraints compelled the body to shelve plans for vagrancy removal.

Head of the Secretariat of the task force, Dr Sewnath Ponalall told Guyana Times on Monday that the Project

Social Protection Minister Volda Lawrence

Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan

was faced with financial and human resources challenges in continuing its relocation programme. Dr Ponalall had observed that the biggest challenge was finding a building to assess the mental and physical status of vagrants to determine where and how to place them, whether it was in a hospital or a home.

“Unfortunately, there is no such facility in this environ; we have looked into the availability of buildings, matter of fact, we have a register here with the Government buildings, but we did not find any fruitful building that we can use to facilitate our project because all of the Government buildings are either run down or occupied,” Dr Ponalall had noted.

“If we can find money tomorrow from somewhere to invest in this direction, we will go forward…since the economy is not performing too well right now – gold prices gone down and sugar price gone down, we cannot expect the Government to spread out all over at this moment, but to maintain what is there already,” he had further pointed out.

Social Protection Minister Volda Lawrence had told this newspaper that the commencement of the evaluation process for street dwellers would begin as soon as a building was released by the Public Health Ministry, which was in collaboration with the Social Protection Ministry to carry out this programme.

Minister Lawrence had disclosed that the purpose of the evaluation process for

street dwellers was to assess the vagrants, then to determine the best facility for them.

“The committee recently held a meeting where it was agreed that to swiftly tackle this issue, there needs to be an evaluation process to determine whether those street dwellers can be treated externally, placed in a home, or be referred to the National Psychiatric Hospital,” she had said.

he four suspects who were arrested following last week’s shoot-out at the Alpha Hotel in Ogle, East Coast Demerara (ECD), which left one man dead, have been released from Police custody.

This was disclosed by Head of the Criminal Investigations Department, Senior Superintendent Wendell Blanhum, who told Guyana Times that the men were released after the 72-hour detention period had expired.

The Crime Chief further stated that as a condition to their bail, the suspects are required to report to the Police.

On Thursday last, at about 16:30h, an exchange of gunfire between Police ranks and suspects at Ogle, ECD, resulted in the death of 51-year-old Nigel Joseph of South Ruimveldt, Georgetown.

He was shot to the abdomen and was taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival. The man died while being transported to seek medical attention.

Police at the scene of the shooting on Thursday

Blanhum told this newspaper last week that the Police received information about a large-scale drug transaction and went to the location to investigate. While there, they realised that the information was accurate and immediately came under fire.

Information reaching Guyana Times revealed that investigators recovered 5.5 kilograms of cocaine along with a Smith and Wesson 9mm firearm from the scene.

Meanwhile, Commander of C Division (East Coast Demerara) Marlon Chapman confirmed the shootout took

place, indicating that the Police were conducting an operation in the area when they came under fire from the men who were occupying a room at the hotel.

Chapman further revealed that the Police returned fire, hitting the man who succumbed to his injuries. As the Police moved in, he related, the others attempted to escape, but were cornered and arrested.

Chapman also confirmed that none of the Police ranks were injured during the shootout which lasted some 15 minutes.

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wednesDAY, july 13, 2016

News

Cocaine in frozen fish

Police issue wanted bulletin for West Demerara man

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anks of the Guyana Police Force Narcotics Branch are on the hunt for a West Coast Demerara (WCD) man who is wanted for questioning in relation to a recent trafficking in narcotics incident that occurred at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport, Timehri, East Bank Demerara.

Wanted is 52-year-old Mohamed Imrazie Alli, also known as “Panta”, a seafood exporter, of Lot 11 La Jalousie, WCD. He is wanted for the June 8 drug bust where over 9 kilograms of cocaine was found stashed in a shipment of frozen fish.

Three persons were already charge in connection

Wanted: Mohamed Imrazie Alli, called “Panta”

with the drug bust and the Police are now seeking the public’s help in locating the

fourth suspect.

Anyone with information that may lead to the arrest of Mohamed Imrazie Alli, called “Panta” is asked to contact the Police on telephone numbers 227-2128, 225-6411, 225-2227, 2258196, 227-1149, 226-7065, 911 or the nearest Police station. All information will be treated with strict confidence.

On June 8, at about 02:00h, members of the Police Narcotics Branch intercepted a quantity of cocaine in some 33 boxes containing frozen fish to be exported. The boxes were found among other cargo during a routine check by Police.

At the time, 10 persons were arrested, including six ramp attendants attached to a handling service at the main port of entry. The others were reportedly shipping agents. The consignment of frozen fish was destined for the United States of America.

However, further investigations led to the arrest of two West Bank Demerara (WBD) siblings – Shafur Alli, 27, of Lot 27 La Jalousie, and Lazena Imrazie, 22, of Lot 8 Goed Fortuin, WBD. They two were subsequently charged for being in the possession of 9.044 kilograms of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking.

Sophia access road to be completed in 2 weeks

… residents protest dust pollution

S

ome two months after the Dennis Street Project in Sophia, Greater Georgetown, was scheduled to be completed, the Public Infrastructure Ministry is now looking to accelerate works to meet a deadline set for July 27.

This decision was taken by the Ministry on Tuesday following a meeting with residents of the community, who were protesting the dust pollution caused by the incomplete works to the access road.

Minister within the Public Infrastructure Ministry, Annette Ferguson, met with the residents on Tuesday morning as they were protesting along

Sophia residents blocking the incomplete Dennis Street

Dennis Street.

During the meeting, residents expressed their concerns over the dust pollution in the

area due to passing vehicles traversing on the crusher run currently in place on the roadway.

Following these complaints, a team from the Ministry immediately soaked the road to alleviate the effects of the dust.

Minister Ferguson also committed to having the road soaked every day until the completion of the construction works.

Additionally, the residents, who included Councillors from the Sophia

Foreign Knights

S

atiricus was amused. He’d just read about this fella who’d shown up at the horse racing meet the Queen would attend annually – at Ascot in England – and was insulted by the royal media. Seems the chap had been awarded a Knighthood by Antigua – which gave him the right to call himself “Sir” whatever. In this case, “Sir Anthony”. And the Royal hirelings, of course, objected.

“Only the Queen of England could award Knighthoods,” huffed Satiricus.

“Wha’ mek da?” asked his old buddy Cappo. The persistence of the May-June rains into July had curtailed cane-cutting and the friends had sought refuge in the Back Street Bar. “What kind of foolish question are you asking, Cappo?” demanded Satiricus with some heat. “You think any Tom, Dick or Harilall could make people “Sir”?”

“Budday! Me na talk about King Fighta, and Lord Sharty and dem calypso bais!” smiled Cappo. “Is wan country Antigua mek de man wan “Sir”. Suh wha wraang wid Antigua?”

“Nothing is wrong with Antigua, Cappo,” said Satiricus.

“But they can’t hand out “Sirs” like candy.”

“Suh you t’ink Sir Vivian Richards is sweetie?” countered Cappo.

“Cappo, you playing with me!” said Satiricus as he downed his beer and ordered two more. “You know Sir Viv is OK. The Queen’s people never objected to him.

But the Governor General of Antigua who gives out the Knighthood handed one to her son and her Gardner! “ “OK...Sato old fr’en’,” said Cappo placatingly. “But de Queen namek she son Andrew and wan harse jackey “Sir” too? An’ Antigua na object.”

“I give up, Cappo,” said Satiricus. “So what you think we should do?”

“Me t’ink abee sh’u’d done way wid all dem “Sir” and “Lard” and t’ing,” opined Cappo. “People should respect people fuh wha good dem do.”

“Let’s drink to that,” said Satiricus, as he clinked his bottle with Cappo’s. representative group, also indicated their willingness to have the road closed from C Field to D Field, to facilitate its construction. It was agreed that the closure of this stretch would minimise interruption and facilitate accelerated road works.

The project was initially scheduled to be completed in mid-May, following the completion of approximately 300 metres of timber revetment. However, during the deep patching and scarifying phase, it was discov-

ered that there were extensive foundation issues, and as such the works were held back.

Also included in the construction works was the installation of steel tie-rods and “dead man” structures.

Other than the Sophia area, the Ministry will be undertaking other major infrastructural works in Pattensen and Turkeyen, Greater Georgetown, as part of its Urban Areas Development Plan for 2016.

Pomeroon duo slapped with murder charge

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ennox Baharally and Rondell Edwards were remanded to prison after they made an appearance at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan to answer a joint murder charge.

The duo was charged for the murder of Mohammed Abdul Shameer, who died on April 26, in the Pomeroon River, Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) after a boat capsized.

Baharally 34, a boat builder, and Edwards, 19, also a boat builder, reside in Upper Pomeroon River.

Defence Attorney Jerome Khan told the Court that it was an unfortunate incident and his clients’ only mistake was to remove the body from the scene and

Accused: Lennox Baharally

Accused: Rondell Edwards

place it on the river bank.

Khan added that the boat capsized and the defendants were only trying to rescue the man, who died.

The case was adjourned for August 15 and transferred to the Charity Magistrate’s Court.

Reports are that three

months ago, the two while aboard a boat collided with Shameer’s boat in the Pomeroon River.

It is alleged that after the accident, instead of going to a hospital, the duo took the man’s body to a swamp area and reportedly concealed it.

wednesDAY, july 13, 2016

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News

Region 1 Chairman meets with Port Kaituma residents

– discusses rehabilitating access road

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egion One (BarimaWaini) Chairman Brentnol Ashley along, with members of the Regional Democratic Council (RDC), on Tuesday met with residents of Port Kaituma to address their woes.

The visit was initiated following protest action taken by the residents of Port Kaituma to have the access road running from Port Kaituma Central to Baramita urgently repaired.

According to reports, the RDC has been calling for the road to be rehabilitated for almost a year; however, preparations have not been made to remedy the situation.

Just last week, several trucks overturned while attempting to use the road because of its current deplor-

able condition. The road is said to be slushy with deep water-filled holes. It is also said to be eroding.

Speaking with Guyana Times on Tuesday, Ashley said he, along with members of the RDC met with residents to address their issues, noting that focus will be placed on addressing and formulating plans to have the matter concerning the Port Kaituma road looked into urgently.

“We are currently meeting with the residents to make plans for them and also to hear from them their issues and concerns.

We hope that we can have their issues corrected,” he said.

Some of the concerns voiced by residents were those of travelling fares which have been drastically increased because of the

Cozier farmers under water – team to be dispatched to area

By Indrawattie Natram

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ash crop farmers cultivating in the Cozier, Lower Pomeroon River in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) are currently inundated with water due to the alleged negligence of drainage and irrigation workers attached to the Region Two administration. Scores of cash crop farmers are counting their losses and reported to the Region Two Regional Democratic Council (RDC) that their crops are under threat.

Speaking at the monthly RDC meeting on Tuesday after the standing order was adjusted, cash crop farmer Lyvan Layne said currently, over 1345 roots of water melon are under threat for him. Layne related that water from the New Road area keeps overtopping into the low lands of Cozier and accused the rangers attached to the administration there of doing nothing to bring relief to those affected, despite making several reports to the rangers.

Addressing the RDC Councillors at the meeting for the month of July, Layne related that over 40 cash crop farmers are affected. The father of seven said his watermelon crop is in bearing stage and if the water remains on his land, then he will be losing hundreds of thousand of dollars in crops.

He further explained that farmers have cultivated peas and within the next

Farmer Lyvan Layne

four weeks, harvesting will commence. After listening to the farmer’s concerns, Head of the RDC, Region Two Chariman Devanand Ramdatt, said a team consisting of Councillors, himself and the Regional Executive Officer Rupert Hopkinson will visit the area shortly to assess the situation.

Base on the assessment, necessary recommendations would be made.

Ramdatt also told the farmer that they should visit the RDC regularly and report issues affecting them as opposed to waiting until RDC meetings to raise such concerns.

Farmers are calling for proper drainage and irrigation in the area and alleged that the workers operating the sluice are very old and do no lift the doors regularly.

Farming is the main economic activity for persons living in the Cozier area.

state of the road. Motorists are complaining of the costliness of maintaining their vehicles.

Last week, Communities Minister Ronald Bulkhan along with a team, visited the region but was met with a dismal response from residents.

Minister Bulkan noted that he is committed to working along with the RDC and the people of the region to address their various challenges.

Regional Chairman Brentnol Ashley meeting with the residents

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wednesDAY, july 13, 2016 | guya

Scenes from the Warriors

y 13, 2016 | guyanatimesGY.com

rs vs St Lucia Zouks game

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wednesday, july 13, 2016

News

NGSA top student pledges to continue Willis’s passing a “personal, excellent performance national loss” - Robeson Benn

By Shemuel Fanfair

A

ryan Singh of Dharmic Rama Krishna Primary School, a lad who shared the nation’s top position at the recently announced National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA), said he intended to continue in the same vein to achieve outstanding results.

In an interview with Guyana Times on Tuesday, the young man revealed that he would utilise a similar approach to maintain a high level of performance when he entered secondary school in the new school term.

“I plan to do the same thing I’ve been doing – normal revision. I don’t intend to do anything special because if you do that, you get nervous,” he posited.

He recalled that upon writing his exams, he was nervous but he was able to overcome his fears and end up being successful.

When the results were announced on July 5, Singh had secured a total score of 568 marks, earning him a place at Queen’s College. The young

Top student Aryan Singh

man related that he was especially satisfied to know that he attained the highest marks in Mathematics and Social Studies.

When asked about his feelings on being a top achiever, Singh observed that he was at first astonished.

“It feels amazing, electrifying; I was extremely shocked at first, but when it got into my mind, I was overjoyed… my mom was shocked but was calm – I was crying,” the lad explained.

He pointed out that it was his teacher, Padminie Geewan who helped to motivate him for the NGSA.

“She really did push the whole class to their potential,” the young man said.

He further related that any student with the right approach and effort can achieve success at their exams: “I would encourage them that anybody can be at the top, once you do your work and revise and don’t over pressure yourself.”

Singh’s mother, Prithi Singh told this publication that she, his father, sister and grandmother all feel proud of his achievement.

“Everybody in the family is extremely happy. He was a very disciplined and focused child, and he was also taking part in karate and is taking part in several international tournaments. We didn’t have many problems with him – only the games,” she expressed.

She also related that her son was encouraged to study an hour before bed every evening. The National Grade Six Assessment, which was written on April 27 and 28 earlier this year, saw 14,386 candidates participating.

F

ormer Public Infrastructure Minister Robeson Benn on Tuesday lamented Walter Willis’s death as a personal and national loss for Guyana, while stating that he was an engineer that any minister could have relied on.

“I have had a very professional arrangement with Walter and I viewed him as one of our more extraordinary engineers that was passionate about the engineering practice,” he said, adding that he was someone he could “always count on, any day or night” to

Walter Willis

was hospitalised, as the doctors had found several ulcers

Bereaved: Christopher Willis and his mother, Dolly Willis

help.

He stated that Willis was always willing and ready to work. Benn indicated that Willis’s ideas were highly valued and he had relied on his advice even prior to him becoming a minister.

Willis passed away on Monday evening at the St Joseph Mercy Hospital. He was admitted to the hospital on Saturday, July 9, 2016 following a reported heart attack and was placed on life-support on Monday, July 11, 2016.

In an interview with Guyana Times, his son, Christopher, stated that he was in Canada, face timing his father on Friday when he mentioned having stomach pains.

He said his father indicated that he was scheduled to visit the doctor on Monday, but he would more than likely have to go on Saturday. The younger Willis said on Saturday he received the news that his father

in his stomach and had to operate to get the blood out of his stomach.

But, by Sunday night, he said his father’s condition took a turn for the worst: his mom called and informed him that his dad’s kidneys were failing.

The younger Willis stated that his father was a very strong man and a man of principle. “He would always be on the side of principles and righteousness… My father would go market with my mom and all the beggars would crowd him and he would give them money…to the point where my mom had to stop taking him to market because he would give all the money away. He never held a grudge or malice. He loved his profession…he loved what he did.”

“I’m very proud to have him as my father and if I can be half the man he was, I would be a very great person,”

Former Public Works Minister Robeson Benn

he added.

Reports have circulated that Willis would not have been in a coma if the wrong medication was not administered to him. Guyana Times was informed by his relatives that Willis went to the hospital complaining of chest pain and was given insulin.

The Hospital in confirming Willis’s death had said that it “has embarked on an investigation to ensure that all clinical guidelines were adhered to in keeping with Standard Operating Procedures”.

The Public Infrastructure Ministry had issued a statement of condolences to his family, expressing its “deepest regret”.

Willis was born on July 23, 1949 and was employed with the Ministry for 17 years. Upon his commencement of service on May 3, 1999, Willis served as the Technical Adviser for Minister of Transport and Hydraulics, Anthony Xavier, under the Public Works and Communication Ministry.

He also served as Technical Adviser to Minister Harry Narine Nawbatt and Minister Robeson Benn before working alongside Minister Patterson from May 2015.

Willis worked on several major development projects in Guyana, including the construction of the National Stadium.

An autopsy is expected to be performed on Wednesday to determine the cause of death.

Occupational Health and Safety Officer needed for City Hall – Mayor

I

n light of the recent fire at the Drop In Centre, Georgetown Mayor Patricia Chase Green requested that an Occupational Health and Safety Officer be appointed at the City Hall.

According to Chase Green, since the resignation of the Council’s Occupational Health and Safety Officer some time back, no one has occupied the position, but she hoped to have this rectified soon.

“Since the resignation of our Occupational Health and Safety Officer, we have not had one functioning and I’m hoping that, and I’ve always been advocating as a qualified Occupational Safety and Health Officer, that we should always have one in place, that we should

Georgetown Mayor Patricia Chase Green

make sure that one is advertised for at the earliest opportunity,” she said.

The Mayor highlighted her uncertainty over the Mayor and City Council’s preparedness in the event of a fire. She asserted that the Fire Service has been in-

vited to conduct an evacuation drill with the members of the Council in the event of an emergency, noting that this had not been done since last year.

“I’m not aware that if there is an alarm that goes off in this Council now, if Councillors are aware where is the safest place for them to assemble. And so, I would hope that you can invite the Fire Service to do an evacuation drill in the case of an emergency with the present Council and officers because that would have been long overdue. Since last year we have not had one,” Chase Green voiced.

She also requested that discussion be had with the Fire Service to implement fire prevention measures.

wednesday, july 13, 2016

guyana-times.com

15

Around the world

election 2016: Bernie South China Sea: China defiant US Sanders endorses as tribunal backs Philippines Hillary Clinton P C

hina has firmly rejected an international tribunal ruling that its claims to rights in the South China Sea have no legal basis.

President Xi Jinping said China’s “territorial sovereignty and marine rights” in the seas would not be affected by the ruling “in any way”.

But he insisted China was still “committed to resolving disputes” with its neighbours.

The Philippines brought the case to the Permanent Court of Arbitration.

The tribunal, based in the Hague, ruled that there was no evidence that China had historic rights to the waters or resources that fell within its “ninedash line”, and was violating the Philippine’s

China has accelerated construction on some disputed reefs

sovereign rights with its operations there.

The ruling was made by an arbitration tribunal under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), which both countries have signed.

It is binding, but the Permanent Court of Arbitration has no powers of enforcement.

The Philippines has had diplomatic spats with China over the Scarborough Shoal and

Spratlys in particular.

It says China’s “ninedash line”, which China uses to demarcate its territorial claims, is unlawful under the UNCLOS convention.

Vietnam, Taiwan, Malaysia and Brunei also have competing claims in the region.

Although these islands are largely uninhabited, they may have reserves of natural resources around them. There has been little detailed exploration of the area, so estimates are largely extrapolated from the mineral wealth of neighbouring areas.

The sea is also a major shipping route and home to fishing grounds that supply the livelihoods of people across the region. (Excerpt

from BBC News)

resumptive Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton has received an endorsement from her former rival Bernie Sanders.

The Vermont Senator and former Democratic presidential candidate appeared with Mrs Clinton at a campaign event in New Hampshire.

Clinton and Sanders have been negotiating since she all but guaranteed the nomination in June.

Sanders hopes to have a large influence on the Democratic platform.

“She will be the Democratic nominee for President and I intend to do everything I can to make certain she will be the next President of the United States,” he said.

“This campaign is about the needs of the American people and addressing the very serious crises that we face. And there is no doubt in

my mind that, as we head into November, Hillary Clinton is far and away the best candidate to do that.”

Some Sanders supporters booed at the joint rally and Sanders appeared to motion them to stop. At the end of Mrs Clinton’s remarks, the two shared a hug and smiled.

Sanders defeated Clinton in New Hampshire’s primary contest in February.

“Thank you for your lifetime of fighting injustice,” Clinton said, and credited Sanders for bringing new Americans into the political process. “I’m proud to be fighting behind you... it’s a time for all of us to stand together.”

She spoke about student debt, Wall Street, raising the minimum wage, the US tax code, reforming policing, strengthening the middle class, climate change, health care and reducing gun violence. (Excerpt from BBC News)

CDB launches bond offering Eagle tries to carry off Australian boy in the Swiss market

CDB President, Dr Warren Smith (left) with other CDB officials in Geneva

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he Barbadosbased Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) says it has launched its inaugural bond offering in the Swiss Franc (CHF) market.

The CDB said that the 12year CHF145 million (One Swiss Franc=US$1.01 cents) bond offering carries the lowest coupon rate, 0.297 per cent achieved by an international public sector issuer for this tenor, in the CHF market.

The bank said that the bond offering was launched last month and was facilitated by the global private bank and wealth manager Credit Suisse, which acted as sole bookrunner on the transaction. The offering also marks the first time that a borrower from the Caribbean Region has accessed the CHF market successfully.

“The decision to enter into the Swiss market allows CDB

the opportunity to diversify its investor base away from traditional sources,” said CDB President, Dr Warren Smith.

“The bond offering was oversubscribed in a very short period of time, demonstrating that there is strong investor confidence in CDB, even in light of the less than optimal market conditions, including volatility due to Brexit concerns,” he added.

The CDB said that the bond offering followed meetings in Geneva and Zurich between investors and a delegation of senior CDB officials.

“Investor feedback was positive, allowing for the execution of the transaction immediately afterwards. Due to the strong interest shown, the order book was three times oversubscribed in 15 minutes.

The final coupon rate of 0.297 per cent was the lowest ever in CHF by an international public sector issuer in a maturity longer than 10 years,” the CDB said. (Excerpt from Antigua Observer)

Paraguay court sentences farmers for deaths of Policemen

A

Judge in Paraguay has sentenced 11 subsistence farmers to up to 30 years in jail for the deaths of Police Officers during a land reform protest four years ago.

Six Policemen died in a gunfight during an operation to evict the farmers from land they had been occupying.

Eleven protesters were also killed.

The deaths deepened political tensions in Paraguay and were used by Congress to oust the leftwing President Fernando Lugo.

Four men received sentences of between 18 and 30 years in jail, while a further seven men and women were given sentences of between four and six years.

The court heard how the clashes occurred near the city of Curuguaty in Canindeyu province in the east of Paraguay when a group of around 250 riot Police were sent to clear a group of around 70 subsistence farmers off a property belonging to an agricultural company called Campos Morumbi.

The farmers had occupied the land as part of a demonstration in favour of

agrarian reform.

The Paraguayan prosecution service did not investigate the deaths of the farmers who died during the eviction.

Local and international human rights organisations alleged there had been judicial irregularities during the trial.

Five of the accused had gone on hunger strike for more than 30 days. ?The events at Curuguaty became the basis for the Opposition Colorado Party to push for the impeachment of President Lugo whom they blamed for the killings.

(Excerpt from BBC News)

A

wedge-tailed eagle tried to fly away with a terrified boy at a popular wildlife show in central Australia.

A crowd of stunned onlookers watched the enormous bird latch its talons on to the screaming boy’s head during a show at Alice Springs Desert Park.

Witnesses said the bird attempted to pick him up “like a small animal”.

The boy – believed to be between six and eight years old – escaped with a “superficial” gash to his face.

Christine O’Connell from Horsham in Victoria state was visiting the park with her husband on July 6 when the attack occurred.

The attack lasted for seconds before staff from the park intervened.

“A fellow who was sitting closer said the little boy kept running his zipper up and

An eagle attempted to lift a little boy into the air during a bird show at Alice Springs in Australia

down,” said Mrs O’Connell, who caught the attack on her camera.

Distracted by the noise, the eagle grabbed the boy’s green hoodie and attempted to him lift away before park staff moved in.

The attack left the boy crying and bleeding, but his injuries were not severe.

A Victorian man who was in the crowd, Keenan Lucas, told the NT News the show was ended quickly after the

attack.

“We’re at the bird show in the afternoon, having a great time and looking forward to seeing the wedge-tailed eagle come out for the finale,” he said.

“The bird then flew over the crowd and tried to grab on to a young boy’s head. He screamed, the mother was distraught and the presenters wrapped up the show very quickly.” (Excerpt from BBC News)

Venezuela seizes and reopens US-owned factory

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he Government of Venezuela has said it has seized a factory owned by the US firm Kimberly-Clark.

The firm had said it was halting operations in Venezuela as it was unable to obtain raw materials.

But the Labour Minister said on Monday that the factory closure was illegal and it had re-opened “in the hands of the workers”.

Kimberly-Clark, which makes hygiene products including tissues and nappies, said it had acted appropriately.

Over the weekend it became the latest multinational to close or scale back operations in the country, citing strict currency controls, a lack of raw mate-

rials and soaring inflation.

General Mills, Procter & Gamble and other corporations have reduced operations in Venezuela as the country is gripped by economic crisis and widespread shortages of basic household goods.

Labour Minister Oswaldo Vera, from the ruling Socialist Party (PSUV), visited the factory in Maracay and said it was illegal.

Almost 1000 workers had asked him to re-start production, he said.

Vera said: “KimberlyClark will continue producing, now in the hands of the workers.

“We’ve just turned on the first engine.”

The Texas-based com-

pany said in a statement: “If the Venezuelan Government takes control of Kimberly-Clark facilities and operations, it will be responsible for the wellbeing of the workers and the physical asset, equipment and machinery in the facilities going forward.”

There are daily protests against shortages at the moment in Venezuela.

A growing Opposition blames President Nicolás Maduro of wrecking the oil-rich economy and is seeking a referendum to remove him.

Maduro has previously threatened to jail the owners of factories that have stopped production. (Excerpt

from BBC News)

16 news

WEDNESday, july 13, 2016 | guyana-times.com

New HIV infections in Caribbean rise by 9% Ramsammy’s Ruminations

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he Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) is now warning that after a major reduction of the Human Immunodeficiency Virus/ Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome worldwide (HIV/ AIDS), the HIV infection in adults is on the rise.

According to a UNAIDS report, “after years of steady decline, the Caribbean saw a nine per cent rise in annual new HIV infections among adults between 2010 and 2015”.

This is as a result of the medical drug for the dis-

ease not working as effectively as in the past.

The report reveals that in some regions globally, the infection is currently on the rise.

According to the report, since its introduction in 1997, there was a significant reduction – 40 per cent, in the disease. Most

UNAIDS Executive Director Michel Sidibe

recently, however, analysis from the UNAIDS shows that the HIV infection in adults remains stagnant, failing to decline for at least five years now.

The report says that HIV prevention urgently needs to be scaled up among the adult age group.

The prevention gap report outlines that an esti-

mated 1.9 million adults have become infected with HIV every year for the past five years and new HIV infections among adults are increasing in some regions.

While the numbers of new HIV infections are rising, the report reveals that donor funding to fight the infection has declined to its lowest level since 2010.

According to the report, international donor contributions dropped from a peak of US$9.7 billion in 2013 to US$8.1 billion in 2015. “Low- and middle-income countries are stepping up to fill the gap, with domestic resources accounting for 57 per cent of the US$19.2 billion total funding in 2015.”

The Executive Director of UNAIDS, Michel Sidibe, said the organisation was consequently sounding the alarm. “The power of prevention is not being realised. If there is resurgence in new HIV infections now, the epidemic will become impossible to control.

The world needs to take

urgent and immediate action to close the prevention gap,” he noted.

The report also revealed what was needed to step up prevention efforts.

UNAIDS is urging countries to take a more comprehensive approach to battle the disease.

According to Sidibe, science, innovation and research have provided new and effective HIV prevention options. “Investing in innovation is the only way to secure the next big breakthrough – a cure or a vaccine.”

The report highlights that the major hopes for antiretroviral therapy to have an impact on preventing new HIV infections are starting to be realised, although the full benefits may not be seen for some years.

The data in the report, collected from more than 160 countries, illustrated that enormous gains can be achieved when concerted efforts are made. It outlines that by 2015 some 17 million people had access to antiretroviral therapy, double the number in 2010 and 22 times the number in 2000. UNAIDS will be calling on implementers, innovators, communities, scientists, donors and others at the 2016 International AIDS Conference, July 18-22, in Durban, South Africa, to close the prevention gap.

Man charged for attempting to smuggle gold

A

Paul Persaud

man appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts before Chief Magistrate Ann Mclenan to answer to the charge of being in possession of excess gold without an exporting License at the Eugene F Correia International Airport.

It is alleged that Paul Persaud on February 5, 2016 at the Eugene F Correia International Airport was in possession of gold in excess of 15.5888 ounces of gold without being the holder of an export license. The court was told that the man had the gold in the form of jewelry.

Persaud plead not guilty to the charge and was placed on a $100,000 bail.

He will return to court on August 2.

Bloviating cannot provide food security for Caricom – agriculture can

C

aricom imports more than US$4 billion of food from outside Caricom, including sugar, rice, meat, milk, eggs, dairy products, vegetables, fruits, fish, beverages and other foods. We import potato, carrots, broccoli and other cash crop products. We spend more than US$200 million importing corn and soya for poultry stock feed. The ugly truth is that Caricom is not food secure and our leaders have BLOVIATED more than they have acted to address the food security challenge.

There is an ugly competition in the APNU/AFC and President Granger seems determined not to allow Moses Nagamootoo and others in his Government to bloviate more than him. For instance, he prognosticates that Guyana will be a green economy by 2025, but APNU/ AFC has blocked hydroelectricity without which Dr Leslie Ramsammy Guyana cannot meaningfully reduce dependency on fossil fuels, one of the main impediments to a totally green economy.

He disavows the judicial death penalty, but approves it for 14 new offences in the anti-money laundering law. His rhetoric conflicts with the actions of his Government daily.

Granger this week spoke of Guyana being key to Caricom’s food security challenge. As Minister of Agriculture, I spoke of Guyana’s capacity to provide for Caricom’s food security and, therefore, would agree with Granger. But Guyana cannot fulfil this potential without developing a strong agriculture sector.

The truth is that APNU/AFC under Granger has considerably weakened the agriculture sector and we are rapidly reversing all the gains Guyana made in the last 20 years in advancing agriculture and improving Guyana’s and Caricom’s food security.

Even as Granger was bloviating about food security in Caricom, APNU/AFC was seeking to downgrade the importance of Guyana’s sugar industry. After a good start in the first crop of 2015, GuySuCo only reached a reduced 2015 target and the first crop of 2016 was 43 per cent below target.

The second crop is likely to be one of the worst ever. The most noteworthy actions of APNU/AFC in the sugar industry so far have been denying sugar workers a wage increase and a fair Annual Production Incentive for 2015 and closing Wales and LBI sugar estates.

At the same time, APNU/AFC has created conditions for the downward trajectory of rice. Rice production for the second crop of 2015 was lower than the first crop and notice no one is talking anymore about rice production in 2016. The truth is production has dropped dramatically and rice production in 2016 is likely to be the lowest in a decade. In fact, the acreage under rice is the lowest it has been for the last decade. In addition, farmers are receiving the lowest prices for a bag of paddy than they are accustomed to in almost two decades.

The importation of rice and sugar into most of Caricom is an important part of the food security and economic challenges in virtually the whole of Caricom. Guyana is the one country that can meet its entire demand for rice and sugar and is in a position to help Caricom reduce or eliminate its dependency on sugar and rice importation from outside Caricom. If we are serious about Guyana helping Caricom meet its food security needs, we must start with sugar and rice, which represent a market for more than US$500 million. Not only will Guyana be able to support food security in Caricom, but it will catalyse its own economy.

But rice and sugar represent symptoms of a downgraded sector. APNU/AFC provides little or no support for the agriculture sector. Region Five, by far the largest contributor to agriculture GDP in Guyana, has endured months of flooding and APNU/AFC was too busy with Jubilee and other matters to pay any attention. Granger, Nagamootoo and other Ministers have visited other countries more than they have visited Region Five and APNU/AFC has provided zero support and compensation to farmers. Right now poultry farmers are suffering from a disease that is killing large numbers of their flocks. After weeks of ignoring the farmers, and after massive losses in poultry production, the Ministry of Agriculture, under public pressure, has only now sought to find out why poultry are dying.

The truth is APNU/AFC has deliberately neglected agriculture. It sees agriculture as a PPP thing and it has decided to downgrade agriculture and place its hopes almost entirely on oil. But oil has not solved development problems in Trinidad and Tobago, Suriname, Nigeria and other countries.

Without agriculture, food security is not possible and without food security, oil will not prove the panacea Granger and APNU/AFC are hoping for. For sure without agriculture, Guyana and Caricom have a serious food security threat and no amount of bloviating will bring relief. (Send comments to doc_ram@hotmail.com)

17

news

WEDNESDAY, july 13, 2016 | guyana-times.com

Stabroek Market vendors Keeping it real “going back to old ways” The Brian Tiwari ... action will be taken to rectify this – King

E

ven though a ban was placed on vendors to stop plying their trade in the vicinity of the Stabroek Market Square, persons have not been complying with this rule, especially at nights.

Thisis according to Mayor of Georgetown, Patricia Chase Green, who was supported by Town Clerk Royston King on Monday at a statutory meeting held at City Hall.

King asserted that strategic action will be taken against persons who have been continuously disobeying the order by the Mayor and City Council (M&CC).

“We have observed that there is a creeping return of

Town Clerk Royston King

vendors, particularly in the nights, just at the Stabroek Market square, we are on to it and we are working out strategies to deal with that particular situation,” King said at the meeting.

In April, the Mayor and City Council opted to have the entire Stabroek Square cleared of vendors, leading to their (vendors) relocation.

Though, this decision displeased many, the M&CC upheld their pronouncement.

The vendors were relocated to the vicinity now known as “The Parliament View Mall”, where tents and other water and washroom facilities were provided.

This move, according to the Town Clerk, is temporary – for a period of three months – giving the Council time to set up a permanent location to facilitate the vendors.

While the time allocated for occupation to the M&CC

by the owner of the land, was only three months starting from April and concluding in the July, King mentioned in a previous meeting sometime last month, that there is an expectation of an extension of an additional three months to be given.

However, after this announcement was made

by King, Haresh Narine Sugrim, the owner of the plot of land, took to the media to make it clear that he has no intentions of granting the M&CC any extension to use the land after the initial three-month peroid expires.

King has made no comment on the rebuttal made

by Sugrim.

Belle West murder

Suspect in Police custody

O

ne suspect has been held for the murder of a mechanic from Belle West, West Bank Demerara, who succumbed to his injuries six days after allegedly being beaten by a group of drunken neighbours.

On Tuesday, Guyana Times learnt that after Police investigations into the death of 31-year old Yogeshwar Shivcharran, a male suspect

has been taken in Police custody. This follows reports that three women connected to several male suspects were also questioned but released on Monday.

According to information reaching this publication, the file has been sent to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) for legal advice and charges are expected to be laid against the

The house where Yogeshwar Shivcharran lived with his family

suspect, after a post mortem examination is performed on Shivcharran’s body. This newspaper was also informed that this examination will be conducted sometime today.

The dead auto mechanic’s relatives explained on Monday that the man suffered from regular seizures which became worse over the past two weeks. Reports stated that Shivcharran in a mental episode on the evening of Monday, July 4, removed his clothing and approached his neighbours who were consuming alcohol next door.

Guyana Times was told that the men in a drunken state became annoyed by Shivcharran’s behaviour and reportedly pelted him with beer bottles before allegedly beating him to his head and about the body. The injured man was treated at the West Demerara Regional Hospital before succumbing to his injuries late Sunday evening.

His common-law wife Aresa Persaud had explained that at the time of the alleged beating, she and her daughter had locked themselves in the house as they were afraid of the now dead mechanic’s behaviour. Persaud further stated that her husband then went downstairs and it was a little while later that she heard what sounded like the beating.

Persaud added that relatives made several reports to the La Grange Police Station last Tuesday and onwards, but no suspects were held at that time. Shivcharran was a father of two.

and Donald Ramotar brouhaha is about bruised egos

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uyana is a country with many political secrets.

Politicians have the most secrets. They do because of one major reason. They are held to higher standards than the ordinary citizen, but they have the same weaknesses as many of us. They lead because they are elected with the authority to do so, but they are tempted by Dr Baytoram Ramharack inevitable moral hazards such as cronyism while in office.

For this reason, politicians should not be in office for too long. In small countries like ours, once corruption starts from the top, it spreads like wildfire across the State. Guyana is already high on Transparency International’s corruption Index, which claims it is one of the most corrupt countries in the developing world.

By now, most Guyanese who have witnessed the public airing of dirty laundry between Brian Tiwari (of BK International Group of Companies) and former President Donald Ramotar must be either disgusted at the comical display of personal vendettas between the two men or are clamouring for more revelations because it smacks of corruption as both sides in their fit to win over the public release information that salivates the appetite of the onlookers. For others, it’s a continuous tale of he said he said. But for most Guyanese, it brings to light the cosy “cronyistic” relationship between a government that accesses resources from a private business entity and a company that depends on the government of the day for lucrative contracts.

It does not matter where one stands on this back and forth debate. What is more important is that this episode reveals a number of problems that are significant for nation-building in Guyana. Despite the minute details of the aborted deal with contractor Surendra Ltd to build a Specialty Hospital, plans and the millions of dollars worth of steel left in the containers at the wharf, now evidently given to Tiwari by the coalition Government, as well as accusations of nepotism, there are some other political dimensions to this brouhaha that renders some examination.

One, Brian Tiwari is operating like any other businessman, though not very smart in this instance. Neither is the former President behaving in a professional manner. Perhaps this is the type of discussion we have to endure given the political culture that has been spawned in Guyana after long bouts of PNC and PPP rule. Smart businessmen support the Government in power as well as the Opposition in an effort to maintain close ties with the power holders just in case one of them should lose the election. It’s smart politics, one that has been practised since the rise of capitalism. Tiwari should take a lesson from Donald Trump. It is understandable that Tiwari would want to protect his investments, and continue to secure future contracts with the coalition Government. But his newfound loyalties should not deter him from continued support of the political party that facilitated his accumulation of massive wealth over the years.

Two, the kind of relationship that BK enjoyed with the previous Government appeared to be an exclusive one. The company is attempting to maintain the same relationship given its aggressive move to demonstrate that its previous relationship is null and void. The lesson to be learnt here is that the Government should attempt to create a more evenhanded relationship with independent business enterprises rather than allowing a few companies, like BK, to maintain a monopoly over a certain area. By encouraging more competition, the Government can demonstrate that it is pursuing a more comprehensive and fair business policy that would benefit a larger spectrum of Guyanese.

Three, developing economies like ours thrive on cronyistic practices that are deeply rooted in the socio-political life and cultural psyche of Guyanese. The fact that the coalition Government had readily established close ties with Brian Tiwari (through Harmon) is an indication that cronyism (and the perception of corruption) still ranks high and the new Government has not been willing to create a new political culture that would move us in a new direction.

At a time when Guyana is poised for a transformational economy based on the production of oil, it is important that new rules be established and enforced to ensure greater transparency in the way companies conduct their business and the relationship the Government has established with private companies.

Send comments to BRamharack60@gmail.com

18

guyana-times.com

wednesday, july 13, 2016

ARCHIE

Make a deal. Revisit an old idea or investment in or(March 21- der to find a way to get ahead.

April 19) Discipline and personal change will mark a new beginning. Discuss your plans for the future.

ARIES

You’ll be sensitive to com-

TAURUS ments made by friends and (April 20- family. Consider what’s been May 20) said and who said it before you

dilbert

respond. In time, the advice offered will make sense and will help you move forward.

Some devoted personGEMINI al time will help you update (May 21June 20) your appearance and give you a chance to think about the people you choose to surround yourself with. Refuse to be a follower.

Your drive and determiCANCER nation will help you bring (June 21- about changes at home. Look July 22) outside your usual routine and expand your horizons.

Someone you encounter will enlighten you.

Peanuts

You need to keep things LEO in perspective. If you let your (July 23emotions dominate, you will Aug. 22) end up in a dispute that will hold you back instead of helping you move forward.

Calvin and Hobbes

You’ll receive informaVIRGO tion that will influence a deci(Aug. 23Sept. 22) sion you make or change your plans. Don’t limit what you can do. Take action and offer hands-on help.

Problems with people you LIBRA work or deal with regularly (Sept. 23will arise.

If you use charm, Oct. 23) deploy compliments and are willing to compromise, you will get your way.

WORD GAME TODAY’S WORD – ENORMOUS

SUDOKU

Fight for your rights, but SAGITTARIUS don’t exceed boundaries, (Nov. 23- rules or regulations. Do your Dec. 21) due diligence and find out all the facts before you proceed.

Physical improvements will boost your confidence.

(ENORMOUS: ih-NOR-mus: Very great in size, extent, number or degree.)

Average mark 32 words Time limit 40 minutes Can you find 47 or more words in ENORMOUS? The list will be published tomorrow.

YESTERDAY’S WORD – TEARFUL tale tare teal tear true tufa tule turf earl after alert alter raft rale

rate ratel real rule fare fate fault fear feat felt feral feta fetal flare

flat flea flue flute fuel furl ultra late later leaf left lure lute

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

Take care of business SCORPIO quickly so that you can do (Oct. 24something more enjoyable or Nov. 22) educational. Taking part in a conference or course will be enlightening as well as fruitful.

A good deal will make CAPRICORN your day. Search for the per(Dec. 22- fect gift for a loved one. A Jan. 19) change in the way you approach someone will make a difference. Listen and learn.

solution for Last Published Puzzle Don’t venture too far from AQUARIUS home.

A job worth doing is a (Jan. 20job worth doing right the first Feb. 19) time. A romantic gesture will improve a personal relationship.

An opportunity will presPISCES ent itself if you are sincere (Feb. 20and express your intentions.

March 20) Negotiations, contracts and unexpected offers and financial gains look promising. Expand your interests and improve your domestic environment.

wednesDAY, july 13, 2016

19

Taylor replaces Cummins Banned tennis player in Zouks squad to miss Rio Olympics

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he St. Lucia Zouks have added West Indies fast bowler Jerome Taylor to their squad for the remainder of the Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL) campaign as Miguel Cummins has been called up to the West Indies Test squad for the upcoming series against India.

Jamaican born Taylor, 32, is set to link up with the Zouks squad in time for their next Hero CPL game, which is away to the Barbados Tridents on Sunday, 17 July.

Taylor retired from Test cricket at the start of the week, having represented the West Indies in 46 Tests and he has also played 85 One-Day Internationals and 10 T20 Internationals to date. In 61 career T20 matches to date Taylor has taken 74 wickets, with best bowling figures of five wickets for 10 runs. He has pre-

Cricket Stadium in Gros Islet, previously known as the Beauséjour Stadium.

The match will also mark the official opening of the newly-renamed Johnson Charles Stand.

St. Lucia Zouks Home Fixtures: 21 July – St. Kitts & Nevis Patriots (18:00h), 23 July – Barbados Tridents (12 Midday), 24 July – Guyana Amazon Warriors (17:00h), 26 July – Trinbago Knight Riders (18:00h)

St. Lucia Zouks

Jerome Taylor

viously represented the Jamaica Tallawahs in the Hero CPL. The Zouks will open their leg of home matches against the Patriots on Thursday July 21 at the newly renamed 12,400 capacity Darren Sammy National

David Miller, Shane Watson, Darren Sammy (captain), Michael Hussey, Johnson Charles, Andre Fletcher, Morne Morkel, Jerome Taylor, Derone Davis, Grant Elliott, Kristopher Ramsaran, Shane Shillingford, Delorn Johnson, Kyle Mayers, Keddy Lesporis, Nitish Kumar, Gidron Pope

F

ive-time Grand Slam champion Maria Sharapova will miss the Rio Olympics after her doping appeal verdict was postponed until September by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).

She was given a twoyear suspension in June after testing positive for the banned substance meldonium.

Sharapova appealed to CAS but both the 29-year-old Russian and the International Tennis Federation need more time to prepare their cases. The Rio Olympics start on 5 August.

“Maria Sharapova and the International Tennis Federation (ITF) have agreed to defer the CAS decision until September 2016,” said a statement.

Five-time Grand Slam champion Maria Sharapova will miss the Rio Olympics

“A decision is expected to be issued by 19 September 2016.”

Sharapova tested pos-

itive for meldonium at the Australian Open in January.

Scenes from Guyana Amazon Warriors vs St Lucia Zouks

20 Jamaican hurdler Wilson Defending champions Sparta overcomes injuries Boss through to semi-finals to book spot in Rio D J guyana-times.com

wednesDAY, july 13, 2016

MoH/Petra Organisation/Busta Soft Shoe Football...

amaica’s Nickiesha Wilson is on her way to Rio to represent Jamaica at the Olympic Games this summer.

On Monday, the twotime Olympic semi-finalist was named in Jamaica’s 63-member squad during a press conference at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel in St Andrew.

However, unlike her previous two trips in 2008 and 2012 when she competed in the 400-metre hurdles, the 30-year-old Wilson will be hoping to go a step further and vie for a medal in the 100-metre hurdles.

The decision to switch was not a deliberate one.

Fate, it seemed, had forced change upon her, following a series of injuries that began more than a year ago.

“It perhaps was not made known to the public but I twisted my ankle last February (2015) while training indoors,” she explained.

“I was on crutches for about a week and a half; I was then able to fully walk without aid by the end of that second week. Thankfully I did not suffer a fracture or a broken bone. I was determined to make the 2015 World Championship team as my background preparation was solid and so even though I was still not fully healthy, I pressed through the pain at times to train.”

It wasn’t enough, however, for her to do well enough to make the team to Beijing that summer.

“Unfortunately I was eighth at trials in the 400m hurdles; I was disappointed but had to keep in mind that I was not 100 per cent and that was my second race for the season, the semis being my first,” she said.

Jamaica’s Nickiesha Wilson is on her way to Rio to represent Jamaica at the Olympic Games this summer

The start of 2016 turned out to be a case of deja’ vu for Wilson, who boasts a personal best of 53.97s, a time that would have ranked her in the top-10 this year.

“During my background preparation for this season my ankle once again obtained the same injury but I took care of it, moved forward and actually ran a few 400m hurdle races in April,” said Wilson, who opened with 57.9 in April.

“My times did not improve in the meets to follow due to a culmination of reasons, thus my coach and I decided to switch to the 100m hurdles in late April.”

That decision turned out to be just what the doctor ordered and helped Wilson realize her dream of making it to her third Olympic Games.

At the National Championships in Kingston’s National Stadium on Sunday, July 3, race favourite Danielle Williams, the 2015 world

champion fell mid-way the race while battling with Megan Simmonds, who went on to win in 12.79, a time that is equal to Wilson’s personal best.

Williams’ mishap turned out to be Wilson’s salvation as she sneaked her way into the top-three, crossing the line in 12.97s, just under the Olympic qualifying time of 13 seconds.

“I realized after crossing the finish line that I was either third or fourth and so had to wait until my name and position were announced,” she recalled with great joy.

“Relief followed by praises to God for His faithfulness were my emotional responses. I hit a few hurdles with my trail knee and that, of course, affected my speed in between the hurdles, but I was determined to grab that top-three spot. Moving from not having enough time to prepare, to not having any competitive races prior to trials, truly highlighted that God was my strength. I was extremely happy.”

Now, as she prepares for competition in Brazil, Wilson knows she will have to be better. Lightning, they say, doesn’t strike the same place twice, so she has been focusing on getting better with an eye on one of those precious the top three places once again.

“Currently, I’m working on my technique and speed, perfecting my imperfections in order to safely make it through each round in Rio,” she said.

“Based on the current world field, I may need to run 12.5 or under to medal. I am ready to run the required time. Those are my main objectives.” (Sportsmax)

efending champions, Sparta Boss sealed their semi-final spot in the Ministry of Public Health/Petra Organisation Soft Shoe Football tournament when the action resumed on Monday night at the Parade Ground.

Despite the soggy conditions, Sparta Boss were able to inflict a 5-0 drubbing in Queen Street Tiger Bay due to doubles by Gregory Richardson (8th and 24th) and Devon Millington (9th, 20th); Denise Edwards was other goal scorer in the 30th minute.

Meanwhile, the Globe Yard clash with Tucville was one of the most riveting matches of the evening, which saw ten goals being scored during normal time.

The seesaw match ended 5-5, after which Tucville won 6-5 on penalties; Dellon Lanferman gifted himself a hat-trick, netting in the 3rd, 12 and 27th minute.

Andrew Murrary Jnr also recorded goals in a losing cause, netting in the 9th

Some of the fierce competition during the matches (File Photo)

and 20th minute.

For the spirited Tucville team, Dennis Edwards (19th and 23rd) Kareem Knights (25th and 28th) and Tefon Daily were the men on point.

In the other two matches, North East Lapenitence defeated Sophia 3-1 on penalty kicks after the match ended 1-1. Dwayne Lowe in the 21st had given Sophia the lead but Devon Charles produced a stunning equaliser in the 29th.

Broad Street were also in winners row, easing to a

3-1 win over Kitty Weavers.

Eon Richardson etched his name unto the score sheet twice (12th and 16th) while Jamal Cozier laid the finishing touches with conversion in the 28th; Colin Clark produced a consolation goal in the 24th for Kitty.

The semi-final matches will be played on Thursday at the Tucville ground, where Sparta Boss will face North East La Penitance while the home side will play Broad Street.

Kick-off is 20:00h.

Tour de France 2016…

Matthews wins thrilling 6-way sprint finish

Michael Matthews claimed his first stage win in the Tour de France

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Kerwin Clarke during a routine on the National Cultural Centre stage on his way to capturing his fourth Mr Guyana title on Sunday, July 10, 2016

here was an exciting finale to stage 10 of the Tour de France on Tuesday with Michael Matthews taking victory just ahead of Peter Sagan.

Michael Matthews claimed his first stage win in the Tour de France, edging a thrilling six-way sprint over the final 250 metres.

The Orica-Bike Exchange rider has now won stages on all three of the Grand Tours, with a fifth place on the second stage proving his previous best result of this year’s race.

In an enthralling finale, Matthews just pipped Tinkoff’s Peter Sagan, who had led for much of the final 10km, while Dimenson Data’s Edvald Boasson

Hagen came home third.

Also in the leading group at the end of Tuesday’s 10th stage - 197 kilometres between Escaldes Engordany and Revel were Greg Van Avermaet (BMC Racing), Samuel Dumoulin (AG2R La Mondiale) and Matthews’ team-mate Daryl Impey.

It was Van Avermaet, winner of stage five, who made the first real move in the home stretch, before Matthews came through to get his wheel over the line first.

The peloton, including general classification leader Chris Froome, finished almost 10 minutes behind Matthews and the rest, with the Team Sky man’s advantage remaining at 16 seconds ahead of Orica’s

Adam Yates.

Midway through the stage, an initial break of 15 riders including the likes of Vincenzo Nibali (Astana), Sagan, Mikel Landa (Team Sky) and Matthews pulled well clear.

However, with 10km to go that group had been reduced to half a dozen, by which point the peloton was seven minutes back with no hope of catching the leaders.

The leading riders bided their time on the final climb to Cote de SaintFerreol and on the descent.

It appeared anyone’s race with 250m to go, but it was Matthews who had just enough left in the legs to break his Tour duck. (Sportsmax)

YELLOW PAGES WEDNESDAY, JULY 13, 2016 | WWW.GUYANA-TIMES.COM

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sain Bolt will defend both his Olympic 100m and 200m titles and the 4x100m relay title after being named in the Jamaica team for Rio 2016.

There had been worries over his participation after he injured a hamstring at the national trials.

The six-time Olympic champion - who is the 100m and 200m world record holder - is part of a 63-strong Jamaica team.

Bolt, 29, was one of four athletes to be given a medical exemption to make the squad.

He has yet to prove his fitness but confirmed on

Usain Bolt will be defending three titles from London 2012 in Rio this summer

Friday he would compete at the Anniversary Games in London on 22 July.

Bolt sustained his injury

- a grade-one tear - during the first round of the 100m in Kingston and withdrew after winning his semi-final.

(BBC Sport)

Jamaica targeting youths for India test

T

Test Cricket Returns To Sabina Park

he West Indies and India will battle in Test cricket matches which will unfold at Sabina Park from July 30 to August 3.

Marketing director for Cricket Jamaica, Mark Neita says there are plans to engage a younger demographic.

“The youth are the future of West Indies cricket and, with the recent success of the West Indies teams in the ODI male, female and Under-19 world tournaments, there is a renewed excitement surrounding our cricket. Most of the enthusiasm surrounds T20 and ODI, but if the West Indies do win

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in this series, I am sure that it will extend to Test cricket,” Neita explained.

He added: “After all, the great salaries that are being paid to cricketers extend also to Test cricket. Cricket is certainly a viable option for our youngsters.”

Cricket fans attending the matches at Sabina Park are in for a treat. The organisers have promised special incentives.

“A paying adult will be allowed to have two children under 12 years of age enter free, and adults over 65 years old will be allowed free into the park with proper ID. We are promoting this event as a family friendly

event and we want all ages to attend,” Neita shared.

The official launch of the Test cricket series is set for July 21 at Sabina Park and, according to Neita, a media campaign has already commenced.

“The campaign actually starts now and will be using all media forms to promote the match of course — print media, radio, television, billboards, flyers and social media.”

In a bid to pump some adrenalin and excitement into the matches, there will be daily ticket giveaways to matches via radio stations, television and social media.

(Jamaica Observer)

Cummins added to West Indies Test squad

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he selection panel of the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) yesterday named Barbadian fast bowler Miguel Cummins as replacement for Jerome Taylor in the 13-member squad to face India in the upcoming first Test match against India.

Cummins, 25, has played 41 first-class matches, with 116 wickets (average 22.56). He was a member of the Test squad in Australia earlier this year. He has featured in a solitary One Day International for the West Indies against Ireland in February 2014.

He is currently a member of the St. Lucia Zouks in the ongoing Hero Caribbean Premier League.

The first Test is scheduled for the Sir Vivian Richards Cricket Ground in Antigua, and starts on Thursday, July 21. First ball daily is 10h.

Jerome Taylor had formally notified the WICB of his intention to retire from Test cricket to prolong his playing days as a limited overs player.

West Indies First Test squad; Jason Holder (Captain), Kraigg Brathwaite (Vice Captain), Devendra Bishoo, Jermaine Blackwood, Carlos Brathwaite, Darren Bravo, Rajendra Chandrika, Roston Chase, Miguel Cummins, Shane Dowrich, Shannon Gabriel, Leon Johnson and Marlon Samuels

Miguel Cummins

22

GUYANA-TIMES.COM

WEDNESDAY, JULY 13, 2016

Hero Caribbean Premier League 2016…

Patriots in must win game against Tridents

I

t will only be the 14th match of this year’s Hero Caribbean Premier League Tournament and the St. Kitts and Nevis Patriots find themselves in a worrying position as they take on Barbados Tridents tonight at the Kensington Oval. The Patriots have had a lean run since their first match against the Guyana Amazon Warriors and find themselves in a worrying position, where they must win to keep their hopes alive of reaching the playoffs.

The guys in black have managed just one win from five matches and must return a sterling performance to secure a win tonight and build confidence for future proceedings. It is not expected to be an easy task if they are to win against the Tridents, but must execute a strategic performance if they are to do.

On paper the Patriots looks a very good team with the likes of captain Faf du Plesis, Lendl Simmons, Brad Hodge, Evin Lewis, Devon Thomas, Thisara Perera, Samuel Badree, Tabraiz Shamsi and Krishmar Santokie in its batting

Captain of the St. Kitts and Nevis Patriots Faf du Plesis must spark to aid his team to a win against the Barbados Tridents.

and bowling departments.

However, their performances to date have shown otherwise, losing four of their five matches by comprehensive margins.

It seems a case of having the right unit but failing to

RHTYSC launches 3rd edition of Youth Information booklet

I

n a continuing quest to assist in Berbice to fulfil their potential, the eight cricket teams of Guyana’s leading youth and sports organisation, the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club, M.S has officially launched the 3rd edition of their Youth Information booklet.

The booklet forms a part of the RHTYSC, M.S Massive Say No to Drugs, Suicide and Crime and Say yes to Life, Education and Sports Campaign. The 40 pages booklet was edited by Club Secretary/CEO Hilbert Foster and published at the F and H Printery in Georgetown with sponsorship from the Edward B. Beharry Co. Ltd. Club Secretary/CEO and Editor Hilbert Foster stated that the booklet would be distributed free of cost to schools, youth and sports organisation, NGO’s, Government Agencies, Berbice University of Guyana Campus, religious organisations among others.

The Magazine, Foster stated was researched and produced by the RHTYSC teams and it’s Educational Committee. The booklet includes articles on a wide range of topics of interest to youths and sportsmen/women including General Sports Etiquette, A sportsman as an Ambassador, How to behave during a public ceremony, Importance of education for sportsmen, The Importance of Reading, Do’s and Don’ts on Facebook and Manners at School for Students.

The booklet also features articles on Drug Abuse, Importance of Education for youths, HIV/Aids, Peer Pressure, Basic Public Manners, Public Speaking, Teenage Pregnancy and PreMarital Sex, Basic Advice for

Teenage females, Choosing friends, Respect to your elders, Personal Hygiene and appearance, Manners in the Classroom and How to handle a job interview.

In an effort to educate youths on Guyana, the booklet also features Facts about Guyana, Members of the Guyana Government, Facts about your country, the National Pledge and the National Anthem. Messages from the RHTYSC Secretary/ CEO and Beharry’s Marketing Executive Anjulie BeharryStrand along with a profile of the company are also included.

The long serving Secretary/ CEO expressed confidence that the booklet would achieve all of its objectives of making a positive difference in the lives youths by getting them to avoid social ills that can affect their personal development and guiding them along the correct path to success. Guyana, Foster stated needs every one of its citizen to develop and cannot afford to lose any of its most precious asset, its youths.

The RHTYSC would like to express gratitude to the Management of Beharry’s especially Anjulie BeharryStrand, Satesh Singh and Kamini Naresh, Gregory Rambarran of DTV-8 and F+H Printery Establishment. The eight teams involved in producing Guyana’s only youth information booklet are the Farfan and Mendes Under-15, Bakewell Under-17 and Second Division, Pepsi Under-19 and Intermediate, Metro Females and Gizmos & Gadgets Under-21 and First Division.

Persons and organisations interested in obtaining a copy of the booklet can call 337-4562 or email foster_hilbert@yahoo. com.

execute on match days. The shifting around of the batting lineup has also been a matter of concern, with batsmen not being able to settle at a fixed position. Though the batting rotation may be obvious due to the stage of the match, it seems to be a worrying factor which is hampering the players’ performances.

Besides the game against St. Lucia Zouks where they recorded their only win, the Patriots openers have failed to set the tempo for the others to carry on the innings to competitive totals. It is either a Simmon’s or Lewis’ day, there is no compatibility between them. Maybe the coaching staff should opt for a Lewis and Kieran Powell combination and have Simmons bat at three, pushing du Plesis, who has failed so far, to bat at four.

Thomas has been in knick but his lone performance is never going to be enough because of where he bats and the state of the game when he enters the crease.

Once Thomas is going to bat at five then there is no need for Hodge in the team, if the Australian is not bat-

ting in the top five then he should not be playing. Due to Jonathan Carter’s ability to bowl medium fast, he and Perera can fill number six and seven interchangeably. And with the absence of Carlos Braithwaite, they can now play four genuine bowlers in Badree, Shamsi, Santokie and Tino Best. In this case they should not have many issues with the batting and a more instrumental bowling attack, than in previous encounters.

Head to head the Patriots holds the advantage over the Tridents, with two wins against the Tridents one.

So, withstanding their recent loss which is also their only loss to the Tridents, the Patriots will be optimistic of a win.

However, if the Patriots do not get their structure organized then they can easily be beaten by the Tridents, who will be playing at home tonight. Like the Patriots, the Tridents have recorded just one win so far, but have only played two matches while the other match was a no-result against Jamaica Tallawahs.

Having won the last bat-

Shoaib Malik

tle between the two sides, it is expected the Tridents will enter the field a bit more confident than the Patriots.

One would think that the Tridents will field the same team like they did against Jamaica Tallawahs, since they will be playing at the same venue.

The Tridents will rely on its main players, mainly AB

de Villiers, Kieron Pollard, Shoaib Malik, Nocholas Pooran, Ravi Rampaul and Steven Taylor to ensure they win this match.

Tonight promises to be a tough and exhilarating encounter with both teams looking to score a second win. However, the winners will depend on the team which executes best.

Barbados Tridents Squad: Kieron Pollard (captain), AB de Villiers, Shoaib Malik, Nicholas Pooran, Ravi Rampaul, Jason Holder, David Wiese, Robin Peterson, Raymon Reifer, Ashley Nurse, Wayne Parnell, Akeal Hosein, Imran Khan, Kyle Hope, Navin Stewart, Kyle Corbin, Steven Taylor, Shemar Springer.

St Kitts and Nevis Patriots; Faf du Plesis (Captain); Lendl Simmons; Samuel Badree; Brad Hodge; Thisara Perera; Jonathan Carter; Krishmar Santokie; Evin Lewis; Tabraiz Shamsi; Kieran Powell; JJ Smuts; Devon Thomas; Shamarh Brooks; Tino Best; Jeremiah Louis; Nikhil Dutta; Alzarri Joseph and Carlos Braithwaite.

World Record Three-Peat for GKC’s Tyler Orderson T

he Guyana Karate College (GKC) on Monday July 11, held the second of its second of three grading examinations for the year at the Carifesta Sports Complex on Carifesta Avenue for students belonging to its dojos.

It was a special evening that was filled with passion, apprehension and grueling martial arts displays especially for the younger children many of whom undertook these grading examinations for the first time. The occasion coincided with the GKC’s tenth anniversary of its establishment, and for very first time the students were examined simultaneously by several high ranking officials of the world karate governing body the International Karate Daigaku (IKD), that is headquartered in Toronto, Canada.

The Canadian Judging team was led by Shuseki Shihan Frank Woon-aTai, the Guyanese-born Chairman and Chief Instructor of the IKD who is a 9th degree black belt with over fifty years of experience in karate-do, and included his wife Sensei Maureen Woon-a-Tai, an 8th Dan, Sensei David Pykea 7th Dan, Sensei Bernice Hughes a 7th Dan, Sensei Janice Pyke a 6th Dan, Sensei Michelle Woon-A-Tai a 4th Dan, and Sensei Ken Woon-a-Tai a 4th Dan. For the local examiners Sensei Jeffrey Wong a 6th Dan who is the Senior Instructor of the College along with Sensei Lavern Jones a 5th Dan were involved in grading the students.

The highpoint of these grading examinations for the

Students from various dojos of the Guyana Karate College that were graded on Monday

GKC was the attainment of a Sandan rank or third degree black belt by Twelve year old Tyler Orderson, making him the youngest Karateka across the world under the umbrella of the IKD to accomplish this feat. This is his third record breaking achievement as he has also earned the accolades of being the youngest 1st degree black belt globally when he was a mere seven years old and the youngest 2nd degree black belt at nine years old.

Accompanying him in acquiring the sandan ranking was his batch mate, sixteen year old Alyssa Persaud, both of whom are A+ students of the prestigious Marian Academy. Additionally, obtaining the 3rd degree black belt were Leon Burnett and Roland Fanfair.

Attaining the Nidan Rank or second degree black belt was Jonathan Connelly of New Guyana School whilst gaining the Shodan rank or 1st degree black belt were Alyssa Ramotar

also of Marian Academy and Kellisa Jupiter of Westfield Preparatory .

More than forty other Karatekas were promoted from 10thkyu all the way to 1stkyu with some of them performing exceptionally well skipping grades. Those included Jose Rodrigues skipping from 8thkyu to 6thkyu, Amber De Goeas from 8th to 6thkyu, Sophia Mittelholzer 7thkyu to 5thkyu, Somlata Bispat 7thkyu to 5thkyu, Sherlock Scott 7thkyu to 5thkyu Joshua Gibbs 7thkyu to 5thkyu.

It was an evening of deep pride and gratification for the Senior Instructor Sensei Jeffrey Wong who has dedicated the last ten years of his life to the development of karate-do in Guyana and the Guyana Karate College.

Sensei Wong saw the GKC developing from scratch growing quickly into a leading martial arts institution in the country with the enviable record of bringing back the most medals for

Guyana at the Caribbean, South American and World Championships in addition to excelling at many local tournaments in individual and team kumite, kata, bunkai and enbu.

He along with the Chairman of the IKD Master Frank Woon-a-Tai whose main goal is to be of service to young people throughout the world by helping them find direction in life, met with the parents and the Karatekas after the grading session where the updated them of the progress of the GKC and the plans for the future including the completion of its new headquarters and main dojo at Liliendaal, East Coast Demerara. He also touched on the enlargement of its student population and the expansion of tailored training options for females, business persons and preparing for the possibility of Karate-do debuting in the Tokyo Olympics in 2020.

23

guyana-times.com

wednesdAY, july 13, 2016

Hero Caribbean Premier League 2016…

Mohammed, Lynn help Warriors crush star-studded Zouks

By Akeem Greene

W

atched by a capacity crowd, the Guyana Amazon Warriors continued to be the top team in the 2016 Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL) when they inflicted a seven wicket thrashing on the St. Lucia Zouks at National Stadium, Providence on Tuesday.

The crushing victory was

spear.

Mohammed hammered four sixes and one four in his 29-ball 43 while Lynn faced the same amount of deliveries, hitting three sixes and four in his 38.

The chase of 139 began when Martin Guptill signaled his early intentions early by smashing left-arm spinner Derone Davis for huge six over long-on, while Dwayne Smith at the oth-

out when offered a simply return catch to Davis. Smith on the other hand, continued in his destructive manner, clobbering Davis for a towering maximum that hit the wall of the Media Center to bring up the team’s fifty in the 7th over.

Just as Smith was begging to look even more ominous, he held out to a catch at long-off for an attacking 24-ball 32 (3x4s;1x6) but the pair of Chris Lynn and Jason Mohammed stayed way above the required runrate, hammering any loose balls to the ropes, with the Warriors reaching 75-2 at the half way stage.

Lynn, who showed he has the ability to be a destructive batsman, hit arguably the biggest six of the match when latched on to a delivery by medium-pacer Grant Elliot, hitting him 20 rows

through the cover for four but two balls later, the leftarm seam of Sohail Tanvir extracted some bounced and Watson nicked behind.

However, the experience of Michael Hussey and Andre Fletcher (16) stemmed the early fall of wickets taking to the team to 27-2 at the end of the power play. Introduction of leg-spinner Adam Zampa ended the gritty stand of 37 between the two batsmen when he trapped Fletcher leg-before.

The snail-like pace of Zouks innings began improving due to some sensible and risk free batting by Hussey and David Miller as the team motored along from 44-3 after ten overs to 84-3 in fifteen overs and the momentum seemed to be in favour of the men in blue.

Hussey reached his

Chris Lynn showed his power during his 29-ball 38 (Marceano Narine Photo)

23 (1x6).

The hard hitting Darren Sammy wasted no time at the crease, belting his boundary to the mid-wicket boundary then playing a cheeky glide past third-man; at the other Hussey played a classic pull backward of square, as Tanvir leaked 18 in the 18th over.

Sammy’s stay was cut short, when Lynn took a running catch on the longoff boundary; it became twoin two balls for Emrit when Hussey offered another catch to Lynn, falling for 64 (7x4s).

The two quick wickets pegged the Zouks progress; Emrit, Zampa and Tanvir took two wickets a piece.

The Warriors will now travel to Jamaica where they play the home team on Friday at Sabina Park from 20:00 hrs. (akeem@guyanatimesgy.com)

after crashing Rayad Emrit for three successive fours.

Zampa returned into the attack and broke the dan-

Jason Mohammed on the attack during his match winning knock of 43 not out (Marceano Narine Photo)

built on an unbroken third wicket stand of 82 from 56 balls by man-of-the match Jason Mohammed and Chris Lynn which sealed the team’s fifth win in six matches, with 16 balls to

er played some thumping drives, as the team raced to 46 without loss at the end of the first six overs.

Guptill, who was dropped twice by Darren Sammy on nine, luck eventually ran-

SCOREBOARD St. Lucia Zouks Innings (20 overs maximum) J Charles c Guptill b Tanvir 0 S Watson c +Bramble b Tanvir 4 A Fletcher lbw Zampa 16 M Hussey c Lynn b Emrit 64 D Miller c Mohammed b Zampa 23 D Sammy* c Lynn b Emrit 11 K Myers not out 2 G Elliot not out 5 Extras: (b 1, lb 9, w 2, nb 1) 13 Total:(6 wickets; 20 overs) 138 Did not bat: D Davis, S Shillingford, K Ramsaran Fall of Wickets: 1-0, 2-4, 3-41, 4-103, 5-129, 6-129 Bowling: Tanvir 4-0-31-2, Jacobs 4-0-20-0, Emrit 3-0-252, Permaul 3-0-16-0, Zampa

4-0-30-2, Mohammed 2-0-9-0.

Guyana Amazon Warriors (target: 139 runs from 20 overs) D Smith c Watson b Shiilingford 32 G Guptill c&b Davis 19 C Lynn not out 38 J Mohammed not out 43 Extras: (lb 6, w 1) 7 Total: (2 wickets; 17.2 overs) 139 Did not bat: C Barnwell, A Bramble, S Tanvir, R Emrit, S Jacobs, V Permaul, A Zampa Fall of wickets: 1-55, 2-57 Bowling: Davis 3-0-31-1, Watson 4-0-21-0, Mayers 2-0-17-0, Elliot 2-0-150, Shillingford 4-0-28-1, Ramsaran 2.2-0-21-0

The Guyana Amazon Warriors team did a lap of honour after their thumping victory over the St Lucia Zouks

back into the red stand.

Next over, Lynn swatted the left-arm spin of Kristopher Ramsaran to cover the cover boundary to bring up the 50-run partnership for the third wicket and set the course for the empathic win.

Guptill won the toss and inserted the Zouks, after which Johnson Charles played a wild hog second delivery of the match to be taken at mid-off.

At the other end, Shane Watson looked in good touch, as his first scoring shot was a delightful back-foot punch

workman-like half-century in the 16th over off 39 balls

gerous 62-run partnership, when he removed Miller for

Teams

Mat

Won Lost Pts Net RR

Guyana Amazon Warriors

6

5

1

10

+0.576

Jamaica Tallawahs

4

2

1

5

+0.042

Barbados Tridents

3

1

1

3

+0.105

St Kitts and Nevis Patriots

5

1

4

2

+0.068

Trinbago Knight Riders

5

2

3

4

-0.160

St Lucia Zouks

3

1

2

2

-1.236

WICB Regional U-17 Championships 2016…

Guyana batter Barbados to remain unbeaten T

he Guyana completed their second victory in as many matches with an easy six-wicket victory over Barbados when the West Indies Regional Under-17 Tournament continued yesterday in Trinidad and Tobago.

Playing their second round match at the National Cricket Centre Ground in Balmain, Couva the Barbadians won the

toss and batted first, a decision they regretted as their innings never got going. There were 17 innings extras while opener Shian Brathwaite made 15 as no other batsman passed nine runs as they were bowled out for 59 from 34.3 overs.

The Guyanese bowlers were difficult to pick but the chief wrecker was Kevin Sinclair with figures of 10-3-19-4. He was nicely supported by Kelvin

Umroa with three wickets at a cost of five runs from six overs and three balls. Ashmeed Nedd (6/1), Kevlon Anderson (9/1) and Alphius Bookie (11/1) were not to be left out claiming one wicket each.

In reply the Barbados bowlers gave the Guyanese top order some trouble in getting to their target by picking up wickets regularly but in the end the victory was achieved at 63/4

from 22.1 overs.

The unbeaten Guyanese lost Sachin Singh for three, Captain Bhaskar Yadram for 13, Bookie without scoring and Joshua Persaud for 17 but the victory was never out of reach on the big outfield chasing a small total. Steve Deonarine 18 not out and Sagar Hathiramani four not out saw their team home with 27.5 overs to spare.

In other second match-

es; the Windward Islands and hosts Trinidad and Tobago also achieved convincing victories.

Windwards batted first and got to 161 all out form 45.5 overs but came back and bowled out he Leeward Islands for 122 in 32.5 overs to win by 42 runs while the Trinidadians beat Jamaica by eight wickets.

Set 154 to win after restricting Jamaica to 153/9 from 50m overs the home

team raced to 154/2 from 39.2 overs.

The competition continues tomorrow with three more matches; Trinidad and Tobago take on the Leeward Islands at the Inshan Ali Park while the Windward Islands and Barbados clash at Gilbert Park. Guyana take on Jamaica at the National Cricket Centre. All matches begin at 09:30H.

TUESDAY, JULY 12, 2016

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